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David Fisher

Science, Stocks

MacroGenics Begins Phase 1 Study of MGD010 for Treatment of Autoimmune Disorders

MacroGenics, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, said Monday it has begun its Phase 1 study with MGD010, the company’s first Dual-Affinity Re-Targeting molecule being developed for patients with autoimmune disorders.

This Phase 1 clinical trial is a first-in-human, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single ascending dose study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and immunogenicity of MGD010 in healthy subjects.

MGD010 is a bi-specific molecule that simultaneously targets CD32B and CD79B, two B-cell surface proteins, for the treatment of autoimmune disorders. MGD010 is designed to inhibit B-cell activation by exploiting the inhibitory function of CD32B, a checkpoint molecule expressed by B cells.

As a result of the study initiation, MGNX will receive a $3 million milestone payment from its partner, Takeda Pharmaceutical. The two companies entered into an option agreement for the development and commercialization of MGD010 in May 2014. Shares closed Friday at $34.77, with a 52-week range of $17.31 to $39.90, and was inactive pre-market.

March 16, 2015
Science, Stocks

AdLarge Media Signs Exclusive National Advertising Sales Agreement To Represent “The National Marijuana News” Radio Program

AdLarge Media has announced an agreement for exclusive, national advertising sales representation of The National Marijuana News (TNMNews), the unbiased news/talk program focused on the political, economic, medical, and social implications of the rapidly evolving marijuana industry.

“How marijuana fits into our culture is a conversation that is taking place across America, and the public wants the kind of balanced information that TNMNews delivers,” observed Jessica Sherman, Senior Director, Affiliate Marketing, AdLarge Media. “TNMNews is engaging listeners with guests who are experts in the legal and medical professions, and helping audiences find their position on marijuana by presenting the facts.”

Developed by seasoned news producers and media industry professionals, TNMNews takes a deep dive beyond the headlines to explore breaking cannabis news, including field segments, interviews, and roundtable discussions.

The driving force behind TNMNews has been Executive Producer Martin Wagmaister, whose background includes producer of Rick Dees In the Morning and On Air with Ryan Seacrest.

“It’s no longer a debate ‘for or against’,” Wagmaister stated. “Americans are looking for answers that will help them with their personal decisions.  Our goal at TNMNews is to present all the accurate information available, and to explore every viewpoint out there.”

About AdLarge Media (www.adlarge.com)
AdLarge Media is the fastest-growing independent audio advertising sales company in the U.S., representing radio, digital, and mobile content providers.  The company is at the forefront of advertising innovation, driving revenue at the intersection of content and technology with customized solutions that deliver a demonstrated return on investment in an ever-changing media landscape.  AdLarge serves a large portfolio of agencies and brands, and is widely recognized for its collaborative partnerships.  Founded in 2010 by industry leaders Gary Schonfeld and Cathy Csukas, AdLarge Media has offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Detroit.

About The National Marijuana News
TNMNews examines the medicinal, political, scientific, professional, and social aspects of the controversial cannabis industry, which is legal in 23 states and the District of Columbia. The radio program goes deep and personal, exploring how cannabis has changed lives, and looks to the future with its potential to reshape the economy. TNMNews seeks to report and explore the subject of medical and recreational cannabis from diverse perspectives, with an open-minded, fact-based approach. For more information, go to www.tnmnews.com.  The National Marijuana News Corp., is a wholly owned subsidiary of DigiPath, Inc. (OTCBB and OTCQB: DIGP).

Information about Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that include information relating to future events, and future financial and operating performance. Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which that performance or those results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time they are made and/or management’s good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in, or suggested by, the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause these differences include, but are not limited to: the in-demand for the Company’s products, the introduction of new products, the Company’s ability to maintain customer and strategic business relationships, the impact of competitive products and pricing, growth in targeted markets, the adequacy of the Company’s liquidity and financial strength to support its growth, and other information that may be detailed from time-to-time in the Company’s filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. An example of such forward-looking statements in this press release includes statements regarding the Company expanding into the botanical, nutraceutical, and cannabis industries. For a more detailed description of the risk factors and uncertainties affecting DigiPath, please refer to the Company’s recent Securities and Exchange Commission filings, which are available at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

December 13, 2014
Business, Press Releases, Technology

CannaInsider.com Estimates 200,000 New Jobs in the Cannabis Industry by 2015

Colorado and Washington State are not the only states that have legalized adult use of cannabis. Oregon, Alaska, and Washington, D.C. ended prohibition during the November 2014 elections.

