This will be replaced by the player.

Posts Tagged ‘MD’

(MDCA, MJGCF, MEDW, XRTX) Stocks in Focus by DrStockpick.com

Thursday, November 17th, 2011

drstock-2-3

chartstockalert

 

MDC Partners Inc. (Nasdaq:MDCA) announced that member firm Anomaly has opened an office in Amsterdam . The move expands Anomaly’s micro-network and offers their clients a new approach to communications within the European arena. The agency already has thriving locations in New York and London .

MDC Partners Inc. provides marketing communications services to customers internationally. The company’s Strategic Marketing Services segment offers a suite of integrated marketing communication and consulting services, including advertising and media, interactive marketing, direct marketing, public relations, corporate communications, market research, corporate identity and branding, and sales promotion.

*************************

http://pennyomega.com/img/mjgcf.jpgMajestic Gold Corp. (MJGCF.PK)
Majestic Gold Corp. engages in the exploration and development of mineral properties in China. The company focuses on its gold project located in the prolific gold region of Song Jiagou in eastern Shandong Province. Majestic Gold Corp. is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.

Gold is soft, ductile and the most malleable of metals and because of this is usually alloyed to give improved strength and durability. Gold’s reflectivity of ultraviolet and visual light rays is low, however it has high reflectivity of infrared and red wavelengths. Gold is a good conductor of heat and electricity, and is unaffected by air, nitric, hydrochloric, or sulphuric acid and most other reagents. A mixture of one part nitric acid with three parts hydrochloric acid, called aqua regia, dissolves gold. It is also dissolved by solutions of azoimide. Further, it is attacked by sodium, and potassium cyanide plus oxygen.

Majestic Gold Corp. (MJGCF.PK) has arranged a $10,000,000 loan to advance its Song Jiagou project in China. Nine million dollars ($9,000,000) from the proceeds from the loan will be used by the Company in connection with its Song Jiagou project and the balance of one million dollars ($1,000,000) for general working capital purposes.

The loan will have a one year term and loan principal will be convertible at the option of the lender in whole or in part into common shares (”Shares”) of the Company until twelve months from the date of the loan advance at the price of $0.205 per Share. The loan will bear interest at the rate of 7.5% per annum, payable on maturity, and accrued and unpaid interest will be convertible at the option of the lender in whole or in part into shares of the Company until twelve months from the date of the loan advance at Market Price at the time of conversion.

The lender is at arm’s length from the Company and will not become an insider as a result of any conversion of principal and interest. All shares issued on any conversion of loan principal or interest will be subject to a four month hold period from the date of advance of loan proceeds. The loan is subject to acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange.

As additional consideration for the loan, the Company has agreed to forward at least $9 million to Majestic Yantai Gold Ltd., a British Virgin Islands company owned 94% by the Company to be used to further advance its Song Jiagou project. The Borrower has also agreed to a 90 day period for reciprocal due diligence reviews and discussions for the possible further involvement of the Lender in the Song Jiagou project.

In the event that no further agreement is reached between the Lender and the Company during the 90 day period, then the loan and a minimum of seven (7) months interest will automatically convert to shares in the Company at a price of $0.205 per share and the interest at Market Price respectively. In addition the Company is pleased to announce that it has arranged a non-brokered private placement of up to 15,000,000 shares to be issued at the price of $0.20 per share for gross proceeds of $3,000,000.

 

For more information about company: www.majesticgold.net

*************************

Mediware Information Systems Inc. (Nasdaq:MEDW) announced that Michael Martens will step down as chief financial officer of the company effective February 15, 2012. Mr. Martens leaves the Company to rejoin a former employer.

Mediware Information Systems, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the design, development, and marketing of software solutions targeting specific processes within healthcare institutions.
*************************

Xyratex Ltd. (Nasdaq:XRTX) announced that its Board of Directors (the “Board”) has approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.055 per share. The dividend will be payable on December 9, 2011 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on November 25, 2011 .

Xyratex Ltd provides modular enterprise-class data storage solutions and storage process technology. The company designs, develops, and manufactures enabling technology that supports storage and data communication networks.

**************************************************************

drstbc

**************************************************************************

THIS IS NOT A RECOMMENDATION TO BUY OR SELL ANY SECURITY!

Disclaimer: Never invest in any stock featured on our site or emails unless you can afford to lose your entire investment. DrStockPick.com publisher and its affiliates and contractors are not registered investment advisers or broker/dealers. Our disclaimer is to be read and fully understood before using our site, reading our newsletter or joining our email list. Release of Liability: Through use of this website viewing or using, you agree to hold DrStockPick.com report and Crown Equity Holdings Inc. CRWE, its operators, shareholders, employees and/or contractors harmless and to completely release them from any and all liability due to any and all loss (monetary or otherwise), damages (monetary or otherwise) that you may occur. (Read more at http://drstockpick.com/disclaimer) .Rule 17B requires disclosure of payment for investor relations. Crown Equity Holdings, Inc. (CRWE.OB) is a newswire as well as an IR and PR firm. Crown Equity Holdings Inc. (CRWE.OB), in some cases, provides media advertising and public awareness for both public and private companies, as well as disseminating news. As such, in some cases, when Crown Equity Holdings Inc. (CRWE.OB) advertises for a particular client, Crown Equity Holdings Inc. (CRWE.OB) charges an advertising fee which it must disclose under 17B. The fee may be in cash, in free trading stock or in restricted stock. Crown Equity Holdings Inc. (CRWE.OB), if paid in stock, can and may sell those securities during the advertising period.

