NEW RESEARCH: 52-page Report on Convoy Therapeutics, Inc.

Laura Swartz — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 21:46:00 GMT

This afternoon we released our first Executive Informational Overview on Convoy Therapeutics, Inc., a closely held, late-stage biotechnology company developing a next-generation drug delivery technology. The report details Convoy's business, product development and R&D efforts, growth strategies and important milestones, management backgrounds, potential competition, and market opportunities, among many other factors that investors and stakeholders may find relevant.

About Convoy

Convoy’s innovative Skin-Penetrating-And-Cell-Entering (SPACE) Peptide Technology uses a family of proprietary peptide sequences to transport topical drug and cosmetic compounds into the skin. A key competitive advantage of the SPACE technology is that it can be used to administer both small and large molecules. Many biologic drugs and therapeutic proteins, among other macromolecules, cannot be effectively delivered through the skin with current technologies due to the size of the active molecule. The SPACE Peptide not only facilitates skin penetration of large molecules but has also been shown to retain small compounds in the skin, potentiating a longer-lasting treatment effect. The technology is non-invasive and has been found to be non-toxic. Convoy’s pipeline includes using the SPACE platform to reformulate a well-known oral and injectable therapeutic, cyclosporine A, into a topical treatment for psoriasis called CycloPsorb™, as well as creating a topical hyaluronic acid cosmetic compound to reduce fine lines/wrinkles as a supplement to dermal filler and Botox® injections.

Key Points

Convoy’s topical hyaluronic acid for fine lines and wrinkles could reach the market in early 2014, followed by CycloPsorb™ in 2015. The pipeline further includes several preclinical-stage candidates.
The SPACE platform is adaptable to a range of molecules, and its use could enable new treatments in dermatology, immunology (vaccines), oncology and pain, and cosmetics/cosmeceuticals. Convoy seeks strategic partners interested in using the SPACE platform with their compounds or in co-development of the Company’s two lead candidates.
Medicines applied to the skin account for more than 12% of the global drug delivery market—which could expand with the advent of technologies such as Convoy’s that enable topical delivery of existing oral and injectable macromolecules.
Convoy holds an exclusive global license to the SPACE Peptide Technology, with patent applications filed in the U.S. and other worldwide territories under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
The Company is led by management experienced in biomedical, biotechnology, and financial markets as well as a Scientific Advisory Board chaired by Professor Samir Mitragotri, who is Director of the University of California, Santa Barbara’s Center for Bioengineering and a leading researcher in the field of drug delivery. Professor Mitragotri is an inventor of the SPACE technology.
Convoy is a closely held company. As such, information regarding its cash and financial position has not been made publicly available.

To read the full 52-page report, visit our website.

Join us at the 4th Annual OneMedForum 2013 in New York: June 26-27

Laura Swartz — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 16:30:00 GMT

*The JOBS Act, New Private Markets, and the Re-Emergence of the IPO

*Funding the Future of Healthcare, Finance Forum, and JOBS Act Summit

*Special Session: Fund Managers Unplugged

Crystal Research Associates is proud to be a sponsor of the 4th Annual OneMedForum in New York City on June 26-27, 2013. This Forum created and hosted by OneMedPlace will focus on the new financing strategies made possible by the JOBS Act, with a showcase of investment opportunities in fast-growing private (pre-IPO) companies and microcap public companies.

If you would like to attend the conference, please click here for more information and online registration.

If you are already attending, we welcome you to stop by our booth at OneMedForumNY 2013 to get more information about our products and services, or just to say hi!

Also, don't miss our Special Session Panel--Fund Managers Unplugged--which will be held at 4:20 pm on June 27th. Hosted by Crystal Research Associates, CEO Jeffrey Kraws will be moderating this discussion between veteran healthcare fund managers. Topics will focus on the outlook for healthcare investors in 2013 and beyond. If you were able to catch the first Fund Managers Unplugged panel, held in January 2013 at OneMedForum San Francisco, this is your chance to hear the follow-up discussion on the success of the stock picks made during the first panel.

AtheroNova Reaches Major Milestone: Starts Phase I in June

Laura Swartz — Fri, 31 May 2013 15:08:00 GMT

Yesterday, AtheroNova Inc. (AHRO-OTC) announced a major milestone in the Company's progression to Phase I clinical trials. AtheroNova has now shipped Phase I supplies of AHRO-001, the Company's lead drug candidate fighting atherosclerotic plaque, to CardioNova, the Company's Russian licensing partner. This shipment was the last major step to commencing human trials, and indicates that AtheroNova is on track to start patient screenings and first-in-man dosing in June 2013.

Previously, in late January 2013, AtheroNova’s CEO, Thomas W. Gardner, had detailed the Company’s development for investors, noting that AtheroNova expected to initiate and complete a Phase I trial for AHRO-001 in Russia by the third quarter 2013. The Company’s partner, CardioNova, has already filed an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for AHRO-001 with Russia’s Ministry of Healthcare, and CardioNova’s parent company, the Maxwell Biotech Group, has agreed to fund Phase I and Phase II clinical trials in Russia. As announced by AtheroNova in January, subsequent Phase II trials could commence in the fourth quarter 2013.

AtheroNova's CEO Mr. Gardner had this to say about the shipment of Phase I drug product:

"We are delighted to have achieved shipment of AHRO-001 and are looking forward to the commencement of the Phase 1 human trials in June, another clear milestone for the Company. We are grateful for the work of our tablet formulator to complete the drug product in the necessary timeframe, and we truly look forward to the culmination of development of AHRO-001 as we transition to a clinical-stage enterprise. We look forward to announcing additional milestones as we make continued progress."

About AHRO-001

AHRO-001 is AtheroNova's first novel application for the treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerotic plaque is the primary, underlying cause of heart disease and stroke in industrialized countries. AHRO-001 uses certain pharmacological compounds to regress atherosclerotic plaque deposits through a process known as delipidization. Delipidization dissolves plaques in artery walls, which are then removed by natural body processes. AtheroNova is developing, and seeks to eventually market AHRO-001, a product that has the potential to become a new standard of care for patients prone to atherosclerotic plaque accumulation.

For further details on AtheroNova, AHRO-001, and other products in the Company's pipeline, please refer to our latest Quarterly Update on the Company: available here.

Crystal Research Enters into Strategic Partnership with MZ Group

Colleen Koski — Wed, 22 May 2013 13:33:00 GMT

"We are very excited to partner with a great organization like Crystal Research. With fewer sell-side firms capable and willing to provide research coverage for small and microcap stocks, we see tremendous value in independent research. After seeing Jeff and his team work with a few of our clients, we were extremely impressed with their diligent process and comprehensive reports. Forming this partnership allows us to leverage our collective strengths to help investors fully understand our client's stories and to increase investor and media awareness and interest in our client's companies."

Crystal Research Associates is pleased to announced that it has entered into a strategic partnership with MZ Group, the world's largest independent investor relations and corporate communications firm. The full press release is provided below.

SAN DIEGO, May 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- MZ Group ("MZ"), the world's largest independent investor relations and corporate communications firm, today announced that it has entered a strategic partnership with Crystal Research Associates ("Crystal Research") to provide independent research coverage for MZ's clients. Both MZ and Crystal Research will make referrals for the other firm's services to its existing and new clients.

Ted Haberfield, President of MZ North America stated, "We are very excited to partner with a great organization like Crystal Research. With fewer sell-side firms capable and willing to provide research coverage for small and microcap stocks, we see tremendous value in independent research. After seeing Jeff and his team work with a few of our clients, we were extremely impressed with their diligent process and comprehensive reports. Forming this partnership allows us to leverage our collective strengths to help investors fully understand our client's stories and to increase investor and media awareness and interest in our client's companies."

