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Elsevier and the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics Announce the Forthcoming Launch of Genetics in Medicine Open

Elsevier

The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the only nationally recognized US medical professional organization solely dedicated to improving health through the practice of medical genetics and genomics, and Elsevier, a global leader in research publishing and information analytics, are delighted to announce the January 2023 launch of a new gold open access, online only journal: Genetics in Medicine Open ( GIM Open ), an Official Journal of the ACMG. GIM Open will complement ACMG’s flagship journal Genetics in Medicine ( GIM ), also published by Elsevier, and is designed to meet the evolving needs of the global medical genetics and genomics community and expand its open access publishing options. Published under Creative Commons license, all GIM Open articles will be immediately, permanently, and openly available online for readers to view, download, share, and reuse. This will enable authors to more easily comply with funder and institutional mandates, even as requirements continue to evolve. ACMG’s decision to expand the breadth of its openly available content directly supports its mission to improve personal and public health through the clinical and laboratory practice of medical genetics; advocacy, education, and clinical research programs; and the safe and effective integration of genetics and genomics into all of medicine and healthcare. “I am excited about our new gold open access journal that will be available to anyone, anytime, anywhere in the world independent of financial resources or library access. GIM Open will be an international journal with a focus on medical genetics and genomic medicine including all aspects of therapy,” noted ACMG retiring Chief Executive Officer Maximilian Muenke, MD, FACMG, who led the development of the new journal. “It will be a trail blazer for diversity, equity, and inclusion from a double anonymous review process of manuscripts, to the Editor-in-Chief and an editorial board that truly reflects our society in the United States and around the world. We are fortunate to work with our colleagues Robert D. Steiner, MD, FAAP, FACMG, and Jan Higgins, PhD, ELS, from GIM and our publisher Elsevier on the start of this new venture. As a medical geneticist who thinks that genomic medicine is the present and future of medicine, GIM Open will educate healthcare professionals to contribute to optimal patient care everywhere.” GIM Open’s eminent international editorial board will be led by Editor-in-Chief Bo Yuan, PhD, FACMG, Baylor College of Medicine, an internationally recognized expert in the field. “I am tremendously honored and excited to serve as the founding editor of this new journal that will actively support open science for the medical, scientific and research professionals in a broad range of specialties who comprise our ACMG community,” said Dr. Yuan. “Collectively, members of the editorial board and I are dedicated to the rapid dissemination of high quality, authoritative and cutting-edge medical genetic knowledge both within and beyond the genetics community with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes.” Louise Curtis, Senior Vice President, Life Sciences and Social Sciences, Elsevier, commented, “We are extremely pleased to expand our publishing portfolio with ACMG, building on our collaborative partnership with this prestigious society that began in 2022 with publication of GIM. Launching GIM Open strongly aligns with our mission to help researchers and healthcare professionals advance science and improve health outcomes for the benefit of society, and we share the commitment to inclusion and diversity at the heart of this exciting new venture.” GIM Open manuscript processing will include rigorous double anonymous peer review, a rapid submission to publication decision turnaround time, and an expedited publication timeline. Detailed instructions for authors and information regarding open access and publishing fees can be found here. Manuscript submission will open as of October 25, 2022. Papers submitted to GIM may be considered for publication in GIM Open if deemed more appropriate for that journal. It is Elsevier’s intention to submit GIM Open for inclusion in the major abstracting and indexing services at the earliest opportunity. As one of the fastest-growing open access publishers in the world, nearly all of Elsevier's 2,700 journals enable open access publishing, including 600 fully open access journals. In 2021, Elsevier published 119,000 gold or pay-to-publish open access articles, an increase of more than 46% over 2020, making Elsevier one of the largest open access publishers in the world. Notes for editors About Genetics in Medicine Open ( GIM Open ) Genetics in Medicine Open ( GIM Open ) is an open access journal with a broad focus on medical genetics and genomic medicine including all aspects of therapy. It will have a strong emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion and will have a double anonymous review process for submitted manuscripts. Positioned as an official journal of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) and the companion journal of Genetics in Medicine, GIM Open aims to be an international journal publishing research studies that advance the knowledge, understanding, and practice of medical genetics and genomic medicine for all continents. GIM Open welcomes submissions of Original Research, Reviews, Commentaries and Brief Reports in the areas of clinical genetics, cytogenetics, molecular genetics, biochemical genetics, reproductive medicine, cancer genetics, pharmacogenomics, clinical