Release – ZyVersa Therapeutics Announces Research Published in Frontiers in Immunology Reinforcing IC 100’s Rationale for Inhibiting Multiple Inflammasomes to Control Inflammation in Various Inflammatory Diseases

Research News and Market Data on ZVSA

Sep 12, 2023

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  • Activation of multiple inflammasome pathways contributes to pathological inflammation in neurodegenerative (“CNS”) diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (“ALS”)
  • This study showed that NLRP3 inhibition alone was inadequate to address CNS inflammation in a mouse model of ALS
  • ZyVersa is developing Inflammasome ASC Inhibitor IC 100, designed to inhibit up to 12 different inflammasomes (including NLRP3 inflammasomes) and their associated ASC specks to control damaging inflammation in CNS and non-CNS inflammatory diseases

WESTON, Fla., Sept. 12, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZVSA, or “ZyVersa”), a clinical stage specialty biopharmaceutical company developing first-in-class drugs for treatment of inflammatory and renal diseases, announces publication of a paper in the peer-reviewed journal, Frontiers in Immunology, highlighting potential limitations of NLRP3 inhibition in attenuating CNS Inflammation associated with activation of multiple inflammasome pathways. This paper supports ZyVersa’s rationale for targeting inflammasome ASC with IC 100 to inhibit multiple inflammasome pathways, not just NLRP3, to control inflammation in various inflammatory diseases.

In the paper titled, “Divergent functional outcomes of NLRP3 blockade downstream of multi-inflammasome activation: therapeutic implications for ALS,” the authors conducted studies in various human cell lines and in an animal model of ALS. Data demonstrate that NLRP3 inhibition alone is insufficient to attenuate proinflammatory cytokine release and inflammatory cell death associated with activation of multiple inflammasome pathways. Likewise, NLRP3 inhibition alone did not ameliorate spinal cord inflammation in an ALS model.

The authors stated, “we hypothesize that strategies that impact multiple inflammasome pathways may hold more promise in CNS disorders like ALS where multiple inflammasomes are dysregulated.” To read the article Click Here.

“The research published in Frontiers in Immunology reinforces the need to inhibit more than the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway to control inflammation associated with activation of multiple inflammasomes,” commented Stephen C. Glover, ZyVersa’s Co-founder, Chairman, CEO and President. “ZyVersa’s Inflammasome ASC inhibitor IC 100 is designed to inhibit formation of multiple types of inflammasomes to attenuate initiation of the inflammatory cascade, and to inhibit ASC specks to attenuate perpetuation of damaging inflammation.” To review a white paper summarizing the mechanism of action and preclinical data for IC 100, Click Here.

About Inflammasome ASC Inhibitor IC 100

IC 100 is a novel humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody that inhibits the inflammasome adaptor protein ASC. IC 100 was designed to attenuate both initiation and perpetuation of the inflammatory response. It does so by binding to a specific region of the ASC component of multiple types of inflammasomes, including NLRP1, NLRP2, NLRP3, NLRC4, AIM2, Pyrin. Intracellularly, IC 100 binds to ASC monomers, inhibiting inflammasome formation, thereby blocking activation of IL-1β early in the inflammatory cascade. IC 100 also binds to ASC in ASC Specks, both intracellularly and extracellularly, further blocking activation of IL-1β and the perpetuation of the inflammatory response that is pathogenic in inflammatory diseases. Because active cytokines amplify adaptive immunity through various mechanisms, IC 100, by attenuating cytokine activation, also attenuates the adaptive immune response.

About ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc.

