New Declaration from Carenet Health Urges Healthcare Leaders to Address Unsustainable Costs Stalling Business and Care Outcomes




New Declaration from Carenet Health Urges Healthcare Leaders to Address Unsustainable Costs Stalling Business and Care Outcomes

SAN ANTONIO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#FutureOfHealthcare–As healthcare organizations contend with rising financial pressures, widespread burnout, and declining patient trust, Carenet has issued an industry call to action urging leaders to confront the hidden costs holding healthcare back.

The “Healthcare Costs Too Much to Ignore” declaration identifies five major categories of costs, beyond the obvious financial ones—operational waste, workforce burnout, eroded trust, declining care quality, and technology misalignment—as critical barriers to progress. The call to action comes amid mounting evidence that these burdens are unsustainable:

• $1 trillion in annual waste, by some estimates
• Nearly 1 in 5 clinicians considering exit due to burnout
• A healthcare system that spends twice as much as peer countries, amounting to nearly $15k per person per year and 18% of our GDP, yet delivers worse outcomes

“The U.S. has the greatest healthcare in the world, but the costs of delivering it are too great to ignore – and they aren’t just financial anymore,” said John Erwin, CEO and Founder of Carenet. “They’re human. Operational. Reputational. And they’re directly impacting growth, retention, and the ability to deliver better care. This declaration is an invitation for leaders to step back, reassess the real impact of complexity, and start building smarter, more sustainable systems.”

The declaration offers a framework to help organizations identify root causes of drag and redirect resources toward scalable, high-impact change. Focus areas include:

• Moving beyond surface-level cost containment to unlock long-term strategic value
• Strategically aligning technology, talent, and operations to reduce friction and drive efficiency
• Recognizing how system breakdowns erode trust among patients and employees
• Pinpointing the right areas to apply AI, automation and other innovations to optimize experiences and lower costs
• Creating cross-functional momentum around sustainable, enterprise-wide improvements

Carenet shared this point of view as part of its Powering Change campaign—an initiative designed to help healthcare leaders rethink performance through the lens of engagement, efficiency, and outcomes.

The full document is available for download here.

Join Carenet and this movement to Power Change at the HLTH conference in Las Vegas, Oct. 19-22. Carenet is an AI Pavilion sponsor and partnering with healthcare leaders to orchestrate AI to transform healthcare experiences.

About Carenet Health

Carenet Health is a tech-enabled healthcare services company dedicated to co-creating value with payers, providers, and health technology partners. For over 20 years, Carenet has combined advanced technology, data insights, clinical expertise, and global talent to improve engagement, efficiency, and meaningful business and health outcomes. To learn more about how Carenet is Powering the Business of Healthcare, visit carenethealth.com.

Contacts

Media Contact:
Skip Dampier, PR and Thought Leader

sdampier@carenethealth.com
214-356-9091

Lumaegis Secures $200,000 in Pre-Seed Funding to Accelerate FDA De Novo Certification—Propelling Its Breakthrough Sterilization Technology Toward Market Readiness




Lumaegis Secures $200,000 in Pre-Seed Funding to Accelerate FDA De Novo Certification—Propelling Its Breakthrough Sterilization Technology Toward Market Readiness

AUSTIN, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lumaegis, Inc., an emerging leader in medical device innovation, was recently honored as one of the 2024 RadLaunch Challenge Winners by the International Ultraviolet Association, recognizing its groundbreaking contributions to solid-state lighting-based sterilization technologies.

Lumaegis has also successfully closed a $200,000 pre-seed funding round, led by one of their global strategic partners. Lumaegis will use these funds to build the next set of production units and conduct FDA, UL/CE, and longevity testing.

At the heart of Lumaegis’ innovation is the RadBox, a patent-protected sterilization device designed as a fast, energy-efficient alternative to traditional sterilizers. The RadBox has received FDA De Novo classification, a designation reserved for breakthrough technologies with no existing, approved predicate device. This status highlights the RadBox’s significant advantages and its potential to improve patient outcomes, all the while saving the practitioners tens of thousands of dollars per year.

The company is set to begin FDA-required testing later this year. The RadBox utilizes dual-modality approach i.e., combination of germicidal and thermal radiation emitted by Light Emitting Diodes to achieve sterility. With key patent already granted and additional applications nearing completion, Lumaegis is preparing for commercial launch upon FDA De Novo approval.