About MZ Group

The MZ Group is a multinational company and the world's largest independent financial communication, corporate communications, IPO journey, market intelligence and applied technology for corporations. Founded in 1999, MZ focuses on innovation and personalized services, supported by its exclusive "one‐stop‐shop" business model. With offices in São Paulo, Chicago, Hong Kong, New York, Beijing, San Diego, Shanghai and Taipei, MZ has approximately 330 professionals who serve over 500 clients in 11 countries. For more information please visit www.mzgroup.us.

About Crystal Research Associates

Crystal Research Associates publishes and distributes objective, meticulously researched reports that enhance the visibility of innovative companies. Its reports, branded Executive Informational Overview® (EIOs), are written by a panel of veteran Wall Street analysts who recognize investors' desire to understand a business in a way that supports an educated investment decision. Its EIOs are devoid of investment ratings, target prices, and forward-looking financial models, and only contain hard-hitting, well-researched facts on companies, their fundamentals, and their industries—validating a company's prospects and enabling the reader to objectively evaluate its value. Its reports are distributed through Bloomberg, Thomson Reuters, Capital IQ, and scores of forums viewed by retail and institutional investors. For more information, please visit www.crystalra.com.

NEW RESEARCH: 60-page Report on Trio Resources, Inc. (TRII-OTC)

Laura Swartz — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:37:00 GMT

This morning we released our first Executive Informational Overview on Trio Resources, Inc. (TRII-OTC), a Canadian mineral exploration company that is also active in mineral processing. The report details Trio's business, exploration efforts, mineralized assets and process for monetizing these assets, important partnerships, management background, growth strategies, potential competition, and market opportunities, among many other factors that investors and stakeholders may find relevant.

About Trio

Trio Resources, Inc. (“Trio” or “the Company”) is a Canadian exploration-stage and small-scale processing company focused on developing the current mineral potential of historically rich mining regions. The Company owns 100% of the 94-acre Duncan Kerr property located near the town of Cobalt, Ontario. Exploration to date has identified several areas of interest on the property, where geology is believed to be favorable for silver mineralization. Trio supports its development efforts through revenue generated by processing stockpiles of mineralized ore in the Company’s onsite mill—a capability that is atypical for a junior exploration company. The Duncan Kerr property hosts 1.3 million tons of aboveground mineralized inventory (concentrate, crushed ore, muck piles, etc.), which Trio has begun processing for its residual mineral content. The Company has a five-year off-take agreement with United Commodity AG (3UI1-Frankfurt)—calculated to have a minimum value of $30 million—to recover the mineralization present in Trio’s stockpiles.

Key Points

The Duncan Kerr property is located in a region that is well known for its base and precious metal production. Past-producing mines at Duncan Kerr have mined in excess of 32 million ounces of silver, and one of North America’s richest silver veins ever explored was located on the property.
The Company’s plans for 2013 include 5,000 meters of diamond drilling and other exploration at the Duncan Kerr project as well as upgrading its existing mill capacity to be able to process up to 360 tons per day. Trio seeks to release an NI 43-101 resource valuation for its stockpiles by August 2013.
Trio has full rights and claims to the Duncan Kerr property, including the existing mineralized material, onsite mill, other structures and equipment, and all surface and mineral rights.
Trio’s management has expertise in business development for both public and private companies. Chief executive officer (CEO) J. Duncan Reid has over 30 years of senior leadership experience, with more than a decade in the mining industry.
In the quarter ended March 31, 2013, Trio generated revenues of $166,299—Trio’s first since its inception in 2012.
In April 2013, the Company announced that it expected revenue of $236,000 for the first shipment of its mineralized inventory to United Commodity, which occurred in February 2013. Semi-monthly shipments are commencing in the second quarter 2013, which are anticipated to generate up to $500,000 per month for Trio. Trio also presently seeks to raise $2.5 million to fund growth.

To read the full 60-page report, visit our website.

Earnings Season Highlights: LRAD Corp. (LRAD-NASDAQ)

Laura Swartz — Tue, 14 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Continuing with our "earnings season highlights" coverage, LRAD Corp. (LRAD-NASDAQ) has reported its fiscal second quarter 2013 financials, which entail results for the Company’s three- and six-month period ended March 31, 2013.

In addition to the below discussion, detailed information from Crystal Research Associates about LRAD’s business, product lines, strategies, market opportunities, and competition is available here, and the Company’s SEC filings can be accessed here.

The Company’s Long Range Acoustic Device® (LRAD®) technology uses advanced sound reproduction technologies and novel acoustic materials to broadcast authoritative and highly intelligible instructions, warnings, alarms, and other sounds over several miles. LRAD® improves upon traditional speaker systems and megaphones by directing sound only where needed. Similar to a spotlight, which produces an intense beam of targeted light, each LRAD® system delivers a focused, directional audio broadcast. The beam width, frequency range, and maximum continuous output of LRAD® devices can be adjusted to target individuals, small groups, and large crowds at various ranges. LRAD Corp.’s versatile product portfolio has a range of applications, including public safety, law enforcement, homeland and international security, private and commercial security, maritime security, and wildlife and asset protection.

LRAD’s fiscal year ends September 30^th, making the three months ended March 31^st the Company’s second quarter. For the quarter, LRAD reported revenue from product sales, contracts, and other sources of $3.2 million, up from $2.4 million in the year-ago period. It is important to note that LRAD’s quarterly revenue is subject to fluctuations due to the budgetary cycles of its customer base, which largely consists of domestic and foreign government, military, law enforcement, and other agencies.

Similarly, LRAD’s revenues for the six-month period ended March 31, 2013, were $6.2 million versus $6 million for the first half of fiscal 2012.

For the second quarter fiscal 2013, LRAD reported a net loss of $459,000, or ($0.01) per share, versus a net loss of $292,000, or ($0.01) per share, for the second quarter fiscal 2012. For the first half of 2013, net loss was $560,000, or ($0.02) per share, versus a net income of $22,000, or $0 per share, for the six months ended March 31, 2012. For all terms, the increase in net loss to date in FY 2013 results from higher operating expenses due to increases in legal and other professional fees associated with a recent lawsuit and threatened proxy contest, non-cash share-based compensation expense, and research and development costs, partially offset by favorable commission expense, according to LRAD’s May 8, 2013, press release.

While LRAD has recently encountered economic and defense budget headwinds as a result of sequestration and spending uncertainty, the Company has worked to mitigate these effects by expanding its acoustic hailing device (AHD) markets, launching additional LRAD® systems, pursuing a pipeline of both domestic and international business opportunities, closely controlling its balance sheet and expenses, and moving into new headquarters with increased and improved manufacturing space, among other benefits. LRAD reports that it is starting to see funds being released for acoustic hailing device (AHD) military purchases in the U.S. and anticipates strong military and international sales for the second half of the fiscal year.

As of March 31, 2013, LRAD held cash and cash equivalents of $15.8 million.

Earnings Season Highlights: Neonode Inc. (NEON-NASDAQ)

Laura Swartz — Mon, 13 May 2013 14:45:00 GMT

Our second post on "earnings season highlights" focuses on technology company Neonode Inc.(NEON-NASDAQ), which last week reported quarterly financials for the three months ended March 31, 2013. (For the first in this blog series—coverage of PhotoMedex, Inc.’s first quarter earnings—click here.)

In addition to the below discussion, detailed information from Crystal Research Associates about Neonode’s business, product lines, strategies, market opportunities, and competition is available here, and the Company’s SEC filings can be accessed here.

New Technology for Your Touchscreen

Neonode is a developer of infrared, multi-sensing interfaces that make handheld, consumer, and industrial electronic devices touch sensitive. The Company’s touch technology platform is branded zForce®, upon which Neonode has developed a variety of features that sense any object—its size, its pressure on a surface, its depth, its velocity, and even its proximity to the surface. This feature set is called Neonode MultiSensing® touch technology, which represents a newer alternative to standard capacitive touch solutions (such as is used on the iPad®). To date, the Neonode MultiSensing® solution has been used on more than 10 million touch-enabled consumer devices worldwide, including in a Kindle Touch eReader from Amazon.com, Inc., the Nook eReader from Barnes & Noble, Inc., eReaders from Sony Corp., Kobo Inc., and several other manufacturers, and in the MEEP! tablet from Oregon Scientific Inc. The technology has also been licensed for a variety of other consumer electronics and automotive solutions, including to Alpine Electronics, Inc., BYD Co. Ltd., and One Laptop per Child, among other companies in the tablet PC, mobile phone, office equipment, and automotive sectors.

