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OncoCyte's Innovative Approach: Potential in Precision Diagnostics

RazorPitch OCX

Chronic conditions such as organ transplant rejection and cancer represent significant challenges in modern healthcare, demanding precise diagnostic tools for effective management and treatment. For organ transplant patients, the risk of graft rejection remains a persistent threat, necessitating continuous monitoring to ensure long-term success. Similarly, the complexity of cancer requires advanced diagnostics to tailor treatments to individual patients, optimizing therapeutic efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. Amidst these challenges, OncoCyte Corporation (NASDAQ: OCX ) has emerged as an innovative player in the precision diagnostics market. The company's tests enhance clinical outcomes for patients undergoing organ transplants and cancer treatments. With recent strategic partnerships and regulatory advancements, OncoCyte has spearheaded transformative advancements in the field. OCX’s product portfolio includes VitaGraft, a clinical blood-based test for monitoring solid organ transplants, and GraftAssure, a research-use-only test for the same purpose. Additionally, DetermaIO and DetermaCNI are designed for oncology applications, predicting responses to immunotherapies and monitoring therapeutic efficacy, respectively. Partnerships In April 2024, OCX partnered with Bio-Rad Laboratories (NYSE: BIO) to commercialize the GraftAssure assay. This agreement leverages Bio-Rad's extensive reach and expertise in the life sciences sector, facilitating the co-marketing of GraftAssure in the U.S. and Germany. Bio-Rad holds exclusive global distribution rights outside these regions. This collaboration is pivotal for scaling OncoCyte's operations and meeting the growing demand for transplant diagnostics. The partnership also includes an option for Bio-Rad to acquire IVD commercial rights upon FDA clearance, subject to specific milestones. This option comes with a second equity investment into OncoCyte, reflecting Bio-Rad's confidence in the product's market potential. Riggs noted, "The QX600 ddPCR platform, along with their expertise in the life science market, makes Bio-Rad a natural partner for our transplant technology." Financial Performance OncoCyte's Q1 2024 financial results indicate a strategic focus on commercialization and cost-efficiency. The company reported gross proceeds of $15.8 million from an equity private placement, including a significant investment from Bio-Rad. This funding is crucial for advancing OncoCyte's product pipeline and expanding its market presence. Operational efficiency is evident, with OncoCyte reducing its cash burn to $3.9 million, reflecting a capital-efficient business model. The collaboration with Bio-Rad and the anticipated commercial launch of GraftAssure RUO test kits in Asia, the U.S., and the EU are expected to drive revenue growth and broaden the company's market reach. Riggs remarked, "The collaboration with Bio-Rad is pivotal for the upcoming launch of our GraftAssure RUO transplant rejection diagnostic test kit and central to our mission of developing accessible point-of-care diagnostics and continuous innovation in transplant rejection monitoring." Publication in New England Journal of Medicine OCX announced a significant milestone on May 30, 2024, with the publication of promising data on VitaGraft Kidney in the New England Journal of Medicine. This phase 2 study highlights VitaGraft Kidney’s potential to revolutionize kidney transplant care by accurately monitoring graft health through measuring donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA). For investors, this development signals substantial market potential. VitaGraft Kidney's ability to monitor therapeutic efficacy and detect disease recurrence opens new revenue streams. This test could become a standard in post-transplant care, driving repeated testing and long-term revenue. VitaGraft Kidney addresses a critical unmet need. Up to 20.2% of kidney transplant patients develop antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) within 10 years, with no FDA-approved drugs currently available for AMR management. The combination of VitaGraft testing and felzartamab therapy offers a promising solution, potentially improving patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency. OCX CEO Josh Riggs emphasized the breakthrough nature of this study, stating, “This positions VitaGraft Kidney as a crucial tool in managing transplant health. Our recent partnership with Bio-Rad expands our capacity to deliver these innovative solutions globally.” Riggs highlighted the test’s competitive edge in detecting AMR up to 10 months earlier than current protocols, enhancing patient care, and strengthening OncoCyte’s market position. The findings will be presented at the 2024 American Transplant Congress on June 3, 2024. This presentation is expected to further validate VitaGraft Kidney’s clinical value and could act as a catalyst for broader market adoption. OncoCyte’s latest publication not only validates VitaGraft Kidney’s clinical potential but also strengthens the company’s market position. As OCX continues to innovate and expand its market reach, investors can anticipate significant growth opportunities in the precision diagnostics sector. Disclaimers: RazorPitch Inc. "RazorPitch" is not operated by a licensed broker, a dealer, or a registered investment adviser. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investment advice. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides investors a safe harbor in regard to forward-looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, goals, assumptions, or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact may be forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are based on expectations, estimates, and projections at the time the statements are made that involve a number of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those presently anticipated. Forward looking statements in this action may be identified through use of words such as projects, foresee, expects, will, anticipates, estimates, believes, understands, or that by statements indicating certain actions & quote; may, could, or might occur. Understand there is no guarantee past performance will be indicative of future results. Investing in micro-cap and growth securities is highly speculative and carries an extremely high degree of risk. It is possible that an investors investment may be lost or impaired due to the speculative nature of the companies profiled. RazorPitch has been retained and compensated by PCG Advisory Inc. to assist in the production and distribution of this content. RazorPitch is responsible for the production and distribution of this content. It should be expressly understood that under no circumstances does any information published herein represent a recommendation to buy or sell a security. This content is for informational purposes only, you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained in this article constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer by RazorPitch or any third party service provider to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments. All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in this article constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information in the article constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. RazorPitch is not a fiduciary by virtue of any persons use of or access to this content. Contact Details RazorPitch Inc Mark McKelvie +1 585-301-7700 Mark@razorpitch.com Company Website http://razorpitch.com