“We anticipate our first sales in 2026,” said CEO John S. Morreale. “Production will begin that year, and we already have customers lined up. Many dental professionals who collaborated with us during the RadBox design phase will be among our first users, providing essential clinical feedback. Additionally, we’ve secured our first major customer — a global industry partner and investor in the disinfection and sterilization space — representing over 2,000 units in initial sales.”

Lumaegis is poised to redefine sterilization standards across dental and medical practices, offering a transformative solution that combines speed, efficiency, and safety, all the while reducing practitioners’ costs and improving their productivity.

About:

Lumaegis is headquartered in Austin, TX and is a member of University of Texas’ Austin Technology Incubator. Its mission is to support global health security and to reduce the environmental impact of sterilization processes globally. The founders are seasoned serial entrepreneurs with a proven track record of leveraging technology to address sustainability challenges.

Contacts

John S. Morreale

sterilize@lumaegis.com

Northwell Study Finds Frequent Seizures, Mental Health History Predicts Epilepsy Drug Resistance




Northwell Study Finds Frequent Seizures, Mental Health History Predicts Epilepsy Drug Resistance

The findings are published in The Journal of the American Medical Association

MANHASSET, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–While drugs are often prescribed for the 65 million people worldwide living with epilepsy, many patients are resistant to these drugs, making it paramount for clinicians to identify epileptic risks and triggers because experiencing uncontrolled seizures can lead to injuries, accidents and even death. A new study, published today in Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) by Northwell Health clinicians and researchers, found that people with newly diagnosed epilepsy who have pre-existing psychological disorders and frequent seizures have a lesser chance of successfully treating their epilepsy within a year.

The study, co-led by Ruben Kuzniecky, MD, a neurologist at Northwell’s Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan and member of The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, stems from the Human Epilepsy Project (HEP), a large-scale, international observational study that followed 448 participants for up to six years with newly diagnosed focal epilepsy. Focal epilepsy, also known as partial epilepsy, refers to a condition in which seizures originate from a specific, localized area of the brain and can manifest in various ways depending on the affected brain region, ranging from subtle changes in awareness to more noticeable motor symptoms. The study used standardized International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) definitions for seizure freedom and treatment resistance, providing a rigorous framework for assessing outcomes.

“This study underscores the complex journey faced by individuals and their doctors to identify and treat focal epilepsy,” said Dr. Kuzniecky, professor and vice chair of academic affairs at The Barbara and Donald Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. “While most patients eventually achieve complete absence of seizures, the path is often lengthy and requires trying different medications. Our findings emphasize the need for improved strategies for predicting and managing treatment response to avoid cognitive decline and improve quality of life.”

Key findings of the study include:

• Delayed seizure freedom: Median time to first seizure freedom was 12.1 months, highlighting the extended period during which many patients experience ongoing seizures.
• Treatment failure: Only 27 percent of participants achieved seizure freedom on their first anti-seizure medications (ASMs), underscoring the need for readily accessible second-line options.
• Treatment resistance: Nearly a quarter of participants were deemed treatment-resistant, meaning they did not achieve seizure freedom after trying two adequate ASM clinical trials. This group often had more frequent seizures at the beginning of the study and half of them became resistant within the first year.
• Psychiatric comorbidities: A history of psychiatric disorders prior to epilepsy diagnosis significantly increased the risk of treatment resistance, emphasizing the importance of holistic care for individuals with epilepsy.
• Challenging outcomes: Participants (23 percent) fell into an “indeterminate” category due to insufficient follow-up time or inadequate ASM clinical trials. This highlights the challenges in conducting long-term epilepsy research and the need for strategies to improve patient retention and standardize treatment protocols.

“This research reveals key scientific insights into why some focal epilepsy patients respond to treatment better than others,” said Kevin J. Tracey, MD, president and CEO of the Feinstein Institutes and Karches Family Distinguished Chair in Medical Research. “This knowledge is critical for developing more personalized and effective treatment strategies.”

The study suggests that earlier identification of treatment failure and personalized treatment strategies based on individual risk factors, including psychiatric comorbidities, are crucial for improving the lives of people living with focal epilepsy.

