Release – Onconova Therapeutics Announces Participation in The Channelchek Takeaway Series

Research News and Market Data on ONTX

NEWTOWN, Pa., Jan. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Onconova Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ONTX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing novel products for patients with cancer, today announced their participation in the Channelchek Takeaway Series from the J.P.Morgan Healthcare Conference, to be broadcast Thursday, January 26, starting at 10:00 EST.

The J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference is considered to be the most important healthcare investment symposium in the industry, connecting global industry leaders, emerging fast-growth companies, innovative technology creators, and members of the investment community. Noble Capital Markets’ equity analysts and investment bankers attended the conference and sat down with various c-suite executives. For the Channelchek Takeaway Series, Noble’s analysts are unpacking what they learned at the conference and talking to a selection of c-suite executives in the healthcare space.

Steven M. Fruchtman, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer of Onconova, provides a corporate overview, then takes questions from Noble’s Senior Analyst Robert LeBoyer.

The event will be broadcast starting at 10:00 am EST on Thursday, January 26. Investors can attend the Channelchek Takeaway Series virtually at no cost. Registration details are available on Channelchek.

About Onconova Therapeutics, Inc.

Onconova Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing novel products for patients with cancer. The Company has proprietary targeted anti-cancer agents designed to disrupt specific cellular pathways that are important for cancer cell proliferation.

Onconova’s novel, proprietary multi-kinase inhibitor narazaciclib (formerly ON 123300) is being evaluated in two separate and complementary Phase 1 dose escalation and expansion studies. These trials are currently underway in the United States and China. Based on preclinical and clinical studies of CDK 4/6 inhibitors, Onconova is also planning a combination trial of narazaciclib with estrogen blockade in advanced endometrial cancer, as well as its clinical study in additional indications.

Onconova’s product candidate rigosertib is being studied in multiple investigator-sponsored studies, including a dose-escalation and expansion Phase 1/2a study of oral rigosertib in combination with nivolumab in patients with KRAS+ non-small cell lung cancer, and a Phase 2 program evaluating rigosertib monotherapy in advanced squamous cell carcinoma complicating recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa.

For more information, please visit www.onconova.com.

About Noble Capital Markets

Noble Capital Markets, Inc. was incorporated in 1984 as a full-service SEC / FINRA registered broker-dealer, dedicated exclusively to serving underfollowed small / microcap companies through investment banking, wealth management, trading & execution, and equity research activities. Over the past 37 years, Noble has raised billions of dollars for these companies and published more than 45,000 equity research reports. www.noblecapitalmarkets.com email: contact@noblecapitalmarkets.com

About Channelchek

Channelchek (.com) is a comprehensive investor-centric portal – featuring more than 6,000 emerging growth companies – that provides advanced market data, independent research, balanced news, video webcasts, exclusive c-suite interviews, and access to virtual road shows. The site is available to the public at every level without cost or obligation. Research on Channelchek is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., an SEC / FINRA registered broker-dealer since 1984. www.channelchek.com email: contact@channelchek.com

Company Contact:
Mark Guerin
Onconova Therapeutics, Inc.
267-759-3680
ir@onconova.us
https://www.onconova.com/contact/

Investor Contact:
Bruce Mackle
LifeSci Advisors, LLC
646-889-1200
bmackle@lifesciadvisors.com

Release – Cocrystal Pharma Announces Participation in Virtual Investor Events

JANUARY 26, 2023

BOTHELL, Wash., Jan. 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cocrystal Pharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: COCP) announces the participation of James Martin, co-CEO and CFO, in the following virtual investment community events:

  • Noble Capital Markets’ J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference Takeaways hosted by ChannelChek featuring an interview with Noble Capital Market’s managing director and senior biotechnology analyst Robert LeBoyer discussing management’s perspective on the market environment for biotechnology companies and Cocrystal’s opportunity. The Takeaways event is available beginning today, January 26, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern time. Register here for the event.
  • Noble Capital Markets C-Suite Interview Series hosted by ChannelChek featuring an interview with Mr. LeBoyer with an update on Cocrystal’s influenza and COVID-19 antiviral programs and upcoming clinical and regulatory milestones. The interview will be available by February 1 on the ChannelChek platform by registering here.
  • Sequire’s Virtual Biotechnology Conference featuring a company presentation on Thursday, February 2 at 11:30 a.m. Eastern time Eastern time. Register here for the presentation.

