aweinsoff@channelchek.com, Author at Channelchek

Release – Tonix Pharmaceuticals Presents Vaccine Platform Data in Keynote Talk at the Vaccine Congress 2024

Posted on June 25, 2024June 25, 2024 by [email protected]

June 25, 2024 8:00am EDT

Tonix’s live virus vaccine TNX-801 is designed to provide long-term protection from mpox and smallpox with one dose

TNX-801 vaccination demonstrated efficacy in protecting animals from lethal challenge with intratracheal monkeypox

Clade II mpox is now endemic in the U.S. with >30,000 cases reported since May 2022¹ and Clade I mpox is endemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo²

Tonix’s vaccine platform has been selected by NIH’s Project NextGen for clinical testing

CHATHAM, N.J., June 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. (Nasdaq: TNXP) (Tonix or the Company), a fully-integrated biopharmaceutical company with marketed products and a pipeline of development candidates, today announced data presented at an oral Keynote Talk at the Vaccine Congress 2024 held June 24-25, 2024 in Prague, Czech Republic. A copy of the Company’s presentation is available under the Scientific Presentations tab of the Tonix website at www.tonixpharma.com.

The presentation titled, “A New Live Virus, One Dose Vaccine Platform for Mpox, Smallpox and COVID-19”, detailed the Company’s vaccine platform, including TNX-801 (horsepox, live virus) vaccine for preventing mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) and smallpox and TNX-1800 (horsepox expressing SARS-CoV-2 spike protein) for protecting against COVID-19. TNX-801 and TNX-1800 are live replicating attenuated vaccines based on horsepox that are believed to provide immune protection with better tolerability than modern vaccinia viruses. In the presentation, Tonix highlighted positive preclinical efficacy data, demonstrating that TNX-801 protected non-human primates against lethal challenge with intratracheal Clade 1 monkeypox virus³. After a single dose vaccination, TNX-801 prevented clinical disease and lesions and also decreased shedding in the mouth and lungs of non-human primates. These findings are consistent with mucosal immunity and suggest the ability to block forward transmission, similar to Dr. Edward Jenner’s vaccinia vaccine, which eradicated smallpox and kept mpox out of the human population.

“We are excited for the prospects of our live virus vaccine platform and look forward to advancing development for our vaccine candidates to prevent mpox, smallpox, COVID and other infectious diseases,” said Seth Lederman, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Tonix. “TNX-801 combines immune protection with improved tolerability compared to other vaccines based on orthopoxviruses. TNX-801 is administered with a single dose which has advantages over two-dose regimens. We believe TNX-801 can be rapidly scaled up for manufacturing and can be distributed and stored without a costly and cumbersome ultra-cold supply chain. TNX-801 also has the potential to be used as a viral vector platform, for which recombinant versions can be developed to protect against other infectious diseases. Tonix developed TNX-1800 as a vaccine to protect against COVID-19. We are excited that TNX-1800 was selected for the U.S. National Institute of Health’s (NIH’s) Project NextGen and we look forward to providing updates on the program.”

The presentation noted that the global mpox outbreak, which commenced in 2022, has affected over 90,000 persons in countries where mpox had previously not been endemic, including Europe and the US. The spread of Clade IIb strain mpox in 2022 underscores the pandemic potential of mpox. Unlike Clade IIb mpox, the Clade I strain of mpox remains restricted to several Central African countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where it is currently endemic. Clade I mpox is typically associated with higher case fatality rates than Clade IIb mpox. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other experts, there is a significant risk that the deadlier Clade I strain may appear in the U.S.^1,⁴.

Further, the presentation noted that the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense recently highlighted the renewed dual threats of both a more virulent mpox epidemic as well as smallpox re-introduction from lab accidents or bad actors, while the National Academies of Science, in its review of smallpox preparedness, highlighted the need for new single dose vaccines against smallpox⁵^,⁶.

The keynote presentation also included preclinical data for TNX-1800, demonstrating immunity and tolerability⁷^,⁸. TNX-1800 was selected by the NIH’s Project NextGen for inclusion in clinical trials as part of a select group of next generation COVID-19 vaccine candidates with the intent to identify promising vaccine platforms. NIH plans to conduct a Phase 1 trial and cover the full cost, while Tonix provides the vaccine candidate.

Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp.^*

Tonix is a fully-integrated biopharmaceutical company focused on developing, licensing and commercializing therapeutics to treat and prevent human disease and alleviate suffering. Tonix’s development portfolio is focused on central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Tonix’s priority is to submit a New Drug Application (NDA) to the FDA in the second half of 2024 for Tonmya^*^*, a product candidate for which two statistically significant Phase 3 studies have been completed for the management of fibromyalgia. TNX-102 SL is also being developed to treat acute stress reaction as well as fibromyalgia-type Long COVID. Tonix’s CNS portfolio includes TNX-1300 (cocaine esterase), a biologic designed to treat cocaine intoxication that has Breakthrough Therapy designation. Tonix’s immunology development portfolio consists of biologics to address organ transplant rejection, autoimmunity and cancer, including TNX-1500, which is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting CD40-ligand (CD40L or CD154) being developed for the prevention of allograft rejection and for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Tonix also has product candidates in development in the areas of rare disease and infectious disease. Tonix Medicines, our commercial subsidiary, markets Zembrace^® SymTouch^® (sumatriptan injection) 3 mg and Tosymra^® (sumatriptan nasal spray) 10 mg for the treatment of acute migraine with or without aura in adults.

*Tonix’s product development candidates are investigational new drugs or biologics and have not been approved for any indication.

**Tonmya™ is conditionally accepted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as the tradename for TNX-102 SL for the management of fibromyalgia. Tonmya has not been approved for any indication.

¹McQuiston JH, et al. U.S. Preparedness and Response to Increasing Clade I Mpox Cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2024, MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep: United States. p. 435-440
²CDC. 2022-2023 Mpox: US Map and Case Count. https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/response/2022/us-map.html
³Noyce RS, et al. Viruses. 2023 Jan 26;15(2):356. doi: 10.3390/v15020356. PMID: 36851570; PMCID: PMC9965234
⁴World Health OrganizationSAGE meeting highlights on updated mpox vaccine recommendations. 2024, March
⁵Bipartisan Commission on Biofence. Box the Pox: Redicing the risk of Smallpox and Other Orthopoxviruses, Washington:2024
⁶U.S. National Academies of Science. Future State of Smallpox Medical Countermeasures. Washington:2024
⁷Awasthi M, et al. Viruses. 2023 Oct 21;15(10):2131. doi: 10.3390/v15102131. PMID: 37896908; PMCID: PMC10612059.
⁸Awashti AM et al Vaccines (Basel). 2023 Nov 2;11(11):1682. doi:10.3390/vaccines11111682.PMID: 38006014

Zembrace SymTouch and Tosymra are registered trademarks of Tonix Medicines. All other marks are property of their respective owners.

This press release and further information about Tonix can be found at www.tonixpharma.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “expect,” and “intend,” among others. These forward-looking statements are based on Tonix’s current expectations and actual results could differ materially. There are a number of factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, risks related to the failure to obtain FDA clearances or approvals and noncompliance with FDA regulations; risks related to the failure to successfully market any of our products; risks related to the timing and progress of clinical development of our product candidates; our need for additional financing; uncertainties of patent protection and litigation; uncertainties of government or third party payor reimbursement; limited research and development efforts and dependence upon third parties; and substantial competition. As with any pharmaceutical under development, there are significant risks in the development, regulatory approval and commercialization of new products. Tonix does not undertake an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement. Investors should read the risk factors set forth in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on April 1, 2024, and periodic reports filed with the SEC on or after the date thereof. All of Tonix’s forward-looking statements are expressly qualified by all such risk factors and other cautionary statements. The information set forth herein speaks only as of the date thereof.

Investor Contact

Jessica Morris
Tonix Pharmaceuticals
[email protected]
(862) 904-8182

Peter Vozzo
ICR Westwicke
[email protected]
(443) 213-0505

Media Contact

Katie Dodge
LaVoieHealthScience
[email protected]
(978) 360-3151

Source: Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp.

Released June 25, 2024

Release – Unicycive Therapeutics Achieves Study Objective in Oxylanthanum Carbonate (OLC) Pivotal Clinical Trial

Posted on June 25, 2024June 25, 2024 by [email protected]

Research News and Market Data on UNCY

June 25, 2024 7:30am EDT

– Successfully Established Favorable Tolerability and Safety of OLC –

– New Drug Application (NDA) Submission Anticipated in Q3 2024 –

– Webcast and Conference Call Today at 8:30 A.M. ET –

LOS ALTOS, Calif., June 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Unicycive Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: UNCY), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing therapies for patients with kidney disease (the “Company” or “Unicycive”), today announced positive results from the Oxylanthanum Carbonate (OLC) UNI-OLC-201 pivotal clinical trial with regard to both safety and tolerability endpoints. OLC is a next-generation lanthanum-based phosphate binding agent utilizing proprietary nanoparticle technology being developed for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

The study established promising tolerability of OLC at clinically effective doses in CKD patients on hemodialysis. In terms of tolerability, OLC had a low rate of discontinuation due to adverse events (AEs) with only 5/86 patients (6%) discontinuing from the Study. Of the 5 discontinuations, 3 were treatment-related and 2 were not related to treatment. Importantly, the Company believes the low discontinuation rate for OLC compares favorably to a discontinuation rate due to AEs of 14% for Fosrenol^® from its U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved Package Insert.