trials, population genetics, public health, genome-wide association studies, polygenic risk, bioinformatics, methodologies, clinical implementation, ELSI (ethical, legal and social issues), genetic counseling, and practical standards and guidelines. Manuscripts reporting animal models providing clinically relevant insights into human disease mechanisms and potential therapeutics are also welcome. Manuscripts of candidate disease gene discoveries based on a small cohort size but solidified by a high standard of scientific rigor, validity and reproducibility may be considered. Rare case reports may be considered if they fill a knowledge gap in populations underrepresented in genetics research or experiencing health disparities, or inform exceptionally significant actionability in diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutics. GIM Open promotes studies that include diverse especially under-represented populations. www.gimopen.org About Elsevier and society partnerships Elsevier has long-standing partnerships with over 600 learned societies worldwide, helping them to realize their missions and inspire and support their communities. We pride ourselves on consistently delivering outstanding publishing outcomes through strategic insight, reliable finances, global dissemination, embracing open science and open access, and championing the needs of the communities we jointly serve. www.elsevier.com/societies About American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) Founded in 1991, the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) is the only nationally recognized medical professional organization solely dedicated to improving health through the practice of medical genetics and genomics, and the only medical specialty society in the US that represents the full spectrum of medical genetics disciplines in a single organization. The ACMG is the largest membership organization specifically for medical geneticists, providing education, resources and a voice for nearly 2,500 clinical and laboratory geneticists, genetic counselors and other healthcare professionals, nearly 80 percent of whom are board certified in the medical genetics specialties. ACMG’s mission is to improve health through the clinical and laboratory practice of medical genetics as well as through advocacy, education and clinical research, and to guide the safe and effective integration of genetics and genomics into all of medicine and healthcare, resulting in improved personal and public health. www.acmg.net About the Editor-in-Chief Bo Yuan, PhD, FACMG is an Associate Professor of the Human Genome Sequencing Center (HGSC) and the Department of Molecular and Human Genetics at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM). He is also a Division Director of the Clinical Laboratories of HGSC. After receiving his Bachelor’s degree from Nankai University in China, he came to the United States and completed his PhD training in molecular and human genetics at BCM. He then received the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ABMGG) fellowship at BCM and was subsequently board-certified in Clinical Molecular Genetics and Clinical Cytogenetics. Dr. Yuan is an active laboratory geneticist and academic researcher with interest in characterizing new mechanisms of human genetic disorders, investigating, developing and implementing tools to improve molecular diagnostics and genomic data interpretation, and enhancing the visibility of genomic medicine in clinical care. He has authored and co-authored more than 60 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters. Dr. Yuan is a Fellow of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). He is also a contributing member of other professional communities, including the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG), ClinGen Variant Curation Expert Panel, and ACMG evidence-based guideline (EBG) workgroup. He has also been a longtime reviewer for a number of journals. About Elsevier As a global leader in information and analytics, Elsevier helps researchers and healthcare professionals advance science and improve health outcomes for the benefit of society. We do this by facilitating insights and critical decision-making for customers across the global research and health ecosystems. In everything we publish, we uphold the highest standards of quality and integrity. We bring that same rigor to our information analytics solutions for researchers, health professionals, institutions and funders. Elsevier employs 8,700 people worldwide. We have supported the work of our research and health partners for more than 140 years. Growing from our roots in publishing, we offer knowledge and valuable analytics that help our users make breakthroughs and drive societal progress. Digital solutions such as ScienceDirect, Scopus, SciVal, ClinicalKey and Sherpath support strategic research management, R&D performance, clinical decision support, and health education. Researchers and healthcare professionals rely on our over 2,700 digitized journals, including The Lancet and Cell; our over 43,000 eBook titles; and our iconic reference works, such as Gray's Anatomy. With the Elsevier Foundation and our external Inclusion & Diversity Advisory Board, we work in partnership with diverse stakeholders to advance inclusion and diversity in science, research and healthcare in developing countries and around the world. Elsevier is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. www.elsevier.com Contact Details Elsevier Kiran Dhaliwal - Global Press & Communications Manager newsroom@elsevier.com American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics Kathy Moran - Senior Director, Communications and Public Relations kmoran@acmg.net Company Website https://www.elsevier.com/

