Equillium Announces Acceptance of Late-Breaking Abstract for Oral Presentation of Interim Data from EQUATE Study in acute GVHD at the 2021 TCT Meetings Digital Experience

LA JOLLA, Calif., Jan. 22, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Equillium, Inc. (Nasdaq: EQ) a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing itolizumab to treat severe autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, today announced that interim data from the Phase 1b/2 EQUATE study of itolizumab in acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) has been accepted as a late-breaking oral presentation at the 2021 TCT Meetings Digital Experience, being held February 8-12, 2021.

Title: Preliminary Safety and Efficacy of Itolizumab, A Novel Targeted Anti-CD6 Therapy, in Newly Diagnosed Severe Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease: Interim Results from Equate Study
First Author: John Koreth, MBBS, Ph.D. director of translational research, stem cell transplantation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Date and Time: Friday, February 12 at 2:00 p.m. CST / 3:00 p.m. EST
Abstract ID Number: LBA4

About Itolizumab

Itolizumab is a clinical-stage, first-in-class monoclonal antibody that selectively targets the CD6-ALCAM pathway. This pathway plays a central role in modulating the activity and trafficking of T cells that drive a number of immuno-inflammatory diseases. Equillium acquired rights to itolizumab through an exclusive partnership with Biocon Limited.

About Equillium

Equillium is a clinical-stage biotechnology company leveraging deep understanding of immunobiology to develop novel products to treat severe autoimmune and inflammatory disorders with high unmet medical need. Equillium is developing itolizumab for multiple severe immuno-inflammatory diseases, including acute graft-versus-host-disease (aGVHD), lupus/lupus nephritis and uncontrolled asthma.

For more information, visit www.equilliumbio.com.

Investor Contact

Michael Moore
Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
+1-619-302-4431
[email protected]

Media Contact

Katherine Carlyle Smith
Senior Account Associate
Canale Communications
+1-805-907-2497
[email protected]



Korn Ferry Expands Presence in Russia

Korn Ferry Expands Presence in Russia

Widely Regarded Consultants Joining Firm, Ushering in Broader Depth of Expertise and Diversified Solutions for Organizations in the Region

LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Korn Ferry (NYSE: KFY), a global organizational consulting firm, today announced the expansion of its presence in Russia with the addition of an experienced team of executive search and organizational consulting professionals. The addition of the new consultants will immediately increase Korn Ferry’s breadth and depth of capabilities and enhance Korn Ferry’s ability to impact clients in the region.

Yaroslav Glazunov, Margarita Koshman and Anton Storozhenko are joining the firm as senior client partners, in addition to Gennady Vanin, who is joining as a principal. The new colleagues will help advance Korn Ferry’s business in Russia and further broaden the company’s focus, presence, and expertise in the region. They will partner with Neda Songin-Vatoline, who leads Korn Ferry’s Consulting business in Russia, to form a robust platform for future growth in the region.

“Russia is a strategic market for our firm, and we are thrilled to be able to expand our consulting capabilities with the addition of this high-profile team, which brings deep experience and understanding of the talent and leadership needs impacting our clients in the region,” said Sonamara Jeffreys and Pascal Gibert, Co-Presidents, EMEA, Korn Ferry. “From search to leadership development and more, the expertise of our new leaders alongside our existing team will bring together our broad and diverse capabilities for our clients in Russia.”

Yaroslav Glazunov is a well-known consultant in the Russian market and will lead Korn Ferry’s combined business of executive search and talent consulting. He is joining Korn Ferry from a global executive search firm where he was a member of the CEO practice and an expert in CEO advisory work, with a strong focus on enhancing leadership efficiency and performance.

Margarita Koshman, Anton Storozhenko and Gennady Vanin are also joining Korn Ferry from a global executive search firm. There, Margarita Koshman led the Consumer and Healthcare practices for Russia, as well as the CEO and executive succession practice. She has more than 15 years of experience in the search and leadership advisory industry. Anton led his previous firm’s board effectiveness team in Russia, working with CEOs, boards, and owners on governance matters such as board composition, director recruitment and onboarding, board assessment and CEO succession. Gennady Vanin brings to Korn Ferry more than 10 years of experience in executive search focusing mostly on Group CFO and NED assignments for the largest Russian and international corporations. He is also a market-leading expert in C-level compensation matters.

“Having the right people is more than just a question of recruiting,” said Sonamara Jeffreys. “Organizations in Russia are looking beyond today’s talent needs to ensure their people have the desired expertise and leadership skills to succeed. This is the right move at the right time and place to help meet the increasingly complex talent needs of our clients in the region.”

