Absolute Select Value ETF (ARCA:ABEQ), Trade Ideas

Absolute Select Value ETF

Insourcing of tool manufacturing expected to achieve over $1 million in annualized cost savings
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., April 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AMMO, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/POWW#NASDAQ">POWW</a>, POWWP)))) ("AMMO" or the "Company") the owner of GunBroker.com, the largest online marketplace serving the firearms and shooting sports industries, and a leading vertically integrated producer of high-performance ammunition and components, announces that it has acquired a tooling manufacturer that provides key resources toward the production of ammunition in its Manitowoc, Wisc. factory. The Company expects that this acquisition will result in both streamlined operation of the factory and an annualized cost savings of over $1 million.
"This acquisition was an essential step towards streamlining our plant operations by insourcing over 90% of our tooling manufacturing. We believe it will provide significant benefit as we continue to optimize the plant's management," said Jared Smith, Ammo, Inc. chief executive officer. "By strengthening our vertical capabilities, we enhance our speed to market, reduce lead times and better control costs. We expect these benefits will generate considerable cost savings and strengthen our strategic position as market leaders."

POWW

AMMO, Inc. Announces Acquisition Of Tooling Manufacturer; Sees $1M In Annualized Cost Savings; Financial Terms Were Not Disclosed

Wedbush analyst David Chiaverini reiterates CVB Financial (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVBF#NASDAQ">CVBF</a>) with a Neutral and maintains $19 price target.

News

Price Target

Reiteration

Analyst Ratings

CVBF

Wedbush Reiterates Neutral on CVB Financial, Maintains $19 Price Target

Jefferies analyst Brent Thill maintains Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) with a Buy and lowers the price target from $585 to $540.

Jefferies Maintains Buy on Meta Platforms, Lowers Price Target to $540

Contracts

Eaton Awarded $26.6M In Federal Tax Credits Supporting U.S. Manufacturing And Workforce Training Programs Advancing Clean Energy Projects

