Tuberculosis, Bovine

BATON ROUGE, La., Feb. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With the annual vector season coming up, University Products recently underscored the critical importance of early vaccination against bovine anaplasmosis to reduce herd losses. Offering a sensible and budget-friendly solution for cattle farmers nationwide, the University Products Anaplasmosis Vaccine has been field-tested for over 20 years and provides superior protection against this devastating endemic disease. Continue Reading University Products LLC University Products LLC "Anaplasmosis remains a longstanding challenge for the cattle industry," said Gene Luther, Director of University Products. "It significantly impacts the health and productivity of herds every single year and it hits hard in the spring, summer and fall especially, when insects like ticks and biting flies begin to flourish, spreading disease. So you don't want to wait until your herd is already infected before you start thinking about preventive measures. Start now. Especially since the FDA has imposed stricter rules for antibiotic use." University Products' vaccine stands out for its affordability, with per-dose costs nearly half that of diagnostic lab testing, and also for its effectiveness in reducing clinical symptoms associated with anaplasmosis. Getting Ahead of Vector Season: Navigating Regulatory Changes The importance of timely and effective disease management strategies is highlighted by recent draft guidance from the Food and Drug Administration concerning antimicrobial drugs given to food -producing animals. Those drugs, previously much easier to get, now require veterinarian approval and administration. The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) also weighed in on the potential challenges of implementing new FDA guidelines, which now also require duration labeling for products treating anaplasmosis. NCBA Chief Veterinarian Dr. Kathy Simmons warned that such labeling was problematic at best, stating: "Some of these diseases that are vector borne see variations in the vector season based on the climate that you're raising cattle. They may not be able to give a specific duration. They may have to publish a maximum duration and that won't be easy either." Of this specific concern, Gene Luther from University Products said, "This just underscores the many challenges our industry faces when dealing with bovine disease. But fortunately, our vaccine is already a straightforward, reliable solution. Our vaccine can be used in any climate, during any season." Some General Spring Calving Vector Recommendations: Vaccinate herds for anaplasmosis, if not previously done. Continue other vector measures for the herd like fly and tick control programs. Check spraying equipment, dust bags, and oilers, and obtain needed chemicals or tags for fly and tick control. Consider professional controlled-burns and/or chemical sprays to keep excessive weeds and brush in check. Always contact professionals for these mitigation measures. The Bottom Line: Economic Benefits of Vaccines "Our vaccine's affordability enables more small and mid-sized cattle farmers to protect their herds too," said Gene Luther. "While minimizing financial strain. That's who we try to reach first – who we try to help the most: farmers who do not have enormous corporate budgets to work with. These folks need help that is immediate and cost effective." The University Products vaccine does not prevent infection, but when properly used, significantly reduces clinical signs in at-risk animals. The vaccine requires only two doses in the first year, with one annual booster each year thereafter, and is safe to use in any stage of bovine pregnancy. A detailed description of the vaccine and its method of administration is publicly available for PDF download. For more information on vaccine availability for ranchers and veterinarians, please contact University Products directly. About University Products LLC Based in Louisiana, University Products specializes in USDA approved (for experimental use) bovine vaccines. Their anaplasmosis vaccine minimizes clinical signs in at-risk animals, is safe during pregnancy, and requires two initial doses plus annual boosters. The company is also researching vaccines for bovine babesiosis and theileriosis. Veterinarians can inquire about availability by emailing directly at [email protected]. Certain facts, quotes, and guidelines sourced from: Oklahoma State University: Media Contact: Gene Luther, Director 1-225-334-0851 [email protected] SOURCE University Products LLC

