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Celebrating its golden anniversary, Nikon Small World honors a stunning photo of brain tumor cell structures, advancing our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases. MELVILLE, N.Y., Oct. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Nikon Instruments Inc. today announced the winners of the 50th annual Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition, celebrating five decades of excellence in microscopy and digital imaging. This year's first place prize was awarded to Dr. Bruno Cisterna, with assistance from Dr. Eric Vitriol of Augusta University, for his groundbreaking image of differentiated mouse brain tumor cells, highlighting the actin cytoskeleton, microtubules, and nuclei. This image reveals how disruptions in the cell's cytoskeleton – the structural framework and "highways" known as microtubules – can lead to diseases like Alzheimer's and ALS. Continue Reading Differentiated mouse brain tumor cells (actin, microtubules, and nuclei) Dr. Cisterna's research revealed that profilin 1 (PFN1), a protein crucial for building the cell's structure, plays a key role in maintaining the microtubule highways essential for cellular transport. When PFN1 or related processes are disrupted, these highways can malfunction, leading to cellular damage similar to what is observed in neurodegenerative diseases. "One of the main problems with neurodegenerative diseases is that we don't fully understand what causes them," said Dr. Cisterna. "To develop effective treatments, we need to figure out the basics first. Our research is crucial for uncovering this knowledge and ultimately finding a cure. Differentiated cells could be used to study how mutations or toxic proteins that cause Alzheimer's or ALS alter neuronal morphology, as well as to screen potential drugs or gene therapies aimed at protecting neurons or restoring their function." His patience and determination were crucial in capturing his image. "I spent about three months perfecting the staining process to ensure clear visibility of the cells. After allowing five days for the cells to differentiate, I had to find the right field of view where the differentiated and non-differentiated cells interacted. This took about three hours of precise observation under the microscope to capture the right moment, involving many attempts and countless hours of work to get it just right." The hard work behind this discovery underscores its significance, bringing researchers closer to answers that could potentially transform millions of lives. "After three years of research, we finally published our findings four months ago in the Journal of Cell Biology, and there's still more work to be done," said Dr. Cisterna. "I'm deeply passionate about scientific imaging; I've been following the Nikon Small World contest for about 15 years. It's an incredible contest that highlights the beauty of photomicrography but also inspires continued exploration and innovation in the field." Eric Flem, Senior Manager, CRM and Communications at Nikon Instruments, shares a similar perspective on the competition. "At 50 years, Nikon Small World is more than just an imaging competition – it's become a gallery that pays tribute to the extraordinary individuals who make it possible. They are the driving force behind this event, masterfully blending science and art to reveal the wonders of the microscopic world and what we can learn from it to the public." He went on to add, "Sometimes, we overlook the tiny details of the world around us. Nikon Small World serves as a reminder to pause, appreciate the power and beauty of the little things, and to cultivate a deeper curiosity to explore and question." Second place was awarded to Dr. Marcel Clemens for his image of an electrical arc between a pin and a wire, produced by applying a potential difference of 10,000 volts. Third place was awarded to Chris Romaine for his image of a cannabis plant leaf. The bulbous structures are trichomes, or hair-like plant appendages, and the bubbles inside are cannabinoid vesicles, fluid-filled, blister-like structures. In total, Nikon Small World recognized 87 photos out of thousands of entries from scientists and artists across the globe. The 2024 judging panel included: Adrian Coakley, Director of Photography at National Geographic Books Michelle S. Itano, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology and Director of the Neuroscience Microscopy Core at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Emily Petersen, Photography Managing Editor at Science Magazine Clare Waterman, Ph.D., Cell Biologist and Member of the National Academy of Sciences Jennifer C. Waters, Ph.D., Director of the Core for Imaging Technology & Education at Harvard Medical School Samantha Yammine, Ph.D., Neuroscientist and Science Communicator For additional information, please visit , or follow the conversation on Facebook, Twitter @NikonSmallWorld and Instagram @NikonInstruments. NIKON SMALL WORLD WINNERS 1st Place Dr. Bruno Cisterna & Dr. Eric Vitriol Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine Augusta, Georgia, USA Differentiated mouse brain tumor cells (actin, microtubules, and nuclei) Super-Resolution 100X (Objective Lens Magnification) 2nd Place Dr. Marcel Clemens Verona, Veneto, Italy Electrical arc between a pin and a wire Image stacking for the pin and wire combined with long exposure for the electrical arcs 10X (Objective Lens Magnification) 3rd Place Chris Romaine Kandid Kush Port Townsend, Washington, USA Leaf of a cannabis plant. The bulbous glands are trichomes. The bubbles inside are cannabinoid vesicles. Image Stacking 20X (Objective Lens Magnification) 4th Place Dr. Amy Engevik Medical University of South Carolina Department of Regenerative Medicine & Cell Biology Charleston, South Carolina, USA Section of a small intestine of a mouse Fluorescence 10X (Objective Lens Magnification) 5th Place Thomas Barlow & Connor Gibbons Columbia University Department of