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PRSA Colorado Chapter Announces Winners of the 2024 Gold Picks Awards

PRSA Colorado

The Colorado Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA Colorado) hosted its highly anticipated 2024 Gold Picks Awards Ceremony last night at Stick and Feather in Denver, Colo. The event, which has become a cornerstone of the Colorado public relations community, celebrated the outstanding achievements of professionals and organizations in the field of public relations and corporate communications. Honoring Two Pioneers A highlight of the evening was the presentation of Special Awards, including the Jane Dvorak Mentor of the Year Award and the Sharon Linhart PR Person of the Year Award. These awards were renamed at the event in honor of two trailblazers in the Colorado PR community, recognizing their extraordinary contributions to the industry. The 2024 Special Awards winners are: Joe Fuentes Rookie of the Year: Caroline Campbell, VISIT DENVER Jane Dvorak Mentor of the Year Award: Shawna Seldon McGregor, Maverick Public Relations Media Person of the Year: Greg Avery, Denver Business Journal Business Person of the Year: Doyle Albee, Comprise PR Team of the Year: Gomez Howard Group Ayers Chapter Service Award: Liz Viscardi, APR, LV Events and PR Sharon Linhart PR Person of the Year Award: Merideth Hartung, B Public Relations Rising Stars and Industry Leaders The event also shone a spotlight on the next generation of PR professionals. Members of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) from the University of Colorado Boulder and Colorado State University were acknowledged for their contributions to the event and their dedication to the profession. The PRSSA's efforts in fundraising and their anticipated participation in the ICON conference in Anaheim, Calif. this fall were particularly commended. 2024 Gold Picks Award Winners All award winners are listed below under their corresponding category. Gold Picks are the highest-scoring awards based on a specific scoring system but each award is judged individually instead of against the other submittals within that category, meaning multiple organizations can win a Gold Pick within the same category. All awards are judged anonymously by another chapter of PRSA. Gold and Silver Pick Awards: Integrated Communications: Consumer Products: Gold: SchroderHaus – "Justin’s Nuts About Bees" Silver: SchroderHaus – "Justin’s #JustinMyLunch Hunger Relief Program" Government: Gold: CIG Public Relations – "Express Lanes Safety Enforcement" Silver: CIG Public Relations – "CDOT’s Cannabis-Impaired Driving Campaign" Associations/Nonprofits/Educational Institutions: Silver: SchroderHaus – "Fairtrade America’s 'We Are Fairtrade.' Awareness Campaign" Events and Observances - Seven or Fewer Days: Government: Gold: National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic – "Miracles on a Mountainside" Silver: National Renewable Energy Laboratory – "NREL Welcomes Neighbors Back to Campus During Community Open House" Associations/Nonprofits/Educational Institutions: Gold: Meadows PR and Visit Golden – "Goldens in Golden" Silver: CU Boulder Office of Strategic Relations & Communications – "ScienceWriters2023 at CU Boulder" Silver: Metropolitan State University of Denver – "9News Denver Mayoral Debate hosted by MSU Denver" Content Marketing: Government: Silver: CIG Public Relations – "CDOT Motorcycle Safety campaign" Business to Business: Silver: Graebel Companies with Linhart Public Relations – "Amplifying Thought Leadership and Demonstrating Value through Creative Storytelling" Silver: BOK Financial – "Healthcare Cyberattacks Hurt Providers and Patients Alike" Community Relations: Associations/Nonprofits/Educational Institutions: Silver: JKD & Company and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – "11th Hour Push - Denver’s Giving Machines" Climate Action and Environmental Sustainability: Silver: SideCar Public Relations – "Seizing Streets for Community Not Cars: ¡Viva! Streets Denver Brings a Global Phenomenon to the Mile High City" Influencer Marketing: Micro-Influencers: Silver: SchroderHaus – "Increasing Reach and Credibility through Influencer Partnerships for Clipper Tea" Organizational Awards: Best Agency - Midsize: Gold: B Public Relations – "From Local to Global: B Public Relations Elevates Hospitality Brands and Experiences" Component Awards: Annual Reports: Gold: Western Resource Advocates – "WRA’s 2022 Impact Report - Building a Better West" Gold: JKD & Company – "Native American Bank - Honoring Community" Social Media: Gold: CU Boulder Office of Strategic Relations & Communications – "CU in 60" Gold: SchroderHaus – "Leveraging Social Media for Awareness and Engagement for Clipper Tea" Branded Content: Gold: BOK Financial – "Healthcare Cyberattacks White Paper" Feature Stories: Gold: Linhart Public Relations with Spire Midstream – "Contributed Content Highlights Need for Natural Gas Storage" Gold: CU Boulder Office of Strategic Relations & Communications – "How Animals Get their Stripes and Spots" Gold: Metropolitan State University of Denver – "Call Me Mister" Newsletters/Magazines: Gold: Metropolitan State University of Denver – "RED Newsfeed" Gold: Western Resource Advocates – "Field Notes" Best Use of Generative AI - Direct Audience Engagement: Gold: CIG Public Relations – "CDOT Impaired Driving Holiday Mug Shot Campaign" Data Insights: Gold: Hensel Phelps Marketing Communications Team & Swing Strategic Communication – "Hensel Phelps 2023 Communications Audit" Influencer Marketing: Gold: Linhart Public Relations with Chocolove – "Sweet Success: Activating Existing Brand Fans on Instagram by Showing the Chocolove" Gold: SchroderHaus – "Justin’s #JustinMyLunch Influencer Marketing" Gold: SchroderHaus – "Earth Month Goes Regenerative for Artisan Tropic" Videos: Silver: Metropolitan State University of Denver – "Art of Dueling" Websites: Gold: Western Resource Advocates – "A New Website for Western Resource Advocates’ Future" Podcasts: Silver: National Renewable Energy Laboratory – "NREL Reaches New Audiences with Launch of Science News Podcast" Media Relations: Gold: JKD & Company and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – "11th Hour Push - Denver’s Giving Machines" Gold: Linhart Public Relations – "Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. Combines Bench of Culinary Experts and Creative Media Strategy to Garner Year-Round National Media Coverage" Silver: CU Boulder Office of Strategic Relations & Communications – "Full Triceratops Skeleton Now Calls Boulder Home" Silver: SideCar Public Relations – "¡Viva! Streets Denver Drives Sustainability and Community Engagement Through Car-Free Streets" Silver: Barefoot PR – "Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation Invests in Oral Health Equity" Silver: Elasticity on behalf of Elevate Quantum – "A Mountain of Opportunity" Silver: Root Marketing & PR on behalf of Bubbies Fine Foods – "Making a Big Dill Out of Bubbies" Grand Gold Picks: The Grand Bold Pick is awarded to the "Best of Show" for the campaign with the highest overall score. This years, two organizations took home a Grand Gold Pick: Meadows PR and Visit Golden – "Goldens in Golden" National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic – "Miracles on a Mountainside" PRSA Colorado congratulates all winners for their exemplary work and contributions to the public relations industry in Colorado. The Public Relations Society of America ( www.prsa.org ) is the nation’s largest association for the professional practice of public relations. The Colorado Chapter ( www.prsacolorado.org ), headquartered in Westminster, is consistently one of the largest chapters in the country. The chapter provides timely and profession-specific educational programs, information and networking opportunities to all of its members, which include professionals at all levels working at corporations, local and national public relations agencies, government offices, universities, nonprofits and independent PR practitioners. Contact Details PRSA Colorado Chapter Alicia Nieva-Woodgate +1 415-515-0866 info@prsacolorado.org Company Website https://prsacolorado.org/