October 27, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Software Effective Solutions Subsidiary MEDCANA (OTC: SFJW) Announces Successful Launch of Test Greenhouses for Microclimates and Genetics with Colombia Partner Firms

Software Effective Solutions Corp.

Software Effective Solutions Corporation (OTC: SFWJ) (“The Company”, “SFWJ”) subsidiary Medcana is pleased to announce the successful launch of test greenhouses for microclimates and genetics with five partner firms in Colombia, South America. With significantly better economics than the US and Canada, a central location for exportation to major markets, and prime cultivation characteristics, Colombia is believed by many to have significant cultivation advantages over other regions around the world. According to Arcview Market Research, the cost to cultivate cannabis in Colombia is 60X less expensive than in Canada and 30X less than in the U.S. José Gabriel Diaz, The Company’s CEO, states, “We have begun simultaneous testing in all five partner companies. The goal is to test microclimate, genetics, local pests, and any other factors that may affect the final design and selection of genetics. The plan is to have our partners run tests with desired strands and analyze initial results.” “As well, the greenhouses are a very small fraction of the planned builds but allow us to test conditions and begin micro-testing genetics. The plan is to run one 90-day cycle and make sure the test parameters yield the expected results.” Medcana partners will also be running tests in native soil for near-term open-air cultivation possibilities for the Company. For now, the greenhouses give Medcana and partners a controlled environment to ensure native soil results are accurate. Software Effective Solutions/MedCana is a global infrastructure and holding company in the cannabis industry. The recent acquisition of a software company expanded the offering to provide traceability from plant to product. MedCana's initial focus is on developing clients and companies in Latin America, with an initial focus on Colombia and partnerships with laboratories, research facilities, and hospitals throughout the world. “In order to build something right and well, we must go slow, analyze, and test all variables. We have done a phenomenal job with the initial analysis for infrastructure, with geological, hydrological, and environmental factors. Now we want to test further. All things matter, wind currents, small changes in humidity, soil, pests, we want to make sure all is analyzed and tested,” adds Diaz. MedCana aims to build its Partner companies into one of the most advanced Cannabinoid production and processing organizations globally SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT This press release contains forward-looking statements that can be identified by terminology such as "believes," "expects," "potential," "plans," "suggests," "may," "should," "could," "intends," or similar expressions. Many forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results implied by such statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, our ability to continue to enhance our products and systems to address industry changes, our ability to expand our customer base and retain existing customers, our ability to effectively compete in our market segment, the lack of public information on our company, our ability to raise sufficient capital to fund our business, operations, our ability to continue as a going concern, and a limited public market for our common stock, among other risks. Many factors are difficult to predict accurately and are generally beyond the company's control. Forward-looking statements speak only as to the date they are made, and we do not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made. Signed. /s/ Jose Gabriel Diaz, CEO www.medcana.net info@medcana.co Contact Details Chris Greta +1 512-587-5175 chris@chrisgreta.com Company Website https://www.medcana.net/

October 27, 2022 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Are You Getting Enough Physical Activity?

YourUpdateTV

Despite a wealth of research showing how even moderate amounts of physical activity can lead to better health and longer life, millions of Americans don’t get enough of it. Recently, Carrie Pagliano, PT, DPT, participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss the importance of staying active and how physical therapy can help. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/RlbXcIoVJ74 Earlier this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released results of a study showing that more than 1 in 5 adults in the United States are inactive. Given that lack of physical activity is associated with pain and stiffness and higher rates of chronic conditions — such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and some cancers — it’s critical that people embrace movement and seek out physical activity. A great first step is working with a health care provider, like a physical therapist, to discuss your physical activity options. APTA advocates in support of programs that increase physical activity, exercise among all individuals, and encourages active transportation. Physical therapists are uniquely qualified to help people get and stay moving. They are movement experts who improve quality of life through hands-on care, patient education, and prescribed movement. Physical therapists work in various settings with all patient populations from birth to older adults; they identify, diagnose, and treat movement problems in people of all ages and abilities. Visit ChoosePT.com for more information and to find a physical therapist in your area. Carrie Pagliano, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist and has been a dynamic leader in clinical care and education in the areas of women’s/pelvic health and orthopedics for more than 20 years. She is founder and owner of Carrie Pagliano PT, LLC, in Virginia, and an adjunct professor at Marymount and Lynchburg universities. She received her master’s degree in physical therapy from the University of the Sciences and doctor of physical therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. She is a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopaedics and women’s health, holds manual therapy certification, and an advocate for women and mothers in leadership in the physical therapy profession. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

October 26, 2022 03:03 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Charitable Foundation Awards $290,000 in Support of Vulnerable Populations Nationally

