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North Jersey hitting the surge – Politico

This shouldnt come as a surprise given what New Jerseyans are seeing right across the river. But Im still a little taken aback with how little people are talking about it.

Yesterday, Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said "It looks like the surge is beginning to occur in the northern part of the state.

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Gov. Murphy acknowledged New Jersey will soon need refrigerated trucks for the bodies of coronavirus victims.

I dont have a specific day, but soon, Murphy said yesterday. The fact that were having this conversation, folks, means this is real.

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QUOTE OF THE DAY: There's no greater intervention, period, full stop, none, than physical distancing. California Gov. Gavin Newsom on CNN. (I bet you thought it was someone else)

WHERES MURPHY?: In Secaucus at 10 a.m. to tour the field hospital at the Meadowlands Exposition Center, then in Trenton for his daily briefing at 1 p.m.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: My cousin Amanda, Princetons Brent Colburn, MBIs Michele Jaker, Environment New Jerseys Doug OMalley, Optimus Partners David Vitali

CORONAVIRUS TRACKER: The latest: 3,649 newly-diagnosed cases in New Jersey for a total of 22,255 since the pandemic hit. Ninety-one new deaths, for a total of 355.

Sign up for POLITICO Nightly: Coronavirus Special Edition, your daily update on how the illness is affecting politics, markets, public health and more.

THE ANTI-CHRISTIE In New Jersey, a quieter alternative to Cuomo leads the pandemic response, by POLITICOs Matt Friedman: In a matter of hours last month, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy went from dealing with the biggest personal health crisis of his life to overseeing the biggest health crisis his state has faced in more than a century. On March 4, Murphy reported to a New York City hospital at dawn for a surgical procedure in which doctors removed a cancerous tumor from his left kidney. Fourteen hours later, while recovering in his hospital bed, Murphy approved a statement from his office announcing New Jerseys first known case of the coronavirus. Since then, New Jersey has seen more than 22,000 of its residents test positive for Covid-19 and more than 350 die as the state is now the second-biggest hot spot in the nation behind New York. While New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has become the national medias go-to governor as he deals with that states outbreak with tough talk and sometimes harsh, sometimes cajoling words for President Donald Trump, Murphy known locally more for his taste in Allbirds footwear and dad jokes than for being a disciplinarian has maintained a gentler, folksier style as he manages the crisis from the other side of the Hudson River.

STATEHOUSE REPORTERS LOOK FORWARD TO HARD CIDER DURING NEGOTIATION STAKE OUTS New Jersey to extend tax filing deadline to July 15, budget deadline to Sept. 30, by POLITICOs Katherine Landergan: New Jersey will extend the tax filing deadline to July 15 and the deadline for passing a state budget to Sept. 30, Gov. Phil Murphy and legislative leaders announced Wednesday morning. The state budget is typically due June 30, but that date is being pushed back three months to deal with severe financial disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused hardships, financial strain, and disruptions for many New Jerseyans and New Jersey businesses. As part of our response, we have reached agreement that the state income tax filing deadline and the corporation business tax filing deadline will be extended from April 15 to July 15, Murphy, Senate President Steve Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin said in a statement. Additionally, as part of the whole-of-government effort that is going into fighting COVID-19, we have agreed that the state fiscal year should be extended to September 30th, the statement said. This will allow the Administration and the Legislature to focus fully on leading New Jersey out of this crisis, and to allow for a robust, comprehensive, and well-informed budget process later in the year.

WHO COULDVE PREDICTED A DANGEROUS VIRUS COULD CAUSE PROBLEMS? Coronavirus in NJ: State was warned in 2015 about 'catastrophic' impact a flu-like disease could have, by The Asbury Park Press Michael L. Diamond: The New Jersey Department of Health updated its emergency influenza plan in 2015, predicting a devastating impact on the state if it were to get hit by a disease similar to the Spanish flu a century ago. It said nearly a third of the population would contract the illness, 277,000 would need to be hospitalized and 5,000 would die. Put into motion by the coronavirus, though, the blueprint has exposed shortfalls in preparation that have forced government and health leaders to improvise, leaving health care workers and patients at risk. In hindsight, we all should have paid attention" to the plan, said state Sen. Declan O'Scanlon, R-Monmouth. 'But without any frame of reference, it would have been hard to do.

BUILD THE WALL To stop coronavirus, Murphy wants to keep the 'lowest common denominator' out of NJ, by The Records Charles Stile: Coronavirus has converted Phil Murphy into a close-the-border hardliner. The liberal New Jersey governor, who daily invokes a 'One New Jersey family' slogan of solidarity, inclusiveness, now wants to keep 'the lowest common denominator' from traveling into the Garden State. By that he means people traveling in from other states that have been slow to take the threat seriously by refusing to close their beaches during spring break or shut down mega-churches where faith supersedes science. Murphy said he fears out-of-staters will restart the fire; or spark a second wave of infections and deaths when New Jersey life begins returning to normal his remarks are also puzzling that they come only two days after President Trump floated his own an unenforceable and constitutionally questionable travel ban of New Jersey, New York and Connecticut residents."