August 29, 2024 04:24 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Comcast Names Barry French Senior Vice President of External Affairs

Comcast Colorado

Comcast today announced that Barry French joined the company as Senior Vice President, External Affairs for Comcast’s West Division, based in Denver, Colo. An award-winning global marketing and communications executive and recognized government relations leader, French will drive the external affairs strategy for five regions and 13 states as the company expands its next-generation network. “Barry comes to Comcast with an excellent track record of achieving growth through brand awareness, government and regulatory affairs, and communications, said Rich Jennings, President, Comcast West Division. “His competitive nature and experience leading exceptional teams make him a great addition to our management team.” Having led engaged teams as large as 450 throughout 40 countries, French is known for driving change and delivering strong performance. His career has spanned industries, continents, and companies, including Dell, United Airlines, Nokia and the U.S. government. He most recently served as the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Inmarsat where he helped facilitate the successful $7.2 billion sale of the company to Viasat. As Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Nokia, he significantly increased the value of its brand, repositioned the company, and added billions of dollars to the sales pipeline. Barry started his career in political consulting, working with clients in the United States and in more than a dozen other countries. A lifelong learner, French holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Bates College and a Master’s degree in International Affairs from Columbia University. He is an avid hiker and runner and lives with his wife and son in Boulder, Colo. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with over 56 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Comcast Leslie Oliver +1 303-810-6326 leslie_oliver@comcast.com Company Website https://colorado.comcast.com/

August 29, 2024 01:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Syntekabio Introduces Develop Now, Pay Later with AI-powered STB LaunchPad Program

Syntekabio, Inc.

Syntekabio (KOSDAQ: 226330), an artificial intelligence (AI) based drug development company, today announced its innovative new offer designed to minimize risk, save time and costs, and increase the success rate of companies developing novel therapies. The new ‘Develop Now, Pay Later’ offer is Syntekabio’s latest initiative to invest in the success of its clients. This 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. Jongsun Jung, PhD, CEO of Syntekabio, remarked, “We want our clients to achieve their goal of bringing safer and more effective therapies to patients. Thus, our mission at Syntekabio is to deliver to our clients first-in-class or best-in-class compounds, fast. We strongly believe in the capability of our technology and so, to further invest in our clients’ success, we have introduced our Develop Now, Pay Later model to support groundbreaking drug development work and reduce the risk for our clients at the outset.” Syntekabio is dedicated to making drug discovery as optimized and as low risk as possible. Clients can first take advantage of a complimentary feasibility study to determine if their project is viable. The next step is to submit any target protein for analysis via the STB LaunchPad program. There are no upfront fees. The client only pays for the work once the agreed upon validated results are obtained. 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. For more information about Syntekabio, STB LaunchPad and Develop Now, Pay Later, please click here. 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 MC Services AG - Media inquiries (US) Laurie Doyle +1 339-832-0752 syntekabio@mc-services.eu Company Website http://www.syntekabio.com/

August 29, 2024 10:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Why You May Want To Consider Linqto As Your Go-To Pre-IPO Investing Platform

