Stockwinners Market Radar for September 23, 2019 - Earnings, Upgrades downgrades, option trades, Best Stock Advisory Service

20:23 EDT SPDR Gold Shares holdings rise to 908.52MT from 894.15MT - This is the second consecutive increase and the highest level of holdings since November of 2016.

18:57 EDT Nutanix CEO: We are known for our reliability - In an interview on CNBC's Mad Money, Nutanix CEO Dheeraj Pandey said: We stand for reliability above all else... Our customers are looking for bite-sized infrastructure... We've had to put in two new business model changes in the last ten years... 71% of our business is now subscription.

18:31 EDT UBS, Banco do Brasil sign MoU to launch investment bank in South America - UBS (UBS) and Banco do Brasil (BDORY) have entered a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding, with the intent of establishing a strategic partnership that would provide investment banking services and institutional securities brokerage in Brazil and in select countries in South America. If a partnership agreement is executed, the intention of both UBS and Banco do Brasil is to jointly provide investment banking services in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay through the partnership, which will have access to Banco do Brasil's corporate clients and UBS's global execution and distribution capabilities. Both UBS and Banco do Brasil believe that the formation of a strategic, long-term partnership would create a leading investment bank platform in the region with global coverage by building on the complementary strengths of UBS and Banco do Brasil. The partnership is expected to provide its clients with comprehensive solutions and would provide additional benefits for its stakeholders. It is envisaged that UBS would be the majority shareholder with 50.01% of the partnership, which would be established by the contribution of assets by both parties in accordance with the definitive terms and conditions of the partnership agreement, which is still under negotiation. The effective implementation of the partnership is subject to the successful conclusion of the negotiations between the parties, on the execution of any binding transaction documents, as well as the relevant internal and external approvals.

18:22 EDT Canopy Growth CEO: We are seeing great candidates coming forward for the CEO job - In an interview on CNBC's Mad Money Canopy Growth CEO Mark Zekulin said: We are a big company, it's not just about one person... The CEO is just one piece of the puzzle... We are seeing great candidates coming forward for the CEO job... There are a lot of unknowns when it comes to vaping in the U.S. due to regulations... In Canada, any vaping product will be regulated and there is safety in that.

17:49 EDT General Electric awarded $219.41M Navy contract modification - General Electric has been awarded a $219.41M modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract to procure 48 F414-GE-400 install engines and engine devices for Lot 23 F/A-18E/F aircraft. Work is expected to be completed in August 2021. FY19 aircraft procurement funds in the amount $219.41M will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command is the contracting activity.

17:42 EDT Boeing awarded $227M Navy order for main, nose landing gear assemblies - Boeing has been awarded $227M for a ceiling-priced delivery order under a previously awarded basic ordering agreement for the procurement of main and nose landing gear assemblies in support of the F/A-18E/F and EA-18G aircraft. The period of performance for this delivery order begins October and will be completed by March 2023 with no option periods. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Missouri. Annual working capital funds in the amount of $111.23M will be will be obligated at the time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One company was solicited for this sole sourced requirement under authority 10 U.S. Code 2304, with one offer received. Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon is the contracting activity.

17:33 EDT SCW Capital reports 5.1% passive stake in Verso - In a regulatory filing, SCW Capital disclosed a 5.1% stake in Verso, which represents over 1.78M shares. The filing does not allow for activism.

17:31 EDT InterGroup board authorizes buyback of additional 120K shares of stock - InterGroup announced that its board has authorized the company to purchase up to an additional 120,000 shares of the company's common stock under its existing stock repurchase program, reflecting the board's "confidence in management and the company's business, as well as belief that the company's shares are undervalued." That action increased the total remaining number of shares authorized for repurchase to approximately 121,000 shares.

17:28 EDT Biotechnology Value Fund reports 6.6% passive stake in SpringsWorks - In a regulatory filing, Biotechnology Value Fund disclosed a 6.6% stake in SpringsWorks, which represents 2.84M shares. The filing does not allow for activism.

17:26 EDT FactSet Chairman Philip Hadley sells over $21M in company shares - FactSet Chairman Philip Hadley disclosed in a filing that he had sold 75,000 shares of company stock at an average price of $282.86 per share on September 19.The total transaction value of the sale was $21,214,500.

17:19 EDT Jagged Peak Energy to replace Northstar Realty Europe in S&P 600 at open on 9/30 - AXA Investment managers is acquiring NorthStar Realty Europe in a transaction expected to be completed soon pending final conditions.

17:15 EDT Scientific Games Chairman Ronald Perelman buys almost $2.3M in company shares - Scientific Games Chairman Ronald Perelman disclosed in a filing that he had purchased 100,000 shares of company stock at an average price of $22.98 per share on September 20. The total transaction value of the purchase was $$2,298,000.

17:05 EDT Red Lion Hotels enters non-binding $23M sale agreement for Anaheim hotel - RLH Corporation announced that it has entered into non-binding sale agreement for its Red Lion Hotel Anaheim for $23M in gross proceeds. The transaction is expected to close by year-end. The sale is part of the Company's ongoing hotel asset disposition program. Red Lion Hotel Anaheim is wholly owned by the company and is not encumbered by a mortgage. Net proceeds, after broker fees and customary closing costs, will be used to repay corporate level debt and fund franchise growth opportunities. A transitionary franchise agreement is being negotiated for the hotel.

17:01 EDT Vitamin Shoppe ends discussions with unidentified 'Go-Shop' bidder - As previously disclosed on September 9, Vitamin Shoppe (VSI) received an acquisition proposal to acquire the company from a third party during the "go-shop" period contemplated by the terms of the previously announced merger agreement by and among the Company, Franchise Group, formerly known as Liberty Tax (TAXA),and Valor Acquisition. On September 23, in light of the failure of the Bidder to obtain committed financing, the company determined to cease negotiations with the Bidder as of such date. Neither the Board of Directors of the Company nor the Special Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company has changed its recommendation in favor of the Company's pending merger with Franchise Group and each expressly reaffirms its recommendation in favor of the pending merger with Franchise Group.

16:47 EDT Titan Medical Inc trading halted, news dissemination

16:34 EDT Banc of California in MOU to settle shareholder suit - On September 16, Banc of California entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the lead plaintiff to settle class action lawsuits that were previously consolidated in the United District Court for the Central District of California under the caption In re Banc of California Securities Litigation, Case No. SACV 17-00118 AG, consolidated with SACV 17-00138 AG. Under the terms of the MOU, the Company's insurance carriers would pay $19.75M, which would be distributed to shareholders who purchased Company stock between April 15, 2016 and January 20, 2017, after payment of attorney's fees and costs, to be determined by the Court. The Company would not be required to contribute any cash to the settlement payments. Pursuant to the settlement, the action against the Company would be dismissed with prejudice. Plaintiff would also dismiss its claims against the Company's former Chief Executive Officer and Chairman Steven Sugarman. While the Company does not believe the plaintiff's claims are meritorious, the Company believes that ending the costs and distraction of the litigation is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. The settlement and the dismissals are subject to approval by the Court and meeting certain conditions, and there are no assurances that Court approval will be obtained or that those conditions will be satisfied. If the Court preliminarily approves the settlement, members of the class will be provided notice and an opportunity to object or opt out. Following the notice and opportunity for objections and opt outs, the Court will schedule a fairness hearing at which the Court will determine whether the settlement shall be finally approved.

16:32 EDT Quorum Health, Community Health Systems agree to terminate SSC TSA - Quorum Health and Community Health Systems announced that they have reached an agreement to terminate the companies' Shared Service Centers Transition Services Agreement that includes business office services. The SSC TSA has been in place since Quorum Health's spin-off in 2016. The companies have agreed to terminate the agreement by October 1.

16:26 EDT Matador announces approval of six BLM permits, initiates drilling in New Mexico - Matador announced the successful approval and receipt of six drilling permits in its western Antelope Ridge asset area from the Bureau of Land Management, or BLM. The company had anticipated receipt of these permits late in Q3 or early Q4. Matador also announced that it has initiated drilling operations on these wells, which Matador will refer to as the "Rodney Robinson" wells. The 1,200 gross and net acre Rodney Robinson tract is one of the key tracts Matador acquired in the BLM New Mexico Oil and Gas lease sale in September 2018. Matador anticipates drilling these first six wells, all two-mile laterals, from two separate three-well pads. These wells are currently scheduled to be completed and turned to sales late in Q1 of 2020. Pending approval and receipt of additional drilling permits from the BLM, Matador also believes it is on track to begin operations in early 2020 on its Stateline asset area, including 2,800 gross and net acres acquired as part of the BLM acquisition, in which case Matador intends to move two of its operated drilling rigs to the Stateline asset area to initiate a multi-year drilling program there. Matador currently plans to develop this acreage block drilling two-mile laterals on the eastern side of the leasehold and approximately 2.5-mile laterals on the western side of the leasehold. Matador initially expects to drill four wells on each of the eastern and western tracts from two separate four-well pads. These eight wells are expected to be completed and turned to sales during Q3 of 2020 in conjunction with the expected completion of the expansion of a cryogenic natural gas processing plant in Eddy County, New Mexico by San Mateo Midstream, the company's 51%-owned midstream joint venture.