 
Share/Bookmark
 
 
 

24th Annual Nautica Malibu Triathlon September 11-12, 2010

Wednesday, August 11th, 2010

crwe-sportslogo

Competition To Benefit the Pediatric Cancer Research Program at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 11 /CRWENewswire/ — One of Southern California’s most anticipated events returns to Zuma Beach in Malibu the weekend of September 11-12, 2010 as the 24th Annual Nautica Malibu Triathlon hosts some of the world’s finest athletes, celebrities and philanthropists.

The triathlon event course includes a half-mile swim in the Pacific Ocean, an 18-mile bicycle ride along picturesque Pacific Coast Highway and a four-mile run along the sands of Zuma Beach.

For the fourth year, proceeds from the Nautica Malibu Triathlon will benefit Childrens Hospital Los Angeles and its Pediatric Cancer Research Program. Last year, the event raised more than $1,000,000 for the Pediatric Cancer Research Program, with the help of celebrity participants including Teri Hatcher, Felicity Huffman, William H. Macy, and Jon Cryer.

“Each year our event hits the beach in Malibu we are invigorated and rejuvenated by the athletes and recipients and their inspirational stories on behalf of Childrens Hospital Los Angeles,” said Michael Epstein, president, Michael Epstein Sports Productions, Inc. (MESP.) “The Nautica Malibu Triathlon is a success because of the dedication and hard work of all the participants, corporate teams and sponsors and their commitment to making each year the best yet.”

“The Nautica Malibu Triathlon is one of the premier athletic events in Southern California and we are proud to return for the 24th year,” said Karen Murray, President of Nautica. “The response from the community, athletes, celebrities and media for this annual event is outstanding as is their support for Childrens Hospital Los Angeles.”

Dedicated to curing and preventing childhood cancers, the Pediatric Cancer Research Program at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles provides groundbreaking treatments and therapies for children with some of the most serious and life-threatening pediatric cancers.

“Our commitment to cancer research at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles is making a difference in the fight against these terrible illnesses,” said Stuart E. Siegel, M.D., Director of the Childrens Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles and Professor and Vice-chair of Pediatrics at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California. “Our research scientists are actively developing a new generation of treatments which provide hope for increasing the cure rate and improving the quality of life for these children and teens. We deeply appreciate the generosity of everyone involved with the Nautica Malibu Triathlon year after year. Together, we look forward to a future when this research will provide effective treatment for every child who faces cancer.”

The Nautica Malibu Triathlon provides opportunities for everyone to get involved; from the Entertainment Industry Challenge, which brings together Hollywood players from the top studios, production companies and agencies to compete for the Studio Cup, to the Corporate Challenge, which gives non-entertainment companies the chance to compete against one another. The Herbalife International distance race, which occurs on Saturday, challenges participants with a 1.5K Pacific Ocean swim, a 40K out-and-back bike course along the Pacific Coast Highway, and a 10K out-and-back run course on pavement and blacktop along the sands of Zuma Beach. Families and supporters of the Nautica Malibu Triathlon can also participate in other weekend activities such as the Nautica Kids Run and Tot Trot or enjoy games and prizes at the Fun Zone.

Past celebrity participants have included: Jennifer Lopez, Matthew McConaughey, Jon Cryer, Teri Hatcher, Jason Lee, Anna Kournikova, Felicity Huffman, William H. Macy, Chris Harrison, Mario Lopez, and more.

Weekend Schedule (times subject to change, *EVENT HELD RAIN OR SHINE, spectators welcome!):

 

Friday - September 10, 2010

1:00 pm - Herbalife International Distance Race Packet pickup and Body marking begins

7:00 pm - Packet pickup and Body marking ends at Zuma Beach

 

Saturday - September 11, 2010

4:30 am - Parking opens at Zuma Beach

5:00 am - Packet pickup, Body marking, Transition area opens

6:30 am - Packet pickup and Transition Area closes

6:30 am - Pre-race meeting at stage

7:00 am - Herbalife International Distance Race Begins

10:00 am - Sand Castle Demo Begins

10:00 am - Transition Area re-opens

11:00 am - Competitor Awards Ceremony

1:00 pm - Packet pickup and body marking for Sunday race begins

1 - 4:00 pm - Swim, Bike, Triathlon and Nutrition Clinics at Main Stage

5:00 pm - Sand Castle Demo Ends

5:00 pm - Pre-race packet pickup ends

 

Sunday - September 12, 2010

4:30 am - Parking opens at Zuma Beach.