Benzinga

By Kyle Anthony, Benzinga Learn how Linqto is bridging the gap to make private equity more accessible and affordable by clicking here! Though Airbnb (NASDAQ: ABNB), Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META), and Uber (NYSE: UBER) are industry-leading firms with strong consumer brands, their success did not start when they became publicly traded firms but began when they were private entities, backed by private capital. While Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) are viewed as a seminal moment in a company’s history, investors who had pre-IPO ownerships of these companies garnered significant wealth from them before their public listing, and a recent study showed that private companies are 50% more profitable than public companies. Furthermore, according to private equity manager Bain & Company, "public assets have historically commanded "higher average valuation s " than private companies. With more individuals becoming aware of this occurrence, there is a growing interest and desire to engage in private investing. Linqto, a San Jose, California-based firm, recognizes this trend and believes more individuals should be able to access private market opportunities. The company’s mission is to democratize private investing by making it accessible, affordable and liquid for individual investors. Here’s why Linqto may be the ideal platform for individuals considering or seeking out private investments. What Is Linqto’s Overarching Purpose? Linqto's vision is to democratize private investing by making it accessible, affordable, and liquid for individual investors. These attributes are central to Linqto’s platform, empowering investors to engage with private markets meaningfully. Linqto promises to deliver: An inclusive, easy-to-use, secure and fast digital experience on its platform. Private investments at an affordable price: The minimum order is $2500, with subsequent investment amounts being $5,000, and there are no hidden costs. This compares to competitor Charles Schwab’s (NYSE: SCHW) recent announcement that it would launch a self-directed alternative investments platform for qualified individual investors with assets of more than $5 million. Though firms such as Forge Global Holdings (NYSE: FRGE), EquityZen and HIIVE facilitate pre-IPO investing, Linqto says its fee structure is more advantageous to retail investors, especially given that historically such opportunities have required a minimum investment amount of $100,000. Liquidity by maintaining significant holdings for shares of companies on their platform: These shares are sourced from founders, employees and investors at a negotiated price. How Does Linqto Select Investments For Its Platform? Linqto primarily invests in mid to late-stage private companies in the technology industry. Selected firms must generate a minimum revenue amount and have institutional venture capital or private equity investor backing. Leveraging its in-house research expertise and evaluation capabilities, Linqto conducts in-depth due diligence on the firms it includes on its platform as it invests alongside its investors. By investing first and ensuring that Linqto has skin in the game, the firm can streamline the investment process, making it as easy as pointing and clicking to participate in the investment opportunities presented on the platform. Liqnto’s executive leadership team comprises individuals with deep and extensive expertise in venture capital, technology, corporate strategy and innovation, among other specialties. The broader organization reflects various disciplines and professional experiences, collaborating to enhance the platform’s offering and user experience continually. What Are Investors Receiving When They Purchase Shares On Linqto’s Platform? When an investment is made on Linqto’s platform, investors receive the equivalent number of shares in a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) managed by Linqto but owned by the investors. The investors are protected against creditors in the event of bankruptcy. The benefit of this approach is that when private equity is sold, the company has the right to refuse that sale. By selling a representation of shares that Linqto owns, it can guarantee an immediate sale to investors without the company having the right to refuse that sale. Furthermore, the SPV structure allows only one investor, Linqto, on the company's cap table, which is desirable to the company as they want to minimize the number of investors on their cap table for funding and regulatory reasons. Is There A Holding Period For Shares Purchased? Linqto has a 90-day holding period. From the date of purchase, members must hold the asset for 90 days before selling and cannot use those shares to purchase another security on the platform. Is Linqto A Financially Regulated Platform? Linqto is a broker/dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) member. The firm also has Alternative Trading System licenses, making it a go-to legal and compliant platform for investors. An ATS is a regulated platform enabling securities trading outside traditional stock exchanges. It allows investors to buy and sell shares in private emerging unicorn companies more quickly and efficiently. A New Avenue For Wealth Generation As demand for private investments grows, Linqto’s platform can help investors broaden their investment opportunities in a turnkey manner. With many companies remaining private for longer, Linqto’s platform is a new avenue through which young investors can gain early, pre-IPO access to companies that could potentially be poised to be industry leaders. To learn more and begin investing with Linqto, click here! Featured photo by Joshua Mayo 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

August 29, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Synergist Technology Partners with Microsoft to Drive Ethical and Compliant AI Innovation

Synergist

Synergist Technology, a leader in AI governance and compliance, announces a strategic partnership with Microsoft, aimed at advancing the development and deployment of compliant AI solutions. By integrating Synergist’s expertise with Microsoft’s robust cloud infrastructure, the partnership seeks to address the growing market demands for ethical and secure AI systems. As the rapid adoption of AI continues to outpace regulatory frameworks, many organizations face significant challenges in deploying AI technologies with accountability. Together, the companies will provide comprehensive AI solutions that help businesses navigate the complex landscape of AI regulations while maximizing the potential of Microsoft’s AI offerings. The partnership is further strengthened by the involvement of key partners, including Pliant Consulting and Maureen Data Systems, which will assist in integrating and enhancing AI solutions for clients. This collaborative effort ensures that customers can navigate the complexities of AI governance with ease and assurance. “With over 700 pieces of proposed regulation at the state and federal level, our partnership with Microsoft represents a significant step forward in our mission to bring responsible AI to every organization,” said Elycia Morris, CEO of Synergist Technology. “By combining our governance and compliance expertise with Microsoft’s advanced technologies, we are creating a powerful synergy that will enable organizations to harness the transformative power of AI while maintaining trust and transparency.” “This partnership enables organizations to confidently leverage AI’s transformative power while adhering to the highest standards of regulatory adherence,” said Vishal Amin, General Manager of Security Solutions, Microsoft. “Microsoft and Synergist have a shared commitment to empower businesses to achieve more through innovation and trust.” Since the inception of the partnership, Synergist has made significant strides in its go-to-market strategy, leveraging Microsoft programs such as the ISV Success Program to expand the reach of its offerings. This strategic collaboration is set to evolve further, with plans to integrate Synergist’s AFFIRM platform into Microsoft’s Marketplace, making it more accessible to businesses worldwide. About Synergist Technology Synergist Technologies is a leader in AI governance and compliance, specializing in enabling ethical and compliant AI innovation through their AFFIRM platform. Their solutions help organizations navigate the complexities of AI regulations, ensuring responsible and effective AI deployment.For more information, visit https://synergist.technology/. Contact Details Julia Worthington synergist@kitehillpr.com