June 05, 2024 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

DPH BIOLOGICALS DELIVERS NEXT GENERATION BIOLOGICALS WITH EXPANDED PORTFOLIO BUILT ON NOVEL TECHNOLOGY PLATFORM

DPH Biologicals

DPH Biologicals, a leading developer and supplier of agricultural biologicals, announced its new Prime platform that uses a patented production process for Bacillus spp., a leading plant growth rhizobacterium, to accelerate the germination of bacteria spores, supporting overall plant development while providing crops with more consistent resilience against heat, drought, and alkaline and saline soil conditions. “Historically biologicals have been dinged for inconsistent performance when used in a variety of environmental conditions. By utilizing a unique manufacturing process, we’ve enabled Bacillus spores to germinate faster resulting in more consistent performance especially in stressful conditions. Ultimately, Prime gives channel partners and growers more confidence in biologicals and allows them to differentiate from the plethora of microbial-based products on the market,” said Mick Messman, DPH Bio President and CEO. Kept in a dry, dormant state to germinate quicker, Prime spores colonize the root zone faster, capturing nitrogen while solubilizing potassium and phosphorus for more effective nutrient uptake. In a lab trial, Prime enabled more than 70% of Bacillus spores to germinate at temperatures as high as 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, while those without Prime germinated less than 10% after 50 minutes. Additionally, nearly all spores with Prime germinated in high salt environments, while those that were not treated with Prime did not germinate. With exclusive rights, DPH Bio is the first to offer Prime-based products and has recently integrated Prime into several existing biofertilizers in its TerraTrove™ product line, including Envelix Prime available this fall and Essential™ Prime PAK available for the 2025 crop season. “We are excited to see results coming through our science-based approach to support our channel partners and growers. Powered by Prime, the next generation of biologicals delivers higher quality sustainable options that consistently work," said Messman. For more information about DPH Bio’s technology platforms – RegenAphex™ and Prime, as well as DPH Bio’s expanded product portfolio, visit www.dphbio.com. About DPH Biologicals DPH Biologicals, LLC attracts, develops and scales technologies improving broad market access and simplifying the grower experience with biologicals. Based on investments in scientific research, field testing, partner relationships and product development, and leadership-owned since 2024, DPH Bio yields success through science and relationships, standing at the leading edge of clarity, trust and proven, profitable solutions for agricultural biologicals. For more information, visit www.dphbio.com Contact Details AgTech PR for DPH Bio Georgie Smith georgie@agtechpr.com Company Website http://www.dphbio.com