The benefits of legalizing cannabis are manifold. There are the most frequently noted and obvious benefits like the increased tax revenue for state and local governments, in addition to reduced stress on the criminal justice system. However the biggest advantage of legalizing adult use of cannabis is increased job growth.

CannaInsider.com has estimated that states that have passed adult use of cannabis will create over 200,000 new jobs in the cannabis field in 2015. CannaInsider.com provides a comprehensive list of some of these job descriptions created by the cannabis industry, allowing people to become familiar with these new opportunities.

One new job that is highly sought after is that of a “bud tender” — the term originally derived from “bar tender” — which describes the sommelier of the cannabis world. It is the job of the bud tender to help a medical marijuana patient or recreational user understand the best strain of cannabis for a specific desired effect. It is not uncommon for bud tenders to have huge tip jars filled by grateful patrons.

Other positions resulted from the cannabis industry hold the titles of: edible artisan, extraction technician, and dispensary manager. While a stigma remains associated with cannabis use in many parts of the country, it is fading fast – especially among young adults in the “Millennial” generation who are struggling to pay off student loans and may still be living with their parents.

Melissa Hopkins of Broomfield Colorado was recently hired in a cannabis-testing lab in Denver. “I graduated with a sociology degree last year, and it has been a struggle to find full-time work. I am excited by the job opportunities in the cannabis space, I feel like this industry is here to stay and I can work my way up the ladder.”

According to Matt Karnes, Founder and Managing Partner of GreenWave Advisors, LLC, an independent financial research and advisory firm for the marijuana industry, “By 2020, assuming the most likely progression of state by state legalization, we expect the combined (medical and adult use) retail marijuana market to reach $21 Billion. Jobs are just the beginning, a cultural shift towards the cannabis plant is taking place.”

 

December 12, 2014
Press Releases, Science

Psychiatric Times Reports From the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry Annual Meeting

UBM Medica US announces that Psychiatric Times, a leading online community for mental health professionals, reports on the field of addiction psychiatry from the 25th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry (AAAP) in Aventura, Florida. Some highlights from the conference include:

  • Diagnosing and Treating Substance Use Disorders in General Psychiatry: How does the diagnosis and treatment of substance use disorders fit into the general practice of psychiatry? Dr. Laurence Westreich, President of the AAAP, addresses that question in this podcast.
  • Addictive Disorders: Updates and Findings: Ismene L. Petrakis, MD touches on alcohol use disorders, e-cigarettes, prescription opioid use and abuse, cannabis use, stimulant use, medical marijuana, gambling, and opioid antagonist therapy to prevent overdose.
  • What All Psychiatrists Need to Know About Addictions: Because at least 10% of the US population suffers from a substance use disorder in any given year, the AAAP has expanded its longstanding Board Review Course in Addictions to a more inclusive “Addictions and Their Treatment” course.
  • Special Populations in Addiction Psychiatry: The Elderly and Women Medication misuse and alcohol abuse are a huge problem in the US, and women and the elderly are not exempt. In this Q&A, Louis A. Trevisan, MD touches on the epidemiology, recognition, assessment, and treatment of substance use disorder in these two populations.
  • Adolescent Marijuana Use and Vulnerability for Neuropsychiatric Disorders: An overview of some of the recent scientific data examining the relationship between adolescent marijuana use and later onset of neuropsychiatric disorders.
  • Pharmacogenetics to Predict Treatment Outcome in Substance Use Disorders: This brief communication by Hussam Jefee-Bahloul, MD highlights the importance of genetic predictors and moderators of treatment research in the field of substance use.

Additionally, several prominent psychiatrists presented their expertise in podcasts and videos featured on Psychiatric Times:

  • Treatment for Cocaine Dependence
  • Motivational Interviewing: An Inspirational Overview
  • Effects of Adolescent Marijuana Use on Cognition

Psychiatric Times is the country’s leading psychiatric publication and regularly publishes content on key issues in mental health.