August 29, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Benchmark International Releases Global Semiconductor Machinery Manufacturing Industry Report, Spotlighting Market Growth and Key Trends

Benchmark International

Benchmark International, a leader in the mergers and acquisition (M&A) industry, has published its latest Global Semiconductor Machinery Manufacturing Industry Report. This comprehensive analysis provides critical insights into the rapidly evolving semiconductor machinery sector, highlighting growth opportunities, industry challenges, and emerging trends that are reshaping the landscape. As the global demand for semiconductors continues to soar, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, 5G, and consumer electronics, the semiconductor machinery manufacturing industry is experiencing significant growth. Benchmark International’s report delves into the key factors influencing this sector, from technological innovations to geopolitical developments that are shaping supply chains and market dynamics. Key highlights of the report include: Technological Advancements: The latest advancements in semiconductor machinery, highlighting innovations that are boosting production efficiency and driving next-generation semiconductor development. Market Drivers: An analysis of the rise of AI, IoT, and 5G technologies as key market drivers, significantly increasing the demand for advanced semiconductor machinery. Regional Market Dynamics: Insights into regional dynamics, focusing on the contributions and dominance of key players in North America, Asia-Pacific, and Europe. With semiconductor machinery manufacturing at the forefront of technological innovation, the report serves as an essential resource for industry professionals, investors, and companies looking to stay ahead in a highly competitive market. The report is now available on Benchmark International's website and is part of the firm’s ongoing efforts to provide comprehensive market intelligence to its clients. For more information and to access the full 2024 Global Semiconductor Machinery Manufacturing Industry Report, please visit https://www.benchmarkintl.com/insights/global-semiconductor-machinery-manufacturing-industry-report/ ABOUT BENCHMARK INTERNATIONAL: Benchmark International is a global M&A firm that provides business owners with creative, value-maximizing solutions for growing and exiting their businesses. Benchmark International has handled over $11 billion in transaction value across various industries from offices across the world. With decades of M&A experience, Benchmark International’s transaction teams have assisted business owners with achieving their objectives and ensuring the continued growth of their businesses. The firm has also been named the Investment Banking Firm of the Year by The M&A Advisor and the Global M&A Network as well as the #1 Sell-side Exclusive Privately-held M&A Advisor in the World by Pitchbook and Refinitiv's Global League Tables. Contact Details Brittney Zoeller +1 813-898-2350 zoeller@benchmarkintl.com Company Website https://www.benchmarkintl.com/

August 29, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Landmark Real Estate Lawsuit Just Changed the Rules – This RE Tech Company May Have The Perfect Solution

Benzinga

By Johnny Rice, Benzinga Mike Logozzo, President & COO, and Brent Miller, CFO of reAlpha Tech Corp. (NASDAQ: AIRE), were recently guests on Benzinga’s All-Access. reAlpha Tech Corp. is a real estate technology company developing an end-to-end commission-free homebuying platform. Utilizing the power of AI and an acquisition-led growth strategy, reAlpha’s goal is to offer a more affordable, streamlined experience for those on the journey to homeownership. Mr. Logozzo and Mr. Miller spoke about their exciting new product and how they plan to disrupt the real estate industry. Learn more here: Featured photo by Dillon Kydd 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

August 29, 2024 08:50 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Palatin Technologies: Utilizing The Melanocortin System As The Basis For Innovation In Drug Development – Targeting Inflammatory & Autoimmune Conditions, Obesity And Sexual Dysfunctions