June 04, 2024 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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CURE ALZHEIMER’S FUND PRESENTS THE JEFFREY L. MORBY PRIZE FOR EXCEPTIONAL RESEARCH

Alzheimer’s Disease Research Foundation

Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to funding the most promising research to prevent, slow or reverse Alzheimer’s disease, has announced the recipients of the inaugural Jeffrey L. Morby Prize. Senior author David M. Holtzman, M.D., and first author Xiaoying Chen, Ph.D., both of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, were selected by their peers for their paper “Microglia-Mediated T Cell Infiltration Drives Neurodegeneration in Tauopathy,” published in Nature in March 2023. The Morby Prize is named in honor of the late Co-Founder of Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, Jeffrey L. Morby, who inspired the nonprofit’s mission 20 years ago to fund research as a path to ending Alzheimer’s disease. Mr. Morby passed away in September 2023. Established this year, the Morby prize will be awarded annually to the senior and first authors of a recent scientific publication that transforms the fundamental understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and opens new paths to translate scientific results into effective ways to prevent, diagnose or treat the disease. This year’s award included $200,000 for the senior author’s lab for Alzheimer’s disease-related research. “Recognizing researchers for a paper selected by peer scientists for breakthrough thinking and benefit to the Alzheimer’s community befits Jeff’s wonderful legacy of empowering scientists to achieve rigorous and innovative science,” said Meg Smith, CEO of Cure Alzheimer’s Fund. “The many extraordinary CureAlz-funded projects that resulted in published papers in 2022 and 2023 made the competition for this award fierce, and the endorsement of this paper by their peers speaks to the importance of the work of Drs. Holtzman and Chen and their co-authors. Their compelling data challenge the old paradigm that the adaptive immune system has little role in neurodegenerative disease, and by doing so opens new avenues to explore for effective intervention in Alzheimer’s disease.” Added Dr. Holtzman: ”Both Xiaoying Chen and I and our many outstanding co-authors are very honored to receive recognition for the work in our recently published paper. There remain many unanswered questions about the exact role of the adaptive immune response in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. I think this work along with work from others in the field is pushing us to understand how important adaptive immunity is in Alzheimer’s disease and other tauopathies, as well as whether targeting it will ultimately be therapeutically beneficial to people.” About The Holtzman Lab David M. Holtzman, Ph.D. is a neurologist and neuroscientist who has focused much of his efforts over the past 30 years on trying to better understand mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration, particularly as they are relevant to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Xiaoying Chen, Ph.D., was a postdoc research associate in the Holtzman Lab and is first author of the winning paper. The Holtzman Lab at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has published extensively on the neurobiology of apoE as it relates to the innate immune system and how apoE and other factors such as neuronal activity and sleep influence Aβ and tau metabolism, their accumulation, and their effects in the brain. For more information, visit HoltzmanLab.Wustl.edu. About Cure Alzheimer's Fund Cure Alzheimer’s Fund is a nonprofit dedicated to funding the most promising research to prevent, slow or reverse Alzheimer’s disease. Since its founding in 2004, Cure Alzheimer’s Fund has provided 848 grants to more than 300 of the world’s leading researchers and contributed $202 million to research. Its funded initiatives have been responsible for many key breakthroughs in understanding the causes and pathology of Alzheimer’s disease. Cure Alzheimer’s Fund has received a 4-star rating for more than 12 consecutive years from Charity Navigator. Our Board of Directors, Trustees and a core group of other donors direct their donations to CureAlz overhead expenses so that 100% of general donations go to our research program. For more information, visit CureAlz.org. To learn about the impact of Alzheimer’s on women and women working toward a cure, visit WomenandAlzheimers.org. Contact Details Barbara Chambers +1 978-417-9890 BChambers@CureAlz.org Company Website https://curealz.org

May 30, 2024 06:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Halving of BTFS Storage Rewards