Halifax, Nova Scotia--(News - October 12, 2023) - Sona Nanotech Inc. (CSE: SONA) (OTCQB: SNANF) (the "Company" or "Sona"), a nanotechnology life sciences company with proprietary manufacturing technology for biocompatible gold nanorods ("GNRs"), is pleased to provide an update on the status of its current operating activities, notably the development of its Targeted Hyperthermia Therapy ("THT") therapy and its rapid bovine tuberculosis prototype test. Sona CEO, David Regan, commented, "Earlier this year, Sona developed a plan to secure the FDA Investigational Device Exemption necessary to permit human trials for our THT therapy, which is the strategic priority for the Company. Thanks to our purpose-built, strengthened team, Sona has made significant advancements towards this goal and has reduced the number of 'unknowns' in our development program by working with leading, experienced advisors and partners. With these accomplishments, including the completion of a prototype of our next generation THT light device by Minnetronix Medical and the securing of a THT efficacy study in murine breast, melanoma and colorectal models, we now look forward to reporting back in the coming months on study results, preclinical and manufacturing partner selections, and regulatory updates. All of these deliverables will advance our mission to develop a treatment therapy for colorectal cancer sufferers with less collateral damage than happens under the current standard of care." THT Program First Six-Month Accomplishments Retained team of expert medtech consultants and experienced advisors Engineered next generation THT light device which will be incorporated with a newly acquired Fujifilm Healthcare endoscope Assembled a panel of leading medical experts to guide THT development strategy and preclinical study plan Devised the preclinical safety and biocompatibility study plan needed to support an IDE application, including NCL assessments of Sona's GNRs Secured an efficacy study of THT in multiple murine cancer models with initial results expected by year-end Published White Paper on "Hyperthermia" photothermal therapy Enhanced GNR manufacturing process and implemented an eQMS system Received several unsolicited orders for nanoparticles following the release of NCL results Hosted regular webinars to explain THT strategy and report on progress Targeted Hyperthermia Therapy The Company continues to progress the development of preclinical stage THT across four streams of activities. First, the Company now aims to initiate multiple preclinical studies with leading partners to build the comprehensive data set necessary to support any future regulatory applications. Among them, Sona is pleased to have secured the collaboration of the Giacomantonio Immuno-Oncology Research Group to assess THT's efficacy and the impact of associated intralesional immunomodulation in mice cancer models, with initial data expected by the end of this year. Other third-party studies will assess biocompatibility, stability, shelf life, histology, clearance and usability/human factors, amongst others, including the previously announced data provided from the multiple assessments received from the Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory ("NCL"). Second, Sona anticipates receiving a prototype of its next generation infrared light device from medical device engineering partner Minnetronix Medical in time for its use in the Giacomantonio study. The newest version of Sona's light device has been engineered to enable the delivery of infrared light through a newly acquired Fujifilm Healthcare endoscope with real time tracking of tumor temperatures. Third, EXCITE International has secured on Sona's behalf a panel of six experts from leading medical institutions across the U.S. and Canada to validate that the target indications and intended use statements for THT, as well as its preclinical study plan, will have THT serving the purposes that both gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons, and health care insurance providers value and will pay for, respectively. This feedback, together with guidance from its regulatory advisors, will be used in a pre-submission meeting with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Fourth, as part of its continuing QA/QC enhancements, Sona has implemented a Greenlight Guru eQMS quality management system and is in the process of narrowing down the list of prospective good manufacturing practice ("GMP") designated manufacturing partners to provide the materials needed for preclinical and clinical in vivo trials. Diagnostics Division Update and bTB Study Results While Sona has strategically chosen to focus its current resources on the development of THT as it believes it can achieve a better return on investment there, work continues in its Diagnostics Division where it has rapid screening assay prototypes for both bovine tuberculosis ("bTB") and traumatic brain injuries ("TBi", "Concussions"). Sona uses its own proprietary bTB antibodies in its bTB prototype test which has recently been assessed against clinical samples of known status. Samples from cattle deemed positive for bTB, via the tuberculin skin test ("SICCT"), and samples from a bTB-free herd were both assessed in a recent study. Results show that the test generated a Positive Predictive Value ("PPV") of 80% (24/30 samples) and a Negative Predictive Value ("NPV") of 96% (29/30 samples). While the Company is pleased with these confirmatory initial results, it cautions that further clinical assessments will be required to validate the results to date. Sona intends to pursue this work with relevant institutions in order to provide the evidence necessary to support a successful commercialization of the