About ChannelChek
Channelchek.com is a comprehensive investor-centric portal featuring more than 6,000 emerging growth companies that provides advanced market data, independent research, balanced news, video webcasts, exclusive c-suite interviews, and access to virtual road shows. The site is available to the public. Research on Channelchek is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., an SEC / FINRA registered broker-dealer since 1984. More information is available at www.channelchek.com.

About Sequire
Sequire is a premier investor intelligence and communications platform where companies can track their investors’ behaviors and trends and use those insights to engage current and potential investors across marketing channels. More information is available at srax.com and mysequire.com.

About Cocrystal Pharma, Inc.
Cocrystal Pharma, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company discovering and developing novel antiviral therapeutics that target the replication process of influenza viruses, coronaviruses (including SARS-CoV-2), hepatitis C viruses and noroviruses. Cocrystal employs unique structure-based technologies and Nobel Prize-winning expertise to create first- and best-in-class antiviral drugs. For further information about Cocrystal, please visit www.cocrystalpharma.com.

Investor Contact:
LHA Investor Relations
Jody Cain
310-691-7100
jcain@lhai.com

Media Contact:
JQA Partners
Jules Abraham
917-885-7378
Jabraham@jqapartners.com

# # #

Source: Cocrystal Pharma, Inc.

Released January 26, 2023

Release – Aurania To Attend the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference

Research News and Market Data on AUIAF

Visit us at booth #816

Toronto, Ontario, January 25, 2023 – Aurania Resources Ltd. (TSXV: ARU; OTCQB: AUIAF; Frankfurt: 20Q) (“Aurania” or the “Company”) will be attending the upcoming Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC) being held at the Vancouver Convention Centre West (1055 Canada Place, Vancouver) on Sunday, January 29 – Monday, January 30, 2023. Please visit us at Booth #816 or contact us directly to schedule a meeting.

Aurania’s President & CEO, Dr. Keith Barron, will be speaking about the Company’s Lost Cities – Cutucu Project in southeastern Ecuador, during Workshop 4 on Monday, January 30th at 11:10am PST.

Notable keynote speakers at VRIC 2023 include former Premier of BC Christy Clark and former Premier of Saskatchewan, Brad Wall. Other keynote speakers will include dozens of globally respected economists, legendary money managers, and investors.

“We are entering a new era of de-globalization. The trust that allowed for global trade over the last 30 years has shifted irreversibly and countries are now scrambling to secure supplies of natural resources as a matter of national security. As a result, demand for key resources, will skyrocket. We have gathered over 300 companies that are exploring for and producing these natural resources so investors can position themselves accordingly,” said Jay Martin, Host of the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference.

For more information and/or to register for the conference please visit: https://cambridgehouse.com/vancouver-resource-investment-conference .

We look forward to seeing you there.

About the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference

The Vancouver Resource Investment Conference has been the epicentre of junior mining investment in Canada for 25 years and attracts over 5000 mining investors annually. Previous years have been attended by former Prime Minister Stephan Harper and former President of Mexico Felipe Calderon.

The VRIC will include a marketplace of over 300 investment opportunities in the mining industry, spanning early-stage exploration to advanced producing mines.

About Aurania

Aurania is a mineral exploration company engaged in the identification, evaluation, acquisition and exploration of mineral property interests, with a focus on precious metals and copper in South America. Its flagship asset, The Lost Cities – Cutucu Project, is located in the Jurassic Metallogenic Belt in the eastern foothills of the Andes mountain range of southeastern Ecuador.

Information on Aurania and technical reports are available at www.aurania.com and www.sedar.com, as well as on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/auranialtd/, Twitter at https://twitter.com/auranialtd, and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/aurania-resources-ltd-.

For further information, please contact:

Carolyn Muir

VP Corporate Development & Investor Relations

Aurania Resources Ltd.

(416) 367-3200

carolyn.muir@aurania.com

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

FDA Says Congress Needs to Act on Cannabidiol (CBD) Before it Can

Image Credit: Elsa Olofsson (Flickr)

Cannabidiol (CBD) not Covered Under any Existing FDA Regulatory Framework – Ball Now In the Hands of Congress

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) called on Congress to set a new regulatory pathway for cannabidiol, or CBD, the non-psychoactive ingredient in cannabis plants. The FDA said it is willing to work with Congress to create one. The regulatory body said the same is true for CBD in animal products. CBD has been in a form of regulatory limbo since the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill that legalized hemp, the base ingredient to make CBD. The extract is now found in many wellness products and is widely used in all 50 states. The FDA says it is not a food or a supplement, it may now be up to Congress to define its niche.  

