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Quoted Micro 21 November 2022

AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE

EDX Medical (EDX) completed its reversal into shell TECC Capital in a deal valued at £12m and £1.2m was raised at 6p a share. The share price returned from suspension and increased by 64.1% to 5.25p, but it is still below the placing price. EDX Medical develops digital diagnostic products and service for cancer, heart disease, neurology and infectious diseases.

Non-fungible token platform developer Looking Glass Labs Ltd (NFTX) has been introduced to the Access segment of Aquis on 14 November. Web 3.0 Holdings Ltd was acquired prior to the flotation. This is a Web3 technology company that owns a retail technology platform. The company’s brand House of Kibaa has designed a next generation metaverse for 3D assets. This enables functional art and collectibles to exist across different NFT blockchains. Sales of digital assets have totalled C$6.2m and there is a 5% royalty stream on secondary sales. There were early deals at 17p a share and the share price has fallen to 13.5p.

Oscillate (MUSH) is planning to acquire Hi55 Ventures Ltd, a fintech platform designed to help companies with payroll flexibility. Trading in the shares was suspended at 0.75p each. The share-based deal values Hi55 at £28m at a notional share price of 1.29p. Existing Oscillate shareholders will be given a warrant exercisable at 1.29p for each share they own. Hi55 allows employees to access their salary as they earn it. This finance can be delivered in partnership with MasterCard.

Vulcan Industries (VULC) has not been able to conclude the proposed agreement to acquire Peregrine X Ltd. Discussion continue so a different structure to the deal might be possible. Vulcan Industries continues to sell its other interests. Components manufacturer Tim Rainham has been sold for £1. The business had net liabilities. Earlier this month, raised £157,000 in a placing at 8.2p a share.

Quetzal Capital (QTZ) says that proposed acquisition target Tap Global has no direct exposure to the defunct cryptocurrency company FTX.

Watchstone Group (WTG) has agreed settlement terms with former auditor KPMG. The final payment is £4.95m. Net assets were £11.4m at the end of June 2022, which was mainly cash. The share price increased by 11.5% to 29p, which values Watchstone at £12m.

Tectonic Gold (TTAU) has recommenced drilling at the Specimen Hill project in Queensland. This is drilling below a previous mine and one result was 8.17g/t gold over one metre in distal veins. A shortage of drilling rigs delayed the restart. The drilling should be completed in a fortnight.

Wishbone Gold (WSBN) has exercised its option to acquire the Anketell gold-copper project in Western Australia. This cost £320,000 in shares at 14.75p a share and £50,000 in cash.

Web3 gaming and infrastructure company Pioneer Media Holdings Inc (PNER) has closed the first tranche of the previously announced placing, and this raised C$580,000 at C$0.10 a unit – one share and 0.5 of a warrant exercisable at C$0.25. This is a huge discount to the market price. The share price slumped 14.3% to 30p. This cash will finance technology development and working capital. Olivia Edwards has been appointed to the board.

Diesel additives supplier SulNOx Group (SNOX) has secured an order in South Africa and a repeat order in Costa Rica. Agriculture has proved to be a large customer base.

Aquaculture and geotracking technology developer OTAQ (OTAQ) increased interim revenues by 11% to £2.03m and the reported loss fell from £881,000 to £538,000. The cash raised when OTAQ moved to Aquis will finance further technology investment. Management says that there will be a period of adjustment. Nigel Wray increased his stake from 15.8% to 19.35%.

IamFire (FIRE) is raising £3.5m at 2.5p a share.

BWA Group (BWA) has £7,367 of cash and net liabilities of £168,000. It is seeking to raise more cash.

Marula Mining (MARU) has increased its fundraising to £519,500 at 2p a share. Richard Lloyd withdrew himself from re-election as a director.

AIM

Totally (TLY) reported further progress in its latest interims with trading generally back to pre-lockdown levels. Demand for insourcing of operations has grown significantly and used up more working capital. Revenues grew but underlying pre-tax profit was flat at £2m. However, earnings fell because of a higher tax charge. Contracts worth £37m were extended. Underlying full year pre-tax profit is expected to improve from £3.7m to £5.7m, helped by insourcing demand as the NHS tries to reduce waiting lists.

Delays in commencing manufacturing and building up sales of Stereax small battery cells have knocked the Ilika (IKA) share price, which slumped 34.7% to 32p. The commercial prototypes will not be available until the end of 2023. It is also taking longer than anticipated for the larger Goliath batteries to reach the position where they have equivalence with lithium-ion cells. Forecast group revenues have been cut for this year and next year, while the 2024-25 forecast has been slashed from £18.1m to £2.7m by Berenberg. That indicates the length of the delays. That would put Ilika into a net debt position.

Wynnstay Group (WYN) is acquiring Cornwall-based feed supplier Tamar Milling for an initial £1.4m. This is immediately earnings enhancing. In 2020-21, Tamar Milling revenues were £6.4m and pre-tax profit of £420,000. Wynnstay says that its 2021-22 results will be better than expected. Grain, seed and fertiliser revenues have been strong and joint venture businesses will make a higher than expected profit contribution. There is also a boost in the figures from the accounting treatment of the hedging of wheat contracts.

Chain and transmission equipment manufacturer Renold (RNO) continues to trade well in tough times. Interim revenues were 22% ahead at £116.3m, while underlying pre-tax profit was two-fifths higher at £7.3m. The acquisition of Industrias YUK in Spain meant that net debt increased to £34m, but management is still confident that it can finance further acquisitions when they are identified. Higher interest rates have helped to reduce the net pension deficit by one-quarter to £56.6m. The order book is worth £99m, which is a record.

Digital coupons and loyalty technology provider Eagle Eye (EYE) is acquiring France-based Untie Nots, which provides promotion and gamification SaaS products to retailers. The deal will cost up to €38.8m. The initial payment is €9.1m in cash and €5.9m in shares at 555p each. A placing will raise £7m at 555p a share and the rest of the cash will come from existing net cash of £3.6m. The deferred payments of up to €23.8m will depend on achieving revenue targets in 2022, 2023 and 2024, which equate to annual growth of 60%, as well as achievement of a minimum EBITDA margin.

Harland & Wolff (HARL) is involved in Team Resolute, a consortium that is preferred bidder for a £1.6bn contract to build Royal Navy support vessels. This will require significant investment in the Belfast shipyard. The Appledore shipyard in Devon will also be involved.

Poolbeg Pharma (POLB) and consortium partners have been awarded a €2.3m grant by an Irish government fund to develop an oral vaccine candidate from pre-clinical to phase I readiness. The aim is to induce mucosal immunity. The week before Poolbeg identified multiple novel drug targets for the treatment of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) through it s collaboration with OneThree Biotech.

N4 Pharma (N4P) is raising £1m at 2p a share. A broker offer could raise up to £1m more. The share price slumped by 30.5% to 2.05p. The cash will be used for the development work relating to loading SiRNA onto delivery vehicle Nuvec, plus for funding the investigation of possible acquisitions.

