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How Genetic Testing Can Impact Health and Wellness

YourUpdateTV

In recent years, direct-to-consumer genetic testing has been used to facilitate the detection of certain health risks, allowing for proactive lifestyle modifications. In some cases, genetic testing can be lifesaving for patients, helping empower them to make informed life choices, with the help of healthcare providers, to improve their health and well-being. Recently, Genetic Trends Expert at 23andMe, Jhulianna Cintron and customer Marc Lovicott, participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss the benefits of genetic testing on health and wellness. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/Nz1ZCfva2aw Marc Lovicott, the Director of Communications and Public Information Officer at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Police Department, is one such example. Last year, Marc began suffering from debilitating headaches and gastrointestinal distress, but a variety of tests offered no answers. In tandem, Marc decided to purchase a Health + Ancestry kit from 23andMe to learn more about his ancestry and his health. Marc was surprised when he opted into his Genetic Health Risk reports and saw he had one of the variants common in people with celiac disease.* He took the information to his doctor who did follow-up testing to reveal that Marc does in fact have celiac disease. Since the diagnosis, Marc has been able to make positive changes to help him manage living with the disease. Using insights backed by the latest science, 23andMe helps users determine how their DNA can affect their chances of developing certain health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, celiac disease, high blood pressure, kidney stones and more.* For more information, visit 23andMe.com About 23andMe: 23andMe, Inc. is the leading consumer genetics and research company. Founded in 2006, the mission of the company is to help people access, understand, and benefit from the human genome. 23andMe is the first direct-to-consumer company to receive FDA authorization for genetic health reports, and has millions of customers worldwide, with more than 80 percent of customers consented to participate in research. 23andMe, Inc. is located in Sunnyvale, CA. More information is available at www.23andMe.com. About Marc Lovicott: Marc is the Director of Communications & Public Information Officer at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Police Department. He purchased a 23andMe kit out of interest for his ancestry, but decided to splurge on the Health + Ancestry kit to learn more about his health. Earlier that year, Marc began suffering from debilitating headaches and gastrointestinal distress. After a battery of tests that offered no answers, Marc looked at his 23andMe results and saw he had one of the variants common in people with celiac disease. He took the information to his doctor, who through a blood test and endoscopy confirmed that Marc does in fact have celiac disease. Since learning his diagnosis, Marc has adopted a gluten free diet, and not only feels higher energy, but his headaches and gastrointestinal issues are gone too. In Marc’s words, “I'm still amazed that I was able to get some answers from the 23andMe kit! About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. *23andMe health predisposition reports include both reports that meet FDA requirements for genetic health risks and reports which are based on 23andMe research and have not been reviewed by the FDA. The test uses qualitative genotyping to detect select clinically relevant variants in the genomic DNA of adults from saliva for the purpose of reporting and interpreting genetic health risks. It is not intended to diagnose any disease. Your ethnicity may affect the relevance of each report and how your genetic health risk results are interpreted. Each genetic health risk report describes if a person has variants associated with a higher risk of developing a disease,but does not describe a person’s overall risk of developing the disease. The test is not intended to tell you anything about your current state of health, or to be used to make medical decisions, including whether or not you should take a medication, how much of a medication you should take, or determine any treatment. For important information and limitations regarding each genetic health risk report, visit 23andme.com/test-info. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

March 02, 2021 04:20 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Researchers Obtain Crystalline Structure of THCA-A In an “Extraction First”