According to an FDA press release, the use of CBD raises safety concerns, in particular regarding its long-term use. It cited the potential harm to the liver, interactions with some medications and possible harm to the male reproductive system.

The FDA’s Reasoning

A high-level FDA working group that was to decide which FDA framework CBD products fall under, and related regulatory pathways, announced that it doesn’t easily fit within a regulatory framework that exists at the agency. On January 26 the FDA announced, “that after careful review, the FDA has concluded that a new regulatory pathway for CBD is needed that balances individuals’ desire for access to CBD products with the regulatory oversight needed to manage risks.” They said the FDA is prepared to work with Congress to create a legal, workable framework.

At the same time the FDA also denied three citizen petitions that had asked the agency to conduct rulemaking to allow the marketing of CBD products as dietary supplements. 

The FDA listed safety concerns surrounding CBD use. “The use of CBD raises various safety concerns, especially with long-term use. Studies have shown the potential for harm to the liver, interactions with certain medications and possible harm to the male reproductive system.” They were also concerned about children and CBD exposure, and women who are pregnant.

The reason for a new regulatory pathway, according to the FDA, is that it would “benefit consumers by providing safeguards and oversight to manage and minimize risks related to CBD products.” The FDA said these may include clear labels, prevention of contaminants, CBD content limits, and measures, such as minimum purchase age. “In addition, a new pathway could provide access and oversight for certain CBD-containing products for animals,” the FDA said.

According to the FDA, existing foods and dietary supplement authorities provide only limited tools for managing risks associated with CBD products. Under the law, any substance, including CBD, must meet specific safety standards to be lawfully marketed as a dietary supplement or food additive.  The FDA said “we have not found adequate evidence to determine how much CBD can be consumed, and for how long, before causing harm. Therefore, we do not intend to pursue rulemaking allowing the use of CBD in dietary supplements or conventional foods.”

The FDA said CBD also poses risks to animals, and people could be unknowingly exposed to CBD through meat, milk and eggs from animals fed CBD. Therefore, it is not apparent how CBD products could meet the safety standard for substances in animal food.  “A new regulatory pathway could provide access and oversight for certain CBD-containing products for animals,” according to the release.

The FDA said it “will remain diligent in monitoring the marketplace, identifying products that pose risks and acting within our authorities. The FDA looks forward to working with Congress to develop a cross-agency strategy for the regulation of these products to protect the public’s health and safety.”

Paul Hoffman

Managing Editor, Channelchek

Sources

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/fda-says-it-will-not-regulate-cbd-and-calls-on-congress-to-act-11674759895

https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-concludes-existing-regulatory-frameworks-foods-and-supplements-are-not-appropriate-cannabidiol

PCE Inflation Versus CPI Inflation, What’s the Difference?

Image Credit: Brenda Gottsabend (Flickr)

The Increasing Popularity of the PCE Inflation Gauge

US inflation, by a number of official measures, reached its highest level in 40 years last year. For a large percentage of investors and shoppers, this is their first experience of prices quickly rising. For decades, on many tech products, prices declined over time (while adding functionality). There are a number of different measures of inflation reported regularly – they impact us in different ways. Knowing the difference, whether you’re investing, planning a purchase, or expecting a cost of living (COLA) increase, is helpful. Below we go through the different measures so you understand the impact of say “headline CPI” versus “core PCE.”

According to James Bullard, the president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis,  “measuring inflation is one of the most difficult issues studied by economists.”

By definition, inflation is the percentage change in overall prices in the economy over a specified period, commonly quoted as a year-over-year change. It’s much more than an increase in the prices of a few products. Given the inherent difficulties in following every price in the country, economists have created price indexes to approximate the overall price level.

PCE Inflation

Before the year 2000, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) primarily focused on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) as its inflation gauge. We’ll explain CPI next, but for the Fed, when it now says it has a 2% inflation target, PCE is the data used.

Though the two indexes have a lot of overlap, there are reasons why the PCE is considered a better tool by policymakers.