MAIN MARKET

Standard listed BSF Enterprise (BSFA) says that its subsidiary 3d Bio-Tissues has produced three small prototype fillets of cultivated meat, which is a step towards a full-scale cultivated meat fillet. This comes at a time when the US FDA has given approval to a cultivated meat product for the first time. The cultivated meat fillets were 30mm in height and 15mm in diameter and weighed 5 grammes. They were some of the first 100% cultivated meat fillets produced in the world. The comparisons with conventional meat were described as “comprehensively positive”. The first full-scale cultivated meat fillet should be showcased early next year.

Braemar (BMS) increased interim revenues by 46% to £69.4m, helped by the strength of the dollar. Underlying pre-tax profit more than doubled to £10.5m and Braemar moved into a net cash position of £1.8m. The interim dividend was doubled to 4p a share.

Trading continues to improve at Castings (CGS) and interim revenues were 23% higher at £85.6m, while pre-tax profit recovered 38% to £7.5m. Price increases offset cost rises. There is strong demand for HGVs and short-term component order books remain strong. The interim dividend is 3.84p. Net cash is £25.6m and that should rise significantly in the second half.

J Smart Contractors (SMJ) is paying a final dividend of 2.27p a share. In the year to July 2022, revenues fell from £10.4m to £7.43m as construction activity declined. Thanks to a £6.06m profit on the sale of investment properties a pre-tax profit of £8.19m was reported. That is down from £14.9m the previous year, although that included a revaluation surplus of £12.1m. NAV is £124.7m, including net cash of £20.7m.

Standard list Rockpool Acquisitions (ROC) announced heads of terms for the purchase of Amcouri Group, which is a holding company for nine engineering and manufacturing businesses. The potential cost is £22.3m in ordinary shares based on the forecast profit forma EBITDA of £5.4m.

Net Zero Infrastructure (NZI) has terminated acquisition talks with Taylor Construction because it could not raise the cash required for the deal. NAV is £650,000.

Andrew Hore

#POLB Poolbeg Pharma Plc- Capital Markets Day

17 November 2022 – Poolbeg Pharma (AIM: POLB, OTCQB: POLBF, ‘Poolbeg’ or the ‘Company’), a clinical stage infectious disease pharmaceutical company with a unique capital light clinical model, announces that it will be holding a Capital Markets Day for analysts and institutional investors on Wednesday 30 November between 10am – 12:45pm.

 

The event, which will be chaired by Jeremy Skillington, Chief Executive Officer, will provide insights into a number of the Company’s growing pipeline of infectious disease vaccines and treatments and one of its innovative artificial intelligence programmes which is unlocking the power of human challenge trial data. In addition, attendees will gain a greater understanding of how Poolbeg’s unique model and business development strategy can drive growth from the infectious disease market. A networking lunch will follow at the end of the session.

 

There will be an opportunity for attendees to take part in a Q&A with Poolbeg’s management team including Ian O’Connell, Chief Financial Officer and David English, VP of Business Development as well as a number of guest speakers:

 

Dr Tal Almog of CytoReason, one of Poolbeg’s artificial intelligence partners; a world leader in AI which to date has worked with five of the world’s top ten pharma companies

Derek Gilroy, Head of the Centre for Clinical Pharmacology and Professor of Immunology at University College London and has pioneered research examining the molecular and biochemical pathways that regulates the resolution of acute immune reactions

Professor Brendan Buckley, co-founder of Minerva Medical, acquired by IQVIA and Firecrest Clinical, acquired by ICON plc where he held the position of Chief Medical Officer. Brendan has over thirty years of experience in clinical research and has published over 150 scientific papers

Further speakers will be announced in advance of the event

 

Analysts, institutional investors and media are welcome to attend the event in the City of London. Due to restrictions on numbers, it will not be possible for all interested parties to attend in-person. However, a live webcast will be available for retail investors and others to view the presentations here.

 

To register your interest to attend the in-person event, please RSVP to poolbeg@instinctif.com.

 

A recording of the presentation will be made available on the Company’s website after the event here.

Enquiries

Poolbeg Pharma Plc

Jeremy Skillington, CEO

Ian O’Connell, CFO

 

+44 (0) 207 183 1499

finnCap Ltd (Nominated Adviser & Joint Broker)

Geoff Nash, Charlie Beeson 
Nigel Birks, Harriet Ward (ECM)

 

+44 (0) 207 220 0500

Singer Capital Markets (Joint Broker)

Phil Davies, Sam Butcher

 

+44 (0) 207 496 3000

J&E Davy (Joint Broker)

Anthony Farrell, Niall Gilchrist

 

+353 (0) 1 679 6363

Instinctif Partners

Melanie Toyne Sewell, Rozi Morris, Tim Field

 

+44 (0) 20 7457 2020

poolbeg@instinctif.com

 

About Poolbeg Pharma

 

Poolbeg Pharma is a clinical stage infectious disease pharmaceutical company, with a capital light clinical model which aims to develop multiple products faster and more cost effectively than the conventional biotech model. The Company, headquartered in London, is led by a team with a track record of creation and delivery of shareholder value and aspires to become a “one-stop shop” for Big Pharma seeking mid-stage products to license or acquire.

 

The Company is targeting the growing infectious disease market. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, infectious disease has become one of the fastest growing pharma markets and is expected to exceed $250bn by 2025.

 

With its initial assets from hVIVO plc (formerly named Open Orphan plc), an industry leading infectious disease and human challenge trials business, Poolbeg has access to knowledge, experience, and clinical data from over 20 years of human challenge trials. The Company is using these insights to acquire new assets as well as reposition clinical stage products, reducing spend and risk. Amongst its portfolio of exciting assets, Poolbeg has a small molecule immunomodulator for severe influenza (POLB 001) which has commenced its LPS human challenge trial with initial results expected by year end 2022; a first-in-class, intranasally administered RNA-based immunotherapy for respiratory virus infections (POLB 002); and a vaccine candidate for Melioidosis (POLB 003). The Company is also developing an oral vaccine delivery platform and is progressing two artificial intelligence (AI) programmes to accelerate the power of its human challenge model data and biobank, with outputs from the first programme expected by year end 2022.

Poolbeg Pharma #POLB – Poolbeg-led consortium awarded EUR 2.3m grant

15 November 2022 Poolbeg Pharma (AIM: POLB, OTCQB: POLBF, ‘Poolbeg’ or the ‘Company’), a clinical stage infectious disease pharmaceutical company with a unique capital light clinical model, announces that ‘EncOVac’, a consortium led by Poolbeg Pharma, has been awarded €2.3m in non-dilutive grant funding to progress its Oral Vaccine Platform under the Irish Government’s Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (‘DTIF’).