Sevita

The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation, Sevita ’s private foundation, a leading national provider of community-based health care and support services, announced that it has awarded grants totaling $290,000 to eight organizations in its fiscal year 2022 grant cycle. The organizations awarded support some of our nation’s most vulnerable populations, including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, those with brain and spinal cord injuries, youth facing emotional, behavioral, and other challenges, and their families and caregivers. “We are proud to support the work of these truly amazing organizations,” said Whitney Shufelt, Executive Director of the Foundation. “When we began this grant program 15 years ago, we did so with the intent of forming lasting partnerships, investing in community organizations, and driving forward real change. It has been wonderful to see these efforts come to fruition and continue to grow.” Grant recipients include: Special Olympics: supporting the Healthy Communities US-based inclusive health program and its digitization efforts (national) National Inclusion Project: second year online Inclusive Recreation Specialist Course for recreation and special education professionals (national) RespectAbility: funding for two apprentices to complete the National Leadership Program for adults with disabilities (national) Oak Hill Centers for Relationship and Sexual Education: supporting the launch of a crisis fund for victims with communication challenges and first responder training of augmentative alternative communication (national) Rise Above Foundation: funding for extracurricular, educational, and fun experiences for youth engaged in the child welfare system (Massachusetts) United Cerebral Palsy: scholarships for clinicians from underserved communities and non-MD and non-DO health professionals to attend Cerebral Palsy conferences focused on early detection and early intervention (national) Kidpower International: supporting the Trauma to Thriving social emotional health program for vulnerable children and adults with IDD (national) Autism Empowerment Network: Readiness and autism employment resource center for workers with autism (Pennsylvania) Grants are awarded to 501(c)(3) organizations whose values align with Sevita’s core belief that everyone has the right to live well. These organizations are change agents within health care and human services and are delivering innovative care, developing new ideas and models to improve access to quality health care, and creating opportunities for individuals to live a full, more independent life. “The ongoing efforts of these eight organizations have provided support, resources, and a voice for individuals who are often overlooked,” said William McKinney, president and chair of The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation. “In addition, they have evolved and adapted as the landscape in which we work and live continues to shift. Their impact is tangible, and we are happy to be able to support it. We thank them for their dedication and shared commitment to the communities we serve.” Since its establishment in 2007, the MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation has awarded more than $3 million to over 300 organizations across 30+ states. In addition to these grant awards, the MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation will announce its Community Champions grants in November. The Community Champions grants celebrate Sevita team members who have dedicated their time, talents, and energy to local charities. Individuals will receive recognition for their dedication and their chosen nonprofit will receive a grant from the Foundation. For more information, visit networkcharitablefoundation.org/. Sevita is a leading provider of community-based specialized health care. We believe that everyone deserves to live a full, more independent life. We provide people with quality services and individualized supports that lead to growth and independence, despite the physical, intellectual, or behavioral challenges they face. We've made this our mission for more than 50 years. Today our team members continue to innovate and enhance care for the 55,000 individuals we serve. sevitahealth.com Contact Details Melissa Patricio media@sevitahealth.com Company Website https://sevitahealth.com/