Benzinga

By Kyle Anthony, Benzinga Palatin Technologies (AMEX: PTN), a biopharmaceutical company developing first-in-class medicines based on molecules that modulate the activity of the melanocortin receptor system, received the first FDA approval for a melanocortin agent, for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women, with its product, Vyleesi ® (bremelanotide injection) – and it has big plans for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in patients that do not respond to PDE5i (viagra ®, cialis ® ) monotherapy The melanocortin system is a group of hormones, receptors and other molecules in the body that regulate various physiological processes, including skin pigmentation, appetite, energy balance and inflammation. For Palatin Technologies, the melanocortin system has been a source of innovation. The firm leverages its knowledge of the melanocortin system to design therapeutics that directly engage one of the body’s natural pathways to resolve harmful inflammation, providing a novel approach that allows affected tissue time to heal. The Mission Of Palatin Technologies Founded in 1986 by Dr. Carl Spana and other scientists with the initial aim of developing proprietary technologies and drug candidates for large markets with unmet needs, including cardiovascular disease and cancer, the firm has undergone a series of changes over the years. In the early 2000s, Palatin began focusing on the melanocortin system, particularly developing drugs that target melanocortin receptors. The company’s mission is to leverage its unique insight and expertise in the industry and the melanocortin system to develop groundbreaking therapeutics for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, focusing on ocular conditions, plus obesity and sexual dysfunctions. Maximizing The Capabilities Of The Melanocortin System The melanocortin system is mediated by a family of five related receptors that are essential to the body’s control of inflammation, immune response, metabolism, steroid hormone production and sexual function. As mentioned previously, Palatin Technologies’ current focus is on the design and development of receptor-selective melanocortin agonists for inflammation and autoimmune conditions, with an emphasis on ocular diseases, plus obesity and sexual dysfunctions. Palatin Technologies’ therapeutics work by activating endogenous melanocortin pathways to resolve damaging inflammation and allow affected tissues time to heal. Research has shown melanocortin agonists can prevent and reverse intestinal and ocular inflammation in animal models. Current ocular drugs can be limited by drawbacks such as inadequate efficacy, high discontinuation rates and delayed onset of action. These challenges result in a less-than-ideal treatment experience, causing frustration and driving the need for more effective solutions. Melanocortin receptors, which are found on the surface of various cells in the eye and within immune cells in ocular tissue, represent a promising target for melanocortin agonists to offer relief and healing for individuals suffering from ocular diseases. For inflammation and autoimmune diseases, current treatments – including steroids, immune modulators and biologics – largely work by broadly suppressing the immune response. However, these methods can weaken the body's overall immune function, leading to unwanted side effects and raising safety concerns. Melanocortin agonists offer the potential to resolve inflammation without these adverse effects and safety issues associated with immunosuppressants. Palatin Technologies: Success And Product Pipeline Though Vyleesi was Palatin Technologies' first commercial product, the company recently announced several program advancements: Patient dosing has started for the clinical study entitled: BMT-801: A Phase II, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Study Investigating the Safety, Tolerability, and Effectiveness of the Co-Administration of Bremelanotide with Tirzepatide (GLP-1/GIP) for the Treatment of Obesity Topline Results Expected Q1 Calendar Year 2025 FDA Confirms Acceptability of Palatin’s Remaining Phase 3 Pivotal Clinical Trials for PL9643 in Dry Eye Disease (DED) MELODY-2 & MELODY-3 Phase 3 Clinical Trials Targeted To Start Later This Calendar Year Topline Results Expected Q4 Calendar Year 2025 Treating Eye Related Diseases As referenced previously, Palatin is exploring using melanocortin agonists for age-related eye diseases. As detailed in the company’s corporate presentation, diseases such as dry eye disease, glaucoma and retinopathies are sizable target markets. Dry eye disease (DED) or keratoconjunctivitis is a multifactorial disorder of the tears and ocular surface. Symptoms include dryness, irritation, redness, discharge and blurred vision. Inflammation plays a prominent role in the development and amplification of the signs and symptoms of DED. According to research compiled by the company, the global market size for DED is estimated to be worth $7.0 billion in 2024, growing to $12.3 billion by 2032. Earlier this year, Palatin announced the phase 3 clinical results for its PL9643 melanocortin agonist treatment of DED. Regarding the findings, Carl Spana, Ph.D., President and CEO of Palatin, stated, “We are pleased that PL9643 treatment demonstrated excellent safety and tolerability data, including superior efficacy results compared to vehicle across multiple sign and symptom endpoints.” PL9643 represents an opportunity to bring relief to dry eye