Taking place over three years, the collaboration between Poolbeg Pharma, University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin and AnaBio Technologies will result in the development of an oral vaccine candidate to a Phase I ready state. The resulting technology will serve as a platform for additional oral vaccine candidates for a wide range of pathogens, initially targeting bacterial infections. Poolbeg is proud to play a role in the development of the next generation of vaccine technologies that can protect the world from infectious diseases.

Poolbeg licensed AnaBio’s microencapsulation and nanoencapsulation technologies for use in the development and commercialisation of oral vaccines in January 2022 . By delivering vaccines to the gut, oral vaccines can trigger ‘mucosal immunity’ that results in a protective response in the areas of the body where a pathogen would be inhaled or ingested such as the nose and digestive tracts. In comparison to intramuscular injections which generate systemic immunity, this approach prevents infections from taking hold in the body by counteracting them at the point of entry. This has the effect of both reducing transmission and preventing serious disease. Oral vaccines also offer an efficient method of administration and significantly reduce challenges for distribution, addressing the gaps in supplying the global community as well as needle-phobia which factors in vaccine hesitancy. 

Jeremy Skillington, PhD, CEO of Poolbeg Pharma said: “We are grateful for the support of the Irish Government in awarding this funding and delighted to be working with our consortium of high-quality partners in University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin and AnaBio. The funding will support the progression of this exciting oral vaccine platform that has the potential to improve the ways vaccines are manufactured, distributed and administered for the future. Poolbeg continues to target non-dilutive funding opportunities and we are delighted that this DTIF award is our first success.”

Prof Siobhán McClean, Associate Professor at University College Dublin (“UCD”) said: “I am pleased to work with the other members of this consortium to bring the antigens my team have identified and developed, closer to the clinic so that together, we can protect people from infectious diseases.”

Prof Ed Lavelle, Professor of Immunology at Trinity College Dublin (“TCD”) said: “The pharmaceutical industry has long aspired to develop subunit oral vaccines and I believe we have assembled a consortium of experts and ground-breaking technologies that are uniquely placed to make them a reality.” 

Dr Sinéad Bleiel, Founder & Chief Scientific Officer of AnaBio Technologies said: “Having demonstrated the potential of our encapsulation technology to deliver drug products safely and effectively to the gut, we are excited to collaborate with the EncOVac team of world class researchers, led by Poolbeg and supported by the Irish Government as part of the world’s renewed fight against infectious diseases.” 

Prof Luke O’Neill, Non-Executive Director, Scientific Advisory Board and Project Advisory Board Chair said:“Oral vaccines are currently only available to treat a small number of pathogens and a more comprehensive approach to vaccine development is needed to design new, safe, and effective oral vaccines. Such a system would revolutionise our approach to protecting people from infectious diseases, unleashing their full potential.” 

– Ends –

 

Enquiries

Poolbeg Pharma Plc

Jeremy Skillington, CEO

Ian O’Connell, CFO

 

+44 (0) 207 183 1499

finnCap Ltd (Nominated Adviser & Joint Broker)

Geoff Nash, Charlie Beeson 
Nigel Birks, Harriet Ward (ECM)

 

+44 (0) 207 220 0500

Singer Capital Markets (Joint Broker)

Phil Davies, Sam Butcher

 

+44 (0) 207 496 3000

J&E Davy (Joint Broker)

Anthony Farrell, Niall Gilchrist

 

+353 (0) 1 679 6363

Instinctif Partners

Melanie Toyne Sewell, Rozi Morris, Tim Field

 

+44 (0) 20 7457 2020

poolbeg@instinctif.com

 

Notes to Editors 

About EncOVac

Leveraging the pioneering work of Assoc. Professor Siobhán McClean in University College Dublin (“UCD”), the Consortium will use vaccine candidates identified in her lab as the basis for an oral vaccine that is generated through a highly specialized encapsulation process developed by Dr. Sinéad Bleiel of Anabio Technologies. Working with Ed Lavelle, vaccine adjuvant expert and a mucosal immunologist in Trinity College Dublin (“TCD”), the consortium will develop a vaccine candidate through pre-clinical testing to a Phase I ready state. Poolbeg has previously announced an exclusive license with Anabio for the use of their technology in vaccine delivery and has successfully in-licensed onevaccine candidate from UCD and continues to evaluate five other potential vaccine candidates developed by Associate Professor Siobhán McClean and her team.

About Oral Vaccines

By delivering vaccines to the gut, this approach can trigger ‘mucosal immunity’ that results in a protective response in the areas of the body where a pathogen would be inhaled or ingested such as the nose and digestive tracts. In comparison to intramuscular injections which generate systemic immunity, this approach prevents infections from taking hold in the body by counteracting them at the point of entry. This has the effect of both reducing transmission and preventing serious disease. Oral vaccines also offer an efficient method of administration and significantly reduce challenges for distribution, addressing the gaps in supplying the global community as well as needle-phobia which factors in vaccine hesitancy. 

A recent World Health Organisation Report (“WHO”) estimated that the global market value for vaccines was approximately $33b in 2019, before the substantial investment arising from the pandemic. The development of an oral vaccine platform that could replace some injectable vaccines would serve to improve vaccination rates, address critical inequalities in distribution and help to create a healthier world.

About the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund

The Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF) is a €500 million fund established under the National Development Plan (NDP) in 2018. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment manages the DTIF with administrative support from Enterprise Ireland. The purpose of the Fund is to drive collaboration between Ireland’s world-class research base and industry as well as facilitating enterprises to compete directly for funding in support of the development and adoption of these technologies. The aim is to support investment in the development and deployment of disruptive technologies and applications on a commercial basis.

About Poolbeg Pharma

Poolbeg Pharma is a clinical stage infectious disease pharmaceutical company, with a unique capital light clinical model which aims to develop multiple products faster and more cost effectively than the conventional biotech model. The Company, headquartered in London, is led by a team with a track record of creation and delivery of shareholder value and aspires to become a “one-stop shop” for pharma and biotech seeking mid-stage products to license or acquire. 

The Company is targeting the growing infectious disease market. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, infectious disease has become one of the fastest growing pharma markets and is expected to exceed $250bn by 2025. 

With its initial assets from   hVIVO plc   (formerly named   Open Orphan plc) , an industry leading infectious disease and human challenge trials business, Poolbeg has access to knowledge, experience, and clinical data from over 20 years of human challenge trials. The Company is using these insights to acquire new assets as well as reposition clinical stage products, reducing spend and risk. Amongst its portfolio of exciting assets, Poolbeg has a small molecule immunomodulator for severe influenza (POLB 001) which has commenced its LPS human challenge trial with initial results expected by year end 2022; a first-in-class, intranasally administered RNA-based immunotherapy for respiratory virus infections (POLB 002); and a vaccine candidate for Melioidosis (POLB 003). The Company is also developing an oral vaccine delivery platform and is progressing two artificial intelligence (AI) programmes to accelerate the power of its human challenge model data and biobank, with results from the first programme expected by year end 2022.