MCR Labs

Researchers from Brandeis University, MCR Labs and Skell Labs have determined the crystal structure of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid A (THCA-A) for the first time in a discovery that paves the way for further research on the cannabinoid as well as the more well-known product derived from its decarboxylation, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). As the precursor to the primary psychoactive cannabinoid THC, THCA-A has been of interest to researchers for some time. Studies of the pure compound have been limited owing to difficulties in both purification and crystallization. Both issues were solved by using a carefully-designed selective extraction and fractionation process with liquid carbon dioxide. Unfortunately, THCA-A also appears to be difficult to stabilize, which has been a roadblock to further study or clinical research on the cannabinoid. Chemical stability is a major area of study during drug development in the pharmaceutical industry, as different forms of crystalline drugs will affect how the body absorbs that drug. If there are two forms of a solid drug, one may be so insoluble that it has no beneficial effect, while another more soluble form could offer an ideal bio-delivery option. Product storage is likewise a concern when faced with unstable compounds. All chemical compounds, such as cannabinoids, are subject to degradation, whether it occurs naturally over time, or is instigated by heat, light, or an interaction with another compound. This degradation often leads to a loss in potency, negatively affects the product’s efficacy, and introduces potentially unwanted byproducts. Obtaining the pure crystalline form of a compound, such as THCA-A, gives researchers a clear look at the structure of the compound and opens avenues to solve stability issues. During the process, researchers noted that each molecule within the structure had an intramolecular hydrogen bond and that pairs of molecules were connected by intermolecular hydrogen bonds. "The hydrogen bond pattern could be an important key to unlocking alternative approaches to the stability issues that have been observed for THCA-A," said Dr. Bruce Foxman, Professor Emeritus of Chemistry at Brandeis University. "THCA-A could be a useful form for the storage and production of THC, as the compound decarboxylates relatively cleanly into the product THC with minimal side reactions." Knowledge of the hydrogen bond pattern will also be helpful for further research on polymorphs or co-crystals, which might have different arrangements and thus might affect the compound’s decarboxylation behavior. Skell, J. M., Kahn, M. & Foxman, B. M. Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid A, the precursor to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Acta Cryst. (2021). C77, 84-89, https://scripts.iucr.org/cgi-bin/paper?S2053229621000280. About MCR Labs: MCR Labs is the first independent cannabis testing laboratory to be certified by the state of Massachusetts. We are ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited providers of analytical cannabis product testing and R&D services committed to assisting licensed marijuana establishments, patients, researchers, entrepreneurs, and advocates. Our team of chemists and pharmaceutical scientists are dedicated to advancing public health and safety through leading-edge chemical analysis of cannabis products and offering unparalleled guidance and support for partners, regulators, and the communities we serve. For more information visit http://mcrlabs.com. Contact Details MCR Labs Joe Crinkley +1 857-230-0839 joe@mcrlabs.com Company Website http://mcrlabs.com

March 02, 2021 12:22 PM Eastern Standard Time

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GC INK™ NEUTRALIZES 100 PERCENT OF CORONAVIRUS AND INFLUENZA VIRUSES IN UNDER ONE MINUTE

Graphene Composites

GC Ink™ neutralizes 100 PERCENT of Coronavirus OC43 and Influenza A virus H1N1 in under one minute Deployed in PPE, air filters and cleaning products to neutralize viruses and bacteria Supports the safe reopening of schools and public buildings Independent tests conducted by Brown University, published recently GC is working with several partners to apply GC Ink™ across a broad range of products As the world's eyes remain focused on the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines, Graphene Composites, a leading, global nano-materials engineering company, has unveiled a new technology - GC Ink™ - that could make our most vulnerable public spaces safer from the transmission of viruses and bacteria, including Coronavirus, by neutralizing them. GC Ink™ has been independently tested by Brown University to show 100 percent effectiveness at neutralizing coronavirus and influenza viruses in under one minute, and the findings have been published on bioRxiv. This fast-acting, extremely effective, and safe formulation of graphene and silver nanoparticles can be applied to masks and other PPE, and in particular, applied to filters in ventilation systems. When used in filters and masks, GC Ink™ is highly effective at trapping and neutralizing airborne coronaviruses and other viruses/bacteria for several weeks. When used in wipes, GC Ink also leaves a thin, highly effective, safe layer of protection against viruses and bacteria that lasts for 24 hours. GC’s technology is highly effective because it has a dual-action mechanism: the negatively-charged surface of graphene oxide traps the positively-charged parts of water droplets and the protein spikes on coronavirus; the silver nanoparticles release ions that oxidize the lipid membrane protecting coronavirus RNA, thereby neutralizing it. “Making the air that we breathe and the surfaces that we touch much safer could be a key enabler in the safe reopening of schools and other public spaces." said Sandy Chen, GC CEO & Co-Founder. "GC Ink™ is a powerful weapon against not only this pandemic, but against a broad range of viruses and bacteria. We are now moving into full commercialization of our GC Ink™ with several manufacturing partners in a wide variety of applications, from masks to filters to consumer goods.” Brown’s top respiratory virologist, Amanda M. Jamieson, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, who led the tests, said, “Our results show that this technology is very effective at preventing infection by two important respiratory viruses which clearly has important implications for this pandemic and the next one.” As demand for GC Ink™ rises, Graphene Composites is well positioned to scale production to meet demand across the United States and worldwide, with the State of Rhode Island-funded Nanomaterials Center of Excellence at 401 Tech Bridge serving as a key production facility. Brown is now in the process of testing the virus in a BSL3 facility in partnership with the Rhode Island Dept of Health (RIDOH). Because the tested Coronavirus OC43 and SARS-CoV-2 (which causes Covid-19) have similar structures, it is expected that GC Ink™ will prove to be similarly effective against SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. GC Ink™ formulations are protected by patents pending. About Graphene Composites: Graphene Composites is a world leader in nanomaterials engineering. We are driven by our ethos – GC for Good – working with our partners to apply our expertise in graphene and other nanomaterials engineering to make truly life-enhancing products. About Brown University: Brown’s Jamieson Lab conducted the tests in their Bio Safety Level 2 (BSL2) labs in Providence, Rhode Island, using a standard plaque assay approach, similar to the ISO international standards for anti-viral testing. Further tests are underway. About Graphene Composites: Graphene Composites is a world leader in nanomaterials engineering. We are driven by our ethos - GC for Good - working with our partners to apply our expertise in graphene and other nanomaterials engineering to make truly life-enhancing products. About Brown University: Brown's Jamieson Lab conducted the tests in their Bio Safety Level 2 (BSL2) labs in Providence, Rhode Island, using a standard plaque assay approach, similar to the ISO international standards for anti-viral testing. Further tests are underway. Contact Details Graphene Composites John R. “J.R.” Pagliarini +1 401-261-5811 jr@graphenecomposites.com Company Website https://graphenecomposites.com/

