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Valant Announces Platform Updates Offering Behavioral Healthcare Practices Increased Operational Efficiency

Valant

Valant, a leading EHR for behavioral healthcare practices, unveiled new platform updates for behavioral health practices today. New capabilities supporting operational efficiencies, workflows, and revenue collection include Valant Treatment Plans and Valant Custom Forms. Automating workflows, which previously were manual processes, ensures practices can be efficient, meet payer obligations, and cover legal liabilities as they bring on new patients. Valant Treatment Plans Valant’s new Treatment Plans feature solves complex payer documentation requirements through one efficient and flexible system. Meeting the evolving needs of payers through treatment plan types with customizable fields and reminder-based review cycles, practices can now create a consistent treatment experience with research-backed content libraries of 1000+ preset problems, goals, objectives, and interventions. Additionally, it helps set operational guardrails, ensuring clinicians meet payer requirements without manual oversight, so practices have peace of mind when they receive their next audit request. Valant Custom Forms Valant’s Custom Forms empowers practices to build advanced automated forms and segment intake flow by program, routing the right consent documents to new patients based on the services they seek. Practices can auto-assign different packets to new clients seeking adult psychotherapy versus new patients being seen for adolescent psychiatric evaluations. “Collecting patient data and consent is a time-consuming, tough-to-track process that often involves multiple external solutions, manual data entry, and for larger practices, a dedicated intake team,” said Ram Krishnan, CEO of Valant. “We aim to make this process fast, trackable, and easy to use so practices work start to finish in Valant.” Valant is designed specifically for behavioral health professionals in group and solo private practices, offering an integrated solution that allows practices to provide better care, run a smoother and more efficient operation, and remain compliant. To learn more, visit valant.io. About Valant Valant is a cloud-based integrated EHR software suite that supports the administrative operations of behavioral healthcare practitioners, agencies, and clinicians. The software offers features including individual and group appointment scheduling, treatment planning, medication management, patient engagement, billing, and reporting. Valant collects and organizes data from patients and providers, documents them using guided protocols, and stores them securely. Actionable insights and reports are also generated based on the data collected. Valant is built for large outpatient practices and solo providers including psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, psychologists, therapists, and counselors. To date, thousands of organizations across all 50 states utilize Valant to decrease costs and manage ever-changing compliance requirements. Learn more at valant.io. Contact Details Jennifer Mirabile valant@trustrelations.agency

September 10, 2024 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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No More Wisdom Teeth Horror Stories? TriAgenics' Alternative To Painful Wisdom Teeth Removal