16:22 EDT Lockheed Martin finalizes NASA contract for up to 12 Orion spacecraft missions - NASA and Lockheed Martin have finalized a contract for the production and operations of six Orion spacecraft missions and the ability to order up to 12 in total. Lockheed Martin has been the prime contractor during the development phase of the Orion program. The agency's Orion Production and Operations Contract is an indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contact for NASA to issue both cost-plus-incentive fee and firm-fixed-price orders. Initially, NASA has ordered three Orion spacecraft for Artemis missions III-V for $2.7B. Then in fiscal year 2022, the agency plans to order three additional Orion spacecraft for Artemis missions VI-VIII for $1.9B. Up to six additional Orion spacecraft may be ordered under the IDIQ contract through Sept. 30, 2030, leveraging spacecraft production cost data from the previous six missions to enable the lowest possible unit prices.

16:18 EDT Matador receives six BLM permits in Western Antelope Ridge Asset area - Matador Resources Company announced the successful approval and receipt of six drilling permits in its western Antelope Ridge asset area from the Bureau of Land Management. The company had anticipated receipt of these permits late in the third quarter or early in the fourth quarter of 2019. Matador is also pleased to announce that it has initiated drilling operations on these wells, which Matador will refer to as the "Rodney Robinson" wells. The 1,200 gross and net acre Rodney Robinson tract is one of the key tracts Matador acquired in the BLM New Mexico Oil and Gas Lease Sale in September 2018. Matador anticipates drilling these first six wells, all two-mile laterals, from two separate three-well pads. These wells are currently scheduled to be completed and turned to sales late in the first quarter of 2020. Pending approval and receipt of additional drilling permits from the BLM, Matador also believes it is on track to begin operations in early 2020 on its Stateline asset area, including 2,800 gross and net acres acquired as part of the BLM Acquisition, in which case Matador intends to move two of its operated drilling rigs to the Stateline asset area to initiate a multi-year drilling program there. Matador currently plans to develop this acreage block drilling two-mile laterals on the eastern side of the leasehold and approximately 2.5-mile laterals on the western side of the leasehold. Matador initially expects to drill four wells on each of the eastern and western tracts from two separate four-well pads. These eight wells are expected to be completed and turned to sales during the third quarter of 2020 in conjunction with the expected completion of the expansion of a cryogenic natural gas processing plant in Eddy County, New Mexico by San Mateo Midstream, the company's 51%-owned midstream joint venture.

16:17 EDT Condor Hospitality shareholders approve acquisition by NHT Operating Partnership - NexPoint Hospitality Trust announced that the shareholders of Condor Hospitality Trust approved the proposed acquisition by merger of Condor by NHT Operating Partnership, LLC, the operating partnership of NHT. The Merger is currently expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2019, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Pursuant to the Merger, NHT will acquire 15 select-service and extended stay hospitality properties. The transaction is expected to increase NHT's gross asset value to approximately $700M. Additionally, the Merger provides other benefits such as scale, geographic diversification, brand diversification, more exposure to extended stay assets with higher occupancy and more stable cash flows, and a newer portfolio with upside revenue growth potential.

16:16 EDT Installed Building Products acquires Northeast Spray, Minnesota Spray-Foam - Installed Building Products, Inc. announced the acquisitions of Northeast Spray Insulation and Minnesota Spray-Foam Insulation. Northeast provides spray foam, fiberglass, and cellulose insulation installation services, as well as thermal barrier services for residential single- and multi-family customers throughout Maine and New Hampshire. Founded in 2001, Northeast has annual revenue of approximately $3.6M. MSI provides spray foam, fiberglass, and cellulose insulation installation services to residential customers throughout Minnesota. Founded in 2001, MSI has annual revenue of approximately $1.6M.

16:14 EDT FlexShopper names Richard House Jr as new CEO - FlexShopper announced the appointment of Richard House Jr. as CEO, effective October 7, 2019. Current CEO and company founder Brad Bernstein will assume the position of President, where he will focus on product development, new customer initiatives and other operational areas.

16:10 EDT Proteon Therapeutics trading halted, news pending

16:02 EDT Delta anticipates free Wi-Fi to be available 'sometime this year' - In response to a user's questions, Delta Air Lines said via Twitter that, "Hello. We do not have a firm timeline on when free Wi-Fi will launch systemwide but we anticipate it will be sometime this year. Free Wi-Fi is part of the investment Delta has made in recent years so that our customer's travel is an experience to look forward to! TAA" Reference Link

15:35 EDT Cellcom Israel trading resumes

15:00 EDT American Express raises dividend 10% to 43c per share

14:58 EDT Catalyst says not aware of any information to account for decline in stock - Catalyst Pharmaceuticals issued the following comment on today's trading activity in its common stock and on the current state of its capital resources: "The company is reporting that it is not aware of any information about the company's activities that has not been reported that would give rise to today's decline in the market price of the company's common stock. For the first six months of 2019, the company reported net product revenue of $41.3M and net income of $10.3M, or 10c per basic and diluted share. The company also reported that at June 30, 2019, it had $64.9M of cash and investments and working capital of $57.9M, and that the company had positive cash flow in the first six months of 2019. Further, the company reported in its SEC filings for the 2019 second quarter that it had sufficient resources for its current activities for at least the next 12 months from the date of such report, and this statement remains true today. When the company announced its previously withdrawn public offering, it reported that it would use the proceeds of the offering for business expansion and for future acquisitions or in-licensing of additional product candidates or businesses. While no such opportunities had been identified to date, the company believed that having available working capital on its balance sheet would allow the company to more quickly take advantage of future opportunities if they became available. The company believes that its stock remains undervalued and does not believe that raising additional capital in the public market through sales of equity in the foreseeable future would be in the best interest of the company and its stockholders. Further, although there can be no assurance, the company believes that if an acquisition or in-licensing opportunity were to be identified, the company expects that it would also be able to raise the required funds for these purposes using non-dilutive debt financing sources."

14:51 EDT Oxford Immunotec up 6% after Reuters says company exploring sale

14:35 EDT Northrop Grumman reports CAL FIRE contract for remote sensing proof of concept - Northrop Grumman announced it has received a contract award from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or CAL FIRE, for a proof of concept demonstration referred to as FireWatch. This contract will allow Northrop Grumman's Computer-Aided Dispatch system, installed at CAL FIRE, to receive fire detection and location information from fused remote sensing data, "enabling early detection so that first responders can take quicker action against fires as they emerge," the company said.

14:15 EDT Apple says redesigned Mac Pro to be made in Austin, Texas - Apple confirmed that its newly redesigned Mac Pro will be manufactured in Austin, Texas. This latest generation Mac Pro, which was unveiled at Apple's annual Worldwide Developer Conference in June, will begin production soon at the same Austin facility where Mac Pro has been made since 2013. The new Mac Pro will include components designed, developed and manufactured by more than a dozen American companies for distribution to US customers. Manufacturers and suppliers across Arizona, Maine, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas and Vermont, including Intersil and ON Semiconductor, are providing advanced technology. The U.S. manufacturing of Mac Pro is made possible following a federal product exclusion Apple is receiving for certain necessary components, the company said. "The Mac Pro is Apple's most powerful computer ever and we're proud to be building it in Austin. We thank the administration for their support enabling this opportunity," said Tim Cook, Apple's CEO. "We believe deeply in the power of American innovation. That's why every Apple product is designed and engineered in the US, and made up of parts from 36 states, supporting 450,000 jobs with US suppliers, and we're going to continue growing here."

13:59 EDT Cummins pilots new project to evaluate on-demand transit solution - Cummins announced a four-month pilot project in Indiana to evaluate an on-demand transit solution, in partnership with Purdue University and Energy Systems Network. The pilot begins September 30. The collaborative experiment, called Leaper X, includes a web-based mobile application powered by Cummins, and a small trial fleet of designated campus shuttles in addition to Purdue's traditional campus buses. Using the app, individuals can self-select how, when, and where they use Purdue's campus transportation services. Cummins, Purdue and ESN believe this solution can improve mobility for students, faculty and staff. "Cummins is using IoT (and advanced analytics to transform experiences and deliver the right solutions at the right time for our customers," said Tom Linebarger, chairman and CEO at Cummins.

13:46 EDT Atlantic Power says Cadillac biomass plant offline following fire - Atlantic Power disclosed that its Cadillac biomass plant, located in Cadillac, Michigan, is currently offline following a fire at the plant on September 22. "The plant's sprinkler system activated and the fire was extinguished by the local fire department. The fire did not result in any injuries or known environmental violations. The cause of the fire, extent of the damage, and time required to repair the facility are unknown at this time. The Company is assessing the extent of the damage to the facility and will be reviewing the incident with its insurance carriers," the company said, adding that it expects to provide a further update with its third quarter 2019 financial results when it has determined the extent of the damage, the schedule for the plant's expected return to service and the financial impact. The company noted that Cadillac contributed $3.4M to Project Adjusted EBITDA in the first six months of 2019, or 3% of total Project Adjusted EBITDA.

12:45 EDT Trio Tech International trading resumes

12:26 EDT Trio Tech International trading halted, news pending

12:01 EDT Amazon plans for new fulfillment centre in Scarborough, Toronto - Amazon announced plans for a new fulfillment centre in Scarborough, in the City of Toronto. The 1-million square foot facility will create more than 600 full-time jobs with comprehensive benefits. This will be Amazon's twelfth fulfillment centre in Canada, and seventh in Ontario, alongside existing Ontario operations facilities in Brampton, Mississauga, Milton, Caledon and Ottawa. Amazon currently employs more than 4,000 full-time associates in Ontario, and an additional 1,000 employees at its two Toronto tech hub locations. Associates at this robotics facility will pick, pack, and ship small items to customers ranging from toys and baby products to small electronics.