March 02, 2021 09:45 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Cloud Conventions 2021 – The Premier Telecom/Cloud Channel Virtual Event Returns Live May 12-14

Convey Services

Cloud Conventions 2021 will open its 2nd annual virtual conference and tradeshow on May 12-14 offering a unique experience for channel professionals in the telecom/cloud, hosted voice, connectivity, IT and managed services and mobility industries. Co-sponsored by media partner, TR Publications and managed by the MCI Group, this premier industry event redefines the attendee and exhibitor experience for a virtual event with industry and business content, discussions opportunities, networking and strategy sessions, along with more ways to connect individually with peers and exhibitors. “Channel Strategies to Navigate the ‘New Normal’ is the focus of Cloud Conventions 2021,” said Carolyn Bradfield, CEO of Convey Services, founding partner of the event. “We teamed with the MCI Group as our event management partner and TR Publications and their related media to build on the success of our Cloud Conventions 2020 event expanding offerings and audience. Our experience delivering dozens of virtual tradeshows, conferences, summits, and kick-off meetings for our clients has taught us how to design an virtual expo avoiding the pitfalls of events that fail to create an engaging experience for attendees and deliver sales leads to exhibitors and sponsors." "Cloud Conventions 2021 has the potential to bring together one of the largest audiences of channel partners, MSPs, VARs, IT service providers and carriers for an unparalleled virtual event,” said Doug Green, publisher of TR Publications. “Strategies to deliver cloud solutions, connectivity, mobility and managed services are evolving, along with the business models of channel organizations that provide them to business customers. Cloud Conventions 2021 brings together resources, thought leaders, technology and business solutions to ensure that the channel has the tools to thrive in this rapidly changing landscape.” “Managing Cloud Conventions 2021 opens up a vast new market opportunity for the MCI Group,” said James Kelley Director of Business Development, Virtual Events at MCI USA. “Our team has partnered with Convey and their Cloud Conventions virtual event platform to deliver large virtual tradeshows and conferences for the past year. We offer added value to a show like this through marketing and our event management experience and support for exhibitors and sponsors. The MCI Group is committed to growing the Cloud Conventions 2021 event and returning in the spring of 2022 with an even larger live and hybrid industry expo.” In May of last year, the Cloud Conventions 2020 event attracted thousands of attendees over 4 days, with industry sponsors, social engagement and networking, and 78 educational sessions to help channel partners develop pathways to get business back on track and help their customers pivot to a digital work environment in the face of the pandemic. The 2021 virtual event will help channel partners navigate the ‘new normal’ by offering connections to colleagues and providers, powerful educational sessions, along with strategies to stay personally and professionally resilient, agile, and informed. Attendance at Cloud Conventions 2021 is free to qualified industry professionals. Past attendees will receive an invitation to pre-register. New attendees and potential exhibitors can sign up at www.cloudconventions2021.com. The Cloud Conventions 2021 conference and expo is hosted and managed on the industry leading Cloud Conventions virtual event platform, powered by Convey Services. About Telecom Reseller TR Publications reports on UC, UCaaS, CPaaS, mobility, telehealth, SD-WAN, direct routing, collaboration are among the many topics covered. Written for both buyer and seller, IT director and channel leader, TR’s qualified readers include enterprise end users, channel partners, MSPs, CLECs. Content includes news, blogs, podcasts, Educasts, and webinars. TR reaches 25,000 readers daily by eBulletin, 80,000 readers every weekend with their Sunday Report, and 1,900 people daily online. www.telecomreseller.com. About MCI Group MCI is a global engagement and marketing agency. We design human-centric solutions that unleash the power of people to deliver innovation and growth for our clients. Our offering includes live & virtual events, strategic & digital communications, consulting & community solutions. We help brands, companies, associations and not-for-profits solve their challenges, bringing their people together to shape their tomorrow. MCI is an independently owned company headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, with a global presence in 60 offices across 31 countries. www.mci-group.com About Cloud Conventions Cloud Conventions is a Virtual Trade Show and Conference Platform from Convey Services that brings new capabilities to a marketplace looking for solutions to replace the thousands of live trade shows, annual conferences and association meetings cancelled in the wake of COVID-19. Originally launched as ConveyLive, Cloud Conventions automates exhibitors and virtual booths, attendee registration, speaker sessions and reminders, invitations and email communication, while at the same time producing detailed analytics on attendee, session and exhibitor activity. Trade Associations and event managers can explore all of the Cloud Conventions solutions by visiting https://cloudconventions.com or contacting info@cloudconventions.com or call 888-975-1382. Cloud Conventions™, Community™, Cloud Kickoffs™, Conduct™, One-Touch Email Share™, Hub & Spoke™, 360° Virtual Exhibit Hall & Lobby Experience™ and ListLock™ are trademarks of Convey Services LLC Contact Details Convey Services Bruce Ahern +1 770-580-0810 bahern@conveyservices.com Company Website https://cloudconventions.com