Benzinga

By Mangeet Kaur Bouns, Benzinga For countless people, the prospect of wisdom teeth removal stirs a deep sense of dread. While many undergo the procedure without incident, the reality is that this “routine” surgery is fraught with risks that can turn a simple operation into a painful and protracted ordeal. Complications are not just possible – they’re common. Dry sockets, for example, occur when the blood clot that forms after extraction becomes dislodged, exposing the underlying bone and nerves. The pain from a dry socket can be intense – often radiating to the ear – and it can take weeks for full recovery. Nearly 30% of patients experience bleeding, which, if not properly managed, can lead to further complications. Nerve damage, though less frequent, can result in permanent changes in sensation, affecting the lower lip, chin and gums. Even more concerning are the cases where wisdom teeth removal leads to life-threatening outcomes. The tragic story of 17-year-old Jenny Olenick, who suffered fatal brain damage due to oxygen deprivation while under anesthesia for a wisdom tooth extraction, serves as a somber reminder that no surgery is ever truly routine. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, Jenny’s surgery ended in tragedy, a stark example of the potential dangers inherent in this common procedure. Complications Beyond The Expected: A Risky Rite Of Passage While stories like Jenny Olenick’s are rare, they highlight the unpredictable nature of wisdom teeth removal. What starts as a straightforward procedure can quickly spiral into a series of complications that demand additional medical intervention, prolong recovery and increase costs. For many patients, the aftermath of surgery is marked by a litany of issues: swelling, pain and difficulty opening the mouth are common, sometimes persisting for weeks. Trismus, a condition characterized by painful jaw movement, is particularly prevalent among younger patients, especially those between the ages of 17 and 25. This condition can make it challenging to perform everyday activities such as eating and speaking, further complicating the recovery process. Infections are another frequent concern, often manifesting as persistent discomfort, swelling and, in severe cases, fever or yellow discharge from the extraction site. If left untreated, these infections can lead to more serious complications, requiring antibiotics or even additional surgery. Sinus complications can occur in cases where the upper wisdom teeth are involved, adding another layer of risk. If the tooth roots are close to the sinus cavity, the removal can create an opening between the tooth socket and the sinus. This condition, known as sinus communication, can cause ongoing discomfort and complicate the healing process. Anesthesia reactions, although rare, pose their own risks, ranging from mild nausea to severe allergic reactions. In extreme cases, these reactions can be life-threatening. Such incidents, while uncommon, underscore the need for thorough preparation and careful monitoring during any surgical procedure. Given these risks, there is a clear unmet need for a safer, more reliable alternative to traditional wisdom teeth removal practices. Triagenics And Zero3 TBA: A Game-Changing Solution? Enter TriAgenics, a company potentially on the cusp of revolutionizing dental care with its innovative Zero3 Tooth Bud Ablation (TBA) technology. This procedure promises a potential end to the painful and often risky process of wisdom teeth removal by preventing wisdom teeth from forming in the first place. Zero3 TBA treatment is designed for children ages 6 to 12, a time when the early signs of wisdom teeth can be detected. The procedure is minimally invasive and highly precise, targeting and neutralizing the developing tooth bud tissue before it can grow into problematic third molars. TriAgenics reports that the entire process takes only 60 to 90 seconds per tooth bud, with the full treatment, which involves four tooth buds, completed in about 30 minutes. The company says that what makes Zero3 TBA particularly compelling is the simplicity and effectiveness of the procedure. Traditional wisdom teeth extraction involves cutting into the gums and bone to remove the teeth, which often leads to significant pain and a lengthy recovery period. Zero3 TBA is quick, minimally invasive and comes with minimal recovery time. The procedure’s targeted approach means that the risks of complications such as dry socket, nerve damage and infection are significantly reduced if not entirely eliminated, says TriAgenics. Disrupting A Multi-Billion Dollar Market The potential market for TriAgenics’ Zero3 TBA technology is large. With approximately 85% of all wisdom teeth eventually requiring removal, the demand for a preventative solution is clear. The company estimates that its Zero3 TBA product could tap into a total addressable market of more than $2.5 billion annually. TriAgenics is already on its way to capitalizing on this opportunity. The company has completed extensive research and development, achieving a 100% success rate in animal trials in preventing wisdom tooth formation. This success has paved the way for the next critical step: obtaining FDA clearance. If approved, TriAgenics plans to begin commercializing Zero3 TBA in 2025, with licensed dentists treating patients. The process will involve dentists sending X-rays and prescriptions to TriAgenics, which will then produce custom 3TBA guides. These guides, designed specifically for each patient, will be sold to dentists at an estimated $350 per tooth bud treated. The company has already raised over $11.5 million in capital, a testament to the investor interest in its technology. Furthermore, TriAgenics has established a robust intellectual property portfolio, securing 32 U.S. and international patents, expanding patent coverage in Australia, Canada, Europe and Mexico. This IP position, combined with growing interest from oral surgeons and pediatric dental specialists, potentially positions TriAgenics as a frontrunner in the future of dental care. Potential To Transform Dental Care As TriAgenics advances toward FDA clearance and market entry, the company could be poised to disrupt the traditional approach to wisdom teeth management. Zero3 TBA offers a solution that could spare tens of millions from the pain, risks and costs associated with wisdom teeth removal. By preventing the formation of wisdom teeth, TriAgenics is not just offering a new product; it’s proposing a paradigm shift in how dental care is approached. “Dental practitioners have expressed tremendous excitement about the potential to eliminate all complications normally associated with wisdom teeth removal,” said Dr. Leigh Colby, TriAgenics CEO. “We believe this will be the industry standard of care by 2030.” The implications of Zero3 TBA extend beyond just a single procedure. If successful, the company believes this technology could set a new standard in preventative dental care, reducing the need for invasive surgeries and the associated complications that may come with them. This means less pain, fewer risks and significant cost savings for patients. For the dental industry, it could represent a major leap forward in how care is delivered. To explore how TriAgenics is shaping the future of wisdom teeth management, check out TriAgenics on StartEngine. Featured photo by S&B Vonlanthen 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 is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

September 09, 2024 08:35 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Syntekabio to Highlight its Cutting-edge AI-driven Discovery Solutions at BioTechX

Syntekabio, Inc.

