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HAIFA, Israel, May 20, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pluristem Therapeutics Inc. (PSTI) (TASE:PLTR), a leading developer of placenta-based cell therapies, today announced the latest advancement in its clinical and commercial development programs in South Korea. The South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has recently cleared Pluristem’s upgraded manufacturing process in its new facility in Haifa, Israel. The cells produced at Pluristem new facility will be used by Korean sites joining the large Phase II study currently conducted by Pluristem in intermittent claudication (IC) patients. This Phase II IC study is currently ongoing in the U.S., Israel and Germany.

“South Korea is a large market in which we are very well positioned due to our strategic partnership agreement with CHA Bio & Diostech. We believe that our PLX cells are the only allogeneic cellular therapy product approved for clinical trials in South Korea. With the MFDS’s clearance for our cell manufacturing processes, we are now pleased to move forward with our Phase II IC trial in Korea,” stated Pluristem Chairman and CEO Zami Aberman.

Mr. Aberman will present at BIO KOREA 2014, which will take place in Goyang, South Korea on May 28th through May 30th. His presentation titled, “Cell Therapy – From the Bench to Multi-National Clinical Studies,” will take place during the “Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine” track on May 29th at 2:50 pm. During the presentation, Mr. Aberman will discuss the collaborative clinical and commercial development process jointly undertaken by Pluristem and CHA.

Pluristem is operating in the South Korean market through an exclusive out-license and strategic partnership agreement with CHA Bio & Diostech (Kosdaq:CHA) for the use of its Pluristem’s PLacental eXpanded (PLX) cells for peripheral artery disease (PAD), in South Korea. Under the terms of the agreement, CHA will perform and fund multiple clinical trials in South Korea using Pluristem proprietary PLX cells. Upon the first regulatory approval for a PLX product in South Korea, Pluristem and CHA will establish a joint venture (JV) co-owned by the parties.

According to market research firm Clearstate, 1 million people in South Korea suffer from PAD and the growth forecast for the number of people diagnosed and treated in the country is moderate-to-high.

WOODLAND HILLS, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–

Vertical interest social media network, CrowdGather, Inc. (CRWG), today announced that it has closed its Merger Agreement with Plaor, Inc. Pursuant to the Merger, the shareholders of Plaor received 55,075,800 shares of common stock of CrowdGather. After the completion of the merger, CrowdGather will have a total of 116,733,508 shares of common stock issued and outstanding. Additionally the company has appointed Hazim Ansari to the Company’s Board of Directors.

In his 16 years as an intellectual property attorney, Hazim has assisted dozens of emerging companies in raising financing, establishing critical joint ventures, and closing foundational revenue deals. Hazim has co-founded several companies, including Novel IP which is a pioneer in offshore IP industry and Plaor which recently merged with CrowdGather, and successfully built them through to profitability and/or acquisitions. Hazim received his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Stanford University and his J.D. from Loyola Law School (magna cum laude).

“We believe this merger positions our company to capitalize on much higher growth opportunities in gaming and mobile applications,” said CrowdGather’s Chairman and CEO, Sanjay Sabnani. “Additionally, we are excited to have someone of Hazim’s experience join our team. His expertise as an entrepreneur along with his extensive transactional experience makes him a perfect addition and complement to our team as we seek to grow our catalog of games and apps.”

“I am excited by CrowdGather’s vision for the social gaming industry. The company is building a business that takes advantage of the growth opportunities in social gaming while accounting for, and leveraging, the financial realities of the market”, said Hazim Ansari. “I look forward to helping scale its gaming asset acquisition efforts.”

ROCKVILLE, Md.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–

Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE MKT:RNN) a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing best-in-class therapeutics for the treatment of cancer, today announced additional data from preclinical studies on the anti-tumor effects of RX-3117, a next generation cancer cell specific nucleoside analog. In the study, oral administration of RX-3117 inhibited tumor growth in 12 different human cancer xenograft models including colon, non-small cell lung, small cell lung, pancreatic, renal, ovarian, and cervical cancer. In addition, RX-3117 inhibited the growth of human cancer cells lines shown to be resistant to the anti-cancer effects of gemcitabine, including in the primary low-passage human pancreatic tumorgraft model.