LUXURY APARTMENTS ARE ESSENTIAL Some NJ construction workers fear virus exposure as they continue to work, by News 12s Walt Kane: While most of New Jersey is under a stay at home order, construction workers across New Jersey are on the job. And some tell Kane In Your Corner the situation has them concerned for their safety, There's no social distancing at all, a construction worker says. I don't know why this is still going on. He's one of the hundreds who report to a job site in Jersey City each morning. Like all construction projects in the state, it's been deemed essential by Gov. Phil Murphy. But the project in question is Jersey Squared, a large, luxury high-rise complex in Journal Square that's been under construction, in stages, for years. The worker says he doesn't think it's essential at all. Other states, including New York, have taken a different approach to construction, shutting down all but essential projects.

SORRY ABOUT THAT BUT THANKS FOR THE REVENUE Pandemic isolation, shift to online gambling set up 'perfect storm,' experts say, by The Press of Atlantic Citys David Danzis: Gov. Phil Murphy ordered the indefinite closing of Atlantic Citys nine casinos March 16 but permitted online gaming to continue. Industry experts expect an escalation in online gaming activity because of the retail casino closings, and the anticipated growth in internet play has gambling addiction professionals worried. We believe every risk factor for gambling problems is increasing right now, said Keith Whyte, executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling. The social distancing measures recommended by government health officials exacerbate conditions such as loneliness, isolation and depression that lead to problem behaviors, Whyte said.

HCQ OR CIALIS? In my bone of bones, I think this works: Pennacchio on HCQ, by InsiderNJs Fred Snowflack: Joe Pennacchio is no stranger to plunging ahead to make a point. He did that 26 years ago with a long shot primary challenge to Dean Gallo, a popular congressman. Now a state senator from Montville (LD-26) and also a co-chair of Donald Trumps New Jersey reelection effort, Pennacchio is energetically championing another and much more important cause a treatment for COVID-19. A dentist by profession, the man who called himself Jersey Joe during an unsucessful U.S. Senate bid more than a decade ago, has been firing off regular press statements praising the drug, hydroxychloroquine, or HCQ, as a treatment for the virus. The drug is not unknown. It is used to treat lupis, rheumatoid arthritis and malaria. In my bone of bones, I think this works, Pennacchio said this morning.

New Jersey should release elderly and pregnant prisoners amid coronavirus crisis, ACLU says

NJ Transit adds buses to alleviate crowding, encourage social distancing

State Board of Education allows students with disabilities to get services online

State financial aid deadline for New Jersey college students extended to June 1

A HARIRI SITUATION Rudy Giuliani wants FDA to fast-track a stem cell therapy for Covid-19; critics see political meddling, by STATs Adan Feuerstein: In recent days, Giuliani has used his Twitter account and podcast to tout the stem cell treatment being developed by a New Jersey biotech company, Celularity, despite scant evidence to date that its therapy will benefit Covid-19 patients. The company is currently seeking permission to start a clinical trial for the treatment. Giuliani, for his part, has been critical of the FDA, accusing it of standing in the way of important treatments. The general reputation of the FDA and I dont mean to be critical at a time like this but it is very slow, Giuliani said in an interview on his podcast with Bob Hariri, Celularitys founder and CEO Experts fear his argument could resonate with Trump, who has not only made Giuliani a close confidant but has long expressed impatience with the FDAs drug approval process. Giuliani could not be reached for comment.

You may remember Dr. Hariri, a Christie donor and former Celgene executive, from this.

PERIOD. LATE START Murphy hits back at Trump claim New Jersey was very late in coronavirus response, by POLITICOs Sam Sutton: New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy pushed back Wednesday on President Donald Trumps assertion that the state got off to a very late start on coronavirus containment and mitigation, arguing that the Garden State was one of the first to begin preparing for the possibility of a coronavirus outbreak in January. I don't think that theres any state in America that was on this earlier than we were, Murphy said at his coronavirus press briefing, adding that Washington state where the first domestic case of coronavirus was discovered in January also responded rapidly. The facts dont support that. Period, full stop. At Tuesdays White House coronavirus briefing, Trump said that while he believes Murphy and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo responded effectively to the public health crisis, they got off to a very late start" on containment.

Booker: Heres where all the stimulus checks will be going in New Jersey

Cerra to head N.J. League Of Municipalities

Dononhue: Bloomberg self-financing in recent presidential campaign makes past NJ mega-spenders look like skinflints

IM CONFIDENT HELL SURVIVE THE VIRUS, BUT CAN HE SURVIVE NOT GOING TO THE TURTLE BACK ZOO? Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo is latest N.J. official to test positive for coronavirus, by NJ Advance Medias Anthony G. Attrino: Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr., who has been self-quarantined for more than a week, has tested positive for the coronavirus, he announced Wednesday. I decided to get tested after experiencing a fever for several days and have been self-quarantined since March 21, DiVincenzo, 67 said in a Facebook post. DiVincenzo said his symptoms have been mild and that he feels OK.