ZyVersa (Nasdaq: ZVSA) is a clinical stage specialty biopharmaceutical company leveraging advanced, proprietary technologies to develop first-in-class drugs for patients with renal and inflammatory diseases who have significant unmet medical needs. The Company is currently advancing a therapeutic development pipeline with multiple programs built around its two proprietary technologies – Cholesterol Efflux Mediator™ VAR 200 for treatment of kidney diseases, and Inflammasome ASC Inhibitor IC 100, targeting damaging inflammation associated with numerous CNS and other inflammatory diseases. For more information, please visit www.zyversa.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These include statements regarding management’s intentions, plans, beliefs, expectations, or forecasts for the future, and, therefore, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on them. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed, and actual results may differ materially from those projected. ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc (“ZyVersa”) uses words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “plans,” “expects,” “projects,” “future,” “intends,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “guidance,” and similar expressions to identify these forward-looking statements that are intended to be covered by the safe-harbor provisions. Such forward-looking statements are based on ZyVersa’s expectations and involve risks and uncertainties; consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the statements due to a number of factors, including ZyVersa’s plans to develop and commercialize its product candidates, the timing of initiation of ZyVersa’s planned preclinical and clinical trials; the timing of the availability of data from ZyVersa’s preclinical and clinical trials; the timing of any planned investigational new drug application or new drug application; ZyVersa’s plans to research, develop, and commercialize its current and future product candidates; the clinical utility, potential benefits and market acceptance of ZyVersa’s product candidates; ZyVersa’s commercialization, marketing and manufacturing capabilities and strategy; ZyVersa’s ability to protect its intellectual property position; and ZyVersa’s estimates regarding future revenue, expenses, capital requirements and need for additional financing.

New factors emerge from time-to-time, and it is not possible for ZyVersa to predict all such factors, nor can ZyVersa assess the impact of each such factor on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements included in this press release are based on information available to ZyVersa as of the date of this press release. ZyVersa disclaims any obligation to update such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release, except as required by applicable law.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities.

Corporate and IR Contact:
Karen Cashmere
Chief Commercial Officer
kcashmere@zyversa.com
786-251-9641

Media Contacts
Tiberend Strategic Advisors, Inc.
Casey McDonald
cmcdonald@tiberend.com
646-577-8520

Dave Schemelia
dschemelia@tiberend.com
609-468-9325

Release – Comtech Unveils New BRIDGE Solutions to Increase Access to Global Hybrid Connectivity

Research News and Market Data on CMTL

BY THE COMTECH EDITORIAL TEAM – SEP 12, 2023 | 3 MIN READ

Solutions uniquely designed to BRIDGE the digital divide and complement existing networks

MELVILLE, N.Y. –
Sept. 12, 2023–Comtech (NASDAQ: CMTL) today launched its new blended, resilient, integrated, digital, global, end-to-end (BRIDGE) connectivity solutions. Comtech’s BRIDGE solutions provide portable, adaptable, full-service communications networks that can be established in a matter of hours and help “bridge the gap” for traditional satellite and terrestrial infrastructures.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230911846476/en/

Comtech’s BRIDGE solutions are designed to be infrastructure, cloud, and application agnostic-enabling new options for interoperable connectivity services and applications in the world’s most challenging geographies. (Photo: Business Wire)

Comtech’s BRIDGE solutions are designed to overcome geographical and environmental challenges to deliver robust and resilient connectivity to places where it was previously unavailable or overlooked. The company’s BRIDGE solutions are tailored to meet urgent needs of initial customer sets including emergency service providers, remote communities, military operators, and maritime customers.

“Our new BRIDGE connectivity solutions align with our mission to democratize access to communications technologies and empower a truly connected planet,” said Ken Peterman, President and CEO, Comtech. “As the name implies, Comtech’s BRIDGE solutions will play a significant role in bridging the digital divide and delivering connectivity to commercial and government customers when and where it matters most. BRIDGE provides a brand-new layer of connectivity that complements existing satellite and terrestrial services to keep people connected and help usher in a new era of unified hybrid network architectures that will enable always-on, ubiquitous global connectivity.”

Comtech’s BRIDGE solutions are designed to be infrastructure, cloud, and application agnostic-enabling new options for interoperable connectivity services and applications in the world’s most challenging geographies. With Comtech’s software-defined technology embedded at the core, BRIDGE solutions can continuously evolve over time to meet emerging government and commercial use cases as well as support future smart-enabled networks across a variety of global markets and geographies.

The company’s BRIDGE solutions deliver vital information both line of sight (LOS) as well as hundreds of miles over the horizon, or beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS). Inclement weather, which can interfere with satellite and terrestrial networks, enhances the performance of Comtech’s BRIDGE solutions-allowing this new technology to bridge the gap when other communications networks are unavailable.