The primary endpoint was defined as the rate of discontinuations due to treatment-related AEs leading to discontinuation in the maintenance period. In the UNI-OLC-201 trial, there was only 1 discontinuation due to a treatment-related AE in the Evaluable Population (n=71), a rate of 1.4%. In the full Safety Population, a total of 3 patients discontinued due to treatment-related AEs, a rate of 3.5%.

The secondary endpoint assessing safety was also favorable as most treatment-related AEs were mild to moderate in severity and there were no treatment-related serious adverse events (SAEs) reported in the Safety Population. The treatment-related AEs reported in ≥5% of patients were diarrhea (9%) and vomiting (6%) which also compares favorably to Fosrenol and other phosphate binders on the market.

While the study was not designed to evaluate efficacy, the trial enrolled patients on stable doses of approved hyperphosphatemia medications. At baseline approximately 59% of patients had phosphate levels ≤5.5 mg/dL, the level recommended by KDOQI guidelines. After washout from the prior phosphate binders, 90% of patients were able to achieve phosphate levels ≤5.5ng/dL at the end of titration with OLC.

“We are immensely pleased with the outcome of the UNI-OLC-201 clinical trial as the results demonstrate extremely promising tolerability results in real-world dialysis patients,” said Shalabh Gupta, MD, Chief Executive Officer of Unicycive. “The study was well received by investigators and patients as we were able to successfully over-enroll the study with 71 evaluable patients. In addition, we were able to obtain phosphate control in 90% of the Safety Population during titration and OLC proved to be highly potent at lower doses. We would like to thank our investigators, study coordinators, and the patients who dedicated their time and energy for our clinical trial.”

Dr. Gupta continued, “We believe these favorable results confirming tolerability for OLC are the final data component needed to support submission of a New Drug Application to the FDA utilizing the 505(b)(2) regulatory pathway. The submission package will also include the previously disclosed preclinical data and the data establishing bioequivalence to Fosrenol. The encouraging performance of OLC gives us a high degree of confidence and provides potential clinical validation of OLC’s best-in-class commercial promise for patients suffering from hyperphosphatemia.”

“Based on real world evidence, approximately 40% of patients on dialysis are unable to achieve adequate serum phosphate control as defined by established KDOQI treatment guidelines¹. The UNI-OLC-201 study was representative of the U.S. dialysis patient population. Uncontrolled hyperphosphatemia is an important problem for patients and physicians because it can lead to other major complications including cardiovascular disease. I am encouraged by the results from the OLC pivotal trial, and I believe that a product like OLC that improves phosphate control and reduces the number of pills could have a meaningful impact on the overall care of CKD patients on dialysis,” added Pablo Pergola, MD, PhD, Research Director, Clinical Advancement Center, Renal Associates, P.A., and principal investigator for the UNI-OLC-201 trial.

Conference Call & Webcast Details

Unicycive will host a webcast and conference call with accompanying slides today at 8:30 a.m. ET. The live and archived webcast may be accessed on the Unicycive website under the Investors section: Events and Presentations. The live call can be accessed by dialing +1 (646) 876-9923 with Meeting ID: 96518079674 and Passcode: 273069.

Presentation slides will be provided at the start of the conference call on the Unicycive website under the Investors section: Events and Presentations.

OLC-201 Data Summary

Overview

The results from the trial are focused on two patient populations: the full Safety Population and the Evaluable Population. The Safety Population (n=86) included all patients who entered titration and received at least one dose of OLC. The Evaluable Population (n=71) required a patient to have a serum phosphate level of ≤5.5 mg/dL at the end of titration and received at least one dose of OLC in the maintenance period.

Once patients were enrolled into the trial, they went through a washout period for two weeks to clear their current phosphate binder from the body. Participants were initially dosed at 500 mg of OLC three times a day (TID) and titrated to a clinically effective dose that is defined as the dose required to achieve a serum phosphate level of ≤5.5 mg/dL. The maximum dose of OLC tested was 3000 mg/day (1000 mg TID). As a reminder, all approved phosphate binders are administered on a dose titration schedule based on the control of serum phosphate. Once titrated to a clinically effective dose, patients were then treated in a maintenance period with OLC for four weeks to evaluate tolerability.

Demographics and Enrollment Summary

In the study, 106 patients were enrolled, of which 86 patients entered titration and were followed as the Safety Population. Of the 86, 78 entered the maintenance period. Of the 78 patients that entered maintenance, 7 patients did not have phosphate control, leaving an Evaluable Population of 71 patients, exceeding the planned enrollment number of 60. Of the 86 patients, the trial enrolled 47 males and 39 females with a mean age of 62. Renvela^® was the most prescribed phosphate binder for patients entering the study.

Primary Endpoint – Tolerability:

The objective of the OLC-201 trial was to evaluate the tolerability of clinically effective doses of OLC in CKD patients on dialysis. A clinically effective dose was established when a patient achieved a serum phosphate level ≤5.5 mg/dL. Tolerability was assessed based on the incidence of treatment-related AEs leading to discontinuation from the study in the maintenance period. In the OLC-201 trial, there was only 1 discontinuation due to a treatment-related AE in the Evaluable Population, a rate of 1.4%. In the Safety Population of 86 patients there were only 3 treatment-related discontinuations, a rate of 3.5%. In total, 5 patients discontinued due to AEs in the Safety Population, 3 were related to OLC and 2 were deemed unrelated to OLC.

Secondary Endpoint – Safety:

The secondary endpoint assessing safety was reported as the treatment-related AEs occurring in ≥5% of patients. The safety analysis covered all 86 patients in the Safety Population. Consistent with the AEs observed with other phosphate binders, the AEs were gastrointestinal related with diarrhea and vomiting being the most common at 9% and 6% respectively. There were no treatment-related serious adverse events (SAEs). Six patients experienced SAEs but those were deemed not related to OLC treatment. Most treatment-related AEs were mild to moderate in severity with only 2 AEs reported as severe.

Unicycive continues to assess the pharmacokinetics from this trial and those final data will be included in the NDA package.

Serum Phosphate Control

While the UNI-OLC-201 study was not designed to evaluate efficacy, the trial enrolled patients on stable doses of approved hyperphosphatemia medications. At baseline 59% of patients had phosphate levels ≤5.5 mg/dL, the level recommended by KDOQI guidelines. After washout from the prior phosphate binders, 90% of patients were able to achieve phosphate levels ≤5.5ng/dL at the end of titration with OLC. This includes the last serum phosphate levels from all patients including those that discontinued during titration: 77/86 (90%).

In addition, 69% of the 71 Evaluable Patients achieved a target serum phosphate level of ≤5.5 mg/dL at OLC doses of 1500 mg/day or lower.

About Oxylanthanum Carbonate (OLC)

Oxylanthanum carbonate is a next-generation lanthanum-based phosphate binding agent utilizing proprietary nanoparticle technology being developed for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). OLC has over forty issued and granted patents globally. Its potential best-in-class profile may have meaningful patient adherence benefits over currently available treatment options as it requires a lower pill burden for patients in terms of number and size of pills per dose that are swallowed instead of chewed. Based on a survey conducted in 2022, Nephrologists stated that the greatest unmet need in the treatment of hyperphosphatemia with phosphate binders is a lower pill burden and better patient compliance.² The global market opportunity for treating hyperphosphatemia is projected to be in excess of $2.5 billion in 2023, with the United States accounting for more than $1 billion of that total.³ Despite the availability of several FDA-cleared medications, 75 percent of U.S. dialysis patients fail to achieve the target phosphorus levels recommended by published medical guidelines.

Unicycive is seeking FDA approval of OLC via the 505(b)(2) regulatory pathway. As part of the clinical development program, two prior clinical studies were conducted in over 100 healthy volunteers. The first study was a dose-ranging Phase I study to determine safety and tolerability. The second study was a randomized, open-label, two-way crossover bioequivalence study to establish pharmacodynamic bioequivalence between OLC and Fosrenol. Based on the topline results of the bioequivalence study, pharmacodynamic (PD) bioequivalence of OLC to Fosrenol was established.

About Hyperphosphatemia

Hyperphosphatemia is a serious medical condition that occurs in nearly all patients with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). If left untreated, hyperphosphatemia leads to secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), which then results in renal osteodystrophy (a condition similar to osteoporosis and associated with significant bone disease, fractures and bone pain); cardiovascular disease with associated hardening of arteries and atherosclerosis (due to deposition of excess calcium-phosphorus complexes in soft tissue). Importantly, hyperphosphatemia is independently associated with increased mortality for patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis. Based on available clinical data to date, over 80% of patients show signs of cardiovascular calcification by the time they become dependent on dialysis.