Syntekabio (KOSDAQ: 226330), an artificial intelligence (AI) based drug development company, today announced its participation at BioTechX USA, being held September 17-18, 2024 in Philadelphia, PA. Syntekabio is the Title Sponsor for the event and will give a keynote address and in-depth talk on its AI-driven solutions, as well as host a booth. “We look forward to meeting with potential clients at BioTechX and discussing how our AI-driven technologies can improve and accelerate their R&D activities,” said Jongsun Jung, PhD, CEO of Syntekabio. “We recently announced our ‘Develop Now, Pay Later’ offer that enables clients to test the validity of a target protein of interest without incurring any upfront costs. In addition to identifying potential hits and optimizing small molecule leads, we also have strong capabilities in antibody and cancer neoantigen discovery. We are excited to have the opportunity to highlight these technologies at the conference.” Meet us at BioTechX USA! Syntekabio has several activities planned at the conference. Schedule a meeting by clicking here or stop by our booth (#401) to meet the team and learn how our innovative AI-driven solutions can help solve your current pipeline challenges. Don’t miss out on the latest insights in AI presented in our talks! Tuesday, September 17 th 9:20 AM - Keynote presentation Addressing Data Scarcity in D rug Discovery with Physics-based AI Models Jonathan Witztum, PhD, CTO, Syntekabio USA 5:05 PM – AI in drug discovery presentation Flexible Molecular Docking for Neoantigen & Antibody Drug Prediction; Pre-Clinical Application Jongsun Jung, PhD, CEO, Syntekabio Recently announced Develop Now, Pay Later offer – drug discovery with no upfront fees Syntekabio’s Develop Now, Pay Later model enables pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to test the validity of a target protein of interest without incurring any upfront costs. Should a project demonstrate viability, Syntekabio then employs its STB LaunchPad program, powered by its proprietary AI-driven DeepMatcher ® technology platform, to deliver hits and optimized leads as well as IND-enabled candidates. The client only pays for the work once the agreed upon validated results are obtained. For more information about Syntekabio, STB LaunchPad and Develop Now, Pay Later, please click here. Additional powerful tools enable novel antibody and cancer neoantigen prediction Additionally, the company will highlight its in silico biologics platforms, Neo-ARS TM and Ab-ARS TM, which enable personalized or universal neoantigen cancer vaccine and novel antibody drug prediction, respectively. These cutting-edge solutions address complex challenges in drug discovery, equipping researchers with powerful tools to develop novel and effective therapeutics. Syntekabio’s AI accesses over 10 billion known compounds as well as 1,400 in vitro/in vivo compatible drug targets covering over 70% of human diseases. This technology is powered by Syntekabio’s AI Bio-Supercom Center, which houses an immense infrastructure of 5,000 servers, 40,000 CPU cores, and 2,500 GPUs fueling the Company’s algorithms. The Company has a comprehensive suite of advanced proprietary tools designed to accelerate the drug discovery and development process. About Syntekabio Syntekabio Co., Ltd. (KOSDAQ: 226330) is a ​drug discovery company bringing together biology and AI/ML since 2009 and facilitating the discovery of first-in-class and best-in-class compounds, rapidly. The Company has its own supercomputer cloud, along with a global contract research organization network to complement and validate its computational results.​ Syntekabio offers clients a one-stop shop, with technologies and tailored services to rapidly generate and optimize drug candidates from target to IND-enabling. Syntekabio’s disease-agnostic physics-based platform generates a continual stream of hits, leads, and drug candidates that are readily available for purchase.​ The Company also undertakes client-specific projects to identify highly promising development candidates for specific targets and indications. Visit the Syntekabio website at www.syntekabio.com or follow the Company on LinkedIn for the latest updates. Contact Details Media inquiries US & Europe - MC Services AG Laurie Doyle / Dr. Cora Kaiser +1 339-832-0752 syntekabio@mc-services.eu Company Website http://www.syntekabio.com/