October 26, 2022 01:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

AmeriLife Partners with Health Resource Advisors

AmeriLife

AmeriLife Group, LLC (“AmeriLife”), a national leader in developing, marketing, and distributing life and health insurance, annuities and retirement planning solutions, announced today that it has partnered with Health Resource Advisors, a Baltimore-based field marketing organization (FMO). Health Resource Advisors specializes in supporting independent, licensed Medicare agents with proprietary tools, training and resources to cultivate meaningful client relationships, grow their books of business, and maximize their potential. Per the agreement, terms of the deal were not disclosed. "Health Resource Advisors has always been – and will continue to be – focused on its most important asset: our agents,” said Andrew Rosenberg, president of Health Resource Advisors. “With AmeriLife and its industry-leading resources at our side, we’re excited to create more opportunities for the incredibly talented agents within our community.” Since Health Resource Advisors’ founding in 2007, the firm has grown from a single agent and client to several hundreds of affiliated agents serving thousands of Medicare beneficiaries nationwide. The firm boasts some of the deepest carrier relationships in the markets and communities it serves, and has excelled at identifying and nurturing top producing agents that consistently set industry standards. “Partnering with AmeriLife means gaining an advocate that will champion your growth and the development of your agents,” said Mike Vietri, AmeriLife’s Chief Distribution Officer. “Health Resource Advisors is a fiercely independent firm whose approach and values are perfectly aligned with ours. We’re thrilled to welcome them to the AmeriLife family, and look forward to accelerating their success.” ### About Health Resource Advisors Health Resource Advisors is a field marketing organization (FMO) in Baltimore, Md., specializing in Medicare coverage. The company supports independent insurance agents by providing the tools and resources they need to grow their portfolio and serve their clients better. For more information, visit HealthResourceAdvisors.com. About AmeriLife AmeriLife’s strength is its mission: to provide insurance and retirement solutions to help people live longer, healthier lives. In doing so, AmeriLife has become recognized as the leader in developing, marketing, and distributing life and health insurance, annuities and retirement planning solutions to enhance the lives of pre-retirees and retirees across the United States. For more than 50 years, AmeriLife has partnered with top insurance carriers to provide value and quality to customers served through a distribution network of over 300,000 insurance agents and advisors and more than 100 marketing organizations and insurance agency locations nationwide. For more information, visit AmeriLife.com, and follow AmeriLife on Facebook and LinkedIn. Contact Details Media Jeff Maldonado +1 321-297-1112 jmaldonado@amerilife.com Partnership Inquiries Patrick Nichols +1 727-726-0726 pnichols@amerilife.com Company Website https://amerilife.com/

October 26, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Can This Company’s Birth Control Patch Disrupt The Contraceptive Market?

Agile Therapeutics, Inc.

From Evofem Biosciences Inc. ’s (OTCMKTS: EVFM) Phexxi vaginal gel contraceptive to Dare Bioscience Inc. ’s (NASDAQ: DARE) Ovaprene, an investigational hormone-free monthly intravaginal contraceptive, the market is never in short supply of birth control products. While the issue of birth control and abortion can be embroiled in continuous debates and controversies, contraceptives have been known to reduce the rate of unintended pregnancies, the need for unsafe abortions, and HIV transmissions from mothers to newborns. The need is strong - a 2020 report by the World Health Organization (WHO) said that among 1.9 billion reproductive-age women (15 to 49 years) globally in 2019, around 1.1 billion women require family planning and 270 million of those have an unmet need for contraception. Disruptive Contraceptive Patch? The rising number of women with unmet contraceptive drugs and device needs could present unique opportunities for industry players. Agile Therapeutics Inc. ’s (NASDAQ: AGRX) Twirla® (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol) transdermal system could be one innovative product with the potential to disrupt the industry. New Jersey-based Agile Therapeutics is a forward-thinking women’s healthcare company dedicated to fulfilling the unmet needs of today’s women. The company’s product and product candidates are designed to offer women more freedom and flexibility through additional contraceptive options. Agile Therapeutics Chairman and CEO Al Altomari, speaking at the H.C. Wainwright 24th Annual Global Investment Conference in September, revealed that the company is currently focused on the growth of its first Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved product Twirla®. Twirla®, the company reports, is the first and only birth control patch delivering a low dose of estrogen. Twirla delivers 30 micrograms (mcg) of estrogen daily, the lowest exposure of estrogen in a transdermal contraceptive option. Unlike most oral contraceptives on the market that women take at least 21 days each month, Twirla® uses just three patches a month. Agile Therapeutics plans to commercialize and upscale Twirla through its business plan — non-retail channel growth driver ( Afaxys GPO ) and retail channel growth drivers (telemedicine providers like Nurx & Twirla’s DTC CTV commercial ). With the growth of Twirla® being the main focus, the company believes that building a U.S. women’s health franchise on the foundation of the patch’s commercial success can enhance value for shareholders. “We have sought out and will continue to explore partnerships and opportunities that leverage our existing infrastructure, including co-promotion and business development opportunities,” Altomari said. Cash On Hand And The Way Forward Agile Therapeutics raised net proceeds of approximately $12.2 million through its at-the-market (ATM) offering in the second quarter of 2022 and $22.2 million in an upsized public offering in July 2022. The company reduced the outstanding principal amount owed to Perceptive Advisors to $3 million with proceeds from ATM. Agile Therapeutics established a new $75 million ATM in August 2022. From the end of the fourth quarter to the end of the second quarter of 2022, the company reduced its quarterly operating expenses (OPEX) from $18.2 million to $11.3 million while still growing Twirla demand by 27%. The company now believes it has sufficient cash on hand to fund operations through the end of 2022. In the second quarter of 2022, Agile Therapeutics realized net product sales revenue of $2.1 million, an increase of 75% compared to the second quarter of 2021 revenue of $1.2 million. Total operating expenses for the second quarter of 2022 were $11.3 million. Non-retail sales primarily associated with the Afaxys partnership are expected to significantly accelerate in the second half of 2022. Non-retail channels experience higher gross-to-net discounting compared to retail channels and therefore the company expects overall gross-to-net discounts to increase as a percentage of gross revenue. Agile Therapeutics intends to use its resources to continue to grow Twirla® and to improve on its performance as it prepares to report third-quarter 2022 financial results and Twirla® growth update in November. One of the Company’s financial goals is to become cash flow positive. “Our focus in 2022 has been on growing Twirla and advancing towards generating positive cash flow,” said Agile Therapeutics Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Al Altomari. “In 2022, we have significantly reduced our operating expenses by redesigning how we work to gain efficiencies and implemented a plan we believe can drive Twirla growth through our Afaxys partnership, connected TV (CTV) campaign, and growing the telemedicine channel. ” Agile Therapeutics is a women's healthcare company dedicated to fulfilling the unmet health needs of today’s women. Our product and product candidates are designed to provide women with contraceptive options that offer freedom from taking a daily pill, without committing to a longer-acting method. Our initial product, Twirla®, (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol), a transdermal system, is a non-daily prescription contraceptive. Twirla is based on our proprietary transdermal patch technology, called Skinfusion®, which is designed to allow drug delivery through the skin. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Matt Riley - Head of Investor Relations & Corporate Communications mriley@agiletherapeutics.com Company Website https://agiletherapeutics.com/