Dialysis patients are already at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (because of underlying diseases such as diabetes and hypertension), and hyperphosphatemia further exacerbates this. Treatment of hyperphosphatemia is aimed at lowering serum phosphate levels via two means: (1) restricting dietary phosphorus intake; and (2) using, on a daily basis, and with each meal, oral phosphate binding drugs that facilitate fecal elimination of dietary phosphate rather than its absorption from the gastrointestinal tract into the bloodstream.

About Unicycive Therapeutics

Unicycive Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing novel treatments for kidney diseases. Unicycive’s lead drug candidate, oxylanthanum carbonate (OLC), is a novel investigational phosphate binding agent being developed for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia in chronic kidney disease patients on dialysis. UNI-494 is a patent-protected new chemical entity in clinical development for the treatment of conditions related to acute kidney injury. For more information, please visit Unicycive.com and follow us on LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.

Forward-looking statements

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified using words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “forecast,” “estimated” and “intend” or other similar terms or expressions that concern Unicycive’s expectations, strategy, plans or intentions. These forward-looking statements are based on Unicycive’s current expectations and actual results could differ materially. There are several factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, clinical trials involve a lengthy and expensive process with an uncertain outcome, and results of earlier studies and trials may not be predictive of future trial results; our clinical trials may be suspended or discontinued due to unexpected side effects or other safety risks that could preclude approval of our product candidates; risks related to business interruptions, which could seriously harm our financial condition and increase our costs and expenses; dependence on key personnel; substantial competition; uncertainties of patent protection and litigation; dependence upon third parties; and risks related to failure to obtain FDA clearances or approvals and noncompliance with FDA regulations. Topline data from the Oxylanthanum carbonate (OLC) pivotal trial is preliminary and subject to change based on further detailed analysis. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: the uncertainties related to market conditions and other factors described more fully in the section entitled ‘Risk Factors’ in Unicycive’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and other periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and Unicycive specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Fosrenol^® (lanthanum carbonate) is a registered trademark of Shire International Licensing BV.
Renvela^® (sevelamer carbonate) is a registered trademark of Sanofi.

¹KDOQI treatment guidelines
²Reason Research, LLC 2022 company sponsored survey. Results here.
³Fortune Business Insights^TM, Hyperphosphatemia Treatment Market, 2021-2028

Investor Contact:

[email protected]
(650) 543-5470

SOURCE: Unicycive Therapeutics, Inc.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d5d3fbf1-f566-4d9c-9a33-489e7b4cf1f4

Source: Unicycive Therapeutics, Inc.

Released June 25, 2024

Release – Bowlero’s Summer Season Pass Hits $6 Million In Sales

Posted on June 24, 2024June 24, 2024 by [email protected]

Research News and Market Data on BOWL

06/24/2024

RICHMOND, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Bowlero Corp. (NYSE: BOWL) (“Bowlero” or the “Company”), one of the World’s premier operators of location-based entertainment announced today that its Summer Season Pass exceeded $6 million in sales to date, marking an all-time high in pass sales for the company with over two months worth of sales opportunity remaining. This achievement highlights the growing popularity of the Summer Season Pass and Bowlero’s commitment to delivering value and entertainment to its guests.

“Our Summer Season Pass was specifically designed to enhance the bowling experience for our guests,” said Lev Ekster, President of Bowlero Corp. “This year’s sales reflect our commitment to innovation and guest satisfaction and we are pleased to see such a positive response from the consumer this early in the season. It remains our mission to create memorable experiences for our guests, and the Summer Season Pass is a key part of that customer journey.”

The Summer Season Pass allows guests to enjoy two games of bowling every day throughout the summer, with the option to upgrade to a Premium Pass for additional perks such as 15% off food and non-alcoholic beverages, a $5 arcade card reload each visit, and use at all participating locations nationwide. With extended hours at locations over the summer months, Bowlero is guaranteeing guests have more opportunities to bowl, meeting the needs of avid bowlers and attracting new customers looking for summer activities.

This initiative offers additional benefits to the company by encouraging guests to visit Bowlero locations more frequently over the summer months, creating a consistent flow of traffic. The Summer Season Pass not only introduces a new revenue stream for the company but also expands Bowlero’s reach to a broader audience. By offering an affordable and attractive entertainment option, Bowlero can appeal to new guests, foster long-term customer relationships, and improve brand loyalty carrying that positive consumer sentiment into the fall and winter seasons.

“Our team has gone above and beyond to create an unforgettable environment for guests this summer,” said Jeff Gliner, Chief Operating Officer of Bowlero Corp. “The increased traffic from the summer pass holders will drive uptake in our updated menu offerings rolling out this summer.”

The Summer Season Pass is on sale now at www.SummerSeasonPass.com and can be redeemed through September 2, 2024.

About Bowlero Corp.

Bowlero Corporation is one of the World’s premier operators of location-based entertainment. With approximately 350 locations across North America, the Company serves more than 40 million guest visits annually through a family of brands that include Lucky Strike, Bowlero and AMF. In 2019, Bowlero acquired the Professional Bowlers Association, the major league of bowling and a growing media property that boasts millions of fans around the globe. For more information on Bowlero, please visit BowleroCorp.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Some of the statements contained in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that involve risk, assumptions and uncertainties, such as statements of our plans, objectives, expectations, intentions and forecasts. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms “anticipate,” “believe,” “confident,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and, in each case, their negative or other various or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements reflect our views with respect to future events as of the date of this release and are based on our management’s current expectations, estimates, forecasts, projections, assumptions, beliefs and information. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct. All such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of our control, and could cause future events or results to be materially different from those stated or implied in this document. It is not possible to predict or identify all such risks. These risks include, but are not limited to: our ability to design and execute our business strategy; changes in consumer preferences and buying patterns; our ability to compete in our markets; the occurrence of unfavorable publicity; risks associated with long-term non-cancellable leases for our centers; our ability to retain key managers; risks associated with our substantial indebtedness and limitations on future sources of liquidity; our ability to carry out our expansion plans; our ability to successfully defend litigation brought against us; our ability to adequately obtain, maintain, protect and enforce our intellectual property and proprietary rights and claims of intellectual property and proprietary right infringement, misappropriation or other violation by competitors and third parties; failure to hire and retain qualified employees and personnel; the cost and availability of commodities and other products we need to operate our business; cybersecurity breaches, cyber-attacks and other interruptions to our and our third-party service providers’ technological and physical infrastructures; catastrophic events, including war, terrorism and other conflicts; public health emergencies and pandemics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, or natural catastrophes and accidents; changes in the regulatory atmosphere and related private sector initiatives; fluctuations in our operating results; economic conditions, including the impact of increasing interest rates, inflation and recession; and other factors described under the section titled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) by the Company on September 11, 2023, as well as other filings that the Company will make, or has made, with the SEC, such as Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this press release and in other filings. We expressly disclaim any obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

For Media:

[email protected]

Source: Bowlero Corp

Release – Cadent, LLC Completes Acquisition of AdTheorent Holding Company, Inc.

Posted on June 21, 2024June 21, 2024 by [email protected]

Research News and Market Data on ADTH

Jun 21, 2024

PDF Version

NEW YORK, June 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AdTheorent Holding Company, Inc. (“AdTheorent” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: ADTH), a machine learning pioneer delivering measurable value for programmatic advertisers, today announced that Cadent, LLC, a leading provider of platform-based converged TV advertising solutions and a portfolio company of Novacap, one of North America’s established private equity firms, completed its acquisition of AdTheorent for $3.21 per share in an all-cash transaction that valued AdTheorent at approximately $324 million.

With the completion of the transaction, AdTheorent’s common stock has ceased trading and is no longer listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market and will not trade in any other public market.

Advisors:

Canaccord Genuity acted as financial advisor and McDermott Will & Emery LLP acted as legal counsel to AdTheorent in connection with the transaction. Moelis & Company LLC acted as lead financial advisor, and Baker Botts LLP provided legal counsel, to Cadent.

About AdTheorent:

AdTheorent uses advanced machine learning technology to deliver impactful advertising campaigns for marketers. AdTheorent’s advanced machine learning-powered media buying platform powers its predictive targeting, predictive audiences audience extension solutions and in-house creative capability, Studio A\T. Focused on the predictive value of machine learning models, AdTheorent’s product suite and flexible transaction models allow advertisers to identify the most qualified potential consumers coupled with the optimal creative experience to deliver superior results, measured by each advertiser’s real-world business goals. AdTheorent is headquartered in New York, with fourteen locations across the United States and Canada.

AdTheorent is consistently recognized with numerous technology, product, growth and workplace awards. AdTheorent was named “Best AdTech Platform” in the 2024 Digiday Media Awards and was honored with an AI Breakthrough Award and “Most Innovative Product” (B.I.G. Innovation Awards) for six consecutive years. Additionally, AdTheorent is the only seven-time recipient of Frost & Sullivan’s “Digital Advertising Leadership Award.” In September 2023, evidencing its continued prioritization of its team, AdTheorent was named a Crain’s Top 100 Best Place to Work in NYC for the tenth consecutive year. AdTheorent ranked tenth in the Large Employer Category and 26th Overall in 2023. For more information, visit adtheorent.com.