February 26, 2021 02:30 PM Eastern Standard Time

Survey Reveals Permanent Changes in Behavior and Expectations Beyond COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout

Metova Inc.

Metova, a leading provider of custom software solutions for mobile, web, connected home and car, and Internet of Things (IoT) for the private and public sector today announced the results of their latest blind survey of over 1000 people in the United States regarding behavior, trends and expectations beyond the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. Notably, “curbside pickup” led the way as the “most helpful thing” during COVID-19, outpacing video calling, online video streaming, telemedicine and mobile food and grocery services. In addition, of those who plan on getting the COVID-19 vaccine, 64% will avoid staying in a hotel, casino or resort for the remainder of 2021 if given the option. A notable, positive finding of the survey: “Quality Family Time” leads by nearly 2 to 1 in “positive life events that came out of the pandemic” – outpacing new hobbies, skills, personal fitness and home improvements. For a freely reusable infographic summarizing Metova’s Winter 2021 Post-Vaccine COVID-19 Survey, visit: https://metova.com/infographic-expectations-beyond-covid-19/ “At Metova in our work with telehealth, mobile tech, smart home and connected technologies for the hotel and hospitality industry, it’s essential we understand the quickly evolving sentiment and preferences of our clients' customers,” said Jonathan Sasse, chief strategy officer at Metova. "COVID-19 has accelerated and in many cases truly disrupted consumer preferences and behavior, and it’s essential for industries to understand these changes in order to best serve their customers.” Metova’s Winter 2021 Post-Vaccine COVID-19 Survey: “Curbside Pickup” lead the way as the “most helpful thing” during COVID-19, outpacing video calling, online video streaming, telemedicine and mobile food and grocery services “Quality Family Time” leads the way by nearly 2 to 1 in positive life events that came out of the pandemic, outpacing new hobbies, skills, personal fitness and home improvements 86% of people working from home due to COVID-19 want to continue working from home after getting the vaccine 64% after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, if given the option, will avoid staying in a hotel, casino or resort for the remainder of 2021 1 in 4 say they won’t get the COVID-19 vaccine because they don’t think it is safe Additional Metova technology and culture sentiment surveys include: Telehealth, Contact Tracing and COVID-19, Working From Home Due to COVID-19, Internet of Things, Mobile First, the Connected Car and Smartphones and Healthcare. For a a summary of Metova 2020 survey findings, please visit: https://metova.com/metova-industry-intelligence-survey-findings-of-2020/ ABOUT METOVA Founded in 2006, with a belief that mobile would be even more transformative than the internet, Metova set out to build innovative mobile applications while also creating a great place for people to work. Today, Metova continues to build on its success by retaining world-class talent and helping companies transform their business through technology. After identifying customer needs, informed through industry-trusted surveys and analysis, Metova defines and builds the experiences customers expect, aligned with business goals to streamline workflows and increase revenues – while delighting customers and disrupting industries. Contact Details Metova Anders Steele +1 323-909-2341 anders.steele@metova.com Company Website https://metova.com