October 26, 2022 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

News Release

Amid A Turbulent Industry, This Cannabis Company Shines Like A Diamond In the Rough

LiveWire Ergogenics, Inc.

The pandemic was a monumental moment for the cannabis industry as marijuana became a household essential. In many states, dispensaries were declared essential businesses and were allowed to remain open, resulting in a 46% increase in legal cannabis sales over 2019 to $17.5 billion in 2020. Entrepreneurs flocked to the scene, and investors readily backed the industry. with large investments, often time via so-called SPACs. However, the past several months have marked a return to pre-pandemic levels. While the cannabis industry is still predicted to expand and grow, the industry is witnessing an adaption curve. Between heavy taxation, cultivators abandoning licenses, and the pressure of growing inflation, many companies have put up “For Sale” signs or are looking at tough times ahead. A Diamond In The Rough? The Party’s Just Getting Started For LiveWire Ergogenics LiveWire Ergogenics, Inc. (OTC: LVVV) (“LiveWire”) is a company that focuses on acquiring and managing special-purpose real estate properties that will serve as bases to help discover and develop high-end organic cannabis specialty products. LiveWire firmly positions itself in the center of the health and wellness industry. The cannabis industry as a whole has seen a recent downturn in profits resulting in missed rent payments and cultivation facilities shutting down. While the industry as a whole is looking at positive growth, the reality on the ground for many cannabis companies may be bleak. Property deals have been falling through more frequently as companies struggle to make ends meet. Companies are facing difficulties with the slowing general economy paired with legislative challenges that plague the cannabis industry. Public policy is an uphill battle. Despite these challenges in the market, LiveWire is prospering. Its Q2 results show solid growth and a positive future. In Q2, LiveWire generated $463,313 in revenue, which was a 323% increase from 2021’s Q2. Net profit also saw considerable growth; the company’s net profit was $183,122 in Q2 compared to a loss of $579,792 during 2021’s Q2. LiveWire believes that U.S. cannabis companies must be well-managed and offer unique and high-quality products via legal and environmentally conscious operations, not low-quality mass production. That is a significant component of their success and the Company believes that diligent and disciplined investors will be presented with an exciting second opportunity to benefit from one of the last decade's fastest-growing markets for any industry. They expect to see reliable growth in cannabis industry sales going forward, and while still in the revenue startup phase that seems to already reflect in their own sales. LiveWire has developed Estrella Ranch as the central hub for all LiveWire and subsidiary operations. This property is being developed into the first “Estate Grown Weedery,” and eventually the ultimate cannabis destination in California. As of October, the Ranch has passed all quarterly inspections by the county and state and was renewed for its annual permit. The Estrella Ranch has also received nine new cultivation permits that will allow for an expanded outdoor cultivation area. As Q3 and Q4 approach, the company is exploring the buildout of an already existing building on Estrella Ranch as an indoor cultivation area. If implemented and considered economical this is expected to help further drive revenue. Based on Livewire’s philosophy that any cannabis company has to be subject to strict financial principles and must operate with low overhead and reasonable debt burden to produce increasing revenues and profits, LiveWire does not seem to be experiencing the same dilemmas that other companies in the industry are facing. If their Q2 report and business expansion plans are any indications, LiveWire seems to have a strong future ahead of it. LiveWire Ergogenics focuses on acquiring, managing, and licensing well-qualified cannabis real estate locations to establish fully compliant and permitted facilities to produce cannabis-based products and establish relationships for the statewide distribution of these products in California. This includes developing and licensing high-quality organic cannabinoid-based products and services and creating the high-quality "Estrella Grown Weedery™" brand via its subsidiary/affiliate companies Estrella Ranch Partners, Estrella River Farms, Makana Ola, and CaliCruz Farms. LiveWire Ergogenics does not produce, sell, or distribute products that violate the United States Controlled Substances Act. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Tristan Cavato ir@livewireergogenics.com