“Resistance to the anti-cancer effects of gemcitabine represents a major clinical issue in the treatment of cancer patients. Up to 25% of cancer patients receiving one or more cycles of gemcitabine rapidly become resistant to its anti-cancer activity. Based on study results to date, both preclinical and clinical, we believe RX-3117 holds the potential to be used for the treatment of tumors that do not respond to gemcitabine and other chemotherapeutic drugs,” commented Rexahn’s CEO, Peter D. Suzdak, Ph.D.

RX-3117 showed greater efficacy (tumor growth inhibition) as compared to gemcitabine in four different xenograft animal models with gemcitabine resistant human cancer cell lines: colorectal cancer (Colo205), small cell lung cancer (H69), cervical cancer (CaSki) and pancreatic cancer (CTG-0298).

Additionally, in a mouse xenograft model using human colorectal cancer cells, those treated with RX-3117 showed significantly longer survival as compared to those receiving other treatments. Mice treated with RX-3117 showed 100% survival through day 95 after initial treatment, compared to 13% of mice treated with gemcitabine, and 25% of mice treated with irinotecan, both FDA-approved drugs.

Results of these studies were presented in a poster titled, “A novel small molecule cytidine analog, RX-3117, shows potent efficacy in xenograft models, even in tumors that are resistant to treatment with gemcitabine,” at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2014 on April 6, 2014.

Earlier this year, Rexahn initiated a Phase Ib trial for RX-3117. The trial is a multi-center dose-escalation study which is evaluating the safety, tolerability, dose-limiting toxicities and maximal tolerated dose (MTD) of RX-3117 in patients with solid tumors. Secondary endpoints include characterizing the pharmacokinetic profile of RX-3117 and evaluating the preliminary anti-tumor effects of RX-3117.

In August 2012, Rexahn reported the completion of an exploratory Phase I clinical trial of RX-3117 in cancer patients conducted in Europe, to investigate the oral bioavailability, safety and tolerability of the compound. In this study, oral administration of RX-3117 demonstrated an oral bioavailability of 56% and a plasma half-life (T1/2) of 14 hours. In addition, RX-3117 was safe and well tolerated in all subjects throughout the dose range tested.

HAIFA, Israel, May 7, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pluristem Therapeutics Inc. (PSTI) (TASE:PLTR) today announced that its shares of common stock will be added to a newly created TA Tech-Elite index on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. Scheduled for launch on May 11, 2014, the TA Tech-Elite index will comprise shares of Israel’s leading technology and biomed companies. Initially, the index will include 34 eligible companies with Pluristem comprising approximately 2.05% of the index. The cumulative float-adjusted market cap of these companies exceeds approximately NIS 45 billion ($13 billion). Pluristem’s shares of common stock are also currently traded on additional indices such as the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange’s TA-100 and TA-75.

According to the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, the TA Tech-Elite index will also be part of a new “Israeli High-tech” index, which will be calculated by an international index vendor and is expected to serve as the underlying asset for various index-tracking products, enabling greater exposure of Israel’s high tech industry among foreign investors.

On May 11th, the date of the TA Tech-Elite index’s launch, Pluristem Chairman and CEO Zami Aberman will ring the opening bell at the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. Also on May 11th, Mr. Aberman will deliver a corporate presentation at the Oppenheimer 15th Annual Israeli Conference in Tel Aviv at 10:50 am.

“Inclusion in the new TA Tech-Elite index will broaden our company’s exposure and we expect our stock will be more widely held by both Israeli and global investors,” commented Mr. Aberman.

WILMINGTON, Mass., May 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Implant Sciences Corporation (IMSC), a high technology supplier of systems and sensors for homeland security and defense markets, today announced it has won a competitive bid for 14 of its next-generation explosives trace detectors (ETDs) including its QS-H150 handheld unit and QS-B220 system to Minsk National Airport in Belarus. Minsk National Airport, the largest airport in Belarus, can accommodate nearly 3.6 million passengers a year. The airport is currently expanding its infrastructure and security systems ahead of the 2014 Men’s World Ice Hockey Championships, which Belarus will host from May 9th through 25th 2014.

“We are proud to announce that Minsk National Airport will be added to our growing list of international airports that are implementing our legacy and next-generation ETDs. The QS-H150 and QS-B220 were selected by our new customer over a larger competitors’ ETDs due to our systems’ superior performance, lower total cost of ownership, and non-radioactive source,” stated Implant Sciences’ General Manager of Russia and CIS Countries, Ms. Natalya Hall.