Over the summer, Comtech began introducing BRIDGE to select customers. In August, the company successfully completed multiple proof of concept demonstrations for its BRIDGE solutions for maritime users. During the customer demonstrations, the BRIDGE solutions showcased unique, robust, and resilient ship-to-shore connectivity-delivering reliable on the move communications capabilities nearly 70 miles from shore.

BRIDGE solutions are now available for U.S. and international customers including:

  • Emergency Response: Following broad scale natural disasters such as hurricanes, communications infrastructure is often heavily impacted. BRIDGE offer a new mechanism to rapidly restore connectivity infrastructures, which can help keep communities connected and enhance disaster relief efforts.
  • Maritime: BRIDGE solutions provide maritime customers with unique BLOS ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore long distance, high throughput communications capabilities on the move. BRIDGE provides a new alternative to maritime satellite and cellular communications capabilities.
  • Military Operations: BRIDGE deliver new network agnostic, resilient and secure BLOS communications capabilities designed significantly improve situational awareness for U.S. and coalition forces. Comtech’s BRIDGE solutions also create new interoperable connectivity layers needed to enhance Combined Joint All Domain Command and Control (CJADC2) operations.
  • Remote Communities: BRIDGE serves as a cost-effective and reliable solution to provide high-speed internet access to remote areas and isolated towns where access to satellite and cellular service remains unavailable.

About Comtech

Comtech Telecommunications Corp. is a leading global technology company providing terrestrial and wireless network solutions, next-generation 9-1-1 emergency services, satellite and space communications technologies, and cloud native capabilities to commercial and government customers around the world. Our unique culture of innovation and employee empowerment unleashes a relentless passion for customer success. With multiple facilities located in technology corridors throughout the United States and around the world, Comtech leverages our global presence, technology leadership, and decades of experience to create the world’s most innovative communications solutions.For more information, please visit www.comtech.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information in this press release contains statements that are forward-looking in nature and involve certain significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results and performance could differ materially from such forward-looking information. The Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings identify many such risks and uncertainties. Any forward-looking information in this press release is qualified in its entirety by the risks and uncertainties described in such Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

PCMTL

Investor Relations

Robert Samuels

631-962-7102

robert.samuels@comtech.com

Media Contact

Jamie Clegg

480-532-2523

jamie.clegg@comtech.com

Release – Salem Media Announces New Kids Podcast with Rachael Groll of Hearing Jesus on the LifeAudio Podcast Network

Research News and Market Data on SALM

September 11, 2023 6:21pm EDT

IRVING, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Salem Media Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: SALM) announced today the launch of the podcast show Hearing Jesus for Kids on Salem-owned LifeAudio Podcast Network. The Hearing Jesus for Kids podcast is a daily audio program designed to help kids explore the fascinating stories of the Bible and apply the lessons they learn to their everyday lives. Following the success of the Hearing Jesus podcast, which consistently ranks in the top 200 charts on Apple Podcasts for Religion & Spirituality, host Rachael Groll has expanded her creativity and knowledge to reach the next generation of Christians with this new companion show.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230911758632/en/

Rachael Groll (Photo: Business Wire)

“Sometimes people think that the Bible is just for adults, but God actually really wants kids to know about Him,” Rachael Groll said. “On this podcast, we are going to learn all about God’s big story and how he shows Himself to us through the Bible.”

The pilot episode, available on all podcast platforms, uncovers hidden stories of brave heroes, epic battles, and amazing miracles that set the stage for the arrival of Jesus.

ABOUT RACHAEL GROLL:

Rachael Groll is the host of the Hearing Jesus podcast, one of Apple Podcasts’ most successful shows. As a pastor, missionary and author, her greatest calling in life is to help women learn how to hear the Lord more clearly in their lives. Rachael has served both locally and globally, focusing on evangelism and discipleship, and counts it a privilege to share God’s Word on the podcast every week. Rachael has her undergraduate degree in Ministerial Leadership from Southeastern University and received her MA in Bible Exposition at Biola University in May. Rachael is the author of She Hears: Learning to Listen to Jesus as well as numerous other titles. She and her husband, Tim, live in rural Pennsylvania and have three beautiful daughters. Find more from Rachael at her website, shehears.org.