disease sufferers. According to Palatin, while DED is one of the most common ocular disorders, affecting an estimated 38 million people in the U.S., only about 18 million are diagnosed, and less than 10% of those diagnosed are treated with a prescription product. This shows the significant unmet medical need for an effective treatment with an excellent safety and tolerability profile. There is a sizable market opportunity for the other previously mentioned eye diseases: Palatin’s research states that the 2030 global market estimate for glaucoma is $11.52 billion, and the 2027 global market estimate for retinopathies is $27 billion. Palatin has ongoing melanocortin receptor programs for each disease to explore treatment methods. Treating Autoimmune Diseases There is also a growing opportunity to treat the underlying inflammation in autoimmune diseases that physicians commonly treat with broad immunosuppressants that potentially increase the risk of complications. Palatin Technologies, with an ongoing phase 2 clinical trial, is exploring how its treatments can tackle ulcerative colitis (UC), which the company says could benefit nearly 1 million people in the U.S. who suffer from an autoimmune disease that manifests as chronic inflammation of the colon. Palatin’s research states that the global ulcerative colitis market was estimated to be worth $5.5 billion in 2021 and is projected to be worth $8 billion by 2026. Palatin’s oral MCR1 agonist (PL8177) was developed to resolve inflammation directly in the colon, avoiding broad immunosuppression and adverse effects with its potent, selective compound. Palatin reports that two phase 1 studies have produced promising results – the first demonstrated the significant safety and tolerability of PL8177, while the second highlighted the value of an oral, delayed-release polymer formulation that can achieve local release without systemic absorption. PL8177 has advanced and is now being investigated in a phase 2 clinical trial. Treating Obesity Obesity represents a rising worldwide public health concern. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of overall mortality and serious health conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke and certain cancers. Obesity is associated with increased healthcare resource use and high economic burden. Safe and effective obesity treatments therefore remain a critical unmet need. In the United States, about 42% of adults live with obesity, and one out of five teens between the ages of 12-19 live with obesity, according to data compiled by Palatin. “The growth of GLP-1 agonists to treat obesity has been incredible and highly effective in the short run, but data shows that 67% of patients discontinue use due to side effects and a plateau effect in the first year, said Carl Spana, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Palatin. “This often results in a rebound effect with patients gaining back significant weight. Our research coupled with emerging clinical data indicates that combining an MCR4 agonist with incretin therapeutics like tirzepatide may result in synergistic effects on weight loss allowing for increased weight loss at lower and better-tolerated doses.” Sexual Dysfunction Product Expansion And Product Development Milestones The success of Vyleesi, which was sold to Cosette Pharmaceuticals in December 2023 for $12 million upfront and up to $159 million in sales milestones, has established a precedent for success in the sexual dysfunction category for Palatin Technologies. Presently, the firm is looking to build on this success and is exploring a product for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in patients that do not respond to PDE5i (viagra ®, cialis ® ) monotherapy. According to Palatin, over 30 million men in the U.S. suffer from ED, with approximately 35% of them being inadequately served by existing treatment options. Palatin believes that their MCR4 agonists can be a safe and effective treatment therapy for ED. Across Palatin’s product roadmap, several milestones are slated to occur in the latter half of 2024 or the first half of 2025. Regarding the second half of calendar year 2024, the company’s phase 2 obesity trial of an MCR4 agonist + GLP-1 will initiate enrollment (patient dosing has commenced), Melody-2 and Melody-3 phase 3 clinical trials for the treatment of DED will begin, and the phase 2 proof-of-concept interim data for PL8177 for ulcerative colitis is expected to readout. Regarding the first half of calendar year 2025, the company’s phase 2 obesity trial of an MCR4 agonist + GLP-1 topline results are expected, and the pharmacokinetics study for the clinical program with bremelanotide co-formulated with a PDE5i for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in patients that do not respond to PDE5i monotherapy will start. A Vision For The Future For Millions Of Patients Overall, Palatin Technologies is actively expanding its clinical programs and progressing toward potential new therapies for patients with limited or ineffective treatment options. Melanocortin pathway therapies represent a promising and versatile approach to treating various conditions, with ongoing research and development expanding their potential applications. Palatin Technologies is at the forefront of this treatment approach, potentially helping reshape the medical landscape. For more information about Palatin Technologies, visit its website. Featured photo by Louis Reed 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

