REDONDO BEACH, CA / ACCESSWIRE / August 31, 2015 / Most scientists agree that aging is universal across all species of life, from microscopic bacteria like E. coli to large, long-lived mammals like the bowhead whale. Intriguingly, many researchers are also staring to understand some of the fundamental drivers of aging that occur across all species. In humans, as we age we experience a wide variety of age-related diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, neurodegeneration, and cardiovascular disease. The promise of “geroprotectors”, as therapies designed to influence the root causes of aging, is that they could delay all age-related diseases in parallel, providing a myriad of beneficial clinical effects.

Current Approaches:

Currently, one of the best studied approaches for reliably extending lifespan in animals models is calorie restriction, which may improve lifespan by 30% or more. The practice involves essentially starvation, where far fewer calories are consumed but without succumbing to malnutrition. Luckily, recent studies have shown that even partial fasting may have similar effects, where by reducing calories by 50% only on several days per month the same profound health benefits were experienced. In Okinawa, Japan, home to some of the oldest humans on the planet and known as a “longevity hotspot”, the rule is to eat until one is 80% full – known as “hara hachi bu”.

The U.S. National Institute of Health is actively exploring this field through the National Institute on Aging’s Interventions Testing Program (ITP), a multi-institutional study investigating treatments with the potential to extend lifespan and delay disease and dysfunction in mice. These studies have already confirmed that certain geroprotective compounds do exist and are effective in mice, including rapamycin, and FDA-approved drug for immunosuppression. Metformin is another putative geroprotective compound, and so potent that separate studies have demonstrated that diabetes patients using metformin actually live considerably longer than their “healthy”, diabetes-free peers.

Investing in Longevity:

There are many biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies that are now actively performing research and development on geroprotectors, and investing in clinical research to ensure that these compounds can be safely used in man for treatment of a wide variety of age-related diseases. This provides investors with numerous opportunities to invest in the growing industry and to watch for regulatory catalysts.

Large biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies have long held interest in regenerative medicine, including stem cell medicine, and geroprotectors represent the dawn of a new age in this field. Through new insights in developmental and regenerative biology, researchers are beginning to harness fundamental repair mechanisms that target the underlying cause of disease, in an approach that may be far more effective than replacing cells “brick-by-brick”. Large pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are already pursuing this form of research, Human Longevity, Inc., which was co-founded by Craig Venter, and that in August 2014 signed a deal with Celgene Corporation (NASDAQ: CELG) to license its PSC-100 placental cell population for the development of therapeutics targeting age-related diseases like sarcopenia, which is the degenerative loss of skeletal muscle. Google has launched a regenerative medicine unit called California Life Company (“Calico”) that is investing heavily in aging research. Additional pharmaceutical companies such Sanofi, Baxter, and GlaxoSmithKline have invested in companies, most of them private, involved in aging research, or openly signaled their interest in the field.

Other smaller companies like Organovo Holdings Inc. (NYSE MKT: ONVO) are looking to reverse the effects of degenerating tissues and organs as well, by developing functional human tissues for therapeutic implants. Utilizing its proprietary platform, the company creates human tissue constructs in 3D that mimic native human tissue composition and architecture, while its bioprinting subsidiary provides prototyping and manufacturing.

Nearer Term Focus:

SF Corp. (OTCQB: STVF) is taking a unique approach in the sector by developing a novel bioinformatics platform that utilizes artificial intelligence and is deemed an “AI Scientist”. The platform aims to rapidly make sense of genomics data by using powerful machine learning algorithms that are more advanced than what most academic researchers use today. The platform is also combining genetics analysis with an automated reasoning engine, which is designed to provide new insights about regenerative medicine and biology. In terms of product development, the company is currently taking an approach geared towards the nutraceutical and functional food industries. However, through a novel understanding of the genetics and epigenetics of aging, it is also actively generating new drug targets, which could form the basis of new drug development programs and be out-licensed to pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry partners.