12:00 EDT DRDGold rises 9.7% - DRDGold is up 9.7%, or 43c to $4.86.

11:30 EDT Deutsche Bank, BNP Paribas reach agreement regarding prime finance - Following on from their preliminary agreement, BNP Paribas (BNPQY) and Deutsche Bank (DB) have signed a master transaction agreement to provide continuity of service to Deutsche Bank's Global Prime Finance and Electronic Equities clients. Under the agreement Deutsche Bank will continue to operate the platform until clients can be migrated to BNP Paribas. Both firms will work closely together to ensure a seamless transition for clients, through the migration of technology and key staff from Deutsche Bank to BNP Paribas. This binding agreement remains subject to regulatory approvals of the relevant authorities.

10:37 EDT AK Steel says UAW members ratify labor agreement for Coshocton Works - AK Steel said that members of the United Auto Workers, Local 3462, have ratified a new 46 month labor agreement covering about 300 hourly production and maintenance employees at the company's Coshocton Works. AK Steel said that UAW officials notified the company that the new contract was ratified in voting held on September 20, 2019 in Coshocton. The agreement will be in effect until July 31, 2023. AK Steel's Coshocton Works manages a variety of stainless steel finishing operations.

10:24 EDT SEC settles fraud charges against Nissan and former CEO Carlos Ghosn - The Securities and Exchange Commission filed settled fraud charges against Nissan, its former CEO Carlos Ghosn, and its former director Greg Kelly related to false financial disclosures that omitted more than $140M to be paid to Ghosn in retirement. According to the SEC's orders and complaint, beginning in 2004 Nissan's board delegated to Ghosn the authority to set individual director and executive compensation levels, including his own. From 2009 until his arrest in Tokyo in November 2018, Ghosn, with substantial assistance from Kelly and subordinates at Nissan, engaged in a scheme to conceal more than $90M of compensation from public disclosure, while also taking steps to increase Ghosn's retirement allowance by more than $50M. In an administrative proceeding, the Commission charged Nissan with violating the anti-fraud provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Nissan settled the charges, agreeing to pay a $15M civil penalty and to cease and desist from committing or causing violations of the anti-fraud provisions. The SEC's complaint filed in district court charges Ghosn with violating anti-fraud provisions of the securities laws and Kelly with aiding and abetting Ghosn's and Nissan's violations. To settle the charges, Ghosn and Kelly agreed to be permanently enjoined from violating or aiding and abetting violations of the anti-fraud provisions. Ghosn also agreed to a $1M civil penalty and a 10-year officer and director bar. Kelly agreed to a $100,000 penalty, a five-year officer and director bar and a five-year suspension from practicing or appearing before the Commission as an attorney. Nissan, Ghosn, and Kelly settled without admitting or denying the SEC's allegations and findings.

10:11 EDT Take-Two says Borderlands 3 sold-in more than 5M units within first five days - Take-Two Interactive's 2K announced earlier that Borderlands 3 has achieved "multiple record-setting milestones for both the series and label following its worldwide release on Friday, September 13." The company stated: "Within its first five days of launch, 50% more consumers purchased Borderlands 3 versus sales of its predecessor - Borderlands 2 - making the title the fastest-selling in 2K's history, as well as the highest-selling title for the label on PC in a five-day window. In addition, Borderlands 3 has sold-in more than 5 million units in its first five days, leading the Borderlands franchise to generate more than $1B in Net Bookings and becoming the second franchise in 2K history to achieve this milestone. Borderlands 3 marks 2K's highest percentage of digital sales for a cross-platform, cross-distribution title, with more than 70% of consumers purchasing the game digitally in its first five days of release. In addition, Borderlands 3 delivered the highest pre-order sales figures to date for a 2K title, as well as broke pre-order records with the Epic Games Store. Initial sales of Borderlands 3 have exceeded the label's expectations and, in particular, PC sales of the title through the Epic Games Store have been incredibly strong."

10:04 EDT Wyndham Destinations, Caesars extend marketing partnership to 2030 - Wyndham Destinations (WYND) and Caesars Entertainment Corporation (CZR) announced the extension of their marketing partnership. The companies are building on their 20-year history by extending the relationship to 2030. In the agreement, Wyndham Destinations can market vacation ownership to Caesars customers in its resorts and casinos and through its large customer database. Wyndham Destinations will also purchase room nights and other products from Caesars to provide its customers with travel and entertainment options. Wyndham Destinations is investing in new on-site marketing locations at several Caesars resort properties in Las Vegas, with physical and digital enhancements making it easier for customers to learn about vacation ownership.

10:00 EDT Cantel Medical falls -6.4% - Cantel Medical is down -6.4%, or -$5.47 to $79.55.

10:00 EDT Eros International rises 6.4% - Eros International is up 6.4%, or 19c to $3.18.

10:00 EDT Suzano rises 102.8% - Suzano is up 102.8%, or $7.81 to $15.41.

09:32 EDT Genesis Energy announces expansion of existing sodium services operations - Genesis Energy announced the company plans to invest approximately $300M to expand its existing Granger production facility to increase soda ash production by approximately 750k tons per year. "We have a long history of innovation and investment in natural soda ash production in Wyoming. This next phase of our growth will result in Granger joining our Westvaco operation as a world-class soda ash production facility," said Grant Sims, Chairman and CEO of Genesis. The expansion of the Granger facilities will utilize Genesis' patented solution feed process technology that has been in utilized at its Westvaco facility since 1995. Following the expansion, we expect the Granger facilities will be one of the lowest cost soda ash production facilities in the world. The increased production will serve growing global soda ash demand and provide supply security to strategic customers. The construction of the expansion is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2019. The increased production is anticipated to be available for sale in the second quarter of 2022. During the construction of the expansion, the Granger facility will continue to produce soda ash at current rates. In conjunction with the expansion, Genesis has entered into agreements with funds affiliated with GSO Capital Partners LP for the purchase of up to $350M of preferred interests in an unrestricted subsidiary of Genesis holding Genesis' alkali business. Proceeds will fund up to 100% of the anticipated cost of the Granger expansion. Preferred holders will receive payment-in-kind in lieu of cash distributions during the anticipated construction period. $55M of preferred interests will be funded at closing.

09:25 EDT First Quantum granted right to enter option agreement on Dragonslayer project - Millrock Resources reports it has signed a binding letter agreement whereby First Quantum Minerals has been granted the exclusive right to enter an option agreement on Millrock's Dragonslayer porphyry copper-gold project in eastern Alaska. To earn the right FQML is funding geochemical surveys, mapping, and prospecting to a value of US$100,000. Results are anticipated in October. The work is focused on a geophysical anomaly located in a belt of Cretaceous-aged rocks that have demonstrated potential for copper porphyry deposits. The geophysical anomaly consists of a conductive zone surrounding a magnetic high in a low-lying area with little outcrop exposure. The target was detected using an airborne ZTEM and magnetic susceptibility survey. Upon receipt of the current exploration survey results, FQML will have until December 31, 2019 to exercise its exclusive right to enter an option to joint venture agreement with the following business terms: To exercise the first option to earn a 51% interest, FQML must make exploration expenditures and cash payments. After the initial earn-in, FQML can increase its interest to 70% by defining a NI 43-101 compliant Inferred Resource of at least 1 million tonnes of contained copper equivalent and filing a qualifying report on SEDAR documenting that Resource, provided it continues to sole-finance the project until a Resource has been filed on SEDAR. After vesting with a 70% interest, FQML may elect to exercise a third option to earn another 10% interest in the project, bringing their total interest to 80%. To complete the third option, FQML will sole-fund the project through permitting and construction until commercial production is achieved, including funding Millrock's proportionate share of funding on behalf of Millrock. All funding advanced by FQML on behalf of Millrock's proportionate share of funding will be repayable by Millrock from proceeds from production. If FQML does not exercise the third earn-in, then Millrock must co-contribute its proportional share of expenditures to maintain its 30% interest in the Property.

09:20 EDT HCA Healthcare CHRO John Steele to retire, Jennifer Berres to succeed - HCA Healthcare announced the appointment of Jennifer Berres as senior VP and chief human resource officer, or CHRO, effective November 1. She will be replacing John Steele, who will retire early next year. Berres has spent her career within the HCA Healthcare family starting with Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point in 1993. Currently as vice president, human resources business partners and HR strategy where she leads a team of more than 600 human resource employees across multiple lines of business. John Steele is retiring after 25 years with HCA Healthcare. Over the years, he held numerous leadership roles and led transformational human resource strategies on behalf of the company.

09:18 EDT HP Inc. partners with WWF on forest protection, restoration, management - HP announced its next steps in creating a forest positive future for printing with longstanding partner and conservation leader World Wildlife Fund. Partnering with WWF, HP is committing to the restoration, protection and conservation of 200,000 acres of forest, an area equal to the size of New York City. As part of the 5-year agreement, HP will also support WWF's efforts in developing science-based targets for forests, estimating carbon and nature co-benefits of forest restoration and improved forest management. The new initiative, led by WWF, begins this November. The two major forest restoration and management projects mark the first within HP's Sustainable Forests Cooperative. By collaborating with WWF, the company is investing in the conservation of the world's forests and taking meaningful action towards its vision for sustainable printing.