BitTorrent

Singapore, May 28, 2024 – To sustain the growth and success of the BitTorrent ecosystem, BTFS is set to implement a halving on the next round of rewards for storage miners on the BTFS network. From 00:00 (UTC) June 25, 2024, the daily rewards for storage miners on the BTFS network will be halved from 15 billion BTT to 7.5 billion BTT. The BitTorrent File System (BTFS) is a decentralized file storage system that utilizes blockchain technology and peer-to-peer transmission. It allows users to store their files across multiple nodes in a distributed manner, enhancing file security and reliability. BTFS also offers rapid file transfer and access, giving users greater convenience in managing and sharing files. By integrating key features of the BitTorrent Chain (BTTC), such as cross-chain connectivity and multichannel payment options, BTFS significantly enhances user experience. Currently, the BTFS network is experiencing rapid growth with over 8 million nodes across the network, including more than 6 million super miners, according to BTFS SCAN. To support the efficient operations of these nodes, BTFS initiated a rewards program and has provided an aggregate of 25 trillion BTT since the launch of BTFS Mainnet in 2019. Every two years, the BTFS rewards halving will occur causing the rewards for all storage miners across the network to be cut in half. (Halving roadmap) Moreover, halving will also prompt miners to improve node performance by optimizing node operation and reducing waste. In addition, an upgrade of the official website for the BTFS technical community and the release of BTFS v3.0 Mainnet will be scheduled in sync with the halving. These developments are expected to improve the efficiency of the BTFS protocol, expand the user base, and enhance its overall functionality. Looking ahead, BTFS is committed to continuously refining its storage rewards strategies. The goal is to expand the network of nodes participating in file storage on BTFS, providing developers with an efficient, secure, and reliable storage solution boosting both the capacity and the transaction efficiency of the BTTC network. About BTFS The BitTorrent File System (BTFS) is both a protocol and a web application that provides a content-addressable peer-to-peer mechanism for storing and sharing digital content in a decentralized file system, as well as a base platform for decentralized applications (Dapp). The BTFS team has been working on the latest network operations and BTT market sentiment, etc., to make a series of dynamic adjustments such as upload prices and airdrop reward schemes. About BitTorrent Founded with a leading peer-to-peer sharing technology standard in 2004, BitTorrent, Inc. is a consumer software company based in San Francisco. Its protocol is the largest decentralized P2P network in the world, driving 22% of upstream and 3% of downstream traffic globally. Its flagship desktop and mobile products, BitTorrent and µTorrent, enable users to send large files over the internet, connecting legitimate third-party content providers with users. With over 100 million active users, BitTorrent products have been installed on over 1 billion devices in over 138 countries worldwide. Since November 2018, TRON (TRX), Binance (BNB), and Bitcoin (BTC) holders have the opportunity to purchase one-year subscriptions of BitTorrent or µTorrent products, including Ads Free and Pro for Windows. Pro includes anti-virus and anti-malware screening, file converting and playability in HD. Users can visit bittorrent.com or utorrent.com to learn more. Website | Telegram | Medium | X | Media Contact John Chen press@bittorrent.com Contact Details John Chen press@bittorrent.com

May 28, 2024 07:53 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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College of American Pathologists: Cancer Rates Soaring in Younger Adults

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/rq8XcHBnPw0 Cancer doesn’t discriminate by age today. Consider celebrities like Chadwick Boseman, who died from colon cancer; Olivia Munn, who recently underwent a double mastectomy; Ninja, a popular streamer on Twitch diagnosed with skin cancer; and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, who is currently being treated for the disease. All of them were diagnosed before the age of 50. Why is this happening and what can we do to catch it early? There are several reasons: diet, lifestyle, and environmental factors. The College of American Pathologists is emphasizing the importance of early detection, screening, and being vigilant regarding symptoms. A nationwide media tour was conducted to discuss this important issue featuring Dr. Donald Karcher, president of the College of American Pathologists. Topics that Dr. Karcher discussed included: • What is behind the soaring trend of younger adults being diagnosed with cancer? • What symptoms to look for to improve cancer outcomes. • What cancers can and should be screened for? • What if you don’t meet the minimum age requirements for screening but are having symptoms? • Discussing the importance of early detection. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: YOURPATHOLOGIST.ORG Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