September 06, 2024 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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PayMedix/TempoPay Names David Kinsey Vice President of Sales

PayMedix/TempoPay

PayMedix/TempoPay announced today the appointment of David Kinsey as Vice President of Sales. Kinsey joins during a period of accelerated growth for PayMedix/TempoPay, which delivers innovative healthcare payment solutions that provide interest-free financing to employees for healthcare services, no matter their credit histories. Kinsey brings an extensive background in the healthcare and employee benefits industry. In his new role, Kinsey will lead sales initiatives, focused on driving growth of the PayMedix/TempoPay solution and building strategic relationships across the healthcare industry with a specific focus on the Southeast region. “As more health systems, employers, and benefits administrators across the country continue to look for ways to lower costs and provide affordable access to healthcare for employees, we're seeing increased interest in our flexible financing and payments solutions," said Tom Policelli, CEO of PayMedix/TempoPay. "David's extensive knowledge of healthcare sales and the employee benefits industry will help us increase our reach and ability to serve providers and employers looking for alternative healthcare payment solutions. We are excited to welcome him to our team." Before his current role, Kinsey was an Executive Director at Aetna. He led the Healthcare Business Solutions team to achieve 60% growth over five years by directing enterprise sales, retention, and membership growth strategy. Kinsey was awarded Aetna's Chairman's Leadership Award for his leadership and collaboration. Kinsey’s prior roles at Aetna included working with employer groups and consultants on innovative employee benefits strategies and plan administration. Prior to Aetna, he was a Senior Client Manager at Cigna Healthcare, where he was awarded the Gold Circle for top sales results. He earned his BBA in Finance from Stetson University. "The PayMedix/TempoPay solution is a game-changer, offering a straightforward and effective approach to tackling the demanding issue of high out-of-pocket healthcare costs," said Kinsey. "I look forward to working with the team to expand our reach and bring employers a financial safety net for their employees that ultimately improves retention and reduces absenteeism.” “Having worked with David previously, I am confident in his ability to help employers, PEOs, health plans and network builders see the value in our solution,” said Brian Marsella, President, PayMedix/TempoPay. “By ensuring individuals have access to financial resources to get care when they need versus when they think they can afford it, we can break the cycle of care avoidance, which historically has led to sicker patients entering the system, worse outcomes and increased costs.” About PayMedix PayMedix, which began as the financing arm of Wisconsin-based HPS over a decade ago, is the only company solving the problem of high out-of-pocket costs for everyone -- providers, patients, employers, and TPAs. PayMedix is changing how people access, use, and pay for healthcare by guaranteeing payments to providers and financing for all patients. PayMedix has processed more than $5 billion in medical payments for hospital systems and physician practices and can be implemented in conjunction with any PPO or HMO network. About TempoPay TempoPay partners with employers to help their employees manage their medical costs with interest-free financing and flexible repayment options. With the TempoPay Visa® card employees can take control of how they pay for healthcare without added stress, providing simple access to the financial security needed for happier, healthier lives. Contact Details Brodeur Partners Sam LeCompte +1 603-660-9407 slecompte@brodeur.com Company Website https://paymedix.com

September 05, 2024 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Telomir Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: TELO) Featured In Local ABC Exclusive Showing Positive Outcomes Of Proposed Age Reversal Pill In Dogs