SHOT Coronavirus in Lakewood: the pandemic has 'changed the way we live and celebrate', by The Asbury Park Press Gustavo Martnez Contreras: After seeing and hearing all the negativity targeting Lakewood in this novel coronavirus pandemic, a Howell man decided to take a drive and see for himself. The video travelogue that 28-year-old Boruch Perlowitz created reveals a township that is ostensibly on lock down, its residents sheltering in place and steering clear of favorite places, sometimes denied by chained and locked doors. As Perlowitz depicts it, usually bustling Lakewood is as sleepy as any other town in New Jersey. I said, let me find out the truth for my neighbors and friends, said Perlowitz. I wanted to do complete honest reporting. If places were open, I would say that places are open. Perlowitz's video aims to counter a narrative in social media that paints Lakewood as a lawless place where residents openly defy Gov. Phil Murphy's executive order shuttering businesses, barring large gatherings and requiring social distancing. Perlowitz said that narrative has engendered enmity toward the town's largely Orthodox Jewish community.

CHASER 10 charged at Lakewood engagement party in violation of coronavirus lockdown, cops say

Heres why large gatherings keep happening in Lakewood, as the coronavirus rages in N.J.

From News 12 anchor Kurt Sieglin on his Lakewood school bus tweets, which I included in Playbook earlier this week: In vetting a story, I screwed up yesterday. There were many reasons the tweets went out, but the responsibility is ultimately with me. Its my account. I have a brand to protect. I regret it. Im sorry for any pain or distrust the tweets created for residents who saw it. Much morehere

R.I.P. Five residents dead at New Milford nursing home, 16 test positive for coronavirus, by The Records Lindy Washburn: A nursing home in New Milford where at least five residents have died of complications of coronavirus is Bergen Countys first major outbreak at a long-term care facility. The disease already has nearly filled area hospitals. Sixteen residents and six staff members at Care One New Milford, known as Woodcrest, have tested positive for coronavirus and others are being tested, the company said late Tuesday night. Additional deaths at the facility also are being investigated to see if the residents had coronavirus.

Prosecutor shoots down idea of signs to label homes of quarantined"

A New York radio reporter, a party on LBI, and now 2 dead from coronavirus

Teaneck officials see signs of progress on COVID-19 because of lockdown

[Red Bank] official recovered from coronavirus. Now, he hopes to donate his plasma to critically ill patients

Red Bank councilman secures pandemic relief donations from more than 100 elected officials

Why the Hoboken mayor is asking residents to hold off food shopping for a couple days

Ex-Jersey City official who pleaded guilty to accepting $300 bribe loses pension appeal

100% THAT DISH Lizzo sends food to N.J. hospital, says were praying for you everyday, by NJ Advance Medias Bobby Olivier: After a hefty food donation from a pop superstar, Community Medical Center is hopefully feeling 'Good As Hell.' Lizzo, the breakout 'Truth Hurts' singer, sent food to the Toms River hospital Monday to thank the medical staff for their hard work battling the coronavirus outbreak. Hello Toms River! Lizzo said in a video posted by RWJBarnabas Monday. Thank you for working so hard for us. I wanted to show a token of my appreciation and just drop off some food, I hope you enjoy the meals.

R.I.P. Fountains of Waynes Adam Schlesinger Dead at 52 From Coronavirus, by Rolling Stone's Jon Blistein: "Adam Schlesinger, co-founder of the New Jersey power-pop group Fountains of Wayne and Emmy- and Grammy-winning songwriter for film, television, and theater, died Wednesday from complications related to COVID-19. He was 52."

R.I.P. N.J. ER doctor who twice survived cancer dies a week after developing coronavirus symptoms

Losing your job overnight: How NJ's LGBTQ community is affected by the coronavirus

Manahan: Coronavirus update: Wake up, N.J.! Florida is trying to kill us (and pin the blame on us)

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North Jersey hitting the surge - Politico

PharmAbcine Announces Acceptance of Phase Ib Olinvacimab and Pembrolizuamb Combination Trial in rGBM Patients Abstract at the 2020 ASCO Annual Meeting…

PharmAbcine Inc. (KOSDAQ: 208340) announced today that the abstract summarizing interim data on its phase Ib trial of olinvacimab in combination with Mercks anti-PD-1 antibody Keytruda for recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (rGBM) patients has been accepted at the 2020 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting.

Phase Ib study is to evaluate the safety of the combination therapy of two agents for rGBM patients and to explore appropriate clinical dose levels of the two agents as in a combination regimen. During the study, 200 mg of Keytruda was administered to patients every three weeks while 12 or 16 mg/kg of olinvaciamb was administered on a weekly basis. From the phase Ib study, there was no DLT (dose limiting toxicity) observed, and among 9 patients, 4 patients had SD (stable disease) and 5 patients experienced disease progression (PD).

rGBM is a rare tumor and there are only a few treatment options available to date. It is known to have the worst prognosis among any other types of cancers/tumors and the life expectancy of rGBM patients is less than 4 months upon diagnosis. There have been multiple clinical trials using immuno-oncology drugs to treat rGBM but the promising results have not been reported yet.

Previously Olinvacimab from its phase IIa clinical study in rGBM patients ascertained its significant improvement of brain edema and shrinkage of tumor. Now its use is being investigated in a phase II study for Avastin-refractory rGBM patients in US and Australia.

An ASCO annual meeting is a global conference, annually accommodating 40,000 people from 76 different countries.

About PharmAbcine Inc.