May 23, 2024 02:17 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Video

Shedding Light on Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month

YourUpdateTV

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a rare, progressive, and genetic disease that currently affects about 40,000 people in the United States. CF is the result of a defective gene, inherited from each parent, and the disease can impact people of all races and ethnicities. Recently, KC White, Board Chair of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss the disease, her personal journey, and how the Foundation is helping progress care and treatment options. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/8wj8u0JEqLU CF is a life-shortening disease that prevents our bodies from clearing mucus. This can lead to lung infections, poor nutrition, lung disease, and a host of unique challenges that can impact every aspect of a person’s life. When it was first discovered, it was considered a fatal pediatric disease. But due to transformative advancements in treatments and high-quality care, the life-expectancy for someone born with CF today is 56. While that number is climbing there is still a long way to go and unfortunately, not all people with CF equally benefit from this progress. KC White was elected chair of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Board of Trustees in 2022 after serving on the Board since 2005. Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at age 3, White has been a committed volunteer and inspiring advocate for the Foundation since childhood and is the first person with CF to serve as board chair. When she was diagnosed, she wasn’t expected to live past high school age, but her family refused to accept that fate, which prompted their dedication to the Foundation’s work. Because of recent treatments known as modulators, about 90% of the CF population (including KC) experienced an incredible transformation in their health. With this though, comes navigating unplanned challenges including careers, finances, family, and more. In addition to fueling the research, particularly in genetic therapies, that will lead to transformative treatments for the entire CF population, the CF Foundation works to support the CF community in all aspects of their lives through support programs and fostering connection opportunities. Every May, the cystic fibrosis community comes together for CF Awareness Month to educate the public about the rare disease, share personal stories, and encourage people to get involved and unite behind a shared mission: finding a cure for all people with CF. The CF Foundation is committed to finding a cure and providing all people with CF the opportunity to lead long, fulfilling lives. The Foundation is aggressively funding research and drug development, advancing high-quality, specialized care, and partnering with and advocating for the CF community. For more information, visit CFF.ORG/CFMONTH About KC White KC White was elected chair of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Board of Trustees in 2022 after serving on the Board since 2005. Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at age 3, White has been a committed volunteer and inspiring advocate for the Foundation since childhood, speaking at her first Foundation event when she was only 9 years old. She is the first person with CF to serve as board chair. White received her Master of Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania in 2022 and currently serves as an assistant instructor in the program. She is also the Head Varsity Women’s Lacrosse coach for the Chagrin Falls, Ohio, Tigers. She and her husband, Justin, have one son, Mac. About the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is a donor-supported nonprofit organization leading the relentless pursuit of a cure for cystic fibrosis. The Foundation is committed to providing all people with CF the opportunity to lead long, fulfilling lives by funding research and drug development, advancing high-quality, specialized care, and partnering with and advocating for the CF community. The Foundation funds more CF research than any other organization, and nearly every CF drug available today was made possible because of Foundation support. The organization supports and accredits a national network of over 130 CF care centers recognized by the National Institutes of Health as a model of care for a chronic disease. Also, the Foundation manages support programs and fosters connection opportunities for the CF community. Based in Bethesda, Md., the Foundation’s impact is made possible by the work of nearly 70 local chapters across the country. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

May 23, 2024 12:47 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Technology Is Enabling Remote Work In More And More Fields – Could Surgery Be Next? Surgical Robot Maker Monogram Orthopedics (NASDAQ: MGRM) Believes So