Poolbeg’s role in the project will be to prepare the vaccine candidate for clinical approval, including the preparation of pre-clinical toxicology work and the preparation of a regulatory dossiers for submission to the relevant authorities prior to the initiation of clinical trials. In addition to these activities, as the consortium-lead, Poolbeg will be responsible for project management, intellectual property protection and the coordination of publicity 

For more information, please go to   www.poolbegpharma.com   or follow us on   Twitter   and   LinkedIn  @PoolbegPharma.

About AnaBio Technologies

AnaBio Technologies is a specialist microencapsulation company, focused on improving health and performance through micro-encapsulation of sensitive bioactive ingredients for food, beverage and pharmaceutical applications.  Founded in 2011 by Dr Sinead Bleiel, and based in Carrigtwohill Co Cork, AnaBio has developed into a global leader in the field of micro encapsulation with 15 patent families and clients across N America, Asia, and EU. 

Bioactives and APIs clearly bestow health benefits, but are vulnerable to being inactivated by environmental stresses encountered during processing, storage and digestion. This can result in limited quantities of intact active bioactives reaching the site of action in the body, and no health benefit.

Microencapsulation represents a sophisticated delivery system designed to overcome this problem. A protective coat is created at microscopic level around the bioactive or API which protects the ingredient from a wide range of environmental conditions, enables its release at the appropriate site within the body, and thereby ensures that the potential health benefits of the bioactive are fully realised. AnaBio Technologies offers its clients a range of services including contract research to develop bespoke microencapsulation solutions, commercial scale manufacture and supply of microencapsulated ingredients and licensing of its patented microencapsulated technology.

As part of the project, Anabio will be responsible for the encapsulation of the vaccine antigen and adjuvant combination. This will protect vaccine antigens from the degradative environment of the digestive tract and deliver vaccine constituents via a triggered release of microcapsule dissolution at a specific pH, which is characteristic to the location of the intestine where antigen uptake is targeted. 

For further information, visit www.anabio.ie or email aidan.fitzsimons@anabio.ie .

About University College Dublin (“UCD”)

UCD is Ireland’s largest and most diverse university and one of Europe’s leading research-intensive universities. Since 1854 UCD has made a unique contribution to the creation of modern Ireland, based on successful engagement with Irish society on every level and across every sphere of activity. As Ireland’s leading university in innovation, knowledge transfer and commercialisation, UCD’s commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship recognises the importance of active participation and collaboration to exploit leading-edge research and development outputs. As set-out in Rising to the Future 2020-2024 UCD’s four strategic themes are; creating a sustainable global society, transforming through digital technology, building a healthy world, and empowering humanity.

To further expand the diseases the oral vaccine platform can target, the team in UCD will characterise and prioritise additional vaccines candidates using the proteomic platform technology previously developed by the McClean lab. Once a preferred candidate is identified, its efficacy following encapsulation will be assessed in an animal challenge model.

For further information, visit www.ucd.ie

About Trinity College Dublin (“TCD”)

Trinity College Dublin, founded in 1592, is Ireland’s oldest university. Today it has a vibrant community of over 20,000 students and is recognised internationally as Ireland’s premier university, currently 98th in the QS University World Rankings. Cutting edge research, technology and innovation places the university at the forefront of higher education in Ireland and globally. It encompasses all major academic disciplines, and is committed to world-class teaching and research across a range of disciplines in the arts, humanities, engineering, science, social and health sciences. Trinity is Europe’s leading university for graduate entrepreneurship and has placed innovation and entrepreneurship at the heart of its strategy – from the development of plans for a new innovation campus at Grand Canal Quay, to the establishment of the University Bridge I and University Bridge Fund II. 

The selection of an adjuvant that can help to stimulate robust mucosal immune responses for oral delivery will be a key task for the Lavelle lab during the course of the project. In the later stages of the project, the Lavelle lab will be responsible for the generation of data required for the filing of regulatory dossiers to proceed with clinical trials. 

For further information, visit www.tcd.ie

Quoted Micro 14 November 2022

AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE

First quarter trading at National Milk Records (NMRP) strengthened in all areas. Revenues increased by 4% to £5.98m. There was an 82% rise in genomic testing revenues to £151,000. Milk prices are expected to remain strong. The GenoCells services, which provide farmers with genomically driven individual animal cell count analysis, will be launched in the UK and US.

OTAQ (OTAQ) has switched from the standard list to the Access segment of Aquis. The share price has held steady at 5p. OTAQ raised £3.6m at 4p a share.

Shareholders have approved the reverse takeover of TECC Capital (TEC) by EDX Medical. The shares will recommence trading on 14 November.

Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd (GSVR) has discovered a new transverse vein at the El Cubo mine in Guanajuato, Mexico. This has been named the San Luis vein. The company has been reinterpreting previous data. This vein is likely to have a higher gold component than the primary structures. Vein widths are close to one metre or above.

Property investor Ace Liberty & Stone (ALSP) has exchanged contracts to acquire Loders Service Station in Dorset for £2.08m. There is a SPAR convenience store and BP filling station. The annual rental income is £168,000 and it increases to £185,000 in 2023.

Igraine (KING) says Conduit Pharmaceuticals is reversing into Nasdaq-listed Murphy Cannon Acquisition Corp. This will provide nearly $150m of funding for Conduit. Via a 2% stake in Excalibur Medicines, Igraine has an economic interest in AZD1656, which is a potential diabetes treatment, one of the assets of Conduit. Excalibur Medicines has exclusive rights to the patents on AZD1656. Fellow Aquis-quoted company Oscillate (MUSH) has a 25.7% stake in Igraine.

Goodbody Health Ltd (GDBY) says the full year outcome will be worse than expected. Third quarter figures showed a 6% decline in revenues to £9.29m due to reductions in Covid testing revenues, while margins declined. The loss nearly doubled to £1.67m. The cost base is being reduced.

Technology investor SuperSeed Capital Ltd (WWW) has made six investments since joining Aquis. The latest is Techsembly, a SaaS e-commerce platform offering payments technology to hotel operators. NAV is 95p a share.

Electric vehicle drivetrains developer Equipmake (EQIP) says 2021-22 revenues were better than expected at £3.7m. More of the revenues are coming from commercial projects. The loss has fallen to £4.3m.

Altona Rare Earths (ANR) is drawing down £150,000 in two tranches from Align Research Investments. The interest rate is 15% and there are also warrants equal to 150% of the loan value exercisable at 12p a share.

Gunsynd (GUN) investee company Rincon Resources says a preliminary report highlights similarities between its Pokali prospect and a nearby niobium rare earth discovery.

EPE Special Opportunities (EO.P) announced net assets of 239.2p a share at the end of October 2022, down from 242.3p a share the month before.

AQRU (AQRU) has linked up with accountancy firm Sampson Fielding to offer technology-led accountancy services for institutions holding digital assets and their auditors. The brand will be Daxiom.