Benzinga

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga Turning back the clock on aging is a never-ending quest with people, large companies and startups pouring blood, sweat, tears – and tons of money – into finding a solution. One company that seems to be getting closer to its goal is Telomir Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: TELO), a pre-clinical pharma company seeking to lead developments in longevity science through treating age-related conditions. Its leading drug compound, Telomir-1, was featured in an ABC television news segment highlighting promising "age reversal" outcomes in a study with two senior dogs. Lengthening DNA’s Protective Caps Telomir-1, the company's leading drug compound, is designed to regenerate telomeres – the protective DNA structures at the ends of our chromosomes, often compared to the caps on shoelaces. Research has demonstrated that repairing these telomeres may extend biological age and reverse certain age-related conditions. By targeting telomere regeneration, Telomir-1 aims to slow down the aging process and combat diseases linked to telomere shortening. Telomir Pharmaceuticals says Telomir-1 is the first novel small molecule to lengthen the DNA’s protective telomere caps to potentially reverse age-related conditions. The novel molecule, which Telomir is testing with mice and dogs with an eye toward human clinical trials, binds to critical metals that wear down telomeres. By limiting the availability of metals and interrupting the enzyme function, Telomir-1 seeks to restore cellular metal homeostasis and reverse a person's or animal’s biological age. The oral therapy potentially provides what the company says is a safe and effective alternative to existing treatments with minimal side effects. Telomir-1 Gets Props In News Segment In the segment, "ABC7 Exclusive: New study reveals promising results for age reversal pill on dogs," the potential of Telomir-1 was on display through the stories of Zeus and Benson, two senior dogs from Donte's Den rescue organization in Myakka City, Florida. After being treated with Telomir-1, both dogs exhibited improvements in their health conditions, according to Telomir. Zeus, a 12-year-old German Shepherd, showed complete remission of terminal cancer, while Benson, a 12-year-old Newfoundland suffering from severe arthritis, regained his mobility, leading to what caretakers described as a miraculous recovery, reports Telomir. "The results of this study highlight the groundbreaking potential of Telomir-1. Our priority is to advance the rigorous scientific research required to bring this promising treatment to humans and pets through the regulatory process as swiftly and safely as possible," said Erez Aminov, CEO of Telomir. "At Telomir, we are dedicated to transforming the future of longevity science, and these early findings bring us one step closer to making that vision a reality." Aminov was named CEO earlier this month after the passing of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer Christopher Chapman, Jr., M.D. Aminov was most recently CEO of MIRA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: MIRA). The positive preclinical trials have shown that Telomir-1 may have several applications in the veterinary market, which is large given that Americans are poised to spend $156 billion on their pets by the end of this year. The use of Telomir-1 in the two dogs was observed by Telomir's special advisor Dr. Michael Roizen, the former Chief Wellness Officer of the Cleveland Clinic and a leader in age-related medicine. In this small compassionate use program, remarkable improvements in the health and vitality of the dogs after treatment with Telomir-1 were noted, offering a glimpse into the potential future applications for humans, reported Telomir. "The preliminary results we're seeing with Telomir-1 are very encouraging. By lengthening telomeres, we believe Telomir-1 can promote cell regeneration and potentially reverse several aspects of aging or age-related conditions. I'm excited to continue working with Telomir to explore the full potential of this innovative therapy,” Roizen said. More Tests Underway Nobody wants to get old and that includes pets. With Americans pouring tons of money into keeping their pooches happy and healthy, they may someday have another tool: Telmoir-1. With encouraging results out of its study with two dogs and more positive results expected down the road, this may be a company worth paying attention to as the quest to reverse time continues. Featured photo by Simone Dalmeri 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 is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

September 05, 2024 08:40 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Mainz Biomed (NASDAQ: MYNZ) And Liquid Biosciences Team Up To Fight Pancreatic Cancer With Early Detection Tool