Benzinga

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga From far-flung corners of the world to rural towns across America, remote, robotic surgeries have the potential to change the way doctors treat patients. Using advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, teleconferencing and the internet, doctors can perform everything from knee replacements to gastric bypass without ever leaving their healthcare facility. That is already changing how care is delivered. Remote surgeries can provide cheaper and faster solutions – improving the accessibility of high-quality surgical care, overcoming surgeon shortages and saving patients money by removing the need to travel long distances for healthcare. Then there’s the enhanced accuracy and improved outcomes surgeons can achieve by using robotics to perform surgeries that otherwise would be manual and subject to potential human error. Take knee replacements, for one example. As it stands, 88% of knee surgeries are still performed manually, opening patients up to errors that could require more treatment and care. The benefits don’t end there. By using minimally invasive robotic methods, patients often see a reduction in complications, pain and infections. Not to mention, these methods can lead to faster recovery times and shorter hospital stays. All of those positives haven’t been lost on the medical community and are driving demand for telesurgery. According to Research and Markets, the surgical robots market is poised to hit $7.3 billion by 2030, up from $6.4 billion in 2022 – growing at a CAGR of 13.5% during the forecast period. The need for robotics can be found in every area of surgical care but seems particularly poised to grow in orthopedics. The orthopedic device market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% through 2030, reaching $80.28 billion, according to Fortune Business Insights. Driving the growth is a rising prevalence of osteoporosis and musculoskeletal diseases, an aging population and an increase in sports-related injuries. The technology and procedures used today are antiquated, and robots could help with an overhaul. Monogram Demonstrates Its Prowess When it comes to remote robotic surgery, many players are trying to advance this type of treatment care. One company that seems to be seeing success is Monogram Orthopedics Inc. (NASDAQ: MGRM), the Austin, Texas medical technology company aiming to revolutionize orthopedic joint replacement surgery with its robotic technology, which links 3D printing and robotics with advanced pre-operative imaging. The company is developing a robot that it believes could help improve the standard of care in orthopedics in the future. Accompanying the robot are what the company describes as its “patient optimized” mPress implants that the company believes, when combined with robotics, could help surgeons deliver personalized care. Last year, the company made history by completing what it says is the first fully remote simulated robotic surgery in orthopedics. On March 7, 2023, Douglas Unis, MD of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City and founder of Monogram Orthopedics, completed a fully remote total knee arthroplasty (TKA) procedure on a cadaver, controlling the Austin-based robot from New York City in real-time via the system’s user-operated foot pedal. Unis said at the time that despite being 1,700 miles away, the real-time system was very responsive with little in the way of latency. The successful simulated cadaveric surgery was live-streamed for the world to see. Internet Reliability On Display To demonstrate the capabilities and ensure the surgery went off without a hitch, Monogram tapped Real-Time Innovations’ RTI Connext® Anywhere software to provide real-time connectivity, which is extremely important for remote surgeries to be a success. To address the technical challenges of teleoperation, Monogram required a flexible software connectivity solution that was designed for distributed, secure and reliable data flow. Connext Anywhere, based on the Data Distribution Service (DDS™) standard, accelerates the development of intelligent and connected platforms and provides a range of reliability features to optimize and prioritize real-time data flow over intermittent networks. That proved true during the remote surgery. "A joint-replacement surgery is incredibly invasive, stressful and is still a largely manual process today, with 100,000 knee replacements failing each year," Kamran Shamaei, CTO at Monogram said at the time. "We feel strongly that our total knee replacement system, with RTI's underlying technology, could eventually help to dramatically reduce this number, hopefully helping patients to have a more stable, better-fitting knee replacement with fewer complications in a fraction of the time it takes today." It’s Just The Beginning Since Monogram’s successful demonstration, the company has made inroads in bringing robotic surgeries to the mainstream. It recently announced it delivered its first surgical robot, mBôs, to one of the world’s largest global robotics distributors. It marked the first sale for Monogram Orthopedics. In pre-clinical simulated cadaveric surgeries, Monogram’s robot was able to complete an orthopedic surgery in 40 minutes – about half the time it has taken some systems today. The goal is to try and get surgical timed down to 20 minutes with the help of the company’s recently announced mVIsion navigation. Remote robotic surgeries are just taking off as companies like Monogram aim to revolutionize surgical care. Telesurgery has the potential to level the playing field, help surgeon adoption and potentially improve patient outcomes, and make treatment more accessible and affordable for people residing in even the most remote locations. Just like video conferencing transformed the way we communicate, telesurgery is poised to change the way doctors across the world perform surgeries. Monogram is positioning itself to play a major role in that revolution. Featured photo by Piron Guillaume on Unsplash. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

