Polyphor receives award of up to USD $3.3 million from Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to support clinical development of inhaled antibiotic murepavadin

  • Award will help to fund planned Phase Ib/IIa study of inhaled murepavadin, a novel class antibiotic for the treatment of chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in cystic fibrosis
  • Development program is currently jointly funded by Polyphor and the European Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) until end of planned Phase Ia study

ALLSCHWIL, Switzerland, Nov. 24, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Polyphor AG (SIX: POLN) today announced a funding agreement with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to advance clinical development of its novel class antibiotic, inhaled murepavadin, in cystic fibrosis (CF). Inhaled murepavadin is a highly potent and selective antibiotic against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, including multidrug resistant strains. CF is characterized by chronic bacterial infection and severe inflammation that lead to progressive deterioration in lung function.

Under the terms of the agreement, Polyphor will be awarded up to USD $3.3 million to fund a Phase Ib/IIa clinical trial of inhaled murepavadin, as a follow-up study to a Phase Ia study in healthy volunteers using eFlow® Technology nebulizer (PARI Pharma GmbH), which is planned to be initiated pending CTA (clinical trial application) approval. The Phase Ib/IIa trial in adults with CF, assessing safety and tolerability (both overall and local) of ascending doses of inhaled murepavadin, is planned to be initiated in Q4 2021 following completion of the Phase Ia study. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Therapeutics Development Network (TDN) will provide support for the overall clinical development path for inhaled murepavadin.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection is a leading cause of lung function decline in people with cystic fibrosis and our novel class antibiotic, inhaled murepavadin, has the potential to change the treatment paradigm transforming patients’ lives,” said Gokhan Batur, Chief Executive Officer of Polyphor. “This is Polyphor’s second award from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, whose support had made possible nearly every cystic fibrosis-specific drug available today. The award will further encourage clinical development of inhaled murepavadin, and we would like to thank the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for their trust and ongoing support.”

About inhaled murepavadin:

Polyphor’s inhaled murepavadin is currently being developed as a precision antibiotic specifically targeting chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa, for the treatment of these infections in people with CF. It is the first member of the Outer Membrane Protein Targeting Antibiotics (OMPTA), a novel class of antibiotics which was discovered by Polyphor and the University of Zurich and displays a unique mode of action. Based on the data of the inhaled murepavadin preclinical program suggesting significantly higher safety margins (at least 5-10 times) versus the intravenous formulation, Polyphor is planning to initiate the clinical development program. Until the end of the planned Phase Ia study the program is jointly funded by Polyphor and the European Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI). Inhaled murepavadin is also part of the iABC project, a Europe-wide program dedicated to the development of inhaled antibiotics run by a consortium of leading lung specialists and research institutions in various European countries. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation award will allow further development until the end of the Phase Ib/IIa study.

Infections remain a significant problem for people with CF who require novel treatment options, despite the availability of CFTR modulators. If approved for commercial use, inhaled murepavadin would be the first new class of antibiotics for Gram-negative pathogens in the last 50 years. It would also be potentially the first agent to target specifically Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria versus the current standard of care, broad spectrum inhaled antibiotics.


For further information please contact:


For Investors:


Hernan Levett
Chief Financial Officer
Polyphor Ltd.
+41 61 567 16 00
[email protected]

Mary-Ann Chang
LifeSci Advisors
Tel: +44 7483 284 853
[email protected]


For Media:

Bernhard Schmid
LifeSci Advisors
+41 44 447 12 21
[email protected]

About Polyphor

Polyphor is a research-driven clinical-stage, Swiss biopharmaceutical company committed to discovering and developing best-in-class molecules in oncology and antimicrobial resistance leveraging the company’s leading macrocyclic peptide technology platform. Polyphor is advancing balixafortide (POL6326) in a Phase III trial in combination with eribulin in patients with advanced breast cancer and exploring its potential in other cancer indications. In addition, it has discovered and is developing the Outer Membrane Protein Targeting Antibiotics (OMPTA). OMPTA are potentially the first new class of antibiotics in clinical development in the last 50 years against Gram-negative bacteria. The company’s lead OMPTA program is an inhaled formulation of murepavadin for the treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in patients with cystic fibrosis. Polyphor is based in Allschwil near Basel and is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (SIX: POLN). For more information, please visit www.polyphor.com.

Disclaimer

This press release contains forward-looking statements which are based on current assumptions and forecasts of the Polyphor management. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors could lead to material differences between the forward-looking statements made here and the actual development, in particular Polyphor’s results, financial situation, and performance. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only of the date of this communication. Polyphor disclaims any intention or obligation to update and revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.



XCMG launches X-GSS at Bauma China 2020, shows how to go digital in machinery manufacturing

PR Newswire

  • X-GSS manages spare parts inquiries through data sharing; it tailors a solution for all equipment that guarantees accurate, comprehensive and timely spare parts support.
  • X-GSS provides a personalized user experience – multiple query methods, presentation modes, six languages and universal operation.
  • X-GSS makes service operation more intelligent with real-time tracking, visible control of the construction process; the digital twin of service models and smarter maintenance.

SHANGHAI, Nov. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — XCMG (000425.SZ), has launched the XCMG-Global Service System (X-GSS) on the opening day of Bauma China 2020 in Shanghai. 