Benzinga

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga Mainz Biomed N.V. (NASDAQ: MYNZ), a molecular genetics diagnostic company specializing in the early detection of cancer, has inked a collaboration deal with Liquid Biosciences, an AI-focused bio-analytics company, to potentially add pancreatic cancer detection to its colorectal cancer screening test ColoAlert®. Liquid Biosciences leverages its EMERGE AI analysis technology platform to help biopharma companies, diagnostics industries and academic institutions identify effective drugs and therapies. Mainz Biomed is developing PancAlert, a screening test that combines genetic and potentially microbiome biomarkers to detect pancreatic cancer. Research has shown that the microbiome – the mix of bacteria in the gut – plays a big role in how tumors develop and progress. The constitution of the microbiome can potentially hurt the immune system’s ability to recognize and attack cancer and render drugs less effective. By combining DNA and microbiome biomarkers, Mainz is betting early detection of pancreatic cancer is possible. Promising Early Results In the initial phase of the collaboration, the companies evaluated biomarkers from Mainz’s research program, co-funded by the German government, by applying a single algorithm developed by Liquid Biosciences using its EMERGE platform. Mainz said the results of the feasibility analysis were promising, giving both companies confidence that PancAlert could be added to ColoAlert in the future. ColoAlert is an early detection screening that spots bleeding and non-bleeding tumors through tumor DNA analysis, offering what the company says is a better early detection than fecal occult blood tests. In the second phase of the collaboration, Mainz and Liquid Biosciences will expand the biomarker evaluation to include microbiome biomarkers Mainz evaluated in 2023 and an expansion of the algorithm. The companies are targeting to complete this analysis in the fourth quarter of 2024. “We are excited by the opportunity to collaborate with Liquid Biosciences on PancAlert, which is being developed for early-stage disease detection with the goal of being a first-in-class screening test for this deadly form of cancer,” said Guido Baechler, Chief Executive Officer of Mainz Biomed. “Liquid Biosciences is already a key partner in our Next Generation colorectal cancer screening test. Expanding our partnership will allow us to bring the power of AI to this critical problem.” Pancreatic Cancer Is Deadly And Growing Pancreatic cancer is a malignant neoplasm of the pancreas with one of the highest mortality rates of all major cancers. It is now the third-leading cause of cancer deaths, and by 2030 it is expected to grow to second place, surpassing colorectal cancer deaths. This year alone, about 66,440 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, a record for this deadly form of cancer. What’s more, about 51,750 Americans are expected to die from the disease this year. Among cancers, pancreatic disease is a tough one to treat. It’s a highly aggressive form of cancer that attacks the pancreas, an organ needed for digestion. With limited treatment options, the five-year survival rate is just 13%. It doesn’t help that most people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in a late stage when it has already spread to other parts of the body. That’s particularly true with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), which is a type of pancreatic cancer that’s created from the cells that line the ducts of the pancreas. It's one of the most lethal forms of pancreatic cancer. Given the difficulty in treating pancreatic cancer and the increasing incidents, a lot of medical research is directed toward earlier detection and better treatments. As a result, the global pancreatic cancer market is projected to reach $7.4 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 13.7% over 2023-2032. Mainz’s collaboration with Liquid Biosciences is the latest in the company’s collaborations to bring its next-generation diagnostics technology to the masses. By combining biomarkers, Mainz is seeking to demonstrate a better and more effective way to spot deadly cancers that currently go undetected and untreated until it's too late. Featured photo by National Cancer Institute 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

September 05, 2024 08:35 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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What If Your Most Profitable Strategy Also Made the World a Better Place?