October 26, 2022 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Cortland Biomedical Announces Capabilities for Creating Textile Structures Incorporating Radiopaque Fibers

Cortland Biomedical

Cortland Biomedical, a full-service medical textiles product development partner that provides access to a full spectrum of global engineering, design and manufacturing capabilities, today announced that it now has capabilities for processing radiopaque fibers. By incorporating radiopaque fibers into diagnostic and interventional medical devices, it allows the devices to become clearly visible under fluoroscopy while maintaining the mechanical properties desired for the specific application. Improved visibility under fluoroscopy and x-rays – including better contrast and sharpness of the image– will allow surgeons to optimally position the device or implant. Furthermore, textile-based implants can also incorporate radiopaque fibers, which will enable surgeons to view the position of the implant under fluoroscopy months or even years after surgical placement. The incorporation of textiles allows for lower profile and more flexible medical devices that can enable less invasive surgical procedures. Cortland Biomedical has an extensive range of knitting, weaving, and braiding capabilities, enabling it to work with its customers to develop complex, customized textile structures with highly tailored mechanical properties. Any of these methods can be applied to processing radiopaque fibers, which are currently available in PET and UHMWPE. “We’re always aiming to break down the barriers of what’s traditionally been possible when it comes to engineering textile structures,” said John Greco, VP Sales, Cortland Biomedical. “We’re pleased to now be able to work with radiopaque fibers, which will give our customers more choice when it comes to material selection and allow them to create devices that can be seen more clearly under fluoroscopy without the need for additional markers.” About Cortland Biomedical Cortland Biomedical custom designs and manufactures high-performance biomedical textile structures leveraging years of experience in medical textile engineering methods including knitting, braiding, and weaving. Its thoughtful design concepts challenge the status quo. Cortland Biomedical’s unique combination of advanced equipment and technology, a seasoned medical textile-specific engineering team, and first-rate R&D capabilities allows it to tackle customers’ complex challenges with the innovation and agility expected in the medical device industry. Learn more at cortlandbiomedical.com. Contact Details SVM Public Relations Jordan Bouclin +1 401-490-9700 Jordan.bouclin@svmpr.com Company Website https://www.cortlandbiomedical.com/

October 25, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Hong Kong Baptist University-led research identifies Salvia miltiorrhiza extract as potential preventive agent for gastric cancer induced by bile reflux