ABOUT LIFEAUDIO PODCAST NETWORK:

For more than 20 years, Salem Web Network has delivered inspirational Christian content all over the world through some of the most recognizable brands in Christian media. Now, with LifeAudio Podcast Network, we are proud to offer a suite of captivating and original new audio content from trusted pastors, authors, and ministry leaders. Home to top-charting shows like Your Daily PrayerAbide Bible Sleep Meditation and The Becket Cook Show, LifeAudio is proud to bring entertaining, life-changing, and family-friendly podcasts for the engaged, evangelical Christian audience. Learn more about us on FacebookTwitter/XInstagram and TikTok.

ABOUT SALEM MEDIA GROUP:

Salem Media Group is America’s leading multimedia company specializing in Christian and conservative content, with media properties comprising radio, digital media and book and newsletter publishing. Each day Salem serves a loyal and dedicated audience of listeners and readers numbering in the millions nationally. With its unique programming focus, Salem provides compelling content, fresh commentary and relevant information from some of the most respected figures across the Christian and conservative media landscape. Learn more about Salem Media Group, Inc. at www.salemmedia.comFacebook and Twitter.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230911758632/en/

Evan D. Masyr
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(805) 384-4512
evan@salemmedia.com

Source: Salem Media Group, Inc.

Released September 11, 2023

Mining Company Auxico Acquires Majority Stake in Bolivian Mine Rich in Key Minerals

Auxico Resources, a Canadian mining company, recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to acquire an 85% equity interest in the past-producing El Benton niobium and tantalum mine located in Bolivia. This strategic acquisition provides Auxico with a rich source of critical minerals essential for emerging technologies.

Under the MOU, Auxico will make initial payments totaling $140,000 to the current owner of El Benton. Auxico will then hold majority 85% control of the mine as part of a joint venture arrangement.

The El Benton mine and adjacent Monte Verde concessions cover over 700 hectares in a proven mineral-rich region of Bolivia. Historic samples show valuable concentrations of niobium, tantalum, lithium, and rare earth elements.

By securing rights to El Benton, Auxico aims to restart production of niobium and tantalum concentrates. The company also plans to define the lithium potential and recover other critical minerals using advanced ultrasound extraction methods.

Gaining access to El Benton’s strategic mineral deposits boosts Auxico’s role as a major supplier of scarce metals needed for electric vehicle batteries, renewable energy infrastructure, electronics, and defense applications.

Owning the majority interest allows Auxico to implement efficient, sustainable extraction techniques at El Benton. This includes removing radioactive elements from concentrates using the Company’s proprietary ultrasound technology.

In summary, the deal gives Auxico substantial equity control of a mine rich in critical and rare earth minerals. Restarting efficient production can provide crucial supply to high-tech industries while generating profits.

Take a moment to look at more natural resources and mining companies by viewing Mark Reichman’s coverage list.

LithiumBank Resources (LBNKF) – DLE Intellectual Property License Agreement with G2L Greenview Resources


Tuesday, September 12, 2023

Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Licensing agreement. LithiumBank Resources executed an intellectual property license agreement with G2L Greenview Resources, a subsidiary of Go2Lithium Inc., encompassing direct lithium extraction (DLE) technologies based on ion-exchange that will be used to extract lithium salts from enriched brines present at LithiumBank’s projects in Alberta and Saskatchewan. LithiumBank expects to release an updated preliminary economic assessment for the Boardwalk project late in the fourth quarter of 2023 that will reflect test work using the technology and the impact of Canadian incentive tax credits for lithium brine processing.

Licensing and financial terms. The license is exclusive to LithiumBank in Alberta and Saskatchewan and may be sub-licensed by LithiumBank to an acquirer of any of its properties in Alberta or Saskatchewan subject to certain conditions. LithiumBank will issue up to 14 million common shares in staggered fashion to G2L upon satisfaction of certain milestones.