Over the past three years, SF Corp. has also developed several novel technologies for industrial production of stevia, a zero-calorie sweetener that is now widely used as a mainstream sugar substitute. The company’s recently announced #StartwithStevia Campaign aims to educate the public on simple ways to optimize their metabolic health, including mainly by foregoing sugary beverages. The campaign involves professional athletes, including current and former NFL players, while also highlighting their use of a ketosis diet, which involves elimination of sugar from their diets and has been reported to provide an advantaged metabolic state that improves performance. According to the World Health Organization, stevia intake could eventually replace 20% to 30% of all dietary sweeteners as a natural alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners like aspartame. The company is uniquely positioned to benefit from these trends as a leading publicly-traded producer and technology provider within the stevia industry.

SeeThruEquity recently published a research report issuing a $1.04 price target on the stock, which represents a significant premium from its current price of $0.125 per share, citing its innovative new technology, growing demand for stevia, and other potential catalysts.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.steviafirst.com.

Disclaimer:

Except for the historical information presented herein, matters discussed in this release contain forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Emerging Growth LLC is not registered with any financial or securities regulatory authority, and does not provide nor claims to provide investment advice or recommendations to readers of this release. Emerging Growth LLC may from time to time have a position in the securities mentioned herein and may increase or decrease such positions without notice. For making specific investment decisions, readers should seek their own advice. Emerging Growth LLC may be compensated for its services in the form of cash-based compensation or equity securities in the companies it writes about, or a combination of the two. For full disclosure please visit: http://secfilings.com/Disclaimer.aspx.

SOURCE: Emerging Growth LLC

ReleaseID: 431628

Growth Capital will Accelerate Expansion Plans; Epic Becomes One of Thrift Industry’s Fastest Growing Public Companies

PHOENIX, AZ / ACCESSWIRE / August 31, 2015 / Epic Stores, Corp. (“Epic” or the “Company”, formerly Be At TV, Inc.) (OTC: BETV), a second-hand goods retailer that operates retail stores in the United States, today announced that it has completed a reverse takeover transaction pursuant to the terms of a share exchange agreement dated June 24, 2015 among Be At TV, Inc., Epic Stores, Corp. and the stockholders of Epic. In addition, the Company completed a private placement financing transaction, raising gross proceeds of $2.3 million to accelerate expansion plans. Epic Stores opened two thrift stores in early 2015 and plans to open three additionalthrift stores prior to the close of 2015 with additional growth in 2016 and beyond.

“With this milestone transaction complete, Epic Stores Corp. today emerges as a publicly traded entity, providing the company with access to growth capital so we can fully execute our aggressive growth plans,” commented Brian Davidson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Epic Stores Corp. “The initial $2.3 million in funding will fund our near-term expansion into Houston, and we are well positioned to reach 15 stores by the end of 2015. With a modern and sophisticated combination of industry leading analytics, operational excellence, and a fresh, clean approach to storefronts, we are confident that Epic Stores is positioned to capture a meaningful share of a rapidly growing business opportunity.”

“Our model is centered around connecting in the communities in which we operate,” continued Mr. Davidson. “We actively partner with major charities in each metro area, and each store partners with smaller, local non-profits, including public school groups and houses of worship. We provide a viable, simple, and environmentally friendly fundraising opportunity, helping Epic Stores contribute positively to our community. In 2015, our 12 stores have helped our partner non-profits raise over $100,000. This helps us secure reasonably priced, high-quality inventory to drive consumer traffic and set us apart from other thrift stores.”

“Uniquely, Epic Stores creates a bright, well-organized shopping experience, with products sorted by size and color, so consumers can quickly find the item they are searching for, rather than shuffling through disorganized bins,” continued Mr. Davidson. “No product sits on our shelf for more than six weeks, ensuring a steady flow of new inventory. Stale inventory is wholesaled, sold through outlet stores or recycled, meaning that only 5% of the inventory that comes into the front of our stores leaves as waste. This fresh approach to the market further sets us apart, and is driving brand loyalty. In addition, we employ sophisticated analytics, helping us understand our customers on a per-store basis, so we can optimize inventory within a given market. The net result is the highest revenue per square foot in the industry.”