About Korn Ferry

Korn Ferry is a global organizational consulting firm. We work with our clients to design optimal organization structures, roles, and responsibilities. We help them hire the right people and advise them on how to reward and motivate their workforce while developing professionals as they navigate and advance their careers.

Erica Shannon

(214) 665-3040

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: Europe United States North America Russia California

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Consulting Other Professional Services Professional Services Human Resources

MEDIA:

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Ten Leading BioPharma Companies Announce Formation of Accumulus Synergy to Develop Global Data Sharing Platform


Funded by Amgen, Astellas, Bristol Myers Squibb, GSK, Janssen, Lilly, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi and Takeda


The companies will support the rollout of a cloud-based platform with the potential to transform the way the biopharma industry communicates and exchanges information with health authorities worldwide.

BURLINGAME, Calif., Jan. 22, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ten of the world’s leading biopharmaceutical companies today announced the formation of a new non-profit corporation, Accumulus Synergy, Inc., which is intended to support interactions between industry and health authorities worldwide to enable real-time collaboration and data exchange, as well as data submission. 

Accumulus Synergy was formed on July 13, 2020, to develop a cloud-based platform to facilitate data and information sharing with the potential to transform the way the biopharmaceutical industry interacts with health authorities.  The common-platform approach to data sharing aims to make the regulatory process more efficient by leveraging advanced technology and tools for data exchange to benefit patients, help reduce the cost of innovation and ultimately bring patients new safe and effective medicines faster.

“Current methods for data exchange and communication between pharmaceutical companies and global health authorities have not kept pace with advancements in information technology,” said Francisco Nogueira, interim Chief Executive Officer of Accumulus Synergy and Vice President of Regulatory Affairs at Roche.  “In consultation with health authorities, Accumulus Synergy seeks to modernize, integrate, and streamline communication and data exchange between biopharmaceutical companies and global regulators, as well as to facilitate potential regulatory harmonization in priority areas, using the latest in cloud technology.  By creating a powerful data-sharing ecosystem, we have the potential to advance delivery of healthcare. Accumulus Synergy looks to create significant value for patients, healthcare providers, health authorities, and biopharma companies globally.”

The initial members of Accumulus Synergy include Amgen, Astellas, Bristol Myers Squibb, GSK, the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson (Janssen), Lilly, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, and Takeda, which have provided funding to support the platform and initial applications.  Accumulus Synergy plans to consult with the Japanese Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Agency, the European Medicines Agency, the U.K. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, as well as other health authorities worldwide.

“I am very excited to see Accumulus progress after over a year of careful planning,” said Mikael Dolsten, Chief Scientific Officer and President, Worldwide Research, Development and Medical at Pfizer.  “This project reflects the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to improve pharmaceutical development, with the potential to enable faster and more efficient exchange of information and data with health authorities.” 

“Collaborations focused on science and advanced technologies make us more efficient and ultimately accelerate our ability to improve outcomes for patients – an approach Sanofi has fully embraced,” said John Reed, Executive Vice President, Global Head of Research & Development at Sanofi. “Accumulus’ coordinated efforts to lead data-sharing solutions will reduce the time it takes to make innovative new medicines available to patients, and that’s a goal worthy of support.”

“The Accumulus Synergy vision is transformative.  Accumulus Synergy will proactively engage global health authorities in building a cloud platform to enable efficient filing and review of documents and data. Importantly, Accumulus will build upon and complement the collaborative efficiency solutions developed by TransCelerate BioPharma, Inc. This will result in an acceleration of medicine access across geographies and reduce drug lag,” added Paul Stoffels, Chief Scientific Officer, Johnson & Johnson.

“We are pleased to see Accumulus advance its strategic objective to transform communication and data exchange between biopharma companies and health authorities, an effort complementary to the objectives of TransCelerate Biopharma. We look forward to our continued collaboration with Accumulus in areas of common interest,” said Dalvir Gill, Chief Executive Officer, TransCelerate Biopharma.

“Health authorities, physicians, and biopharmaceutical companies all share a common purpose to bring safe, transformative medicines to patients as quickly as possible,” added Andy Plump, M.D., Ph.D., President of Research & Development at Takeda. “Accumulus Synergy is an opportunity to reimagine regulatory and data-sharing pathways globally and better deliver on that purpose.”

About Accumulus Synergy

Funded by ten leading biopharma companies, the non-profit Accumulus Synergy, Inc. was formed in 2020 to create a cloud-based platform, to transform data sharing between the biopharma industry and global health authorities.  The common-platform approach aims to improve efficiencies in the regulatory process by leveraging advanced technology, including data science and AI, as well as tools for data exchange to improve patient safety, help reduce the cost of innovation, and ultimately bring patients safe and effective medicines faster. It will work with partner companies, key stakeholders, and global health authorities to build and sustain a platform that meets regulatory, cybersecurity, and privacy requirements spanning clinical, safety, chemistry and manufacturing, and regulatory exchanges and submissions. For more information, please visit www.accumulus.org.