5:15 am - Packet pickup, Body marking, Transition area opens

6:45 am - Packet pickup closes

6:55 am - Transition Area closes

7:00 am - Pre-race meeting at stage

7:15 am - RACE START!

8:00 am - FunZone opens, Nautica Kids Run and Tot Trot signups

9:45 am - Nautica Kids Run and Tot Trot start

10:00 am - Celebrity Division Awards Ceremony

10:00 am - Transition Area re-opens

10:30 am - Competitor Awards Ceremony

About Childrens Hospital Los Angeles: Founded in 1901, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles is one of the nation’s leading children’s hospitals and is acknowledged worldwide for its leadership in pediatric and adolescent health. Childrens Hospital Los Angeles is one of only seven children’s hospitals in the nation – and the only children’s hospital on the West Coast – ranked for two consecutive years in all 10 pediatric specialties in the U.S. News & World Report rankings and named to the magazine’s “Honor Roll” of children’s hospitals. The Saban Research Institute at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles is among the largest and most productive pediatric research facilities in the United States, with 100 investigators at work on 186 laboratory studies, clinical trials and community-based research and health services. The Saban Research Institute is ranked eighth in National Institutes of Health funding among children’s hospitals in the United States. Childrens Hospital Los Angeles is a premier teaching hospital and has been affiliated with the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California since 1932.

About Nautica: Founded in 1983, Nautica® is a leading global lifestyle brand ranging from men’s, women’s and children’s apparel and accessories to a complete home collection. Nautica® products are refined casual classics inspired and energized by the water that are always crisp, clean and distinct. Today Nautica® is available in more than 60 countries with more than 200 Nautica® branded stores worldwide. In 2003, the Company was acquired by VF Corporation, a global leader in branded lifestyle apparel with more than 30 brands, including Wrangler®, The North Face®, Lee®, Vans®, Nautica®, 7 For All Mankind®, Eagle Creek®, Eastpak®, Ella Moss®, JanSport®, lucy®, John Varvatos®, Kipling®, Majestic®, Napapijri®, Red Kap®, Reef®, Riders® and Splendid®. For additional information, please go to www.nautica.com and www.vfc.com.

About MESP:

Since 1986, MESP, Inc. has been a leader in lifestyle sports marketing. As a full service marketing and production company, MESP, Inc. has consistently delivered top quality events to athletes across the country. MESP, Inc. has produced events such as the Nautica Malibu Triathlon, the Nautica South Beach Triathlon, the Day at the Beach Triathlon, the Merrell Down & Dirty National Mud Run Series, the Hi-Tec Adventure Racing Series and many more. MESP strives to produce events with a festive atmosphere that make a difference in people’s lives and that continually maximize the enjoyment of the athletes, the exposure of the sponsors, and the well-being of the community.

 

Disclaimer:
CRWEnewswire is not liable for the contents of this news, as well as not being liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. The Views and Opinions Expressed by the author are his or her opinions only and do not necessarily reflect those of Crown Equity Holdings or its agents, affiliates, officers, directors, staff, or contractors. The author at the time of this article did not own any shares or receive any consideration financial or otherwise from any company mentioned or referred to in the article.

 
Share/Bookmark
 
 
 

Mount Sinai Hospital Physicians Debunk Common Summertime Myths Among Latinos and Provide Tips for Healthy Living

Monday, August 9th, 2010

crwe-newswire

NEW YORK, NY–(CRWENewswire - 08/09/10) - Summer is the time for playing outdoor sports, eating at picnics and BBQs with family and friends. However, some commonly made mistakes keep Latinos for being healthy. That is why a team of physicians at Mount Sinai Hospital took it upon themselves to debunk four of the most common summertime myths among Latinos.

1. Since some Latinos have dark skin, they believe that they don’t need sunscreen
“A misunderstanding among Latinos is that, because many have dark skin tones, sunscreen is not necessary,” says Dr. Samer Kottiech, M.D. and Cardiologist. “However, to avoid skin cancer, everyone needs to frequently apply sunscreen regardless of their skin tone,” he adds. Dr. Kottiech recommends reapplying the sunscreen every 30 minutes after the first application. Also, be sure to cover your entire body and use at least one shot glass of sunscreen with each application.

2. If I drink beverages like coffee, soda and beer, I do not need water
With temperatures rising, it’s critical that your body is well hydrated. “Water is not the popular drink among most Latinos,” says Dr. Carlos Driggs, MD and specialist in Internal Medicine. “However, in order to avoid heat stroke, it is best to drink between 1-2 glasses of water before going outdoors, especially during summer.” Also, Dr. Driggs suggests to increase the consumption of water by 2 glasses an hour, if you are drinking alcohol or exercising, making sure you carry a bottle of water with you at all times to keep hydrated.