Novel Supplement Shown to Address Signs and Symptoms of Dry Eyes, All Primary Endpoints Achieved
Bausch + Lomb Corporation (TSX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BLCO#TSX">BLCO</a>), a leading global eye health company dedicated to helping people see better to live better, today announced Frontiers in Ophthalmology <a href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.frontiersin.org%2Fjournals%2Fophthalmology%2Farticles%2F10.3389%2Ffopht.2024.1362113%2Ffull&amp;esheet=53954212&amp;newsitemid=20240425411558&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=published&amp;index=1&amp;md5=349af3e530a7fc14d219484f12c704c8">published</a> statistically significant results from a clinical study evaluating the efficacy and safety of a novel daily nutritional supplement formulated to address the symptoms of dry eyes.1 Bausch + Lomb expects to launch the supplement, which features a proprietary blend of ingredients including lutein, zeaxanthin isomers, curcumin and vitamin D3, under the brand name Blink&#x2122; NutriTears&#xAE; early in the third quarter of 2024 in the U.S.
The clinical study met both primary endpoints:
<ul>
<li>Change from baseline at day 56 (week eight) in tear production (Schirmer's test).</li>
<li>Change from baseline at day 56 in ocular symptoms measured by OSDI score.</li>
</ul>
The study also met secondary endpoints, showing statistically significant improvements in tear-film break-up time (TBUT), osmolarity, ocular surface health and presence of an inflammatory marker.
"More than 150 million people experience dry eyes in the U.S.," said Yehia Hashad, M.D., executive vice president, Research &amp; Development and chief medical officer, Bausch + Lomb. "We believe Blink NutriTears will offer a novel nutritional option that can provide dry eye symptom relief in as little as two to four weeks."
Dry eyes are a prevalent ocular surface disorder that affects millions of adults worldwide. Once a condition known to traditionally affect adults over the age of 55, dry eye is impacting a younger demographic of consumers fueled by modern-day factors such as increased digital device use, environmental stressors, anxiety and stress. Nearly 70% of consumers attribute their dry eye symptoms to digital device use.
The prospective, randomized, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled study evaluated the efficacy and safety of NutriTears in 155 adult participants with mild dry eye symptoms (aged 18–65; median age 42). Participants were randomized to receive one NutriTears or placebo capsule (NutriTears, n=77; placebo, n=78) per day for 56 days (eight weeks) and artificial tear use was captured.
Key points from the trial:
Primary endpoints
<ul>
<li>The study met both of its primary endpoints: Change in tear production and participant reports of dry eye symptoms.
<ul>
<li>Participants consuming the daily NutriTears had significant improvements in tear production, as measured by change in Schirmer's test scores from baseline compared to placebo to day 56 (week eight) (p&lt;0.001 for both).</li>
<li>By day 14, total OSDI scores, as well as symptoms and vision domains of the OSDI significantly improved from baseline for participants consuming the daily NutriTears versus placebo, (p&lt;0.05 for all) and were maintained to day 56 (p&lt;0.001).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
Key secondary endpoints
<ul>
<li>Significant improvements in ocular surface staining, participant reported symptoms, and the inflammatory marker MMP-9 in participants consuming the daily NutriTears compared to placebo were seen at day 56.
<ul>
<li>By day 56, participants consuming the daily NutriTears had significantly improved TBUT and tear osmolarity, versus placebo (p&lt;0.001).</li>
<li>Participants consuming the daily NutriTears supplement had significant improvements in corneal and conjunctival staining (p&lt;0.001 for both), and inflammation, as assessed by presence of MMP-9, by day 56 (p&lt;0.001 for each eye).</li>
<li>Significant improvements in participant-reported ocular symptoms of dry eyes and participant experience of the frequency and severity of dry eye symptoms, as assessed by a SPEED questionnaire, were noted by day 14 for participants consuming the daily NutriTears versus placebo (p&lt;0.05 for days 14 and 28) and maintained to day 56 (p&lt;0.001).</li>
<li>Participants were allowed to use artificial tears throughout the study; there was no difference between groups for artificial tear usage.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>NutriTears was found to be well-tolerated. No serious adverse events were reported during the study period.</li>
</ul>
"These data suggest consumption of this new once-daily nutritional supplement may help restore tear film homeostasis by addressing the key root causes of dry eyes," said Neda Gioia, OD, CNS, founder Integrative Vision, president, Ocular Wellness &amp; Nutrition Society, and Blink NutriTears investigator. "This could represent a significant opportunity for consumers looking for options when it comes to long-lasting dry eye symptom relief."
About the Blink Brand Blink is a leading brand of lubricating eye drops for dry eyes and dry contacts in the United States. The portfolio is formulated to relieve dryness and discomfort in the eyes. They work by moisturizing the surface of the eye and providing relief from irritation caused by factors such as prolonged screen time, environmental conditions or contact lens wear. Bausch + Lomb plans to build upon the Blink product line later this year with Blink NutriTears clinically proven supplement for dry eyes.

Biotech

General

BLCO

TSX:BLCO

Bausch + Lomb Announces Results From A Clinical Study Of A Novel Daily Nutritional Supplement For Dry Eyes, All Primary Endpoints Achieved

OSI Systems (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OSIS#NASDAQ">OSIS</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $2.16 per share which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $2.10 by 2.86 percent. This is a 44.97 percent increase over earnings of $1.49 per share from the same period last year. The company reported quarterly sales of $405.406 million which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $403.459 million by 0.48 percent. This is a 33.85 percent increase over sales of $302.889 million the same period last year.

Earnings

Earnings Beats

OSIS

OSI Systems Q3 2024 Adj EPS $2.16 Beats $2.10 Estimate, Sales $405.406M Beat $403.459M Estimate