09:16 EDT BNP Paribas becomes founding signatory of Principles for Responsible Banking - BNP Paribas became one of the Founding Signatories of the Principles for Responsible Banking, committing to strategically align its business with the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. By signing the Principles for Responsible Banking, BNP Paribas joins a coalition of 130 banks worldwide, representing over $47T in assets, in committing to taking on a crucial role in helping to achieve a sustainable future. Taking place at the start of the United Nations General Assembly, the official launch of the Principles for Responsible Banking marked the beginning of the most significant partnership to date between the global banking industry and the United Nations. As expressed in the Principles for Responsible Banking, BNP Paribas believes that "only in an inclusive society founded on human dignity, equality and the sustainable use of natural resources can our clients, customers and businesses thrive." By signing up to the Principles, BNP Paribas commits to "using our products, services and relationships to support and accelerate the fundamental changes in our economies and lifestyles necessary to achieve shared prosperity for both current and future generations." BNP Paribas also officially joined UNEP FI's Collective Commitment to Climate Action today, which defines concrete and time-bound actions the Bank will take to scale up its contribution to and further align its lending with the objectives of the Paris Agreement on Climate. In accordance with the Paris Agreement, BNP Paribas commits to align its portfolios to reflect and finance the low-carbon, climate-resilient economy required to limit global warming to well-below 2, striving for 1.5 degrees Celsius. BNP Paribas puts its commitments under the Principles for Responsible Banking into practice and builds on the pioneering Katowice Commitment, mobilizing products, services and relationships to help facilitate the economic transition necessary to achieve climate neutrality.

09:15 EDT TravelCenters signs franchise agreement with Biggs Petroleum - TravelCenters has signed a franchise agreement with Biggs Petroleum to add a new TA Express in Rufus, Oregon. A newly-constructed building will sit on a five-acre site located on Interstate 84, Exit 104, at 91464 Biggs Rufus Highway. An opening date is planned for late 2019.

09:14 EDT Puyi appoints Yong Ren as CEO - Puyi announced the appointment of Yong Ren as its new CEO to succeed Haifeng Yu, the Company's current CEO, with immediately effect. Haifeng Yu, being the founder and largest shareholder of Puyi, will work with Yong Ren to ensure a successful transition. Haifeng Yu will remain chairman of the board after the change.

09:13 EDT Acadia announces results from Phase 2 pimavanserin study - Acadia announced results from an 8-week, open-label, single-arm Phase 2 study evaluating an investigational use and safety of pimavanserin as a monotherapy or adjunct to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI. or selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, or SNRI, therapy for Parkinson's disease, or PD, patients with depressive symptoms. These results were presented during a poster session at the International Congress of Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders. Data reported in the study showed that PD patients treated with pimavanserin for depressive symptoms had significant improvement on the primary endpoint, the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, or HAMD-17, total score from the change in baseline to week 8, with improvement seen as early as week 2. Improvement of 50% on the HAMD-17 total score was observed in 60% of patients at week 8, with 44.4% of patients reaching remission. Additional results from this study showed that PD patients treated with pimavanserin for depression also demonstrated improvement on multiple secondary endpoints compared to baseline, including the Clinical Global Impression-Severity scale, Clinical Global Impression-Improvement scores, SCOPA-night-time sleep and SCOPA-day-time sleep scales showed significant improvements in all three measures by week 4 that were maintained through week 8, in addition to SCOPA-Global Sleep Quality scale, which improved significantly. In the study, pimavanserin was well tolerated and treatment emergent adverse events, or TEAE reported were consistent with other studies of patients treated with pimavanserin.

09:11 EDT Medtronic announces FDA approval of Evolut PRO+ TAVR System - Medtronic announced U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval and U.S. launch of the Evolut PRO+ TAVR System - a new-generation Medtronic TAVR system that builds off the proven self-expanding, supra-annular Evolut TAVR platform. The Evolut PRO+ TAVR System includes four valve sizes with an external pericardial tissue wrap that provides advanced sealing for the largest indicated patient treatment range and the lowest delivery profile currently on the market. The launch comes on the heels of the FDA's recent indication expansion for the Evolut TAVR platform to treat patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis at a low risk of surgical mortality, the final surgical risk category to be approved for TAVR. The Evolut PRO+ TAVR System can treat the broadest annulus range and offers the lowest delivery profile on the market. It features four valve sizes - including the 34 mm- with an external tissue wrap and an integrated, inline sheath, allowing physicians to treat patients with a range of anatomical variations. Consistent with the Evolut platform design, the PRO+ valve is designed with a self-expanding nitinol frame that conforms to the native annulus with consistent radial force and advanced sealing. The valve incorporates an outer porcine pericardial tissue wrap that adds surface area contact and tissue interaction between the valve and the native aortic annulus to help potentially reduce incidences of paravalvular leaks.

09:08 EDT Altair appoints Andrea Siudara as CIO - Altair (ALTR) announced that Andrea Siudara has joined as chief information officer. Siudara will lead Altair's global information technology team, overseeing Altair's IT systems, enterprise business systems and IT business strategy globally. Additionally, she will support strategic company initiatives as a member of the Altair executive leadership team. Most recently she was global director, sales and marketing IT for Ford Motor Company (F). Siudara succeeds Martin Nichols, who has been named chief purchasing officer and will be responsible for global purchasing, budget tracking and facilities management.

09:05 EDT Honeywell, KE2 Therm Solutions announce agreeement - Honeywell announced it will have selling rights to KE2 Therm Solutions, including industry-leading smart controllers for the refrigeration industry, in the grocery vertical. The combined expertise of Honeywell and KE2 Therm will help grocers, convenience stores and restaurants lower energy costs, reduce spoilage and meet regulatory guidelines. With the agreement, KE2 Therm will also sell Honeywell Multisite technologies including its Novar building controls systems, E-MON electrical meters, and Manning refrigerant leak detection sensors.

09:03 EDT Sodexo confirms 34% carbon emissions reduction target by 2025 - Sodexo confirmed its objective to reduce its carbon emissions by 34% by 2025 with approval from the Science Based Targets initiative, joining the global movement of leading companies aligning their businesses with the most ambitious aim of the Paris Agreement, to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees C above pre-industrial levels. The targets have been reviewed and approved by the Science Based Targets initiative, a collaboration between CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute and the World Wide Fund for Nature. The initiative helps companies determine a pathway for reducing their emissions in line with the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit warming to 1.5 degrees C.

08:59 EDT Fly Intel: Pre-market Movers - HIGHER: Plus Therapeutics (PSTV), up 83% after announcing that it received notice from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority that, based on retrospective changes in indirect cost rates, BARDA has agreed to pay the company approximately $4.6M to reimburse the company for work performed during FY12 through FY19... Tellurian (TELL), up 4% after announcing with Petronet LNG that the two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding, wherein Petronet and its affiliates intend to negotiate the purchase of up to 5M tonnes per annum of liquefied natural gas from Driftwood, concurrent with its equity investment, which remains subject to further due diligence and approval of its board of directors... Arcadia Biosciences (RKDA), up 4% after announcing the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has awarded the company a patent for reduced gluten grains... Mallinckrodt (MNK), up 16% after announcing top-line results from its pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial of its investigational StrataGraft regenerative tissue. The study, which met both primary endpoints, evaluated the efficacy and safety of a single application of StrataGraft in the treatment of deep partial-thickness thermal burns... Chewy (CHWY), up 2% after Nomura Instinet analyst Mark Kelley upgraded the stock to Buy from Neutral and raised his price target for the shares to $36 from $32. LOWER: Autoliv (ALV), down 5% after announcing that Christian Hanke notified the company of his intent to resign as the interim CFO and VP corporate control to pursue another opportunity outside of the company... Cleveland-Cliffs (CLF), down 4% after JPMorgan analyst Michael Gambardella downgraded shares to Neutral from Overweight and lowered his price target for the shares to $8 from $14... U.S. Steel (X), down 3% after JPMorgan analyst Michael Gambardella downgraded the stock to Neutral from Overweight and lowered his price target for the shares to $14 from $26... AK Steel (AKS), down 5% after JPMorgan analyst Michael Gambardella double downgraded shares to Underweight from Overweight.

08:54 EDT Sabre signs long-term agreement with Magnum Travel Services - Sabre announced the signing of a long-term agreement with Magnum Travel Services, a travel management company fully owned by World Travel Services, one of the leading and most well-established travel companies in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Through the renewed partnership, Magnum will extend its use of Sabre's industry-leading technology and solutions to expand its footprint regionally and explore the online travel space.

08:48 EDT Abeona recieves clinical hold letter from FDA over Phase 3 trial for EB-101 - Abeona Therapeutics announced that it has recently received a clinical hold letter from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration clarifying that the FDA will not provide approval for the Company to begin its planned Phase 3 clinical trial for EB-101 until it submits to the FDA additional data points on transport stability of EB-101 to clinical sites. Over the last 12 months, the Company has worked closely with the FDA to address and narrow open Chemical, Manufacturing and Controls items and has been working to resolve this one item identified in the FDA Clinical Hold Letter. The Company continues to anticipate receiving CMC clearance for VIITAL trial in Q4 2019. "Initiating the VIITAL pivotal Phase 3 trial for EB-101 is the Company's top priority," said Joao Siffert, M.D., CRO of Abeona. "Efforts to gather supplemental data points on transport stability of EB-101 are ongoing and we are confident that the requested additional data will be submitted to the FDA promptly. Looking ahead, we believe that completion of our CMC work coupled with the durable safety and efficacy data, now out to five years in some patients, will ultimately be critical to support a future Biologics License Application. We remain deeply committed to advancing EB-101 to provide a desperately needed treatment for RDEB patients."