To improve spare parts services, XCMG has developed the full life-cycle service information system to provide accurate, value-added and satisfactory maintenance support for global customers.

X-GSS is a crucial digital product as XCMG makes the jump from factory to market, after years of integrated R&D, manufacturing and service operation. It makes full use of the product data collected through IoT. It optimizes the presentation with AR technology to give customers and service personnel an intuitive and visual digital service experience.

“The construction machinery industry has been presented with new challenges and opportunities since the onset of the digital age. To better serve our customers and embrace these changes, XCMG looked to develop a ‘digital service’ providing more value to global customers,” said Wang Min, Chairman of XCMG. 

The system integrates market service data of maintenance reporting, equipment operation and spare parts replacement to improve the company’s operational service capabilities. By converging with IoT, the system is also able to monitor and guide the service personnel.

With more than 77 years years and more than 30 in digitization, the company reached a breakthrough with the launch of X-GSS:

  • Achieves high-efficiency, high-quality and rapid creation of digital service information, and bilateral collaboration in digital R&D;
  • Performs coordinated management of digital service information based on the product’s full life cycle;
  • Aids interaction of spare parts service and maintenance support among dealers, customers, service and technical personnel.

Nearly 150,000 XCMG machinery products currently have related digital products ensuring accurate and prompt maintenance services.

On the opening day of Bauma China 2020, XCMG released the first 5G intelligent cabin for road machinery, which enables operators to gain real-time information through VR glasses and demonstrated the remote operation of a road roller in Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province. 

As the world’s first company to apply driverless cluster construction technology, XCMG also unveiled a self-driving road roller driving efficiency, cost, quality, safety, operation and supervision improvements in the industry.

About XCMG

XCMG is a multinational heavy machinery manufacturing company that has been operational for 77 years. It currently ranks fourth in the world’s construction machinery industry and exports to more than 187 countries around the world.

For more information, please visit www.xcmg.com, or XCMG pages on FacebookTwitterYouTubeLinkedIn and Instagram.

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SOURCE XCMG

Mydecine Innovations Group to Restate Financial Statements

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 24, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mydecine Innovations Group Inc. (the “Company”) (CSE:MYCO | OTC:MYCOF) announces that its previously issued financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, and the three- and six-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and June 30, 2020, any corresponding management’s discussion and analyses (collectively, the “Restated Documents”) will be restated and reissued.

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, the Company recognized intangible assets in connection with the acquisitions of Relyfe Brand, LLC, Tealief Brand, LLC, and Drink Fresh Water, LLC. Upon further review, the assets do not meet the definition of intangible assets for the purposes of international financial reporting standards and as a result will be recorded as transaction costs in the Company’s statement of loss and comprehensive loss. The Restated Documents will reflect this change in the accounting treatment of the assets acquired in these acquisitions. The effect of the restatements does not impact the Company’s ongoing operations or cash position.

The Company intends to file the Restated Documents on or before November 30, 2020, in conjunction with the filing of the financial statements for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2020. The Restated Documents will replace and supersede the respective previously-filed financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis for such periods (collectively, the “Previous Documents”). The Previous Documents should no longer be relied upon.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

MYDECINE INNOVATIONS GROUP INC.

Joshua Bartch
Chief Executive Officer
[email protected]

About
Mydecine
Innovations Group

Mydecine Innovations Group™ is a life sciences company dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative solutions for treating mental health problems and enhancing wellbeing. The company’s worldrenowned medical and scientific advisory board is progressing a robust R&D pipeline of psychedelic derived therapeutics, novel compounds, therapies, and controlled drug delivery systems. Mydecine has exclusive access to a full cGMP certified pharmaceutical manufacturing facility with the ability to import/export, extract, and analyze natural and synthetic psychedelic compounds with full government approval through Health Canada. Mydecine’s portfolio companies Mydecine Health Sciences™, Mindleap Health™, and NeuroPharm™ position the company at the forefront of disruptive modern medicine.

Learn more at: https://www.mydecine.com/ and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

Forward-looking Information Statement

This news release may contain certain “forward-looking statements” and “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities laws. When used in this news release, the words “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “target, “plan”, “forecast”, “may”, “schedule” and other similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to the
anticipated timing for the filing of the Restated Documents
, and other factors or information. Such statements represent the Company’s current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon
a number of
assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affections such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.



Targovax demonstrates encouraging survival data for ONCOS-102 in mesothelioma

An 18-month analysis shows that median Overall Survival (mOS) will be at least 18.2 months for first-line patients receiving ONCOS-102 plus chemotherapy, compared to mOS of 14.2 months or less in the chemotherapy-only control group

ONCOS-102-treated patients show broad and powerful immune activation, associated with better survival outcome

PR Newswire

OSLO, Norway, Nov. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Targovax ASA (OSE: TRVX), a clinical stage immuno-oncology company developing oncolytic viruses to target hard-to-treat solid tumors, today releases 18-month follow-up data from the randomized phase I/II trial of ONCOS-102 in combination with standard-of-care (SoC) chemotherapy in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM).