About the Feinstein Institutes

The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research is the home of the research institutes of Northwell Health, the largest health care provider and private employer in New York State. Encompassing 50+ research labs, 3,000 clinical research studies and 5,000 researchers and staff, the Feinstein Institutes raises the standard of medical innovation through its six institutes of behavioral science, bioelectronic medicine, cancer, health system science, molecular medicine, and translational research. We are the global scientific leader in bioelectronic medicine – an innovative field of science that has the potential to revolutionize medicine. The Feinstein Institutes publishes two open-access, international peer-reviewed journals Molecular Medicine and Bioelectronic Medicine. Through the Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, we offer an accelerated PhD program. For more information about how we produce knowledge to cure disease, visit http://feinstein.northwell.edu and follow us on LinkedIn.

Contacts

Julianne Mosher Allen

516-880-4824

jmosherallen@northwell.edu

Brightseed’s 2025 Consumer Research Finds 45% of U.S. Adults Are Now “Bioactivists” – the Largest and Fastest-Growing Health Segment — Up from 27% in 2022




Brightseed’s 2025 Consumer Research Finds 45% of U.S. Adults Are Now “Bioactivists” – the Largest and Fastest-Growing Health Segment — Up from 27% in 2022

Latest research shows that this mainstream segment is 20% more likely to keep up with the latest health trends and 25% more willing to pay more for foods, beverages, and supplements containing bioactives compared to other segments

SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Brightseed, the bioactives leader unlocking nature with AI to elevate human health and developer of the Forager® AI platform, today announced findings from its second installment of Bioactivist consumer research. The updated findings revealed that 45% of U.S. adults now identify as Bioactivists – proactive, health-conscious consumers who see health as a foundation rather than a fix, and who are increasingly seeking products with proven health benefits. This is a sharp rise from 27% in Brightseed’s 2022 survey, making Bioactivists the fastest growing and largest health-focused consumer segment in the U.S. Access Brightseed’s infographic detailing the survey findings here.

KEY FINDINGS

• Bioactivists now represent 45% of U.S. adults
• High purchasing power & loyalty: Bioactivists skew toward higher incomes and are more likely to be repeat buyers when their health needs are met.
• Proactive health focus:
  • 87% use supplements; 43% use them consistently.
  • 68% regularly check nutrition labels.
  • +20% more likely to follow the latest health trends vs. other consumers.
  • +16% more likely to seek products with added nutrients.
• Bioactive-driven purchasing:
  • +25% more willing to pay more for foods, beverages, and supplements containing bioactives.
  • +14% more likely to try a new product because it contains bioactives.
  • +12% more interested in increasing bioactive intake.
• Health mindset: Bioactivists view health as a foundation, not a fix, and are motivated by long-term goals like avoiding future illness, living longer, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
• Market opportunity: More than 60% of consumers want brands to improve product healthfulness, communicate bioactive content, and back claims with science.

Bioactivists outpace other consumers in their commitment to health, with 87% incorporating supplements into their routines, 68% regularly checking nutrition labels, and strong interest in products with bioactives – naturally occurring compounds in plants and other sources that positively impact human health.

These consumers not only represent a large share of the U.S. population, they also hold significant purchasing power, skew toward higher incomes, and are brand-loyal when their health needs are met.

“The Bioactivist is no longer a niche wellness enthusiast – they’re your neighbor, your coworker, and a powerful driver of market trends,” said David Blackwood, SVP, Commercial at Brightseed. “For food, beverage, and health companies, this is a prime opportunity to engage a large, motivated, and high-spend audience that is actively seeking products with proven functional benefits.”

The research also found growing consumer expectations for transparency and science in health products. More than 60% of consumers agree that their favorite brands should improve product healthfulness, communicate bioactive content, and back claims with science.

Brightseed’s proprietary AI platform, Forager – an advanced discovery and development engine for small molecules and bioactives – is uniquely positioned to meet this demand.

“Bioactives are nature’s health drivers, and Forager allows us to discover and unlock them at an unprecedented scale, providing our partners market disrupting innovation and development tools,” said Sofia Elizondo, Co-Founder and President of Brightseed. “This research confirms that consumers are ready – and eager – for products that harness bioactives to support human health.”

The 2025 Brightseed Health & Nutrition Survey was conducted online in April 2025 among a nationally representative sample of 1,200 U.S. adults, ages 18 and older.