08:46 EDT Perspecta awarded $657M extension of NGEN contract with U.S. Dept. of Navy - Perspecta announced that it was awarded a $657M extension of its NGEN contract with the U.S. Department of the Navy for continued delivery IT services. The extension provides the continued delivery of IT services for an additional four months beyond the current NGEN extension, from June 1, 2020 to September 30, 2020, with three one-month options available.

08:44 EDT Netgear joins Open Security and Safety Alliance - NETGEAR announced that the company has joined the Open Security and Safety Alliance to align with leading camera and video management vendors and further develop innovative solutions for video surveillance and physical security products in general.

08:40 EDT MainStreet Bancshares announces $10M stock repurchase plan - Mainstreet Bancshares announced that the Board of Directors of the company authorized a common stock repurchase plan of up to $10M worth of shares of the company's outstanding common stock. The company currently anticipates the share repurchase program will extend over a two-year time frame, or earlier if the shares have been repurchased.

08:39 EDT Mustang Bio announces City of Hope opens Phase 1 trial of MB-105 - Mustang Bio announced that City of Hope has opened and is beginning to treat its first patients in a Phase 1 clinical trial of MB-105, a prostate stem cell antigen chimeric antigen receptor T technology, for the treatment of prostate cancer. MB-105 was developed in the laboratory of Saul Priceman, Ph.D., assistant professor in City of Hope's Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation and a scientist in the T Cell Therapeutics Research Laboratory led by Stephen Forman, M.D., leader of City of Hope's Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute and the Francis & Kathleen McNamara Distinguished Chair in Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation. The clinical trial is one of the first CAR T trials for prostate cancer in the nation and can enroll up to 33 patients. Its primary endpoints are to define the side effects and best dose of PSCA CAR T cells in treating patients with PSCA-positive castration-resistant prostate cancer that has metastasized to other areas in the body. Secondary endpoints include assessing the expansion and persistence of PSCA CAR T cells, the clinical response based on Prostate Cancer Working Group 3 criteria, survival outcomes and serum cytokine profiles in peripheral blood pre- and post-therapy, as well as describing the PSCA expression level on tumor cells prior to CAR T cell infusion and the relationship it may have with disease response and toxicities. The Prostate Cancer Foundation provided support for the preclinical research efforts that led to the trial's development, as well as support for the clinical trial. Research is also supported by a generous gift from Barbara and Zach Horowitz and Gary Marsh and Jody Horowitz Marsh.

08:37 EDT Amag Pharmaceuticals files definitive consent revocation statement - AMAG Pharmaceuticals announced that it filed a definitive consent revocation statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on September 20, 2019, and has sent a letter to AMAG shareholders. The letter contains AMAG's response to the consent solicitation made by Caligan Partners, including AMAG's thoughts on Caligan's director nominees and Caligan's views on the Company's business and strategy. AMAG urges shareholders to sign and return AMAG's GREEN Consent Revocation Card and disregard any white consent cards received from Caligan. The letter said, in part, "Just four months ago, AMAG held its 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, where AMAG shareholders overwhelmingly voted in support of AMAG's slate of experienced and accomplished directors by an average of more than 90% of the vote. Only a few weeks later, Caligan Partners LP, a new and inexperienced activist hedge fund, began to quickly accumulate shares in AMAG, and last month Caligan initiated what appears to be a rushed, aggressive and misleading scheme to seize near control of your AMAG Board. Now you are essentially being asked by Caligan -- as part of a rarely used corporate action called a consent solicitation -- to remove and replace four members of the recently-reelected Board as a precursor to risky and ill-informed changes that Caligan wants to make at AMAG. AMAG fears that the changes proposed by Caligan, a firm with zero pharmaceutical investment or operating experience, would be catastrophic to AMAG's ongoing strategic evolution which is focused on driving sustainable, long-term shareholder value by creating durable revenue streams through the development and commercialization of innovative therapies for patients in need. AMAG strongly urges you to reject Caligan's proposals and to discard any White Consent Cards you receive from them...The AMAG Board strongly objects to Caligan's gross misrepresentation of the Company and urges AMAG shareholders to reject its short-sighted attempt to destroy AMAG's progress. The reality is that shareholders already voted in favor of directors with support of its directors by an average of more than 90% of the vote just four months ago. Consistent with that vote, AMAG urges you to support your Company's Board by signing, dating and returning the enclosed GREEN Consent Revocation Card TODAY. If you receive a White Consent Card from Caligan, please disregard it."

08:34 EDT Points International extends relationship with AIR MILES Reward Program - Points has extended its existing relationship with the AIR MILES Reward Program to further leverage the Points Travel services. Through the expanded relationship, AIR MILES Collectors have the ability to use Miles when booking on over 330,000 hotels across the globe through Points' industry-leading white label hotel booking platform. Through a single integration with Points' Loyalty Commerce Platform, which powers the Points Travel services, AIR MILES is offering its Collectors a wider range of redemption opportunities with a world-class hotel supply. This program enhancement is following a successful partnership launch in 2016, which saw AIR MILES leverage Points' platform to offer its Collectors the ability to earn miles on hotel stays through Points Travel services.

08:32 EDT IMAC opens Ozzie Smith IMAC Regeneration Center - IMAC Holdings announced the official opening of its Ozzie Smith IMAC Regeneration Center, an expanded facility in Spingfield, Missouri, that offers the company's full suite of services including physical and occupational therapy, and the company's signature regenerative rehabilitation medical treatments delivered by licensed medical practitioners. The new, 7,500 sq. ft. Ozzie Smith IMAC Regeneration Center replaces the company's former 5,000 sq. ft. Advantage Therapy South Springfield location.

08:25 EDT Enphase Energy collaborates on solar project at Bamberger Ranch in Texas - Enphase Energy announced that the Company worked with IES Texas Solar and Mission Solar to donate a solar energy system to the Margaret Bamberger Research and Education Center at the Bamberger Ranch in Blanco County, Texas. The 17.5 kW system at the Bamberger Ranch consists of 50 Enphase microinverters and 50 Mission Solar MSE Mono 72 solar modules and is expected to offset the power needs of the recently completed Margaret Bamberger Research and Education Center. Designed and installed by IES Texas Solar, the donated system received a custom mounting system atop four repurposed satellite dish tripods already on the ranch property. The Enphase Enlighten(TM) cloud-based monitoring platform allows students and researchers who spend time at the Center to see the solar system's energy production and status on a display kiosk installed inside the building.

08:21 EDT Celsion says iDMC to meet in October to review Phase III OPTIMA study findings - The Company reports that the date for the independent data monitoring committee meeting to review the findings of the first pre-planned interim efficacy analysis of its Phase III OPTIMA Study has been scheduled for late October. Celsion plans to announce the interim results and recommendations from the iDMC as soon as possible thereafter.

08:18 EDT Varian: U.S. tariff exclusion request granted for radiotherapy components - Varian announced the United States Trade Representative has granted exclusion of components sourced from China for linear accelerators manufactured in the U.S from Section 301 tariffs. The exemption became effective on September 20. "We are thankful for the USTR and U.S. government's continued recognition of the positive impact of Varian treatment technology in the fight against cancer by granting a tariff exclusion to these components," said Dow Wilson, president and chief executive officer, Varian. "The supply of components without disruption plays an important role in our system manufacturing process so we can continue delivering cancer fighting technology and honor our commitment to creating a world without fear of cancer."

08:16 EDT Entera Bio reports results from a Phase 2 PK/PD study of oral PTH - Entera Bio announced the presentation of positive results from its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study in patients with hypoparathyroidism treated with its oral parathyroid hormone drug. The results were presented at the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida on September 22, 2019. The Phase 2 PK/PD Study was open-label, and employed a 2-period partial crossover design to evaluate the PK and PD profiles of two doses, 0.75 mg and 2.25 mg, and three regimens of Oral hPTH and included subcutaneous Natpar 100 microg once daily. The study was conducted in sixteen patients with hypoparathyroidism at the Hadassah Clinical Research Center in Jerusalem, Israel. Twelve patients were allocated to receive two treatments each and four patients were allocated to receive four treatments each. All patients continued to receive their usual therapy. Preliminary results from Part 1 of this study, were reported by Entera Bio in a press release in November 2018. The full study data analyses presented at the ASBMR meeting demonstrated a positive impact of Oral PTH on three metabolic parameters - serum calcium, phosphate, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D - in patients with hypoparathyroidism treated with oral hPTH 2.25 mg QID. There was also a decrease in 24-hour urine calcium. The conclusions of the poster presentation indicate that: Oral hPTH 2.25 mg QID for one day is associated with an increase in serum albumin-corrected calcium and 1,25 2D, a decrease in serum phosphate, and a decrease in urinary calcium in patients with hypoparathyroidism. The patients also received calcium supplements and either alfacalcidol or calcitriol. Oral PTH produced similar biological effects to Natpara 100 microg QD, the highest dose of hPTH currently indicated for use in patients with hypoparathyroidism, on serum calcium, phosphate and Vit D. Additionally, Oral hPTH effected a decrease in urinary calcium. These changes in serum PD parameters were sustained over the 24-hour period of observation from time zero. BID, TID and QID regimens showed a dose-dependent increase in 1,25 2D indicating that the long-term treatment, even with the less frequent regimens, may be an effective treatment option for those patients suffering from less severe hypoparathyroidism. Treatment with Oral hPTH dosed at multiple times during the day has the potential to reduce calciuria generally associated with maintenance of serum calcium within the normal range using calcium supplements and calcitriol analogs alone. There were no treatment-emergent adverse events of hypercalcemia, as well as no treatment-emergent Serious Adverse Events reported in the study.