May 23, 2024 08:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Limula raises $6.8M to democratise access to life-saving Cell and Gene Therapies with Swiss-made manufacturing platform

limula

Over the last decade, several breakthrough Cell and Gene Therapy products have been approved in the USA and Europe to turn stem cells and immune cells into ‘living cures’, bringing hope to millions living with life-threatening conditions. However, these treatments remain out of reach for 98% of patients suffering from what are now curable conditions. This is in part due to complex, manual and costly manufacturing processes. Life science startup Limula announces today it has raised CHF6.2M ($6.8M) to take their solution for automating cell therapy manufacturing to the next stage of development. The oversubscribed seed round was led by LifeX Ventures, with participation from Verve Ventures, Zühlke Ventures, Oxford Seed Fund, Lichtsteiner Foundation, W.A. de Vigier Foundation, the founders, and a lineup of private individuals who have been supporting Limula’s vision from its inception. The company was founded in 2020 by Dr. Yann Pierson, Dr Luc Henry. Dr. Thomas Eaton to deliver a disruptive approach to the ‘ex vivo’ manipulation of cells, based on a novel technology. The trio witnessed that outdated manufacturing methods were a speed bump to the adoption of Cell and Gene Therapy products – like chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells. Combining breakthrough discoveries in genetic engineering and medicine led to a revolution in medicine, but boosting the patients’ own cells to produce a dose in a laboratory still requires too many manual steps. Highly skilled labour and sterile infrastructures represent the majority of the costs of a therapy, leading to a price tag of $500,000 or more per dose. As a result, these treatments are inaccessible for a majority of eligible patients. To combat this, Limula developed a modular solution for on-demand and at-scale manufacturing of cell therapies in a single device. By combining the functionalities of a bioreactor and a centrifuge into one single closed vessel, Limula’s proprietary solution can handle a wide range of volumes and cell numbers, removing transfer steps and therefore limiting stress, losses, and potential contamination. With a potential for scalability, it can be used by cell therapy providers in their transition from pre-clinical evaluation to clinical trials, and later commercial scale manufacturing of clinical-grade cell products. Luc Henry, co-founder and CEO of Limula said: "Our team is driven by the ambitious goal of developing tools that are based on a fundamentally novel way of manipulating cells outside of the body. Our technology supports manufacturing workflows that are impossible to automate with existing tools. We believe automation is the only route to scalability and digital traceability. These two aspects are keys unlocking the full potential of Cell and Gene Therapy, making them accessible to the many, not just the few”. Limula’s founders built a high performing multidisciplinary team, most recently joined by domain experts Olivier Waridel, former CEO of Cytiva-owned Biosafe, Caroline Boudousquié, former Head of Process Development at the Center for experimental therapeutics (CTE) of the University Hospital in Lausanne, and Maria Elena Grisostolo, former VP Operations at Lunaphore. After completing an initial proof of concept, the company launched a program to provide selected industry and academic partners access to the innovative platform ahead of its commercial launch. With the aim to broaden the scope of applications, Limula has signed partnerships with several research centres including San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy in Milan, Italy - a world-recognized centre of excellence for research and clinical translation of cell and gene therapy. Prof. Bernhard Gentner at San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy said: “We believe the solution Limula is advancing can support our current process development activities and later enable the manufacturing of these cell products at scale. We also see its potential in improving the status quo in Cell & Gene Therapy manufacturing in general, and in the field of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in particular.” Dr Inaki Berenguer, managing partner at LifeX Ventures added: "We're thrilled to stand with the Limula team as they reinvent cell and gene therapy manufacturing. It's evident that production tools have lagged behind scientific and clinical advancements, particularly in terms of price and scalability. Limula's commitment to addressing these bottlenecks is crucial to enhancing accessibility for patients.” Looking ahead, Limula will use its new seed capital to significantly advance the development of the proprietary platform composed of a device and single use consumables, towards meeting good manufacturing practice (GMP) requirements. The solution developed by Limula is an enabling tool for a rapidly growing market. The potential of Cell and Gene Therapies to save the lives of millions of patients globally has generated significant interest – and investment – leading to a significant pipeline and several recent approvals by health authorities. Both industrial and academic players are now eager to adopt next-generation automated and scalable solutions with the shared goal to significantly increase market reach and broaden accessibility. About Limula Limula SA is a Life Science Tools company based in Lausanne, Switzerland, looking to disrupt the status quo in the manufacturing of Cell & Gene Therapies. Their mission is to support rapid and cost-effective introduction of new advanced therapy products to the market. Their cell processing platform leverages a proprietary design and automation to bring all functionalities required for on-demand and at-scale manufacturing of cell therapies in a single device. www.limula.ch About LifeX Ventures ‍LifeX Ventures is a New York-based venture capital firm investing in global visionary entrepreneurs using software and AI to develop transformational solutions that will extend the life of humans and the planet. With its $100M debut fund, LifeX is targeting the two largest sectors in the world: People (bio/health) and Planet (climate), where Software and AI suddenly matter. ‍www.lifex.vc About Verve Ventures Verve Ventures is one of the most active venture investors in Europe with over 140 science and technology-driven startups in its portfolio. Verve Ventures’ dedicated team helps startups with their most pressing needs such as hiring, client introductions, and an expert network of high-profile individuals. www.verve.vc About Zühlke Ventures Zühlke Ventures is an early stage venture capital investor with focus on HealthTech. Zühlke Ventures’s investment is paired with actionable expertise for finding product-market-fit, for developing and deploying novel products, and for entering international markets. www.zuehlke.com/en/about-us/ventures About Oxford Seed Fund Oxford Seed Fund, run by the Entrepreneurship Centre at Saïd Business School is the largest student-led VC fund outside of North America, investing in top Oxford-affiliated technology enabled pre-seed and seed stage companies. Supporting them with access to funding, talent, skills and networks. The Fund deploys £600,000+ per year across 10+ companies. https://www.sbs.ox.ac.uk/research/centres-and-initiatives/entrepreneurship-centre/oxford-seed-fund About Lichtsteiner Foundation The Lichtsteiner Foundation supports pioneers and early-stage startups in the field of health (medical technology, biotechnology, life science, mental health, public health and wellbeing) in order to improve people’s health in a sustainable way. https://lichtsteinerfoundation.org/ About W.A. de Vigier Foundation Since the foundation’s establishment in 1987, the goal of the W.A. de Vigier Foundation has been to actively invigorate business development and further provide direct financial support to young people with innovative business ideas wishing to build performance and growth-oriented businesses in Switzerland. Until today, the W.A. de Vigier Foundation has awarded CHF 14.3 million in seed capital to Swiss startups. https://devigier.ch/ Contact Details Limula Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com Company Website https://limula.ch/