The study is an open-label, exploratory phase I/II trial adding ONCOS-102 to SoC chemotherapy (pemetrexed/cisplatin) in first- and second- (and later) line treatment of MPM to assess safety, immune activation and efficacy versus SoC only. In total, 31 patients have been included in the trial, with 20 patients in the experimental group receiving the ONCOS-102 and SoC combination (8 randomized in first-line), and 11 patients in the control group receiving SoC only (6 in first-line).

At the 18-month follow-up, more than half of the patients in the first-line ONCOS-102-treated group were still alive, and the mOS was not yet reached. Based on current survival data the mOS will be 18.2 months or longer. For the first-line SoC-only control group, less than half of the patients were alive, and mOS will be 14.2 months or less, which is similar to outcomes from previously reported trials where patients received the same chemotherapy treatment1. An analysis of all the first-line patients, including 3 experimental safety lead-in patients, shows similar results as the randomized first-line patients. The next survival analysis is planned in first half of 2021.

In June, it was reported that ONCOS-102 treatment induces broad and powerful immune activation in MPM, far beyond what is achieved with SoC alone. Importantly, this immune activation is associated with better survival outcomes at the 18-month analysis, indicating that the immunological activity of ONCOS-102 drives the observed clinical benefit.

The powerful immune activation generated by ONCOS-102 builds a strong rationale for combining ONCOS-102 with a checkpoint inhibitor in MPM. This combination could provide further clinical benefits in this indication. Targovax and Merck (known as MSD outside of the USA) are currently reviewing next steps for combining ONCOS-102 and pembrolizumab (Keytruda) in MPM. Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab (Yervoy and Opdivo) for the first-line treatment of MPM based on mOS of 18.1 months (Baas 2020), and this is expected to serve as a benchmark for further approvals.

Magnus Jäderberg, Chief Medical Officer of Targovax, said: “We are very pleased that overall survival in first-line patients, is tracking well in the ONCOS-102 treated group. We have already established in the current study that ONCOS-102 drives favorable remodeling of the tumor microenvironment, and we are now starting to see this immune activation translating into the encouraging improved survival outcomes in these 18-month results. This is exactly what we had hoped to see and prepares the way for combining ONCOS-102 with checkpoint inhibition.  The immune data suggest to us that survival outcomes in combination with Keytruda may be further improved from the results reported today.”

The first results from the trial were announced in January 2020 (see press release here), while immunological data and 12-month survival rate were reported in June 2020 (see press release here) and presented at the SITC annual meeting in November 2020 (see poster here).

References

1Vogelzang 2003, Ceresoli 2006, Zalcman 2015, Tsao 2019, Scagliotti 2019, Baas 2020 SITC 2020 poster

CONTACT:

For further information, please contact:

Renate Birkeli, Investor Relations
Phone: +47 922 61 624
Email: [email protected]

Media enquires:

Andreas Tinglum – Corporate Communications (Norway)
Phone: +47 9300 1773
Email: [email protected]

IR enquires:

Kim Sutton Golodetz – LHA Investor Relations (US)
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 212-838-3777
 

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/targovax/r/targovax-demonstrates-encouraging-survival-data-for-oncos-102-in-mesothelioma,c3242232

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SOURCE Targovax

Kiadis to present at the Piper Sandler 32nd Annual Virtual Healthcare Conference

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, November 24, 2020 – Kiadis Pharma N.V. (“Kiadis” or the “Company”) (Euronext Amsterdam and Brussels: KDS), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative NK-cell-based medicines for the treatment of life-threatening diseases, today announces that Kiadis will participate in the 2020 Piper Sandler 32nd Annual Virtual Healthcare Conference. Arthur Lahr, the company’s chief executive officer, will participate in a fireside chat and host one-on-one meetings with investors on Thursday, December 3, 2020.

A recording of the fireside chat may be accessed by visiting the “For Investors” section of the Company’s website under the “Events and Presentations“. A replay of the fireside chat will be available for 90 days.

Dutch Translation/Nederlandse vertaling

Kiadis Pharma N.V. (‘Kiadis’), een biofarmaceutisch bedrijf in de klinische fase dat innovatieve op NK-cellen gebaseerde geneesmiddelen ontwikkelt voor de behandeling van levensbedreigende ziekten, maakt bekend dat het zal deelnemen aan de virtuele 32e Piper Sandler Health Conference. CEO Arthur Lahr zal op donderdag 3 december 2020 deelnemen aan een zogeheten ‘fireside chat’ en één-op-één meetings hebben met investeerders.

Een video-opname van de chat kan worden bekeken door naar het gedeelte “For Investors” te gaan op de Kiadis-website onder het tabblad “Events and Presentations“. Een replay van de fireside chat blijft 90 dagen beschikbaar.

Dit persbericht vormt een samenvatting van het gepubliceerde Engelstalige persbericht. Bij eventuele verschillen is de tekst van het Engelstalige persbericht altijd leidend.