Just like every other asset class, real estate is subject to trends. Shopping malls were all the rage a few decades ago until a successful online bookstore branched out and started shutting the lights off all over the country. The work-from-home concept rendered entire blocks of office buildings obsolete, so now they're being turned into apartment buildings through government funding.&nbsp;
However, one type of commercial real estate has displayed a higher level of resilience — necessity-based retail.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/go/fnrp-yf">First National Realty Partners</a> (FNRP) is an investment company that has optimized its business model around that concept. It only sponsors real estate where people "live, shop, work and play," focusing on properties essential to daily life, such as grocery stores, multi-family housing and industrial real estate. This structure boosts the likelihood that the demand stays consistent regardless of economic fluctuations.
With over $2 billion in assets under management, more than 60 current assets owned and over $100 million in total investor distributions since inception, FNRP&#8217;s track record is nothing short of stellar. However, the most impressive aspect lies in the returns it has generated for its investors. Since it set up shop in 2015, the company has delivered a 14% annualized net internal rate of return (IRR). Digging a bit under the surface reveals the inner workings that have led to such a remarkable feat.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Strategic Focus On Top Grocers</h2>
Over the years, FNRP gained the trust of the top grocers in the U.S. who chose to become the firm's tenants, including Kroger, Walmart, Whole Foods, Target and others. With such a strong command over the grocery-anchored real estate landscape, the company secures on- and off-market deals and "makes money on the buy." One Wisconsin Pick ‘n Save store is one such case. In a span of just one year and two months, the investors in the property secured a net IRR of 45.01%.
The grocery-anchored concept isn't unique. Kimco Realty Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KIM#NYSE">KIM</a>) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) with a market cap of nearly $12.5 billion. The REIT has a strong focus on grocery-anchored shopping centers, boasting many of the same top tenants as FNRP.&nbsp;
However, Kimco Realty's returns have been less than stellar over the past decade with an average annualized return of just 2.92%.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Direct Investments vs. REITs</h2>
The major difference between FNRP and companies like Kimco Realty is that FNRP is not a REIT. When you invest in a REIT, you're gaining a tiny share of a large portfolio of properties. In many cases, investors have little insight into property-level data to understand where they're making money and where they're losing it. FNRP offers direct investments in individual properties. This investment strategy allows you to be more intentional about where your money is going and gives you the ability to choose which properties you feel confident investing in.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Current Investment Opportunities with FNRP</h2>
For accredited investors looking to tap into FNRP&#8217;s success, the company currently has two compelling offerings available:
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Townes Crossing</h3>
Townes Crossing is a 105,731-square-foot neighborhood center located in Oswego, IL, a suburb just 45 miles west of Downtown Chicago. The property, which is 95% leased, is anchored by a 65,000-square-foot Jewel-Osco grocery store, the #1 grocer by market share in the Chicago MSA. This specific Jewel-Osco location ranks within the top 25% among over 175 statewide outlets in terms of foot traffic and has operated at the center for over 30 years.&nbsp;
The remaining tenant mix includes necessity-based retailers such as Phenix Salons, Subway, Sally Beauty, The UPS Store and Windy City Pizza. The existing inline tenants have a weighted average tenure of over 17 years.
FNRP is acquiring Townes Crossing off-market from a relationship seller at a purchase price of $13.65M. The company is targeting a hold period of 4-5 years, a net IRR of 11.5-12.5%, an equity multiple of 1.6x-1.8x and an average cash-on-cash return of 6.75-7.25%. The minimum investment is $50,000.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/go/fnrp-yf">Access offering details for Townes Crossing</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Horizon Village</h3>
Horizon Village is a 113,252-square-foot shopping center located in Phoenix, AZ, with 97% occupancy. The property is anchored by a 62,868-square-foot Food City grocery store, an affiliate of Raley&#8217;s Supermarkets. Food City has operated at this location for over 20 years and accounts for over 30% of the center&#8217;s total revenue.&nbsp;
The second-largest tenant, Ace Hardware, has a 30-year operating history at the center and is ranked in the top 10% of most visited stores among over 120 Ace Hardware locations in Arizona. Other essential, daily-needs tenants include Oak Street Health, Buffalo Wild Wings, Burger King, Subway and Boost Mobile.
FNRP is acquiring Horizon Village off-market for $15.6M. The company is targeting a 4-5 year hold period, an 11.5-12.5% net IRR, a 1.5x-1.7x equity multiple and a 5.25-5.75% average cash-on-cash return. The minimum investment is $50,000.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/go/fnrp-yf">Access offering details for Horizon Village</a>
Both Townes Crossing and Horizon Village align with FNRP&#8217;s strategy of investing in necessity-based retail centers anchored by top-performing grocery tenants in growing submarkets. By acquiring these properties off-market and at competitive prices, FNRP is well-positioned to continue delivering strong returns for its investors.
Featured image is a stock photo from Shutterstock and is not a property owned by FNRP

Real Estate

This Walmart Landlord Has Generated A 14% Net IRR For Its Investors Since 2015 - Here Are Its Latest Investment Offerings

Wedbush analyst Moshe Katri maintains IBM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>) with a Neutral and raises the price target from $140 to $160.