No Screen? No Problem!

The zForce® technology is display agnostic, indicating that it can be added to a variety of surfaces, including liquid-crystal display (LCD), electronic ink (e-ink), organic light-emitting diode (OLED), and electronic paper display (EPD). Accordingly, Neonode’s addressable market is considerable, comprising today’s touchscreen products as well as any product that may in the future be made touch sensitive. A visual display is not required; thus, zForce® is applicable to touchpads, keypads, door locks, appliances, industrial goods, and other items in addition to handheld consumer electronics.

Technology Licensing

Neonode operates via a technology licensing model where revenues are primarily generated through non-exclusive, royalty-based licenses to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), original design manufacturers (ODMs), and component suppliers. In addition, the Company may offer engineering design services to its customers as well. For the first quarter 2013, Neonode reported net revenue from licenses and engineering design fees of $0.5 million, a considerable decline from the Company’s performance last year—when Neonode reported revenues of $1.2 million for the first quarter 2012.

Despite the Company’s recent decrease in revenue, Neonode appears to have been hard at work opening up future opportunities. As reported in the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on May 8^th with the SEC, Neonode has signed 29 technology license agreements with global OEMs, including for many industries beyond the eReader sector. Of note, Neonode expects its customers to ramp-up production and sales of tablets, printers, and handsets in the second half of 2013, and some of the Company’s newest technology licenses signed in the first quarter 2013 are with major automotive brands. Subsequent to the quarter’s end, Neonode also signed an agreement to incorporate its MultiSensing® technology into certain ATM machines, and the Company believes that some of its key recent agreements in the PC space can lead to touch innovations for Windows® notebook PCs in the near future.

Future Technologies Are Driven by Today’s Product R&D

As Neonode seeks to open up additional sources of technology licensing revenue going forward, the Company has drastically increased its investments in research and development (R&D). Neonode reported product R&D for the first quarter 2013 of $1.6 million, up 138% over the first quarter 2012, when product R&D was only $0.7 million.

Likewise, the Company has continued its commitment to patenting its innovations, and has received three new patents in 2013. Neonode now holds 12 patents and 72 pending patent applications.

For the first quarter 2013, Neonode reported a net loss of $3.6 million, or ($0.11) per share, versus a net loss of $1.6 million, or ($0.05) per share, for the comparable quarter last year.

Earnings Season Highlights: PhotoMedex, Inc. (PHMD-NASDAQ)

Laura Swartz — Thu, 09 May 2013 21:31:00 GMT

Quarterly earnings are in full swing and we are excited to present financial highlights for Pennsylvania-based PhotoMedex, Inc. (PHMD-NASDAQ), which were just reported for the three-month period ended March 31, 2013.

In addition to the below discussion, detailed information from Crystal Research Associates about PhotoMedex’s business, product lines, strategies, market opportunities, and competition is available here, and the Company’s SEC filings can be accessed here.

Over $57 Million in Quarterly Revenue

Global skin health company PhotoMedex has posted considerable growth since its 2011 merger with Radiancy Inc. First quarter 2013 revenue was up 14% over the companies’ first combined quarter in 2012. PhotoMedex reported quarterly revenue of $57.2 million for the period ended March 31, 2013, which included year-over-year gains in each of the following business segments: (1) consumer revenues from the innovative no!no!™ products, including increases in all consumer avenues (direct-to-consumer, global retail and home shopping, and through distributors); (2) sales and treatment revenues from the professional XTRAC® excimer laser; and (3) sales of the NEOVA® topical skin care line.

Highlights: Effective Corporate Strategies Drive Growth

Over the past year, PhotoMedex and Radiancy have executed an efficient merger, blending PhotoMedex’s expertise in physician sales and deep product line of capital equipment and topical formulations with Radiancy’s highly advanced consumer sales engine, creative marketing programs, and global distributor and retail network. Effectively leveraging these skills has been key to the Company’s growth thus far, and is expected to be a major driver of sales going forward as PhotoMedex continues to incorporate consumer marketing strategies into its professional (dermatologist- and aesthetician-targeted) sales.

As an example of this type of integration, in late 2012, PhotoMedex launched a nationwide education campaign targeted at U.S. consumers and physicians, with the intent of raising awareness of the Company’s XTRAC® tools to treat psoriasis and vitiligo patients. As part of the “Live Clear. Live Free.” Campaign, national direct-to-consumer radio and television advertising began airing in November 2012, supported by a direct mail campaign. A 24/7 call center staffed with clinical specialists provides insurance guidance, answers questions on XTRAC® therapy, and expedites appointments with physicians. In addition, the XTRAC® website,www.LiveXTRACClear.com, has been equipped with patient and physician resources, and new patient education materials were delivered to all 300 authorized XTRAC® practices nationwide. In addition to providing patients with key information about their skin diseases and treatment options, “Live Clear. Live Free.” seeks to drive awareness of XTRAC® care among a wider physician base beyond just dermatologists commonly treating psoriasis and vitiligo patients.

As a result of this push, PhotoMedex reported XTRAC® adjusted treatment revenues of $3.2 million for the first quarter 2013, an increase of 73% versus the first quarter 2012 and an increase of 22% sequentially (compared to the fourth quarter 2012). In addition, the Company’s installed base of XTRAC® machines increased by 51 placements during the quarter, for a total of 401 in the U.S.

Similarly, 2012 saw a tremendous sales and marketing effort from PhotoMedex for the consumer no!no!™ products, which included several one-day “beauty events” on home shopping TV channels that earned record revenue, a drive to place the no!no!™ products at nearly every Bed Bath and Beyond store in the U.S. as well as a number of other global retailers, Spanish-language advertisements in the U.S., and increased marketing of no!no!™ Men. To get more traction out of these expenditures, the Company worked to upsell no!no!™ customers at call centers on the NEOVA® skin care products as well, leading to increased sales of this line too.

For the first quarter 2013, PhotoMedex reported consumer revenues, led by the no!no!™ products, of $49 million, a 16% increase over the first quarter 2012.

Profitability Increasing and Solid Cash Position

For the first quarter 2013, PhotoMedex’s gross margins increased from 77.7% in the first quarter 2012 to 79.3%.
The Company reported a net income for the period of $7.2 million, or $0.34 per diluted share, versus $4.9 million, or $0.26 per diluted share, for the year-ago quarter.
As of March 31, 2013, PhotoMedex had cash and cash equivalents of $63.5 million, or $3.00 per diluted share.

NEW RESEARCH: 60-page Research Report on eCharge2 Corp. Just Released

Laura Swartz — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:40:00 GMT

We announced today that it we have issued an Executive Informational Overview (EIO) on eCharge Corp. The full 60-page report can be found here.

Cybersecurity software development firm, eCharge² Corp. (“eC2” or “the Company”), is a closely held company focused on protecting confidential, proprietary, and personal data. In fall 2012, eC2 launched the first product from its Unbreakable Exchange Protocol™ (UXP™) platform under the SertintyONE™ brand. The UXP is an integrated, owner- and data-centric, self-aware cybersecurity platform which may begin generating revenues in the first half of 2013.

SertintyONE is designed to redefine the rules of traditional, yet outdated, firewall and data governance paradigms by improving data protection and workflow performance. The Company has a strategic alliance in place with technology provider Transformations Inc. and is working to establish additional partnerships. Through the alliance with Transformations, the UXP smart-data solution is currently available for employee and consumer confidential and critical communication workflows within the healthcare, finance, critical infrastructure, and other industries.

