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Ampio Pharmaceuticals Plunges to 2.5-Year Low

Ampio Pharmaceuticals (AMPE) shares sunk Monday to their lowest level in 2.5 years after the biopharmaceutical company said its multiple-injection STRIDE study AP008 failed to reach its primary endpoint against the saline control even though there was a statistically significant reduction in pain compared with baseline for patients receiving Ampion. AMPE was down 61% at $3.10 in recent trading shortly after the open. It hit an intraday low so far of $3, its lowest level since September 2012; the stock’s previous 52-week low was $3.19.

Ampio had launched the Phase III program for Ampion, a low molecular weight filtrate of a Food and Drug Administration-approved biologic, to treat pain due to osteoarthritis of the knee. Each patient received three 4ml intra-articular injections of Ampion or the saline placebo, one at baseline, the second at two weeks and the third at four weeks. The company noted in osteoarthritis, saline is known to be a partial therapeutic and not a true placebo, but has been the control used in all published osteoarthritis drug trials.

In the STRIDE study, the saline control arm varied well out of a normal range when compared with previous Ampion studies and from the published results for other osteoarthritis drugs.

“Once we have had more time to analyze the STRIDE data, we will host a conference call to present our findings and answer questions from our shareholders,” the company said, adding it will meet with the FDA “as soon as practical.”

April 20, 2015
Science, Stocks

Apricus Biosciences Q4 Loss Widens, But Adjusted Loss Is Narrower Than Expected

Apricus Biosciences, a biopharmaceutical company focused on urology and rheumatology, on Monday reported a wider Q4 loss on a large in-licensing charge, but shares edged higher in the pre-market session as its loss excluding that charge was narrower than two analysts had expected. Shares of APRI were up 1.5% recently at $2.10, within a 52-week range of $0.92 to $2.75.

The company reported a Q4 net loss of $17.3 million, or $0.40 per share, compared with a net loss of $1.3 million, or $0.04 per share for Q4 2013. The company noted the widening in the quarterly net loss was primarily due to the in-licensing of fispemifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator.

Excluding a $13.6 million charge related to the in-licensing, the company’s loss for the latest quarter was $0.09 per share. Two analysts polled by Capital IQ had predicted a loss of $0.12 for the quarter, on average.

Total revenue surged to $1.9 million from $362,000 in Q4 2013, topping one analyst’s prediction of $850,000.

In 2015, APRI expects to generate cash from milestone payments and royalty revenue from partner sales of Vitaros, its product for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. The company also said it will continue to pursue out-license opportunities for Vitaros in Asia Pacific and Latin America.

APRI plans to advance the pipeline with clinical trial progress of RayVa and fispemifene in 2015. The company expects to complete the enrollment of the RayVa Phase 2a clinical trial in Raynaud’s phenomenon in Q2 2015 with the goal of establishing proof-of-concept and the optimal dose required to advance the program into to late-stage clinical trials. APRI plans to begin a Phase 2b clinical trial for fispemifene in Q2 2015, with results expected in Q12016. The company believes its current cash will support its operating plan through 2015.

March 16, 2015
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
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
Business, Press Releases, Science, Stocks, Technology

Canada ranked as No. 1 country to visit

The international love affair with Canada shows no signs of cooling off. According to a new study from the Reputation Institute, Canada is the top country in the world to visit, live in, study and attend or organize events. A beautiful and enjoyable country, friendly and welcoming people, contributions to global culture and safe environment were key drivers in the rankings.

The 2014 Country RepTrak™ report ranked Canada as the country with the No. 2 best overall reputation in the world, after three consecutive years holding the top spot.

The Reputation Institute, which operates in 30 countries, is known as the world’s leading reputation management consultancy. The 2014 Country RepTrak™ report is based on the online answers from 26,000 consumers in the G8 countries and focuses on the 55 countries around the world with the highest GDP. Trust, esteem, admiration and good feelings the public holds towards these countries, as well as quality of life, safety and attention to the environment are all major factors in the results. According to the Reputation Institute, there is a clear correlation between a country’s reputation and the income it receives from tourism.

“For international travellers, conventions and meetings held in Canada can be the first spark that ignites interest in doing business that leads to investment, in addition to exploring the unique experiences that our country offers,” says Greg Klassen, Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) president and CEO (Interim). “Canada’s leadership in such areas as natural resources, life sciences and aerospace technologies helps make us an important destination for international meetings and conferences.”

Countries with a strong reputation attract more tourists as well as foreign knowledge, investment and talent.  As visitors—including business people, future immigrants, investors, entrepreneurs and academics—become acquainted with Canada and its high-quality products, services and facilities, they can become advocates for the country, identifying business partnerships and creating a foundation for future trade relationships.

“It’s fantastic that the world holds Canada in such high esteem, which helps make our country such a desirable place to visit,” saysJon Mamela, CTC Chief Marketing Officer. “Looking ahead into 2015, we will continue to offer diverse experiences to curious travellers keen to live a life less ordinary by enjoying our incredible nature, dynamic cities, unique culture and local lifestyles.”

There is no stopping the demand for tourism around the world, with international arrivals expected to grow as much as 4.5% in 2014, according to the UNWTO. Tourism is Canada’s largest service export, contributing $16.4 billion in 2013. Canada is also the No. 1 location for outbound meetings business from the US, which brings in about $1.5 billion annually.

November 4, 2014