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atai Life Sciences advances VLS-01 for treatment-resistant depression

atai Life Sciences

atai Life Sciences chief scientific officer Dr Srinivas Rao discusses the company's development candidate VLS-01, aimed at treating treatment-resistant depression, with Proactive's Stephen Gunnion. Rao explained that VLS-01 is a formulation of DMT, the active component in ayahuasca, known for its short-duration psychedelic effects. The innovation lies in its delivery method, an oral transmucosal film, resembling a Listerine strip, which dissolves inside the mouth over 20 minutes, providing a patient-friendly alternative to intravenous administration. Rao said this approach is designed to enhance the patient and healthcare provider experience, especially in settings not equipped for IV treatments. The ongoing Phase 1B trial seeks to confirm VLS-01's safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics, aiming for a psychoactive effect lasting 30-45 minutes with patients returning to baseline within two hours post-administration. Rao said this trial format follows the US treatment paradigm established by Spravato (esketamine) for depression. The trial will involve 16 healthy volunteers to assess the drug's impact, setting a baseline with intravenous DMT before testing up to three oral doses of VLSI-01. Initial results are expected in the second half of the year, with plans to proceed to Phase 2 trials involving patients with treatment-resistant depression to evaluate the compound's efficacy further. Contact Details Proactive North America Proactive North America +1 604-688-8158 NA-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

March 12, 2024 12:35 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Hemogenyx Pharmaceuticals discusses successful £3.5M capital raise as it advances HEMO-CAR-T program

HemoGenyx Pharmaceuticals

Hemogenyx Pharmaceuticals PLC (LSE:HEMO, OTC:HOPHF) Dr Vladislav Sandler joins Proactive's Stephen Gunnion after the pre-clinical stage biopharmaceutical group raised £3.5 million, which will be utilized to progress its lead product candidate, Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cells (HEMO-CAR-T), into human trials following the lifting of a clinical hold. The HEMO-CAR-T therapy is focused on treating relapsed and refractory acute myeloid leukaemia. Despite the challenging market conditions, particularly for biotech firms, Sandler said HemoGenyx successfully secured the necessary funds. He highlighted the company's efficiency and ability to progress with minimal funds, contrasting the struggles faced by other micro-cap companies in raising capital. Looking forward, Sandler said the company plans to advance its clinical trials and continue development on its CBR platform and CDX bispecific antibody, albeit at a potentially slower pace due to funding limitations. As a development-stage company, HemoGenyx anticipates further funding needs but remains committed to efficient and fast-paced progress, seeking various funding sources. Sandler expresses long-term aspirations for HemoGenyx to save lives and generate significant returns for investors. Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com

March 12, 2024 12:23 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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MHTN Launches: The First 24/7 Mental Health Streaming Network

Mental Health Television Network

The Mental Health Television Network (MHTN) officially launches today, marking a groundbreaking moment as the world's first 24/7 streaming platform dedicated exclusively to mental health news, education, and resources. MHTN aims to revolutionize the conversation around mental well-being, providing reliable information from medical experts, reducing stigma, and empowering individuals seeking support. "The need for greater awareness and accessible mental health resources has never been more urgent," states Kieran Clarke, Co-Founder and CEO of MHTN. "With MHTN, we're creating a comprehensive, trustworthy hub where viewers can find accurate information, inspiring stories, and tools to enhance their mental health journeys." "MHTN isn't just about watching; it's about engaging viewers to connect, learn, and find pathways to support," says Troy McGuire, Founder & President. "This platform gives a voice to the millions whose experiences with mental health often remain in the shadows." The network's leadership includes Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Daniel Bober, a distinguished psychiatrist dedicated to responsible, medically informed approaches to mental health content. "MHTN provides a vital opportunity to combat misinformation and harmful stereotypes around mental health," says Dr. Bober. "We will always prioritize evidence-based perspectives and empowering those dealing with mental health challenges." MHTN's diverse programming will feature documentaries, in-depth interviews with experts, news coverage of mental health developments, spotlights on community initiatives, wellness workshops, and more. It boasts a unique partnership structure with leading mental health organizations, ensuring content aligns with the latest research and best practices. Key Features of MHTN: Live & On-Demand Programs: News roundups, documentaries, expert panels. Interactive Resource Hub: National hotline directory, support group finders, therapist locators. Social Media Integration: Live Q&A sessions and hashtag campaigns promoting dialogue. Partnerships: Collaborations with leading mental health advocacy groups for greater impact. How to Watch: MHTN will soon be available through major streaming services and apps and as a direct subscription offering. Visit www.mhtn.org for more information. ### About Mental Health Television Network (MHTN): MHTN is a groundbreaking media platform dedicated to transforming how we understand and address mental health. Utilizing the power of media, MHTN's mission is to increase awareness, provide information, and cultivate open conversations about mental well-being. Contact Details Mental Health Television Network Kieran Clarke +1 971-226-1749 kieran@mhtn.org Company Website https://www.mhtn.org