PharmAbcine is a clinical-stage biotech company focusing on the development of fully human antibody therapeutics to treat neovascular disorders and tumors by targeting molecules involved in angiogenesis and immune checkpoints, which are responsible for hindrance in immune response to tumors. Our innovative discovery technology coupled with dedicated R&D staff have enabled us to provide superlative therapeutic antibodies for a wide array of indications in oncology, immuno-oncology, ophthalmology, and renal pathology.

PharmAbcines HuPhage library and innovative selection system are priceless proprietary assets that can generate antibodies with greater diversity than 10^11.

PharmAbcines advanced 3G expression system accommodates high levels of antibody production with high reproducibility. With our highly advanced technology platforms, we provide high-quality antibody generation services.

PharmAbcines advanced evaluation platforms can facilitate the pipeline development by assessing its anti-tumor effects with greater precision and accuracy. Through the collaboration with Samsun Medical Centre, We have more than 300 patients-derived cancer stem cell libraries and a PDX (patient-derived xenograft) animal model system to evaluate internal pipeline development.

Additional information about PharmAbcine can be found on our website at http://www.pharmabcine.com

Contacts

Yohan Jung

82-42-863-2017

yohan.jung@pharmabcine.com

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PharmAbcine Announces Acceptance of Phase Ib Olinvacimab and Pembrolizuamb Combination Trial in rGBM Patients Abstract at the 2020 ASCO Annual Meeting...

A word for those risking their lives amid the coronavirus crisis: Thanks – TwinCities.com-Pioneer Press

`It wasnt long after the events of Sept. 11, 2001, that cops, firefighters, first responders and volunteers from across the country and the world were lauded as heroes and temporarily replaced celebrities as the guest stars on talk shows.

The acknowledgment lasted for a while before actors hawking movies and pundits plugging books became the norm again.

As for the most affected first responders those who risked their health and spent weeks sifting through the rubble of the World Trade Center for remains and evidence too many succumbed to cancer and respiratory illnesses that took their lives or permanently scarred them physically and emotionally.

Hopefully, the workers now on the front line of the coronavirus crisis will receive a far more enduring tribute and recognition. Quite a number of them have been infected and some have died while trying to treat patients in their care. They range from the Chinese physician who sounded the first warning of this novel virus to doctors and nurses and others here who have come down with the deadly infection. Add the Italian pastor who died after willingly giving up his ventilator for a younger COVID-19 patient.

I know of this front-line work first hand.

Nine years ago this week on April Fools Day I got the news that I had multiple myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cells. More than 32,000 American adults are diagnosed annually with the incurable disease; more than 12,000 die of complications from it. I was informed I had the worst stage of it. Close to 80 percent of my plasma cells were cancerous. Tests also discovered fractured vertebrae and weakened bones byproducts of the cancer. The average survival rate for Stage III folks like me is 29 months, though treatment protocols have improved over the years.

I went through a year of chemo and a ruptured appendix during aggressive treatment that left me with an ugly but necessary vertical scar that wiped out my belly button. Throw in two autologous stem cell transplants as well as several bouts of pneumonia and other weird respiratory emergencies throughout the years.

Nine years later Im still above ground. I can still work, hoop and salsa, and I checked off some wishes Iike swimming with dolphins and experiencing the worlds second longest zipline. My only treatment since late 2012 is ingesting a daily Revlimid pill that doctors believe is keeping my cancer at below microscopic levels. My gut tells me it might also be the occasional Reeses Pieces, though I place my trust in the medical and scientific communitys assessment.

But Im blessed, thanks to my caretaker wife, the support from my family and friends, and the incredible knowledge and care I was given by those front-line health care workers who were with me step by step. Many are now dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak as well as the normal workload.

They include Dr. Mark Wilkowske, chief of oncology at the Frauenshuh Cancer Center in St. Louis Park, and Drs. Daniel Weisdorf, Philip McGlave and the team at the University of Minnesota Bone Marrow Transplant Program.

But I also am in debt to the long line of physicians, nurses and support staff who have helped me and many others recover from serious illnesses and other medical challenges throughout the years. We now see them profiled on TV sacrificing their own health, rightly pointing out the lack of official preparedness, and working double shifts while juggling family and emotional needs.

I have nothing against well-deserving celebrities. Whether they are musicians, actors or athletes, many have also stepped to the plate to entertain from home, donate to relief efforts or share words of support and solace through social media and other venues. But so have ordinary folks from all corners of the nation.

Maybe, when we do get back to normal, if we ever do, lets not forget what these health care folks and support staff are doing now, day in and day out. I know I wont.

Lets make that gratitude and star treatment last longer than it did 19 years ago.

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A word for those risking their lives amid the coronavirus crisis: Thanks - TwinCities.com-Pioneer Press

AML Relapse: How IDH-Inhibitor Drugs Work To Achieve Remission Before Stem-Cell Transplant – SurvivorNet

When we have a patient whose AML has come back, the goal is to get them into a remission so we can take them to a stem cell transplant., saysDr. Tara Lin, director, Acute Leukemia Program, University of Kansas Medical Center. This starts with Drugs such asIvosidenib orEnasidenib, which are important because they can help us get patients into remission and then bridge to transplant.