3. If food is cooked, it can’t spoil
During summer, emergency rooms see a lot of patients who contracted food poisoning due to food that was not properly refrigerated. Since outdoor eating functions are so popular among Latinos, they are often impacted. “One commonly made mistake is to leave food outside after a picnic or BBQ,” adds Dr. Rajeev Sindhwani, MD, Cardiovascular Disease Physician. “You can avoid food poisoning by following a few simple rules: 1. Handle food with clean hands; 2. Use separate cutting boards for meats and vegetables; 3. Don’t leave food outdoors; 4. Use a meat thermometer to ensure meat is cooked thoroughly,” and 5. Make sure to clean the grill or cover it with aluminum foil before cooking any fresh meat or vegetables to avoid contamination from previously cooked food residue.

4. If you trim the fat, you lose the flavor
Another misconception among Latinos, is if they remove the skin from their chicken or trim the fat from their beef, their food will be tasteless. “Meats will taste just as flavorful by incorporating a variety of spices, fruits and vegetables,” says Dr. Eliscer Guzmán, M.D. F.A.C.C. “By taking this approach, Latinos will live a healthier life and avoid cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, two diseases currently plaguing the Latino community.” Dr. Guzman recommends taking advantage of the abundant fresh fruits during the summer that are available at a reasonable price.

Dr. Guzmán adds, “Portions sizes can make a tremendous difference to your overall health also. A common rule of thumb for portions is to make sure the size of meat is roughly the size of the palm of your hand.”

About The Mount Sinai Medical Center
The Mount Sinai Medical Center encompasses both The Mount Sinai Hospital and Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Established in 1968, Mount Sinai School of Medicine is one of few medical schools embedded in a hospital in the United States. It has more than 3,400 faculty in 32 departments and 15 institutes. The school received the 2009 Spencer Foreman Award for Outstanding Community Service from the Association of American Medical Colleges.

The Mount Sinai Hospital, founded in 1852 is one of the nation’s oldest, largest and most-respected voluntary hospitals. In 2009,The Mount Sinai was ranked among the nation’s top 20 hospitals Nearly 60,000 people were treated at Mount Sinai as inpatients last year, and approximately 530,000 outpatient visits took place.

For more information, visit www.mountsinai.org. Follow us on Twitter @mountsinainyc.

 

Disclaimer:
CRWEnewswire is not liable for the contents of this news, as well as not being liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. The Views and Opinions Expressed by the author are his or her opinions only and do not necessarily reflect those of Crown Equity Holdings or its agents, affiliates, officers, directors, staff, or contractors. The author at the time of this article did not own any shares or receive any consideration financial or otherwise from any company mentioned or referred to in the article.

 
Share/Bookmark
 
 
 

Arsenic in Chicken

Thursday, July 8th, 2010

commentary pen

 

by Michael Greger, MD
http://www.DrGreger.org

With fish and fowl now in question as a link in the human food chain, now comes a slap in the face with a second part of that chain Chicken

As Reported By Mike Zaman from an article by Dr. Michael Greger, MD

After reviewing 5000 chicken samples, researchers from the National Institutes of Health and the USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service recently calculated alarmingly high levels of arsenic contamination in the flesh of broiler chickens[1] These government researchers found that the amount of arsenic in chicken greatly exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency’s new upper safety limit of arsenic allowed in drinking water. In fact, the amount of arsenic found in chicken was 6 to 9 times that allowed by the EPA. A “bucket” of Kentucky Fried Chicken would be expected to have up to almost fifty times the amount of arsenic allowed in a glass of water.[2]

How did the arsenic get into the chickens? The poultry industry fed it to them. Most broiler chickens (which constitute 99% of the chicken meat that people eat) are fed arsenic in the United States[3,4] Although fish and shellfish also present significant dietary sources of arsenic,[6] according to the Food and Drug Administration arsenic compounds are extensively added to the feed of animals–particularly chickens and pigs–to make them grow faster.[5] The animals Americans eat are so heavily infested with internal parasites that adding arsenic to the feed can result in a “stunning” increase in growth rates.[7]

Dr. Ellen Silbergeld, a researcher from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, said the poultry industry’s practice of using arsenic compounds in its feed is something that has not been studied. “It’s an issue everybody is trying to pretend doesn’t exist,” she said.[8] “Arsenic acted as a growth stimulant in chickens — develops the meat faster — and since then, the poultry industry has gone wild using this ingredient,” says Donald Herman, a Mississippi agricultural consultant and former Environmental Protection Agency researcher who has studied this use of arsenic for a decade. “And they’ve tried everything to refrain it from becoming public knowledge,”.[9]