Wedbush Maintains Neutral on IBM, Raises Price Target to $160

The U.S. economy grew in the first quarter of the year, albeit at a markedly slower pace compared to the final quarter of 2023 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/economics">and below economists&#8217; predictions.</a>
The annualized growth rate of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) stood at 1.6% for the recently concluded quarter, according to the advanced estimates released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis on Thursday. 
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Q1 2024 GDP: Key Highlights</h3>
<ul>
<li>A growth rate of 1.6% in Q1 marks a notable slowdown from the 3.4% in the final quarter of 2023, and it fell short of the forecasted 2.5% growth according to the economist consensus.</li>
<li>Core Personal Consumption Expenditure (PCE) price index – Fed&#8217;s favorite inflation gauge – slowed from 3.4% in Q4 2023 to 3.7% in Q1 2023, sharply beating the expected 2%.</li>
<li>Headline PCE price rose from 1.8% in Q4 2023 to 3.4% </li>
<li>Real consumer spending growth slowed from 3.5% to 2.5%, below the expected 2.8%. </li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Market Reactions</h3>
The U.S. dollar index (DXY), as tracked by the Invesco DB USD Index Bullish Fund ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UUP#NYSE">UUP</a>), inched higher by 0.1% minutes after the GDP print. 
Treasury yields slightly rose by approximately 3 basis points across the curve, with the policy-sensitive 2-year yield rising to 4.95%, as traders bolstered their expectations for fewer and delayed Fed rate cuts in light of the higher-than-expected inflation figures.
Gold, as tracked by the SPDR Gold Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GLD#NYSE">GLD</a>), went up 0.5%
During Thursday&#8217;s premarket trading, futures on major U.S. indices were all in the red, driven by a sharp drop of about 15% in tech giant Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) following the issuance of a weak revenue guidance for the second quarter, overshadowing the company&#8217;s better-than-expected first quarter results.
Now Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/04/38410454/treasury-yields-reach-5-month-high-lift-mortgage-rates-expert-warns-federal-debt-">Treasury Yields Reach 5-Month High, Lift Mortgage Rates; Expert Warns &#8216;Federal Debt Blob Is Out Of Control&#8217;</a>
Image: Shutterstock

Macro Economic Events

Macro Notification

Broad U.S. Equity ETFs

Econ #s

Economics

ETFs

PowerShares DB US Dollar Index Bullish Fund

US Economy Grows 1.6% In Q1, Slightly Below Expectations As Price Pressures Weigh On Spending

Piper Sandler analyst Peter Keith maintains Sleep Number (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNBR#NASDAQ">SNBR</a>) with a Neutral and raises the price target from $12 to $13.