Contacts

Kiadis:

Maryann Cimino, Sr. Manager, Corporate Affairs
Tel: +1 (617) 710-7305
[email protected]

 

LifeSpring Life Sciences Communication:

Leon Melens (Amsterdam)
Tel: +31 538 16 427
[email protected]

Optimum Strategic Communications:
Mary Clark, Supriya Mathur
Tel: +44 203 950 9144
[email protected]

About Kiadis

Founded in 1997, Kiadis is building a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company committed to developing innovative cell-based medicines for patients with life-threatening diseases. With headquarters in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and offices and activities across the United States, Kiadis is reimagining medicine by leveraging the natural strengths of humanity and our collective immune system to source the best cells for life.

Kiadis is listed on the regulated market of Euronext Amsterdam and Euronext Brussels since July 2, 2015, under the symbol KDS. Learn more at www.kiadis.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements, beliefs and opinions in this press release are forward-looking, which reflect Kiadis’ or, as appropriate, Kiadis’ officers’ current expectations and projections about future events. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results, performance, achievements or events to differ materially from those expressed, anticipated or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions could adversely affect the outcome and financial effects of the plans and events described herein. A multitude of factors including, but not limited to, changes in demand, regulation, competition and technology, can cause actual events, performance, achievements or results to differ significantly from any anticipated or implied development. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release regarding past trends or activities should not be taken as a representation that such trends or activities will continue in the future. As a result, Kiadis expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release any update or revisions to any forward-looking statements in this press release as a result of any change in expectations or projections, or any change in events, conditions, assumptions or circumstances on which these forward-looking statements are based. Neither Kiadis nor its advisers or representatives nor any of its subsidiary undertakings or any such person’s officers or employees guarantees that the assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements are free from errors nor does either accept any responsibility for the future accuracy of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release or the actual occurrence of the anticipated or implied developments. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.



ObsEva SA Submits Marketing Authorization Application to the European Medicines Agency for YSELTY® (linzagolix) for the Treatment of Women with Uterine Fibroids

 

  • If approved, linzagolix will be the only GnRH antagonist with flexible dose regimen options for the management of uterine fibroids:
    • 100 mg once daily for women with a contraindication to or who prefer to avoid hormonal add-back therapy (ABT)
    • 200 mg once daily with concomitant ABT for long-term use (beyond 6 months)
    • 200 mg once daily for short-term use, in particular when rapid reduction in fibroid volume is desired

 

  • ObsEva expects to submit a new drug application to U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1H:21

             

GENEVA, Switzerland and BOSTON, MA (November 24, 2020) – ObsEva SA (NASDAQ: OBSV; SIX: OBSN), a biopharmaceutical company developing and commercializing novel therapies to improve women’s reproductive health, today announced the submission of a Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for YSELTY® (linzagolix 100mg and linzagolix 200mg) for the management of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) associated with uterine fibroids.

“The MAA submission is a major milestone for the company as it represents more than 5 years of drug development work by ObsEva team. I want to thanks all those who in the company or as subcontractors, as well as the more than 2,000 patients who contributed to this milestone. In developing multiple dose options, our long-term strategy has always been to meet the needs of the diverse population of women with uterine fibroids,” said Dr. Ernest Loumaye, founder and CEO of ObsEva. “Successful submission of the MAA brings us a step closer toward commercialization of Yselty, which will provide more women a potential best-in-class treatment for uterine fibroids.”

The Phase 3 clinical program in uterine fibroids comprises two pivotal trials, PRIMROSE 1 and PRIMROSE 2, that were designed to demonstrate the effectiveness and safety to support the claimed indication: management of HMB associated with uterine fibroids. The application is being submitted at this time as both Phase 3 studies have met their success criteria: both low and high doses of linzagolix with and without ABT are effective in the treatment of HMB associated with uterine fibroids and have an acceptable benefit risk profile.

The EMA is expected to notify ObsEva in December 2020 regarding the outcome of its validation of the MAA to ensure all essential regulatory elements required for a scientific assessment are included in the application prior to the start of the procedure.

About Linzagolix

Linzagolix (previously known as OBE2109) is a novel, oral, once daily, GnRH receptor antagonist with a potentially best-in-class profile. Linzagolix is currently in late-stage clinical development for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding associated with uterine fibroids and pain associated with endometriosis. ObsEva licensed linzagolix from Kissei in late 2015 and retains worldwide commercial rights, excluding Asia, for the product.

About PRIMROSE 1 AND 2

PRIMROSE 1 (conducted in the United States, which enrolled 574 women with uterine fibroids) and the PRIMROSE 2 (conducted in Europe and in the United States, which enrolled 535 women with uterine fibroids) clinical trials are two Phase 3 clinical trials of linzagolix in patients with HMB associated with uterine fibroids. In both trials, patients were administered linzagolix doses of 100 mg or 200mg, both with and without hormonal ABT, or placebo. The primary endpoint of both trials was reduction in HMB at 24 weeks; responders were defined as patients with menstrual blood loss (MBL) of ≤ 80 mL and a ≥ 50 percent reduction from baseline in MBL, measured using the alkaline hematin method. Secondary endpoints included amenorrhea, time to reduced MBL, hemoglobin (Hb), pain, and quality of life (QoL). Safety endpoints included bone mineral density (BMD), and adverse events (AEs). Calcium/vitamin D were not provided. BMD was measured centrally via Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scan at baseline and 24, 52, and 76 weeks (6-month post treatment assessment).