About Cadent:

Cadent connects the TV advertising ecosystem. Cadent helps advertisers and publishers identify and understand audiences, activate campaigns, and measure what matters – across any TV content or device. Aperture, the company’s converged TV platform, simplifies cross-screen advertising through a streamlined workflow that brings together identity, data, and inventory with hundreds of integrated partners. For more information, visit cadent.tv.

About Novacap:

Founded in 1981, Novacap is a leading North American private equity firm with over C$8B of AUM that has invested in more than 100 platform companies and completed more than 150 add-on acquisitions. Applying its sector-focused approach since 2007 in Industries, TMT, Financial Services, and Digital Infrastructure, Novacap’s deep domain expertise can accelerate company growth and create long-term value. With experienced, dedicated investment and operations teams as well as substantial capital, Novacap has the resources and knowledge that help build world-class businesses. Novacap has offices in Montreal, Toronto, and New York.

For more information, please visit www.novacap.ca.

Investor Contact:

David DeStefano, ICR
[email protected]
(203) 682-8383

Press Contact:

Melanie Berger, AdTheorent
[email protected]
(850) 567-0082

Release – Ocugen Announces Data and Safety Monitoring Board Approves Enrollment In High Dose Cohort 3 In GARDian Study For Stargardt Disease

Posted on June 21, 2024June 21, 2024 by [email protected]

Research News and Market Data on OCGN

June 21, 2024

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• Established Medium Dose as Safe and Tolerable Dose in Current OCU410ST Clinical Trial
• DSMB Determination to Proceed with High Dose Cohort Dosing

MALVERN, Pa., June 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ocugen, Inc. (Ocugen or the Company) (NASDAQ: OCGN), a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel gene and cell therapies and vaccines, today announced that the Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) for the OCU410ST GARDian clinical trial recently convened and approved to proceed with dosing the high dose of OCU410ST in the dose-escalation phase of the study. OCU410ST (AAV5-hRORA) is a modifier gene therapy candidate being developed for Stargardt disease. Stargardt disease affects approximately 100,000 people in the U.S. and Europe combined.

Six patients with Stargardt disease have been dosed in the Phase 1/2 clinical trial to date in the low dose cohort and medium dose cohort. An additional three patients will be dosed with the high dose in cohort 3.

“The DSMB has recommended moving forward to dose subsequent subjects with Stargardt disease at the targeted high dose,” said Dr. Peter Y. Chang, MD, FACS, DSMB Chair for the OCU410ST clinical trial. “No serious adverse events (SAEs) related to OCU410ST have been reported to date. This is an important next step in the clinical progress for OCU410ST and encouraging for patients living with this most common form of inherited retinal disease.”

“We are delighted to report a second positive DSMB recommendation for the treatment of Stargardt disease and build upon the favorable safety and tolerability profile exhibited by OCU410ST,” said Huma Qamar, M.D., MPH, Chief Medical Officer of Ocugen. “We recognize the high unmet medical need for Stargardt patients as there is no approved product. We are enthusiastic about OCU410ST as a potential one-time treatment for life with a single sub-retinal injection. We look forward to sharing a clinical trial update later this year.”

The Phase 1/2 GARDian clinical trial will include up to 42 subjects—30 adults and 12 children with Stargardt disease—who exhibit mild to moderate disease symptoms and will assess the safety of unilateral subretinal administration of OCU410ST. The clinical trial is being conducted in two phases. Phase 1 is a multicenter, open-label, dose-ranging/dose-escalation study consisting of three dose levels [low dose (3.75× 10¹⁰ vg/mL), medium dose (7.5× 10¹⁰ vg/mL), and high dose (2.25× 10¹¹ vg/mL)]. Phase 2 is a randomized, outcome accessor-blinded, dose-expansion study in which adult and pediatric subjects will be enrolled in a 1:1:1 ratio to randomize subjects into two different treatment groups at varying dose levels, or a control (untreated group), allowing for a comprehensive assessment of the treatment’s efficacy across different dosages.

Currently, patients with Stargardt disease have no FDA-approved therapeutic options. Ocugen is dedicated to providing a gene-agnostic treatment approach for patients living with inherited retinal diseases and is encouraged that the Phase 1/2 GARDian trial for OCU410ST remains on track.

About Stargardt Disease

Stargardt disease is a genetic eye disorder that causes retinal degeneration and vision loss. Stargardt disease is the most common form of inherited macular degeneration. The progressive vision loss associated with Stargardt disease is caused by the degeneration of photoreceptor cells in the central portion of the retina called the macula.

Decreased central vision due to loss of photoreceptors in the macula is the hallmark of Stargardt disease. Some peripheral vision is usually preserved. Stargardt disease typically develops during childhood or adolescence, but the age of onset and rate of progression can vary. The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), a layer of cells supporting photoreceptors, is also affected in people with Stargardt disease.

About OCU410ST

OCU410ST utilizes an AAV delivery platform for the retinal delivery of the RORA (RAR Related Orphan Receptor A) gene. It represents Ocugen’s modifier gene therapy approach, which is based on Nuclear Hormone Receptor (NHR) RORA that regulates pathway links to Stargardt disease such as lipofuscin formation, oxidative stress, complement formation, inflammation, and cell survival networks.

About Ocugen, Inc.
Ocugen, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel gene and cell therapies and vaccines that improve health and offer hope for patients across the globe. We are making an impact on patient’s lives through courageous innovation—forging new scientific paths that harness our unique intellectual and human capital. Our breakthrough modifier gene therapy platform has the potential to treat multiple retinal diseases with a single product, and we are advancing research in infectious diseases to support public health and orthopedic diseases to address unmet medical needs. Discover more at www.ocugen.com and follow us on X and LinkedIn.

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements regarding qualitative assessments of available data, potential benefits, expectations for ongoing clinical trials, anticipated regulatory filings and anticipated development timelines, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. We may, in some cases, use terms such as “predicts,” “believes,” “potential,” “proposed,” “continue,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “may,” “could,” “might,” “will,” “should,” or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to numerous important factors, risks, and uncertainties that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from our current expectations, including, but not limited to, the risks that preliminary, interim and top-line clinical trial results may not be indicative of, and may differ from, final clinical data; that unfavorable new clinical trial data may emerge in ongoing clinical trials or through further analyses of existing clinical trial data; that earlier non-clinical and clinical data and testing of may not be predictive of the results or success of later clinical trials; and that that clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and assessments, including by regulatory authorities. These and other risks and uncertainties are more fully described in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the risk factors described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the quarterly and annual reports that we file with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements that we make in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this press release whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, after the date of this press release.

Contact:
Tiffany Hamilton
Head of Communications
[email protected]

Release – Conduent Recognized as a Leader in 2024 NelsonHall CX Services Transformation Report

Posted on June 20, 2024June 20, 2024 by [email protected]

Research News and Market Data on CNDT

JUNE 20, 2024

Conduent named a leader in Cost Optimization Capability in 2024 NEAT

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Conduent Incorporated (Nasdaq: CNDT), a global technology-led business solutions and services company, today announced that NelsonHall, a global analyst firm, has named the company a market leader in its 2024 NelsonHall Evaluation and Assessment Tool (NEAT) for CX Services Transformation. This year’s report evaluated 17 companies on their customer experience (CX) services across a range of criteria.

This year’s NEAT report identified Conduent as a leader for:

Expertise in knowledge management transformation with implementations across multiple verticals
Strong employee training and learning practice with technology interventions
CX transformation offerings, such as knowledge management, training, work from home and quality assurance
Strong portfolio of sector-specific CX services in the high-growth healthcare, travel and transportation verticals

Ivan Kotzev, Lead CX Services Analyst at NelsonHall, said, “Brands increasingly understand the need to change entire journeys and customer experiences spanning different internal functions and external ecosystems. Conduent’s CX consulting and advisory approach aims to tackle this fundamental change in the CX industry, and it is productizing its CX consulting services as part of the larger market shift to ‘as-a-service’ transformation.”

“Strategic organizations have recognized the many benefits of outsourcing their CX services including improved customer satisfaction, cost reduction, increased sales, expanded access to leading technology, scalability and geographical diversification,” said Randall King, Executive Vice President and President of Commercial Solutions at Conduent. “We value NelsonHall’s thoughtful evaluation of the CX marketplace and their analysis that Conduent, as a leader, can be the answer for organizations looking for reduced upfront capital investments, flexibility in the face of external instability and accelerated technology access and scale.”

In one example for a leading global logistics company, Conduent was able to help its client cost effectively and quickly scale both English and Spanish customer service. Conduent was able to achieve 40% cost savings, while delivering lower handle times and consistent high quality for multiple lines of business including customer service and retail store calls in English and Spanish. The Conduent CX team was able to achieve these outcomes using a unique combination of technology and data analytics to deliver targeted coaching, focus on efficiencies and develop innovative onboarding processes.

NelsonHall defines leaders for their ability to meet future client requirements as well as delivering immediate benefits to its CX services clients.

To read a custom version of the NEAT for CX Services Transformation focused on Conduent’s Customer Experience Management Solutions, visit https://insights.conduent.com/reports/cx-services-transformation.