The PCE price index, which rose 5.5% in November 2022 from a year earlier, is derived from a broader index of prices than the CPI’s more narrow set of goods and services. The argument as to why policymakers gave an edge in the late 1990s to make the change in 2000 is that a more comprehensive index (such as PCE) of prices provides a better way to gauge underlying inflationary pressures. Since the PCE includes more goods and services, the index’s weights for particular items will differ dramatically from those in the CPI. For example, housing has a weight of about 16% in the PCE price index versus 33% in the CPI. The varied items more accurately reflect actual costs to consumers since they may substitute one for another as prices of items change at different rates. This ability to substitute is a primary reason why PCE tends to print lower than headline CPI.

CPI Remains Important

The most widely cited measure of inflation is the headline Consumer Price Index (CPI), which is calculated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This index was created in 1919 as officials devised a way to measure rising consumer prices just after World War I.

The CPI, which rose 6.5% for all of 2022, measures the price changes for a basket of goods and services purchased by the typical urban consumer. The items in this basket are weighted by their relative importance in consumer expenditures. For example, housing—rent and other spending on shelter—accounts for 33% of the index, while medical care accounts for nearly 9%.

This index, like others, takes into account changing consumption. New items come in and old items leave. The example I like to use is that prohibition began in January 1920, just after CPI came into use. Alcohol was not part of the index back then, whereas it is today (5.78% increase in 2022), product adoption changes.

The CPI weights had been adjusted every two years using two years of consumer spending data. Starting in 2023, the BLS will update weights annually using one year of data.

Headline PCE Inflation versus Headline CPI Inflation

The increasing popularity of the PCE is because the index’s weights are updated monthly, versus annually for CPI (prior to 2023 updates were every two years). Thus, the PCE can quickly reflect the impact of new technology or an abrupt change in consumer spending patterns. For example, the onset of the coronavirus pandemic quickly shifted consumption from services like restaurants to services like communication technology. Since the headline PCE uses more timely, actual outlays, it provides the FOMC a more accurate consumer experience in terms of inflation.  

The stated target by the FOMC is 2%, a level that policymakers judge to be consistent with achieving price stability and maximum employment. On average, inflation was hovering below this target before the pandemic’s economic ramifications (from 1995 through 2019 PCE average equaled 1.8%).  

Other Inflation Measures

While the FOMC targets headline PCE inflation, policymakers also watch other measures to gauge inflationary pressures. The headline PCE measure can be quite volatile due to the effects of extreme price movements for certain products. To get a sense of where underlying inflation really is, economists often look at some summary measure of inflation that doesn’t include these volatile prices.

A so-called “core” index—whether it be PCE or CPI—excludes food and energy components. That has some simplicity around it, but it’s not satisfactory. There are better ways to analyze underlying inflation than to throw out certain goods and services, especially those that hit low- to moderate-income consumers the hardest when prices rise. And even if you exclude food and energy prices, the remaining part of the index is still affected by their volatility; restaurant prices would be a classic example.

More recently, other statistical ideas have been developed. One method looks at price change distribution for the entire range of goods and services.3

One commonly used measure of this type is the Dallas Fed trimmed-mean PCE inflation rate, which removes the upper tail (the largest price changes) and the lower tail (the smallest price changes) and then takes a weighted average of the price changes for the remaining components. This measure has been popular as a tool for examining trends and overall inflation as opposed to special factors that might be driving inflation. Of course, these types of measures4 tend to be more persistent and move more slowly than headline inflation measures.

Take Away

While market concerns over inflation for many years were low and most may have been more concerned about deflation, the current tight supply of goods and labor, coupled with the easiness of money, has ushered in a period where markets are likely to feel the impact of each inflation post.

Understanding the most watched inflation gauges will help sort out whether a trend or single post is likely to cause a change in course on interest rates. Or is it more likely a blip that will on average work its way out? The Fed is currently targeting a PCE inflation rate of 2%. The current pace is more than double this, but trending down after the Fed tightened in 2022 at a record pace. The Fed and the markets are now awaiting the impact of those cuts as there is a lag in applying the economic brakes (to lessen inflation) and when the economy has its biggest reaction to the Fed’s heavy pressure on the brake pedal.

Paul Hoffman

Managing Editor, Channelchek

Sources

https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/speech/powell20200827a.htm

https://files.stlouisfed.org/files/htdocs/publications/review/11/07/bullard.pdf

https://www.usinflationcalculator.com/

https://ycharts.com/indicators/us_consumer_price_index_alcoholic_beverages_unadjusted

https://www.stlouisfed.org/publications/regional-economist/2022/sep/making-sense-inflation-measures#authorbox

Baudax Bio (BXRX) – Baudax Bio Announces Positive Interim Analysis Of BX1000 Phase II Trial


Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Baudax Bio is a pharmaceutical company focused on innovative products for acute care settings. ANJESO is the first and only 24-hour, intravenous (IV) COX-2 preferential non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) for the management of moderate to severe pain. In addition to ANJESO, Baudax Bio has a pipeline of other innovative pharmaceutical assets including two novel neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBs) and a proprietary chemical reversal agent specific to these NMBs. For more information, please visit www.baudaxbio.com.