Five Key Reasons to Look at eCharge2

The Company believes that its cybersecurity software may alter the landscape for Identity and Access Management (IAM), Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Data Loss Protection (DLP), Digital Rights Management (DRM), and Key Encryption Management—critical data-governance components of existing cybersecurity software. According to IBM Corp.’s estimates, security software and services is roughly a $94 billion market, expanding at a CAGR of nearly 12%. The IAM sector alone is estimated to be an $11 billion market with approximately 20% annual growth.
Factors fueling the need for improved cybersecurity protocols include a rapid expansion of mobile devices, use of social networks by enterprises, increasing privacy concerns in highly regulated industries (e.g., healthcare and finance), and a significant increase in organized, high-level cyberattacks.
The Company holds 29 issued and 25 pending patents worldwide, which protect its code and may be a source of future revenue.
The management team at eC2 is skilled in technology and software development, project finance, and bringing new brands into the commercial marketplace. Individuals come from leadership backgrounds at both private and public companies, including Oracle Corp., E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Co., Arthur Andersen LLP, Digital Equipment Corp., and Baxter Travenol Laboratories Inc., among other major enterprises.
As of March 2013, eC2 has raised over $18 million, which has largely been invested in product and technology development, intellectual property, and acquiring skilled management. The Company is currently seeking to raise an additional $25 million to fuel growth.

MetaStat Focuses on Lead Product Opportunity and Bolstering Pipeline

Colleen Koski — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 13:13:00 GMT

Yesterday, Crystal Research Associates published a 12-page Quarterly Update on MetaStat, Inc., a life sciences company developing next-generation diagnostic and therapeutic products for metastatic cancer. MetaStat is currently focused on three key initiatives within its pipeline: two diagnostic platforms (MetaSite™ Breast and MenaCalc™) as well as one therapeutic program (MenaBloc™). These candidates are overviewed on pages 5-8 of MetaStat's Quarterly Update.

Key Developments

MetaStat has achieved several key milestones in recent months as it continues to pursue its goals of bringing its first product candidate to market.

In January 2013, MetaStat announced that it had completed a 500-patient confirmatory trial in breast cancer with MetaSite Breast. The Company expects data from this study to be released in mid-2013.
MetaStat appointed David Epstein, Ph.D. as advisor for the Company’s drug discovery and development initiatives. Dr. Epstein has over 15 years of R&D experience in addition to leadership experience in both the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors. Dr. Epstein also joined MetaStat’s Board of Directors.
The Company raised $1.3 million in gross proceeds during a private placement with accredited investors in early 2013.

Potential Milestones

MetaStat aims to achieve a number of milestones in the next 12 to 24 months for its three product candidates. With MetaSite Breast potentially entering the market in 2014, the Company is working to bolster its pipeline through the development of its two additional platforms.

MetaSite Breast

Obtain results from a 500-patient large population validation study
Publish data from the validation study in leading scientific journal
Initiate one or more additional validation and chemotherapy benefit studies (cohorts identified)
Set up CLIA GLP-certified central laboratory
Commence initial pilot marketing

MenaCalc

Initiate a large population validation study in breast cancer with metastatic risk as the primary endpoint
Perform a large-scale proof-of-concept study in prostate cancer
Execute a large-scale proof-of-concept study in adenocarcinoma of the lung

MenaBloc

Perform a functional screening program for a small molecule mena inhibitor
Complete medicinal chemistry and lead optimization
Continue licensing and partnering discussions

Additional Information

For additional information about the Company's technology platforms, news announcements, and stock information, as well as to download the 52-page Executive Informational Overview published on January 3, 2013, please see MetaStat's Corporate Profile.

Cladding its Way to the Top: Abakan to Build New Facility in Brazil

Laura Swartz — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 14:43:00 GMT

On the heels of being named the "Subsea Pipeline Technology of the Year" by the Pipeline Industries Guild in March, Abakan Inc. (ABKI-OTC) announced last week that it would build a large-scale cladding facility in Brazil to target the lucrative Brazilian oil and gas markets. Abakan has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Latin America's Cone S.A. for construction of the new CermaClad™ manufacturing facility. Cone not only possesses significant industrial construction expertise but has partnered with the U.S.'s FCL Builders, which has over 35 years of experience as a design/build contractor for industrial facilities.

Abakan's move to open a CermaClad™ plant in Brazil is part of the Company's long-term strategy for commercializing its innovative CermaClad™ and PComP™ products to meet global demand for next-generation metallic coatings and cladding solutions that improve metal’s resistance to corrosion and wear.

The Company’s nanocomposite metallic alloys can be applied to valuable metal assets in an array of multibillion-dollar industries, such as oil and gas, mining, marine, and aerospace applications, as well as infrastructure, in order to extend the life of metal components and reduce the maintenance and downtime costs of repairing corroded or worn-out parts. It is estimated that as much as 50% of the market for corrosion- and wear-resistant metal cladding is for cladding steel pipes for the oil/gas/mining industries alone, making a Latin American manufacturing facility particularly beneficial for Abakan as the Company targets this customer base. Brazil is home to one of the largest energy companies in Latin America, Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. (Petrobras), which entered into a $1.7 million joint development agreement (JDA) with Abakan in January 2011.

Construction Status

Abakan reports that architectural drawings are finalized and permitting for the site has begun. The facility foundation is scheduled for completion in July 2013, with Abakan able to begin installing equipment by December 2013.

Once operational, this clad pipe manufacturing plant is expected to have capacity for producing up to $200 million in clad products annually using Abakan's proprietary approach, which the Company states has shown to be 15 to 100 times faster to apply than current metal-protection techniques and offer six times greater corrosion resistance. At this size, the plant may be one of "the world's largest metallurgical clad pipe manufacturing facilities" says Abakan CEO Robert Miller.

Future Plans

Abakan is not stopping with the construction of a plant in Brazil. Due to widespread interest in its technologies and products (from major oil companies to shipbuilders to the Wall Street Journal, which calls CermaClad™ the top manufacturing technology globally), the Company has plans for several additional global sites to meet demand for both its CermaClad™ and PComP™ products.

For further details on Abakan, its unique technologies and their potential in the marketplace, as well as possible competitors, financial position, and the Company's strategies for navigating growth and sales agreements, download a copy of our recent research on Abakan: available here.

AHRO Nears its Phase I Start with Appointment of Clinical Chair

Laura Swartz — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:13:00 GMT

This morning, AtheroNova Inc. (AHRO-OTC) announced that it expanded its clinical expertise by adding Dr. Stephen Nicholls as Chair of the Company's Clinical Advisory Board. AtheroNova expects to launch its first Phase I clinical trial in the next few months for a drug called AHRO-001 to combat the accumulation of plaque in the arteries, thus the appointment of Dr. Nicholls--who has completed a postdoctoral fellowship in plaque imaging at the Cleveland Clinic and is the current heart disease Theme Leader at the South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute--is extremely well-timed. Dr. Nicholls will serve as a co-principal investigator in the upcoming clinical trial.

For more information about plaque deposits and how they ultimately block the arteries, leading to dangerous cardiovascular diseases including heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease (PAD), please refer to the Quarterly Update published April 5, 2013, on AtheroNova. It is available for download here. AtheroNova seeks to commercialize a treatment that could actually reverse plaque accumulations, rather than simply slow them as most medicines today do.

About Stephen Nicholls, M.B.B.S., Ph.D.

Dr. Nicholls brings to AtheroNova a wealth of experience in the imaging and analysis of cardiovascular plaque. His research emphasis includes the functional properties of HDL, the role of inflammation and oxidative stress in atherogenesis, and the development of new imaging modalities to assess factors that influence the natural history of atherosclerosis. He has had a lead role in clinical trials that employ intravascular ultrasound to investigate the impact of novel anti-atherosclerotic therapies, and is a Professor of Cardiology at the University of Adelaide (Australia) as well as a Consultant Cardiologist at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Dr. Nicholls was appointed heart disease Theme Leader at the South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) in May 2012 in conjunction with the Heart Foundation as a direct effort of the Australian government to provide research in one of the leading causes of death in Australia and around the world. As part of this position, he has overseen a major building initiative to unite SAHMRI's various research efforts currently conducted in numerous locations.