August 29, 2024 08:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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How This Silver Miner Beat Expectations In Its Recent Earnings Report – And What It Has Planned Next

Benzinga

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga Silver is shining bright this year, with prices up 21% in 2024. It recently hit an 11-year high, and experts are calling for more price increases. That hasn’t been lost on Silvercorp Metals Inc. (AMEX: SVM), the mining company headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia. The company posted strong first-quarter fiscal 2025 results that it says beat Wall Street expectations, and positioned it for more growth. Silver investors like the metal because it offers diversification beyond stocks and bonds. It tends to increase in price during periods of low interest rates, and with analysts projecting Fed rate cuts, an uptick in silver prices is expected. Just like gold, silver is seen as a store of value. If the U.S. dollar ever devalued, silver could even potentially be used as a form of currency. There’s also a scarcity of it, which means the price has room to appreciate. Much of the silver mined has been used and isn’t recoverable. The global deficit of silver reached an all-time high in 2022 at 237.7 million ounces as the demand for silver rose 18%. Revenue Growing, Costs Declining Silver is Silvercorp’s bread and butter, accounting for 63% of its first-quarter revenue. The company also mines gold, lead, and zinc. For the fiscal first quarter, Silvercorp reported revenue of $72.2 million, up 20% year-over-year, driven by rising silver prices. “The results of this quarter reinforce why investors should own our shares, namely demonstrating that we provide leverage to higher silver prices through the response in our financial results,” said Silvercorp president Lon Shaver during the company’s quarterly results conference call. Silvercorp surpassed Wall Street’s expectations, reporting a net income of $21.9 million, or adjusted earnings of $0.12 per share, up from $9.2 million or $0.05 per share, in the same quarter last year. Analysts had expected the company to weigh in with earnings of $0.09-$0.11 per share. Raymond James also highlighted this strong performance, noting that Silvercorp’s EBITDA of $41 million significantly outperformed their estimate of $26 million, as well as the consensus estimate of $34 million. Cash flow provided by operating activities was $40 million, up 28% year-over-year. Silvercorp ended the quarter with $216 million in cash and short-term investments, another $108 million in equity investments, and zero debt. The company says its results are a testament to its ability to capitalize on market conditions and optimize operations for maximum profitability. Silvercorp’s ability to beat analyst targets on the earnings and cost fronts prompted analysts to reiterate their buy ratings on the stock, with bulls pointing to the strong showing in the quarter, disciplined cost management, healthy cash generations and near-term catalysts as reasons to like the stock. “We largely view the quarter as positive, as the results beat our estimates on the bottom line supported by higher-than-expected realized silver prices, gains on investments and favorable exchange rate movements during the quarter,” wrote Eight Capital in a recent research report. The firm has a buy rating on shares of Silvercorp. Expansion Mode In Full Swing Beyond beating fiscal first-quarter estimates, Silvercorp closed a key acquisition that may serve as a catalyst for the company. In late July, Silvercorp completed its acquisition of Adventus Mining Corporation, creating a geographically diversified mining company. With the acquisition, Silvercorp added the advanced El Domo Project and the exploration stage Condor Project, both located in Ecuador, to its portfolio. Analysts view the move as positive; “For El Domo, we believe it is likely SVM will outline development plans as well as potential improvements to the project which could provide an additional source of positive catalysts in the coming months,” stated Roth Capital in a recent research report. Another potential catalyst is the Mill No. 2 capacity expansion, on track and on budget to be completed by November, which will significantly boost production capacity, Silvercorp reports. The company forecasts the project will increase its total production capacity to around 5,000 tons per day. Silvercorp has accumulated a stockpile of ore ready for processing, and this expansion is expected to increase the company’s output, further driving revenue growth. With silver prices projected to continue rising, and Silvercorp expanding its operational capacity and geographic reach through a strategic acquisition, it could be well-positioned and may offer investors substantial exposure to silver’s likely continued growth. For more information on Silvercorp, please visit silvercorpmetals.com/welcome. Featured photo by Zlaťáky.cz 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

August 29, 2024 08:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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