Gregory Aurand, Senior Research Analyst, Healthcare Services & Medical Devices, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Phase II Trial For Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery.  The BX1000 neuromuscular blocker is an intermediate-duration agent (~45 minutes) enrolling 80 patients in a Phase II trial. The randomized, double-blind, active-controlled IV-administered clinical trial compares three different doses of BX1000 (0.15 mg/kg IV, 0.25 mg/kg IV, 0.35 mg/kg IV) to a standard dose (0.6 mg/kg IV) of rocuronium, a standard of care blocking agent. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05687253)

Primary Endpoints And Secondary Endpoints.  The primary endpoints assess the time frame needed to reach intubation conditions (time frame is within 2 minutes of administration) and also assess, using a standardized scale (Poor, Good, Excellent), the proportion of patients meeting Good or Excellent conditions. Secondary endpoints assess the safety and tolerability profile of BX1000.


Get the Full Report

Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.

This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Element79 Gold Corp. (ELMGF) – Getting Their Sea Legs


Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Element79 Gold is a mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of mining properties for gold and associated metals. Element79 Gold has acquired its flagship Maverick Springs Project located in the famous gold mining district of northeastern Nevada, USA, between the Elko and White Pine Counties, where it has recently completed a 43-101-compliant, pit-constrained mineral resource estimate reflecting an Inferred resource of 3.71 million ounces of gold equivalent* “AuEq” at a grade of 0.92 g/t AuEq (0.34 g/t Au and 43.4 g/t Ag)) with an effective date of Feb. 4, 2022. The acquisition of the Maverick Springs Project also included a portfolio of 15 properties along the Battle Mountain trend in Nevada, which the Company is analyzing for further merit of exploration, along with the potential for sale or spin-out. In British Columbia, Element79 Gold has executed a Letter of Intent to acquire a private company which holds the option to 100% interest of the Snowbird High-Grade Gold Project, which consists of 10 mineral claims located in Central British Columbia, approximately 20km west of Fort St. James. In Peru, Element79 Gold has signed a letter of intent to acquire the business and assets of Calipuy Resources Inc., which holds 100% interest in the past-producing Lucero Mine, one of the highest-grade underground mines to be commercially mined in Peru’s history, as well as the past-producing Machacala Mine. The Company also has an option to acquire 100% interest in the Dale Property which consists of 90 unpatented mining claims located approximately 100 km southwest of Timmins, Ontario, Canada in the Timmins Mining Division, Dale Township.

Mark Reichman, Senior Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

The new focus is focus. While acquisitions characterized the company’s development during the last two years, the company is now actively pursuing the sale, joint venture or spin-off of projects outside of the Maverick Springs project in Nevada and projects in Peru. The company is making progress toward closing the sale of its Long Peak, Stargo, Elder Creek, North Mill, and Elephant projects in Nevada.

Objectives for 2023. Plans associated with the company’s projects in Peru are nearly completed with the intention of beginning site work during the first calendar quarter of 2023. The company’s core focus is to commence preliminary production in Peru in 2023 to generate cash flow. With respect to the Maverick Springs project in Nevada, a re-logging, re-sampling, and petrographic program is planned to help define future drill targets.


Get the Full Report

Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.

This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Defense Metals Corp. (DFMTF) – Last but Not Least


Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Defense Metals Corp. is a mineral exploration and development company focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral deposits containing metals and elements commonly used in the electric power market, defense industry, national security sector and in the production of green energy technologies, such as, rare earths magnets used in wind turbines and in permanent magnet motors for electric vehicles. Defense Metals owns 100% of the Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Property located near Prince George, British Columbia, Canada. Defense Metals Corp. trades in Canada under the symbol “DEFN” on the TSX Venture Exchange, in the United States, under “DFMTF” on the OTCQB and in Germany on the Frankfurt Exchange under “35D”.

Mark Reichman, Senior Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

2022 drill program. The 2022 resource expansion, delineation, and pit slope geotechnical drill program comprised 18 core drill holes totaling 5,510 meters. Defense Metals released results for the remaining two drill holes, representing 295 meters of drilling, completed during 2022.  Assay results have been released for all 18 holes drilled during the 2022 program.