test. Dr. Ben Swift, a lecturer in antimicrobial resistance at the Royal Veterinary College in the UK, commented on these results, "Bovine TB detection methods are often labor-intensive, and require further confirmatory tests, increasing costs and processing times needed for diagnosis. Using a rapid screening assay could help minimise that burden and assist with the goal of reducing and eradicating bovine TB infections in the UK. The initial results of the Sona rapid screening assay are very promising and if proven to be successful in the field, could be an excellent addition of the toolkit that vets and farmers can use in the fight against bovine TB." The Company has paused the development of its TBi test pending the procurement of clinical sample materials appropriate for an assessment beyond the positive assessment conducted with contrived samples and to focus resources on the advancement of its THT therapy. Sona's rapid test commercialization strategy is to identify the best risk/return profile, which may include partnering and/or licensing, or other transactions. Sona Chair, Mark Lievonen, CM, commented, "I'm proud of the progress our strengthened team has made in its development of Targeted Hyperthermia Therapy. Our strategy has been to progress each of the THT work streams by reducing the number of unknowns, thereby de-risking our further development of THT and creating momentum towards our goal of achieving an IDE." Finally, Sona announces the engagement of the Investor News Network ("INN") for investor relations services. The Company will also provide ongoing monthly investor webinars, such as the one done with Dr. Carman Giacomantonio earlier this month, which can be accessed at the following link: Contact: David Regan, CEO +1-902-536-1932 david@sonanano.com About Sona Nanotech Inc. Sona Nanotech, a nanotechnology life sciences company, is developing Targeted Hyperthermia™, a photothermal cancer therapy, which uses therapeutic heat to treat solid cancer tumors. The heat is delivered to tumors by infrared light that is absorbed by Sona's gold nanorods in the tumor and re-emitted as heat. Therapeutic heat (44°C) stimulates the immune system, shrinks tumors, inactivates cancer stem cells, and increases tumor perfusion – thus enabling drugs to reach all tumor compartments more effectively. The size, shape, and surface chemistry of the nanorods target the leaky vasculature of solid tumors, and the selective thermal sensitivity of tumor tissue enables the therapy to deliver clean margins. Targeted Hyperthermia promises to be safe, effective, minimally invasive, competitive in cost, and a valuable adjunct to drug therapy and other cancer treatments. Sona's initial clinical target is colorectal cancer. Sona has developed multiple proprietary methods for the manufacture of gold nanoparticles which it uses for the development of both cancer therapies and diagnostic testing platforms. Sona Nanotech's gold nanorod particles are cetyltrimethylammonium ("CTAB") free, eliminating the toxicity risks associated with the use of other gold nanorod technologies in medical applications. It is expected that Sona's gold nanotechnologies may be adapted for use in applications, as a safe and effective delivery system for multiple medical treatments, subject to the approval of various regulatory boards, including Health Canada and the FDA. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This press release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including statements regarding the anticipated applications of Targeted Hyperthermia Therapy, Sona's preclinical study plans, the potential impact of the planned studies and its product development plans. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions or estimates that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including the risk that Sona may not be able to successfully obtain sufficient clinical and other data to submit regulatory submissions, raise sufficient additional capital or develop the envisioned therapy, and the risk that THT may not prove to have the benefits currently anticipated. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Sona disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States. To view the source version of this press release, please visit

This news release constitutes a "designated news release" for the purposes of the Company's prospectus supplement dated April 9, 2021 to its short form base prospectus dated March 31, 2021. Halifax, Nova Scotia--(News - March 23, 2023) - Sona Nanotech Inc. (CSE: SONA), (OTCQB: SNANF) (the "Company" or "Sona") announces that it has closed its previously announced acquisition of Siva Therapeutics, Inc. ("Siva"). Pursuant to the share exchange agreement announced on January 26, 2023, Sona has issued 15,107,457 common shares in the Company to the shareholders of Siva, which were issued at the ten-day volume weighted average price for C$0.1824 per share, or US$2.0 million in total. As additional consideration, Sona may issue additional Performance Shares to the shareholders of Siva in up to four instalments for up to an additional US $6.65 million in Sona common shares, upon Siva achieving