About Brightseed

Brightseed®, the bioactives leader unlocking nature with AI to elevate human health, is a World Economic Global Innovator. Brightseed’s proprietary AI, Forager®, accelerates bioactive discovery, biological validation, and ingredient formulation from years to months, rapidly revealing new connections between nature and humanity. Brightseed produces clinically-proven bioactives for dietary supplements, food & beverage CPG, specialty nutrition, and medical foods to power proactive health worldwide. Learn more at brightseedbio.com.

Contacts

Media Contact
Nicki Briggs, MS, RDN

Communications, Brightseed

press@brightseedbio.com

Chrislaina Anderson Awarded 2025 Adam Ferrari Health Science Scholarship




Chrislaina Anderson Awarded 2025 Adam Ferrari Health Science Scholarship

Chrislaina Anderson is proudly announced as the winner of the 2025 Adam Ferrari Health Science Scholarship, a $20K award honoring future healthcare leaders dedicated to compassionate care.

IRVINE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Ferrari Foundation has named Chrislaina Anderson as the recipient of the 2025 Adam Ferrari Health Science Scholarship. This $20,000 award, established by Phoenix Energy CEO Adam Ferrari, recognizes exceptional health science students dedicated to enhancing care for individuals with physical disabilities.

Anderson was chosen from a competitive pool of applicants nationwide and impressed the selection committee with her academic excellence and dedication to service. Throughout the process, she demonstrated a clear vision for integrating bioengineering, medicine, and compassion to restore mobility, dignity, and independence for patients.

“Winning this scholarship is more than financial aid—it shows that people believe in me and my dreams,” Anderson shared. “When I found out I was selected, I was ecstatic. I immediately started yelling for my family to let them know the good news. This scholarship allows me to pursue a B.S. in Bioengineering at UC Berkeley, where I will have amazing opportunities to research medical devices and other healthcare-related technologies. It reassures me that I am ready for this big leap to make an impact within the medical community. I would like to thank everyone who made this possible.”

Anderson’s passion for healthcare is deeply personal. Growing up with a father and an aunt living with neuropathy, she witnessed firsthand how physical disability can affect not only mobility but also pride and independence. These experiences inspired her to pursue bioengineering as a way to design solutions that improve the quality of life for individuals with physical disabilities.

Anderson co-founded Hands Across Horizons, a nonprofit that provides educational resources to underserved students and trafficking survivors, and created Hands on Music, a free program for Title I children, including those with fine motor challenges. She has served as a class president, drum major, and tutor in over 20 college-level subjects—all while graduating as valedictorian with 129 college credits and earning an Associate’s Degree in Mathematics and Sciences at just 15 years old.

“Chrislaina’s academic accomplishments are extraordinary, but it is her empathy and commitment to designing healthcare solutions that truly stand out,” said Adam Ferrari, founder of the Ferrari Foundation. “Her mission to merge engineering with direct patient care reflects the core values that inspired this scholarship and carries forward the values shaped by my father’s experience.”

Now in its fifth year, the Adam Ferrari Health Science Scholarship continues to empower future healthcare leaders who combine academic excellence with a commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care. The award is presented annually to a student whose achievements and aspirations align with the Ferrari Foundation’s mission to advance accessibility, innovation, and high-quality care for individuals with physical disabilities.

For more information about the Adam Ferrari Health Science Scholarship, visit www.adamferrarischolarship.com.

Contacts

Caroline Scroggins

The Ferrari Foundation

949-526-8611

info@theferrarifoundation.org
https://www.theferrarifoundation.org/

Lumaegis Secures $200,000 in Pre-Seed Funding to Accelerate FDA De Novo Certification—Propelling Its Breakthrough Sterilization Technology Toward Market Readiness




Lumaegis Secures $200,000 in Pre-Seed Funding to Accelerate FDA De Novo Certification—Propelling Its Breakthrough Sterilization Technology Toward Market Readiness

AUSTIN, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lumaegis, Inc., an emerging leader in medical device innovation, was recently honored as one of the 2024 RadLaunch Challenge Winners by the International Ultraviolet Association, recognizing its groundbreaking contributions to solid-state lighting-based sterilization technologies.

Lumaegis has also successfully closed a $200,000 pre-seed funding round, led by one of their global strategic partners. Lumaegis will use these funds to build the next set of production units and conduct FDA, UL/CE, and longevity testing.