SNBR

Piper Sandler Maintains Neutral on Sleep Number, Raises Price Target to $13

Apollomics' partner in China, Avistone, received approval from National Medical Products Administration of China to expand the use of vebreltinib to the treatment of gliomas with PTPRZ1-MET fusion gene &nbsp;
Approval based on results from a randomized Phase 2/3 trial
FOSTER CITY, Calif., April 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=4F2m5FLYoaAT6kxXi41lD6LeA04ODkkI6Y6ozDCV3rlUYibk-Yg1ZI5V1DfnKj2YT3XP6Ajef2HtnA2uHfxPrQ4kxx9tnZRJWhhsHt0KHqk=">Apollomics Inc.</a> (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APLM#NASDAQ">APLM</a>), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing multiple oncology drug candidates to address difficult-to-treat and treatment-resistant cancers, today announced that its partner in China, Avistone Biotechnology Co. Ltd. (Avistone), received approval from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China for vebreltinib (APL-101) for the treatment of adult patients with isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutant astrocytoma (WHO Grade 4) or glioblastoma with a history of low-grade disease who have the PTPRZ1-MET fusion (ZM fusion) gene and have failed previous treatments. This supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) approval makes vebreltinib the world's first c-Met inhibitor approved for treatment of Central Nervous System (CNS) tumor with c-Met alteration, and follows the NMPA's November 2023 approval of vebreltinib for the treatment of patients with Met Exon 14 skipping non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
"The NMPA's approval of vebreltinib in gliomas is an important, first-in-class approval as it demonstrates vebreltinib's CNS penetration ability and c-Met inhibitory activity in the tumors there," said Guo-Liang Yu, Ph.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Apollomics. "Our collaboration with Avistone, which includes data-sharing, and our ongoing global SPARTA trial with vebreltinib underscores our commitment and the potential to develop vebreltinib for treating patients with solid tumors with c-Met alterations globally, outside of China."
Gliomas are difficult-to-treat primary malignant intracranial tumors accounting for about 46% of all intracranial tumors. Surgery, radiation treatment, and chemotherapy are current standard treatment strategies for gliomas with poor prognoses. The overall survival (OS) rate for malignant glioma patients is less than 10% after five years. Prior studies in Chinese patients have found that about 12% of gliomas have MET fusion, among which the representative type ZM fusion occurs in about 14% of glioblastomas with a history of lower-grade disease, often co-occurring with Met Exon 14 skipping mutations, and is associated with a poorer prognosis. The proportion of this glioblastoma genotype in the U.S. and EU is less known.
Vebreltinib, Apollomics' most advanced product candidate in the U.S., is a potent, small molecule, orally bioavailable and highly selective c-Met inhibitor that works by inhibiting the aberrant activation of the HGF/c-Met axis, a key pathway involved in tumor growth, proliferation, and the development of resistance to certain targeted therapies.
The approval of vebreltinib for the ZM fusion-positive glioma indication in China is based on the positive results of Avistone's FUGEN study (<a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=__80RJEga4FqDaZEn4yjw1D0IvlT4FyQdJ2D9BiG7ICDzCqTNn_UDpePO1sVDCF4AAsCwJDFKdxNrFf32Se5LjzvwNq5XlbcAdGPt3e2BzE5Pw95Ouz1iW9UcK2y5O_P">NCT06105619</a>), a randomized, two-arm, multicenter Phase 2/3 clinical study that was conducted in China. This 84-patient study compared the efficacy and safety of vebreltinib with the dose-dense regimen of temozolomide or the combination of etoposide and cisplatin, with OS as the primary endpoint. The median OS for the vebreltinib monotherapy regimen was 6.31 months, compared to 3.38 months for the control group, reducing the risk of death by 48% and significantly improving the survival of patients with recurrent relapsing ZM fusion glioma, with an acceptable safety profile.
In the ongoing global SPARTA study being conducted by Apollomics that includes U.S. and European patients, similar to the vebreltinib treated patients in the FUGEN study in China, a median survival of 6.5 months has been observed to date in the 25 patients with recurrent relapsing CNS tumors with c-Met alterations treated with vebreltinib. Eight of these 25 patients with recurrent relapsing glioma had centrally confirmed ZM fusion glioma, where the median OS was also 6.5 months. These preliminary data support cross-region similarity of patient response to treatment with vebreltinib.
Under the partnership agreement, Avistone holds the exclusive rights to vebreltinib in China, Hong Kong and Macau, while Apollomics retains the exclusive rights in the rest of the world, including the U.S, and the partners have access to each other's data. This collaboration enables both companies to leverage their strengths and maximize the benefit of vebreltinib worldwide.

Global

APLM

Apollomics Announces Approval Of Vebreltinib In China As A First-In-Class Treatment For Gliomas With MET Fusion Gene