March 12, 2024 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Blind Review and PathPresenter Partner to Eliminate Expert Witness Bias in Pathology Malpractice Cases

PathPresenter

Blind Review, LLC, the secure digital platform for eliminating expert witness bias, and PathPresenter, the global image sharing platform for pathology, today announced a strategic partnership ushering digital pathology into the medical malpractice space. This alliance will revolutionize how pathology expert reviews are conducted in malpractice cases, transforming it from the old-school, glass-slide model to a cutting-edge, digital model that increases efficiency, streamlines access, and simplifies the traditional pathology review. Blind Review specializes in removing hindsight, financial, and party-identity bias from expert witnesses through a proprietary digital platform and customized process. Once onboarded to the platform, experts are digitally placed into the shoes of the treating physician. As the care-story unfolds, the expert’s opinion is captured at each critical point of care, all while shielding the identity of the attorney, client, and care outcome. Importantly, the process prevents the expert from knowing what comes next without first committing to an opinion based only on the records available at that point in the care – eliminating hindsight bias. PathPresenter is a secure and scalable multi-tenant enterprise pathology workflow platform that has been developed by pathologists with deep domain knowledge and experience. Trusted by over 45 tier-one medical institutions, PathPresenter is the most comprehensive image management/viewing suite available for clinical care, remote consultations, education, and research. Pathologists play a critical role in reviewing medical malpractice cases for disease diagnosis or when timing of an injury or cause of death is in question. PathPresenter has taken the desktop microscope and transformed it into a state-of-the-art digital viewer that pathologists can access anytime, anywhere to review microscopic evidence in a legal case. Utilizing PathPresenter’s cloud-based, clinical consultation platform, Blind Review’s proprietary process is far more efficient and eliminates the risks and limitations that come with glass slides. “Juror’s trust in experts has fallen to levels below where they were before the pandemic, and we continue to see very large, unexpected verdicts,” says Blind Review’s CEO and attorney-founder, Stephanie Franckewitz. “Independent research supports that a blinded expert doubles the chances of a favorable verdict because jurors perceive them as significantly more credible. We are proud to partner with PathPresenter, and we are in good company, as many of the world’s elite medical institutions use PathPresenter on a day-to-day basis in their pathology departments.” “PathPresenter’s partnership with Blind Review brings the practice of expert pathology review within the medical malpractice space into the 21st century,” adds Patrick Myles CEO of PathPresenter. “Whether in the courtroom or in the pathology lab, expert opinion is all about trust. By partnering with Blind Review, we’re enabling a never-before-seen way to restore jurors’ trust in experts.” About Blind Review, LLC Blind Review is the digital platform that provides the infrastructure to eliminate expert witness bias in medical malpractice cases. We deliver a strong competitive advantage to the trial teams who share our vision: Unbiased, reliable, and trustworthy expert opinions. Blind Review digitally places the expert into the shoes of the treating healthcare provider. As the care-story unfolds, the expert’s opinion is captured at each critical point of care, all while shielding the identity of the attorney, client, and care outcome. Simple and intuitive, our cloud-based interface allows robust customization, with the ability to deliver our unique Blind Review process across multiple specialties within a single case. Blind Review’s platform includes seamless integration with a secure cloud-based Radiology PACS system and Digital Pathology system, with state-of-the-art viewers. About PathPresenter PathPresenter is the global image sharing platform for pathology. We are on a mission to help democratize access to the world’s pathology knowledge by connecting pathologists to the vast expertise of their colleagues globally and providing a practical platform to access and use best-in-class AI models. Founded by dermatopathologist and digital pathology pioneer, Dr. Rajendra Singh, PathPresenter has been adopted by 45+ tier one medical institutions for clinical care, education, and research, and has built a thriving community of 50,000+ users in 172 countries to easily view and share digital pathology images and knowledge. ### Media Inquiries: Michelle Rupp 501-658-9277 or michelle@memorableresultsmedia.com PathPresenter is the global image sharing platform for pathology. We are on a mission to democratize access to the world’s pathology knowledge by connecting pathologists to the vast expertise of their colleagues globally and providing a practical platform to access and use best-in-class AI models. Founded by dermatopathologist and digital pathology pioneer, Dr. Rajendra Singh, PathPresenter has been adopted by 45+ tier one medical institutions for clinical care, education, and research, and has built a thriving community of 50,000+ users in 172 countries to easily view and share digital pathology images and knowledge. For more information visit www.pathpresenter.com. Contact Details Cory Batenchuk +1 873-355-9913 cory@pathpresenter.com Company Website https://pathpresenter.com