At the heart of Lumaegis’ innovation is the RadBox, a patent-protected sterilization device designed as a fast, energy-efficient alternative to traditional sterilizers. The RadBox has received FDA De Novo classification, a designation reserved for breakthrough technologies with no existing, approved predicate device. This status highlights the RadBox’s significant advantages and its potential to improve patient outcomes, all the while saving the practitioners tens of thousands of dollars per year.

The company is set to begin FDA-required testing later this year. The RadBox utilizes dual-modality approach i.e., combination of germicidal and thermal radiation emitted by Light Emitting Diodes to achieve sterility. With key patent already granted and additional applications nearing completion, Lumaegis is preparing for commercial launch upon FDA De Novo approval.

“We anticipate our first sales in 2026,” said CEO John S. Morreale. “Production will begin that year, and we already have customers lined up. Many dental professionals who collaborated with us during the RadBox design phase will be among our first users, providing essential clinical feedback. Additionally, we’ve secured our first major customer — a global industry partner and investor in the disinfection and sterilization space — representing over 2,000 units in initial sales.”

Lumaegis is poised to redefine sterilization standards across dental and medical practices, offering a transformative solution that combines speed, efficiency, and safety, all the while reducing practitioners’ costs and improving their productivity.

About:

Lumaegis is headquartered in Austin, TX and is a member of University of Texas’ Austin Technology Incubator. Its mission is to support global health security and to reduce the environmental impact of sterilization processes globally. The founders are seasoned serial entrepreneurs with a proven track record of leveraging technology to address sustainability challenges.

Contacts

John S. Morreale

sterilize@lumaegis.com

LeafWorks Launches Industry-First DNA Quantification Test for Mushroom Blends and Beyond




LeafWorks Launches Industry-First DNA Quantification Test for Mushroom Blends and Beyond

New Test Delivers DNA Quantification, Filling a Critical Gap in Botanical and Functional Mushroom Testing

SEBASTOPOL, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–LeafWorks, a pioneering botanical genomics and testing company for natural products, today announced the immediate availability of DNA-based Quantification Testing for botanicals, starting with a focus on mushroom blends, a purpose-built assay that measures the composition of multi-species functional mushroom products.

Functional mushroom blends are gaining popularity, driving one of the fastest-growing categories in the natural products industry. Booming consumer demand has heightened the call for transparency, expanding pressure on manufacturers to confirm ingredient integrity amid complex supply chains.

LeafWorks’ Ingredient Quantification Testing provides quality control and quality assurance teams, sourcing managers and formulators the ability to validate ingredient composition with confidence—meeting 21 CFR 111 requirements, protecting against costly recalls and strengthening consumer trust.

Verifying mushroom blends can be a major challenge in processed materials—especially when using microscopy or when working with species of overlapping and/or variable metabolic profiles. LeafWorks’ DNA-based approach fills gaps with quantification that stands up to scientific and regulatory scrutiny.

“We’ve been hearing for years that brands struggle to verify what’s in their mushroom blends,” said Eleanor Kuntz, Ph.D., CEO of LeafWorks. “Now, with this new DNA-based quantification option, we’re giving them a tool that cuts through the noise. No guesswork. No ambiguity.”

To serve a wide range of industry needs, LeafWorks’ Ingredient Quantification Testing supports:

• Accuracy: This test uses validated, species-specific markers.
• QA/QC and product integrity checks: Confirm ingredient makeup against specifications.
• Regulatory compliance: Meet 21 CFR 111 label verification requirements with third-party validated results.
• Supplier validation and purchasing confidence: Audit claims in global supply chains with scientific precision.
• Product development and R&D: Monitor blend consistency, guide formulation improvements and ensure purity.
• Mycelium products: Quantify percent mushroom versus percent substrate with accuracy.
• Affordable, rapid tests built to AOAC International standards

What sets LeafWorks apart is its reliance on species-specific DNA regions rather than universal barcodes, which are prone to false positives and negatives, and its use of qPCR to perform highly sensitive quantification. And—critically for mycelium products—this test can distinguish percent substrate versus percent mushroom, delivering a clear picture of product composition.

This rigorous design ensures accuracy even in complex blends, where mushrooms may share overlapping chemistry profiles or appear visually similar.