Media Contact: 

Paul Laland

[email protected]

415.519.6610



Mersana Therapeutics Announces Inducement Grant Under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4)

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Jan. 22, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mersana Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: MRSN), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing a pipeline of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) targeting cancers in areas of high unmet medical need, today announced the grant of an inducement award to the newly appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Carla Poulson. In connection with the appointment, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of Mersana Therapeutics approved a stock option grant to Ms. Poulson as an inducement material to Ms. Poulson entering into employment with Mersana Therapeutics, in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). The stock option grant provides for the purchase of up to 100,000 shares of Mersana Therapeutics common stock, at a price of $21.67 per share, the closing price per share of Mersana Therapeutics common stock on the date of grant, and vests over four years, with 25% of the shares vesting on the first anniversary of the Ms. Poulson’s employment start date, and the remainder vesting in equal quarterly installments over the following three years, subject to Ms. Poulson’s continued employment with Mersana Therapeutics through such applicable vesting dates.

About Mersana Therapeutics

Mersana Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company using its differentiated and proprietary ADC platforms to rapidly develop novel ADCs with optimal efficacy, safety and tolerability to meaningfully improve the lives of people fighting cancer. Mersana’s lead product candidate, XMT-1536, is in the expansion portion of a Phase 1 proof-of-concept clinical study in patients with ovarian cancer and NSCLC adenocarcinoma. XMT-1592, Mersana’s second ADC product candidate targeting NaPi2b-expressing tumors, was created using Mersana’s customizable and homogeneous Dolasynthen platform and is in the dose escalation portion of a Phase 1 proof-of-concept clinical study. The Company’s early stage programs include XMT-1660, a Dolasynthen ADC targeting B7-H4, as well as XMT-2056, a STING-agonist ADC developed using the Company’s Immunosynthen platform. In addition, multiple partners are using Mersana’s Dolaflexin platform to advance their ADC pipelines.

Contact:

Investor & Media Contact
Sarah Carmody, 617-844-8577
[email protected]



Lyra Therapeutics Provides Corporate Update and Anticipated Milestones for 2021

Lyra Therapeutics Provides Corporate Update and Anticipated Milestones for 2021

WATERTOWN, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Lyra Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: LYRA), a clinical-stage therapeutics company focused on the development and commercialization of novel integrated drug and delivery solutions for the localized treatment of patients with ear, nose and throat (ENT) diseases, today provided a corporate update and anticipated milestones for 2021.

Corporate Update & Anticipated Milestones for 2021

  • LYR-210: Announced Positive Topline Results for the company’s LANTERN Phase 2 Study of LYR-210. In December, Lyra announced positive topline results from its LANTERN Phase 2 study of LYR-210 for the treatment of Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS), including:
    • 7500 mcg dose achieved statistically significant improvement in a composite score of the 4 Cardinal Symptoms of CRS at weeks 16, 20 & 24 compared to control.
    • 7500 mcg achieved statistically significant improvement in SNOT-22 at weeks 8, 16, 20 & 24 compared to control.
    • LYR-210 is the first nasal implant to achieve a benefit of up to six months after a single administration in clinical testing, and the first nasal implant to achieve a benefit in both polyp and non-polyp patients in clinical testing.
    • Lyra believes the results support a clear path to regulatory submission for LYR-210 and plans to move forward to a pivotal Phase 3 trial using the 7500 mcg dose.
  • LYR-210: End of Phase 2 Meeting with FDA Expected Mid 2021. The company anticipates meeting with the FDA mid-2021 to discuss the results from the LANTERN Phase 2 trial, and intends to initiate a pivotal Phase 3 trial at the end of 2021.
  • LYR-210: Results From PK (pharmacokinetic) Study Expected 2Q 2021. Lyra Therapeutics expects to announce data from its ongoing PK study, which has completed enrollment at 24 patients in the U.S., in the second quarter. The company expects to use the data from this study to support LYR-210’s path to regulatory approval through a 505(b)(2) New Drug Application.
  • LYR-220: Initiation of Phase 2 Study in 2H 2021. Lyra anticipates initiating a Phase 2 study for LYR-220 in the late second half of 2021. The company believes the LANTERN study validates its XTreo™ platform and also plans to utilize the 7500 mcg for LYR-220.
  • Cash runway into 2023. Lyra maintains a strong balance sheet and reaffirms its previously announced guidance of having sufficient cash to fund operations into 2023. Cash and equivalents as of 31 December 2020 was $74.6 million, which exceeds prior guidance of $67-70 million.