The Beijing auto show is reportedly serving as the platform for the biggest automakers around the globe to showcase their EVs.
What Happened: The Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, which commenced on Thursday, has brought to the fore the growing influence of EVs in China, Reuters reported. The event is set to run through early May.
The show has seen a surge in the number of new energy vehicles (NEVs) on display, with automakers unveiling a total of 278 NEVs, seven more than last year&#8217;s event in Shanghai, the report noted.
Chinese EV manufacturers, including BYD (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BYDDF#OTC">BYDDF</a>) (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BYDDY#OTC">BYDDY</a>) and newcomer Xiaomi, are reportedly the center of attention at the show. Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun announced that the company had received over 75,000 orders for its SU7 sedan, with buyers including owners of luxury cars from the likes of BMW and Audi.
While Chinese EV giant BYD promoted its premium brand Yangwang at the show, its U.S. counterpart Tesla chose not to attend, possibly because the last time it attended <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/21/04/20720261/tesla-gives-in-to-chinese-state-run-media-pressure-apologizes-to-aggrieved-customer">an unhappy customer protested against it</a> by climbing atop a display vehicle. The customer then alleged that her car ran into an accident due to brake failure and demanded a refund from the company. 
Other foreign automakers, such as Nissan Motor and Mazda Motor from Japan, peddled plans to invest more in local production and research, Reuters said. 
Why It Matters: The Beijing auto show&#8217;s emphasis on EVs underscores the rapid transformation of the Chinese automotive industry. With NEVs <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/24/03/37776137/chinas-ev-market-charges-forward-warren-buffett-backed-byd-predicts-50-nev-penetration-as-top-player">accounting for over 50% of cars sold in China</a>, the world&#8217;s largest auto market is rapidly shifting towards electric mobility.
This shift is also reflected in the strategies of foreign automakers, with companies like General Motors leaving traditional engine vehicles out of their show line-up for the first time, Reuters noted. 
In 2008, Berkshire invested around $230 million in BYD, obtaining 225 million shares and a 20.49% stake in Class H shares. Over time,<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/02/36904335/warren-buffett-backed-byd-reports-impressive-33-1-yoy-growth-in-january-sales-continues-to-scale-sal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> it has reduced its stake</a> and now holds approximately 87.6 million BYD H Shares, equivalent to a 7.98% stake.
Price Action: On Wednesday, BYD's stock BYDDF closed at $25.65, up by 2.05% while its ADR BYDDY closed at $51.21, up by 1.2% on the same day.
Check out more of Benzinga's Future Of Mobility coverage by&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mobility" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38423295/ford-cfo-says-ev-price-cuts-bringing-down-revenue-faster-than-company-can-cut-costs-if-the-pricing-s">Ford CFO Says EV Price Cuts Bringing Down Revenue Faster Than Company Can Cut Costs; ‘If The Pricing Stabilizes…'</a>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Image Via Shutterstock

Topics

Tech

BYDDF

BYDDY

Warren Buffett-Backed BYD, Xiaomi And Other Local Chinese Automakers Shine At Beijing's Largest Auto Show: Report

Tru Niagen is now available at 700 retail locations of The Vitamin Shoppe and Super Supplements&#x2122; and online at vitaminshoppe.com

CDXC

ChromaDex Launches Tru Niagen At The Vitamin Shoppe

Elicio Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ELTX#NASDAQ">ELTX</a>, "Elicio Therapeutics" or "Elicio")))), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing a pipeline of novel immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer, today announced that it will be sharing new preliminary data from the ongoing AMPLIFY-7P Phase 1/2 study in a poster presentation at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology ("ASCO") Annual Meeting, being held May 31-June 4, 2024 in Chicago, IL. &nbsp;
The AMPLIFY-7P study is evaluating the 7-peptide formulation of Elicio's off-the-shelf investigational therapeutic cancer vaccine candidate, ELI-002 7P, in patients with mKRAS-driven solid tumors that are positive for minimal residual disease. ELI-002 7P is designed to stimulate an immune response against the seven KRAS mutations that drive 25% of all solid tumors.&nbsp;
Presentation Details
ASCO 2024 Abstract Title: AMPLIFY-7P, a first-in-human safety and efficacy trial of adjuvant mKRAS-specific lymph node targeted amphiphile ELI-002 7P vaccine in patients with minimal residual disease–positive pancreatic and colorectal cancer Abstract Number: 2636 Session Type and Title: Poster Session – Developmental Therapeutics—Immunotherapy Session Date and Time: June 1, 2024, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM CDT (10:00 AM-1:00 PM ET) Presenter: Craig E. Devoe, M.D., MHCM., Chief, Division of Medical Oncology &amp; Hematology, R.J Zuckerberg Cancer Center, and Scientific Investigator, Northwell Health
About ELI-002&nbsp; Our lead product candidate, ELI-002, is a structurally novel investigational AMP cancer vaccine that targets cancers that are driven by mutations in the mKRAS-gene—a prevalent driver of many human cancers. ELI-002 is comprised of two powerful components that are built with our AMP platform consisting of AMP-modified mutant KRAS peptide antigens and an AMP-modified CpG adjuvant that is available as an off-the-shelf subcutaneous administration.&nbsp;
ELI-002 2P (2 peptide formulation) is currently being studied in an ongoing Phase 1 (AMPLIFY-201) trial in patients with high relapse risk mKRAS-driven solid tumors, following surgery and chemotherapy (<a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=wpdYlZxx4LQbTvORs98sj5x8Ipi9lNicb-ePc6wfpxVXm07Y3cnjqAWUR5a0HENHdXdLhkqU_HTEtOn2zDsPhcwmPF0TVtE1tr35JS0ydgc=">NCT04853017</a>). ELI-002 7P (7 peptide formulation) is currently being studied in a Phase 1/2 (AMPLIFY-7P) trial in patients with mKRAS-driven pancreatic cancer (<a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=jfFGLjic2iBD1o7cuYm5f6wqaEi-8C-D_H1mM7wcWh1wLgG59U7PNdvsxEcTILXQk4bhIFFwSwKhT5GCYoB-Wt9gCwVF1OB18isNouA5YZvR5hn0HUmWEenMSEOYcbd7P4RAKKF8rjtXGEwzuqiOaA==">NCT05726864</a>). The ELI-002 7P formulation is designed to provide immune response coverage against seven of the most common KRAS mutations present in 25% of all solid tumors, thereby increasing the potential patient population for ELI-002 and potentially reducing the chance of bypass resistance mechanisms.&nbsp;