The poultry industry argues that the organic form of arsenic given to chickens isn’t toxic.[10] “This study appears to be much ado about nothing,” says Richard Lobb, the public relations Director of the National Chicken Council. He says the less toxic form of arsenic is “used responsibly and safely by poultry producers.”[11] The researchers, however, found not only elevated levels of organic arsenic in chicken meat, they found elevated levels of the highly toxic inorganic form typically used only in insecticides and weed killers.[12] And cooking the muscles of these animals may create additional toxic arsenic by-products.[13]

Inorganic arsenic is considered one of the prominent environmental causes of cancer mortality in the world.[14] Arsenic is a human carcinogen linked to liver, lung, skin, kidney, bladder and prostate cancers. It can also cause neurological, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and immune system abnormalities. Diabetes has also been linked to arsenic exposure.[15]

The feeding of arsenic to chickens in the U.S. releases hundreds of tons of arsenic into the environment every year in the form of poultry manure which is spread on fields as fertilizer.[16] In fact there’s currently a coalition of families suffering serious health conditions suing chicken producers like Tyson after research showed cancer rates as much as 50 times above the national average in communities neighboring factory farmed poultry operations.

The February 2004 Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA concludes “Chicken consumption may contribute significant amounts of arsenic to total arsenic exposure of the U.S. population…” Levels of arsenic in chicken are so high that other sources may have to be monitored carefully to prevent undue toxic exposure among the population.[17]

REFERENCES (Arsenic in Chicken):
1 Environmental Health Perspectives 112(2004):18.
2 One KFC bucket contains 3 legs, 3 breasts, 3 wings and 3 thighs http://cspinet.org/new/pdf/letter_to_ftc.pdf weighing a total of 1176 grams http://www.yum.com/nutrition/documents/kfc_nutrition.pdf containing up to 108.5 mcg of inorganic arsenic [Environmental Health Perspectives 112(2004):18] exceeding to EPA limit on an 8oz. glass of water by a factor of 48.4 [EPA 815- Z- 01- 001].
3 Momplaisir, G. M; C. G. Rosal; E. M. Heithmar “Arsenic Speciation Methods for Studying the Environmental Fate of Organoarsenic Animal- Feed Additives,” U. S. EPA, NERL- Las Vegas, 2001; (TIM No. 01- 11)
4 Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA February 1, 2004
5 Momplaisir, G. M; C. G. Rosal; E. M. Heithmar “Arsenic Speciation Methods for Studying the Environmental Fate of Organoarsenic Animal- Feed Additives,” U. S. EPA, NERL- Las Vegas, 2001; (TIM No. 01- 11)
6 Ibid.
7 Texas Lawyer, January 23, 1995
8 Daily Times (Salisbury, MD) January 4, 2004
9 Texas Lawyer, January 23, 1995
10 Daily Times (Maryland) 11 January 2004.
11 Health Day News 19 January 2004.
12 Environmental Health Perspectives 112(2004):18.
13 Hanaoka, K., Goessler, W., Ohno, H., Irgolic, K. J., and Kaise, T., (2001). Formation of toxic arsenical in roasted muscles of marine animals, Appl. Organometal. Chem., 15: 61- 66.
14 Smith, A.H., C. Hopenhayn-Rich, M.L. Bates, H.M. Goeden, I. HertzPicciotto, H.M. Duggan, R. Wood, M.J. Kosnett, and M.T. Smith. 1992. Cancer risks from arsenic in drinking water. Environmental Health Perspectives 97, 259-267.
15 Momplaisir, G. M; C. G. Rosal; E. M. Heithmar “Arsenic Speciation Methods for Studying the Environmental Fate of Organoarsenic Animal- Feed Additives,” U. S. EPA, NERL- Las Vegas, 2001; (TIM No. 01- 11)
16 Ibid.
17 Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA February 1, 2004

Disclaimer:
The Views and Opinions Expressed by the author are his or her opinions only and do not necessarily reflect those of Crown Equity Holdings or its agents, affiliates, officers, directors, staff, or contractors. The author at the time of this article did not own any shares or receive any consideration financial or otherwise from any company mentioned or referred to in the article.

 
Share/Bookmark
 
 
 

Cypress Bioscience In-Licenses BioLineRx’s Novel Antipsychotic

Monday, June 21st, 2010

crwe-newswire

 

SAN DIEGO, CA–(CRWENEWSWIRE-06/21/10) - Cypress Bioscience, Inc. (NASDAQ:CYPB - News) announced that Cypress has entered into an exclusive North American license for the development and commercialization of BioLineRx’s novel antipsychotic (BL-1020, hereafter, CYP-1020), a potential breakthrough treatment for schizophrenia. Specific terms of the transaction were not disclosed, but the total upfront payment to BioLineRx was $30 million, with total potential clinical and regulatory milestones of up to $160 million through to approval in the United States (the majority of which are related to improvement in cognition), potential commercial milestones of $85 million, and a potential additional $90 million associated with approval for additional indications in the United States or for approval in other countries in North America. In addition, Cypress will fund all continuing development activities and pay BioLineRx a royalty based on applicable sales.