Prior to joining SAHMRI, he served as Medical Director of Intravascular Ultrasound and Angiography Core Laboratories at the Cleveland Clinic and Clinical Director of the Cleveland Clinic Center for Cardiovascular Diagnostics and Prevention. Dr. Nicholls was also Associate Director of the Cleveland Clinic Coordinating Center for Clinical Research and Assistant Professor of Molecular Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University. He held dual faculty appointments in the Robert and Suzanne Tomsich Department of Cardiovascular Medicine in the Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Heart & Vascular Institute at Cleveland Clinic, and the Department of Cell Biology in the Learner Research Institute.

His clinical trial expertise includes investigating the impact of novel anti-atherosclerotic therapies and serving as the principal investigator of the SATURN (high dose statins for evaluating plaque regression), AQUARIUS (renin inhibition), ASSERT (apoA-I induction) and ASSURE (apoA-I induction), and ACCELERATE (CETP inhibition) studies; study chair of VISTA-16 (sPLA2 inhibition); and member of the steering committees of the DalOutcomes (CETP inhibition) and ALECARDIO (PPAR a/g agonist) studies. He has also authored more than 400 original manuscripts, meeting abstracts, and book chapters.

Dr. Nicholls received his medical degree from the University of Adelaide in Australia. He is a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and American College of Cardiology and a member of the American Heart Association. He received the Helen May Davies Research Award from the National Heart Foundation of Australia, the Young Investigator Award at the 13th International Symposium on Atherosclerosis, and was a finalist for the Samuel A. Levine Clinical Young Investigator Award at the 2005 Annual Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Association.

April 2013 Quarterly Update and Business Review on AtheroNova (AHRO)

Laura Swartz — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 19:08:00 GMT

Today we released updated research on AtheroNova Inc. (AHRO-OTC), a biotechnology company focused on the development of compounds to safely regress atherosclerotic plaque and improve patients’ lipid profiles. Our latest 12-page Quarterly Update on AtheroNova discusses the Company’s financial results for its 2012 fiscal year as well as its continued progress in the development of therapeutic clinical-stage product candidates.

AtheroNova’s most advanced candidate, AHRO-001, works to reduce the incidence and severity of atherosclerotic plaque by employing a bile salt to dissolve existing plaque deposits as well as prevent new deposits from forming. AtheroNova plans to develop its patent-pending technology in multiple applications, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, PAD, dementia/Alzheimer’s, and erectile dysfunction—all of which have been linked to atherosclerosis.

The global lipid regulator market was valued at $38.7 billion in revenues in 2011, driven by a high prevalence of cardiovascular disease and limited therapeutic options (Source: IMS Health). Today, despite concerns over long-term tolerability, safety, and efficacy, statins are still considered the most effective method available for reducing cholesterol levels--indicating a serious unmet clinical need for better plaque-fighting products. Moreover, new research has found that the use of statins may actually result in an increase of certain types of coronary plaque. AtheroNova believes that its ability to potentially regress atherosclerosis, coupled with a favorable safety and tolerance profile for its compounds, provides a competitive advantage against currently approved therapies including statins, which merely stabilize the disease.

Highlights from the April 2013 Quarterly Update include the following:

AtheroNova expects to initiate and complete a Phase I trial for AHRO-001 in Russia by the third quarter 2013. The Company has secured financing to fund Phase I and Phase II clinical trials in Russia, and has already filed an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for AHRO-001 with Russia’s Ministry of Healthcare through its licensing and development partner, OOO CardioNova. AtheroNova intends to file a U.S. IND application in 2013 for AHRO-001.
Preclinical U.S. studies for AHRO-001 at UCLA and Cedars-Sinai demonstrated that use of the compound resulted in plaque and cholesterol reduction. The use of AHRO-001 has been found to lead to a 95% reduction in innominate arterial plaque formation versus a control group. In addition, the compound was well tolerated at high doses, and did not show morbidity, adverse effects, or mortality issues.
In the first quarter 2013, AtheroNova launched a new website designed to keep the public updated on its clinical programs and milestones as it transitions from a preclinical to a clinical-stage company. Furthermore, the Company developed an app that provides investors and users with updated Company news and access to AtheroNova’s public documents.

For additional information about the Company's technology, news announcements, and stock information, as well as to download published research reports, please see AtheroNova's Corporate Profile.

CEO Jeff Kraws Featured on Reuters' State of the Union Roundtable

Laura Swartz — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 20:14:00 GMT

This morning, Crystal Research's CEO Jeff Kraws was invited to participate in a roundtable discussion to analyze how investors should be reacting to President Obama's State of the Union address. The segment was hosted by Thomson Reuters' Rhonda Schaffler and also featured David Joy, Chief Market Strategist of Ameriprise Financial, and Craig Irwin, Senior Vice President at Wedbush Securities.

Mr. Kraws spoke specifically about effects on the healthcare industry, while Wedbush's Irwin and Ameriprise's Joy covered energy, cleantech, and technology impacts.

Kraws' key takeaway was to look to innovators in the healthcare industry for future value, chiefly those companies that are trimming costs and becoming more efficient in order to invest more heavily in their R&D. These companies seek to create future growth, and are in line with objectives for reducing overall healthcare costs by providing the medicines and products that keep people healthier. His recommendations range from stalwart drugmakers like Pfizer and Bristol-Myers to smaller, innovative firms like Unilife or MetaStat and generic manufacturers like Teva.

In the energy and cleantech sectors, innovation will also be key going forward. Irwin described several stocks to look at for value in these sectors, including Bridgelux, Cree, and Johnson Controls. Each of these firms--in addition to 60 other growing companies--is profiled in our December 2012 report, Nanotechnology and the Built Environment: Investing in Green Infrastructure. The report offers a detailed look at the U.S. infrastructure industry and how developments from advanced lighting technologies and deployment of a smart power grid to 3D printing are changing the face of our built environment and creating new investment opportunities.

View the entire Reuters' segment below (~25 minutes):

NEW RESEARCH: Quarterly Update on AtheroNova Inc.

Colleen Koski — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 15:51:00 GMT

Crystal Research Associates has released a Quarterly Update on AtheroNova Inc., a biotechnology company focused on the research and development of compounds that safely regress atherosclerotic plaque and improve patients’ lipid profiles. The 12-page report is available here.

Atherosclerotic plaque is a buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances. These plaque deposits, which progressively narrow and block the arteries, are the main underlying cause of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Driven by a high prevalence of cardiovascular disease and limited therapeutic options, the global lipid regulator market reached $38.7 billion in revenues in 2011 (Source: IMS Health). Currently, lipid regulators, specifically statins, are the most effective method available for reducing serum cholesterol levels. At commonly prescribed dosages, however, they are not effective at significantly reducing atherosclerotic plaques, have drawbacks with tolerability, and may pose complications with long-term use.

AtheroNova plans to develop its patent-pending technology in multiple applications, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, PAD, dementia/Alzheimer’s, and erectile dysfunction—all of which have been linked to atherosclerosis.

AtheroNova's Lead Candidate Is Poised to Enter Phase I Human Clinical Trials

The Company’s most advanced candidate, AHRO-001, works to significantly reduce the incidence and severity of plaque by employing a bile salt to dissolve existing plaque deposits as well as prevent new deposits from forming. Bile salts are an FDA-approved natural compound used to dissolve gallstones.

In preclinical studies at UCLA and Cedars-Sinai to date, use of AHRO-001 has led to a 95% reduction in innominate arterial plaque formation versus the control group. The compound has not shown morbidity, adverse effects, or mortality, and was well tolerated at high doses.