“Having recently announced positive topline results from our LANTERN Phase 2 study of LYR-210, we enter 2021 planning and preparing for our pivotal trial, as we seek to continue development of this innovative product candidate and to ultimately bring it to millions of underserved CRS patients,” said Maria Palasis, Ph.D., CEO of Lyra Therapeutics. “In addition, Lyra intends to initiate a Phase 2 trial for LYR-220 and to explore the further opportunities we believe exist for our now validated XTreo platform.”

About Lyra Therapeutics

Lyra Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage therapeutics company focused on the development and commercialization of novel integrated drug and delivery solutions for the localized treatment of patients with ear, nose and throat (ENT) diseases. The company’s lead product candidate, LYR-210, is designed to deliver up to six months of continuous anti-inflammatory drug therapy to the sinonasal passages for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in patients who have not undergone surgery for the disease. Lyra is also developing LYR-220 for CRS patients who have undergone a prior surgery and have persistent disease. Beyond CRS, the company believes its XTreo™ platform, comprised of drug administered through a bioresorbable polymeric matrix, has the potential to address other disease areas by precisely, consistently and locally delivering medicines for sustained periods with a single administration.

For more information, please visit www.lyratherapeutics.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this press release that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the company’s lead product candidate LYR-210, the presentation of top-line results relating to the Company’s Phase 2 LANTERN clinical trial for LYR-210, the Company’s plans to initiate a pivotal Phase 3 study for LYR-210 at the end of 2021, the Company’s anticipated announcement and use of data from its ongoing PK study, the Company’s initiation of a Phase 2 study for LYR-220, and its cash guidance. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause the company’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the following: the fact that the company has incurred significant losses since inception and expects to incur losses for the foreseeable future; the company’s need for additional funding, which may not be available; the company’s limited operating history; the fact that the company has no approved products; the fact that the company’s product candidates are in various stages of development; the fact that the company may not be successful in its efforts to identify and successfully commercialize its product candidates; the fact that clinical trials required for the company’s product candidates are expensive and time-consuming, and their outcome is uncertain; the fact that the FDA may not conclude that certain of the company’s product candidates satisfy the requirements for the Section 505(b)(2) regulatory approval pathway; the company’s inability to obtain required regulatory approvals; effects of recently enacted and future legislation; the possibility of system failures or security breaches; effects of significant competition; the fact that the successful commercialization of the company’s product candidates will depend in part on the extent to which governmental authorities and health insurers establish coverage, adequate reimbursement levels and pricing policies; failure to achieve market acceptance; product liability lawsuits; the fact that the company relies on third parties for the manufacture of materials for its research programs, pre-clinical studies and clinical trials; the company’s reliance on third parties to conduct its preclinical studies and clinical trials; the company’s inability to succeed in establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships; the company’s reliance on certain suppliers critical to its production; failure to obtain and maintain or adequately protect the company’s intellectual property rights; failure to retain key personnel or to recruit qualified personnel; difficulties in managing the company’s growth; effects of natural disasters; the fact that the global pandemic caused by COVID-19 could adversely impact the company’s business and operations, including the company’s clinical trials; the fact that the price of the company’s common stock may be volatile and fluctuate substantially; significant costs and required management time as a result of operating as a public company and any securities class action litigation. These and other important factors discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in the company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 10, 2020 and its other filings with the SEC could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements made in this press release. Any such forward-looking statements represent management’s estimates as of the date of this press release. While the company may elect to update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, it disclaims any obligation to do so, even if subsequent events cause its views to change.

Investor Contact:

Laurence Watts

619-916-7620

[email protected]

Media Contact:

Kathryn Morris

914-204-6412

[email protected]

KEYWORDS: United States North America Massachusetts

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Biotechnology General Health Other Health Health Pharmaceutical

MEDIA:

Royalty Pharma to Announce Fourth-Quarter 2020 Financial Results on February 17, 2021

NEW YORK, Jan. 22, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Royalty Pharma plc (Nasdaq: RPRX) today announced that it will report its fourth quarter 2020 financial results on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 before the U.S. financial markets open. The company will host a conference call and simultaneous webcast at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time that day.

Conference Call Information

The conference call can be accessed live over the phone by dialing (833) 519-1253 or for international callers by dialing + 1 (914) 800-3826. The passcode to access the conference call is 7429609.

A live webcast may be accessed from the “Investors” page of the company’s website at https://www.royaltypharma.com/investors/news-and-events/events. A replay of the conference call and webcast will be archived on the company’s website for at least 30 days.