“This is a major step forward for the industry,” said Nick Batora, Managing Director and Head of R&D at LeafWorks. “Chemistry can show you that certain metabolites are present in a blend, but it can’t always tell you which species they came from. Many plants and mushrooms share overlapping chemistries, and metabolite profiles can shift depending on things like tissue type, growing conditions or environment. With qPCR, we can go straight to the DNA and identify the source species with quantitative accuracy—whether it’s mushrooms or substrates like oats or grain.”

By filling a critical gap in the quantitative verification of blends, LeafWorks is giving sourcing managers, QA/QC professionals, and product developers actionable data to support compliance, protect brand reputation, and strengthen consumer trust.

“Variation in ingredient amounts can cause major risks for companies trying to meet their label claims in complex blend formulations,” said Kerin Law, Ph.D., LeafWorks’ Chief Scientific Officer. “Our Ingredient Quantification Test solves that immediately.”

The LeafWorks® Ingredient Quantification Test, starting in mushroom blends, is available immediately. For more information or to inquire about testing, visit leafworks.com or contact info@leafworks.com.

About LeafWorks

LeafWorks Inc. is a botanical genomics company conducting cutting-edge research and developing commercial DNA testing services for natural products. Co-founded by CEO Eleanor Kuntz, Ph.D., and CSO Kerin Law, Ph.D., the company combines scientific rigor with uncompromising ethics, specializing in DNA identification—from species ID down to trait detection—to protect and empower business operators. The company provides the necessary testing and services that help cultivators preserve their genetic IP, improve efficiency and ultimately evolve their operations. Learn more about LeafWorks Inc. at leafworks.com and connect on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.

Contacts

Media Contact

Kerin Law

info@leafworks.com

Genentech and Roche Break Ground on State-of-the-Art Manufacturing Facility in Holly Springs, North Carolina




Genentech and Roche Break Ground on State-of-the-Art Manufacturing Facility in Holly Springs, North Carolina

– The $700 million project is part of Genentech and Roche’s $50 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing, infrastructure and R&D –

– The facility will create more than 1,900 jobs and support the production of next-generation metabolic medicines, including treatments for obesity –

– U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross, Gov. Josh Stein and other local leaders attended the groundbreaking event –

HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Genentech, a member of the Roche Group (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY), today broke ground on its newest U.S. manufacturing site in Holly Springs, North Carolina. This significant development marks the establishment of Genentech’s first manufacturing facility on the East Coast. The 700,000-square-foot facility is strategically designed to support production of the company’s future portfolio of metabolic medicines, including next-generation treatments for obesity. The event was attended by federal, state and local officials, including U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross, North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein, State Sec. of Commerce Lee Lilley, State Sens. Sydney Batch and Lisa Grafstein, State Rep. Erin Paré, Wake County Commissioner Cheryl Stallings and Holly Springs Mayor Sean Mayefskie.

The project will add more than 400 local manufacturing jobs when the site is operational and more than 1,500 construction jobs during the development phase. Genentech’s initial investment in North Carolina is estimated at more than $700 million, part of a larger $50 billion commitment to President Trump’s initiatives to invest in U.S. manufacturing, infrastructure and R&D.

The company selected Holly Springs, a growing hub for biopharmaceutical innovation, for its highly skilled local workforce, strong academic institutions and proximity to other leading life science companies in the Raleigh-Durham area.

The new facility is expected to be completed and operational by 2029, incorporating modern biomanufacturing technologies, as well as advanced automation and digital capabilities. The future facility will increase production capacity for the company’s manufacturing network, while enhancing supply chain resilience through a high-volume, high-efficiency yet sustainable design. The 100-acre lot includes space for future expansion.

Genentech CEO Ashley Magargee:

“We are proud to break ground on our new manufacturing site in Holly Springs, North Carolina, with its world-class biotech talent, top research institutions and a robust infrastructure that will enable our growth for years to come. With this step, we are taking action to deliver more life-changing medicines to patients faster, contribute to the local economy, and bolster manufacturing and innovation in the U.S.,” Magargee said.

“We are supportive of President Trump’s goal to bring more pharmaceutical manufacturing to the United States and appreciate the work that Commerce Secretary Lutnick and the Department of Commerce’s U.S. Investment Accelerator are doing to remove regulatory barriers that cause delays in establishing manufacturing sites in the U.S. We also thank the North Carolina, Wake County and Holly Springs officials for their partnership. Their warm welcome and leadership in the life sciences bodes well for great things to come for our company, your communities, and, ultimately, for patients.”