AIM

PayPoint (PAY) is bidding for Appreciate (LAPP) in a deal that values the prepaid vouchers and Christmas savings group at £83m – based on a PayPoint share price of 580p. The offer is 33p in cash and 0.019 of a PayPoint share for each Appreciate share. A 0.8p a share dividend will also be paid to Appreciate shareholders. The PayPoint share price has fallen to 547p, so the bid is not worth quite as much now.

Motor dealer Vertu Motors (VTU) is in talks to acquire Helston Garages Group Ltd. This would be funded by debt. The controlling party of the company is the executors of the estates of former directors David Stanley Carr and Betty Vera Carr. Helston Garages is based in south west England and has 37 dealerships, plus two used car sites. Helston Garages had net cash was £10.8m at the end of 2021 and NAV was £136.2m.

Insolvency litigation financer Manolete Partners (MANO) is generating more cash, but a write down in the values of ongoing cases meant that reported revenues were lower. That is partly due to large case being lost and the general economic conditions. More importantly, realised revenues are increasing. The interim figures reflect cases that were taken on during a period of Covid restrictions and government assistance, when insolvencies were relatively low. Insolvency numbers are increasing so opportunities will increase.

Online home moving services provider Smoove (SMV) revealed a higher loss and cash outflow in the six months to September 2022. The benefits from investments in new products, such as Smoove Start, aimed at estate agents, and Smooth Complete, which is for conveyancing lawyers, won’t show through until next year. Costs are being reduced. Smoove has announced a tender offer of up to £5m, but that will still leave plenty of cash in the bank to fund the business as it moves towards breakeven.

Biome Technologies (BIOM) increased third quarter revenues by 77% to £1.9m. Both bioplastics and radio frequency divisions grew their contributions. Even so, Biome is being more cautious about pre-commercial customer projects and full year revenue expectations have been trimmed from £6.8m to £6.29m, which is still higher than the £5.73m generated in 2021. A full year loss of £1.1m is forecast.

PCF Group (PCF) has been unable to raise money or secure a strategic transaction, so PCF Bank is withdrawing from the UK banking market. The PCF board wants shareholder approval for the cancellation of the AIM quotation.

Mobile data computing services provider Touchstar (TST) has won a £1.5m contract with a petrochemical distribution client. There will be additional recurring revenues in future years. This underpins 2022 and 2023 pre-tax profit expectations of £400,000 and £700,000 respectively.

Poolbeg Pharma (POLB) has identified multiple novel drug targets for the treatment of respiratory syncytial virus. This has been achieved within eight months with its partner OneThree Biotech. This includes known drugs with phase 1 safety and efficacy data. The best candidates should be identified by the end of the year.

Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd (BXP) increased 2021-22 net sales from £251.4m to £309.7m with growth coming from domestic sales and exports. However, profit after tax fell from £26.6m to £24m. No revenues are anticipated from Covid vaccines in the near-term.

Construction claims and disputes consultancy Driver Group (DRV) made an underlying loss in the year to September 2022, but management believes that the Middle East and Asian operations should return to profitability this year. Europe and the Americas remain profitable.

MAIN MARKET

Made.com (MADE) has gone into administration and PwC is handling the administration. Next (NEXT) has acquired the brand and IP.

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Poolbeg Pharma #POLB – Artificial intelligence programme yields multiple novel RSV drug targets

8 November 2022 Poolbeg Pharma (AIM: POLB, OTCQB: POLBF, ‘Poolbeg’ or the ‘Company’), a clinical stage infectious disease pharmaceutical company with a unique capital light clinical model, announces that it has made a significant breakthrough in its Artificial Intelligence (‘AI’) Programme with partner OneThree Biotech, Inc. through the discovery of novel drug targets for the treatment of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (‘RSV’).

Following the completion of the build and optimisation of a tailored AI model in June 2022, the OneThree team, using its clinically validated AI platform, have identified novel drug targets using Poolbeg’s unique RSV human challenge trial data. The identification of these novel drug targets now allows the final stage of the programme to commence which will involve the identification of small molecule inhibitors to effectively treat RSV infections. The team are particularly excited as these include a range of targets for which there are known drugs with existing Phase I safety and tolerability data. Prioritisation of compounds with existing Phase I data aligns with Poolbeg’s capital light model as these compounds will have extensive nonclinical and clinical data allowing smooth transition to early human efficacy trials.

The final stage of the research plan will utilise OneThree’s proprietary ATLANTIS AI platform to identify the drugs that are most likely to be efficacious against the identified disease targets with clean safety profiles in RSV patients. Selection of drugs is traditionally a long and extensive process, however, by using an existing AI model this process can be completed in weeks. Results of this stage are expected before year end 2022.

Traditional drug design is focused on identifying a molecule that can bind with a specific target within a cell. Poolbeg’s approach, utilising OneThree Biotech’s advanced AI models, allows for the complex disease signature underlying each drug target to be considered during drug selection. This allows the complex outputs of this stage, which represent novel biological insights, to be advanced to the final stage which will match drugs to prioritised targets. By working from disease signatures like this, OneThree Biotech can utilise the full strength of its AI technology to pinpoint the drug molecules that can precisely and effectively reverse disease signatures and produce meaningful clinical benefits. 

Jeremy Skillington, PhD, CEO of Poolbeg Pharma, said:

This is the first time that AI has been used to identify disease targets in RSV and I am delighted to have reached this significant milestone in the programme in such a short period of time. Having identified these novel disease targets, we can now commence the final stage of the programme to identify effective drug candidates to treat RSV. In keeping with our capital-light model, this AI enabled in silico R&D approach has significantly accelerated the discovery process by having the right partners and the right expertise to unleash the potential of our unique human challenge trial data. We greatly look forward to seeing the outputs of this programme later this year.”

Neel S. Madhukar, PhD, CEO of OneThree Biotech said:

“This analysis is pioneering in RSV research, and we are pleased to have identified disease targets from which effective drug candidates can be explored. We are fortunate to have access to Poolbeg’s unique human challenge trial data because it was collected in a controlled and powered quarantine which increases the overall strength and predictive power you can get from it. Additionally, thanks to the combination of Poolbeg’s data and our ATLANTIS platform, we were able to reach this point in our project in only eight months – significantly faster than a traditional drug discovery project – and we’re excited to make meaningful progress in the treatment of infectious diseases, such as RSV.”