Get the Full Report

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

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

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

Indonesia Energy Corp. (INDO) – Government contract extension adds value


Tuesday, September 12, 2023

Michael Heim, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Energy & Transportation, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Indo extended its Kruh Block contract five years with an increased after-tax split. Indo’s contract with Pertamina, the state-owned oil and gas company, now extends to September 2035. The amended contract increases Indo’s after-tax split to 35% from 15%. The extension, while not unexpected, comes after Indo had suspended drilling in the Kruh Block to complete a well workover. The favorable extension helps justify Indo taking its time in the Kruh Block as it completes a 3D seismic program to optimize drilling locations. We believe the government was willing to agree to the settlement as a way to spur Indo to increase drilling activity.

An operational update provides little new information. The company also updated investors regarding drilling plans in the Kruh Block and the Citarum Block. Management reiterated plans to drill 14 additional wells in the Kruh Block by the end of 2026 with the next well starting in 2024. Management did indicate that it expects to receive an environmental permit for seismic activity in the Citarum Block in 2023-4Q with work to begin in 2024-1Q. Our models assume one well drilled in the Citarum Block and two wells drilled in the Kruh Block in 2024.


Get the Full Report

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

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

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

Bowlero (BOWL) – Rolls A Solid Quarter


Tuesday, September 12, 2023

Bowlero Corp. is the worldwide leader in bowling entertainment, media, and events. With more than 300 bowling centers across North America, Bowlero Corp. serves more than 26 million guests each year through a family of brands that includes Bowlero, Bowlmor Lanes, and AMF. In 2019, Bowlero Corp. acquired the Professional Bowlers Association, the major league of bowling, which boasts thousands of members and millions of fans across the globe. For more information on Bowlero Corp., please visit BowleroCorp.com.

Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

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

Solid Q4 Full year results. The company reported Q4 revenue and adj. EBITDA of $239.4 million and $64.5 million, respectively, both of which were roughly in-line with our estimates. While the company faced difficult comps in Q4, event revenue was up 7% in the quarter, and 43% for the year. 

A year of investment. Management highlighted that revenue in fiscal full year 2024 is expected to increase in the range of 10% to 15% from full year 2023. Given planned investment spending, adj. EBITDA is expected to grow less than revenues, with adj. EBITDA margins in the range of 32% to 34%, slightly below that of the 34.7% adj. EBITDA margins for fiscal 2023. The company also plans to invest $160 million for acquisitions, $40 million for new builds and $75 million for conversions. 


Get the Full Report

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

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

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

Release – CVG Announces Participation In The D.A. Davidson Annual Diversified Industrials & Services Conference

Research News and Market Data on CVGI

September 11, 2023

NEW ALBANY, Ohio, Sept. 11, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CVG (NASDAQ: CVGI) announced today that Andy Cheung, Chief Financial Officer, will meet with investors at the D.A. Davidson Annual Diversified Industrials & Services Conference on September 21-22, 2023.

For further information, please contact CVGI@alpha-ir.com.

About CVG

At CVG, we deliver real solutions to complex design, engineering and manufacturing problems while creating positive change for our customers, industries, and communities we serve. Information about the Company and its products is available on the internet at www.cvgrp.com.

Investor Relations Contact:
Ross Collins or Stephen Poe
Alpha IR Group
CVGI@alpha-ir.com

Source: Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc.

Two Small Cap Biotechs Neumora and RayzeBio File for $200M+ Nasdaq IPOs

Neumora and RayzeBio, two emerging small cap biotech companies, filed on Monday for initial public offerings (IPOs) on the Nasdaq exchange. The firms are seeking to raise over $200 million each through their stock market debuts.

Neumora, a neuroscience startup, plans to offer 14.7 million shares priced between $16-18 to raise around $227 million under the ticker symbol NMRA. RayzeBio, a radiopharmaceuticals developer, aims to raise about $206 million by offering 13.2 million shares priced at $16-18 per share and trading as RYZB.

As small cap biotechs in earlier stages of development, Neumora and RayzeBio are seen as riskier investments than large cap pharmaceutical firms. However, both companies have drugs in late-stage pipelines and will use their IPO proceeds to fund Phase 3 clinical trials.