Neurobiology and Behavior New York, New York, USA Cluster of octopus (Octopus hummelincki) eggs Darkfield, Stereomicroscopy, Focus Stacking 3X (Objective Lens Magnification) 6th Place Henri Koskinen Helsinki University Helsinki, Uudenmaan lääni, Finland Slime mold (Cribraria cancellata) Image Stacking, Polarized Light, Reflected Light 10X (Objective Lens Magnification) 7th Place Gerhard Vlcek Maria Enzersdorf, Austria Cross section of European beach grass (Ammophila arenaria) leaf Brightfield, Image Stacking 10X (Objective Lens Magnification) 8th Place Stephanie Huang Victoria University of Wellington School of Biological Sciences; School of Psychology Wellington, New Zealand A neuron densely covered in dendritic spines from the striatum of an adult rat brain Confocal, Deconvolution, Image Stacking 60X (Objective Lens Magnification) 9th Place John-Oliver Dum Medienbunker Produktion Bendorf, Rheinland Pfalz, Germany Pollen in a garden spider (Araneus) web Image Stacking 20X (Objective Lens Magnification) 10th Place Jan Martinek Charles University Department of Experimental Plant Biology Prague, Czech Republic Spores of black truffle (Tuber melanosporum) Confocal 63X (Objective Lens Magnification) 11th Place Dr. Ferenc Halmos Bánd, Veszprém, Hungary Slime mold on a rotten twig with water droplets Image Stacking 0.7X - 4.5X (Objective Lens Magnification) 12th Place Daniel Knop Oberzent-Airlenbach, Hessen, Germany Wing scales of a butterfly (Papilio ulysses) on a medical syringe needle Image Stacking 20X (Objective Lens Magnification) 13th Place Paweł Błachowicz Bedlno, Świętokrzyskie, Poland Eyes of green crab spider (Diaea dorsata) Image Stacking, Reflected Light 20X (Objective Lens Magnification) 14th Place Marek Miś Marek Miś Photography Suwalki, Podlaskie, Poland Recrystallized mixture of hydroquinone and myoinositol Polarized Light 10X (Objective Lens Magnification) 15th Place Sébastien Malo Saint Lys, Haute-Garonne, France Isolated scales on Madagascan sunset moth wing (Chrysiridia ripheus) Darkfield, Image Stacking, Reflected Light 40X (Objective Lens Magnification) 16th Place Marek Miś Marek Miś Photography Suwalki, Podlaskie, Poland Two water fleas (Daphnia sp.) with embryos (left) and eggs (right) Darkfield, Polarized Light 10X (Objective Lens Magnification) 17th Place Dr. Frantisek Bednar Svosov, Zilinsky, Slovak Republic Stonewort algae (Chara virgata) reproductive organs - oogonia (female organs) and antheridia (male organs) Darkfield 4X (Objective Lens Magnification) 18th Place Alison Pollack San Anselmo, California, USA An insect egg parasitized by a wasp Image Stacking, Reflected Light 10X (Objective Lens Magnification) 19th Place Alison Pollack San Anselmo, California, USA Seed of a Silene plant Image Stacking, Reflected Light 10X (Objective Lens Magnification) 20th Place Dr. Bruno Cisterna & Dr. Eric Vitriol Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine Augusta, Georgia, USA Early stage of mouse neuroblastoma cell differentiation (actin, microtubules, and mitochondria) Super-Resolution 100X (Objective Lens Magnification) HM Christopher Algar Hounslow, Middlesex, United Kingdom Brine shrimp Darkfield, Image Stacking, Polarized Light 4X (Objective Lens Magnification) HM Dr. Kseniia Bondarenko University of Edinburgh Institute for Immunology and Infection Research Edinburgh, MidLothian, United Kingdom Acute-stage parasites of Toxoplasma gondii in a human skin cell Expansion Microscopy, Confocal, Deconvolution 100X (Objective Lens Magnification) HM Dr. Anja de Lange University of Cape Town Neuroscience Institute & Department of Human Biology Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa Astrocytes surrounding a blood vessel in a thin slice of human brain Confocal 40X (Objective Lens Magnification) HM Dr. Amy Engevik Medical University of South Carolina Department of Regenerative Medicine & Cell Biology Charleston, South Carolina, USA Intestinal villi Fluorescence 20X (Objective Lens Magnification) HM Daniel Evrard Aywaille, Liege, Belgium Vinyl player needle on scratched vinyl disk Image Stacking, Polarized Light 20X (Objective Lens Magnification) HM Randy Fullbright Fullbright Studio Vernal, Utah, USA Agatized dinosaur bone Image Stacking 10X (Objective Lens Magnification) HM Dr. David Maitland St. Andrews, Fife, United Kingdom Transverse section of rachis (stem) of bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) 5X (Objective Lens Magnification) HM Angus Rae Australian National University Centre for Advanced Microscopy MacGregor, Australian Capital Territory, Australia Autofluorescence in the face of a little two-spotted ladybird (Diomus notescens) Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) 20X (Objective Lens Magnification) HM Dr. Igor Robert Siwanowicz Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), Janelia Research Campus Ashburn, Virginia, USA Antenna of a mole crab Confocal 10X (Objective Lens Magnification) HM Jochen Stern Mannheim, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany Golden bug eggs on a sage leaf Image Stacking 20X (Objective Lens Magnification) HM Dr. Bruce Douglas Taubert Glendale, Arizona, USA Ocelli between the compound eyes of a yellow jacket Reflected Light 10X (Objective Lens Magnification) HM Kevin Terretaz CRBM-CNRS Montpellier, Hérault, France Mosquito cells in culture with fluorescent markers for DNA and microtubules Confocal 63X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Dr. Sherif Abdallah Ahmed Tanta University, Faculty of Science Department of Zoology Tanta, Egypt, Arab Republic Anterior section of palm weevil Image Stacking 4X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Anne Patricia Algar Hounslow, Middlesex, United Kingdom Mosquito larva Darkfield, Image Stacking, Polarized Light 4X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Dr. Florian Alonso University of Bordeaux BioTis-INSERM U1026 Pessac, Gironde, France Mouse aortic endothelium stained for beta-catenin (green), laminin (purple), smooth muscle actin (red), and