Early trials and published trials of these drugs show that about 30% of these patients will go into remission. Among them, a smaller proportion of patients will go on to have a stem-cell transplant.That smaller proportion reflects that some patients, often older ones, who may choose not to go on to a stem cell transplant for reasons not fully disclosed.

But that would be the be long-term goal certainly for a younger fit patient with an IDH-1 or IDH-2 mutation whose going to receive these drugs as therapy in relapse, says Dr. Lin. The goal would be to put them back into a remission not with the expectation that these oral drugs will keep them in remission forever but that we can put them into a deep enough remission so that we can take them on to transplant which, at least, has a potentially curative option.

Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.

Dr. Tara Lin is an Associate Professor of Medicine at The University of Kansas Medical Center. She specializes in acute leukemia and cancer stem cell targeted therapies. Read More

When we have a patient whose AML has come back, the goal is to get them into a remission so we can take them to a stem cell transplant., saysDr. Tara Lin, director, Acute Leukemia Program, University of Kansas Medical Center. This starts with Drugs such asIvosidenib orEnasidenib, which are important because they can help us get patients into remission and then bridge to transplant.

Early trials and published trials of these drugs show that about 30% of these patients will go into remission. Among them, a smaller proportion of patients will go on to have a stem-cell transplant.That smaller proportion reflects that some patients, often older ones, who may choose not to go on to a stem cell transplant for reasons not fully disclosed.

Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.

Dr. Tara Lin is an Associate Professor of Medicine at The University of Kansas Medical Center. She specializes in acute leukemia and cancer stem cell targeted therapies. Read More

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AML Relapse: How IDH-Inhibitor Drugs Work To Achieve Remission Before Stem-Cell Transplant - SurvivorNet

Seneca Biopharma Announces Executive Appointments and Key Promotion – Herald-Mail Media

GERMANTOWN, Md., April 1, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --Seneca Biopharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNCA), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel treatments for diseases of high unmet medical need, announced today the appointment of Matthew W. Kalnik, Ph.D. as President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Dane R. Saglio as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Seneca also promoted Thomas Hazel, Ph.D. to the newly created position of SVP of Research and Development.

"We are thrilled to welcome Matt and Dane to the executive team," said Kenneth C. Carter, Ph.D., Seneca's Executive Chairman. "They are seasoned professionals who bring decades of operational, financial and industry expertise to Seneca, and I look forward to working with them as we transform the company and build Seneca for the future. With Dr. Hazel in his new role as SVP of Research and Development, we are focused on developing promising new medicines that can generate value for our shareholders and provide opportunities for growth as our company matures."

Dr. Kalnik brings over 25 years of industry experience in senior research and development and business development roles to Seneca. He joins Seneca from Antidote Therapeutics, which he founded to develop novel nicotine-blocking therapies for treating diseases caused or worsened by nicotine, and established a multi-year strategic collaboration with the National Cancer Institute. Previously, Dr. Kalnik was Senior Vice President and Officer, Strategic Planning & Business Operations at Nabi Biopharmaceuticals, playing a key role in bringing NicVAX from Phase 2 to Phase 3. Earlier, he served in executive positions at Daiichi Medical Research, Genaissance (now Allergan) and Pfizer. Over his career, he has led efforts to in-license or acquire drug candidates and emerging technologies, as well as establish innovative drug discovery and development partnerships. He holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics from Columbia University and conducted his post-doctoral fellowship at the Department of Molecular Biology at The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla.

Dr. Kalnik, President and COO of Seneca, commented, "I am excited to join Seneca as we expand efforts to build a new pipeline of innovative drugs that address areas of high unmet medical need. Our team is well suited to execute on our acquisition and in-licensing strategy to transform Seneca."

Mr. Saglio brings over three decades of operational and financial experience in private and publicly traded companies to Seneca. Previously, Mr. Saglio served as CFO at RegeneRx Biopharmaceuticals, New Generation Biofuels, and EntreMed, all public companies in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry. Prior to joining Seneca as a consultant in August 2019, he served as CFO at Celios Corporation from October 2017 until July 2019 and Helomics Corporation, a personalized medicine company in cancer from October 2014 through July 2017. He began his career at Informatics Corp, now Computer Associates International, and at Bressler & Reiner, a DC-based real estate developer and home builder. Mr. Saglio earned his BS degree in business administration from the University of Maryland and is a licensed CPA in Maryland (inactive).

Dr. Hazel has held senior leadership positions in biotechnology companies for nearly 20 years and has over 25 years of experience in the stem cell field. He joined Seneca (formerly Neuralstem) in 1998 and has served in senior positions within the Company for 17 years, leading development of the company's platform technology, preclinical research efforts, and stem cell manufacturing activities in the US and China. From 2004-2008, Dr. Hazel served in senior leadership positions at Innovative Biosensors, a biotechnology company focused on the development of cell-based assays, where he played a key role in technology development and corporate fund-raising activities. Dr. Hazel received his Ph.D. in Genetics from the University of Illinois at Chicago and did post-doctoral research at the National Institutes of Health.

About Seneca Biopharma, Inc.