Both PRIMROSE trials successfully met the primary endpoint, with all doses showing statistically significant and clinically relevant reductions in HMB compared to placebo. There was a clear efficacy dose response, with the highest responder rates for the primary endpoint observed in women who received the 200 mg with ABT dose. Substantial improvements were also observed in all doses for the secondary endpoints of amenorrhea, time to reduced MBL and amenorrhea, hemoglobin levels in anemic subjects, pain, and quality of life.  The 200 mg dose alone showed rapid and substantial reduction in uterine and fibroid volume.

In PRIMROSE 1, the responder rate was 75.5% (p < 0.001) for patients receiving 200 mg with ABT and 56.4% for patients receiving 100 mg without ABT (p =0.003), compared to 35.0% in the placebo group. The overall safety profile was in line with expectations. The most frequently observed adverse events (occurring in > 5% of patients) were headache and hot flushes. Mean percentage changes from baseline in BMD were minimal, as expected with any GnRH antagonist treatment.

In PRIMROSE 2, the responder rate was 93.9% (p < 0.001) for patients receiving 200 mg with ABT and 56.7% for patients receiving 100 mg without ABT (p < 0.001), compared to 29.4% in the placebo group. The overall safety profile was in line with expectations. The most frequently observed adverse events (occurring in > 5% of patients) were headache, hot flushes, and anemia. Mean percentage changes from baseline in BMD were minimal and consistent with previous clinical data. 52-week results demonstrated that continued treatment with linzagolix provided sustained efficacy in the reduction of HMB; responder rates of 91.6% and 53.2% were observed in women receiving 200 mg with ABT and 100 mg without ABT, respectively. In addition, small incremental changes in BMD were observed at week 52 compared to week 24, suggesting the onset of plateauing BMD loss.

Additional follow-up data to be collected include PRIMROSE 1 52-week treatment results and 6-month post treatment assessment from both studies.

About ObsEva

ObsEva is a biopharmaceutical company developing and commercializing novel therapies to improve women’s reproductive health and pregnancy. Through strategic in-licensing and disciplined drug development, ObsEva has established a late-stage clinical pipeline with development programs focused on treating endometriosis, uterine fibroids, preterm labor, and improving embryo transfer outcomes following in vitro fertilization. ObsEva is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market and is trading under the ticker symbol “OBSV” and on the SIX Swiss Exchange where it is trading under the ticker symbol “OBSN”. For more information, please visit www.obseva.com.

About Kissei

Kissei is a Japanese pharmaceutical company with approximately 70 years of history, specialized in the field of urology, kidney-dialysis and Unmet Medical Needs. Silodosin is a Kissei product for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia which is sold worldwide through its licensees. KLH-2109/OBE2109 is a new chemical entity discovered by Kissei R&D.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

Any statements contained in this press release that do not describe historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by words such as “believe”, “expect”, “may”, “plan”, “potential”, “will”, and similar expressions, and are based on ObsEva’s current beliefs and expectations. These forward-looking statements include expectations regarding the timing, advancement, best-in-class efficacy and potential therapeutic benefits of linzagolix, the potential for linzagolix to be a commercially competitive product, expectations regarding regulatory and development milestones, including the potential timing of regulatory submissions to the FDA, and the results of interactions with regulatory authorities. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in such statements. Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially include uncertainties inherent in the conduct of clinical trials and clinical development, including the risk that the results of earlier clinical trials may not be predictive of the results of later stage clinical trials, related interactions with regulators, ObsEva’s reliance on third parties over which it may not always have full control, the impact of the novel coronavirus outbreak, and other risks and uncertainties that are described in the Risk Factors section of ObsEva’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2019, the Risk Factors disclosed in ObsEva’s Report on Form 6-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on November 5, 2020 and other filings ObsEva makes with the SEC. These documents are available on the Investors page of ObsEva’s website at http://www.ObsEva.com. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and are based on information available to ObsEva as of the date of this release, and ObsEva assumes no obligation to, and does not intend to, update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

For further information, please contact:

CEO Office contact

Shauna Dillon
Shauna.dillon@obseva.ch
+41 22 552 1550

 

 

 

Attachment



Divestment by Sasol Chemicals North America LLC of its 50% Equity Interest in Gemini HDPE LLC

PR Newswire

JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — The board of directors of Sasol is pleased to announce that Sasol Chemicals North America LLC (“SCNA“), a wholly owned subsidiary of Sasol, has agreed principle terms with INEOS Gemini HDPE Holding Company LLC (“INEOS“) and a new entity to be formed by INEOS (“Newco“) to sell its 50% membership interest in Gemini HDPE LLC (“Gemini“”) to Newco (the “Sale“)  for USD404 million (subject to adjustment for cash, debt, working capital and other items). Gemini produces and sells bimodal high-density polyethylene based in La Porte, Texas, United States of America.

The Sale represents a further step in achieving Sasol’s strategic and financial objectives by accelerating the focus on specialty chemicals and reducing net debt. Proceeds from the transaction will be used by Sasol to repay near-term debt obligations.

Concurrent with the closing, the Company will have completed the restructuring of its existing debt facilities and the security package in respect thereof, resulting in Sasol and its subsidiaries being released from any existing security being provided in relation to Gemini (the “Refinancing“).