About Royalty Pharma

Founded in 1996, Royalty Pharma is the largest buyer of biopharmaceutical royalties and a leading funder of innovation across the biopharmaceutical industry, collaborating with innovators from academic institutions, research hospitals and not-for-profits through small and mid-cap biotechnology companies to leading global pharmaceutical companies. Royalty Pharma has assembled a portfolio of royalties which entitles it to payments based directly on the top-line sales of many of the industry’s leading therapies. Royalty Pharma funds innovation in the biopharmaceutical industry both directly and indirectly – directly when it partners with companies to co-fund late-stage clinical trials and new product launches in exchange for future royalties, and indirectly when it acquires existing royalties from the original innovators. Royalty Pharma’s current portfolio includes royalties on more than 45 commercial products, including AbbVie and J&J’s Imbruvica, Astellas and Pfizer’s Xtandi, Biogen’s Tysabri, Gilead’s HIV franchise, Merck’s Januvia, Novartis’ Promacta, and Vertex’s Kalydeco, Orkambi, Symdeko and Trikafta, and five development-stage product candidates. For more information, visit www.royaltypharma.com.

Royalty Pharma Investor Relations and Communications

+1 (212) 883-2295
[email protected]



Trex Company Announces Timing of Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2020 Earnings Release and Conference Call

Trex Company Announces Timing of Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2020 Earnings Release and Conference Call

WINCHESTER, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Trex Company, Inc. [NYSE:TREX], the world’s number-one brand of composite decking and railing and leader in high-performance, low-maintenance outdoor living products, and a leading national provider of custom-engineered railing systems, will issue its fourth quarter and full year 2020 earnings release on Monday, February 22, 2021, after the close of the U.S. market.

You are invited to participate in the Company’s conference call hosted by senior management on February 22, 2021 at 5:00 PM ET. Their prepared remarks will be followed by a question and answer session.

4Q20 Conference Call Date & Time:

Monday, February 22, 2021 at 5:00 PM ET

To participate on the day of the call, dial 1-844-792-3734 or internationally 1-412-317-5126 approximately ten minutes before the call and tell the operator you wish to join the Trex Company Conference Call.

A live webcast of the conference call will be available in the Investor Relations section of the Trex Company website at 4Q20 Earnings Webcast. For those who cannot listen to the live broadcast, an audio replay of the conference call will be available on the Trex website for 30 days.

About Trex Company

Trex Company, Inc. [NYSE: TREX] is the world’s largest manufacturer of high-performance wood-alternative decking and railing, with more than 25 years of product experience. The #1 brand in outdoor living is proud to be named to Fortune magazine’s 2020 100 Fastest-Growing Companies list. Stocked in more than 6,700 retail locations worldwide, Trex outdoor living products offer a wide range of style options with fewer ongoing maintenance requirements than wood, as well as a truly environmentally responsible choice. Also, Trex is a leading national provider of custom-engineered railing systems for the commercial and multi-family market. For more information, visit trex.com. You also can follow Trex on Twitter (@Trex_Company), Instagram (@trexcompany), Pinterest (trexcompany) or Houzz (trexcompany-inc), “like” Trex on Facebook (@TrexCompany) or view product and demonstration videos on the brand’s YouTube channel (TheTrexCo).

Dennis Schemm

Vice President and CFO

540-542-6300

Lynn Morgen/Viktoriia Nakhla

AdvisIRy Partners

212-750-5800

KEYWORDS: District of Columbia Virginia United States North America

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Other Manufacturing Construction & Property Landscape Building Systems Manufacturing Architecture Forest Products Other Construction & Property Natural Resources Residential Building & Real Estate

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Green Brick Partners Reports Select Preliminary Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2020 Financial and Operational Results

PLANO, Texas, Jan. 22, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Green Brick Partners, Inc. (Nasdaq: GRBK), a leading national homebuilder and land development company, today announced certain record financial and operational results for the fourth quarter and full year 2020.

Jim Brickman, CEO, stated, “2020 was a breakout year for Green Brick and we believe that we are well positioned to deliver strong growth again in 2021. We expect to report diluted earnings per share between $2.21 and $2.23 for 2020, an increase of over 90% from 2019. During the quarter, our record 848 net new orders occurred at all home builder brands and price points, outpacing our available inventory. We ended the quarter with a $687 million backlog – the highest in our history and up 98% year over year. We reacted to the supply shortage quickly and started a record breaking 1,004 homes in the fourth quarter which is up 99% over the same prior period. Put simply, short-term demand exceeded our supply, and we have rapidly expanded our capacity. Net new orders have further accelerated with 238 homes sold in the first eighteen days of January 2021 (up 98% over the same prior period in 2020) making this the strongest sales period in our company’s history.”