Minsk National Airport’s Director General Deputy for Aviation Security and Regime, Alexander Apet commented, “In evaluating IMSC equipment, we saw the clear differences and advantages that the QS-B220 and QS-H150 offered over the competing systems we were using at the time. As we expand our airport’s facilities and security infrastructure, it is critical that we implement systems that use the latest technological advancements. Implant Sciences’ ETDs met and exceeded those expectations and requirements.”

Pompano Beach, Fla., May 8, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DS Healthcare Group, Inc. (DSKX), a leading developer of personal care products, today announced it has filed its second patent with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. This new patent addresses the composition and methods of a new compound described as a calcium-activated potassium channel opening agent for topical treatment of hair loss. DS Healthcare had filed its first patent in October 2013 for its prescription hair loss product currently under development.

We believe this newly filed patent-pending molecule offers a more effective over-the-counter hair loss solution than FDA approved topical minoxidil for hair regrowth. DS Healthcare’s proprietary hair loss formulations are a tremendous asset and we are building our IP portfolio including patents, as well as trademarks for our industry-leading brands. While sales of our over-the-counter products continue to grow driven by strong consumer demand, in parallel we are developing our first prescription hair loss product,” stated DS Healthcare President and CEO Daniel Khesin.

About DS Healthcare Group

DS Healthcare Group Inc. leads in the development of biotechnology for topical therapies. It markets through online and specialty retailers, distributors, cosmetics wholesalers, and salons. Its research has led to a highly innovative portfolio of personal care products and additional innovations in pharmaceutical projects. For more information on DS Health Group’s flagship brand, visit www.dslaboratories.com

EVEN YEHUDA, Israel, May 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Bluesphere Corp. (BLSP) (the “Company” or “Bluesphere”), a clean energy company that develops, manages and owns waste-to-energy projects, announced today commencement of detailed design and engineering work for its 5.2 megawatt (MW) waste-to-energy project in Charlotte, North Carolina. This detailed design and engineering work, which is expected to take about two months, is the first stage of project execution, launching the project in full force. This will be followed by work onsite.

“This is an incredible milestone in the development of this project. From today and onward, there will now be constant activity on the project until it starts producing power in the summer of 2015,” stated Bluesphere CEO Shomi Palas. “We have started the project on time and will produce and deliver power on schedule. This facility is a model for future Bluesphere projects.”

Bluesphere is the project owner, developer and manager for this 5.2 MW organics-to-energy anaerobic digester. The facility will intake organic waste such as food and farm waste that would normally go into landfills. The organic waste is processed in an anaerobic digester to emit biogas, which then is turned into electricity and compost is a by-product. The facility generates revenues from intake of organic waste, as well as the sale of clean, renewable electricity, and the sale of compost.

A Fortune 50 company has signed on to provide $13.8 million in debt project financing for the facility and a leading environmental finance fund will provide equity project financing of $9.1 million,. One of the largest power holding companies in the U.S. has a signed a long-term contract with Bluesphere to purchase electricity generated at the Charlotte plant. Compost, which is a by-product of the organics-to-energy generation process, will be purchased under a contractual agreement, by one of the largest privately held composting companies in the world.

Blue Sphere is developing its second U.S. organics-to-waste facility in Rhode Island and by 2018 the Company plans to have 11 facilities built with 6 more under construction and development.

Waste-to-energy is one of the fastest growing segments in the renewable energy markets. According to SBI Energy, the thermal and biological segments reached $6 billion in 2012 and will reach $29 billion by 2022.

Whitefish, MT / May 5, 2014 / CrowdGather Inc. (CRWG), a leading owner and operator of online communities and social networks, recently announced the acquisition of Boston-based PLAOR for approximately $5 million in stock. The move marks an ongoing shift by management towards mobile apps, social gaming, and hosted forums rather than its wholly owned and operated forum network.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the company’s move into the social gaming industry, transition away from it’s vertical interest, owned and operated forums, and what these developments might mean for both shareholders and potential investors.

Move into Social Gaming

The social gaming industry is expected to grow at a 16.1% CAGR to reach $17.4 billion by 2019, according to Transparency Market Research, driven by increasing demand for smartphones and tablet PCs. Innovations in the provision of virtual goods helped generate approximately 60% of the revenue in the industry by 2012, followed by advertising revenues from more traditional venues.