About UBM Medica US
Addressing today’s healthcare information needs, UBM Medica US, delivers strategic, integrated communications solutions and comprehensive reach — online, in print, via custom programs and live events. Improving the effectiveness of healthcare through information and education, UBM Medica US provides unbiased clinical, practical, and business information for physicians, providers and payers resulting in improved quality of care for patients around the world. Through journals, magazines, online communities, live and digital events, and other valuable resources, UBM Medica US also delivers comprehensive communication solutions for the pharmaceutical and related industries. Online communities include CancerNetwork.com, ConsultantLive.com, DiagnosticImaging.com, RheumatologyNetwork.com, OBGYN.net, PhysiciansPractice.com, PsychiatricTimes.com and SearchMedica.com. UBM Medica US is part of UBM Americas which, through a range of aligned interactive environments, both physical and digital – increases business effectiveness for both customers and audiences through meaningful experiences, knowledge and connections.  Headquartered in New York, UBM Americas brings together UBM’s healthcare business, UBM Medica US; UBM Tech’s technology communities, live events and custom services; UBM Canon’s advanced design and manufacturing event, online and print brands; UBM Connect New York’s catering, cruise shipping, contact-center management, and fine, specialty and custom chemical communities; and UBM Mexico’s concrete, construction and hospitality services shows.  For more information, visit www.UBMMedicaUS.com.

About UBM plc
UBM plc is a global events-led marketing services and communications company.  We help businesses do business, bringing the world’s buyers and sellers together at events and online, as well as producing and distributing news and specialist content.  Our 5,500 staff in more than 30 countries are organized into expert teams which serve commercial and professional communities, helping them to do business and their markets to work effectively and efficiently.

December 10, 2014
Press Releases, Stocks, Technology

Cannabis Kinetics Corp. to Launch Re-Branded Monarch America Social Media Strategy

Cannabis Kinetics Corp. (“Cannabis Kinetics” or the “Company”) (pending name change to Monarch America Inc.) is pleased to announce the Company’s plan to launch its re-branded social media presence and strategy.

“Re-branding our established social media presence as Monarch America and implementing an effective pro-active social media strategy will be an important factor to our success going-forward as we communicate our new expanded multifaceted business model, particularly outside the marijuana sector,” stated Eric Hagen, CEO of the Company.  “This integrated social media strategy will engage with our current and potential customers, partners, retailers, distributors, and the investment community to build and maintain a positive image of Monarch America as we launch new exclusive consumer products and brands, potentially expand into new markets across the country, and identify further possible partnerships and targeted acquisitions.”

Hagen concluded, “Our social media friends and followers have the opportunity to receive the latest company news, discuss Monarch America brand products and services, view exclusive photos and videos, and connect with important new product launch information.  We are confident that this coordinated social media strategy will help to build awareness for Monarch America and support the Company’s mission to become an innovative corporate and community leader.”

The Company anticipates providing new website and social media links through its current website www.CannabisKinetics.com over the next 72 hours and in subsequent press releases.

Cannabis Kinetics Corp. (pending name change to Monarch America Inc.) files reports with the Securities & Exchange Commission on EDGAR and anticipates continuing to file such reports.  The Company’s filings can be viewed at www.sec.gov.

December 10, 2014
Business

Chegg Partners with Sports eCommerce Leader Fanatics

Chegg, the Student Hub, today announced that it is teaming up with Fanatics, a leading online retailer of officially licensed sports merchandise, to deliver a broad assortment of college gear to more students and recent grads. Through the partnership, officially licensed school-branded apparel will be available for sale through Chegg. The students, parents and recent grads who use Chegg will receive special offers and deals on their favorite merchandise from their schools and alma maters, with Fanatics fulfilling the orders.

“Combining the reach and brand of Chegg with the massive selection and fulfillment capabilities of Fanatics means we’ll be able to deliver more delight to more students, parents and recent grads than ever before,” said Mitch Spolan, EVP of Sales for Chegg. “Students win with better deals and selection, and schools win through wider distribution of their branded and licensed merchandise; and everybody’s happier showing a little more school spirit.”

“We are extremely excited to partner with Chegg to deliver a better shopping experience for college merchandise to millions of current students, along with millions more recent grads who have a strong affinity for their alma maters,” said Brian Swallow, SVP, Strategy and Business Development for Fanatics.

November 4, 2014