February 26, 2021 09:29 AM Eastern Standard Time

Infographic: Permanent Changes in Behavior and Expectations Beyond COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout

Metova Inc.

Contact Details Metova Anders Steele +1 323-909-2341 anders.steele@metova.com Company Website https://metova.com/infographic-expectations-beyond-covid-19/

February 26, 2021 09:19 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Shatterproof Releases a Comprehensive Addiction Language Guide to Reduce Use of Stigmatizing Language

Shatterproof

Today, Shatterproof, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis in the United States, released the Shatterproof Addiction Language Guide, which is a comprehensive tool aimed to highlight stigmatizing language, replacing it with person-first terminology. Stigmatizing language assigns negative labels, stereotypes, and judgment to certain groups of people. Such language can contribute to negative outcomes such as social isolation, reduced self-esteem, and less likelihood to seek medical help. Eliminating stigmatizing language is a core component of Shatterproof’s National Movement to End Addiction Stigma. “Words matter and they hugely impact how those with substance use disorders are viewed and therefore treated. This can affect many aspects of an individual’s life from how they feel about themselves, how they are treated by healthcare professionals when seeking treatment, and from their family and friends whose negative language can generate discrimination and internalized stigma. It is important that we create a society where those who use drugs or those who are in recovery are viewed as a person rather than their medical condition or through their actions,” said Matthew Stefanko, Director, National Stigma Initiative, Shatterproof. The Addiction Language Guide was compiled after a thorough, in-depth review of the academic literature as well as existing language guides for mental and behavioral health. Common words such as “addict” and less common stigmatizing words such as “relapse” were compiled by Shatterproof staff. The guide gives recommended language and rationale, and it has been thoroughly reviewed by the National Academy of Medicine. The National Academy of Medicine’s Action Collaborative on Countering the U.S. Opioid Epidemic facilitated an independent, blinded, and academically rigorous external peer review of the Addiction Language Guide on a pro-bono basis. The guide helps the public look deeply at the words they are using and examine the terminology they use when describing people who have a substance use disorder. “The words become grenades—strategically spoken at times in order to do the most damage. And when those words came from family and friends, they cut even deeper. These labels erased my humanity,” said Marissa Angerer, Shatterproof Ambassador and person in recovery. To download the Shatterproof Addiction Language Guide please visit, http://shatterproof.org/language. You may learn more about Shatterproof’s National Movement to End Stigma here, https://www.shatterproof.org/our-work/ending-addiction-stigma/plan-to-end-addiction-stigma. About Shatterproof: Shatterproof is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis in the United States. Shatterproof harnesses the models of business, the rigor of science and the power of a national movement to create change and save lives through three pillars of work: revolutionizing the addiction treatment system, breaking down addiction-related stigmas and supporting and empowering our communities. To learn more visit www.Shatterproof.org. Contact Details Shatterproof Holly Jespersen +1 646-334-1024 hjespersen@shatterproof.org Company Website https://www.shatterproof.org/

February 26, 2021 08:07 AM Eastern Standard Time

Bills Introduced in Senate, House Call for New Markets Tax Credit to Receive Permanent Extension at $5 Billion