Full Year 2020 Preliminary Financial and Operational Highlights – Comparisons to the Prior Year Period

Preliminary financial results for Green Brick’s fiscal year ending December 31, 2020 are expected as follows:

  • Diluted earnings per share between $2.21 and $2.23, an increase between 90.5% and 92.2%;
  • Net income attributable to Green Brick between $112.5 million and $113.5 million, an increase between 91.8% and 93.5%;
  • Income before income taxes and noncontrolling interests between $142.1 million and $143.5 million, an increase between 68.5% and 70.2%;
  • Residential units revenue between $929.0 million and $931.0 million, an increase between 22.3% and 22.5%;
  • Gross margin in a range of 24.0% to 24.2%, an increase between 260 and 280 basis points;
  • Backlog as of December 31, 2020 was $686.9 million, an increase of 98% compared to $346.8 million as of December 31, 2019; and,
  • Homes under construction increased to 1,780 units as of December 31, 2020, a 37.2% increase compared to 1,297 as of December 31, 2019.

Select Fourth Quarter 2020 and Full Year 2020 Operational Results

  • New homes delivered were 585 for the fourth quarter, a 13.8% increase over the prior year. New homes delivered for the full year ended December 31, 2020 were 2,208 and represented a 28.4% increase over the prior year.
  • Net new orders were 848 homes for the fourth quarter, a 43.7% increase over the prior year. Net new orders for the full year ended December 31, 2020 were 2,885 homes and represented a 50% increase over the prior year.
  • Average active selling communities increased to 102 communities for the fourth quarter from 90 communities for the quarter ended December 31, 2019, an increase of 13.3%.

Rick Costello, CFO, added, “In order to accommodate expected growth in 2021 and beyond, our owned and controlled lots grew to 14,468 lots at year end, a 61% increase over our lot supply at our prior year end. Despite the significant cashflow required for this ramp-up in production, we ended the year with total debt $18 million lower than the prior year end. In summary, we believe the company is well-prepared to capture very strong demand.”

These preliminary, unaudited financial estimates are based on information available to management as of the date of this press release, remain subject to the completion of normal quarter-end accounting procedures and adjustments, and are subject to change. Green Brick’s independent registered public accounting firm has not completed its audit of our results for the year ended December 31, 2020. During the course of the preparation of our consolidated financial statements and related notes, and completion of our financial close and audit procedures for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, adjustments to the preliminary estimates may be identified, and such adjustments may be material. In addition, other developments may arise between now and the time the financial statements for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 are finalized. We undertake no obligation to update the information in this press release in the event facts or circumstances change after the date of this press release.

Green Brick Partners plans to release its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2020 on Monday, March 8, 2021, after the close of the U.S. financial markets. We will host an earnings conference call on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time.

About Green Brick Partners, Inc.

Green Brick Partners, Inc. (Nasdaq: GRBK) is a diversified homebuilding and land development company. Green Brick owns four homebuilders in Dallas, Texas (CB JENI Homes, Normandy Homes, Southgate Homes, Trophy Signature Homes), as well as a controlling interest in homebuilders in Atlanta, Georgia (The Providence Group), Port St. Lucie, Florida (GHO Homes), and Dallas, Texas (Centre Living Homes). Green Brick also owns a noncontrolling interest in Challenger Homes in Colorado Springs, Colorado and retains interests in related financial services platforms, including Green Brick Title, Providence Group Title, and Green Brick Mortgage. The Company is engaged in all aspects of the homebuilding process, including land acquisition and development, entitlements, design, construction, marketing, and sales for its residential neighborhoods and master planned communities. For more information about Green Brick’s homebuilding partners and financial services platforms, please visit https://greenbrickpartners.com/team-builders/.

Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements:

This press release and our earnings call contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Act of 1995. These statements concern expectations, beliefs, projections, plans and strategies, anticipated events or trends and similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts and typically include the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “consider,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “intend,” “objective,” “plan,” “predict,” “projection,” “seek,” “strategy,” “target,” “will” or other words of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements in this press release include management’s estimates of fourth quarter and full year 2020 financial and operational results and management’s belief that it is well positioned to deliver strong growth in 2021. These forward-looking statements involve estimates and assumptions which may be affected by risks and uncertainties in the Company’s business, as well as other external factors, which could cause future results to materially differ from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement. These risks include, but are not limited to: (1) adverse impacts from general economic conditions, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the responsive actions taken by federal, state and local public health and governmental authorities, seasonality, cyclicality and competition in the homebuilding industry; (2) changes in consumer price sensitivity or decreased demand for the Company’s homes or finished lots or increases in cancellations, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; (3) availability and cost of labor; (4) a failure to recruit, retain or develop highly skilled and competent employees; (5) availability and cost of raw materials or other supplies, necessary for our homebuilding activities, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global supply chains; (6) an inability to acquire land for reasonable prices; (7) an inability to develop or sell communities; (8) government regulation risks; (9) a lack of availability or volatility of mortgage financing; (10) a severe weather event or natural disasters; (11) difficulty in obtaining sufficient capital; (12) poor relations with community residents; and (13) an increase in our debt levels or related service obligations. For a more detailed discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties applicable to the Company please see the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2020 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contact: Richard A. Costello
Chief Financial Officer
(469) 573-6755