About Conduent
Conduent delivers digital business solutions and services spanning the commercial, government and transportation spectrum – creating valuable outcomes for its clients and the millions of people who count on them. The Company leverages cloud computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, automation and advanced analytics to deliver mission-critical solutions. Through a dedicated global team of approximately 59,000 associates, process expertise and advanced technologies, Conduent’s solutions and services digitally transform its clients’ operations to enhance customer experiences, improve performance, increase efficiencies and reduce costs. Conduent adds momentum to its clients’ missions in many ways including disbursing approximately $100 billion in government payments annually, enabling 2.3 billion customer service interactions annually, empowering millions of employees through HR services every year and processing nearly 13 million tolling transactions every day. Learn more at www.conduent.com.

Note: To receive RSS news feeds, visit www.news.conduent.com. For open commentary, industry perspectives and views, visit http://twitter.com/Conduent, http://www.linkedin.com/company/conduent or http://www.facebook.com/Conduent.

Trademarks
Conduent is a trademark of Conduent Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Media Contacts

LISA PATTERSON

Conduent

[email protected]

+1-816-305-4421

GILES GOODBURN

Conduent

[email protected]

+1-203-216-3546

Release – Tonix Pharmaceuticals Announces Positive Pre-NDA CMC Meeting with FDA for Tonmya™ for the Management of Fibromyalgia

Posted on June 20, 2024June 20, 2024 by [email protected]

Research News and Market Data on TNXP

June 20, 2024 8:00am EDT

Company aligned with FDA on key CMC topics

Tonix also has completed the second and final pre-New Drug Application (NDA) meeting and discussed nonclinical, clinical pharmacology and clinical matters with the FDA, formal minutes pending

On track to submit NDA to the FDA in the second half of 2024

CHATHAM, N.J., June 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. (Nasdaq: TNXP) (Tonix or the Company), a fully-integrated biopharmaceutical company with marketed products and a pipeline of development candidates, today announced receipt of the formal minutes from a recent pre-New Drug Application (NDA) Type-B Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Tonmya™ for the management of fibromyalgia. The purpose of the meeting was to seek alignment and agreement with the FDA on key CMC topics to support a planned NDA submission for Tonmya for the management of fibromyalgia. Based on formal written feedback, the Company believes it is aligned with the FDA on key topics, including proposed drug substance and drug product commercial specifications, shelf life assignment, manufacturing and commercial drug packaging.

In addition, the Company has completed the second and final pre-NDA meeting for Tonmya with the FDA and discussed nonclinical, clinical pharmacology and clinical matters. The Company awaits formal minutes after which it expects to announce the results of that meeting. The Company remains on track to submit the NDA for Tonmya for the management of fibromyalgia to the FDA in the second half of 2024.

“We remain encouraged and excited about the prospect of bringing the first new treatment to market for fibromyalgia patients in over a decade, and this encouraging meeting with the FDA is an important milestone as we head into the final stages of completion of the NDA package,” said Seth Lederman, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Tonix Pharmaceuticals. “During the pre-NDA CMC meeting, the FDA affirmed alignment with Tonix on CMC content and commercial strategy for Tonmya, and we are very appreciative of the FDA’s guidance as we prepare for our NDA submission. We are currently actively preparing a dual manufacturing launch strategy with global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) Almac Pharma Services and another CDMO.”

About Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that is understood to result from amplified sensory and pain signaling within the central nervous system. Fibromyalgia afflicts an estimated 6 million to 12 million adults in the U.S., the majority of whom are women. Symptoms of fibromyalgia include chronic widespread pain, nonrestorative sleep, fatigue, and morning stiffness. Other associated symptoms include cognitive dysfunction and mood disturbances, including anxiety and depression. Individuals suffering from fibromyalgia struggle with their daily activities, have impaired quality of life, and frequently are disabled. Physicians and patients report common dissatisfaction with currently marketed products.

About Tonmya* (also known as TNX-102 SL)

Tonmya is a centrally acting, non-opioid, non-addictive, bedtime medication. The tablet is a patented sublingual formulation of cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride developed for the management of fibromyalgia. In December 2023, the company announced highly statistically significant and clinically meaningful topline results in RESILIENT, the second pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial of Tonmya for the management of fibromyalgia. In the study, Tonmya met its pre-specified primary endpoint, significantly reducing daily pain compared to placebo (p=0.00005) in participants with fibromyalgia. Statistically significant and clinically meaningful results were also seen in all six key secondary endpoints related to improving sleep quality, reducing fatigue and improving overall fibromyalgia symptoms and function. RELIEF, the first statistically significant Phase 3 trial of Tonmya in fibromyalgia, was completed in December 2020. It met its pre-specified primary endpoint of daily pain reduction compared to placebo (p=0.010) and showed activity in key secondary endpoints.

*Tonmya™ is conditionally accepted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as the tradename for TNX-102 SL for the management of fibromyalgia. Tonmya has not been approved for any indication.

Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp.^*

Tonix is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing, licensing and commercializing therapeutics to treat and prevent human disease and alleviate suffering. Tonix’s development portfolio is focused on central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Tonix’s priority is to submit a New Drug Application (NDA) to the FDA in the second half of 2024 for Tonmya¹, a product candidate for which two statistically significant Phase 3 studies have been completed for the management of fibromyalgia. TNX-102 SL is also being developed to treat acute stress reaction as well as fibromyalgia-type Long COVID. Tonix’s CNS portfolio includes TNX-1300 (cocaine esterase), a biologic designed to treat cocaine intoxication that has FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation that is in Phase 2 development and is supported by a grant from the National Institute of Drug Abuse. Tonix’s immunology development portfolio consists of biologics to address organ transplant rejection, autoimmunity and cancer, including TNX-1500, which is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting CD40-ligand (CD40L or CD154) being developed for the prevention of allograft rejection and for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Tonix also has product candidates in development in the areas of rare disease and infectious disease. Tonix Medicines, our commercial subsidiary, markets Zembrace® SymTouch® (sumatriptan injection) 3 mg and Tosymra® (sumatriptan nasal spray) 10 mg for the treatment of acute migraine with or without aura in adults.

*Tonix’s product development candidates are investigational new drugs or biologics and have not been approved for any indication.

¹Tonmya™ is conditionally accepted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as the tradename for TNX-102 SL for the management of fibromyalgia. Tonmya has not been approved for any indication.

Zembrace SymTouch and Tosymra are registered trademarks of Tonix Medicines. All other marks are property of their respective owners.

This press release and further information about Tonix can be found at www.tonixpharma.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Investor Contact

Jessica Morris
Tonix Pharmaceuticals
[email protected]
(862) 904-8182

Peter Vozzo
ICR Westwicke
[email protected]
(443) 213-0505

Media Contact

Katie Dodge
LaVoieHealthScience
[email protected]
(978) 360-3151

Source: Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp.

Released June 20, 2024

Release – New Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Currently in a Phase 2a Clinical Trial in Influenza A may be Effective Against the H5N1 Avian Influenza Strain Identified in Humans Exposed to Infected Dairy Cows

Posted on June 20, 2024June 20, 2024 by [email protected]

Research News and Market Data on COCP

JUNE 20, 2024

BOTHELL, Wash., June 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cocrystal Pharma, Inc.’s (Nasdaq: COCP) novel, broad-spectrum antiviral CC-42344 inhibits activity in the highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) PB2 protein recently identified in infected dairy cattle, according to recently completed in vitro studies. CC-42344 is a new class of antiviral drugs designed to block essential steps in the replication and transcription of the influenza A virus.

Cocrystal is conducting an influenza A Phase 2a clinical study with orally administered CC-42344 and expects to report topline results in the second half of 2024. This study is evaluating the safety, tolerability, antiviral and clinical benefits in influenza A infected subjects. In late 2022 Cocrystal reported favorable safety and tolerability results from a Phase 1 study in healthy volunteers.

Cocrystal demonstrated the potential efficacy of CC-42344 against the new avian flu strain with the recently published genome sequence for H5N1. Using its proprietary structure-based platform, Cocrystal created a high-resolution crystal structure of this avian PB2 protein and confirmed that CC-42344 binds to its highly conserved PB2 region. The in vitro data were generated testing CC-42344 against the avian H5N1 PB2 protein and further support CC-42344’s activity similar to that of Cocrystal’s data with pandemic and seasonal influenza A.

CC-42344 binds to the highly conserved region of
the avian influenza A H5N1 PB2 protein

“The findings validate our broad-spectrum approach to the treatment and prevention of pandemic flu. This is important as there are no specific FDA-approved vaccines to prevent infections by this virus in humans,” said Sam Lee, PhD, President and co-CEO of Cocrystal. “These findings support our previously reported preclinical data showing that CC-42344 is highly active against seasonal and pandemic influenza A strains, including emerging mutations. CC-42344 is an inhibitor compound providing a unique mechanism of action with a high barrier to resistance.”

“Recent CDC reported avian flu outbreaks in the U.S., which include the first cases of humans exposed to infected dairy cows, are concerning,” said James Martin, CFO and co-CEO of Cocrystal. “The CDC reported three additional cases of avian influenza infection from exposure to dairy cows in early June and avian flu is now confirmed in more than 100 dairy herds in 12 U.S. states.”