08:12 EDT Wingstop to double presence in Mexico - Wingstop announced an agreement with the brand's largest partner, Wingstop Mexico, that expands the current development agreement and extends it to 2028 and includes the build-out of 80 additional restaurants, for a total of 200 in the country. The brand currently operates 86 restaurants in the country and plans to open 16 restaurants this year alone, with all territory committed under the current agreement. Wingstop is one of the top three restaurant brands in Mexico's casual dining segment as measured in number of locations.

08:11 EDT CareDx announces publication of iBox validation study - CareDx announces that the iBox validation study from the Paris Transplant Group has been published in the British Medical Journal. CareDx launched KidneyCare at the American Transplant Congress in June 2019. The BMJ study's aim was to validate the iBox integrative system to predict long-term allograft failure. The study assessed the performance of the iBox risk prediction score in 7,557 kidney transplant recipients with a median follow-up time of 7 years, across 10 academic medical centers from the United States and Europe. The iBox risk prediction score combines allograft function, histological and immunological parameters with HLA donor specific antibody profiling, to accurately predict the risk of long-term kidney allograft failure as well as to identify significant changes at the time of therapeutic interventions.

08:07 EDT VirTra awarded $5M Department of Homeland Security IDIQ contract - VirTra has received a new five-year, single awardee indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract from U.S. Department of Homeland Security for U.S. Customs and Border Protection with a potential value of up to $5M. In addition to receiving the IDIQ contract, VirTra has also received an initial delivery order under this contract from Customs and Border Protection for simulation training products and services valued at $799,000. VirTra anticipates recognizing revenues from this initial order within the next year.

08:05 EDT Actuant to change name to Enerpac Tool Group - Actuant announced the adoption of its new business name, Enerpac Tool Group. This new name signifies the company's progression toward becoming a pure play industrial tools and services company following the anticipated divestiture of the principal businesses of its engineered components and systems, or EC&S, segment in Q4. The company will begin trading under a new NYSE ticker symbol, (EPAC), on October 7. The company anticipates changing its legal corporate name, subject to the approval of its shareholders, following the company's next annual shareholders meeting to be held in January 2020.

08:04 EDT Covetrus appoints Dustin Finer as Chief People Officer - Covetrus (CVET) announced the appointment of Dustin Finer as Chief People Officer at Covetrus, reporting to president and CEO, Benjamin Shaw. In his role, Finer will lead all aspects of global human resources and, in strong partnership with Shaw, will serve as the principal strategic advisor on human capital initiatives at Covetrus. Finer joins Covetrus from TiVo (TIVO).

08:02 EDT Equinix names Justin Dustzadeh as Chief Technology Officer - Equinix (EQIX) announced the appointment of Justin Dustzadeh as Chief Technology Officer. Dustzadeh joins Equinix from Uber (UBER), where he was the Head of Global Network & Software Platform.

07:56 EDT Arotech trading halted, news pending

07:49 EDT Tellurian announces MOU with Petronet for up to 5M tonnes of LNG per year - Tellurian and Petronet LNG Limited INDIA announced over the weekend that the two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, or MOU, wherein Petronet and its affiliates intend to negotiate the purchase of up to five million tonnes per annum of liquefied natural gas from Driftwood, concurrent with its equity investment, which remains subject to further due diligence and approval of its board of directors. Tellurian and Petronet will endeavor to finalize the transaction agreements by March 31, 2020, the companies said. The Driftwood project includes natural gas production, gathering, processing, and transportation facilities, along with Driftwood LNG, a proposed 27.6 mtpa liquefaction export facility that will be located near Lake Charles, Louisiana on the U.S.

07:36 EDT Court orders Nova Chemicals to pay Dow Inc. C$1.43B in damages - The Court of the Queen's Bench in Alberta, Canada, has signed a judgment ordering Nova Chemicals to pay Dow Inc. C$1.43B, equivalent to approximately $1.08B, on October 11 for damages Dow incurred through 2012 related to the companies' jointly-owned ethylene asset in Joffre, Alberta, Canada. The court, which initially ruled in June 2018, found that Nova Chemicals failed to operate the ethylene asset at full capacity for more than 10 years, and furthermore, that Nova violated several contractual agreements related to Dow receiving its share of the asset's ethylene production. These actions resulted in reduced productivity and sales for Dow. The signed judgment relates to damages Dow incurred through 2012. Dow anticipates receiving an additional judgment for damages owed by Nova for the post-2012 period. Additionally, the ethylene asset is now running at a higher utilization rate and giving Dow more ethylene from an advantaged feedstock position. The judgment is subject to appeal. Dow expects to record an accounting gain related to a portion of this judgment in Q3, which the Company expects to treat as a significant non-recurring item when calculating non-GAAP financial measures, including operating earnings per share.

07:35 EDT AstraZeneca says Qtrilmet recommended for approval in EU by CHMP - AstraZeneca announced that Qtrilmet modified-release tablets have been recommended for marketing authorization in the European Union for the treatment of adults with type-2 diabetes, or T2D. The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, or CHMP, of the European Medicines Agency based its positive opinion on data from five Phase 3 trials which evaluated combinations of Forxiga and Onglyza on a background of metformin in patients with inadequately-controlled T2D. The CHMP recommended the marketing authorization for Qtrilmet to improve glycemic control when metformin with or without SU and either saxagliptin or dapagliflozin does not provide adequate glycemic control, or when T2D patients are already being treated with metformin, saxagliptin and dapagliflozin. Qtrilmet is approved in the U.S. under the name Qternmet XR as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with T2D.

07:34 EDT Axon says Axon Body 3 camera is now shipping - Axon announced that the Axon Body 3 camera is now shipping. California police departments Oxnard, San Leandro and Tracy are the first to begin receiving shipments of this next generation body-worn camera with LTE connectivity. These orders were received in the second and third quarters and are shipping now in phased deployments.

07:33 EDT Eloxx Pharmaceuticals announces funding for ELX-02 trial by CF Foundation - Eloxx Pharmaceuticals announced that the Cystic Fibrosis Therapeutics Development Network has sanctioned its Phase 2 clinical trial protocol in the US for ELX-02 in cystic fibrosis, and the CF Foundation will provide funding and additional resources for the program. Eloxx's Phase 2 clinical trial program will consist of two open label, dose escalation studies to evaluate the safety, tolerability, PK and PD of multiple doses of ELX-02 in patients with CF with at least one G542X allele. The U.S. study, EL-012, will enroll up to eight patients, and the CF Foundation has provided a financial award of up to $1.6M to support this study. The European study, EL-004, will enroll up to 16 patients. Eloxx anticipates reporting top line data in the fourth quarter of 2019.

07:31 EDT Spartan Motors announces CFO Frederick 'Rick' Sohm to step down - Spartan Motors announced that its CFO Frederick "Rick" Sohm will be stepping down from his position for non-business related reasons. The company has hired a leading national search firm and has begun a search to replace Sohm, who has served as CFO since September 2015. Sohm will remain in his position through the selection and onboarding transition to ensure business continuity and ongoing success.

07:23 EDT Scilex announces confidential submission of draft registration statement for IPO - Scilex Holding Company, a majority-owned subsidiary of Sorrento Therapeutics, announced that it has confidentially submitted a draft registration statement on Form S-1 to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission relating to its proposed initial public offering of its common stock. The size and price range for the proposed offering have not yet been determined. The initial public offering is expected to commence after the completion of the SEC review process, subject to market and other conditions.

07:18 EDT EyeGate regains Nasdaq listing compliance - EyeGate Pharmaceuticals announced that the company has regained compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550 (a)(2), which concerns minimum bid price listing requirements. "We are pleased to be in full compliance with this listing standard and that the matter has been deemed closed by Nasdaq", said Stephen From, EyeGate's CEO.

07:16 EDT GeoPark announces new oil field discovery in Llanos 34 block in Colombia - GeoPark announced the discovery of the new Guaco oil field in the Llanos 34 block in Colombia. GeoPark drilled and completed the Guaco 1 exploration well located along the third and most western major fault trend in the Llanos 34 block. This is the first oil discovery along this trend and potentially opens up a new play. The well was drilled to a total depth of 11,936 feet. Similar to other Llanos 34 fields, it appears to be both a structural and stratigraphic trap. Oil shows during drilling and petrophysical analysis indicated the potential for hydrocarbons in both the Guadalupe and Mirador formations. A production test conducted with an electric submersible pump in the Guadalupe formation resulted in a production rate of approximately 960 barrels of oil per day, 24.6 degrees API, 0.3% water cut, through a choke of 35/64 inches and wellhead pressure of 50 pounds per square inch. Additional production history is required to determine the stabilized flow rates of the well and further appraisal and development drilling will be necessary to determine the extent of the field. Surface facilities are in place and the well is already in production. The Guaco discovery represents the fourteenth oil field discovered and put into production by GeoPark since acquiring Llanos 34, an exploration block with zero production in 2012.