March 11, 2024 01:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Centre for Neuro Skills Promotes Dr. Stefanie Howell to Director of Research Integration

Centre for Neuro Skills

Centre for Neuro Skills (CNS), a leader in traumatic brain injury and stroke rehabilitation services, today announced the promotion of Stefanie N. Howell, Ph.D., CBIS, to director of research integration. “Stefanie has been integral to Centre for Neuro Skills’ research program, looking closely at how we can not only improve the lives of our patients but people with brain injuries everywhere,” said David Harrington, president and CEO of Centre for Neuro Skills. “I’m excited to see the outcomes of our research efforts and how this can give us new insight into improving patient care. Since joining CNS in 2016, Howell has coordinated and designed clinical research studies, written manuscripts and provided education focused on methods for facilitating recovery and maximizing patient outcomes. Howell was promoted to Senior Neuroscientist in 2022 and now oversees the integration of CNS’ original research to expand understanding of brain injury, its causes and best treatment practices in the clinical setting. CNS’ ongoing research includes: Effects of Rehabilitation Following Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Stroke CNS researchers evaluate the durability of outcomes obtained during post-acute rehabilitation following stroke and TBI. This will also determine if rehabilitation outcome is associated with future occupational status, life quality, cognitive function, and overall health, including rehospitalization. Traumatic Brain Injury and the Gut Microbiome Years after a brain injury, some individuals develop a complex set of conditions that prevent them from absorbing essential amino acids. The purpose of this study is to determine if altering the diet in these individuals can change their amino acid absorption and reduce symptoms and markers of neuroinflammation. Effects Of Aerobic Exercise and Rehabilitation After Traumatic Brain Injury Exercise contributes to overall health and protects and heals the brain, but the response to exercise may change after a brain injury. Through examining exercise and how it facilitates recovery, CNS hopes to determine the individual response to exercise (and how it has changed), in order to better tailor therapy to each person. Outcome Biomarkers After Brain Injury Patients consent to providing biological samples to help identify biomarkers in blood, saliva, and other tissues that will help CNS increase diagnostic and prognostic capabilities, tailor patient care and determine how much treatment is necessary. This study will allow clinicians to foresee potential risks that may inhibit recovery and aid intervention effectiveness, allowing CNS to better evaluate current and novel therapeutic interventions. Sleep Alterations After Traumatic Brain Injury and Stroke Sleep-wake disturbances have been identified in up to 80% of those with brain injuries. Sleep problems are linked to impaired attention, decreased cognitive functioning (including memory and attention) and overall diminished response to rehabilitation. This study will determine the nature of sleep-wake disturbances post injury. Researchers may then identify whether disturbances are related to the type, location, or time since the injury, as well as the impact sleep has on outcome and responsiveness to rehabilitation. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) Following Traumatic Brain Injury This is a noninvasive technique of neurostimulation, which uses low amplitude direct current to alter brain cell firing. Studies suggest that tDCS is a painless technique for electrically stimulating the brain with almost no risk of harm. This form of therapy has been studied as a treatment modality for stroke patients but there is less evidence in literature for effectiveness in treating traumatic brain injury. This project will analyze the effects of a three-week program of tDCS on motor recovery and attention/concentration in individuals following a traumatic brain injury. To learn more about CNS and its research, visit www.neuroskills.com. *** About Centre for Neuro Skills Centre for Neuro Skills is an experienced and respected world leader in providing intensive rehabilitation and medical programs for those recovering from all types of brain injury. CNS covers a full spectrum of advanced care from residential and assisted living to outpatient/day treatment. Founded by Dr. Mark Ashley in 1980, CNS has seven locations in California and Texas. For more information about Centre for Neuro Skills, visit: www.neuroskills.com, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube. Media, please note: Visual assets, including photos, are available. To request an interview with CNS leadership or clinical staff, please contact Robin Carr at 415.766.0927 or CNS@landispr.com. # # # Contact Details Landis Communications Inc. Robin Carr +1 415-766-0927 cns@landispr.com Company Website https://www.neuroskills.com/