the four milestones, described in Sona's press release of January 26, 2023. David Regan, CEO of Sona, commented, "By merging with Siva, Sona's primary goal now becomes developing Targeted Hyperthermia Therapy ("THT") to help increase the treatability of colorectal cancer and reduce the estimated 60,000 deaths that are projected to occur each year in North America. In so doing, there is a service obtainable market for THT for rectal cancer alone estimated to be US $2.1 billion. While this won't be quick or easy to achieve, doing so could save lives and improve the quality of life for thousands for people living with cancer." "In Sona, we found the most stable, biocompatible and scalable gold nanorods available, and the recent analysis by the National Cancer Institute's Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory ("NCL") gave us further confidence. We look forward to using those materials in THT first for rectal cancer in a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that addresses an underserved patient segment. With success, we'd look to then address head and neck cancer, esophageal cancer, prostate cancer, and bladder cancer, each of which has characteristics possibly making them suitable for THT." - Len Pagliaro, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Siva. Sona will now work to progress the development of Siva's THT photo thermal therapy for cancer using Sona's uniquely biocompatible gold nanorods. The Company's preparation to develop THT for use in colorectal cancer will include engaging appropriate regulatory counsel, pursuing laboratory accreditation for the production of Sona's biocompatible gold nanorods, the engineering of the next generation of Siva's SivaLum light source and securing the further pre-clinical studies that are expected to be required to obtain regulatory clearance for human trials. Leonard Pagliaro, Ph.D., CEO of Siva will now serve as Chief Scientific Officer of Sona and president of Sona's wholly owned US subsidiary, Siva Therapeutics, Inc. Sona's Darren Rowles will assume the new role of Head of Diagnostics for Sona and continue to drive the development of Sona's rapid concussion and bovine tuberculosis tests, both of which also rely upon Sona's biocompatible gold nanorod platform technology. As announced on February 24, 2023, the Company completed an oversubscribed equity financing which raised $1.1 million in gross proceeds. March is colorectal awareness month. Cancer doesn't wait, why should you? Get screened. @CCAlliance @coloncanada Contact: David Regan, CEO +1-902-536-1932 david@sonanano.com About Sona Nanotech Inc. Sona Nanotech is a nanotechnology life sciences firm that has developed multiple proprietary methods for the manufacture of various types of gold nanoparticles. The principal business carried out and intended to be continued by Sona is the development and application of its proprietary technologies for use in multiplex diagnostic testing platforms that will improve performance over existing tests in the market. Sona Nanotech's gold nanorod particles are CTAB (cetyltrimethylammonium) free, eliminating the toxicity risks associated with the use of other gold nanorod technologies in medical applications. It is expected that Sona's gold nanotechnologies may be adapted for use in applications, as a safe and effective delivery system for multiple medical treatments, subject to the approval of various regulatory boards, including Health Canada and the FDA. About Siva Therapeutics, Inc. Siva Therapeutics Inc is developing Targeted Hyperthermia™, a photothermal cancer therapy, which uses therapeutic heat to treat solid cancer tumors. The heat is delivered to tumors by infrared light that is absorbed by SivaRods™ gold nanorods in the tumor and re-emitted as heat. Therapeutic heat (44°C) stimulates the immune system, shrinks tumors, inactivates cancer stem cells, and increases tumor perfusion - thus enabling drugs to reach all tumor compartments more effectively. The size, shape, and surface chemistry of the nanorods target the leaky vasculature of solid tumors, and the selective thermal sensitivity of tumor tissue enables the therapy to deliver clean margins. Targeted Hyperthermia promises to be safe, effective, minimally invasive, competitive in cost, and a valuable adjunct to drug therapy and other cancer treatments. Siva's initial clinical targets include colorectal, esophageal, and pancreatic cancers. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This press release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including statements regarding the benefits to accrue to Sona from the Proposed Transaction. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions or estimates that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including the risk that Sona and Siva may not be able to successfully complete the Proposed Transaction, secure animal and human clinical studies, raise sufficient additional capital or develop the envisioned therapy. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Sona disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States. To view the source version of this press release, please visit