About Avian Influenza A H5N1
Avian influenza A H5N1 was reported in 889 cases and caused 463 deaths in 23 countries between 2003 and April 2024, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). On April 1, 2024, the CDC reported a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza A H5N1 in a farmworker in Texas during a multistate outbreak of avian influenza in dairy cows. Two more cases were subsequently reported in farmworkers in Michigan.

The CDC analyzed sera (blood) collected from people of all ages in all 10 Health & Human Services regions during the 2022-2023 and 2021-2022 flu seasons. These samples were challenged with H5N1 virus to see whether there was an antibody reaction. Data from this study suggest that there is extremely low to no population immunity to clade 2.3.4.4b A (H5N1) viruses in the U.S. Antibody levels remained low regardless of whether or not the participants received a seasonal flu vaccination, meaning that seasonal flu vaccination did not produce antibodies to H5N1 viruses.

Cocrystal Pharma determined the high resolution X-ray crystal structure of the recent avian influenza A (H5N1) PB2 protein and confirmed activity of CC-42344 in vitro (NIH GeneBank ID:influenza A/Texas/37/2024(H5N1). The crystal structure of the avian influenza A (H5N1) PB2 protein showed new mutations located outside the PB2 active site. Subsequent studies showed that CC-42344 binds to the active site of the avian influenza A (H5N1) PB2 protein as previously demonstrated with the pandemic and seasonal influenza A PB2. Preliminary in vitro assays confirmed that CC-42344 exhibits high potency against the avian influenza A (H5N1) PB2 protein.

About CC-42344
CC-42344 is Cocrystal’s novel, broad-spectrum, antiviral investigational candidate for the treatment of pandemic and seasonal influenza A. CC-42344 inhibits the first step in influenza A’s viral replication by binding to a highly conserved PB2 site of the influenza polymerase complex that is essential to replication and was discovered using Cocrystal’s proprietary structure-based drug discovery platform technology.

Cocrystal is conducting a Phase 2a human challenge study in the United Kingdom to evaluate safety, viral and clinical measures of oral CC-42344 in healthy volunteers who are challenged with influenza A. CC-42344 was advanced into Phase 2a testing following favorable safety and tolerability results reported in a Phase 1 study in healthy volunteers conducted in Australia. In vitro testing showed CC-42344’s excellent antiviral activity against influenza A strains, including pandemic and seasonal strains, as well as against strains resistant to Tamiflu^® and Xofluza^®, while also demonstrating favorable pharmacokinetic and safety profiles.

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), noroviruses and hepatitis C viruses. 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.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the potential efficacy of CC-42344 against the avian influenza A H5N1 virus, the expected timing and results of the Phase 2a trial for CC-42344 for the oral treatment of influenza A in 2024, and the potential market for such product candidate. The words “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “will,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events. Some or all of the events anticipated by these forward-looking statements may not occur. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, risks relating to our ability to obtain regulatory authority for and proceed with clinical trials including recruiting volunteers and procuring materials for such studies by our clinical research organizations and vendors, the results of such studies, our and our collaboration partners’ technology and software performing as expected, general risks arising from clinical studies, receipt of regulatory approvals, regulatory changes, and potential development of effective treatments and/or vaccines by competitors, including as part of the programs financed by the U.S. government, potential mutations in a virus we are targeting that may result in variants that are resistant to a product candidate we develop. Further information on our risk factors is contained in our filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

Investor Contact:
LHA Investor Relations
Jody Cain
310-691-7100
[email protected]

Media Contact:
JQA Partners
Jules Abraham
917-885-7378
[email protected]

# # #

Source: Cocrystal Pharma, Inc.

Released June 20, 2024

Release – Gray Promotes Three Individuals to New Leadership Positions

Posted on June 20, 2024June 20, 2024 by [email protected]

Research News and Market Data on GTN

Atlanta, Georgia – June 20, 2024… Gray Television, Inc. (“Gray”) (NYSE: GTN) today
announced that it will promote three individuals to new leadership positions effective July 1, 2024, to
facilitate the Company’s expanding opportunities with new digital technologies including NextGenTV
and Generative Artificial Intelligence.

Mike Braun, our Chief Digital Officer, will be promoted from Senior Vice President to Senior
Managing Vice President. Over the past few years, Mike has led the tremendous expansion of Gray
Digital Media to encompass the local media operations acquired from Raycom Media, Quincy Media,
Meredith Local Media, among others, as well as the rapid deployment of Gray local news, sports, and
weather content and related sales products across hundreds of owned and non-owned streaming and
ConnectedTV (CTV) platforms. In addition to leading the Company’s digital initiatives, Mike has
served as the senior executive overseeing Rockford and Peoria markets and as a member of the boards
of directors of Syncbak and Optic Gaming.

Claire Magee Ferguson will become Vice President, Assistant General Counsel and Senior
Technology Counsel. Throughout her career, Claire has provided critical legal counsel to the managers
of television stations owned by Allbritton Communications, Raycom Media, and, for the past five years,
Gray. More recently, Claire has taken the lead on the Company’s privacy initiatives and its AI Policy
Committee. Her leadership positioned Gray to be the first broadcaster to publish Guidelines for Use of
Generative AI, which ensure that Gray-originated news content is created by our journalists rather than
AI. In her new role, Claire will oversee legal and policy matters related to various technology
initiatives across the Company, primarily associated with Generative AI and NextGenTV.

Lee Zurik will become Senior Vice President, News Strategy and Innovation. For the past
several years, Lee has become one of the nation’s most well-known and awarded investigative
journalists through his roles as the Company’s Vice President of Investigations and as the co-host of
Gray’s weekday magazine program InvestigateTV+. In this newly created role, Lee will report to Chief
Operating Officer Sandy Breland and lead the development and implementation of strategies to expand
and leverage Gray-produced content across all linear, digital, CTV, and NextGenTV platforms and
manage the responsible use of Generative AI in Gray-produced content. Along with these expanded
duties, Lee will continue to oversee Gray’s National Investigative Unit and serve as an anchor and
Chief Investigative Reporter at WVUE in New Orleans.

About Gray:
Gray Television, Inc. is a multimedia company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Gray is the
nation’s largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets. Its television stations
serve 114 television markets that collectively reach approximately 36 percent of US television
households. This portfolio includes 79 markets with the top-rated television station and 102 markets
with the first and/or second highest rated television station. Gray also owns video program companies
Raycom Sports, Tupelo Media Group, and PowerNation Studios, as well as the studio production
facilities Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios. Gray owns a majority interest in Swirl Films. For
more information, please visit www.gray.tv.

Gray Television Contacts:
Kevin Latek, Executive Vice President, Chief Legal and Development Officer, 404-266-8333
Sandy Breland, Chief Operating Officer, 404-266-8333

Release – Ocugen, Inc. Announces First Patient Dosed In Phase 3 Limelight Clinical Trial For OCU400—First Gene Therapy In Phase 3 With A Broad Retinitis Pigmentosa Indication

Posted on June 20, 2024June 20, 2024 by [email protected]

Research News and Market Data on OCGN

June 20, 2024

PDF Version

MALVERN, Pa., June 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ocugen, Inc. (“Ocugen” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: OCGN), a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel gene and cell therapies and vaccines, today announced that the first patient has been dosed in its Phase 3 liMeliGhT clinical trial for OCU400—a modifier gene therapy product candidate being developed for retinitis pigmentosa (RP).

“Each clinical milestone achieved by OCU400 brings us closer to providing a one-time treatment for life to patients living with RP,” said Dr. Shankar Musunuri, Chairman, CEO and Co-founder of Ocugen. “Dosing the first patient is especially significant and makes our dedication to serving RP patients—300,000 in the U.S. and Europe and 1.6 million worldwide—more tangible.”

The Phase 3 liMeliGhT clinical trial was informed by positive Phase 1/2 OCU400 data that suggests positive trends in Best-Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) and Multi-Luminance Mobility Testing (MLMT), and Low-Luminance Visual Acuity (LLVA) among treated eyes. 89% (16/18) of RP subjects demonstrated preservation or improvement in the treated eye either on BCVA or LLVA or MLMT scores from baseline. 80% (8/10) of RHO mutation subjects experienced either preservation or improvement in MLMT scores from baseline. 78% (14/18) of subjects demonstrated preservation or improvement in treated eyes in MLMT scores from baseline.

The Phase 3 study—with the duration of one year—will have a sample size of 150 participants—one arm of 75 participants with RHO gene mutations and the other arm with 75 participants that are gene agnostic. In each arm, participants will be randomized 2:1 to the treatment group (2.5 x 10¹⁰ vg/eye of OCU400) and untreated control group, respectively. Patients eight years of age and older, with early through late-stage advancement of RP, are being recruited to participate in the liMeliGhT study.

Luminance Dependent Navigation Assessment (LDNA)—a more sensitive and specific measurement of function than MLMT used in previous Phase 3 clinical trials—is the primary endpoint for the study. The Phase 3 liMeliGhT study will focus on the proportion of responders, in treated and untreated groups, achieving an improvement of at least 2 Lux levels from baseline in the study eyes.