The representations and warranties being given by SCNA are general corporate representations and warranties.

As disclosed in the Sasol financial statements, prepared in accordance with IFRS and audited by the Company’s auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc., the value of the net assets relevant to the sale is USD 176 million (approximately R3 billion) as at 30 June 2020, which is net of the debt facilities associated with the interest. The loss attributable to the net assets was USD 18 million (approximately R290 million) for the year ended 30 June 2020.

The Sale between SCNA, INEOS and Newco will only be effective upon restructuring of the existing debt facilities and the Company’s security package in respect thereof. Closing is anticipated to occur by 31 December 2020. 

The Sale is classified as a Category 2 transaction in terms of the Listing Requirements of the JSE.

For further information, please contact:

Sasol Investor Relations,
Feroza Syed, Chief Investor Relations Officer
Direct telephone: +27 (0) 82 557 7740
[email protected]



Disclaimer – Forward-looking statements

Sasol may, in this document, make certain statements that are not historical facts and relate to analyses and other information which are based on forecasts of future results and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. These statements may also relate to our future prospects, expectations, developments and business strategies. Examples of such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on Sasol’s business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity and statements regarding the effectiveness of any actions taken by Sasol to address or limit any impact of COVID-19 on its business; statements regarding exchange rate fluctuations, changing crude oil prices , volume growth, increases in market share, total shareholder return, executing our growth projects (including LCCP), oil and gas reserves, cost reductions, our climate change strategy and business performance outlook. Words such as “believe”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “intend”, “seek”, “will”, “plan”, “could”, “may”, “endeavour”, “target”, “forecast” and “project” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and there are risks that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not be achieved. If one or more of these risks materialise, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. You should understand that a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the plans, objectives, expectations, estimates and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements. These factors and others are discussed more fully in our most recent annual report on Form 20-F filed on 24 August 2020 and in other filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. The list of factors discussed therein is not exhaustive; when relying on forward-looking statements to make investment decisions, you should carefully consider both these factors and other uncertainties and events. Forward-looking statements apply only as of the date on which they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any of them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

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SOURCE Sasol Limited

Trillium Gold Signs Agreement to Acquire 15,000 Hectares in the Confederation Greenstone Belt

PR Newswire

  • Structurally and geologically similar to Great Bear’s LT Fault Zone
  • Adding just over 15,000 hectares of prospective property
  • Expanding the contiguous land package at the Leo Property to approximately 23,000 hectares
  • Targeting high grade gold mineralization in magnetite depleted felsic rocks in a traditional VMS terrane similar to the LP Gold Zone; and
  • Targeting high grade gold in metasedimentary rocks similar to those of Newmont’s Éléonore Mine

VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ – Trillium Gold Mines Inc. (TSXV: TGM) (OTCQX: TGLDF) (FRA: 0702) (“Trillium Gold” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has signed an agreement to acquire a 100% interest in the Confederation Lake Properties (“Confederation Belt”) from Pistol Bay Mining Inc. consisting of nearly 15,000 hectares. The purchase price for the Confederation Belt properties is $500,000 in cash and $1,250,000 of Trillium Gold Shares, based on the 5 day VWAP of the Trillium Gold Shares 2 business days prior to the Closing Date. The completion of the transaction is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

The discovery of gold mineralization in these particular rock units is a very recent discovery and realization in this region. In 2019, Great Bear Resources was the first to discover significant gold mineralization associated with the felsic volcanics in the camp, previously untested and ignored given that it was not known as the typical host rock in the Red Lake Gold Camp. The discovery of gold mineralization in this rock type has resulted in a new understanding and developments associated with geological exploration in the camp.  Great Bear’s discovery of the LP Gold Zone at the Dixie Project is nearly 4km long with a low grade halo up to 400m wide. We believe the Confederation Lake Properties we have acquired have similar geological and structural characteristics as at Great Bear’s LP Zone.

Trillium Gold plans to target breaks within the mag high areas on the newly acquired claims, along strike from VMS style mineralization and in close proximity to deformed meta-sedimentary rocks with characteristics similar to those of the geological marker sequence identified at the LP Fault. 

Russell Starr, CEO of Trillium Gold comments “The possibility for these newly acquired claims to have the potential of hosting economic mineralization is exciting for the company. Trillium Gold continues to execute on its strategy of becoming a major player in the Red Lake district. These properties, in the Confederation greenstone belt, have similar geology to Great Bear’s Dixie project. The prospect of potentially finding another Dixie in this land package is tremendously exciting for Trillium Gold’s shareholders.”

Figure 1 Location of the Confederation Belt & Pakwash properties relative to Great Bear’s Dixie Gold Property.

Confederation Belt Properties

Lucky, Fly and Moth Properties

The Lucky, Fly and Moth (“LFM”) properties cover an area of approximately 9,000 hectares and extend over an 18 kilometre stretch of the Confederation greenstone belt to within 1.5 km of the former producing South Bay zinc-copper-silver mine. The prospective felsic volcanics identified adjacent to the LP Fault Gold Zone are interpreted on the 2017 VTEM airborne survey to continue on the LFM properties. In this area, more than 7,000 rock samples from outcrop and drill core were analysed for major and traces elements, but less then 2,000 of these samples were analysed for gold.