AHRO-001 is progressing toward Phase I human clinical trials in Russia with the support of AtheroNova’s research and development partner, Russia-based OOO CardioNova, Ltd. OOO CardioNova has filed an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for AHRO-001 with Russia’s Ministry of Healthcare. Pending regulatory approval, AtheroNova anticipates that Phase I trials could be completed in 2013, followed by a Phase II clinical study. OOO CardioNova’s parent company, the Maxwell Biotech Group, has agreed to fund Phase I and Phase II clinical trials in Russia. The Company also plans to file an IND in the U.S. during 2013.

Establishing an Intellectual Property Portfolio for Lipid Modulation and Reduction

AtheroNova is focused on developing a comprehensive intellectual property portfolio to protect its lipid modulation and reduction technologies going forward, including for various compounds and administration techniques for treating atherosclerosis. In November 2012, AtheroNova achieved its first major step toward this goal with the receipt of a Notice of Issuance for its patent application #12/024,908, entitled “Dissolution of Arterial Plaque” (now U.S. Patent No. 8,304,383). This patent protects the Company’s lead candidate, AHRO-001, and aims to cover the use of hyodeoxycholic acid for atherosclerotic plaque lesions. AtheroNova’s partner, OOO CardioNova, submitted a similar filing on the Company’s behalf in the Eurasian markets.

AtheroNova Continues to Strengthen its Leadership

In recent months, AtheroNova has focused on expanding and strengthening its leadership team as the Company seeks approval for and prepares to initiate clinical trials. In particular, AtheroNova has appointed Mark K. Wedel, M.D., J.D. as its senior vice president of clinical affairs and chief medical officer. Dr. Wedel has expertise in the development and clinical affairs of lipid-modulating drugs. As well, the Company has selected Joan E. Shaw, MT (ASCP) (medical technologist, certified by the American Society for Clinical Pathology) as senior director of clinical operations. Ms. Shaw brings extensive clinical operations experience, including for AstraZeneca’s ASTEROID trial for the statin Crestor®. AtheroNova also expanded its Board of Directors with the addition of Mr. Fred Knoll, the principal and portfolio manager of Knoll Capital Management. Biographies for these individuals are provided on pages 7-8 of AtheroNova's Quarterly Update.

For additional information about the Company's technology, news announcements, and stock information, as well as to download published research reports, please see AtheroNova's Corporate Profile.

NEW INDUSTRY REPORT: Guide for Investing in Green Infrastructure

Laura Swartz — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 15:25:00 GMT

**This 80-page report examines a future for U.S. infrastructure as it relates to advancements in green building being driven by nanoscience investment. Click here to read.

**According to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the market for green building could range from $120 billion to $145 billion by 2015. Innovative nanotech companies, such as those highlighted in this report, are likely to prove essential to growth in the built environment going forward.

**The greatest environmental impact of nanotechnology on infrastructure in the near term will likely occur in the areas of energy savings and resource conservation.

About the Research

Nanotechnology and the Built Environment: Investing in Green Infrastructure

As extraordinary advances take place in the field of nanoscience today, researchers are able to individually manipulate minute pieces of material smaller than atoms, yielding the ability to study the world at an ever smaller and smaller scale. The outcomes of this research have been revolutionary. But these micro-sized innovations not only enable smaller and smaller products, they also can be used to create products that perform better than before. By engineering materials at the nanoparticle level, scientists have been able to create new products that offer vast improvements in efficiency, strength, weight, heat transfer, and so on.

Specifically for the built environment, nanoscience has set the stage for a host of innovations. The most commonly employed materials in modern construction to date have been concrete, steel, glass, and timber. As an enabling technology, nanotechnology allows for the development of these materials with enhanced and/or completely new properties, such as stronger, lighter-weight steel, waterproof concrete, or electrochromic glass that changes tint in response to outside temperature and light. One of the more recent developments has been 3D printing, an advanced form of manufacturing that rarely produces any waste material.

Though not every nanotechnology-enabled product can be considered a sustainable product, nanoparticle research has greatly contributed to the introduction of building materials that offer environmental improvements, such as the conservation of raw materials, energy, and water, combined with a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and elimination of hazardous waste. Occasionally, these benefits are achieved in the use of the product itself, such as using better insulation in the building envelope, which in turn reduces the energy required to heat or cool the building. As another example, nanostructured paints can be applied in thinner coats, which has the potential to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by as much as 65% (Source: the Institute of Technology Assessment of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, March 2012). Alternatively, benefits may occur during production of nanomaterials, such as by reducing the amount of CO₂ that is emitted during manufacturing as a result of replacing environmentally damaging ingredients and chemicals with new substances.

This 80-page report details nine major market sectors related to green infrastructure, providing readers with useful information regarding market sizes, trends, opportunities, key developments, and M&A activity, as well as profiles 64 nanotech companies actively involved in these sectors.

About Our Nanotechnology Coverage

This report, Nanotechnology and the Built Environment: Investing in Green Infrastructure (December 2012), is the second edition of Crystal Research Associates’ and Livingston Securities’ Nanotechnology and the Built Environment series. The first report, Nanotechnology and the Built Environment: The Transition to Green Infrastructure, was published on November 17, 2011, and is available here.

NEW RESEARCH: Quarterly Update on Global Skin Health Company PhotoMedex

Laura Swartz — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 17:20:00 GMT

New research is available on PhotoMedex Inc. (PHMD-NASDAQ). Our 16-page Quarterly Update discusses the Company's most recent financial results in light of trends and opportunities for PhotoMedex during 2013.

Highlights from the Update include the following:

PhotoMedex's no!no!® Hair removal devices have experienced widespread retail success. To date, over 300,000 no!no!® Hair units have been sold through home shopping TV in the U.S. and over four million units have been sold worldwide. No!no!® holds a 53% market share in Japan based on brick-and-mortar retail sales, and in November 2012, a U.S. home shopping channel generated record one-day sales of $10.5 million for no!no!® Hair products.
In late 2012, PhotoMedex launched a direct-to-consumer and physician education campaign in the U.S. for psoriasis and vitiligo patients. The “Live Clear. Live Free.” campaign includes radio, TV, and direct mail marketing as well as increased patient and physician resources, such as insurance guidance, informative websites, and a 24/7 call center staffed with clinical specialists. It is designed to accelerate awareness of the Company’s XTRAC® Excimer Laser treatment, improve psoriasis and vitiligo patient care, and reduce healthcare costs.
During the first nine months of 2012, PhotoMedex reported greater revenues than for the entirety of 2011. If fourth quarter results match the Company’s published expectations, PhotoMedex’s annual revenue in 2012 could represent a 65% increase over 2011 (Source: PhotoMedex’s December 13, 2012, Press Release).
PhotoMedex’s global presence includes a direct sales force in the U.S., specialty distributors and retail venues in over 55 countries, online sales, home shopping TV channels, targeted infomercials and print media worldwide, as well as over 250 issued and pending patents globally and more than 90 U.S. regulatory clearances.
As of September 30, 2012, the Company held cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments of $54.8 million. In addition, PhotoMedex repurchased 424,244 shares of its Common Stock during the third quarter 2012 at an average price of $12.59 per share for a total of $5.3 million.

NEW RESEARCH: New Year, Expanding Markets for LRAD Corp.

Laura Swartz — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 16:31:00 GMT

Yesterday we published a Quarterly Update on LRAD Corp. (LRAD-NASDAQ), a California-based company marketing advanced sound technologies in the form of acoustic hailing devices (AHDs) capable of broadcasting intelligible speech, alarms, and other sounds at great distances. LRAD Corp. added to its already comprehensive portfolio with the launch of two new products in 2012, which are allowing the Company to pursue greater market opportunities in 2013. With annual FY 2012 sales of $14.8 million, LRAD Corp. has now achieved three consecutive years of profitability.

Highlights from the recently released Update are included below. To read the full 12-page report, please visit our Corporate Profile page on LRAD Corp.