07:13 EDT Simplicity Esports expects to have 85 esports gaming centers by end of 2020 - Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company announced that it expects to have 85 esports gaming centers by the end of 2020. Jed Kaplan, CEO of Simplicity Esports, stated, "We've had a significant surge in the number of qualified franchisee applicants since the PLAYlive Nation acquisition. We believe our nationwide footprint of esports gaming centers provides potential franchisees an attractive opportunity to co-invest, alongside Simplicity Esports, and actively engage in the esports industry at a time when there are limited options for investing in esports companies. We expect to have 55 locations in operation by the end of 2019, and 85 locations in operation by the end of 2020. We are exceeding prior expectations as Simplicity Esports continues to be the largest nationwide footprint of esports gaming centers in North America. We anticipate each of our future franchised locations will measure between 2,000 and 3,500 sq. ft. with 30 to 40 video gaming stations, and will include designated areas for parties, tabletop gaming, and merchandise."

07:11 EDT Group 1 Automotive sees damages from Tropical Storm Imelda ~$12.5M-$15M - Group 1 Automotive announced it has completed a preliminary assessment of damages across its Southeast Texas dealerships in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Imelda. Despite significant damage to inventory and some facilities due to extensive flooding in the region, preliminary assessments indicate all facilities are intact and operations are open, though some with limited services. Group 1's Houston stores reopened on Friday, September 20. Operations in Beaumont are open on a more limited basis, as that area was significantly impacted by the flooding. Total financial damages associated with the storm are estimated at approximately $12.5M-$15M. This amount includes insurance deductibles for damaged inventory and facilities, and disaster pay for employees.

07:09 EDT DHX Media names Aaron Ames as CFO, announces business reorganization - As part of its strategic repositioning, subsequent to year-end the company's new CEO initiated a reorganization of its management team to simplify the organizational structure and reduce costs. These initiatives began in Q1 2020 and are expected to be completed by the end of Fiscal 2020. As a result, the company expects to incur one-time cash reorganization charges in the range of $10M-$12M that are expected to generate annual savings of approximately $10M. A portion of these savings will be redeployed to invest in growth areas of the business including the AVOD business and brands. As part of this reorganization, Aaron Ames, COO, has been appointed CFO effective immediately, succeeding Doug Lamb, who has decided to step down. To ensure a smooth transition, Lamb will remain with the company in an advisory role until October 31. The COO position will not be replaced.

07:07 EDT DHX Media changes name to 'WildBrain' - DHX Media announced that it will change its name to WildBrain and has begun rolling out a new corporate brand identity. Additionally, the company commenced a management and business reorganization to advance its strategic priorities, and has appointed a new CFO. Eric Ellenbogen, the company's newly appointed CEO and Vice Chair, said, "Rebranding as WildBrain embraces our commitment to creativity, imagination and innovation, and our 360 degrees approach to brand management. For many years, our WildBrain group has been at the leading edge of the digital media business. As that landscape continues to rapidly evolve, now is time to unify all the parts of our Company under both the name and entrepreneurial culture that WildBrain represents."

07:05 EDT Concert Pharmaceuticals names Jeffrey Munsie chief legal officer - Concert Pharmaceuticals (CNCE) announced that it has named Jeffrey Munsie to the position of chief legal officer, or CLO. In this role, Munsie will have overall responsibility for key general corporate legal functions, including the company's public reporting requirements, governance and intellectual property matters, and will serve as corporate secretary. Munsie will join concert's executive leadership team and report to Roger Tung, president and CEO. Munsie joins Concert with more than 17 years of legal and operational experience, most recently serving as senior VP, general counsel and head of corporate operations at Merrimack (MACK).

07:04 EDT Ovid Therapeutics announces data from ongoing ENDYMION trial of soticlestat - Ovid Therapeutics (OVID) announced initial data from the ENDYMION trial, a Phase 2 open-label extension study of soticlestat in patients with rare developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. DEE is a heterogeneous group of rare highly-refractory epilepsy syndromes and encompasses Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and others. Soticlestat is a potent, highly-selective first-in-class inhibitor of the enzyme cholesterol 24-hydroxylase being investigated as a novel approach to treating adults and children with rare epilepsies in collaboration with Takeda Pharmaceutical (TAK). This initial data from the ENDYMION open-label extension trial is from patients who previously completed Ovid's 12-week Phase 1b/2a clinical trial of soticlestat in adults with DEE. At 12 weeks, safety and tolerability observations with soticlestat in the ENDYMION study were consistent with the completed Phase 1b/2a clinical trial. Furthermore, longer-term data from ENDYMION out to 48 weeks suggest increased seizure reduction with prolonged treatment of soticlestat in this difficult-to-treat, adult patient population with various types of DEE. Median seizure frequency reductions were 84% following 25-36 weeks and 90% following 37-48 weeks of treatment. In addition, the longest seizure-free durations experienced by two different patients were 264 consecutive days and 150 consecutive days, respectively. ENDYMION is a prospective, multi-center, open-label extension study of soticlestat in patients with DEE who have participated in a previous soticlestat clinical study. The primary objective of ENDYMION is to assess the long-term safety and tolerability of soticlestat over two years of treatment in patients with rare epilepsies and secondarily, to evaluate the effect of soticlestat on seizure frequency over time. Upon completion of a previous soticlestat clinical study, patients have the option to enroll in the open-label ENDYMION study with titration up to maintenance dose. Target dosing is 600mg per day for adults and weight-based dosing for pediatric patients. Based on the insights gained from the previous 12-week Phase 1b/2a clinical trial of soticlestat in adults with DEE and, as previously announced, Ovid amended the ENDYMION study protocol to prohibit perampanel as a concomitant medication due to a potential interaction. ENDYMION initially enrolled 7 patients who previously completed the 12-week Phase 1b/2a clinical trial of soticlestat in adults with DEE. Patients entering the trial experienced multiple seizure types, including motor seizures. Patients were on a number of anti-epileptic medications. The patient population was highly-heterogeneous and was not enriched for any specific condition and patients were each diagnosed with one of multiple DEEs. One patient enrolled into ENDYMION prior to the completion of the Phase 1b/2a clinical trial and was on concomitant perampanel. This patient was withdrawn from ENDYMION and data is not reported for this patient. Thus, the primary analysis reported today consists of 6 patients. These 6 patients were re-baselined for seizure frequency due to a lag period ranging from 6 to 52 weeks between their completion of the Phase 1b/2a adult DEE study and the initiation of the ENDYMION study. Overall, findings suggest that prolonged treatment with soticlestat leads to increased seizure frequency reduction and is consistent with the believed mechanism of action of soticlestat. Patient baseline seizure frequency ranged from 2 to 71. In general, a greater reduction in seizure frequency was observed in those with higher baseline seizure frequency. In terms of overall seizure free interval during treatment, one patient experienced 264 consecutive days and one patient experienced 150 consecutive days without a seizure. In addition to the 6 patients from the Phase 1b/2a adult DEE study included in this data analysis, all patients who have completed the ARCADE and ELEKTRA studies to date have rolled over into ENDYMION. Data from patients who have completed the ARCADE study are not included in today's analysis due to their limited treatment duration in the ENDYMION study. Data from patients previously treated in the ELEKTRA study are not included in today's analysis due to the ongoing study being double-blinded and placebo-controlled. Ovid looks forward to reporting initial data from the ARCADE trial in Q1 2020 as previously guided. As a result of robust enrollment, Ovid now expects to report topline results from the ELEKTRA trial in 2H 2020. Overall, safety findings are consistent with prior observations in the 12-week Phase 1b/2a adult DEE study. Soticlestat continues to show a favorable safety and tolerability profile. The majority of adverse events were mild and comparable with those from the Phase 1b/2a adult DEE study. Specifically, AE's that occurred included upper abdominal pain, pyrexia, bronchial wall thickening, and rales. There was one treatment-related AE of nausea. No serious adverse events were observed.

07:01 EDT DuPont to acquire Ultrafiltration Membrane business from BASF - DuPont Safety & Construction announced it has signed an agreement to acquire the Ultrafiltration Membrane business from BASF including inge GmbH. The transaction, including the business' international workforce, its headquarters and production site in Greifenberg, Germany, and associated intellectual property currently owned by BASF SE., is expected to close by the end of 2019 subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

06:52 EDT Mallinckrodt says StrataGraft Phase 3 trial met both primary endpoints - Mallinckrodt announced positive top-line results from its pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial of its investigational StrataGraft regenerative tissue. The study, which met both primary endpoints, evaluated the efficacy and safety of a single application of StrataGraft in the treatment of deep partial-thickness thermal burns. Each study participant served as his or her own control. Results showed that a significantly smaller area of burn wounds treated with StrataGraft tissue required autografting by three months compared to the area of burn wounds treated exclusively with autograft. Additionally, results showed that the proportion of StrataGraft-treated wounds that achieved durable wound closure at three months exceeded the pre-defined threshold for statistical significance. Based on the positive Phase 3 data, Mallinckrodt plans to submit a Biologics License Application for StrataGraft tissue to the FDA in the first half of 2020. StrataGraft tissue is an investigational product, and its safety and effectiveness have not yet been established by the FDA.