The property was previously explored by Selco Mining Corp., Placer Dome Inc., Kerr-Addison Mines, St Joseph Explorations Ltd., Minnova Inc./Inmet Mining and Noranda Inc. at various times between 1967 and 1999. Historical exploration has included approximately 90 diamond drill holes and identified numerous zinc-bearing sulphide zones across the claims, including the Wasp Lake, Fly Lake, Trippier, Culvert, Moth and Road Zones.

Joy

The more than 3,300 hectare Joy property covers over 13km of prospective felsic volcanics of the Confederation greenstone belt.

A 48 metre diamond drill hole was drilled in the vicinity of the conductor (exact location unknown) in 1970 by Caravelle Mines Ltd. It intersected a variety of metavolcanic rocks exhibiting intense alteration of the type associated with Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide (VMS) deposits. It also intersected calc-silicate rocks suggesting that the property may lie at the same stratigraphic horizon as the Dixie zone, 11 kilometres to the west.

The Joy property covers five separate mineralized VMS zones that lie on two parallel horizons. The Diamond Willow Zone has a historical resource estimate of 270,000 tonnes grading 4% zinc plus copper (Pistol Bay Mining Inc. Press Release dated February 16, 2017). No mineral resource, historical or otherwise, has been calculated for any of the other four zones.

The qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as a current mineral resource and the issuer is not treating the historical estimate as a current mineral resource.

Copperlode East

Augmenting the recently acquired Copperlode West claims, Trillium Gold has added another 850 hectares that covers prospective geology in and around the Copperlode East and Joy claims blocks.

Pakwash (Leo Extension)

The 2,175 hectare Pakwash Lake project is located in the Cabin Bay Area of the Red Lake Mining District southeast of Great Bear Resources’ Dixie project. The property is accessible by old forestry access roads leading from provincial highway 105, as well as by boat via Pakwash Lake and the Chukuni and English Rivers. It is contiguous to Trillium Gold’s 100% owned, 20,650 hectare Leo property – bringing the combined area to nearly 22,850 hectares and covering a strike length of 40km of rocks similar to those of the Eeyou Istchee/James Bay belt in North Eastern Quebec.

The property lies in an area of metasedimentary rocks of the English River sub-province, including a variety of granitoid intrusives, and is situated just to the south of a major structural zone called the Sydney Lake Fault. Metasedimentary terrains in the vicinity of major structures, once considered to have low mineral potential, have been the site of recent gold discoveries such as Newmont’s Éléonore mine in northern Québec, the Curraghinalt gold deposit in Northern Ireland, and the Valentine Lake gold deposit in Newfoundland.

“These newly acquired Confederation Lake claims potentially hold unidentified gold deposits not previously identified during historical base metal exploration” states William Paterson, Trillium Gold’s Vice President of Exploration  “We are looking forward to unlocking this potential and finding the next Dixie Lake style deposit”.

Data compilation and target generation is already underway on the newly acquired properties.

Figure 2 Location of the Trillium Gold Properties in the Red Lake District.

The technical information presented in this news release has been reviewed and approved by William Paterson QP, PGeo, VP of Exploration of Trillium Gold Mines., as defined by NI 43-101.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Trillium Gold Mines Inc.

“Russell Starr”

Russell Starr

President, CEO and Director

About Trillium Gold Mines Inc.
Trillium Gold Mines Inc. is a British Columbia based company engaged in the business of acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties located in the highly prospective Red Lake Mining District of Northern Ontario.

Disclosure and Caution

Completion of the transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including TSX Venture Exchange acceptance. The transaction cannot close until the required conditions are satisfied and required approvals are obtained. There can be no assurance that the transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed or approved the terms to the Transaction.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains forward-looking information, which involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual events to differ materially from current expectation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation, except to the extent required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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SOURCE Trillium Gold Mines Inc.

Pandemic has caused decline in education quality according to new poll of university students and faculty

Toronto, Nov. 24, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — University students, faculty, and academic librarians are struggling with social isolation, stress, and a lack of institutional support according to the results of a new poll which finds that those working and studying at Ontario’s universities believe the shift to online education has negatively impacted quality. Without immediate action from universities and the Ontario government to address these concerns, it is likely that quality will degrade even further.

“These results demonstrate that meaningful engagement between students and faculty is fundamental to the learning process,” said Rahul Sapra, President of the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations. “As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the scramble to move courses online, we have lost that human connection and educational quality has suffered.”

The poll of 2,700 Ontario students, faculty, and academic librarians was commissioned by OCUFA and conducted by Navigator Inc. It reveals that 62 per cent of students and 76 per cent of faculty and academic librarians believe that the adjustments universities made to move teaching online have had a negative impact on education quality.

Financial security, care demands, and work-life balance are significant stress points for both groups. A third of students and two thirds of faculty and academic librarians revealed that they have care-giving responsibilities that they are struggling to balance while working or studying.

When asked about the impacts of the pandemic, a majority of students said they are concerned about their education quality and academic performance, their financial security as a result of high tuition fees and fewer opportunities to earn income, their mental health, and their ability to manage non-academic responsibilities, including caregiving, while studying.