ELTX

Elicio Therapeutics To Present New Preliminary Data From The Ongoing AMPLIFY-7P Phase 1/2 Study Of ELI-002 7P In Patients With mKRAS-Driven Solid Tumors At The 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting

As part of the agreement, Autonomix will work with NFR to assess its ASIC microchip and upgrade the chip to its second-generation in preparation for human clinical testing in the Company's planned pivotal trial in 2025. Additionally, NFR will evaluate a subsequent version meant to enable commercial production volumes.
 &nbsp;

AMIX

Autonomix Enters Agreement With NoiseFigure Research, Inc. To Develop Next Generation Of Its Proprietary Microchip

Piper Sandler analyst Paul Newsome maintains Goosehead Insurance (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GSHD#NASDAQ">GSHD</a>) with a Overweight and lowers the price target from $88 to $65.

GSHD

Piper Sandler Maintains Overweight on Goosehead Insurance, Lowers Price Target to $65

<a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=tik9RuKfrPKy8OinTmozBrodUxssIe8uJCbNC8eKKstUzEmuT_2E7sPyv5y5dyauiM3CgN3RV1d93gc3WxIlWEVyhf_8WCBCoTYIHKBy4Jg=">Navitas Semiconductor</a> (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVTS#NASDAQ">NVTS</a>), the industry leader in next-generation GaNFast&#x2122; gallium nitride (GaN) and GeneSiC&#x2122; silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductors, today announced its participation in forthcoming <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=1bu0_bYwT97miTjaTWcVP3tyWvCOURCUljLnHldfgL9xBGzYPPDYwAkKzTq0BXVzpv7rToKA2HnGvfl8Aj18hAMC73AsLCVYrXvtilv34FNwj13L2T1MEnXualWV1yxzjhTVFLCkvP3Jq5FPOk7uipSAEmq2dlgUyv2za9vVI_sadCdbUyqu15SAseqvdABt">China Electronic Hotspot Solutions Innovation Summit</a> in Shenzhen on April 27th. The summit gathers key players in power semiconductors and associated customer design teams for innovations in EV such as 800 V supercharging, battery management, intelligent connected vehicle electronics, and high-power digital power supplies. 2024 EV OEM attendees include experts from Voyah and Dongfeng. &nbsp;
Jacky Xiao, Navitas' Technical Marketing Manager, will deliver a keynote titled "High-Frequency On-Board Charger Solutions Based on Hybrid Design of SiC and GaN", to introduce how Navitas can create more efficient, smaller and lighter on-board charging for EVs. Without compromise, customers can select Navitas' optimal, feature-rich GaN and SiC power devices in robust, thermally-enhanced TOLL and TOLT packaging, to create hybrid powertrain solutions that deliver faster charging, longer range and lower systems costs.
Navitas' GaNFast power ICs integrate GaN power and drive with control, sensing, and protection to enable faster charging, higher power density, greater energy savings and system cost reduction. New ‘Gen-3 Fast' GeneSiC MOSFETs have up to 50% improved performance vs. other SiC devices. Summit exhibition attendees can explore the latest in EV-optimized GaNFast and GeneSiC products and complete EV system hardware solutions and learn how to accelerate their leading-edge projects.
"We're delighted to participate in China Electronic Hotspot Solutions Innovation Summit, where we can discuss the technological trend of new energy industry with experts from renowned domestic institutions and leaders in international electronic components," said Charles Zha, VP and GM of Navitas China. "Navitas' leading GaN and SiC technology will enable faster charging, longer-range and more environmentally friendly power systems for EV. These improvements not only significantly enhance product performance but also effectively shorten time-to-market."
The China Electronic Hotspot Solutions Innovation Summit will be held on April 27th, 2024, at Crowne Plaza, Nanshan District, Shenzhen.