New Markets Tax Credit Coalition

Today, Reps. Terri Sewell (D-AL), Tom Reed (R-NY), Sens. Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Roy Blunt (R-MO) introduced the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) Extension Act of 2021. The legislation permanently extends NMTC at $5 billion in annual credit authority, adjusts that amount for inflation in future years and provides an exception from the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) for New Markets investments. This legislation builds on recent important Congressional action in support of NMTC. In 2019, Congress increased the amount of credits available to $5 billion, a 44% increase and in the recently enacted Consolidated Appropriations Act, the NMTC was extended through 2025. The credit recently received a five-year extension as part of COVID-relief, but establishing the NMTC as a permanent part of the tax code will provide certainty in delivering resources to low-income and marginalized communities, creating jobs, increasing economic opportunity and improving lives at a time when the economic frailty of our underserved communities has never been more apparent. The projected annual impact of $25 billion in New Markets Tax Credits includes an estimated 690 new manufacturing expansions and industrial projects; 275 mixed-use projects combining housing, commercial, and social services; 255 new or improved health clinics, hospitals, and medical offices; and 775 investments in daycare centers, Boys and Girls Clubs, and other community facilities. It will also generate an estimated 590,000 jobs. Established in 2000 in the Community Renewal Tax Relief Act (P. L. 106-554), the New Markets Tax Credit is a bipartisan effort to stimulate investment and economic growth in low-income urban neighborhoods and rural communities. Since then, the New Markets Tax Credit has financed more than 6,500 projects and created over one million jobs in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. “Following devastating impacts from COVID-19, the New Markets Tax Credit is absolutely vital for many of America’s urban neighborhoods and rural communities and will provide billions of dollars for high-impact, community revitalization projects,” said Bob Rapoza, spokesperson for the NMTC Coalition. “Over the years, the credit has been instrumental in financing plant and equipment for small manufacturing businesses and patient flexible capital to other small businesses, hospitals, healthcare centers, homeless shelters and other transformative projects that improve communities, create jobs and economic opportunity. We appreciate the leadership of several Members of Congress in championing this effort for communities across the U.S., including Reps. Terri Sewell (D-AL) and Tom Reed (R-NY) and Sens. Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Roy Blunt (R-MO).” For examples of how the NMTC is making an impact in each state, see the NMTC Coalition's newly released report, NMTC at Work in Communities Across America, featuring updated state statistics sheets on NMTC efficacy and more than 80 Tax Credit success stories. About New Markets Tax Credit Program The New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) was enacted in 2000 in an effort to stimulate private investment and economic growth in low-income urban neighborhoods and rural communities that lack access to the patient capital needed to support and grow businesses, create jobs, and sustain healthy local economies. Since its inception, the NMTC has generated more than one million jobs. Today, due to NMTC, more than $105 billion is hard at work in underserved communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. For more information, visit www.NMTCCoalition.org. Contact Details New Markets Tax Credit Coalition Ayrianne Parks +1 202-393-5225 ayrianne@rapoza.org Company Website http://nmtccoalition.org/

February 25, 2021 09:04 AM Eastern Standard Time

Medtech Startup GyroGear raises US$4.3m in Phase One of Seed Round led by Taiwan Manufacturing Giant Foxconn