March 11, 2024 08:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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NeuroOne Medical Technologies' (NASDAQ: NMTC) Innovative Brain Monitoring Tech Developing And Commercializing Electrodes

Benzinga

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga When it comes to neurological diseases, epilepsy is among the most common worldwide. At last check, about 50 million people suffer from this chronic non-communicable disease, with close to 80% living in low to middle-income countries. The risk of premature death among epilepsy patients is as much as three times higher than non-suffers. There are treatments for the seizures experienced by patients – 28 FDA-approved drugs at last count – but they don’t work for everyone. About one-third require surgery. It is those patients and others suffering from neurological disorders that Minnesota-based NeuroOne Medical Technologies Corp.(NASDAQ: NMTC) is targeting with its medical technology. The company designs and manufactures high-definition, minimally invasive thin film electrodes which are used for intracranial monitoring. The electrodes are implanted inside the skull to record brain activity. That data helps surgeons better locate and remove the brain tissue causing seizures without impacting the rest of the brain. NeuroOne’s electrodes are intended to diagnose and treat several neurological conditions including epilepsy, Parkinson’s Disease and Essential Tremors. The company believes it has an edge over the current electrodes in application because they are thin, flexible and less bulky. Better Than The Original? NeuroOne’s Evo Cortical Electrode portfolio consists of various configurations of strips and grid electrodes, which are made with thin polyimide film — which, in a study by the Mayo Clinic, demonstrated reduced inflammation to the brain versus traditional silicone electrodes as the material is flexible, thin and weighs less. The electrodes are cleared by the FDA for recording, stimulation and monitoring of brain activity for less than 30 days. With the technology, doctors can identify the right foci zones to determine the best treatment for patients. The company says its technology provides new options for surgical placement and potentially smaller incisions, lower inflammation compared to the bulky electrodes on the market, and also enables the pairing of diagnosis and therapeutics in one offering unlike other competitive technologies. With proven placement accuracy and enhanced signal quality, physicians can capture the vital data they need to support more confident diagnoses, according to NeuroOne. NeuroOne is among a handful of medical technology companies that are taking novel approaches to treating brain diseases. Aneuvas Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: ATITK) is one example. It's developing new technology to fill and heal aneurysms. Hong Kong-listed MicroPort NeuroTech Ltd. is another example, working on technology to help doctors overcome potential issues during hemorrhagic strokes. Meanwhile ORSIM develops a specialist flexible bronchoscope simulator to help train and support anesthesiologists. NeuroOne pegs its market opportunity at $100 million for diagnostic use. Other markets the company is looking to enter including ablation, drug delivery and spinal cord stimulation for back pain are already generating revenue in the billions of dollars. Future Applications On The Horizon The company recently received clearance from the FDA to use an sEEG electrode to record electrical activity in the brain for less than 30 days but also to ablate brain tissue in an effort to reduce or eliminate a patient’s seizure activity using the same device. This will hopefully reduce the number of surgeries and hospitalizations a patient has to experience. This system has the potential to ablate nervous tissue in other areas of the body. NeuroOne has already commented that they