Aemetis “Carbon Zero” Solar Energy and Energy Efficiency Upgrades Supported by $16.8 Million of California CEC and Utility Grants

Estimated $18 Million Per Year of Increased Net Income ($0.75 Earnings Per Share)  

CUPERTINO, CA, Jan. 22, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — via NewMediaWire – Aemetis, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMTX) announced that its “Carbon Zero” biofuels production process has received a total of $16.8 million of solar energy and other energy efficiency grants to fund upgrades of the Keyes, California plant to support the production of zero carbon renewable fuel. The renewable energy and efficiency projects funded by the grants already have been launched into the design, permitting, construction and commissioning process. The projects supported by grant funding will provide an estimated $18 million per year of increased margin, equal to about $0.75 net income per share each year. 

Aemetis Carbon Zero production plants commercialize patented technology exclusive to Aemetis for agricultural and forest waste wood feedstock. Carbon Zero plants are integrated with existing Aemetis production facilities to produce energy dense renewable fuels using renewable energy and below zero carbon intensity waste feedstocks.  

Carbon Zero production plants are designed to convert below zero carbon feedstocks (waste wood and ag wastes) and renewable energy (solar, renewable natural gas, biogas) into energy dense liquid renewable fuels.  Aemetis expects that such renewable fuels, when used in hybrid electric vehicles or other vehicle engines, will have a “below zero carbon” greenhouse gas footprint across the entire lifecycle of the fuel based on the Argonne National Laboratory’s GREET model, the pre-eminent science-based lifecycle analysis measurement tool. 

“The award of a combined $16.8 million of California Energy Commission and Pacific Gas & Electric energy efficiency programs to fund the ‘Carbon Zero 1’ biofuels plant reflects government and utility industry support for our mission to reduce greenhouse gases,” stated Eric McAfee, Chairman and CEO of Aemetis. “We are installing a large solar array with battery storage and using other renewable energy sources to power new electricity-powered systems, replacing equipment that uses high carbon intensity petroleum natural gas and upgrading less efficient heat transfer systems.” 

“These Carbon Zero plant upgrades at the Keyes plant are an integrated part of producing below zero carbon biofuels from agricultural waste wood,” said McAfee. “By combining below zero carbon waste wood with zero carbon renewable energy obtained from solar, hydroelectric and biogas sources, Aemetis is transforming these sources of renewable energy into zero carbon renewable fuels to power existing engines and to fuel range extender generators used in electric cars and trucks,” McAfee noted.

The Carbon Zero 1 plant renewable energy and energy efficiency upgrades include funding and other support from the California Energy Commission, the USDA, the US Forest Service, the California Department of Food and Agriculture, and PG&E.

About Aemetis

Aemetis has a mission to transform renewable energy into below zero carbon transportation fuels. The next generation of renewable fuels can achieve below zero carbon emissions by addressing the market need of reducing greenhouse gas emissions with sustainable alternatives. Aemetis uses low-carbon renewable resource-based carbohydrates as raw materials and is developing renewable electricity and renewable natural gas for use in transportation and production processes.  Aemetis low-carbon fuels have substantially reduced carbon intensity (the level of greenhouse gas emissions compared to standard petroleum fossil-based fuels across their lifecycle). 

Headquartered in Cupertino, California, Aemetis is a renewable natural gas, renewable fuel and biochemicals company focused on the acquisition, development and commercialization of innovative technologies that replace traditional petroleum-based products.  Founded in 2006, Aemetis has completed Phase 1 and is expanding a California biogas digester network and pipeline system to convert dairy waste gas into Renewable Natural Gas (RNG). Aemetis owns and operates a 65 million gallon per year ethanol production facility in California’s Central Valley near Modesto that supplies about 80 dairies with animal feed. Aemetis also owns and operates a 50 million gallon per year production facility on the East Coast of India producing high quality distilled biodiesel and refined glycerin for customers in India and Europe.  Aemetis is developing the Carbon Zero 1 plant in California to convert waste orchard wood into sugars that will be processed into biofuels at the Keyes plant, as well as cellulosic ethanol and renewable hydrogen in expansion phases.  Aemetis holds a portfolio of patents and related technology licenses for the production of renewable fuels and biochemicals.  For additional information about Aemetis, please visit www.aemetis.com.