 

– Ends –

Enquiries

Poolbeg Pharma Plc

Jeremy Skillington, CEO

Ian O’Connell, CFO

 

+44 (0) 207 183 1499

finnCap Ltd (Nominated Adviser & Joint Broker)

Geoff Nash, Charlie Beeson
Nigel Birks, Harriet Ward (ECM)

 

+44 (0) 207 220 0500

Singer Capital Markets (Joint Broker)

Phil Davies, Sam Butcher

 

+44 (0) 207 496 3000

J&E Davy (Joint Broker)

Anthony Farrell, Niall Gilchrist

 

+353 (0) 1 679 6363

Instinctif Partners

Melanie Toyne Sewell, Rozi Morris, Tim Field

 

+44 (0) 20 7457 2020

poolbeg@instinctif.com

 

About RSV

RSV is a contagious virus that affects people’s respiratory tract with children and at-risk older adults being particularly vulnerable; in severe cases, it can cause pneumonia and other life-threatening breathing difficulties. RSV is a significant public health threat affecting an estimated 50 million people annually, leading to 4 million global hospitalisations and an estimated 100,000 deaths in children under the age of 5 years. An estimated 45% of these cases and deaths occur in new-born infants under the age of 6 months. Studies have suggested that treatment for RSV in children under five alone costs governments globally €4.8bn every year. 

About Poolbeg’s AI Programmes

Poolbeg Pharma has access to a unique private repository of clinical samples and associated data from human challenge trials via its relationship with Open Orphan plc, a resource which is anticipated to expand over the coming years. Human challenge trial data is unique in the depth of longitudinal virology, health, biomarker and symptom data collected during the course of disease. These datasets provide clinical insights into disease that guides Poolbeg Pharma’s product acquisitions and clinical development.

The Company is currently progressing two AI Programmes, the first in RSV in partnership with OneThree Biotech, and the second in influenza in partnership with CytoReason. Poolbeg believe that this is the first time that AI analysis has been undertaken on RSV and influenza human challenge trial data and samples to identify new drug targets and treatments. The unique nature of human challenge trials to produce disease progression data with high precision is revolutionising the insights into human disease.

Poolbeg’s asset POLB 001, which has commenced its LPS human challenge trial with initial trial data expected before year end, was identified using such disease progression data. However, by utilising AI, the Company aims to identify more targets quicker and more cost efficiently than previously possible without this technology.

About Poolbeg Pharma

Poolbeg Pharma is a clinical stage infectious disease pharmaceutical company, with a unique capital light clinical model which aims to develop multiple products faster and more cost effectively than the conventional biotech model. The Company, headquartered in London, is led by a team with a track record of creation and delivery of shareholder value and aspires to become a “one-stop shop” for pharma and biotech seeking mid-stage products to license or acquire.

The Company is targeting the growing infectious disease market. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, infectious disease has become one of the fastest growing pharma markets and is expected to exceed $250bn by 2025. 

With its initial assets from hVIVO plc (formerly named Open Orphan plc), an industry leading infectious disease and human challenge trials business, Poolbeg has access to knowledge, experience, and clinical data from over 20 years of human challenge trials. The Company is using these insights to acquire new assets as well as reposition clinical stage products, reducing spend and risk. Amongst its portfolio of exciting assets, Poolbeg has a small molecule immunomodulator for severe influenza (POLB 001) which has commenced its LPS human challenge trial with initial results expected by year end 2022; a first-in-class, intranasally administered RNA-based immunotherapy for respiratory virus infections (POLB 002); and a vaccine candidate for Melioidosis (POLB 003). The Company is also developing an oral vaccine delivery platform and is progressing two artificial intelligence (AI) programmes to accelerate the power of its human challenge model data and biobank, with results from the first programme expected by year end 2022.

For more information, please go to www.poolbegpharma.com or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn @PoolbegPharma.

About OneThree Biotech

OneThree Biotech is a private, clinically validated, biology-driven artificial intelligence (AI) company focused on using its proprietary ATLANTIS AI platform in combination with systems biology to understand the mechanisms that drive drug-target-disease relationships. This approach has been used not only to generate a pipeline of first-in-class programs, but also in partnerships with other biopharmaceutical companies. OneThree Biotech’s proven technology platform integrates chemical, biological, and clinical data with cutting-edge computational tools to answer complex questions surrounding disease biology and drug discovery. The company’s AI platform has shown success in identifying new targets for the treatment of various cancers and optimizing early-stage drug discovery and development by quickly and accurately generating new, testable insights and hypotheses. The OneThree platform has been validated across early-stage drug discovery through multiple partnerships, clinical trials, and more than 20 peer-reviewed publications. OneThree Biotech is based in New York City. 

Twitter: @onethreebiotech

Poolbeg Pharma #POLB – POLB 001 US Patent update

4 October 2022 – Poolbeg Pharma (AIM: POLB, OTCQB: POLBF, ‘Poolbeg’ or the ‘Company’), a clinical stage infectious disease pharmaceutical company with a unique capital light clinical model, provides an update on the strengthening of its intellectual property (IP) position around POLB 001, a small molecule immunomodulator for the treatment of severe influenza. 

The US Patent and Trademarks Office, after reviewing a patent application that is directed to the use of POLB 001 and its homologues for the treatment of hypercytokinemia (or “cytokine storm”), has indicated to the Company that the main claim is allowable. Poolbeg anticipates receiving a formal patent grant in due course and has filed a continuing application to seek protection for additional claims around this indication. 

Poolbeg has a worldwide license for POLB 001 for all uses in humans and is developing a strong IP portfolio with patent protections in place covering the use of the class of p38 MAP kinase (mitogen-activated protein kinase) inhibitors for the treatment or prevention of severe influenza and hypercytokinaemia. The Company is exploring the opportunity to expand its IP around this asset to cover new disease areas which could enhance the value of the asset for partnering purposes. 

US and European patents have already been granted with claims to the treatment of severe influenza, which is characterised by symptoms that persist or recur for more than two days without signs of resolution, with a p38 MAP kinase inhibitor inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory mediators from endothelial cells and pro-inflammatory cytokines from immune cells. These granted patents offer protection until at least 2037.

Assessment of applications filed in other territories is ongoing. 

Jeremy Skillington, PhD, CEO of Poolbeg Pharma said:

“We are continuing to expand our global patent protection for our growing pipeline of infectious disease products. We are delighted to receive confirmation from the US Patent and Trademarks office that the main claim is allowable, and we look forward to updating the market when we receive the formal patent grant in due course. Enhanced IP protection of our assets across key markets, such as the US, increases the overall value of these products to potential partners. This is particularly important as we move closer to the completion of our POLB 001 LPS human challenge trial, with initial results expected by year end 2022.”

 

– Ends –

 

Enquiries

Poolbeg Pharma Plc

Jeremy Skillington, CEO

Ian O’Connell, CFO

 

 +44 (0) 20 7183 1499

finnCap Ltd (Nominated Adviser & Joint Broker)

Geoff Nash, James Thompson, Charlie Beeson,

Sunila de Silva (ECM), Nigel Birks

 

+44 (0) 20 7220 0500

Singer Capital Markets (Joint Broker)

Phil Davies, Sam Butcher

 

+44 (0) 20 7496 3000

J&E Davy (Joint Broker)

Anthony Farrell, Niall Gilchrist

 

+353 (0) 1 679 6363

Instinctif Partners

Melanie Toyne Sewell, Rozi Morris, Tim Field

 

+44 (0) 20 7457 2020

poolbeg@instinctif.com

 

 

About Poolbeg Pharma

Poolbeg Pharma is a clinical stage infectious disease pharmaceutical company, with a unique capital light clinical model which aims to develop multiple products faster and more cost effectively than the conventional biotech model. The Company, headquartered in London, is led by a team with a track record of creation and delivery of shareholder value and aspires to become a “one-stop shop” for pharma and biotech seeking mid-stage products to license or acquire.