Recent assay results. Recent results were from two exploration geotechnical core drill holes, one of which returned the best drill intercept, on a grade-times-width basis, of the entire 2022 drilling program. Defense Metals expects to update the Wicheeda mineral resource to include results from 10,859 meters of drilling in 47 core holes completed during the 2021 and 2022 drilling programs that were not included in the preliminary economic assessment (PEA).


Get the Full Report

Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.

This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Cypress Development (CYDVF) – Feasibility Study On Track for Mid-Year 2023 Completion; Corporate Name Change


Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Mark Reichman, Senior Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Corporate name change. Cypress Development’s Board of Directors approved a corporate name change to Century Lithium Corp. which is subject to approval by the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV). While the TSXV ticker symbol will change, the ticker symbol on the OTCQX will not. Cypress will issue a news release announcing the date that trading under the new name, symbol, and CUSIP number will commence. We think the new name will help increase awareness among investors given that it more closely identifies the company with its mission. 

Feasibility study expected by the end of 2Q 2023. The feasibility study for the Clayton Valley Lithium project is advancing on schedule with completion anticipated by mid-year. On-site infrastructure designs, including mine, processing plant and tailings, and waste storage facilities are completed. Cost and market studies are underway, along with assessments for construction, component lead-time and off-site infrastructure. Efforts are being made to initiate federal, state, and local permitting for the project, along with an evaluation of associated infrastructure.


Get the Full Report

Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.

This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Cumulus Media (CMLS) – A Tough Year On The Horizon


Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Cumulus Media (NASDAQ: CMLS) is an audio-first media company delivering premium content to over a quarter billion people every month — wherever and whenever they want it. Cumulus Media engages listeners with high-quality local programming through 406 owned-and-operated radio stations across 86 markets; delivers nationally-syndicated sports, news, talk, and entertainment programming from iconic brands including the NFL, the NCAA, the Masters, CNN, the AP, the Academy of Country Music Awards, and many other world-class partners across more than 9,500 affiliated stations through Westwood One, the largest audio network in America; and inspires listeners through the Cumulus Podcast Network, its rapidly growing network of original podcasts that are smart, entertaining and thought-provoking. Cumulus Media provides advertisers with personal connections, local impact and national reach through broadcast and on-demand digital, mobile, social, and voice-activated platforms, as well as integrated digital marketing services, powerful influencers, full-service audio solutions, industry-leading research and insights, and live event experiences. Cumulus Media is the only audio media company to provide marketers with local and national advertising performance guarantees. For more information visit www.cumulusmedia.com.

Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Jacob Mutchler, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Tough comps ahead. The conventional investment scenario is to expect a weak first half of 2023 and a stronger second half. However, we believe the absence of high margin political advertising and the dissolution of the WynnBet partnership calls for a more conservative outlook for 2023. In our view, there are troubling near term signs for the company that have led us to take a more sober outlook for 2023.

Economic headwinds and National advertising. Weakness in National advertising continues to be prevalent as macroeconomic headwinds persist. Additionally, we believe Local advertising is starting to show weakness.


Get the Full Report

Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.

This Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Axcella Therapeutics (AXLA) – Long COVID Phase 2b/3 Trial Changes The AXA1125 Outlook


Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Axcella is a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering a new approach to treat complex diseases using compositions of endogenous metabolic modulators (EMMs). The company’s product candidates are comprised of EMMs and derivatives that are engineered in distinct combinations and ratios to restore cellular homeostasis in multiple key biological pathways and improve cellular energetic efficiency. Axcella’s pipeline includes lead therapeutic candidates in Phase 2 development for the treatment of Long COVID and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and the reduction in risk of overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) recurrence. The company’s unique model allows for the evaluation of its EMM compositions through non-IND clinical studies or IND clinical trials. For more information, please visit www.axcellatx.com.

Robert LeBoyer, Vice President, Research Analyst, Life Sciences , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Regulators Agree With Axcella’s Plan For A Phase 2b/3 Clinical Trial. Axcella Heath announced that US and UK regulators have agreed to a plan for a global Phase 2b/3 study of AXA1125 in Long COVID-19 patients. An IND has been submitted to the FDA for trials in the US, and agreement from the UK regulators has been received.  The Phase 2b/3 trial will include other countries to support worldwide approvals.  We see this as an important milestone for AXA1125 and the future of the company.