“Since the beginning of the pandemic students have raised concerns about the quality and affordability of their education,” said Kayla Weiler, Ontario Representative of the Canadian Federation of Students. “These results further indicate that universities and the Ontario government must take action to improve learning and working conditions.”

Faculty and academic librarians, who have been working harder than ever during the past eight months to deliver the best education possible online, feel they are still falling short of their own expectations. With many universities making unilateral decisions about course delivery, a majority of faculty and academic librarians said they are concerned about their ability to teach and support students, their professional development, their mental health, and their ability to manage non-academic responsibilities, including caregiving, while working.

Financial security, mental health, and the challenges of balancing work and care responsibilities are of significantly higher concern to contract faculty. Most of these faculty work contract-to-contract with little job security, while receiving much lower pay than their securely-employed colleagues.

“Since this pandemic began, we have been hearing heart-wrenching stories from contract faculty across Ontario.” said Kimberly Ellis-Hale, a contract faculty member at Wilfrid Laurier University. “As dedicated instructors, we are committed to providing our students with exceptional educational experiences, but the reality is that, because we are contract faculty, we are not getting paid for the enormous amount of work it has taken to put these courses online and deliver them remotely, or to provide the additional support our students need and deserve. All this extra work and overtime is taking a heavy toll.”

The results of the poll also make it very clear that, even once the pandemic has ended, online education will not see the enthusiastic adoption that many have claimed. On the whole, neither students nor faculty view online learning as a desirable approach to a university education.

It is clear that most students, faculty, and academic librarians will not be returning to campus any time soon. However, there are still important actions Ontario’s universities can take to address these concerns. Reducing class sizes by hiring additional, securely employed faculty, will ensure students receive more one-on-one support and a better educational experience. Lowering tuition fees will help students struggling to make ends meet, now and after the pandemic. Finally, investments in better resources for students, faculty, and academic librarians—especially technology supports—would improve educational outcomes and address the mental and emotional burn-out many are feeling.

However, Ontario’s universities will have difficulty making these changes without additional support from the provincial government, which made substantial cuts to postsecondary education funding prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ford government has displayed a pattern of behaviour by consistently ignoring those working on the frontlines of Ontario’s public education system. It is not too late to change course.

“Throughout the pandemic, the Ford government has stood on the sidelines and watched as university students, faculty, and academic librarians struggle,” said Sapra. “Even in the middle of the pandemic, the top concerns for students and faculty are fees and funding. It is time for the provincial government to step up, set an example, and invest in Ontario’s underfunded universities so that they can improve the educational experience and help students and faculty succeed.”

Reversing cuts to education by investing in smaller classes, good jobs, and lower tuition fees will not just help Ontario’s universities during the pandemic, but will lay the foundations for students, faculty, and academic librarians to effectively pivot back to the in-person educational experience they say is most effective.

For a copy of the poll results, click here.

Founded in 1964, OCUFA represents 17,000 professors and academic librarians in 30 faculty associations across Ontario. It is committed to enhancing the quality of higher education in Ontario and recognizing the outstanding contributions of its members towards creating a world-class university system. For more information, please visit the OCUFA website at 

www.ocufa.on.ca

.

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For more information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Ben Lewis, OCUFA Communications Lead at 416-306-6033 or [email protected]
Kayla Weiler, CFS-Ontario National Executive Representative at 519-901-0273 or [email protected]

Attachment



Ben Lewis
Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations 
[email protected]

Home Bancorp Promotes David T. Kirkley To Chief Financial Officer

PR Newswire

LAFAYETTE, La., Nov. 23, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Home Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: “HBCP”) (the “Company”), and Home Bank, N.A. (the “Bank”), the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary (www.home24bank.com), is pleased to announce the promotion of David T. Kirkley to its executive management team as Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately.

“Mr. Kirkley brings a tremendous amount of experience in financial and strategic analysis to his new position,” said John W. Bordelon, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Bank.  “Home Bank is fortunate to have such a talented employee capable of stepping into this important role and working closely with the management team in our strategic growth.” 

Mr. Kirkley joined Home Bank, N.A. in May 2012 as Treasurer.  Previously, he served as Funding Manager and Financial Analyst at Iberiabank from 2008 to May 2012 and, prior thereto, as Staff Accountant at Iberiabank.  He holds a finance degree and an MBA from the University of Louisiana and is a Chartered Financial Analyst.  David and his wife Jennifer have three children.

About Home Bank, N.A.
Home Bank, N.A., founded in 1908 as Home Building & Loan, is the oldest financial institution founded in Lafayette Parish.  Through the years, we’ve expanded to serve markets in South Louisiana and Mississippi: Acadiana, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, the Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain, St. Martin and Jeff Davis Parishes, as well as Natchez and Vicksburg.

With 40 locations across South Louisiana and Western Mississippi, Home Bank is committed to serving the needs of our communities. Personal banking has always been Home Bank’s trademark and that tradition continues as we grow, invest and serve our clients and community. We live our values each day, focusing on integrity, innovation and a commitment to serving others.  For more information about Home Bank, visit www.home24bank.com.

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SOURCE Home Bancorp, Inc.