Seneca Biopharma, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel treatments for various diseases of high unmet medical need. The Company is in the process of transforming the organization through the acquisition or in-licensing of new science and technologies for development under its seasoned management team, with the goal of providing meaningful therapies for patients.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Information:

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements relate to future, not past, events and may often be identified by words such as "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "seek" or "will." Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. Specific risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements includethe completion of the offering, including the satisfaction of the closing conditions, and the use of anticipated proceeds,risks inherent in the development and commercialization of potential products, uncertainty of clinical trial results or regulatory approvals or clearances, market conditions, need for future capital, dependence upon collaborators and maintenance of our intellectual property rights. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements. Additional information on potential factors that could affect our results and other risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to time inSeneca'speriodic reports, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year endedDecember 31, 2019, as well as our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and in other reports filed with the SEC. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

Contact:

Hibiscus Bioventuresjosh@hibiscusbio.com

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Seneca Biopharma Announces Executive Appointments and Key Promotion - Herald-Mail Media

Scientists Make Breakthrough in the Production of ‘Slaughter-Free Steak’ Using Soy Protein as a Scaffold to Grow Tissue – vegconomist – the vegan…

Prof. Levenberg, head of the Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Lab, director of the Technion Center for 3D Bioprinting, director of the Rina and Avner Schneur Center for Diabetes Research, and Dean of the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering.

Researchers from Technion and Aleph Farms in Israel have achieved a breakthrough in the production of cultivated meat. As reported in the journal Nature Food, soy protein has been found to be efficient in the use of scaffolds for growing bovine tissue outside of an animals body.

The technology was originally developed for medical applications for tissue engineering in humans transplants by Prof. Levenberg, head of the Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Lab, director of the Technion Center for 3D Bioprinting. This technology has now been successfully applied to the growing of cultured meat on scaffolds made of soy protein. Aleph Farms was the first company to successfully grow slaughter-free steaks, using original technology developed by Prof. Levenberg and her team.

The article in Nature Food demonstrates the scientists innovative process for growing cultured meat tissue in only three-to-four weeks that resembles the texture and taste of beef. The process is inspired by nature, meaning that the cells grow in a controlled setting similar to the way they would grow inside a cows body.

Some of the benefits of the process for the production of cultured meat, which many experts say will be a normal part of life in the near future, are that soy protein is readily available and rich in protein, as well as inexpensive. It is a porous material, and its structure promotes cell and tissue growth. Soy proteins tiny holes are suitable for cell adherance, division, and proliferation. It also has larger holes that transmit oxygen and nutrients essential for building muscle tissue. Furthermore, soy protein scaffolds for growing cultured meat can be produced in different sizes and shapes, as required.

The lab tests have confirmed the resemblance of the meat to slaughtered animal flesh in texture and taste. According to Prof. Levenberg, We expect that in the future it will be possible to also use other vegetable proteins to build the scaffolds. However, the current research using soy protein is important in proving the feasibility of producing meat from several types of cells on plant-based platforms, which increases its similarity to conventional bovine meat.

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Scientists Make Breakthrough in the Production of 'Slaughter-Free Steak' Using Soy Protein as a Scaffold to Grow Tissue - vegconomist - the vegan...

Stem Cell Network Warns that Claims of Stem Cell Treatments for COVID-19 Are Unfounded and Misleading – Benzinga

OTTAWA, March 31, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In recent weeks, a number of claims have been made that stem cells can be used as a treatment for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Globally, there is no clinically tested and government approved stem cell-based treatment for COVID-19.

The Stem Cell Network (SCN) urges extreme caution to those who are considering purchasing products or services advertised as a preventative or curative treatment for COVID-19. In alignment with other international stem cell and regenerative medicine organizations, SCN strongly opposes the marketing of unproven therapies and urge consumers and patients to consult with their doctor or specialist if they have questions or concerns about their health. The best way to combat the spread COVID-19 is to follow the careful advice given by Canada's Chief Public Health Officer.

Researchers across the globe are collaborating and working hard to find legitimate treatments for COVID-19, but this will take time. It is important to note that when a treatment does become available, it will be announced through recognized medical authorities, such as the World Health Organization, which is coordinating global efforts and actively compiling a database of published research on COVID-19.

For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, please consult:World Health OrganizationPublic Health Agency of Canada

To learn more about clinical trials or stem cells:Stem Cell Network Clinical Trial FAQsCloser Look at Stem Cells

About the Stem Cell NetworkTomorrow's health is here. The Stem Cell Network (SCN) is a national non-profit that supports stem cell and regenerative medicine research, training the next generation of highly qualified personnel, and delivering outreach activities across Canada. SCN's goal is to advance science from the lab to the clinic for the benefit of Canadians. SCN has been supported by the Government of Canada since inception in 2001. This strategic funding, valued at $118M has benefitted approximately 170 world-class research groups and 3,000 trainees and has catalyzed 23 clinical trials. stemcellnetwork.ca

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Stem Cell Network Warns that Claims of Stem Cell Treatments for COVID-19 Are Unfounded and Misleading - Benzinga

FibroGenesis Files Expanded Patent Coverage for its Fibroblast Cell Therapy to treat Coronavirus (COVID-19) ARDS – Yahoo Finance

Company Reports Potent Synergy Between its Fibroblast-Based Cell Therapy and Hydroxychloroquine

HOUSTON, April 1, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --FibroGenesis, a Texas-based regenerative medicine company focused on tissue regeneration and chronic disease reversal using Human Dermal Fibroblasts (HDFs), today announced the filing of United States Provisional Patent Number 63/002,134 titled, "Peptides and Adjuvants for Augmentation of Fibroblast Therapy for Coronavirus."