“This agreement reflects our renewed strategic focus on R&D, where we have successfully demonstrated leadership, creativity and a competitive advantage,” said Jay D Kranzler, MD, PhD, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cypress Bioscience. “This transaction represents a step down a path that we have successfully navigated before — late stage, innovative drug development of a novel compound to address a significant unmet medical need. From fibromyalgia, and our success with Savella®, we believe Cypress has the experience and expertise required to successfully continue the development of CYP-1020, a novel antipsychotic that has the potential to address both the psychotic symptoms and cognitive deficits associated with schizophrenia. CYP-1020’s data to date is compelling and we believe that it has the potential to set a new standard in the field as a first-line antipsychotic.”

“This licensing agreement is a reflection of BioLineRx’s proven business model, which focuses on conducting high-quality proof of concept programs with novel compounds and then partnering with companies which have the clinical and commercial expertise to help fully realize their potential. We believe that CYP-1020 is especially exciting, insofar as the cognitive impairments associated with schizophrenia reflect such a dramatic unmet medical need,” said Kinneret Savitsky, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of BioLineRx.

Carol Tamminga MD, Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Texas Southwestern, a specialist in schizophrenia and translational neuroscience, and a BioLineRx consultant, said, “Patients with schizophrenia demonstrate symptoms in several functional domains, including psychosis and cognitive impairment. While antipsychotic therapies improve psychosis, there are no medications that affect cognition. CYP-1020 is a new antipsychotic drug candidate designed to reduce psychosis and augment cognition. Importantly, a recent proof of concept trial showed that CYP-1020 not only reduced psychosis compared to placebo, but it also improved cognition as compared to both placebo and an active control. This is a remarkable finding and will generate enormous enthusiasm in the field, if it can be replicated and its implications for psychosocial function demonstrated.”

As a result of funds received from the Office of Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor of the State of Israel, or the OCS, in respect to BioLineRx’s preclinical and clinical program related to CYP-1020, the effectiveness of the license agreement is subject to the consent of the OCS and OCS may condition providing its consent on the parties’ agreeing to modifications in the license agreement. Cypress and BioLineRx have agreed to work together to attempt to secure OCS approval on terms that minimize financial and non-financial obligations on the parties that may be imposed as a condition to receipt of the OCS consent. Cypress is not required to agree to any modifications to the license agreement that would have, or would be likely to have, a material adverse impact on its rights and obligations under the license agreement, and whether OCS provides its consent on terms acceptable to Cypress, and the timing of any such consent, cannot be estimated at this time. BioLineRx has agreed that it will assume sole responsibility for any financial obligations imposed by the OCS. In addition, the upfront payment was placed into an escrow account pending receipt of a satisfactory OCS consent and effectiveness of the license agreement.

CYP-1020 Phase 2b Trial Design

BioLineRx designed and conducted a six week, double blind, placebo and active-comparator (risperidone) controlled multisite phase 2b clinical trial. The phase 2b EAGLE (Effective Antipsychosis via GABA Level Enhancement) study was conducted under a U.S. Food and Drug Administration Investigational New Drug Application (IND) at 40 sites in the U.S., Europe and India and included patients suffering from acute exacerbation of schizophrenia. In this six week study, 363 patients were randomized equally to treatment with low (10 mg/day) or high (20-30mg/day) dose of CYP-1020, risperidone (2-8mg/day) or placebo.

The study was designed to demonstrate statistically significant superiority of CYP-1020 to placebo on the primary efficacy measure, the change from baseline in the total score of the Positive and Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia (PANSS). Risperidone at a dose of 2-8 mg was included as a positive control to validate the trial results.

Cognitive function in the EAGLE trial was measured by the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS) neuropsychological battery. The BACS test battery assesses a variety of aspects of cognition, including: verbal memory, working memory, motor speed, verbal fluency, attention and speed of information processing, and executive functioning. All of these functions are significantly impaired in patients with schizophrenia(1).

CYP-1020 Phase 2b Data

Results of the phase 2b EAGLE study demonstrated that CYP-1020 at the 20-30mg dose range exhibited clinically relevant and statistically significant improvement on the cognition endpoint assessed using the BACS neuropsychological test battery. The 20-30mg dose range of CYP-1020 was superior to both risperidone and placebo at endpoint on the BACS total score (p=0.027 for both), with positive trends in all subsets within the BACS.

CYP-1020 was also effective as a treatment for the other symptoms of acute schizophrenia exacerbation, as measured by the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS). The CYP-1020 high dose group (20-30mg/day) experienced a statistically significant reduction in the PANSS from baseline versus placebo (LS mean -23.6 vs. -14.4; p=0.002). The superiority of CYP-1020 (20-30mg/day) over placebo was also supported by additional secondary efficacy measures such as the clinical global impression of severity (CGI-S) and change (CGI-C).