will pursue additional applications, starting with facial pain. In addition, the company has commented that they are developing a drug delivery electrode that can monitor the electrical activity of the brain after delivery of the drug or gene therapy. This technology could also be helpful for pharmaceutical and biotech companies in helping identify in the early phases of development if the therapy shows efficacy. This could save the company millions of dollars in development and clinical study costs earlier in the development process. In addition, NeuroOne is also expanding its efforts into spinal cord stimulation for chronic back pain, last year announcing it successfully completed an animal implant of its novel thin film paddle leads for spinal cord stimulation. The devices are intended for the treatment of patients with chronic back pain due to multiple failed back surgery syndrome and intractable low back and leg pain. NeuroOne reports that results demonstrated the feasibility of the placement of a thin film paddle lead intended to treat chronic back pain due to multiple failed back surgeries. The company said more testing would be completed to optimize the design and placement. The company is also developing a percutaneous (through a needle) paddle lead placement system which would eliminate the need for an incision in the patient's back. The preliminary benchtop testing for this percutaneous approach has also been successfully completed. In January, NeuroOne presented a poster on pre-clinical experience with thin-film paddle leads at the North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS). Millions of people suffer from epilepsy, Parkinson’s Disease, Essential Tremors and other neurological disorders, yet the treatments today largely fall short. NeuroOne is committed to changing that with its minimally invasive approach. It hopes its innovations will not only transform the treatment of brain diseases but also enhance patient outcomes, reduce procedural invasiveness and streamline diagnostic and therapeutic processes for patients around the globe. Featured photo by Natasha Connell 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

March 11, 2024 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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BenevolentAI CEO Dr Joerg Moeller discusses AI's impact on drug discovery

BenevolentAI

BenevolentAI CEO Dr Joerg Moeller tells Proactive's Stephen Gunnion how the company is positioning itself as a pioneer in AI-augmented drug discovery, aiming to enhance the success rates of drug development by identifying optimal targets early in the process. The company operates on three strategic pillars: advancing its proprietary pipeline of molecules for high medical need indications with limited treatment options, offering comprehensive drug discovery services through collaborations with notable industry partners such as AstraZeneca and Merck KGaA, and providing a Software as a Service (SaaS) platform for knowledge exploration. This multi-faceted approach not only drives BenevolentAI's scientific endeavours but also underpins its business model, which generates revenue through pipeline progression, collaboration milestones, and the innovative SaaS offering. A key example of the platform's validation is the repurposing of baricitinib, an Eli Lilly drug, for COVID-19 treatment based on BenevolentAI's insights. Dr Moeller's belief in AI's transformative potential in R&D is reinforced by the company's capabilities and the dedication of its team. Near-term milestones include anticipated results from a Phase 1a study of their lead program in ulcerative colitis, with strategic goals focusing on pipeline advancement, forging more partnerships, and exploring the viability of their SaaS model for sustainable growth. Contact Details Proactive North America Proactive North America +1 604-688-8158 NA-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