The Trial Announcement Reduces Uncertainty Around AXA1125.  As discussed in our Research Note on August 3, results from the Phase 2a trial in Long COVID showed a significant improvement in the physical fatigue, mental fatigue, and the 6-minute walk test. In December 2022, the company restructured to preserve cash, raising uncertainty about further development for the drug. The announcement of the Phase 2b/3 IND submission provides a development plan, allowing investors to assess timeframes and progress toward the market.


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Cancer Cells Response to Surroundings

Image Credit: NIH Image Gallery (Flickr)

How Cancer Cells Move and Metastasize is Influenced by the Fluids Surrounding Them – Understanding How Tumors Migrate Can Help Stop Their Spread

Cell migration, or how cells move in the body, is essential to both normal body function and disease progression. Cell movement is what allows body parts to grow in the right place during early development, wounds to heal and tumors to become metastatic.

Over the last century, how researchers understood cell migration was limited to the effects of biochemical signals, or chemotaxis, that direct a cell to move from one place to another. For example, a type of immune cell called a neutrophil migrates toward areas in the body that have a higher concentration of a protein called IL-8, which increases during infection.

In the past two or three decades, however, scientists have started to recognize the importance of the mechanical, or physical, factors that play a role in cell migration. For example, human mammary epithelial cells – the cells lining the milk ducts in the breast – migrate toward areas of increasing stiffness when placed on a surface with a stiffness gradient.

This article was republished with permission from The Conversation, a news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. It represents the research-based findings and thoughts of, Yizeng Li, Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Binghamton University, State University of New York.

And now, instead of focusing on just the effect of the “solid” environment of cells, researchers are turning toward their “fluid” environment. As a theoretician trained in applied mathematics, I use mathematical models to understand the physics behind cell biology. My colleagues Sean X. Sun and Konstantinos Konstantopoulos and I were among the pioneering scientists who discovered how water and hydraulic pressure influence cell migration through theoretical models and lab experiments. In our recently published research, we found that human breast cancer cell migration is enhanced by the flow and viscosity of the fluids surrounding them, clarifying one of the factors influencing how tumors metastasize.

How Fluids Affect Cell Migration

Cells in the human body are constantly exposed to fluids of different physical properties. Water is one such fluid that can direct cell migration. For example, we found that how water flows across the membranes of breast cancer cells influences how they move and metastasize. This is because the amount of water traveling in and out of a cell causes it to shrink or swell, inducing movement by translocating different parts of the cell.

The viscosity, or thickness, of body fluids varies from organ to organ, and from health to disease, and this can also affect cell migration. For example, the fluid between cancer cells in tumors is more viscous than the fluid between normal cells in healthy tissues. When we compared how quickly breast cancer cells move in confined channels filled with fluid of normal viscosity versus fluid of high viscosity, we found that cells in high viscosity channels counterintuitively sped up by a significant 40%. This discovery was unexpected because the fundamental laws of physics tell us that inert particles should slow down in high viscosity fluids due to increased resistance.

We wanted to figure out the mechanism behind this surprising result. So we identified what molecules were involved in this process, discovering a cascade of events that allow high viscosity environments to enhance cell motility.

We found that high viscosity fluids first promote the growth of protein filaments called actin, which open channels in the cell’s membrane and increase water intake. The cell expands from the water, activating another channel that takes in calcium ions. These calcium ions activate another type of protein filament called myosin that induces the cell to move. This cascade of events induces cells to change their structure and generate more force to overcome the resistance imposed by high viscosity fluid, meaning the cells aren’t inert at all.

We also discovered that cells retained “memory” after exposure to a high viscosity medium. This meant that if we put cells in a high viscosity medium for several days and then returned them to a normal viscosity medium, they would still move at a faster speed. How cells retain this memory is still an open question.

We then wondered whether our findings on viscous memory would remain true in animals, not just in Petri dishes. So we exposed human breast cancer cells to a high viscosity medium for six days, then placed them in a normal viscosity medium. We then injected the cells into chicken embryos and mice.

Our results were consistent: Cells pre-exposed to a high viscosity medium had an increased ability to leak into surrounding tissues and metastasize compared to cells that were not pre-exposed. This result demonstrates that the viscosity of the fluids in a cell’s surrounding environment is a mechanobiological cue that promotes cancer cells to metastasize.

Implications for Cancer Treatment

Cancer patients usually don’t die from the original source of the tumor, but from its spread to other parts of the body.