The incidence of serious adverse events was low in the CYP-1020 (20-30mg/day) group (0%) compared to risperidone (3.3%) and placebo (6.5%). Discontinuations due to adverse events (AEs) were similar in the CYP-1020 (20-30mg/day) group and in the placebo group (4.3%) but higher in the risperidone group (8.8%). There were no statistically significant or clinically relevant metabolic related AEs including body weight gain, glucose increases, or changes in lipids. The incidence of cardiovascular, sexual, psychiatric, autonomic and gastrointestinal AEs was low and did not increase compared to placebo. There were no statistically significant or clinically relevant changes in subject electrocardiography (ECG), laboratory or vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, temperature).

Recent results from an extension trial showed that patients receiving CYP-1020 (20-30mg/day) for six additional weeks maintained the improvements on the PANSS and CGI that had been observed after the initial six weeks of treatment and, more importantly, showed continuing improvement in cognitive function as assessed by the BACS. The 12 weeks of treatment were not associated with any increased toxicities.

About CYP-1020

CYP-1020 (formerly BL-1020) is a first-in-class GABA-enhanced antipsychotic that combines dopamine antagonism with GABAergic activity. CYP-1020’s dopamine antagonism reflects a well-established pathway to improve the psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia. Furthermore, both preclinical and clinical data suggest that CYP-1020’s GABA enhancement may provide the basis for improved cognition.

About Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder affecting about one percent of the world’s population. It is characterized by profound disruptions in thinking, affecting language, perception, and the sense of self(2). According to World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, schizophrenia affects approximately 24 million people worldwide. The symptoms of schizophrenia fall into three broad categories: positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and cognitive symptoms. Positive symptoms are psychotic behaviors not seen in healthy people, such as hallucinations and delusions. Negative symptoms are associated with disruption to normal behavior and emotion, such as a lack of ability to sustain planned activity or a lack of pleasure in everyday life. Cognitive symptoms include poor “executive functioning” (the ability to understand information and use it to make decisions), trouble focusing or paying attention, and problems with “working memory” (the ability to use information immediately after learning it).(3)

Cognitive dysfunction is a core deficit among patients with schizophrenia, and is reflected in their difficulty with memory, attention, and problem solving. Its impact upon individuals suffering from schizophrenia is profound and frequently results in disabilities in social, occupational, or daily functioning, including the frequent inability to maintain employment. Currently available antipsychotics have shown little to no ability to improve cognition and there are currently no marketed products available to treat the cognitive symptoms of the disease.

Financial Information
Per Cypress’ un-audited financials, it ended the first quarter of 2010 with approximately $137 million in cash - the upfront payment of $30 million will be paid from that amount.

Conference Call Information
Cypress Bioscience will hold a conference call at 10AM EST on Monday, June 21st. Dr. Jay Kranzler, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors and Sabrina Johnson, Executive Vice President, COO and CFO of Cypress Bioscience, will participate in the call, as will Dr. Richard Keefe, Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Duke University Medical Center.

Date: Monday, June 21, 2010
Time: 10AM EST
Conference call numbers:
Toll free: (866) 814-1916
International: (703) 639-1360
Audio Webcast:
http://wcc.webeventservices.com/r.htm?e=222569&s=1&k=F226AEC9EE93B609172A22207B00F480&cb=blank&tile=false

A replay of the conference call will be available for five days and can be accessed by dialing (888) 266-2081or (703) 925-2533 Access code: 1465408.

About BioLineRx

BioLineRx Ltd. is a publicly-traded (TASE: BLRX) biopharmaceutical development company based in Jerusalem, Israel with US offices in Rockville, Maryland. BioLineRx is dedicated to identifying, in-licensing and developing therapeutic candidates for unmet medical needs or that have advantages over currently available therapies. BioLineRx’s current development pipeline consists of three clinical stage candidates as well as seven candidates in various pre-clinical development stages spanning a variety of indications including central nervous system diseases, oncology, cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases. One of BioLineRx’s lead compounds, BL-1040, has recently been out-licensed to Ikaria Holdings Inc. for a total deal value of $282.5 million. For more information about BioLineRx, please visit www.biolinerx.com.

About Cypress Bioscience

Cypress Bioscience, Inc develops and commercializes therapeutics and personalized medicine services to facilitate improved and individualized patient care. Cypress’ goal is to address the evolving needs of specialist physicians and their patients by identifying unmet medical needs in the areas of pain, rheumatology, and central nervous system disorders, including challenging disorders such as fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and, with the license agreement with BioLineRx, schizophrenia. Current marketed products include Savella® (milnacipran HCI) and the Avise PG(SM) and Avise MCV(SM) therapeutic monitoring, diagnostic and prognostic testing services for rheumatoid arthritis. Development stage products include, with the license agreement with BioLineRx, CYP-1020 for schizophrenia, as well as AVISE-SLE(SM), a lupus diagnostic testing service.