Fordham Gabelli

As the world grapples with complex challenges such as climate change, poverty, and human rights issues, organizations are uniquely positioned to drive positive change. A new study titled “Social Profit Orientation: Lessons from Organizations Committed to Building a Better World,” recently published in the Journal of Marketing, explores how companies can simultaneously generate profit and foster societal well-being. The research, conducted by a team of esteemed academics, including Leonard L. Berry (Texas A&M), Tracey S. Danaher (Monash University), Timothy Keiningham (St. John's University), Lerzan Aksoy (Fordham University), and Tor W. Andreassen (Norwegian School of Economics), examines the benefits of adopting a social profit orientation to benefit both the organization and society. This approach encourages organizations to invest resources purposefully to enhance the common good. The study, based on 62 in-depth executive interviews across 21 organizations worldwide, reveals the significant benefits of embracing a social profit orientation. These organizations develop new approaches and strategies that address critical problems, thereby driving business innovation and improving societal outcomes. What is Social Profit Orientation? Social Profit Orientation is an organization-wide perspective where organizations embrace in their core mission the creation of sustainable, positive social and environmental impacts on individuals, communities, and society at large. Organizations with this orientation proactively invest resources such as knowledge, infrastructure, labor, reputation, money, and time to enhance the common good, especially improving the well-being of people and safeguarding the health of the planet. It reflects a deliberate, conscious effort to address systemic social or environmental challenges, rather than being merely a by-product of making financial profits. Examples from the Study Oportun tackles financial exclusion by providing affordable credit to underserved communities, offering an alternative to payday lenders. With significant investments in technology, Oportun has successfully issued millions of loans, enabling its customers to avoid exorbitant interest rates and fees. CEO Raul Vazquez highlights their challenge: “50% of customers who come to us have no FICO [credit] score, and other folks we serve may have a score based on limited history.” Despite these obstacles, Oportun has managed to provide more than $18.2 billion in credit by year-end 2023, saving its customers $2.4 billion in interest and fees. Gundersen Health System (renamed Emplify Health) exemplifies how a holistic approach to sustainability can be woven into the fabric of an organization. Under the leadership of Dr. Jeff Thompson, Gundersen became the first U.S. health system to offset 100% of its fossil-fuel use with self-produced energy. Their initiatives include harnessing solar and wind power and transforming landfill biogas into electricity and heat. Dr. Thompson remarks, “We are not just a ‘fix-it’ shop. Our mindset was: how do we protect the environment so it is a part of how we work, how we live, and how we work with our communities.” By adopting a social profit orientation, organizations not only drive meaningful societal impact but also experience enhanced legitimacy, stronger stakeholder relationships, improved employee engagement, and increased innovation. These benefits contribute to long-term business success and sustainability. Best Practices for Building a Social Profit Orientation Align employee and organizational values to create a unified mission. Ensure organizational resources and governance structures maximize societal benefits. Inspire executive and board leadership to deeply commit to social profit goals. Make informed investment decisions that focus on initiatives with the greatest social impact. Measure and evaluate social impact rigorously to ensure meaningful contributions. Foster external partnerships and communicate purpose through compelling storytelling. “Organizations today are at a crossroads where they can choose to be mere profit-generating entities or become catalysts for global change. Our study shows that the most profitable strategy might also be the one that makes the world a better place. By embracing a social profit orientation, organizations can lead their sectors, drive innovation, and make significant societal impacts,” said Lerzan Aksoy, Dean at Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business. To attain a full copy of the research and download the associated teaching guides click here. To interview any of the authors of the paper, please reach out to the press contacts above. About Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business Founded in 1920, the mission of Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business is to inspire and empower positive global change, developing students into compassionate business leaders and supporting faculty members and students in the ongoing generation of new knowledge. The Gabelli School has become a driver of social innovation by equipping graduates to be business leaders who understand and meet the need for sustainability in business and who are able to harness the power of social responsibility for both financial success and societal impact. Through its many graduate and undergraduate degree programs and a diverse range of faculty research initiatives, the Gabelli School of Business works collectively to redesign business as a sustainable force for prosperity. Contact Details Fordham Gabelli School of Business Paola Curcio-Kleinman +1 212-636-6311 pcurciokleinman@fordham.edu Marino Taryn Schofield +1 973-919-4377 fordhamgabelli@marinopr.com Company Website https://www.fordham.edu/gabelli-school-of-business/

September 04, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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September 04, 2024 09:00 AM, Eastern

Benzinga

By Johnny Rice, Benzinga Dr. Ann Childress and Shane Schaffer, Chairman & CEO of Cingulate (NASDAQ: CING), were recently guests on Benzinga’s All Access. Cingulate is a biotechnology company developing drugs for a range of underserved conditions. The company has developed a proprietary technology called Precision Timed Release™ (PTR™). The technology allows a single pill to contain multiple doses of a drug, relieving the pill burden many people with chronic conditions suffer. Cingulate says it will be submitting a New Drug Application within a year. Watch the full interview here: Featured photo by Thought Catalog 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 is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

September 04, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Helping Redefine Medicine: AJNA BioSciences’ Path For FDA-Approved Plant Medicines