FibroGenesis Logo (PRNewsfoto/FibroGenesis)

The claims in the patent include utilization of fibroblast cells along with adjuvants such peptides and hydroxychloroquine which stimulates the production of natural interferon to suppress the viral infection and corresponding "cytokine storm." In one embodiment, the invention provides methods of preventing infection, propagation, and pathology caused by the COVID-19 virus. Also included are claims to modify fibroblasts to express enhanced levels of "therapeutic cytokines."

"As we continue our accelerated preclinical program, we are discovering the superiority of fibroblasts over mesenchymal stem cells and the data is leading us toward multiple treatment options for the patient," commented Tom Ichim, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of FibroGenesis. "By including adjuvants such as peptides and hydroxychloroquine in our treatment we've seen added potency."

"We are working to expand our discoveries in the lab and accelerate the clinical development into a cure for COVID-19 using our advanced fibroblast cell therapy," said Pete O'Heeron, Chief Executive Officer, FibroGenesis. "The war we are fighting, with this invisible enemy, will likely require a cocktail-based approach for victory. At FibroGenesis we are following the lead of Thomas Edison when he discovered the filament for the lightbulb; we are testing as many therapeutic combinations as possible, in search of the most efficient and effective cure. Enhancing the natural production of interferon combined with our previous work can be seen as a possible advancement toward a cure."

About COVID-19 Induced ARDS

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a type of severe acute lung dysfunction affecting all or most of both lungs and can be a severe complication of viral infections including COVID-19.

It is known that ARDS is often associated with fluid accumulation in the lungs. When this occurs, the elastic air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs fill with fluid and the function of the alveoli is impaired. The result is that less oxygen reaches the bloodstream, depriving organs of the oxygen required for normal function and viability. Severe shortness of breath, the main symptom of ARDS, usually develops within a few hours to a few days after the precipitating injury or infection. There are currently no effective pharmacologic therapies for treatment or prevention of ARDS. Protective lung ventilator strategies remain the mainstay of available treatment options. Due to the significant morbidity and mortality associated with ARDS and the lack of effective treatment options, new therapeutic agents for the treatment of ARDS are needed.

About FibroGenesis

Based in Houston, Texas, FibroGenesis, is a regenerative medicine company developing an innovative solution for chronic disease treatment using human dermal fibroblasts. Currently, FibroGenesis holds 186 U.S. and international issued patents/patents pending across a variety of clinical pathways, including Disc Degeneration, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, Cancer, Diabetes, Liver Failure and Heart Failure. Funded entirely by angel investors, FibroGenesis represents the next generation of medical advancement in cell therapy.

Visit http://www.Fibro-Genesis.com.

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SOURCE FibroGenesis

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FibroGenesis Files Expanded Patent Coverage for its Fibroblast Cell Therapy to treat Coronavirus (COVID-19) ARDS - Yahoo Finance

Cork man shares hacks for isolation that stopped him from ‘going insane’ – Echo Live

I WILL start this by saying Im not an expert by any stretch of the imagination, but having spent 12 days in isolation in October, I wanted to share some of the things that stopped me from going insane!

Try where you can to stick to as regular a routine as possible. I made sure I was out of bed by a certain time each day and always started the day with a loose plan of things I wanted to achieve.

I was in a tiny hospital room so this might sound insane but it really made a difference. Knowing I couldnt leave the room was tough but also knowing there were still elements of my life I could partake in was great and got me out of bed.

This will depend on how well youre feeling but I made sure I did at least 20 minutes of exercise every day. One of the things that can happen when your movement is restricted is that you can start to loose muscle mass so anything from Yoga to star jumps to walking up and down the stairs will help keep you moving and get the blood flowing.

It will also stand to you when you leave isolation as you wont be prepared for how exhausted you will feel doing what was normal to you before you checked into Costa Del Corona.

I know I was coming off the back of intensive Chemotherapy and had no immune system so my symptoms will be different to yours but I remember the mere act of going to Tesco just five minutes from my house resulted in perfuse sweating, light headedness and a two hour nap.

Unless you cant keep anything down, eat even if you dont feel like it. If you are fighting a virus your body will need some fuel.

Try where possible to eat healthy but the main thing is that you eat. I went through three days after Chemo where I had no mind for food but I still eat a little bit of toast a few times a day as I knew it would help.

As much as you need a routine you will also need rest. Listen to your body and let it guide you. Being in a small space unable to leave is actually quite exhausting. If youre also feeling unwell you will be more exhausted then usual so dont feel guilty about a duvet day.

Its important to stay as active as possible but dont give yourself too hard a time if you find yourself napping far more often than usual. This is all part of the recovery.

Although I was in isolation, as long as they were healthy I was allowed visitors. I was also fortunate to have a long line of doctors and nurses coming in and out which made it all the more bearable.