Fiscal year 2012 (ended September 30, 2012) was the third consecutive year of profitability for LRAD Corp. Despite an uncertain climate for defense investments and federal budgets over the past year, LRAD Corp. recorded FY 2012 revenues of $14.8 million, which included inaugural sales of the LRAD 2000X™ AHD for large security applications and the omnidirectional LRAD 360X™ for mass notifications and emergency communications. Previously, in FY 2011, the Company recorded revenues of $26.5 million, which included a one-time $12.1 million foreign government order.
During FY 2012, LRAD Corp.’s U.S. revenues expanded by 19% over FY 2011, and the Company increased working capital by 12%.
A September 2012 order from the U.S. Air National Guard for LRAD 100X™ systems marked the use of LRAD® systems by every major force of the U.S. Department of Defense.
During fiscal 2013, LRAD Corp. is focusing on its international business while it continues to pursue domestic law enforcement and military sales opportunities. As well, continuing with the Company’s strategy of developing new AHD markets, LRAD Corp. plans to expand into the emergency/warning mass notification market with its recently released omnidirectional LRAD 360X™ systems during 2013.
As of September 30, 2012, LRAD Corp. had cash and cash equivalents of nearly $13.9 million.

Additionally, on the heels of this Update, LRAD announced this morning that it has received a $1.4 million LRAD-RX systems order from an Asian company for commercial maritime shipping security installations. The LRAD-RX is the only remotely controlled AHD to have passed rigorous U.S. Navy testing and to be deployed on U.S. Navy vessels.

New Research: Report on MetaStat, Inc. (MTST-OTC.BB)

Colleen Koski — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 17:23:00 GMT

Crystal Research Associates, LLC Issues Executive Informational Overview (EIO) on
MetaStat, Inc.

Crystal Research Associates, LLC has issued an Executive Informational Overview® (EIO) on MetaStat, Inc. (MTST-OTC.BB). The full 52-page report can be found at www.crystalra.com/metastat.

MetaStat, Inc. (“MetaStat” or “the Company”) develops next-generation diagnostic and therapeutic products for metastatic cancer—cancer that has spread from a primary tumor to other areas of the body. The Company’s pipeline is based on over 15 years of research and collaboration by four leading scientific/academic institutions.

MetaStat’s Near-Term Product Opportunity: MetaSite Breast

MetaStat is advancing a clinical diagnostic test called MetaSite™ Breast, designed to predict whether a patient’s breast cancer will spread through the bloodstream to other areas of the body. A validation study of 500 patient tissue samples is ongoing with two sponsored research partners: the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Weill Cornell Medical College. MetaStat anticipates that data from this trial will likely be available in the first half of 2013. If results demonstrate a similar predictive ability to previous studies, the Company ancitipates that it could begin pilot marketing the MetaSite Breast test as early as the second half of 2013.

Additional Platform Technologies Support MetaStat's Portfolio

The Company is also advancing two additional platforms, MenaCalc and MenaBloc, which expand its diagnostic capabilities in breast, lung, and prostate tumors as well as support the development of therapeutics for preventing or reducing tumor metastasis. Ultimately, MetaStat’s platform technologies may improve diagnosis and treatment for up to 80% of all solid tumor cancers, including breast, prostate, lung, and bowel cancers as well as tumors in the pancreas, brain, liver, or head and neck.

Potential Milestones

MetaStat has identified several corporate milestones (as listed below) that it aims to achieve within the next 12 to 24 months as the Company prepares to launch its first diagnostic product, MetaSite Breast (pending results of the ongoing validation study).

Obtain results from the 500-patient, MetaSite Breast validation study in the first half of 2013
Prepare for the commercialization of MetaSite Breast test, including a laboratory build-out
Commence pilot marketing of the MetaSite Breast diagnostic test as early as the second half of 2013
Launch a full marketing program for MetaSite Breast in 2014
Initiate additional validation studies for MenaCalc (indications to be determined)
Begin screening candidate molecules for the MenaBloc therapeutic platform
Explore license/joint venture opportunities for MenaBloc

Visit MetaStat's Corporate Profile to download the complimentary 52-page Executive Informational Overview as well as to view the Company's recent news and stock information.

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Today, January 9, 2013 at 4 PM: "Fund Managers Unplugged"

Laura Swartz — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 14:43:00 GMT

If you are at the OneMedForum conference in San Francisco today, we invite you to join us for the “Special Session: Fund Managers Unplugged” panel occurring at 4 PM at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel.

Crystal Research Associates' CEO Jeffrey Kraws will be moderating the discussion, accompanied by panelists Mr. Dennis J. Purcell, Senior Managing Partner at Aisling Capital with approximately $1.7 billion in assets under management; Dr. J. Misha Petkevich, Co-founder of BladeRock Capital and former Chairman and CEO of The Petkevich Group, LLC; and Mr. William S. Slattery, Partner at Deerfield Management Company, L.P. where he focuses on biotechnology investments.

We are excited for this chance to hear unique insights from these seasoned investors regarding their perspectives and expectations for the healthcare and life sciences markets in 2013. The session should last approximately one hour and could be beneficial for all with an interest, investment, or activity in the healthcare sector. We look forward to seeing you there!

"Special Session: Fund Managers Unplugged" at OneMedForum SF 2013

Laura Swartz — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 18:12:00 GMT

CEO Jeff Kraws selected to moderate a Special Session "Fund Managers Unplugged" at the 6th Annual OneMedForum Conference in San Francisco on Wednesday, January 9, 2013.

Crystal Research Associates, LLC announces that its Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder, Mr. Jeffrey J. Kraws, will be moderating a Special Session at the 6th Annual OneMedForum conference in San Francisco on Wednesday, January 9, 2013. The panel, “Special Session: Fund Managers Unplugged,” is composed of veteran healthcare fund managers who have shown exceptional long-term success investing in emerging growth companies in healthcare and life sciences. These individuals are experienced investors in both good and bad markets, and they will be discussing their outlooks for 2013 and beyond—particularly in terms of sharing their unique insights as to where the areas of greatest opportunity may lie in coming years.

Special Session: Fund Managers Unplugged will be held on Wednesday, January 9, 2013, from 4:00PM-4:55PM at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel in San Francisco.

Panelists

Mr. Kraws, who is well known for his years of work on Wall Street and for providing consistent award-winning analyses, is serving as panelist and moderator for Fund Managers Unplugged. He has been ranked among the top analysts in the world for pharmaceutical stock performance for almost two decades, ranked as the Number One Stock Picker in the world for pharmaceuticals by Starmine and for estimates from Zacks, and 5-Star ranked for top biotechnology stock performance by Starmine.

Additional panelists include Mr. Dennis J. Purcell, Senior Managing Partner at Aisling Capital with approximately $1.7 billion in assets under management; Dr. J. Misha Petkevich, Co-founder of BladeRock Capital and former Chairman and CEO of The Petkevich Group, LLC; and Mr. William S. Slattery, Partner at Deerfield Management Company, L.P. where he focuses on biotechnology investments.

Detailed biographies for each panelist can be accessed here.

Topic Overview

Some of the topics to be addressed in this panel include the following:

■ Does Obamacare matter? What does the expanding role of government mean for investment strategy?
■ How does the empowered consumer and changing dynamics of health delivery change investment opportunity?
■ What are the most long-term and promising fundamental investment themes?

Happy Holidays from Crystal Research Associates

Laura Swartz — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 15:05:00 GMT

Season's Greetings!

From all of us here at Crystal Research Associates, we would like to wish you and your family a joyful holiday season and a prosperous new year!

As 2012 draws to a close, we are thankful for the past year and look forward to 2013 with excitement. We are kicking off our new year by partnering with OneMedPlace on a number of new services to increase visibility for our research clients. First and foremost, we are looking forward to the integration of Crystal Research Associates and OneMedPlace during the 6th Annual OneMedForum conference in San Francisco on January 7-9, 2013. As part of this partnership, our clients who are presenting at the conference will also receive streaming presentations, high-quality management interviews for OneMedTV, and ongoing coverage in the weekly OneMedSentinel newsletter and on OneMedRadio.