Hoechst (cyan) Confocal 63X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Didier Barbet Club Français de Microscopie Bailly, France Fracture surface of mica (mineral) Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) 10X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Timothy Boomer WildMacro.com Vacaville, California, USA Slime mold (Prototrichia metallica) Image Stacking 10X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Zhang Chao National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing, China Beach sand Reflected Light 10X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Joshua Coogler Dallas, North Carolina, USA Moss sporophyte with spores (green) Image Stacking 10X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Nikky Corthout & Miranda Dyson VIB (Flanders Institute of Biotechnology) Center for Brain and Disease Research Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium Fruit fly (Drosophila) brain vasculature Confocal, Fluorescence, Image Stacking, Super-Resolution 25X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Nadia Efimova Amicus Therapeutics Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA Dandelion pappus Confocal, Fluorescence 20X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Dr. Laurent Formery & Dr. Nathaniel Clarke Stanford University Department of Molecular and Cell Biology Pacific Grove, California, USA Nervous system of a young sea star Confocal, Fluorescence 10X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Karl Gaff Dublin, Ireland Larva of a midge fly (Chironomidae) Darkfield, Image Stacking, Polarized Light 20X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Dr. Nick Gatford University of Oxford Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences (NDCN) Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom A network of dopaminergic neurons generated from human stem cells Super-Resolution 63X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Dr. Saikat Ghosh National Institutes of Health NICHD Bethesda, Maryland, USA Human neurons Confocal 40X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Gerd A. Günther Düsseldorf, Germany Cross section of a beach grass (Ammophila arenaria) leaf Fluorescence 20X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Anna-Mari Elisabeth Haapanen-Saaristo University of Turku Turku Bioscience Centre / Cell Imaging & Cytometry Core and Zebrafish Core RAISIO, Varsinais-Suomi, Finland Nutrient storage cells in a tardigrade Confocal 25X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Dr. Martin Hein Lions Eye Institute Physiology and Pharmacology laboratory Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia Abnormal blood vessel formation in a human retina with severe diabetic retinopathy Confocal 20X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Wen Jie Ji Yin Works The Bureau of Microworld Exploration Beijing, China Integrated circuit chip Reflected Light 10X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Ted Kinsman Rochester Institute of Technology Photosciences Department Rochester, New York, USA A common house cat claw Polarized Light 10X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Daniel Knop Oberzent-Airlenbach, Hessen, Germany Opening of a hibiscus flower (Hibiscus moscheutos) exposing the pollen in four stages, each ten minutes apart Image Stacking 20X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Daniel Knop Oberzent-Airlenbach, Hessen, Germany Dorsal part of cuckoo wasp (Hedychrum gerstaeckeri) abdomen Image Stacking 20X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Dr. Håkan Kvarnström Bromma, Sweden Peacock plume feather Epi-Illumination, Image Stacking 4X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Dr. Ewa Langner Washington University in St Louis Department of Medicine - Renal Division, Mahjoub Lab St Louis, Missouri, USA Mouse embryonic kidney showing interstitial fibroblasts (yellow), tubular epithelium (cyan), and nuclei (magenta) Confocal, Fluorescence, Image Stacking 40X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Dr. Amir Maqbool Lovely Professional University Department of Zoology Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India Small fly killed by "zombie fly" fungus (Entomophthora muscae) Image Stacking 2X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Dr. Robert Markus University of Nottingham School of Life Sciences, Super Resolution Microscopy Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom Dandelion (Traxacum officinale) cross section showing curved stigma with pollen Confocal 10X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Dr. Robert Markus, Dr. Zeeshan Mohammad, Dr. Sarah Pashley & Dr. Rita Tewari University of Nottingham School of Life Sciences, Super Resolution Microscopy Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom Malaria parasites and mouse blood cells - tubulin (green), all proteins (purple), DNA (red) Confocal 63X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Jan Martinek Charles University Department of Experimental Plant Biology Prague, Czech Republic Spores of a black Bagnoli truffle (Tuber mesentericum) Confocal 63X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Dr. Guillermo Moya Johns Hopkins University Department of Biology Baltimore, Maryland, USA Neuronal axons connecting to the muscles of the iris and the cornea Confocal, Fluorescence 10X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Jacek Myslowski Wloclawek, Kujawko-Pomorskie, Poland Water mite (Arrenurus) Fluorescence, Image Stacking 6.3X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Aryah Nagarajan Falmouth University Institute of Photography Penryn, Cornwall, United Kingdom Spores releasing from the sori of a Polypody fern (Polypodium vulgare) Reflected Light, Transmitted Light, Focus Stacking 10X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Thomas Neumann Tübingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany Ink dot on Japanese washi paper Brightfield, Image Stacking 