When cancer cells travel through the body, they move into spaces that will have varying fluid viscosity. Understanding how fluid viscosity affects the movement of tumor cells could help researchers figure out ways to better treat and detect cancer before it metastasizes.

The next step is to build imaging and analysis techniques to precisely examine how cells from various types of lab animals respond to changes in fluid viscosity. Identifying the molecules that regulate how cells respond to changes in viscosity could help researchers identify potential drug targets to reduce the spread of cancer.

A Good Place to Start to Evaluate Specific Biotech Companies?  

Image Credit: Andrea Piacquadio (Pexels)

Exploring and Discovering Biotech Stocks

When it comes to hand-selecting companies for investment, a critical ingredient for success is information. This ingredient becomes even more critical with biotech companies. Each year, many companies have been involved in medicine, medical equipment, genetics, and wellness that take off and provide investors with double or triple-digit gains. During the same years, there are stocks in the sector that, on the surface seem to have just as much going for them, yet a diligent peak below the surface demonstrates their success is less probable.

The ability to get below the surface is one reason the JPMorgan Health Symposium draws between 8,000 and 10,000 attendees each year. Attending is an expensive commitment, but firsthand information, insights from others that are in-the-know, and exposure to scientific paths, trends and research that barely existed a few years earlier, can pay off.

If you were not among the 8,000 counted as attending at the 2023 JP Morgan Health Symposium, you’ll want to know, Noble Capital Markets, teamed with Channelchek to provide a video recap with insights and key takeaways on some of the biotech trends that may be worth exploring. This takeaway, coupled with select company presentations and questions from two top equity analysts in the field is sure to build on your current health sector knowledge.  Go Here For More Information (and free access).  

Trends Worth Exploring

Molecular diagnostics, involves taking DNA or RNA which is our unique and easily obtainable genetic code, and analyzing the sequences for red flags. These markers can pinpoint the chance for emergence of specific diseases. This field has expanded rapidly in recent years, with some products now being used regularly. But the potential is for far more to be developed and approved for use. This provides for tremendous profit potential.

Alternative pain relief, non-opioid and non-NAISD pain medications for chronic sufferers, could benefit millions who suffer eah day. The potential runs the gamut from chronic headaches or back pain to situations where one is recovering from surgery, sports injuries, or accidents. Millions of prescriptions are written each year for pain medications. This has, in part fed into the opioid crisis in the U.S. It has prompted an almost emergency-level need for replacing older addictive medications with effective alternatives.  There are a number of companies making gains in this area of great need.

Gene therapy is a technique to treat or cure disease by modifying one’s genes. In many cases, the hope is that it leads to a permanent cure. New gene therapies are being developed for a wide swath of ailments including life-threatening disease. It is expected to be in many cases the next generation of cure. The methods for gene therapy include replacing a disease-causing gene with a healthy copy, or inactivating the disease-causing gene. In other cases a modified gene may be introduced to help treat the disease. The research and development include cancers, infectious disease, organ failures, and autoimmune problems. Many of these companies will be opening the door to welcome life improvements for the some people, and curing what are now incurable diseases for others.

Drilling Down at the Company Level

It may feel uncomfortable to suggest that investing in and backing the right companies that resolve health issues can be profitable to you. But, the truth is, without investments and interest in stock ownership, tomorrow’s miracle drugs would never come to exist.

Watch the Takeaway from the JP Morgan conference with an eye toward what the company presenters deem important, and then listen to the analysts that also drill deeper beyond concept and stage of development, they discuss finances, which for many less experienced biotech investors, isn’t focused on enough. The companies selected for the Noble Capital Markets Takeaway all fall within one the fields mentioned above.  Register Here.

Possible Side-Effects

The J.P. Morgan Healthcare Symposium was held in mid-January. It is one of life science’s largest and most frenzied sharing of information related to the industry. Not everyone gets to go. We’re enthusiastic to be bringing you a slice of the excitement in hopes that you deepen your understanding of not just these companies, but what to look for in others as well.

Paul Hoffman

Managing Editor, Channelchek

Source

https://www.jpmorgan.com/solutions/cib/insights/health-care-conference

https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/JPMorgan-health-care-conference-brings-8-000-to-17706261.php#:~:text=The%20JPMorgan%20health%20care%20conference%2C%20the%20largest%20industry,the%20first%20time%20since%202020%2C%20drawing%208%2C000%20attendees.