I realise if you are self-isolating this wont be the case but I believe, and this may change, that as long as the person is healthy and they stay one meter away from you, visitors should be allowed and encouraged.

It made such a difference to me to have face to face visitors and phone calls etc as it reminded me that there was a world outside isolation. I did limit the number of visitors per day and some days just said no to anyone popping by but it really did help.

Social media may make you feel connected but nothing beats a voice on the other end of the phone or a smiling face sitting opposite you (one meter away) with a cuppa.

What I also felt really helped was focusing the conversation on the visitor. Giving them the chance to really tell me what was going on in their life especially if things werent great as it made me feel somewhat useful that I could give them an avenue to talk.

This is the biggest battle you will face and where you need to pay the most attention.

The mere fact you cant leave your room / house is enough to send anyone gaga but the fear that will inevitably come with it when you are ill will make it that bit harder.

Meditation really helped me (Headspace app) as well as keeping a journal which included five things I was grateful for each day. Gratitude really is a great natural mental booster and helps you even for a second to focus on whats good.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy exercises also helped me stop my mind from spiralling. If youve never had CBT before dont worry, a great book I read called Feeling Good, the new mood therapy is full of easy to follow CBT exercises that you can use to talk back to the destructive thoughts that are coming out to play.

The main advice I can give to you is TALK!

Even though you know isolation is transitory it will still mess with your head, and your mood could change from hour to hour so make sure youre talking it out.

I mean this with all sincerity, if theres no one in your world you feel you can talk too then drop me an email and I will send you my phone number so we can chat.

Im also a trained Samaritan volunteer so know how to give someone the space they need to chat, albeit its been a few years since I practised but genuinely happy to talk.

One day this will all be a distant memory but right now its a bit s**t so dont be afraid to reach out to those around you.

[emailprotected]

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Cork man shares hacks for isolation that stopped him from 'going insane' - Echo Live

Notice Regarding Business Alliance Between Sanbio and Ocumension in the Research, Development and Commercialization of Innovative Stem Cell Therapies…

TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- SanBio Co., Ltd. (Keita Mori, Representative Director and President, hereinafter SanBio) (TOKYO:4592) hereby announces that SanBio has entered into a business alliance with Ocumension (Hong Kong) Limited (hereinafter Ocumension).

1. Overview of the business alliance

SanBio and Ocumension have entered into a business alliance for the research, development and commercialization of innovative stem cell therapies for ophthalmic diseases. Both companies will jointly develop SanBios proprietary modified mesenchymal stem cell medicines with an initial focus in retinitis pigmentosa and dry age-related macular degeneration (SB623 cells), and optic neuritis (MSC2 cells).

Ocumension brings together a highly experienced leadership team and a commitment to world-class ophthalmic drug development, said Keita Mori, CEO of SanBio. The strategic collaboration would enable SanBio to bring cutting-edge stem cell therapies to Greater China, where great unmet medical needs exist in ophthalmology.

Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, Ocumension will fund the initial investment of $6 million for the preclinical and manufacturing development, and the remaining preclinical and manufacturing development will be equally shared by both parties. Ocumension obtains exclusive rights from SanBio to develop and commercialize SB623 and MSC2 in Greater China (including Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan; hereafter Territory) for ophthalmic indications. Ocumension will be responsible for all cost associated with clinical development and commercialization activities conducted in the Territory under the agreement. SanBio retains all rights for ophthalmic indications for the rest of the world, and all rights for non-ophthalmic indications globally. SanBio will be eligible to receive up to $71 million in milestone payments. In addition, Ocumension will pay SanBio tiered royalties from single digit to low teens as a percentage of annual net sales in the Territory.

Ocumension is focused on bringing novel therapeutics to the ophthalmology market, especially in China, and so we welcome the opportunity to partner with SanBio, one of the leading R&D companies in the cell therapy, to develop SB623 and MSC2, said Ye Liu, CEO of Ocumension. We believe that based on the novel neurologic mechanism, these two products will offer significant potential benefits for the patients who cannot be satisfied by the existing treatment.

2. Profile of the business alliance partner

(1)

Company name

Ocumension (Hong Kong) Limited

(2)

Headquarters

Shanghai

(3)

Representative

Ye Liu, CEO

(4)

Main business

Research and development of ophthalmic drugs

(5)

Capital

Not disclosed at the request of Ocumension.

(6)

Date established

March 7th, 2018

(7)

Major shareholder and shareholding ratio

Not disclosed at the request of Ocumension.

(8)

Relationships with partnering companies

Capital relationship

Not applicable

Personal relationship

Not applicable

Business relationship

Not applicable

Affiliated party as prescribed in the Rules of Corporate Accounting

Not applicable

(9)

Consolidated earnings and financial position for the last three fiscal years

Not disclosed at the request of Ocumension.

3. Schedule

(1)

Date of resolution at companys Board of Directors meeting

March 31, 2020

(2)

Conclusion date of the Agreement

March 31, 2020

4. Outlook

The SanBio Group is reviewing the impact of the agreements with Ocumension on its financial results for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2021 and shall disclose any matters that require disclosure without delay.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200331005923/en/

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Notice Regarding Business Alliance Between Sanbio and Ocumension in the Research, Development and Commercialization of Innovative Stem Cell Therapies...