The Company is targeting the growing infectious disease market. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, infectious disease has become one of the fastest growing pharma markets and is expected to exceed $250bn by 2025.

With its initial assets from Open Orphan plc, an industry leading infectious disease and human challenge trials business, Poolbeg has access to knowledge, experience, and clinical data from over 20 years of human challenge trials. The Company is using these insights to acquire new assets as well as reposition clinical stage products, reducing spend and risk. Amongst its portfolio of exciting assets, Poolbeg has a small molecule immunomodulator for severe influenza (POLB 001) which has commenced its LPS human challenge trial with initial results expected by year end 2022; a first-in-class, intranasally administered RNA-based immunotherapy for respiratory virus infections (POLB 002); and a vaccine candidate for Melioidosis (POLB 003). The Company is also developing an oral vaccine delivery platform and is progressing two artificial intelligence (AI) programmes to accelerate the power of its human challenge model data and biobank, with results from the first programme expected by year end 2022. 

For more information, please go to www.poolbegpharma.com or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn @PoolbegPharma.

Alan Green covers Poolbeg Pharma #POLB & Sovereign Metals #SVML on this week’s Stockbox Research Talks

Alan Green covers Poolbeg Pharma #POLB & Sovereign Metals #SVML on this week’s Stockbox Research Talks

Poolbeg Pharma #POLB licence of Melioidosis vaccine candidate

Poolbeg Pharma (AIM: POLB, OTCQB: POLBF, ‘Poolbeg’ or the ‘Company’), a clinical stage infectious disease pharmaceutical company with a unique capital light clinical model, announces that further to the Option Agreement announced in December 2021, Poolbeg has signed an exclusive Licence Agreement with University College Dublin (UCD) through NovaUCD, the University’s knowledge transfer office, for a late preclinical stage vaccine candidate for Melioidosis, a disease for which there is no current approved vaccine available.

The vaccine candidate, which is being developed by Poolbeg as POLB 003, was invented following many years of research by Associate Professor Siobhán McClean, UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, and was a recipient of a Wellcome Trust Award to aid its development.

Associate Professor McClean completed some of the original research to identify the antigens associated with the Melioidosis vaccine candidate at TU Dublin. 

Melioidosis, also known as Whitmore’s disease, is caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, Poolbeg identified the disease as an infectious disease of interest because of its rising incidence around the world due to climate change and its resistance to antibiotic treatment. As a US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) designated biothreat, there is an increasing global need to develop effective vaccines and antibiotics to prevent and treat this disease.

As part of the Company’s Option Agreement with UCD, Poolbeg continues to evaluate five other potential vaccine candidates being developed by Associate Professor McClean and her team. This includes Escherichia coli (O157); a powerful toxin that can severely harm children and elderly and leave lasting kidney damage and Pseudomonas aeruginosa; a highly antibiotic resistant bacteria which is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in cystic fibrosis. As well as Klebsiella pneumoniae which is a prevalent issue in US Defence and healthcare settings resulting in burdensome management of complications, Burkholderia cepacia complex; a significant cause of hospital-acquired infections with large impact on health budgets and Acinetobacter baumannii which poses a threat to immuno- compromised patients in care settings such as cystic fibrosis patients.

Jeremy Skillington, PhD, CEO of Poolbeg Pharma said: “Melioidosis presents a growing threat to global health as an infectious disease with no approved vaccine and a high mortality rate. POLB 003 is being developed in line with our capital light approach and represents a significant opportunity for Poolbeg. Combined with the Company’s expertise in infectious diseases it provides the perfect combination to contribute to the global response to this unmet-medical need and potential to generate significant returns for our investors.” 

Siobhán McClean, PhD, Associate Professor, UCD and inventor of MelioVac, said: “This partnership with Poolbeg will enable the further development of this important vaccine candidate. We are pleased to be bringing our technology, and Poolbeg’s vaccine development expertise and industry network together to fight this growing infectious disease.” 

– Ends –

 

Enquiries

Poolbeg Pharma Plc

Jeremy Skillington, CEO

Ian O’Connell, CFO

 

 +44 (0) 20 7183 1499

finnCap Ltd (Nominated Adviser & Joint Broker)

Geoff Nash, James Thompson, Charlie Beeson,

Sunila de Silva (ECM), Nigel Birks

 

+44 (0) 20 7220 0500

Singer Capital Markets (Joint Broker)

Phil Davies, Sam Butcher

 

+44 (0) 20 7496 3000

J&E Davy (Joint Broker)

Anthony Farrell, Niall Gilchrist

 

+353 (0) 1 679 6363

Instinctif Partners

Melanie Toyne Sewell, Rozi Morris, Tim Field

44 (0) 20 7457 2020

poolbeg@instinctif.com

 

Notes to Editors

About Melioidosis

Caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, commonly found in the soil and surface groundwater of many tropical and subtropical regions, Melioidosis causes a diverse range of symptoms including pneumonia and severe sepsis with multiple organ abscesses. There are an estimated 165,000 cases of Melioidosis each year, of which as many as 89,000 (54%) are estimated to be fatal. It is widespread in South-East Asia, Northern Australia and India, but the warming climate is having a substantial impact on the spread of the disease to new areas such as Brazil and traditionally non-tropical areas. As a US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) designated biothreat, there is an increasing global need to develop effective vaccines and antibiotics to prevent and treat this disease.

About POLB 003

Through an extensive characterisation of the protein structures present on the bacteria’s surface, the team at University College Dublin identified a homologue of the common OmpW bacterial antigen specific to this strain, called BpOmpW. Preclinical studies using this antigen showed significant survival benefit when challenged with the Burkholderia pseudomallei, the bacteria which causes Melioidosis. Similarly, so-called correlates of protection, which provide an indication of the protection status of a subject, were much improved including increased IFN-γ production and an enhanced T-Cell response profile, both of which have a proven role in protection against Melioidosis. 

About Poolbeg Pharma

Poolbeg Pharma is a clinical stage infectious disease pharmaceutical company, with a unique capital light clinical model which aims to develop multiple products faster and more cost effectively than the conventional biotech model. The Company, headquartered in London, is led by a team with a track record of creation and delivery of shareholder value and aspires to become a “one-stop shop” for pharma and biotech seeking mid-stage products to license or acquire.

The Company is targeting the growing infectious disease market. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, infectious disease has become one of the fastest growing pharma markets and is expected to exceed $250bn by 2025.