“Patients with RP associated with mutations in multiple genes currently have no therapeutic options. As a retinal surgeon, I am encouraged by the therapeutic potential of OCU400 to provide long-term benefit to RP patients,” said Lejla Vajzovic, MD, FASRS, Director, Duke Surgical Vitreoretinal Fellowship Program, Associate Professor of Ophthalmology with Tenure Adult and Pediatric Vitreoretinal Surgery and Disease, Duke University Eye Center, and Retina Scientific Advisory Board Chair of Ocugen. “OCU400 is a novel modifier gene therapy approach that could initiate a paradigm shift in the treatment of RP and to field of ophthalmology.”

“The current OCU400 Phase 3 study is very exciting and gives hope for thousands of individuals with RP,” said Benjamin Bakall, MD, PhD, Director of Clinical Research at Associated Retina Consultants (ARC) and Clinical Assistant Professor at University of Arizona, College of Medicine – Phoenix. “I am encouraged that we may have a potential treatment option to preserve or improve the vision in RP patients regardless of gene mutation, and very pleased that the first patient dosing in the Phase 3 liMeliGhT clinical trial was performed at ARC.”

“We are grateful for our continued collaboration with Dr. Bakall and the team at ARC,” said Dr. Huma Qamar, Chief Medical Officer of Ocugen. “We are excited to expand our enrollment to include more centers and patients representing a diverse array of RP gene mutations, which will be a validation of this novel gene therapy platform. We will provide updates as our progress continues.”

Ocugen previously announced that OCU400 has received orphan drug and RMAT designations from the FDA and that the EMA provided acceptability of the U.S.-based trial for submission of a Marketing Authorization Application (MAA). With the first dosing of the Phase 3 clinical trial, OCU400 remains on track for the 2026 BLA and MAA approval targets.

About OCU400
OCU400 is the Company’s gene-agnostic modifier gene therapy product based on nuclear hormone receptor (NHR) gene, NR2E3. NR2E3 regulates diverse physiological functions within the retina—such as photoreceptor development and maintenance, metabolism, phototransduction, inflammation and cell survival networks. Through its drive functionality, OCU400 resets altered/affected cellular gene networks and establishes homeostasis—a state of balance, which has the potential to improve retinal health and function in patients with RP.

About Modifier Gene Therapy
Modifier gene therapy is designed to fulfill unmet medical needs related to retinal diseases, including IRDs, such as RP, LCA and Stargardt disease, as well as multifactorial diseases like dry age-related macular degeneration (dAMD). Our modifier gene therapy platform is based on the use of NHRs, master gene regulators, which have the potential to restore homeostasis — the basic biological processes in the retina. Unlike single-gene replacement therapies, which only target one genetic mutation, we believe that our modifier gene therapy platform, through its use of NHRs, represents a novel approach that has the potential to address multiple retinal diseases caused by mutations in multiple genes with one product, and to address complex diseases that are potentially caused by imbalances in multiple gene networks. Currently, Ocugen has three modifier gene therapy programs in the clinic: OCU400, OCU410, and OCU410ST. In addition to the OCU400 Phase 3 liMeliGhT clinical trial, the OCU410 Phase 1/2 ArMaDa clinical trial for geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to dAMD and the OCU410ST Phase 1/2 GARDian clinical trial for Stargardt disease are currently underway. GA affects approximately two to three million people in the U.S. and EU combined and Stargardt disease affects nearly 100,000 people in the U.S. and EU combined.

About Ocugen, Inc.
Ocugen, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel gene and cell therapies and vaccines that improve health and offer hope for patients across the globe. We are making an impact on patient’s lives through courageous innovation—forging new scientific paths that harness our unique intellectual and human capital. Our breakthrough modifier gene therapy platform has the potential to treat multiple retinal diseases with a single product, and we are advancing research in infectious diseases to support public health and orthopedic diseases to address unmet medical needs. Discover more at www.ocugen.com and follow us on X and LinkedIn.

Contact:
Tiffany Hamilton
Head of Communications
[email protected]

Release – Harte Hanks Launches Demand Generation In a Box

Posted on June 20, 2024June 20, 2024 by [email protected]

Research News and Market Data on HHS

Turnkey Suite of Services Give Small and Medium Businesses the Data, People, and Content Needed to Drive Interest in their Brand

CHELMSFORD, MA / ACCESSWIRE / June 19, 2024 / Harte Hanks, Inc. (NASDAQ:HHS), the 101-year-old Massachusetts-based global leader in customer experience solutions, has unveiled its newest innovation – Demand Generation In a Box. It’s an all-in-one offering that combines data, sales, and marketing services for business-to-business lead generation and opportunity creation. Specifically geared toward small and medium businesses, Demand Generation In a Box includes comprehensive data to help companies identify high-potential leads. It can also include outsourced sales development representatives to streamline lead qualification and outbound sales efforts, and media, content, and digital marketing offerings.

“We’ve seen tremendous market demand for a turnkey solution with rapid deployment that will help companies generate more high-quality leads and close more business,” said Kelly Waller, SVP of Sales and Marketing for Harte Hanks.

“We know that scaling businesses worldwide are facing strong revenue headwinds. Everything from resource constraints and limited expertise to rapid content creation and data management demands. Moving forward, every dollar spent will need to work harder to grow at the same pace, and that’s why we are rolling out Demand Generation In a Box.”

Demand Generation in a Box services scale depending on the needs of the business. An Essentials package, which includes a foundational data package, weekly reporting, campaign strategy, sales playbook, and digital prospecting through email, display, and social media, starts at $10,000.

“Unveiling this new product is just one of the many bold initiatives we’ve launched this year under Elevate, our transformative program designed to expand our customer base, diversify our product lineup, and boost our efficiency. We’re also thrilled to kick off our first-ever global Enable360 event in London next week,” said Kirk Davis, Chief Executive Officer of Harte Hanks.

Demand Generation in a Box requires no new software or hardware and integrates seamlessly with existing business processes. Campaigns can be up and running in just six weeks to help drive high-quality leads and conversions.

Harte Hanks is unveiling Demand Generation in a Box at its flagship ENABLE360 event in London on June 25, 2024. Tickets are available at: https://e.hartehanks.com/enable360-2024

About Harte Hanks:

Harte Hanks (NASDAQ:HHS) is a leading global customer experience company whose mission is to partner with clients to provide them with CX strategy, data-driven analytics and actionable insights combined with seamless program execution to better understand, attract and engage their customers.

Using its unparalleled resources and award-winning talent in the areas of Customer Care, Fulfillment and Logistics, and Marketing Services, Harte Hanks has a proven track record of driving results for some of the world’s premier brands, including Bank of America, GlaxoSmithKline, Unilever, Pfizer, HBOMax, Volvo, Ford, FedEx, Midea, Sony and IBM among others. Headquartered in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, Harte Hanks has over 2,500 employees in offices across the Americas, Europe, and Asia Pacific.

For more information, visit hartehanks.com.

As used herein, “Harte Hanks” or “the Company” refers to Harte Hanks, Inc. and/or its applicable operating subsidiaries, as the context may require. Harte Hanks’ logo and name are trademarks of Harte Hanks.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

Certain statements discussed in this release as well as in other reports, materials and oral statements that the Company releases from time to time to the public may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Generally, words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “believe,” “plan,” “target,” “forecast” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward- looking statements. Such forward-looking statements concern management’s expectations, strategic objectives, business prospects, anticipated economic performance and financial condition and other similar matters. Forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and subject to a variety of assumptions, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated or expected by the management of the Company. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual events or results may differ significantly from these statements. Given these risk factors, investors and analysts should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of the document in which they are made. The Company disclaims any obligation or undertaking to provide any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which the forward-looking statement is based, except as required by law. It is advisable, however, to consult any further disclosures the Company makes in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K (if any). These statements constitute the Company’s cautionary statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact: [email protected]

SOURCE: Harte Hanks, Inc.

Release – GeoVax Receives BARDA Project NextGen Award to Conduct Phase 2b Clinical Study Evaluating the Company’s Next-Generation COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate, GEO-CM04S1

Posted on June 18, 2024June 18, 2024 by [email protected]

Research News and Market Data on GOVX

Research News and Market Data on GOVX

10,000-participant randomized Phase 2b study will evaluate and compare GeoVax’s multi-antigen, vaccine candidate (GEO-CM04S1) to an approved vaccine against COVID-19 under BARDA’s Clinical Studies Network

Project NextGen is a $5 billion initiative by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to develop innovative vaccines and therapeutics providing broader and more durable protection against current and future COVID-19 viral strains

Atlanta, GA, June 18, 2024 – GeoVax Labs, Inc. (Nasdaq: GOVX), a biotechnology company developing immunotherapies and vaccines against cancers and infectious diseases, today announced that it received an award through the Rapid Response Partnership Vehicle (RRPV) to advance development of GEO-CM04S1, GeoVax’s dual-antigen next-generation COVID-19 vaccine, in a Phase 2b clinical trial. The RRPV is a Consortium funded by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Under the agreement, GeoVax will sponsor a 10,000-participant, randomized, Phase 2b double-blinded study to compare the efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of GEO-CM04S1 with a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Preparations for the study are underway, and execution of the study will be fully funded by BARDA under its Clinical Studies Network.