March 08, 2024 11:01 AM Eastern Standard Time

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ImmuPharma CEO Tim McCarthy discusses financial stability and promising drug developments

ImmuPharma PLC

ImmuPharma PLC (AIM:IMM) chief executive Tim McCarthy provides an extensive update during an interview with Proactive's Stephen Gunnion, focusing on the financial, business, and portfolio developments of the company. McCarthy clarified that the company is in a strong financial position, dismissing rumours of needing a highly dilutive fundraising. He emphasized that ImmuPharma has sufficient funding for its needs, supported by a business model reliant on developing drugs to a stage attractive to larger pharmaceutical companies for further development and market introduction. This strategy, according to McCarthy, is expected to generate non-dilutive upfront payments and royalties from licensing agreements, particularly for their P140 platform focused on autoimmune diseases like lupus and CIDP (Chronic Idiopathic Demyelinating Polyneuropathy). McCarthy detailed progress on the lupus program, including changes to their clinical study approach and discussions with the FDA, highlighting the uniqueness of their molecule's mechanism of action. This uniqueness, McCarthy pointed out, has garnered interest from big pharma, distinguishing their lupus treatment from others that failed due to efficacy or side effects issues. Moreover, he announced advancements in the CIDP program and the company's intention to achieve orphan drug designation for it, promising significant market potential despite its smaller patient population compared to lupus. The CEO also touched on an early-stage anti-infective program, underscoring the evolution of ImmuPharma's drug portfolio over the last two and a half years under his leadership. This transformation involved corporate restructuring, significant cost reductions, and strategic focus on developing a diversified drug portfolio. McCarthy concluded by affirming the company's position as substantially undervalued based on its developmental and financial assets, particularly highlighting a major interest in the oncology company Incanthera, which recently secured a substantial commercial deal with AS Watson. Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com

March 08, 2024 09:48 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Oncimmune's strategic pivot aims for robust growth in 2024

Oncimmune Holdings PLC

Oncimmune Holdings PLC (AIM:ONC) CEO Martin Gouldstone joins Proactive's Stephen Gunnion with highlights of the company's 2023 performance, which included its strategic decision to focus on its ImmunoINSIGHTS platform. A significant development was the sale of its early lung cancer detection business to US biotech company Freenome, generating substantial funds. This capital was utilised partly to reduce existing company debt and, importantly, established a five-year master service agreement (MSA) with Freenome, guaranteeing Oncimmune a minimum of £1.3 million in service revenues on a use-it-or-lose-it basis, with a two-year break clause. This deal not only provided immediate financial benefit but also assured a steady revenue stream for at least two years. Gouldstone emphasized the company's focus on its ImmunoINSIGHTS service platform, highlighting its commercial and scientific potential. Since his tenure began in August last year, Gouldstone said he has been dedicated to maximizing the platform's commercial impact and scientific capabilities. The strategic redirection towards new commercial areas and customer segments was marked by the announcement of a new strategy in October, followed by securing seven contracts in novel commercial domains, including repeat business with large pharmaceutical companies and new engagements in biotech. These contracts span discovery and adverse event prediction in immuno-oncology, reflecting the strategic diversification efforts. With the commercial team nearing completion, Oncimmune anticipates a tangible impact on revenues towards the end of 2024, with an aim to further expand the sales team in the US by FY25. Looking ahead to 2024, Oncimmune has projected a revenue target of £3 million, marking at least a 150% increase from the previous year and setting a record high for the company's operations in Germany. This ambitious forecast underscores the company's strategic refocus, relaunch, and consolidation efforts aimed at sustaining growth and delivering improved financial performance in the coming years. Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com

March 08, 2024 09:35 AM Eastern Standard Time

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