Benzinga

By Anthony Termini, Benzinga AJNA Biosciences is currently raising funds to bring its natural solutions to market! Click here for details. Back in the 1960s, a British pharmacologist discovered that aspirin had an effect on blood platelets that could reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Unfortunately for patients, aspirin manufacturers couldn’t say that because of labeling requirements of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While the FDA is a vital part of providing patients and consumers with safe products, there are also more archaic aspects of the administration. Despite the reality that botanical solutions have been around and trusted for thousands of years, botanical or natural drugs have long been excluded from FDA-approval. It was only in 2016 that the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research developed guidelines for new drug applications for botanicals. It described the process pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies should follow to get a botanical drug approved by the FDA. AJNA’s Mission To Bring Natural Options To Market AJNA BioSciences is among the biotech companies seeking FDA approval for its botanical product. The company is working to develop the world’s first FDA-approved full-spectrum cannabinoid drug and a robust pipeline of other plant medicines. However, the path to launching a new FDA-approved drug can be long. According to management consultants McKinsey & Company, it takes about 12 years to bring a drug to market. To optimize the process, McKinsey suggests that drug makers need to be nimble and agile. AJNA BioSciences CEO Joel Stanley points out that “the botanical category is so new that only four FDA-approved botanical drugs exist to date.” Ajna hopes to break the mold and eventually introduce many FDA-approved botanical drugs to the market. “AJNA BioSciences is the first biotech company to be working with botanicals under a DEA Schedule-1 license,” says Joel Stanley, the company’s CEO. This is a significant milestone for the company because FDA approval is a critical component of bringing new drugs to market. Federal law requires that a manufacturer show that the drugs they produce are safe and effective. Additionally, FDA approval helps inform the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which is a critical step to getting a drug included on insurance reimbursement schedules. The company firmly believes in providing patients with a variety of options that are not only safe but affordable and available through insurance. Another one of AJNA’s goals is to make botanical drugs an accepted component of a physician’s and patient’s routine treatment options. Demand for botanical solutions has been increasing for years, and AJNA’s strategy is to follow the same blueprint as large pharmaceutical companies that bring new drugs to market. Herbal medicine products are not considered a distinct regulatory category in the U.S., unlike Europe or Canada. Instead, a botanical drug is defined by its intended use in the treatment cycle of disease – like all other medicinal drugs. However, until recently, strict regulatory policy blocked the development of prescription drugs made from plants – this has now changed. Obtaining FDA approval helps lead to greater physician advocacy. In other words, doctors have more tools at their disposal to help treat patients and are able to impact positive structural change to evolve treatment options. AJNA is committed to producing natural botanical drugs that have undergone rigorous laboratory and clinical scrutiny to demonstrate that they deliver “nature, backed by science.” Stanley says that this is part of why AJNA is “the first company to receive a plant variety protection patent for cannabis.” The company also understands that FDA approval will make more patients feel comfortable with trying a more unconventional approach to treatment; for patients who have only been exposed to synthetic drugs, botanical drugs may seem unfamiliar, but FDA approval minimizes those hesitations. How Investors Might Evaluate AJNA’s Business AJNA’s mission is to bring natural options to the pharmaceutical industry, and it is bringing a number of proprietary strengths to the proposition. The company reports that it enjoys a wide economic moat that serves as a barrier to potential competitors. Having already raised over $250,000 from a venture capital firm, the company is currently hosting a raise to help further its vision. AJNA has established rigorous research and development processes with a strong team behind it. Its research facilities are registered with the FDA, with scientists from Harvard Medical, Johns Hopkins and NYU. Stanley is also an experienced CEO who has taken a similar company public. Chief Medical Advisor Orrin Devinsky helped obtain the first FDA approval for a cannabis-derived drug. Furthermore, AJNA’s research team has successfully shepherded more than 500 drug applications through the FDA process. While the company is not looking to replace big pharma, it wants to offer patients more solutions. As Stanley points out, “By investing in AJNA, you’re helping to change the healthcare paradigm to include optionality that none of us have ever had. We come from nature, not a lab.” More information is available on the Wefunder website. Featured photo courtesy of AJNA BioSciences. 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 is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

September 04, 2024 08:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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