Key Terms of the Transaction

Pursuant to the terms of the exchange agreement, Be At TV, Inc. acquired all 27,083,493 of Epic’s issued and outstanding shares of common stock from Epic’s stockholders in exchange for the issuance of an aggregate of 19,959,970 shares of Be At TV, Inc.’s common stock on the basis of 0.737 shares of common stock for each Epic share and 1,133,813 warrants, each of which is exercisable into one share of common stock at a price of $1.02 per share until June 24, 2018.

Concurrent Financing

Concurrently with the closing of the exchange agreement, the Company completed a private placement financing pursuant to which it issued an aggregate of 2,631,477 units at a price of $0.882 per unit for gross proceeds of $2,320,959, of which $770,959 was satisfied by settlement of a bridge loan in the principal amount of $750,000, plus accrued interest thereon, made by a subscriber to Epic prior to the closing of the exchange agreement. Each unit consisted of one share of common stock in the capital of the Company and one transferable share purchase warrant. Each warrant entitles the holder to acquire one share of common stock at a price of $1.02 per warrant share until June 24, 2018.

Change of Control

In connection with the closing of the exchange agreement, the Company experienced a change of control as four new directors, all of whom were directors of Epic, were appointed to the Board of Directors, all the Company’s prior management resigned and were replaced by management nominated by Epic, and former stockholders of Epic were issued shares of common stock that constituted approximately 58.1% of the issued and outstanding shares at the closing. As a result, the acquisition of Epic is being treated as a reverse merger and recapitalization, with Epic as the acquirer, for accounting purposes.

Effective as of the closing of the exchange agreement, the Company’s board of directors appointed Wayne Riggs, Brian Davidson, Bob Riggs and Zachary Bradford as directors of the company. Paul Medley resigned as the sole director and officer of the Company. Brian Davidson was appointed to the role of President and Chief Executive Officer, Secretary and Treasurer, Zachary Bradford was appointed to the role of Chief Financial Officer, and Bob Riggs was appointed to the role of Chief Operating Officer.

Name Change

In accordance with the terms of the exchange agreement, the Company’s name has been changed from “Be At TV, Inc.” to “Epic Stores Corp.”

The Company’s common shares currently trade on the OTC Pink exchange under the Ticker symbol BETVD and are expected to commence trading on the OTC Pink exchange under the ticker symbol “EPSC” at the commencement of trading on September 18, 2015.

About Epic Stores Corp.

Epic is a second hand goods retailer that operates second hand retail stores in the United States. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, the company offers high quality, on-trend second hand clothing, accessories and household products at affordable prices. As of June 1, 2015, the company employed 232 employees and operated 12 retail stores in four states. Founded in 2010, Epic opened its first retail store in Phoenix, Arizona. Since that time, the company has opened additional stores in Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, and Texas. All of the retail stores sell products directly to consumers. The company also operates a leading wholesale business that supplies used shoes, books and clothing to distributors.

Forward-Looking Statements

The information in this press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Forward-looking statements often include words such as “anticipates,” “estimates,” “expects,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes” and words and terms of similar substance in connection with discussions of future operating or financial performance. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: (i) the adequacy of the Company’s liquidity to meet its needs for the foreseeable future, (ii) the benefits expected to be recognized in connection with retail and whole sales, (iii) the Company’s expectation that the current market conditions will continue. The Company’s forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions regarding the Company’s business and performance, the economy and other future conditions and forecasts of future events, circumstances and results. As with any projection or forecast, forward-looking statements are inherently susceptible to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. The Company’s actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied in its forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement made by the Company speaks only as of the date on which it is made. The Company is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or otherwise.

Company Contacts

Brian Davidson
President and CEO
Epic Stores Corp.
Tel 623-565-5758

Investor Relations

Brett Maas
Managing Partner
Hayden IR
Tel (646) 536-7331
brett@haydenir.com

SOURCE: Epic Stores Corp.