Neumora’s lead candidate is a depression drug called navacaprant, while RayzeBio is focused on advancing its radioligand therapy RYZ101 for rare tumors through Phase 3. Their ability to progress their pipelines with capital from the IPOs could improve their growth prospects as public companies.

The biotech IPO market has been tepid so far in 2023, making the environment challenging for small cap biotech listings. But Neumora and RayzeBio’s offerings may provide a test for investor appetite for new issues in the sector. Strong demand could reopen the IPO window for other young biotechs seeking to raise growth capital this year.

Take a look at other small cap companies in the biotech sector by exploring Robert LeBoyer’s coverage list.

J.M. Smucker To Acquire Hostess Brands for $5.6 Billion

Consumer foods giant J.M. Smucker has agreed to purchase bakery company Hostess Brands for $5.6 billion in a major food industry acquisition. The deal will expand Smucker’s snacks and sweets portfolio with the addition of iconic Hostess brands such as Twinkies, Ding Dongs, and Donettes.

Under the terms of the acquisition, Smucker will pay $34.25 per share for Hostess in a cash and stock deal. This represents a premium of about 20% over Hostess’ closing share price on Friday. Smucker will also take on approximately $900 million of Hostess’ debt.

For Smucker, the deal provides an avenue for growth as demand for its key categories like jam and peanut butter has slowed. Twinkies and other Hostess snacks can tap into rising consumer appetites for nostalgic comfort foods. The acquisition also boosts Smucker’s presence in the in-store bakery section and convenience stores.

Meanwhile, Hostess Brands has faced slipping sales volumes after raising prices to offset inflationary pressures. As growth stalled, larger rivals circled with takeover interest to tap into the strong consumer awareness of brands like Twinkies. Hostess ultimately opted for Smucker’s buyout offer.

The transaction comes amid a wave of deal-making in the food industry, as companies look to acquisitions for expansion. With the Hostess deal, Smucker follows in the footsteps of rivals like Campbell Soup, Mars, and Unilever which have all acquired brands in recent months to spur growth.

The Hostess acquisition is expected to close in January 2024 after customary approvals. It will add an estimated $1.4 billion in Hostess net sales to Smucker’s portfolio upon completion.

Take a look at Fat Brands Inc., a leading global franchising company that acquires, markets and develops fast casual and casual dining restaurant concepts around the world.

Instacart Aims for $9.3 Billion Valuation in Upcoming IPO

Online grocery delivery firm Instacart is gearing up to go public and has set the terms for its initial public offering (IPO). In a regulatory filing on Monday, Instacart outlined plans to raise around $616 million through the offering of 22 million shares priced between $26 and $28 each.

The IPO would give Instacart a fully diluted valuation of up to $9.3 billion. This is below earlier estimates of a $40 billion valuation, indicating moderating growth expectations. Nonetheless, the offering could still mark one of the largest public listings this year amid a freeze on IPOs over the past year due to market volatility.

Founded in 2012, San Francisco-based Instacart has established itself as a leading online grocery platform in the U.S. It partners with grocers and retailers to deliver items to customers’ doors in as little as an hour. Instacart competes in a crowded space against entrenched firms like Walmart and Amazon as well as delivery apps like DoorDash and GoPuff.

Take a moment to look at 1-800 Flowers.com, a leading e-commerce business platform that delivers gifts designed to help inspire customers to give more, connect more, and build more relationships.

Instacart plans to sell 14.1 million newly issued shares in the IPO, with the remainder offered by existing shareholders. Multiple prominent investors have committed to buying shares in the offering, including PepsiCo, which is investing $175 million, and Norges Bank Investment Management, Norway’s sovereign wealth fund.

Proceeds from the IPO will provide funding for Instacart to invest in areas like technology, fulfillment, and advertising as it aims to turn a profit. The company posted revenues of $1.8 billion in 2020 but has yet to become profitable.

The upcoming listing will test investor appetite for high-growth tech IPOs after a yearlong freeze. Instacart’s debut performance will depend on prevailing market sentiment closer to its trading date. But a successful IPO could boost Instacart’s brand and validate its status as a leading next-generation grocery platform.