Hong Kong Baptist University

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach - 25 October 2022 - Research led by the School of Chinese Medicine at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) has identified cryptotanshinone, a compound extracted from the Chinese herbal medicine Salvia miltiorrhiza, with the potential for the treatment and prevention of gastric cancer associated with bile reflux. The researchers unveiled the mechanism of how bile reflux induces gastritis and gastric cancer. They explained that refluxed bile acids (BAs) lead to the proliferation of pro-inflammation bacteria that promote gastric carcinogenesis, the formation of cancer. Professor Jia Wei, Associate Dean (International Collaboration) of Chinese Medicine and Cheung On Tak Endowed Professor in Chinese Medicine at HKBU, has identified cryptotanshinone with the potential for the treatment and prevention of gastric cancer associated with bile reflux. The research findings have been published in the international scientific journal Advanced Science. Role of bile reflux in gastric cancer unclear Bile, secreted by the liver, is stored in the gallbladder and is released to the duodenum to help digest fat. When the pylorus connecting the stomach and the duodenum is damaged or fails to work properly, bile in the duodenum can enter the stomach, causing gastritis. People with stomach surgery complications, peptic ulcers or gallbladder removal surgery have higher risks of bile reflux. However, the mechanism of how bile reflux induces gastric carcinogenesis remains unclear. Professor Jia Wei, Associate Dean (International Collaboration) of Chinese Medicine and Cheung On Tak Endowed Professor in Chinese Medicine at HKBU, in collaboration with researchers from Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, conducted a study on how bile reflux induces gastric carcinogenesis, and looked for new prevention and therapeutic approaches. Professor Jia said: “We unveiled for the first time the underlying mechanism by which bile reflux promoted the development of gastric carcinogenesis. It offers important clinical insights on the development of novel prevention and therapeutic approaches for the disease. Based on the newly discovered mechanism, we identified cryptotanshinone as a potential Chinese medicine-based pharmaceutic agent for the prevention and treatment of gastric carcinogenesis due to bile reflux.” Bile reflux alters gastric environment The research team analysed the gastric juice samples of 50 patients with bile reflux gastritis (BRG group), 50 patients with gastric cancer (GC group) and 45 subjects in the control group using chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques. It was found that the amounts of BAs, the major component of bile, in the gastric juice samples of BRG and GC groups are significantly higher than in the control group. Furthermore, the acidities of gastric juice samples of the BRG group (pH value about 3.5) and the GC group (pH value about 4) are drastically lower than in the control group (pH value about 2). The phenomenon is explained by the fact that BAs are weak acids compared with strong gastric acid, and their influx into the stomach changed the gastric environment by upsetting the normal acid-base balance of the gastric juice. Further investigation found that a specific type of BA, called taurodeoxycholic acid (TDCA), showed a strong positive correlation with pH value of gastric juice samples of the BRG and GC groups. Previous studies showed that bile reflux is closely related to chronic gastric inflammation and gastric carcinogenesis. The researchers thus examined the concentrations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a pro-inflammation cytokine, in the gastric juice of the 145 subjects above, and found that the BRG and GC groups have LPS concentrations significantly higher than those of the control group. Change in microbiota associates with gastric carcinogenesis As LPS is produced and found in the outer membrane of certain kinds of bacteria, the researchers applied gene sequencing and other techniques and confirmed that LPS-producing bacteria are significantly more abundant in the gastric juice of BRG and CG groups compared to the control group. Among these LPS-producing bacteria, a species called P. melaninogenica had the highest relative abundance. From these experimental results, it is suggested that bile reflux induces significant changes in the gastric environment, alters the gastric microbiota, and results in the development of gastritis and gastric carcinogenesis. The hypothesis was tested with a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments in mice, which confirmed that application of TDCA and LPS promotes gastric epithelial cell proliferation, and induces gastric inflammation. Cellular and molecular analysis revealed that P. melaninogenica promoted gastric inflammation in mice by activating the IL-6/JAK1/STAT3 pathway, a chain of interactions between proteins in a cell involved in processes such as immunity, cell division, cell death, and tumour formation. Cryptotanshinone as potential pharmaceutic agent After unveiling the mechanism of bile reflux-induced gastric cancer, the researchers turned to explore a corresponding preventive and therapeutic approach. They focused on cryptotanshinone, a bioactive compound isolated from the roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza, which is a Chinese herbal medicine that facilitates blood circulation with an anti-inflammatory effect. Cryptotanshinone is also known as an inhibitor of the STAT3 signaling pathway in cells. The researchers tested the effects of cryptotanshinone with a bile reflux mouse model developed through surgery. In a group of eight mice without application of cryptotanshinone, three mice developed gastric lesions 50 weeks after surgery. However, in another group of six mice injected with cryptotanshinone, no obvious gastric lesions were observed. The results suggested that cryptotanshinone has abolished the effects of TDCA and LPS in activating the IL-6/JAK1/STAT3 pathway. “Based on the research findings, it can be concluded that cryptotanshinone is a potential Chinese medicine-based pharmaceutic agent for the prevention and treatment of gastric carcinogenesis due to bile reflux. It provides an alternative strategy for the development of medication which targets on the newly discovered mechanism of how bile reflux induces gastric carcinogenesis,” said Professor Jia. Contact Details HKBU Communication and Public Relations Office Christina Wu hkbunews@hkbu.edu.hk

October 25, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time