We hope to see you in San Francisco, and from our team to yours, we wish you the best this holiday season.

New Research Available on InVivo Therapeutics (NVIV-OTC)

Colleen Koski — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 15:58:00 GMT

Yesterday, Crystal Research Associates issued an updated Executive Informational Overview^® on InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp. (NVIV-OTC), a medical device company developing treatments for spinal cord injury (SCI) and neurotrauma. The 56-page report is available here.

The Company’s technologies are based on several decades of research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). InVivo’s leadership has broad experience developing and commercializing biomaterial products. Recent additions to the team have collectively brought over 100 biomaterials to market.

InVivo's Product Candidates

InVivo’s lead product candidate is a biopolymer scaffold that can be surgically implanted into an injured spinal cord. The Company aims to improve the prognosis of SCI patients by helping the spinal cord heal itself before secondary damages, including paralysis, take effect. The device is now poised to enter clinical trials in humans. InVivo is preparing to initiate a Phase I clinical trial for the “First in Man” use of its biopolymer scaffolding to treat acute SCI (pending FDA approval). InVivo has reported that it is working with the FDA on the final steps to seek approval to begin the trial of the scaffolding in early 2013. Today, the Company announced that it has filed a request with the FDA for Humanitarian Use Device (HUD) designation for its biopolymer scaffolding product.

InVivo's second product candidate, an injectable hydrogel, is designed to serve as a vehicle for the controlled delivery of pharmaceuticals and regenerative cell therapies directly to the injury site. The Company has engaged the FDA to discuss its hydrogel in combination with an FDA-approved medicine to reduce inflammation, called methylprednisolone, to help manage pain in peripheral nerve injuries.

Continuing the expansion and diversification of its pipeline, the Company recently announced its third product candidate, a platform for reducing fibrosis (scarring) in reparative surgical and dermatological applications.

Potential Milestones for InVivo

InVivo has set forth to accomplish the following milestones over the next 12 to 24 months:

Commence patient enrollment for a pilot clinical study to evaluate the scaffold-only device (once IDE approval is obtained from the FDA)

Initiate a larger, pivotal human trial following the completion of the pilot study (if requested by the FDA)

Determine a regulatory pathway for the hydrogel/steroid combination

Complete the preclinical nerve pain study being conducted with Geisinger Health System to evaluate InVivo’s injectable biocompatible hydrogel for the treatment of pain

File submissions with the FDA for injectable hydrogel to treat peripheral nerve injuries and SCI

Additional information about InVivo, its technologies, stock information, and recent corporate news is available at http://www.crystalra.com/research-library/invivo-therapeutics.

New Report Available on Abakan Inc. (ABKI-OTC)

Laura Swartz — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 15:46:00 GMT

A new Executive Informational Overview was published this morning on Abakan Inc. (ABKI-OTC), a company capitalizing on innovative nanotechnologies in order to create metallic coatings and cladding solutions that improve metal’s resistance to corrosion and wear.

Abakan's nanocomposite metallic alloys can be applied to valuable metal assets in an array of multibillion-dollar industries, such as oil and gas, mining, marine, and aerospace applications, as well as infrastructure, in order to extend the life of metal components and reduce the maintenance and downtime costs of repairing corroded or worn-out parts. The Company is focused on moving into large-scale commercial production, with current efforts directed at securing customer agreements and increasing production capacity.

One of Abakan's lead initiatives, its CermaClad™ manufacturing technology, is intended to offer manufacturers a more compelling cost-benefit trade-off than presently exists for cladding technologies. Abakan’s approach has shown to be 15 to 100 times faster to apply than current metal-protection techniques and offer six times greater corrosion resistance. The Company’s nano-enhanced products have also shown to be safer and more ecofriendly than hard chrome coatings.

In October 2012, CermaClad™ was ranked the top manufacturing technology globally by the Wall Street Journal, which follows the receipt of a number of other prestigious awards, which are detailed in the Executive Informational Overview released this morning.

To read the report, click here. It is also available on Abakan's website. As well, our nanotechnology page offers greater information on how other advancements in the nanotechnology sector are affecting infrastructure-related industries worldwide.

Key Updates from PhotoMedex, Inc., Neonode Inc., and AtheroNova Inc.

Colleen Koski — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 19:17:00 GMT

PhotoMedex, Inc. (PHMD-NASDAQ)

Earlier today, PhotoMedex announced financial results for its third quarter 2012 (ended September 30). The company reported revenues of $56.7 million, up 63% over the corresponding period in 2011, which PhotoMedex attributed to its supporting consumer marketing programs. Notably, revenues for the first nine months of 2012 exceeded annual revenues for all of 2011.

PhotoMedex’s gross profit for the current three-month period was $45.4 million, an increase of 71% versus the third quarter 2011. Net income for the third quarter 2012 was $7.5 million, a 77% rise versus the prior year’s period. The company reports that it has increased its margin with a focus on reducing costs (such as by using ocean freight) as well as consolidating manufacturing.

PhotoMedex recently held a 24-hour beauty event for its no!no! Hair™ removal device that broke home television shopping sales records in the U.S. Consumers purchased roughly 42,000 units for total sales of $10.5 million in 24 hours. Going forward, the company aims to expand its marketing efforts internationally for the no!no! family of products as well as in the U.S. for two additional products: (1) XTRAC® for the treatment of psoriasis; and (2) Neova® to help reverse the effects of sun-damaged skin.

Neonode Inc. (NEON-NASDAQ)

Neonode announced that its MultiSensing Touch Technology is featured in the newly released “Crema Touch” e-reader from Netronix and PAGEOne Tech Co., Ltd. The Crema Touch retails at $99 and was launched today to the Korean consumer market. It is one of only three e-reader products built on the 6-inch touch module manufactured by Netronix that is marketed and sold in Korea and Europe. The Korea Electronic Publishing Association estimated the Korean e-book market to be $260 million in 2011, with potential to double during 2013.

Neonode’s MultiSensing Touch Technology enabled an overlay-free design that is lightweight, thin, and consumes little power, with up to 400 hours of battery life on a single charge. These attributes are typical for all Neonode touch-enabled e-readers.

AtheroNova Inc. (AHRO-OTC)

AtheroNova appointed Fred Knoll, the principal and portfolio manager of Knoll Capital Management, to its Board of Directors (biography provided below). Mr. Knoll’s experience with emerging growth companies is expected to support AtheroNova as the Company prepares to commence Phase I clinical trials of its lead bile acid-based candidate, AHRO-001. AtheroNova expects to complete Phase I trials and file an IND with the FDA by the first quarter 2013, followed by a Phase II clinical study. In October 2012, AtheroNova completed a private placement for net proceeds of roughly $2 million, which the company expects to provide the capital necessary to fund Phase I and Phase II clinical trials.

Since 1987, Mr. Knoll has been the principal and portfolio manager at Knoll Capital Management, an investment company managing funds over the last two decades in areas such as emerging growth companies, restructurings, and China. During the 1980s and early 1990s, he was chairman of the Board of Directors of Telos Corporation, a computer systems integration company, served as investment manager for General American Investors, was the U.S. representative on investments in leveraged buyouts and venture capital for Murray Johnstone, Ltd. of Glasgow, UK , and headed the New York investment group of Robert Fleming, Inc., at the time, a leading UK merchant bank subsequently acquired by JP Morgan, managing a venture capital fund and the U.S. research team.

Mr. Knoll started his investment career as an investment analyst at Capital Research (Capital Group) in the early 1980s and held positions in sales and marketing with Wang Inc. and Data General and software engineering with Computer Sciences Corporation in the late 1970s.

Mr. Knoll holds a B.S. in electrical engineering and computer science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), a B.S. in management from the Sloan School at MIT, and an MBA from Columbia University in finance. He was also a member of the Columbia University International Fellows Program.