ReleaseID: 431619

FT. WORTH, TX / ACCESSWIRE / August 31, 2015 / Galenfeha, Inc., (OTC: GLFH) announces an exclusive agreement with Control Equipment, Inc. to distribute Galenfeha production and stored energy product lines, including LiFePO4 battery systems, iWaV systems, and Galenfeha’s ultra-high precision chemical injection pumps.

For over 60 years, Control Equipment, Inc. (CEI) has been a top distributor for some of the leading manufacturers in oil and gas equipment. CEI operates five facilities throughout West Texas, and will be Galenfeha’s exclusive supplier in that region.

Lucien Marioneaux, Jr., Galenfeha, Inc. President/CEO commented, “CEI’s tenure in the industry speaks to its quality products and customer service. We are delighted they will now represent us in West Texas, and look forward to a highly successful partnership.”

Galenfeha’s distributorship agreement with Control Equipment reaffirms management’s commitment to continued revenue growth. With the company’s product lines receiving increased market acceptance, Galenfeha projects its third quarter revenues will exceed all previous quarters.

About Galenfeha, Inc.

Galenfeha (OTC:GLFH) is a design, engineering, and manufacturing firm with a focus on stored energy solutions with low environmental impact. Galenfeha designs, manufactures and markets a complete line of patent pending, microprocessor controlled, LiFePO4 chemistry battery systems for Oil and Gas measurement and automation as well as a full line of proprietary high precision chemical injection systems. 

For more information on Galenfeha’s products and services, please visit www.galenfeha.com.

Forward-Looking Statements: Except for historical information contained in this release, the matters discussed are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. When used in this release, words such as “anticipate,” “believes,” “estimate,” “expect,” “should,” “intend,” “projects,” “objective,” and “appears,” and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company or its management, identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of the Company’s management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company’s management. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are the following: the effect of business and economic conditions; the impact of competitive products and pricing; capacity and supply constraints or difficulties; product development, commercialization, or technological difficulties; the regulatory and trade environment; the impact of reimbursement rates and coverage; and the risk factors reported from time to time in the Company’s SEC reports. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise any forward-looking statements as a result of future events or developments.

Contact:
Galenfeha, Inc.
Ft. Worth, TX
800-280-2404

SOURCE: Galenfeha, Inc.

ReleaseID: 431621

SAINT LAURENT, QC / ACCESSWIRE / August 31, 2015 / IntelGenx Corp. (TSX Venture: IGX) (OTCQX: IGXT) (“IntelGenx”) today announced that Dr. Horst Zerbe, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, will present at the Rodman & Renshaw Global Investment Conference on Sep 10 from 12:05 to 12:30 PM Eastern Time in the Library (2nd floor) . Also present and available for questions will be Andre Godin, newly appointed Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer.

The Rodman & Renshaw Conference will take place at The St. Regis Hotel in New York on September 8-10, 2015. To learn more about the conference, please visit: http://www.rodm.com.

About IntelGenx:

IntelGenx is a drug delivery company focused on the development of oral controlled-release products as well as novel rapidly disintegrating delivery systems. IntelGenx uses its unique multiple layer delivery system to provide zero-order release of active drugs in the gastrointestinal tract.

IntelGenx has also developed novel delivery technologies for the rapid delivery of pharmaceutically active substances in the oral cavity based on its experience with rapidly disintegrating films.

IntelGenx’ development pipeline includes products for the treatment of indications such as severe depression, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, migraine, insomnia, CNS indications, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, oncology and pain, as well as animal health products. More information is available about the company at www.intelgenx.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release and the OTCQX has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

INVESTOR CONTACT:
COCKRELL GROUP
Rich Cockrell
877-889-1972
investorrelations@thecockrellgroup.com
cockrellgroup.com

COMPANY CONTACT:
Andre Godin
EVP and Chief Financial Officer
IntelGenx Technologies Corp.
T: +1 514-331-7440
andre@intelgenx.com
www.intelgenx.com

SOURCE: IntelGenx Corp.  

ReleaseID: 431638