Media Outreach

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach - 25 February 2021 - UK-based neuromuscular medical device company, GyroGear Ltd has just concluded phase one of its seed round fundraise. This round was led by Foxconn Technology Group, the world's largest and foremost electronics manufacturer. Foxconn has invested £1 million (US$1.41 million) upfront. Participants in GyroGear's seed round include the UK Government Future Fund, Singapore venture builder Fidelium Group, and other established strategic investors and business leaders. Phase two of the seed round is ongoing and scheduled for completion in March 2021. GyroGear is developing a wearable to help individuals with hand tremors. The wearable reduces tremors, so they may perform their day-to-day activities. This also brings relief to caregivers and family members. "In the US alone, the economic burden of Parkinson's Disease amounts to $51.9 billion every year, growing to $79.1 billion by 2037. Essential Tremor alone is up to 20 times more prevalent than Parkinson's, and can manifest at any point in one's life. The impact of not being able to use one's hands is beyond what any numbers can describe. GyroGear was founded to specifically address this large unmet medical need, and to provide simple, elegant solutions to restore the quality of life to 200 million tremor patients worldwide," explains Dr Faii Ong, Founder and CEO of GyroGear. Dr Ong adds, "Our partnership with Foxconn elevates GyroGear's existing world-class engineering and advisory base with further strategic and technical expertise. It grants GyroGear access to class-leading advanced technologies and capabilities as we ready our flagship product, the GyroGlove™, for international launch." GyroGear's flagship product, the GyroGlove™, is the world's first and only wearable medical device that adopts cutting edge aerospace technology and satellite-grade mechanical gyroscopes. The technology effectively and swiftly counteracts hand tremors, thus restoring normal use of the hand. Lightweight and efficacious, the GyroGlove™ unobtrusively empowers users to overcome their daily challenges, offering hope to the millions of tremor sufferers worldwide who struggle with everyday tasks. Potential users include those with Parkinson's Disease and Essential Tremor, with both conditions affecting over 200 million people worldwide. Prevalence of both diseases has been rapidly increasing this past decade. Current therapies include medication and neurosurgery. Medication is accompanied by significant side effects. Whereas neurosurgery is limited to a small minority of patients due to its inherent risks. There is currently no cure for hand tremors. "We are eager and excited to partner with GyroGear and bring the GyroGlove™ to Asia. The partnership is another reflection of our long-term commitment to our "3+3=∞" vision, which symbolises the infinite possibilities created by Foxconn's industrial advancement and emerging technologies," said Young-way Liu, Chairman of Foxconn Technology Group. Paul Lim, Chairman of Fidelium Group and Senior Advisor to GyroGear Ltd added, "GyroGear fills a huge gap in today's medical spectrum. Many tremor patients suffer in silence as the disease robs them not only of the ability to carry on simple daily activities, but more importantly, many suffer silently, with mental trauma caused by embarrassment from uncontrollable shaking. They avoid going out to public spaces and recluse themselves from social activities. Founder CEO Dr Faii Ong is a visionary leader who has led his team to invent this elegant solution that will change the lives of millions of tremor patients in the world." The funds raised will be used for clinical trials, regulatory approval and further R&D. This round closes March 2021. About GyroGear GyroGear Ltd is a neuromuscular medical device company incorporated in 2016 by Dr Faii Ong. It is the only medical device company worldwide to utilise mechanical gyroscopes. Whilst still a student at Imperial College London, Dr Ong was moved to action after witnessing the distress experienced by a 103-year-old Parkinson’s patient at a London hospital. Dr Ong and his team invented the GyroGlove™ as a solution to help millions in the same situation. GyroGear’s flagship product is the GyroGloveTM, a wearable device that mechanically stabilises hand tremors with cutting edge aerospace-grade gyroscopes. The GyroGlove™ has demonstrated promising results. Volunteers are able to put on the GyroGlove™ independently, and start to feed themselves, insert keys into keyholes, write once more, and for some, even thread a needle and sew again. Since its inception, GyroGear has been featured prominently in global media publications including Popular Science, MIT Technology Review, the BBC, Forbes, Reuters and the Washington Post. In December 2020, GyroGear won first runner-up out of 7,500 participating start-ups from 159 nations, at SLINGSHOT 2020. The judges were Eduardo Saverin, Forest Li, Sequoia Capital, Temasek and SG Enterprise. SLINGSHOT 2020 is the leading start-up competition in South East Asia, organised by the Singapore government. GyroGear has been awarded over $3.3M in funding from the EU Horizon 2020 and Innovate UK, to develop the GyroGlove™. GyroGear is based in London and Singapore. For further information: https://gyrogear.co/. About Foxconn Technology Group Established in Taiwan in 1974, Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn) (2317: Taiwan) is the world’s largest electronics manufacturer. Foxconn is also the leading technological solution provider and it continuously leverages its expertise in software and hardware to integrate its unique manufacturing systems with emerging technologies. About UK Future Fund Announced by the Government of the United Kingdom on 20th April 2020, the Future Fund issues convertible loans to innovative UK companies with good potential that typically rely on equity investment. The scheme is designed by the government and delivered by the British Business Bank. For further information: https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/ About Fidelium Group Fidelium Group is a venture builder, investment and management consulting company with a presence in Asia, Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States. The company provides a suite of comprehensive services for SMEs and start-ups which include corporate structuring, corporate finance, fundraising and corporate secretarial services. For further information: https://fideliumgroup.com/ Contact Details Right Hook Communications Wesley Gunter +65 9679 8574 wesley@righthook.com.sg Company Website https://gyrogear.co/

February 25, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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