For more information about Cypress, please visit www.cypressbio.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release, as well as Cypress’ SEC filings and website at http://www.cypressbio.com, contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include statements with respect to the effectiveness of the license agreement, the parties’ receiving consent from the OCS to the license agreement and the terms and timing of that consent, CYP-1020 and its potential to treat the psychotic symptoms and cognitive deficits associated with schizophrenia and become a new standard as a first-line antipsychotic, Cypress’s ability to successfully develop and commercialize CYP-1020, and the ability of Cypress to achieve regulatory, commercial and other milestones under the license agreement and to sell products that cause royalties to be payable under the license agreement. Actual results could vary materially from those described as a result of a number of factors, including the risk that the OCS may not consent to the license agreement on terms and with timing that are acceptable to Cypress, which could cause the license agreement to not become effective, and risks involved with the high uncertainty that characterizes research and development activities in general, particularly those of drug development, including the risks that CYP-1020 may not demonstrate adequate safety and/or efficacy in later clinical trials to continue with its development, may not have adequate intellectual property right protection to support its continued development in the Cypress territory, may be unable to obtain FDA or similar regulatory approval as a drug candidate for any of many reasons relating to the regulatory approval process, or may address a commercial market that is smaller than currently anticipated by Cypress and that does not support its continued development, or that Cypress may otherwise fail to successfully develop and commercialize CYP-1020 in its territory, and other risks and uncertainties described in Cypress’ most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and any subsequent SEC filings. You are urged to consider statements that include the words “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “believes,” “potential,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “intends,” or the negative of those words or other comparable words to be uncertain and forward-looking. The statements in this press release speak only as the date hereof, and neither Cypress nor BioLineRx undertakes any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

(1) Keefe et al. (2004). The Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia: reliability, sensitivity, and comparison to standard neuropsychological battery. Schizophrenia Research, 68, 283-297.

(2) Schizophrenia, World Health Organisation, http://www.who.int/topics/schizophrenia/en/

(3) What are the symptoms of schizophrenia? National Institute of Mental Health, http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/schizophrenia/what-are-the-symptoms-of-schizophrenia.shtml
Contact:

INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACTS:
Mary Gieson
Investor Relations
Cypress Bioscience, Inc.
(858) 452-2323
Email Contact
MEDIA CONTACT:
Kathy Nugent
Burns McClellan
(212) 213-0006
Email Contact

CRWENewswire tracks and announces stocks daily and is pleased to offer its Stock Alerts. Investors can receive

FREE Stock Alerts by visiting http://www.crwenewswire.com/signup

About CRWENewswire.com CRWENewswire.com is an independent electronic informative online financial news publication company dedicated in providing company associates, business and financial professionals with economic and investment information, as well as stock highlights. CRWENewswire.com is a division of Crown Equity Holdings, Inc. CRWENewswire.com is not a registered investment advisor or broker-dealer. CRWENewswire.com and Crown Equity Holdings, Inc., (CRWE) affiliates, officers, directors, contractors and employees, including may buy and sell additional shares in any company mentioned herein and may profit in the event those shares rise in value. Please do your own Due Diligence before investing in any of the stocks mentioned above.

THIS IS NOT A RECOMMENDATION TO BUY OR SELL ANY SECURITY! Release of Liability: Through use of this website viewing or using, you agree to hold CRWENewswire.com, and/or Crown Equity Holdings, Inc. CRWE, its operators, shareholders, employees and/or contractors harmless and to completely release them from any and all liability due to any and all loss (monetary or otherwise), damages (monetary or otherwise) that you may occur.

Disclaimer: Our disclaimer is to be read and fully understood before using our site, reading our newsletter or joining our email list. Never invest in any stock featured on our site or emails unless you can afford to lose your entire investment. (read more) Rule 17B requires disclosure of payment for investor relations.

 
Share/Bookmark
 
 
 
  • Site Translator:
Exclusive Videos










Hot stocks to watch!

iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Index ETF - EEM

Las Vegas Sands Corp - LVS

Seagate Technology Plc - STX

Altera Corp - ALTR

Starbucks Corp - SBUX

Research In Motion Ltd - RIMM

Apple Inc - AAPL

Gilead Sciences Inc - GILD

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold - FCX

Microsoft Corporation - MSFT

EMC Corp - EMC

Crown Equity Holdings Inc. - CRWE.OB

Micron Technology Inc - MU

JPMorgan Chase & Co - JPM

Urban Outfitters Inc - URBN

Huntington Bancshares Inc - HBAN

News Corp - NWSA

ProShares Ultra S&P500 ETF - SSO

Intel Corporation - INTC

Mela Sciences Inc - MELA

Direxion Shs Etf Tr - TZA

Cleantech Transit, Inc. - CLNO.OB

 
 
Live With Dr.StockPick
Coming Soon
 
 
DrStockPick.com Newsletter
hot penny stocks, stock picks

 

Follow Dr Stock Pick at
PennyOmega.com Vision

Every success must begin with a vision. If you can see it, you can achieve it.