The direct award to GeoVax of approximately $24.3 million, which may increase to as much as $45 million, will fund the manufacturing of clinical materials and support for the Phase 2b clinical trial, including regulatory activities. BARDA has made separate awards through its Clinical Studies Network to support execution of the study. That funding will represent approximately $343M from the Project NextGen program for a CRO to execute the clinical trial using GeoVax’s vaccine.

“We are honored and proud to receive this award from BARDA to advance our next-generation vaccine against COVID-19. This contract not only provides the vital resources for advancing the development of GEO-CM04S1, but it also advances our MVA platform in infectious diseases,” said David Dodd, Chairman & CEO of GeoVax.

Mr. Dodd continued, “First-generation COVID-19 vaccines were beneficial during the peak of the pandemic but are limited in breadth and durability of clinical protection, requiring frequent updates. Now that COVID-19 is in an endemic stage, many people continue to have their everyday lives impacted in meaningful ways. Furthermore, there are an estimated 23 million adults in the U.S. with immunocompromised conditions who are less likely to have an adequate response to current vaccines and are more likely to potentially experience severe COVID-19 symptoms, hospitalization and the risk of death, even after vaccination. GEO-CM04S1 was designed to address these limitations by inducing durable neutralizing antibody and T-cell-based immunity against current and future SARS-CoV-2 variants. Our vaccine has continued to demonstrate induction of potent immune responses with potential to drive broad and durable clinical protection, and we eagerly anticipate commencing the Phase 2b study to further demonstrate the value and advantages of our technology.”

Funding for this award is provided under Project NextGen, a $5 billion initiative by HHS to advance a pipeline of new, innovative vaccines and therapeutics providing broader and more durable protection for COVID-19 than the first generation COVID vaccines and medicines. BARDA is supporting the development of new vaccines and therapeutics to better address the waning immunity and resistance to current and future SARS-CoV2 viral strains. GeoVax’s vaccine candidate provides many of the features identified by BARDA including broader protection among variants of concern (VOC) and a longer duration of protection.

This project is being funded with federal funds from the Department of Health and Human Services; Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR); Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), under Other Transaction (OT) number: 75A50123D00005.

About GEO-CM04S1

GEO-CM04S1 is based on GeoVax’s MVA viral vector platform, which supports the presentation of multiple vaccine antigens to the immune system in a single dose. GEO-CM04S1 encodes for both the spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) antigens of SARS-CoV-2 and is specifically designed to induce both antibody and T-cell responses to those parts of the virus less likely to mutate over time. The more broadly functional engagement of the immune system is designed to protect against severe disease caused by continually emerging variants of COVID-19. Vaccines of this format should not require frequent and repeated modification or updating.

GEO-CM04S1 is currently being evaluated in three ongoing Phase 2 clinical trials:

As a primary vaccine in immunocompromised patients (with hematologic cancers receiving cell transplants or CAR-T therapy). ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04977024. A recent presentation of unpublished data from the open-label portion of the trial indicates that GEO-CM04S1 is highly immunogenic in these patients, inducing both antibody responses, including neutralizing antibodies, and T-cell responses.
As a booster vaccine in immunocompromised patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a recognized high-risk group for whom current mRNA vaccines and monoclonal antibody (MAb) therapies appear inadequate relative to providing protective immunity. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05672355.
As a booster vaccine for healthy adults who have previously received the Pfizer or Moderna mRNA vaccine. gov Identifier: NCT04639466.

About GeoVax

GeoVax Labs, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel therapies and vaccines for solid tumor cancers and many of the world’s most threatening infectious diseases. The company’s lead program in oncology is a novel oncolytic solid tumor gene-directed therapy, Gedeptin^®, which recently completed enrollment in a multicenter Phase 1/2 clinical trial for advanced head and neck cancers. GeoVax’s lead infectious disease candidate is GEO-CM04S1, a next-generation COVID-19 vaccine targeting high-risk immunocompromised patient populations. Currently in three Phase 2 clinical trials, GEO-CM04S1 is being evaluated as a primary vaccine for immunocompromised patients such as those suffering from hematologic cancers and other patient populations for whom the current authorized COVID-19 vaccines are insufficient, and as a booster vaccine in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). In addition, GEO-CM04S1 is in a Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating the vaccine as a more robust, durable COVID-19 booster among healthy patients who previously received the mRNA vaccines. GeoVax has a leadership team who have driven significant value creation across multiple life science companies over the past several decades. For more information, visit our website: www.geovax.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements regarding GeoVax’s business plans. The words “believe,” “look forward to,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “will,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Actual results may differ materially from those included in these statements due to a variety of factors, including whether: GeoVax is able to obtain acceptable results from ongoing or future clinical trials of its investigational products, GeoVax’s immuno-oncology products and preventative vaccines can provoke the desired responses, and those products or vaccines can be used effectively, GeoVax’s viral vector technology adequately amplifies immune responses to cancer antigens, GeoVax can develop and manufacture its immuno-oncology products and preventative vaccines with the desired characteristics in a timely manner, GeoVax’s immuno-oncology products and preventative vaccines will be safe for human use, GeoVax’s vaccines will effectively prevent targeted infections in humans, GeoVax’s immuno-oncology products and preventative vaccines will receive regulatory approvals necessary to be licensed and marketed, GeoVax raises required capital to complete development, there is development of competitive products that may be more effective or easier to use than GeoVax’s products, GeoVax will be able to enter into favorable manufacturing and distribution agreements, and other factors, over which GeoVax has no control.

Further information on our risk factors is contained in our periodic reports on Form 10-Q and Form 10-K that we have filed and will file with the SEC. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

Company Contact:	Investor Relations Contact:	Media Contact:
[email protected]	[email protected]	[email protected]
678-384-7220	212-698-8696	202-779-0929

Release – Gray Television Announces Expiration and Final Results of Its Cash Tender Offer for Its 5.875% Senior Notes Due 2026

Posted on June 18, 2024June 18, 2024 by [email protected]

Research News and Market Data on GTN

Atlanta, Georgia – June 18, 2024. . . Gray Television, Inc. (“Gray”) (NYSE: GTN)

announced today the expiration and final results of its previously announced offer to purchase for

cash (the “Tender Offer”) any and all of its outstanding 5.875% Senior Notes due 2026 (the

“Notes”), subject to certain terms and conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase dated May 20,

2024 (the “Offer to Purchase”).

According to information provided by D.F. King & Co., Inc., the Information Agent and

Tender Agent for the Tender Offer, as of 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on June 17, 2024

(such date and time, the “Expiration Date”), no additional Notes have been validly tendered and

not withdrawn after the early tender date, which was at 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on June

3, 2024, and prior to the Expiration Date. As a result, Gray is not purchasing any additional

Notes, and $9,968,000 principal amount of the Notes remain outstanding following the

Expiration Date.

Gray retained Truist Securities, Inc., BofA Securities, Inc. and Wells Fargo Securities,

LLC to serve as Dealer Managers for the Tender Offer. D.F. King & Co. was retained to serve

as the Information Agent and Tender Agent for the Tender Offer. Questions regarding the

Tender Offer may be directed to Truist Securities, Inc. at 3333 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, Georgia

30326, telephone (404) 926-5262 (collect) Attn: Jim Gibbs. Requests for the Offer to Purchase

may be directed to D.F. King & Co. at (888) 887-0082 (toll-free) or (212) 269-5550 (collect for

banks and brokers), and at [email protected].

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to

purchase, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase, any securities or an offer to sell, or the

solicitation of an offer to sell, any securities, nor does it constitute an offer or solicitation in any

jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements that are based largely on

Gray’s current expectations and reflect various estimates and assumptions by Gray. These

statements are statements other than those of historical fact and may be identified by words such

as “estimates,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “will,” “implied,” “intend,” “assume” and similar

expressions. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties

that could cause actual results and achievements to differ materially from those expressed in such

Page 2 of 2

forward-looking statements. Such risks, trends and uncertainties, in some instances, are beyond

Gray’s control. Gray is subject to additional risks and uncertainties described in Gray’s quarterly

and annual reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time,

including in the “Risk Factors,” and management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition

and results of operations sections contained therein, which reports are made publicly available

via its website, www.gray.tv. Any forward-looking statements in this communication should be

evaluated in light of these important risk factors. This press release reflects management’s views

as of the date hereof. Except to the extent required by applicable law, Gray undertakes no

obligation to update or revise any information contained in this communication beyond the date

hereof, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Gray:

Gray Television, Inc. is a multimedia company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Gray

is the nation’s largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets. Its television

stations serve 114 television markets that collectively reach approximately 36 percent of US

television households. This portfolio includes 79 markets with the top-rated television station

and 102 markets with the first and/or second highest rated television station. Gray also owns

video program companies Raycom Sports, Tupelo Media Group, and PowerNation Studios, as

well as the studio production facilities Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios. Gray owns a

majority interest in Swirl Films. For more information, please visit www.gray.tv.

Gray Contacts:

Jim Ryan, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, 404-504-9828

Jeff Gignac, Executive Vice President, Finance, 404-504-9828

Kevin P. Latek, Executive Vice President, Chief Legal and Development Officer, 404-266-8333