20X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Satu Paavonsalo & Dr. Sinem Karaman University of Helsinki Individualized Drug Therapy Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, Helsinki, Finland Helsinki, Finland Blood vessels (color gradient) and endothelial cell nuclei (white) in the intestinal villi of a mouse Confocal 10X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Uwe Lange Hannover, Niedersachsen, Germany Pollen on the compound eyes of a fly Image Stacking 60X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Dr. Marko Pende MDI Biological Laboratory Murawala Lab Bar Harbor, Maine, USA Ladybug (Coccinellidae) on a clover (Trifolium repens) Confocal, Fluorescence, Image Stacking 4X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Dr. Felice Placenti FP Nature and Landscape Photography Siracusa, Sicilia, Italy Potato tuber sprout Image Stacking, Reflected Light 1X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Alison Pollack San Anselmo, California, USA Slime mold (Lamproderma arcyrioides) Image Stacking, Reflected Light 10X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Dr. Gonzalo Quiroga Artigas CRBM-CNRS Montpellier, Herault, France Tardigrade (Hypsibius exemplaris) Confocal 40X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Chris Romaine Kandid Kush Port Townsend, Washington, USA Bract (part of the plants reproductive structures) of a cannabis plant. The bulbous glands are trichomes. Image Stacking 20X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Dr. Adolfo Ruiz De Segovia PARTICULAR Madrid, Spain Plant root Fiber Optic 2X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Yurim Seo, Dr. Mark Looney & Dr. Simon Cleary University of California, San Francisco Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine San Francisco, California, USA Lymphatic vasculature (cyan) and vessels (red) of a mouse lung Confocal 4X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Dr. Leo Serra University of Cambridge Sainsbury Laboratory Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom Leaves arising from thale cress (Arabidopsis thaliana) meristem Confocal 20X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Dr. Igor Robert Siwanowicz Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), Janelia Research Campus Ashburn, Virginia, USA Aster anther cross section with pollen grains (green) Confocal 40X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Dr. Igor Robert Siwanowicz Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), Janelia Research Campus Ashburn, Virginia, USA Floret of a common chicory with pollen grains (spiky balls) Confocal 40x (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Luna Šošo Zdravković, Michael Surala & Christian Madry Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin Institute of Neurophysiology Berlin, Germany Pyramidal neuron in mouse hippocampus Confocal, Fluorescence, Image Stacking 30X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Dr. Bruce Douglas Taubert Glendale, Arizona, USA Mid-tibial tuft on a male orchid bee, used to attract mates Reflected Light 10X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Maxime Teixeira Laval University Department of Molecular Medicine Québec, Canada Cultured monkey kidney cells labeled for tubulin (blue) and actin (orange) showing pathological accumulation of alpha-syn aggregates (red) Confocal, Deconvolution, Image Stacking, Super-Resolution 100X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Dr. Theo Theune Oost-Souburg, Zeeland, Netherlands Abdominal skin of a tick that engorged with blood Image Stacking 50X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Dr. Grigorii Timin & Dr. Michel Milinkovitch University of Geneva Department of Genetics and Evolution Geneva, Switzerland Skin scales of a snake embryo stained with Fast Green dye Confocal 63X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Steven A. Valley Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) Entomology Lab Albany, Oregon, USA Immature male damselfly (Calopteryx aequabilis) Image Stacking, Reflected Light 5X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Dr. Bruno Vellutini Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics Dresden, Saxony, Germany Gene expression patterns in a drain fly embryo (Clogmia albipunctata) with an open eggshell Confocal 20X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Susannah Waxman & Dr. Ian Sigal University of Pittsburgh Department of Ophthalmology Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA Optic nerve head collagen of a pig Image Stacking, Multiphoton 25X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Shao Yang Beijing Miteyide Culture Co., Ltd. Beijing, China Fiber of nylon stockings Polarized Light 5X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Chew Yen Fook Woodend, Waimakiriri, New Zealand Graffiti from Berlin Wall stone section Image Stacking, Top Illumination 10X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Chew Yen Fook Woodend, Waimakiriri, New Zealand Water mite (Hydrachna sp.) Darkfield, Image Stacking, Polarized Light 20X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Elkhan Yusifov & Dr. Martina Schaettin University of Zurich Department of Molecular Life Sciences Zurich, Switzerland Developing nervous system in the eye of a 7-day-old chick embryo Stereomicroscopy 10X (Objective Lens Magnification) IoD Ou Zhilei Guangdong Radio and Television Guangzhou, Guagndong, China Stamens of flowers (Anemone cathayensis Kitag. ex Ziman & Kadota) Image Stacking 10X (Objective Lens Magnification) About Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition The Nikon Small World Competition is open to anyone with an interest in photography or video. Participants may upload digital images and videos directly at . For additional information, contact Nikon Small World, Nikon Instruments Inc., 1300 Walt Whitman Road, Melville, NY 11747, USA, or phone (631) 547-8569. Entry forms for Nikon's 2025 Small World and Small World in Motion Competitions are available at . About Nikon Instruments Inc. Nikon Instruments Inc. is the US microscopy arm of Nikon Healthcare, a world leader in the development and manufacturing of optical, digital imaging technology and software for biomedical applications. For more information, please visit or contact us at 1-800-52-NIKON. SOURCE Nikon Instruments Inc. WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED

LOS GATOS, Calif., Dec. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aridis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (OTC QB: ARDS), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of novel anti-infective therapies for treating life-threatening infections, today announced that its 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders ("Annual Meeting"), scheduled for Friday, December 15, 2023, was convened and adjourned, without any business being conducted, due to lack of the requisite quorum. The Annual Meeting has been adjourned to 9:00 AM local time on January 12, 2024 at the Company’s offices located at 983 University Avenue, Bldg. B, Los Gatos, CA 95032, to allow additional time for stockholders to vote on the proposals set forth in Aridis’s definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 3, 3023. The record date for the Annual Meeting remains November 2, 2023. Stockholders who have previously submitted their proxy or otherwise voted and who do not want to change their vote need not take any action. Company stockholders as of the November 2, 2023 record date can vote, even if they have subsequently sold their shares. The Company’s board of directors and management respectfully request all such holders as of the record date to please vote your proxies as soon as possible. No changes have been made in the proposals to be voted on by stockholders at the Annual Meeting. The Company strongly advises all of its stockholders to read the proxy statement and other proxy materials relating to the Annual Meeting because they contain important information. Such proxy materials are available at no charge on the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at www.sec.gov. In addition, copies of the Proxy Statement and other documents may be obtained free of charge by accessing http://annualgeneralmeetings.com/ards2023 or by contacting the Company’s Corporate Secretary at 408-385-1742 or by mail to Corporate Secretary, Aridis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 983 University Avenue, Bldg. B, Los Gatos, CA 95032. About Aridis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Aridis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. discovers and develops anti-infectives to be used as first-line treatments to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and viral pandemics. The Company is utilizing its proprietary ʎPEX TM and MabIgX® technology platforms to rapidly identify rare, potent antibody-producing B-cells from patients who have successfully overcome an infection, and to rapidly manufacture mAbs for therapeutic treatment of critical infections. These mAbs are already of human origin and functionally optimized by the natural human immune system for high potency. Hence, they are already fit-for-purpose and do not require further engineering optimization to achieve full functionality. The Company has generated multiple clinical stage mAbs targeting bacteria that cause life-threatening infections such as ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) and hospital acquired pneumonia (HAP), in addition to preclinical stage antibacterial and antiviral mAbs. The use of mAbs as anti-infective treatments represents an innovative therapeutic approach that harnesses the human immune system to fight infections and is designed to overcome the deficiencies associated with the current standard of care, which is broad spectrum antibiotics. Such deficiencies include, but are not limited to, increasing drug resistance, short duration of efficacy, disruption of the normal flora of the human microbiome and lack of differentiation among current treatments. The mAb portfolio is complemented by a non-antibiotic novel mechanism small molecule anti-infective candidate being developed to treat lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients. The Company’s pipeline is highlighted below: Aridis' Pipeline AR-301 (VAP). AR-301 is a fully human IgG1 mAb currently in Phase 3 clinical development targeting gram-positive S. aureus alpha-toxin in VAP patients. AR-501 (cystic fibrosis). AR-501 is an inhaled formulation of gallium citrate with broad-spectrum anti-infective activity being developed to treat chronic lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients. This program is currently in a Phase 2a clinical study in CF patients. AR-320 (VAP). AR-320 is a fully human mAb targeting S. aureus alpha-toxin for prevention of VAP. Statistically significant Phase 2 data in the target population of those ≤ 65 years of age was published in the September 2021 Lancet Infectious Diseases journal. AR-701 (COVID-19). AR-701 is a cocktail of fully human mAbs discovered from convalescent COVID-19 patients that target multiple sites on the spike proteins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. AR-101 (HAP). AR-101 is a fully human IgM mAb in Phase 2 clinical development targeting Pseudomonas aeruginosa liposaccharides serotype O11, which accounts for approximately 22% of all P. aeruginosa hospital acquired pneumonia cases worldwide. This program is licensed to the Serum Institute of India and Shenzhen Arimab. AR-201 (RSV infection). AR-201 is a fully human IgG1 mAb directed against the F-protein of diverse clinical isolates of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This program is licensed exclusively to the Serum Institute of India. AR-401 (blood stream infections). AR-401 is a fully human mAb preclinical program aimed at treating infections caused by gram-negative Acinetobacter baumannii. For additional information on Aridis Pharmaceuticals, please visit https://aridispharma.com/. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. These statements may be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "believe," "forecast," "estimated" and "intend" or other similar terms or expressions that concern Aridis' expectations, strategy, plans or intentions. These forward-looking statements are based on Aridis' current expectations and actual results could differ materially. There are a number of factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the need for additional financing, the timing of regulatory submissions, Aridis' ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approval of its existing product candidates and any other product candidates it may develop, approvals for clinical trials may be delayed or withheld by regulatory agencies, risks relating to the timing and costs of clinical trials, risks associated with obtaining funding from third parties, management and employee operations and execution risks, loss of key personnel, competition, risks related to market acceptance of products, intellectual property risks, risks related to business interruptions, including the outbreak of COVID-19 coronavirus, which could seriously harm our financial condition and increase our costs and expenses, risks associated with the uncertainty of future financial results, Aridis' ability to attract collaborators and partners and risks associated with Aridis' reliance on third party organizations. While the list of factors presented here is considered representative, no such list should be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Unlisted factors may present significant additional obstacles to the realization of forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those described or implied by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including, without limitation, market conditions and the factors described under the caption "Risk Factors" in Aridis' 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, and Aridis' other filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements included herein are made as of the date hereof, and Aridis does not undertake any obligation to update publicly such statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. Contact: Investor RelationsDave Gentry, CEORedChip CompaniesARDS@redchip.com SOURCE Aridis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Received two grant awards from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, a division of the National Institutes of Health LOS GATOS, Calif., Nov. 03, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aridis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., (OTCQB: ARDS), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of novel anti-infective therapies for treating life-threatening infections, today reported financial and corporate results for its third quarter ended September 30, 2023. Third Quarter Highlights Received a grant award from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), in collaboration with researchers at Eitr Biologics in San Diego, California, to develop pan-coronavirus human monoclonal antibody (‘mAb’). Received a grant award from NIAID in collaboration with researchers at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, to apply the Company's APEXTM human mAb discovery and production platform technology to discover and develop antibacterial mAbs from patients. Positive non-human primate efficacy data from the Company’s COVID-19 mAb program AR-701 was accepted for publication in the peer reviewed scientific journal Nature Communications. AR-701 mAbs exhibit broad pan-coronavirus neutralization activity, including recent Omicron variants. The Company has been uplisted to the OTCQB market, joining over 900 other companies that are currently on this market. OTCQB companies must be current in their financial reporting and undergo an annual verification and management certification process. Raised gross proceeds of $2.0 million through issuance and sale of approximately 10 million shares of common stock and common stock equivalents at market price and approximately 10 million common stock warrants. “With multiple late clinical stage assets and a strong platform technology, our company has been actively pursuing partnering discussions to maximize the value of these assets for our shareholders. We remain optimistic of successful outcomes from these efforts in the coming months,” commented Vu Truong, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Aridis Pharmaceuticals. “Continuing our long-standing history of procurement of non-dilutive grant funding, we are pleased to announce multiple NIH grants that we expect will begin funding in the fourth quarter.” Clinical Programs Update AR-501 (gallium citrate): AR-501 is being developed in collaboration with and with funding support from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Aridis reported preliminary top-line results from the randomized, double blinded, placebo-controlled Phase 2a study of AR-501, that the study’s primary and secondary endpoints of safety and pharmacokinetics (PK) were met. Key findings of the study include: CF patients achieved high uptake of AR-501 in the respiratory tract, as measured by sputum concentrations, at levels that were more than 50-fold higher than required for inhibition of the target bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa; inhaled delivery achieved more than 10-fold higher respiratory uptake of gallium (AR-501) than past clinical studies of intravenous (IV) gallium which resulted in lung function improvement and P. aeruginosa reduction. The safety margin was further expanded by evaluating a higher dose cohort of 80mg comprising of 6 CF subjects. The independent Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) also did not express any safety concerns at the 80mg dose level and agreed with the ongoing development of the product. Details of the Phase 1/2a clinical trial can be viewed at using identifier