Safe Harbor Statement 

This news release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding our assumptions, projections, expectations, targets, intentions or beliefs about future events or other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, without limitation, statements related to increased net income, statements relating to our ability to commercialize and scale the licensed patented technology, the ability to obtain sufficiently low Carbon Intensity score to achieve below zero transportation fuel, the development of the Aemetis Biogas Central California Dairy Project, and the ability to access the funding required to execute on the plant construction and operations.  Words or phrases such as “anticipates,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” “projects,” “showing signs,” “targets,” “will likely result,” “will continue,” “enable” or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  These forward-looking statements are based on current assumptions and predictions and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties.  Actual results or events could differ materially from those set forth or implied by such forward-looking statements and related assumptions due to certain factors, including, without limitation, competition in the ethanol, biodiesel and other industries in which we operate, commodity market risks including those that may result from current weather conditions, financial market risks, customer adoption, counter-party risks, risks associated with changes to federal policy or regulation, and other risks detailed in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including the Aemetis Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, and in our subsequent filings with the SEC. We are not obligated, and do not intend, to update any of these forward-looking statements at any time unless an update is required by applicable securities laws.

External Investor Relations
Contact:

Kirin Smith
PCG Advisory Group
(646) 863-6519
[email protected]

Company Investor Relations/Media Contact:

Todd Waltz
 (408) 213-0940
[email protected]



B2Digital Kicks Off Huge Spring 2021 MMA Season with Strikehard 58 on LIVE PPV, Saturday, January 23, 2021

Tampa, FL, Jan. 22, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — via NewMediaWire –B2Digital Incorporated (the “Company” or “B2Digital”) (OTCMKTS:BTDG), the premier development league for mixed martial arts (“MMA”), is excited to announce the kickoff of the B2 Spring 2021 Season Schedule on Saturday, January 23 with Strikehard 58 in Trussville, Alabama.

The fight is sold out in terms of limited in-person seating, but interested fans can stream it live on Pay-Per-View here, or enjoy it live over the B2 Fighting Series apps on Amazon Fire TV or Apple TV.

The 14-fight card will be headlined by a professional welterweight matchup between undefeated B2 Fighting Series Strikehard veteran Treston Vines and Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship veteran Sedric Johnson. 

The rest of the Main Event card will be packed with top competition duking it out across five tough Title fights.

On the undercard, rising amateur flyweight Natalie Gage looks to move to 2-0 after winning her debut fight by TKO. Standing in her way is a motivated Rebekah Rotenberry, who is also looking for her 2nd MMA win.

“2021 is already being billed as a fresh chapter and a rebirth, and we are thrilled to be a part of that process as we turn the page at B2 and kick off our biggest fight season ever with one of our most exciting season opening fight cards,” remarked Greg P. Bell, Chairman & CEO of B2Digital. “This is going to be an excellent night of top MMA action and we look forward to delivering a spectacular production LIVE to our growing base of dedicated fans, fighters, and followers. Don’t miss it!”

About B2Digital Inc.
With extensive background in entertainment, television, video, and technology, B2Digital (OTC: BTDG) is now forging ahead and becoming a full-service live event sports company. Capitalizing on the combination of B2Digital CEO Greg P. Bell’s expertise and involvement with more than 40,000 live events over his career for major sports leagues and entertainment venues, B2Digital is in the process of developing and acquiring MMA and sports-related companies to build an integrated Premier Development League, Expand the B2 Official Training Facility Program Network and Continue the growth of the B2 Social Media Network for the multibillion-dollar mixed martial arts (“MMA”) industry.

B2Digital intends to create and develop league champions that will move on to the MMA major leagues from the Company’s B2 Fighting Series brand. Each year, the top fighters will be invited to the annual B2 Fighting Series National Championship live event.

B2Digital has developed and deployed the systems and technologies for the operation of the B2 Fighting Series, “B2FS”. This includes social media marketing, event management, digital ticketing sales, digital video distribution, digital marketing, PPV, FTV (Free to View), merchandise sales, brand management and financial control systems. B2Digital owns all rights for TV, internet, social media, media, merchandising and trademarks, and branding for the B2Digital companies.

For more information about B2Digital, visit the Company’s website at www.b2digitalotc.com

B2Digital has a growing social media presence. Follow us on:
Twitter: @B2digitalOTC 
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/b2digitalotc/

B2Digital: MMA’s Premier Development League
www.b2digitalotc.com

B2 Fighting Series Pay Per View Link
www.b2mma.com

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Press Release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the securities laws. These statements relate to future events and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond our control and which could, and likely will, materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects our current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to our operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. We assume no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.

For more information, please contact:

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