U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross, 2nd North Carolina Congressional District:

“This groundbreaking is a milestone for our community and for North Carolina’s growing role in the biotech economy. Investments like this one mean good-paying jobs for our residents, expanded opportunities for workers with a range of skills and education, and continued growth for the Research Triangle’s innovation ecosystem. I look forward to working with Genentech to ensure this facility helps our region to thrive for decades to come.”

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein:

“North Carolina has earned its reputation as the best state for business, and Genentech’s decision to put down roots in Holly Springs is further proof of our leadership in the biotech sector. From our top-tier research universities to our world-class workforce, North Carolina has exactly what companies need to succeed. I am pleased to welcome Genentech to Holly Springs as they expand their operations to the East Coast.”

Holly Springs Mayor Sean Mayefskie:

“The groundbreaking of Genentech’s new facility marks a defining step forward for Holly Springs. Not only does it strengthen Holly Springs’ role as a cornerstone in North Carolina’s life sciences manufacturing ecosystem, but we expect to see a powerful boost to our local economy, particularly for small businesses. We are thrilled for Genentech to be part of our community!”

About Genentech

Founded nearly 50 years ago, Genentech is a leading biotechnology company that discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes medicines to treat patients with serious and life-threatening medical conditions. The company, a member of the Roche Group, has headquarters in South San Francisco, California. For additional information about the company, please visit http://www.gene.com.

Contacts

Media Contact: Shirley Dang, (650) 467-6800

Media Contact: Dean Mastrojohn, (650) 467-6800

Advocacy Contact: Danielle Haney, (240) 805-4810

Investor Contacts: Loren Kalm, (650) 225-3217

Apimeds Pharmaceuticals US, Inc. Partners with University of Alabama to Advance Biotech Business Development via ai² Future Labs




Apimeds Pharmaceuticals US, Inc. Partners with University of Alabama to Advance Biotech Business Development via ai² Future Labs

MATAWAN, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Apimeds Pharmaceuticals US, Inc. (NYSE American: APUS) (“Apimeds”) today announced the launch of its ai² Future Labs program in partnership with The University of Alabama Culverhouse College of Business’s STEM Path to the MBA program. The initiative aims to identify important assets critical to improving human health and to cultivate the next generation of pharmaceutical industry business leaders.

Future Labs is part of Apimeds’ ai² innovation platform, connecting university students with real-world biopharmaceutical strategy and business development projects. Through this partnership, student teams will work closely with Apimeds mentors to identify and evaluate opportunities to advance development projects previously abandoned by industry.

“We’re excited to welcome The University of Alabama and their STEM Path to the MBA students to the Future Labs program,” said Erik Emerson, CEO of Apimeds. “UA will be the first of a select group of academic institutions we partner with to identify opportunities to improve patient care by reexamining promising projects. Drug development is complex, expensive, and time-consuming, which means many therapies with true potential never reach patients. Future Labs is designed to function as a discovery engine for products and future leaders – we look forward to working with University of Alabama and the students – Roll Tide – until you encounter #goducks.”

Students will gain hands-on experience in market analysis, FDA regulations, clinical development requirements, competitive positioning, intellectual property considerations, and commercialization planning—skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Top-performing teams at each participating institution will be eligible for paid internships or consulting opportunities with Apimeds, providing a direct pathway into the industry.

“We see this program as a way to uncover development opportunities while also giving students a practical look at the business side of biopharma,” said Brian Peters, SVP of the ai² Division at Apimeds Pharmaceuticals.

Rob Morgan, Ph.D., Director of the STEM Path and CREATE Path to the MBA programs at The University of Alabama, added: “Our students will gain unique experience contributing to the success of a biopharma company. This program provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to bring the business of biotechnology to a new generation of leaders.”

The partnership underscores Apimeds’ commitment to fostering innovation, building industry–academic alliances, and developing the next generation of biotech leaders.

About Apimeds Pharmaceuticals

Apimeds Pharmaceuticals (NYSE American: APUS) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing non-opioid, biologic-based therapies for pain management. The company’s lead product candidate, Apitox, is in late-stage clinical development for osteoarthritis of the knee. For more information visit www.apimedsus.com. Information on the Apimeds’ website does not constitute a part of and is not incorporated by reference into this press release.