With its initial assets from Open Orphan plc, an industry leading infectious disease and human challenge trials business, Poolbeg has access to knowledge, experience, and clinical data from over 20 years of human challenge trials. The Company is using these insights to acquire new assets as well as reposition clinical stage products, reducing spend and risk. Amongst its portfolio of exciting assets, Poolbeg has a small molecule immunomodulator for severe influenza (POLB 001) which has commenced its LPS human challenge trial with initial results expected by year end 2022; a first-in-class, intranasally administered RNA-based immunotherapy for respiratory virus infections (POLB 002); and a vaccine candidate for Melioidosis (POLB 003). The Company is also developing an oral vaccine delivery platform and is progressing two artificial intelligence (AI) programmes to accelerate the power of its human challenge model data and biobank, with results from the first programme expected by year end 2022. 

For more information, please go to www.poolbegpharma.com or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn @PoolbegPharma. 

About University College Dublin

UCD is Ireland’s largest and most diverse university and one of Europe’s leading research-intensive universities. Since 1854 UCD has made a unique contribution to the creation of modern Ireland, based on successful engagement with Irish society on every level and across every sphere of activity. As Ireland’s leading university in innovation, knowledge transfer and commercialisation, UCD’s commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship recognises the importance of active participation and collaboration to exploit leading-edge research and development outputs. As set-out in Rising to the Future 2020-2024 UCD’s four strategic theme are; creating a sustainable global society, transforming through digital technology, building a healthy world, and empowering humanity.

 

For further information, visit www.ucd.ie

Poolbeg Pharma #POLB – Interim results for the six months to 30 June 2022

Poolbeg Pharma (AIM: POLB, OTCQB: POLBF, ‘Poolbeg’ or the ‘Company’), a clinical stage infectious disease pharmaceutical company with a unique capital light clinical model, announces its unaudited interim results for the six months to 30 June 2022.

Financial & Operational Highlights

Well capitalised with a strong cash balance of £18.9m as at 30 June 2022

Significant progress made on developing POLB 001, a treatment for severe influenza

LPS human challenge trial commenced in July 2022 with initial results expected by year end 2022

Supply Agreement signed and GMP manufacturing completed

Key US patent granted in May 2022

Continuing to explore further disease indications beyond severe influenza

Two AI programmes commenced to analyse Poolbeg’s unique human challenge trial data

Agreement signed with OneThree Biotech Inc. in February 2022 to identify new drug targets and treatments for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). The programme is progressing well with the model build and optimisation completed in June 2022, with results expected by the end of 2022

In March 2022 an agreement was signed with CytoReason Ltd. to identify novel drug targets for influenza. Data analysis is ongoing, and results are expected in Q2 2023

Licensed first-in-class broad spectrum RNA-based immunotherapy (POLB 002) for respiratory virus infections from the University of Warwick in January 2022

Key European and US patents granted in April and May 2022 respectively

Diligence completed on POLB 003, an intramuscular vaccine candidate to prevent Melioidosis from University College Dublin. Definitive license agreement being finalised following exclusive option agreement (signed in December 2021)

Licensed AnaBio Technologies’ micro- and nanoencapsulation technology to develop oral vaccines in January 2022

 

Investor presentation

Jeremy Skillington, PhD, Chief Executive Officer, will provide a live presentation via the Investor Meet Company platform on 6 September 2022 at 6:00pm.

The presentation is open to all existing and potential shareholders. Investors can sign up to Investor Meet Company for free and add to meet Poolbeg Pharma plc here. The presentation and recording will be available on the Company’s website after the event here.

Jeremy Skillington, PhD, CEO of Poolbeg Pharma said: “I am pleased with the progress that the team has made to advance and expand our portfolio of products and platforms, and we intend to build on and accelerate this rate of progress in the remainder of 2022 and beyond.

“Poolbeg is entering a very exciting phase in its development with a number of near-term value inflection points expected before year end. This includes the initial results from our LPS human challenge trial for our severe influenza treatment, POLB 001, after which we will seek to out-licence to pharma and biotech companies, generating revenues from upfront payment and downstream milestones and royalties. In addition, the outputs from our RSV and influenza Artificial Intelligence Programmes are expected by the end of 2022 and in Q2 2023 respectively.

“We have strong financial resources available to progress our products and platforms and also to capitalise on new opportunities as we identify them which, in addition to our upcoming value inflection points, gives me confidence that we can generate strong returns for shareholders.” 

– Ends –

 Enquiries

 

Poolbeg Pharma Plc

Jeremy Skillington, CEO

Ian O’Connell, CFO

 

 +44 (0) 20 7183 1499

finnCap Ltd (Nominated Adviser & Joint Broker)

Geoff Nash, James Thompson, Charlie Beeson,

Richard Chambers, Sunila de Silva (ECM), Nigel Birks

 

+44 (0) 20 7220 0500

Singer Capital Markets (Joint Broker)

Phil Davies, Sam Butcher

 

+44 (0) 20 7496 3000

 

J&E Davy (Joint Broker)

Anthony Farrell, Niall Gilchrist

 

+353 (0) 1 679 6363

Instinctif Partners

Melanie Toyne Sewell, Rozi Morris, Tim Field

 

+44 (0) 20 7457 2020

poolbeg@instinctif.com

 

 

About Poolbeg Pharma

Poolbeg Pharma is a clinical stage infectious disease pharmaceutical company, with a unique capital light clinical model which aims to develop multiple products faster and more cost effectively than the conventional biotech model. The Company, headquartered in London, is led by a team with a track record of creation and delivery of shareholder value and aspires to become a “one-stop shop” for pharma and biotech seeking mid-stage products to license or acquire.

The Company is targeting the growing infectious disease market. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, infectious disease has become one of the fastest growing pharma markets and is expected to exceed $250bn by 2025.

With its initial assets from Open Orphan plc, an industry leading infectious disease and human challenge trials business, Poolbeg has access to knowledge, experience, and clinical data from over 20 years of human challenge trials. The Company is using these insights to acquire new assets as well as reposition clinical stage products, reducing spend and risk. Amongst its portfolio of exciting assets, Poolbeg has a small molecule immunomodulator for severe influenza (POLB 001) which has commenced its LPS human challenge trial with initial results expected by year end 2022; a first-in-class, intranasally administered RNA-based immunotherapy for respiratory virus infections (POLB 002); and a vaccine candidate for Melioidosis (POLB 003). The Company is also developing an oral vaccine delivery platform and is progressing two artificial intelligence (AI) programmes to accelerate the power of its human challenge model data and biobank, with results from the first programme expected by year end 2022.

For more information, please go to www.poolbegpharma.com or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn @PoolbegPharma.

 Link here to view the full results and financial statements

Alan Green discusses #WTB Whitbread, #POLB Poolbeg Pharma & #FCM First Class Metals on the Vox Market Podcast

Alan Green discusses #WTB Whitbread, #POLB Poolbeg Pharma & #FCM First Class Metals on the Vox Market Podcast

Listen here

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