NCT03669614. AR-320 (suvratoxumab): AR-320 is a fully human monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting Staphylococcus aureus alpha toxin being developed as a preemptive treatment of mechanically ventilated ICU patients who are colonized with S. aureus but do not yet have ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). This program is currently placed on temporary clinical hold while the Company discusses potential resolution with AstraZeneca on the commercial license. AR-301 (tosatoxumab): AR-301 is an anti-S. aureus mAb with similar target and mechanism of action as AR-320 but being developed as an adjunctive therapeutic treatment of ICU patients with VAP caused by S. aureus. Top-line data from the first of two Phase 3 superiority clinical studies showed strong clinical and pharmacoeconomic benefit trends in patients treated with AR-301, especially in the prespecified older adults (65+ years) patients. Aridis received concurrence from the FDA (U.S. Food Drug Administration) and EMA (European Medicines Agency) on the Company’s proposed single confirmatory Phase 3 study, study endpoints, and patient populations. AR-301 received Priority Review status from the Qualified Infectious Disease Designation (QIDP) and was deemed eligible for consideration under FDA’s Limited Population Pathway for Antibacterial and Antifungal Drugs (LPAD). The Company is in active discussions with potential pharmaceutical partners and investors to advance the program toward the confirmatory Phase 3 trial and BLA application. Third Quarter Financial Results: Cash: Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash as of September 30, 2023, were approximately $0.5 million. Revenues: Grant revenue was approximately $0.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, primarily due to the recognition of revenue from a grant from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. A total of $0.4 million in grant revenue was reported for the quarter ended September 30, 2022. Research and Development Expenses: Research and development expenses decreased by approximately $5.9 million, from approximately $6.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2022, to approximately $0.2 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2023. The decrease was primarily due to decreases in spending associated with our paused clinical trials for AR-320 and AR-301 and reduced clinical trial activities for AR-501 and our COVID-19 programs. General and Administrative Expenses: General and administrative expenses decreased to approximately $1.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023, from approximately $1.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022. Headcount reductions contributed to decreases in salaries and wages and related benefit expenses. Interest Income (Expense) net: Net interest income was approximately $1,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, compared to approximately $27,000 interest expense for the quarter ended September 30, 2022. Due to fair value option valuation of our notes payable, there was no interest expense recorded during the third quarter of 2023. Other Income: Other income increased to $26,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, compared to approximately $23,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2022. The income was primarily due to a sublease agreement we entered into with a tenant in March 2021 for a small portion of our Los Gatos facility. Common Stock: During the three-month period ended September 30, 2023, a total of 8,496,489 shares were issued resulting in common stock outstanding of 44.6 million shares. Net Loss: The net loss available to common stockholders for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, was approximately $83,000, a $0.00 net loss per share, compared to a net loss available to common stockholders of approximately $8.2 million or $0.47 net loss per share for the quarter ended September 30, 2022. The weighted average common shares outstanding used in computing net loss per share available to common stockholders was approximately 37.4 million and approximately 17.7 million for the third quarter of 2023 and 2022, respectively. About Aridis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Aridis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. discovers and develops anti-infectives to be used as first-line treatments to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and viral pandemics. The Company is utilizing its proprietary ʎPEX TM and MabIgX® technology platforms to rapidly identify rare, potent antibody-producing B-cells from patients who have successfully overcome an infection, and to rapidly manufacture mAbs for therapeutic treatment of critical infections. These mAbs are already of human origin and functionally optimized by the natural human immune system for high potency. Hence, they are already fit-for-purpose and do not require further engineering optimization to achieve full functionality. The Company has generated multiple clinical stage mAbs targeting bacteria that cause life-threatening infections such as ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) and hospital acquired pneumonia (HAP), in addition to preclinical stage antibacterial and antiviral mAbs. The use of mAbs as anti-infective treatments represents an innovative therapeutic approach that harnesses the human immune system to fight infections and is designed to overcome the deficiencies associated with the current standard of care, which is broad spectrum antibiotics. Such deficiencies include, but are not limited to, increasing drug resistance, short duration of efficacy, disruption of the normal flora of the human microbiome and lack of differentiation among current treatments. The mAb portfolio is complemented by a non-antibiotic novel mechanism small molecule anti-infective candidate being developed to treat lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients. The Company’s pipeline is highlighted below: Aridis’ Pipeline AR-301 (VAP/HAP/CAP). AR-301 is a fully human IgG1 mAb currently in Phase 3 clinical development targeting gram-positive S. aureus alpha-toxin in ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP), ventilated hospital acquired pneumonia (HAP), and ventilated community acquired pneumonia (CAP) patients. AR-501 (cystic fibrosis). AR-501 is an inhaled formulation of gallium citrate with broad-spectrum anti-infective activity being developed to treat chronic lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients. This program is currently in a Phase 2a clinical study in CF patients. AR-320 (VAP). AR-320 is a fully human mAb targeting S. aureus alpha-toxin for prevention of VAP. Statistically significant Phase 2 data in the target population of those ≤ 65 years of age was published in the September 2021 Lancet Infectious Diseases journal. The Company has completed discussions with the EMA and FDA on study design and recently launched the Phase 3 study. AR-701 (COVID-19). AR-701 is a cocktail of fully human mAbs discovered from convalescent COVID-19 patients that target multiple sites on the spike proteins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. AR-101 (HAP). AR-101 is a fully human IgM mAb in Phase 2 clinical development targeting Pseudomonas aeruginosa liposaccharides serotype O11, which accounts for approximately 22% of all P. aeruginosa HAP cases worldwide. This program is licensed to the Serum Institute of India and Shenzhen Arimab. AR-201 (RSV infection). AR-201 is a fully human IgG1 mAb directed against the F-protein of diverse clinical isolates of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This program is licensed exclusively to the Serum Institute of India. AR-401 (blood stream infections). AR-401 is a fully human mAb preclinical program aimed at treating infections caused by gram-negative Acinetobacter baumannii . For additional information on Aridis Pharmaceuticals, please visit . Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. These statements may be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "believe," "forecast," "estimated" and "intend" or other similar terms or expressions that concern Aridis' expectations, strategy, plans or intentions. These forward-looking statements are based on Aridis' current expectations and actual results could differ materially. There are a number of factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the need for additional financing, the timing of regulatory submissions, Aridis' ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approval of its existing product candidates and any other product candidates it may develop, approvals for clinical trials may be delayed or withheld by regulatory agencies, risks relating to the timing and costs of clinical trials, risks associated with obtaining funding from third parties, management and employee operations and execution risks, loss of key personnel, competition, risks related to market acceptance of products, intellectual property risks, risks related to business interruptions, including the outbreak of COVID-19 coronavirus, which could seriously harm our financial condition and increase our costs and expenses, risks associated with the uncertainty of future financial results, Aridis' ability to attract collaborators and partners and risks associated with Aridis' reliance on third party organizations. While the list of factors presented here is considered representative, no such list should be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Unlisted factors may present significant additional obstacles to the realization of forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those described or implied by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including, without limitation, market conditions and the factors described under the caption "Risk Factors" in Aridis' 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, and Aridis' other filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements included herein are made as of the date hereof, and Aridis does not undertake any obligation to update publicly such statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. Aridis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (In thousands) September 30, December 31, 2023 2022 (unaudited) Cash and cash equivalents $ 35 $ 4,876 Other current and noncurrent assets 6,499 9,819 Total assets $ 6,534 $ 14,695 Total liabilities $ 18,336 $ 38,927 Total stockholders' deficit (11,802 ) (24,232 ) Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit $ 6,534 $ 14,695 Aridis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (In thousands, except share and per share amounts) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2023 2022 2023 2022 (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) Revenue: Grant revenue $ 417 $ 399 $ 1,544 $ 1,878 License revenue — — 19,602 — Total revenue 417 399 21,146 1,878 Operating expenses: Research and development 175 6,118 10,374 18,916 General and administrative 1,111 1,693 4,235 5,535 Total operating expenses 1,286 7,811 14,609 24,451 Loss from operations (869 ) (7,412 ) 6,537 (22,573 ) Other income (expense): Interest income (expense), net 1 (27 ) 31 (267 ) Other income 26 23 77 68 Change in fair value of note payable 759 (823 ) (1,400 ) (1,212 ) Net loss $ (83 ) $ (8,239 ) $ 5,245 $ (23,984 ) Weighted-average common shares outstanding used in computing net loss per share available to common stockholders, basic and diluted Basic 37,428,943 17,701,592 35,562,129 17,701,592 Diluted 37,428,943 17,701,592 47,178,967 17,701,592 Earnings (net loss) per share: Basic $ 0.00 $ (0.47 ) $ 0.15 $ (1.35 ) Diluted $ 0.00 $ (0.47 ) $ 0.11 $ (1.35 ) Net loss $ (83 ) $ (8,239 ) $ 5,245 $ (23,984 ) Other comprehensive income 1,261 — 2,736 — Total comprehensive income (loss) $ 1,178 $ (8,239 ) $ 7,981 $ (23,984 ) Contact: Investor Relations Dave Gentry, CEO RedChip Companies ARDS@redchip.com SOURCE Aridis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.