Huge Lithium Deposit Found in US Could Be Game-Changer for Renewable Energy

An enormous lithium deposit estimated to hold up to 40 million metric tons has recently been discovered in the United States underneath an ancient supervolcano straddling the Nevada-Oregon border. This lithium trove, the largest known supply in the world, could provide major opportunities for lithium companies and boost renewable energy efforts as demand for lithium batteries is projected to skyrocket.

Lithium, an extremely light metallic element, is an essential component of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles, grid storage, smartphones, laptops and other key technologies. With electric vehicle adoption accelerating globally and increasing need for batteries to store solar and wind energy, lithium is becoming integral to a clean energy future.

For lithium companies, this huge deposit represents a potentially massive new source of supply to power growth. Lithium exploration and mining companies will likely ramp up operations in the region to benefit from burgeoning demand. Those able to cost-effectively extract lithium from the volcanic crater could be poised to reap sizable revenues.

Access to substantial lithium resources located within the US rather than relying heavily on imports could also help enhance energy security as the country moves away from fossil fuels. Domestic supply could additionally stabilize lithium prices and support US-based jobs.

The lithium deposit was uncovered within Oregon’s McDermitt Caldera, the remnants of an ancient supervolcano that exploded around 16 million years ago. With lithium demand expected to expand fivefold or more by 2030, this huge supply could be a game-changer, diversifying and elevating global lithium sources to meet increasing battery requirements.

For lithium companies and renewable energy companies alike, this deposit represents a monumental opportunity. Responsible extraction will be key to unlocking the full potential of this transformative mineral discovery.

Take moment to look at companies Lithium Bank and Century Lithium who are focused on exploration, development, and production of lithium.

Release – GeoVax Completes Enrollment of Phase 2 Trial for Next-Generation COVID-19 Vaccine Booster

Research News and Market Data on GOVX

 

Multi-antigen Vaccine Designed to Protect Against Evolving SARS-CoV-2 Variants

ATLANTA, GA, September 11, 2023 – GeoVax Labs, Inc. (Nasdaq: GOVX), a biotechnology company developing immunotherapies and vaccines against cancers and infectious diseases, today announced that it has met the enrollment target for its Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating GEO-CM04S1 as a booster for healthy patients who have previously received the Pfizer or Moderna mRNA vaccine (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04639466).

The study is designed to evaluate the safety profile and immunogenicity of two GEO-CM04S1 dose levels administered as a COVID-19 vaccine booster among healthy individuals previously vaccinated with one of the FDA approved SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines. The immunological responses measured throughout the study will include both the level of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and specific T cell responses.

GEO-CM04S1 is a next-generation COVID-19 vaccine 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.

“We would like to thank everyone who partnered with us to complete this important clinical trial enrollment milestone, especially the study volunteers and research staff at our clinical sites in the United States,” said David Dodd, GeoVax Chairman and CEO. “We believe the unique properties of GEO-CM04S1 potentially offer a more robust, durable degree of protection than the current authorized COVID-19 vaccines, not only as a booster vaccine to the currently authorized mRNA vaccines, but as a primary vaccine for highly vulnerable immunocompromised patients.”

Additional Ongoing Trials of GEO-CM04S1

In addition to the booster vaccine trial for which patient enrollment was just completed, GEO-CM04S1 is being evaluated in two other 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. These data support the progression of the Phase 2 clinical study, which includes a direct comparison to currently approved mRNA vaccines.
  • 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.

Further underscoring the need for next-generation COVID-19 vaccines such as GEO-CM04S1, GeoVax scientists co-authored an article titled, “MVA-Vectored Universal Beta-Coronavirus Vaccine Design & Development”, published in the June 2023 issue of the online journal Vaccine Insights. The article, accessible here, provides expert insight into the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), the risk of new “spillover events” from animal hosts, and how this risk can be addressed proactively. Regarding COVID-19 and its continually evolving variants, the authors describe the limitations of first-generation vaccines and the potential for MVA-vectored vaccines such as GEO-CM04S1 to overcome these limitations.

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®, presently 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. 

Contact:

GeoVax Labs, Inc.

investor@geovax.com

678-384-7220