About Culverhouse College of Business and the STEM Path to the MBA Program

Established in 1919 by Lee Bidgood and currently led by Dean Kay Palan, the Culverhouse College of Business at The University of Alabama is a top-ranked leader in business education, offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees and has been accredited by AACSB since 1929.

Culverhouse launched the STEM Path to the MBA program in 2011, providing students from technical and scientific disciplines with unique exposure to business education throughout their undergraduate studies, culminating in the earning of an MBA with one additional year of study.

Forward-Looking Statements

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Contacts

Media:
Brian Peters

Apimeds Pharmaceuticals

919-602-6557

jCyte Announces Publication of Phase I/IIa Safety Study of Retinal Progenitor Cells in Retinitis Pigmentosa in Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience




jCyte Announces Publication of Phase I/IIa Safety Study of Retinal Progenitor Cells in Retinitis Pigmentosa in Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience

IRVINE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–jCyte, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing transformative cell therapies for retinal diseases, today announced the publication “Retinal Progenitor Cells (jCell) for Retinitis Pigmentosa” containing results from its Phase I/IIa clinical trial evaluating the safety and tolerability of intravitreal injection of retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) in adults with non-syndromic retinitis pigmentosa (RP).

The prospective, multicenter, open-label, single-arm study enrolled 28 adults with RP across two vision cohorts. Participants received a single intravitreal injection of allogeneic RPCs at escalating dose levels (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, or 3.0 million cells). The primary objective was safety, with exploratory efficacy endpoints including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and patient-reported outcomes.

Key findings include:

• Intravitreal RPC injection was well tolerated at all dose levels. The majority of adverse events were mild to moderate and transient in nature. Importantly, there were no signs of graft rejection.
• While designed as a safety study, exploratory efficacy data suggested potential vision benefits. At Month 12, mean BCVA changes (treated vs. untreated eyes) were:
  • 0.5M dose: +1.4 letters
  • 1.0M dose: +1.0 letters
  • 2.0M dose: +4.8 letters
  • 3.0M dose: +9.0 letters
• Patients also reported improvements in light sensitivity, object recognition, color discrimination, and reading ability.

“These encouraging results demonstrate that a single intravitreal injection of RPCs was safe and well tolerated, with exploratory signals suggesting a potential dose-related treatment effect,” said Henry Klassen MD, PhD and Co-Founder of jCyte. “While these findings must be interpreted with caution, they provide important rationale for advancing into later-stage controlled studies.”

The RPC technology has received FDA Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) designation, underscoring its potential to address a serious unmet medical need. Ongoing and planned future trials will further evaluate the therapy’s efficacy and durability in a larger RP population.

The activities described were made possible by grant funding from the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM).

About Retinitis Pigmentosa

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of rare inherited retinal diseases that cause progressive vision loss due to degeneration of photoreceptor cells. There are currently no broadly available disease-modifying therapies for RP, and patients face inevitable decline in visual function.

About the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute

The Gavin Herbert Eye Institute is dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of eye diseases through innovative research and clinical care.

About the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM)

At CIRM, we never forget that we were created by the people of California to accelerate stem cell treatments to patients with unmet medical needs, and act with a sense of urgency to succeed in that mission. To meet this challenge, our team of highly trained and experienced professionals actively partners with both academia and industry in a hands-on, entrepreneurial environment to fast track the development of today’s most promising stem cell technologies.

With $5.5 billion in funding and more than 150 active stem cell programs in our portfolio, CIRM is one of the world’s largest institutions dedicated to helping people by bringing the future of cellular medicine closer to reality.

About jCyte

jCyte, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotech company focused on developing its first-in-class allogeneic cell therapy, jCell, for retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and other retinal degenerative disorders. The treatment has received FDA Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) designation and is administered as a minimally invasive intravitreal injection. Currently there are no FDA approved therapies for over 99% of RP patients. The company is pioneering a new era of regenerative therapies to address the significant unmet medical needs of patients suffering from a broad set of retinal degenerative diseases and is currently recruiting for its JC02-88 trial. For more information, visit www.jcyte.com.

Contacts

jCyte, Inc.

Victor Chao

Vice President Commercial Strategy and Operations

Media@jcyte.com