PLAOR is an emerging new social gaming publisher led by industry professionals from Microsoft Corporation’s (MSFT) XBOX team, Disney Company’s (DIS) Interactive division, and Sony Corporation’s (SNY) Online Entertainment division. According to a recent press release, the company is generating approximately $1 million in revenue on an annualized basis with over 20,000 average daily users.

Leveraging CrowdGather’s existing users and capital markets access, PLAOR should be able to significantly grow its revenue and user base over the coming years, particularly given the industry expected 16.1% CAGR through 2019. The existing users in particular should provide immediate synergies to boost the number of daily active users within the next couple of quarters.

“Our expectation is that we will emerge from this merger as a stronger and faster growing business,” said CrowdGather Chairman and CEO Sanjay Sabnani in a recent press release. “Our vision is to create an exciting, high growth company that will leverage our traffic, users, and social media reach to provide PLAOR’s titles with immediate access to hundreds of thousands of potential players for their games.”

Could Placental Cell Therapy be a Preemptive Approach to Protecting Women from Disabling Strokes?

Preeclampsia, a common pregnancy complication, has been around for centuries, it wasn’t until last year that 3 congresswomen designated May as Preeclampsia Awareness Month. This year, NJ Governor Chris Christie officiated the proclamation. The condition took an ominous turn, last month when the guidelines, published in the journal, Stroke, advise doctors to consider preeclampsia to be a stroke risk factor akin to smoking, high cholesterol, and obesity linking it to hypertension even years after the pregnancy. The alarming news has created new awareness of the condition and may open more dialogues about new treatments, which hasn’t occurred in 100 years. Could the answer to potentially reversing the hypertension and inflammation seen in preeclampsia be found in cells of a healthy placenta?

New promising evidence may lead scientists to answer that question. According to findings from an early preclinical study led by Brett Mitchell, PhD, an Associate Professor of Internal Medicine at the Cardiovascular Research Institute (CVRI) at Texas A&M University College of Medicine, there is evidence that administering placenta-derived cell therapy may help reverse the symptoms, including hypertension associated with preeclampsia in a matter of days after dosing with no harmful effects to mother or baby. Dr. Mitchell, who devoted many years of his research on hypertension with a particular focus on preeclampsia/gestational hypertension, delivered placenta-based cells called PLX (PLacental eXpanded) cells into mice who had preeclampsia. The PLX cells were created and patented by Israeli-based Pluristem Therapeutics Inc., a leading developer of placenta-based cell therapies.

The proteins released by the PLX cells help the body heal itself and release therapeutic proteins in response to signals from the patient’s body. Dr. Mitchell’s team found that PLX cells were indeed effective in treating preeclampsia in their animal models. The cells were proven to reverse the hypertension in the mice who eventually delivered healthy offspring. Armed with this data, Pluristem convened a Clinical Advisory Board comprised of some of the world’s expert thought leaders in preeclampsia. Pluristem plans US Phase I trials in 2014. The company recently announced that they are filing a FDA Orphan Drug status for their drug for the indication of preeclampsia.

In this interview Pluristem’s Dr. Karine Kleinhause sheds some light on the topic and Pluristem’s role in the potential treatment of preeclampsia. Dr. Karine Kleinhaus, M.D., MPH, is the Divisional Vice President, North America at Pluristem Therapeutics. Prior to r joining Pluristem Therapeutics, she was an assistant professor in the departments of psychiatry and obstetrics and gynecology at the NYU School of Medicine. At NYU, Dr. Kleinhaus conducted medical research funded under a multi-year NIH grant. She has published more than 25 papers in leading peer-reviewed journals such as the Annals of the New York Academy of Science, American Journal of Medical Genetics, and American Journal of Epidemiology. Prior to that Dr. Kleinhaus practiced obstetrics and completed two fellowships at Columbia University.

Dr. Kleinhaus received her medical degree from Tel Aviv University, earned a Master of Public Health from Columbia’s Mailman School of Public Health, and a bachelor’s degree, cum laude, from Princeton University.

To read the full article entitled “How Can Large Food Manufacturers Fuel Clean Energy?” please visit the following link: http://www.foodmanufacturing.com/articles/2014/04/how-can-large-food-manufacturers-fuel-clean-energy