NVTS

Navitas Highlights EV High-speed Hybrid Power Semiconductor Advances In China Innovation Summit Keynote

European Aeronautic Defence And Space Unsponsored

EADSY

Airbus Engages In Talks With China For Aircraft Order

Wedbush analyst Jay McCanless reiterates Century Communities (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CCS#NYSE">CCS</a>) with a Underperform and maintains $82 price target.

Wedbush Reiterates Underperform on Century Communities, Maintains $82 Price Target

PH15 nasal spray demonstrates statistically significant efficacy versus placebo and caffeine in a placebo-controlled Phase 2A pilot study in sleep-deprived participants
PH15 was safe and well-tolerated with an adverse event profile similar to placebo
<a href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vistagen.com&amp;esheet=53955276&amp;newsitemid=20240425871950&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=Vistagen&amp;index=1&amp;md5=a2d2fc9e17171d1883d5b05781b8544b">Vistagen</a> (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VTGN#NASDAQ">VTGN</a>), a biopharmaceutical company pioneering neuroscience to deliver groundbreaking therapies for individuals affected by psychiatric and neurological disorders, today announced positive results from a Phase 2A pilot study of PH15, an investigational pherine nasal spray, for improvement of psychomotor impairment caused by mental fatigue. PH15 demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in reaction time compared to placebo and caffeine in sleep-deprived study participants.
The previously unreported randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover Phase 2A pilot study of PH15 was designed to explore the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of intranasal administration of PH15 on psychomotor performance as measured by reaction time in sleep-deprived participants. Ten participants were randomly administered PH15 (multiple 1.6 µg doses, total dose of 9.6 µg), placebo (nasal spray and oral), or caffeine (single 400 mg oral dose administered 1 hour before the session) in sequential sleep deprivation study sessions spaced one week apart. During each sleep deprivation session, participants received blinded treatments before the start of each of four testing periods, at 6:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m., midnight, and 3:00 a.m. The participants' reaction times to both isochronous (regular interval) and stochastic (random interval) "flash" light stimuli were computer-measured during each testing period as participants responded to the luminous stimuli.
Statistically Significant Efficacy
During both isochronous and stochastic reaction time tests, administration of 1.6 µg PH15 nasal spray induced a significantly faster mean reaction time compared to placebo nasal spray across all time points (p&lt;0.001). PH15 also demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in reaction time compared to oral caffeine (p&lt;0.001) for both reaction time tests during the testing periods at midnight and 3:00 a.m. when subjects were most fatigued.
Well-tolerated Therapy
PH15 was well-tolerated with no serious adverse events reported. The adverse event profiles of PH15 and placebo were comparable, with brief nasal itching in one PH15-dosed participant and three placebo-dosed subjects. Participants on oral caffeine, however, experienced palpitations, euphoria, dry mouth, stomachache, and polyuria.
"In this Phase 2A pilot study, PH15 nasal spray demonstrated significant improvement in reaction time when compared to both oral caffeine and placebo in sleep-deprived participants. These pilot findings contribute to our confidence in PH15's potential as an innovative treatment for enhancing psychomotor performance and potentially cognitive impairment, particularly in addressing the challenges of mental fatigue," said Shawn Singh, Chief Executive Officer of Vistagen. "Numerous disorders, such as shift work disorder, sleep apnea, and narcolepsy, can lead to debilitating sleep deprivation and mental fatigue. Individuals affected by these disorders require improved treatment options with a differentiated safety profile, one without the potential for abuse liability or negative and treatment-limiting side effects and safety concerns. We anticipate exploring PH15's potential to emerge as a new and transformative solution for these underserved individuals."
This previously unreported Phase 2A pilot study of PH15 was sponsored by Pherin Pharmaceuticals (Pherin), now a wholly owned subsidiary of Vistagen, and conducted at the National Institute of Psychiatry, Sleep Disorders Clinic in Mexico City, Mexico in 2011. Vistagen gained access to the results of this study in connection with its acquisition of Pherin in February 2023. The late Jose Maria Calvo, MD, formerly Associate Professor, National Institute of Psychiatry in Mexico City, served as the Principal Investigator of the study.