May 21, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Neural Therapeutics - How do we prevent people getting addicted to opioids?

Neural Therapeutics Inc.

Neural Therapeutics CEO Ian Campbell is answering some of the questions raised by Scientific Advisor Professor David Nutt's presentation on the potentially revolutionary untapped effects of psychedelic medicine. Today's questions asks: "The opioid crisis has touched every sector of society and shows no sign of stopping. How do we prevent more people from becoming addicted?" He emphasised that contrary to common concerns, the substances developed by the company have not shown addictive properties in clinical trials. Campbell highlighted that there is no evidence of withdrawal symptoms in patients. Moreover, ongoing scientific work supports the effectiveness of these substances in treating individuals with substance use disorders. The presentation focused on what Professor Nutt describes as the utility of psychedelic compounds and their potential to transform the treatment of mental illness. To watch the full presentation, click here: https://www.proactiveinvestors.co.uk/companies/news/1035785/professor-david-nutt-presents-his-insights-into-psychedelic-medicine-neural-therapeutics-1035785.html Neural Therapeutics is a drug-discovery company focusing on plant-based active substances with the goal of delivering beneficial, over-the-counter dietary supplements and psychedelic-based therapeutic medicines to treat serious mental ailments where no significant treatment is available today. Contact Details Proactive United States +1 347-449-0879 action@proactiveinvestors.com

May 20, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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