06:37 EDT BancorpSouth to acquire Texas First with shares, cash for $38.8M-$46.5M - BancorpSouth announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement with Texas First Bancshares, the parent company of Texas First State Bank, pursuant to which Texas First will be merged with and into BancorpSouth. Texas First operates six full-service banking offices in the Waco, Texas and Killeen-Temple, Texas metropolitan statistical areas. The merger will expand BancorpSouth's presence in Central Texas by increasing the bank's deposit market share and providing opportunities for continued expansion along the I-35 corridor between Austin, Texas and Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas. As of June 30, Texas First, on a consolidated basis, reported total assets of $391.3M, total loans of $162.6M and total deposits of $356.6M. Upon the consummation of the merger, BancorpSouth will have 76 full-service banking offices, five mortgage loan production offices and four insurance offices in Texas with total deposits in Texas of approximately $3.8B and total loans of approximately $4.3B. Under the terms of the merger agreement, BancorpSouth will issue 1,065,000 shares of common stock, plus $13M in cash, for all outstanding shares of Texas First Bancshares capital stock, subject to certain conditions and potential adjustments. The terms of the merger agreement provide for a collar with respect to the total deal value ranging from $38.8M-$46.5M. If necessary, the number of shares of BancorpSouth common stock may be adjusted downward or the cash consideration may be adjusted upward to accommodate the respective boundaries of the collar. The merger has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies. The merger is anticipated to close during the first half of 2020, pending the receipt of regulatory approval, the approval of Texas First shareholders and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.

06:34 EDT Scorpio Bulkers announces sale of two Ultramax vessels for $37.9M - Scorpio Bulkers announced that the company has entered into agreements with an unaffiliated third party to sell the SBI Puma and SBI Cougar, 2014 and 2015 built Ultramax vessels, respectively, for approximately $37.9M in aggregate, generating $16M of additional liquidity. As of June 30, these vessels were classified as held for sale, with delivery of the vessels to the buyer estimated to take place within October. The company recorded a loss of approximately $4.9M in the second quarter and expects to write-off deferred financing costs of $0.2M upon closing of the sale and repayment of $21.9M of outstanding debt.

06:16 EDT UMPA, sPower sign agreement to bring clean power to Utah - Utah Municipal Power Agency is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with sPower to provide renewable clean power to six Utah cities. The new solar project, to be constructed in Juab County, will be providing 80 MWac energy for member cities within UMPA and represents a capital expenditure of approximately $80M into the County. Clover Creek Solar will be located on approximately 560 acres on the west side of Mona Lake in Juab County. sPower will be the owner and operator of the Clover Creek project. sPower is owned by a joint venture partnership between The AES Corporation and the Alberta Investment Management Corporation.

06:12 EDT Autoliv interim CFO Christian Hanke to resign to pursue another opportunity - Autoliv announced that Christian Hanke notified the company of his intent to resign as the interim CFO and VP corporate control to pursue another opportunity outside of Autoliv. Hanke's resignation will be effective no later than March 18, 2020. Until the time Hanke's resignation becomes effective, he will continue to serve as the interim CFO and VP corporate control. The company expects that Hanke will remain with the company through the filing of the company's 2019 annual report. The company is continuing its search for a permanent replacement for the CFO position.

06:07 EDT Xynomic Pharmaceuticals receives FDA Fast-Track designation for abexinostat - Xynomic Pharmaceuticals announced that the U.S. FDA has granted Fast-Track designation to Xynomic's lead drug candidate abexinostat, for use as a single agent, as a fourth-line treatment of relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma. Fast-Track is a designation by the FDA to facilitate the development and expedite the review of drugs to treat serious or life-threatening conditions and fill an unmet medical need. FDA has already granted Fast-Track designation to abexinostat, in combination with pazopanib, as a first- or second-line treatment of renal cell carcinoma.

06:05 EDT Insulet announces FDA clearance of ACE Pump - Insulet announced it has received clearance from the U.S. FDA for an Alternate Controller Enabled Infusion Pump. This allows Insulet to market its Omnipod DASH Insulin Management System as an integrated insulin pump, allowing it to be a part of an interoperable automated insulin delivery system, such as the company's Omnipod Horizon Automated Insulin Delivery System. The Omnipod DASH System has shown that it meets the FDA-established special controls that outline requirements for assuring the accuracy, reliability, cybersecurity and clinical relevance of ACE pumps. The cleared indication for the Omnipod DASH System states that the pump is able to reliably and securely communicate with compatible, digitally connected devices, including automated insulin dosing software, and to receive, execute, and confirm commands from these devices.

06:03 EDT PG&E executes agreement resolving claims relating to 2017, 2018 wildfires - PG&E Corporation and Pacific Gas and Electric Company announced that they have executed a definitive agreement to resolve all insurance subrogation claims arising from the 2017 Northern California wildfires and 2018 Camp Fire. This agreement was reached with entities representing approximately 85% of insurance subrogation claims and formalizes the $11B agreement in principle announced last week with those same entities. These claims are based on payments made by insurance companies following the fires in order to help covered individuals and businesses recover and rebuild. The settlement is subject to approval of the Bankruptcy Court overseeing PG&E's Chapter 11 case, will be implemented pursuant to PG&E's Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization, and is subject to confirmation of the Plan by the Bankruptcy Court. PG&E will file an amended Plan with the Bankruptcy Court to reflect the finalized settlement reached with the insurance claimants as well as the updated backstop financing commitments. The Plan's goals - namely, treating all stakeholders fairly and protecting customers - will remain unchanged. In addition to complying with all requirements of the Bankruptcy Code, PG&E's Plan satisfies the requirements of Assembly Bill 1054 by providing that all wildfire claims will be satisfied in full - in the amount either reached through settlement or estimated by the court. PG&E has received aggregate equity commitments in excess of its $14B target amount from a broad array of investors, including current shareholders, bondholders and parties not currently invested in the company's equity or debt securities. This strong showing of support for PG&E's Plan will serve as the foundation for the equity portion of a comprehensive exit financing package that will fund the Plan and PG&E's successful emergence from Chapter 11. PG&E will be allocating the commitments over the course of the coming weeks in accordance with the equity commitment agreements. PG&E expects that the Plan will continue to be updated as developments require, including to reflect any additional settlements or the outcome of the ongoing wildfire claims proceedings. PG&E remains committed to fairly and reasonably resolving the claims of individual wildfire victims and will continue to work to do so. PG&E remains on track to have the Plan confirmed in advance of the June 30, 2020 statutory deadline and to emerge from Chapter 11 as a financially sound utility positioned to lead California's clean energy future.

05:53 EDT Aptiv, Hyundai Motor to form autonomous driving JV - Aptiv (APTV) and Hyundai Motor Group (HYMTF) announced that they will be forming an autonomous driving joint venture. This partnership brings together one of the industry's most innovative vehicle technology providers and one of the world's largest vehicle manufacturers. The joint venture will advance the design, development and commercialization of SAE Level 4 and 5 autonomous technologies, furthering the partners' leadership position in the global autonomous driving ecosystem. The joint venture will begin testing fully driverless systems in 2020 and have a production-ready autonomous driving platform available for robotaxi providers, fleet operators, and automotive manufacturers in 2022. As part of the agreement, Hyundai Motor Group and Aptiv will each have a 50 percent ownership stake in the joint venture, valued at a total of $4B. Aptiv will contribute its autonomous driving technology, intellectual property, and approximately 700 employees focused on the development of scalable autonomous driving solutions. Hyundai Motor Group affiliates - Hyundai Motor, Kia Motors and Hyundai Mobis - will collectively contribute $1.6B in cash at closing and $0.4B in vehicle engineering services, R&D resources, and access to intellectual property. The partnership reinforces the companies' shared vision of making mobility more safe, green, connected, and accessible by advancing the development and commercialization of the highest-performing and safest autonomous vehicles.

05:38 EDT Clovis acquires rights to FAP - Clovis Oncology has entered into a global licensing and collaboration agreement with 3B Pharmaceuticals GmbH, or 3BP, a private German biotechnology company developing targeted radiopharmaceutical drugs and diagnostics for oncology indications with a high unmet medical need. The initial focus is on developing a peptide-targeted radionuclide therapy, or PTRT, and imaging agent targeting fibroblast activation protein alpha, or FAP. FAP is highly expressed in many epithelial cancers, including more than 90 percent of breast, lung, colorectal and pancreatic carcinomas. Clovis will conduct global clinical trials and has obtained U.S. and global rights, excluding Europe (inclusive of Russia, Turkey and Israel), where 3BP retains rights. The parties have also agreed to collaborate on a discovery program directed at three additional targets for radionuclide therapy, to which Clovis will have global rights. Terms of the transactions include approximately $12M in upfront payments to 3BP. Upon achievement of certain development and regulatory milestones, additional potential milestone payments and single- to low-double-digit commercial royalties would be paid to 3BP by Clovis. Clovis will be responsible for a limited number of 3BP full-time employees and external costs during the pre-clinical development. Research and development expense guidance provided by Clovis on its August 1 financial results call does not change as a result of today's announcement.

05:28 EDT Biogen says Plegridy, Avonex receive 'positive opinion' from CHMP - Biogen announced that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, or CHMP, part of the of the European Medicines Agency, or EMA, recommended an update to marketing authorizations of approved interferon beta treatments, including Plegridy and Avonex, to remove pregnancy contraindications and, where clinically needed, to allow use during pregnancy and breastfeeding in women with relapsing multiple sclerosis.