Archive for the ‘Life Extension’ Category

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Market Latest Research Report 2021- 2026 covers a complete market scenario across the globe with a detailed industry analysis of major key players like Haotian Pharm, Doctors Best, Health Thru Nutrition, Life Extension, NOW Foods, Swanson, etc. This report provides strategic recommendations consulted by the industrial experts including market forecasts, profit, supply, raw materials, cost structures, investment landscape, latest market trends, demands, and much more.

The report begins from overview of the Industry Chain structure, and describes the industry environment, then analyses the market size and forecast of Pyrroloquinoline Quinone by product, region, and application, in addition, this report introduces the market competition situation among the vendors, market price analysis, and value chain features are covered in this report.

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The Major Players included in the Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Market are:

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Market Segmentation:

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone market is split by Type and by Application. For the period 2018-2026, the growth among segments provides accurate calculations and forecasts for sales by Type and by Application in terms of volume and value. This analysis can help you expand your business by targeting qualified niche markets.

Market Segmentation by Type:

Market Segmentation by Applications:

Promising Regions & Countries Mentioned in Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Market Report:

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The Study Objectives of Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Market Report are:

Major Points Covered in Table of Content are:

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Market Assessment of Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Industry: Growth Drivers by Top Players like Haotian Pharm, Doctor's Best, Health Thru Nutrition, Life...

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) and the companys wholly-owned subsidiary, SpaceLogistics LLC, have successfully completed the docking of the Mission Extension Vehicle-2 (MEV-2) to the Intelsat 10-02 (IS-10-02) commercial communications satellite to deliver life-extension services.

Northrop Grumman is the only provider of flight-proven life extension services for satellites, and this is the second time the two companies have docked commercial spacecraft in orbit. Northrop Grummans MEV-1 made history when it successfully docked to the Intelsat 901 (IS-901) satellite in February 2020. Unlike MEV-1, which docked above the GEO orbit before moving IS-901 back into service, MEV-2 docked with IS-10-02 directly in its operational GEO orbital location.

Todays successful docking of our second Mission Extension Vehicle further demonstrates the reliability, safety and utility of in-space logistics, said Tom Wilson, vice president, strategic space systems, Northrop Grumman and president, SpaceLogistics LLC. The success of this mission paves the way for our second generation of servicing satellites and robotics, offering flexibility and resiliency for both commercial and government satellite operators, which can enable entirely new classes of missions.

MEV-2 will provide five years of service to IS-10-02 before undocking and moving on to provide services for a new mission. IS-10-02 delivers broadband and media distribution services to Intelsat customers across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and South America; it is a key satellite in the Intelsat-Telenor Satellite 1 West video neighborhood, which distributes more than 900 channels to some 18 million TV households across Europe. Telenor Satellite own about half of IS-10-02s Ku band payload, which it markets as THOR 10-02 and contributed to todays successful mission.

Intelsat has pioneered innovations in space-based technology for more than five decades. We are proud to work side by side with Northrop Grumman on todays groundbreaking mission, the first-ever docking of a communications satellite in GEO orbit, said Intelsat Chief Services Officer Mike DeMarco. Space servicing is a valuable tool for Intelsat in extending the high-quality service experience that our customers depend upon. Northrop Grummans MEV technology has helped us extend the life of two high-performing satellites, while focusing our innovation capital on advancing the Intelsat next-generation network this technology is a win-win for us.

The Mission Extension Vehicle is the first in Northrop Grummans lineup of satellite servicing vehicles, but following last years robotic servicing mission award from DARPA, the company is working with the agency on a mission that will feature the first-ever commercial robotic servicing spacecraft. This mission will expand the market for satellite servicing of both commercial and government client satellites with advanced robotics using the companys Mission Robotics Vehicle (MRV) to conduct in-orbit repair, augmentation, assembly, detailed inspection and relocation of client satellites through robotics.

To further complement its on-orbit servicing portfolio, Northrop Grumman is leveraging model based systems engineering to develop its Mission Extension Pods (MEPs) which will also provide critical life extension services to aging satellites. The MRV will be used to install these pods on existing in-orbit commercial and government client satellites to extend their mission lives. The company is targeting 2024 for launch of both the MRV and the initial MEPs.

Sea News, April 15

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Northrop Grumman and Intelsat make history with Docking of 2nd Mission Extension Vehicle - Sea News

Dutch biochemical company Avantium says it is on track to open its first commercial production plant by the end of 2023. The facility in Delfzijl, the Netherlands, will produce 5,000 metric tonnes of FDCA per annum. FDCA is the key building block for polyethylene furanoate (PEF), a 100% plant-based, fully recyclable biopolyester. According to Avantium, PEF has the potential to replace various packaging materials such as PET, glass or aluminium in typical applications like bottles for soft drinks, water, alcoholic beverages and fruit juices. It expects bottles made with PEF to appear in Europes supermarkets by the beginning of 2024.

The Euronext Amsterdam-listed companys plans have been boosted after it raised around 28 million by issuing 5.2 million new shares and announced a deal with Belgium-based plastic packaging supplier Resilux for the supply of a fixed volume of PEF resin from the Avantium plant.

It has also signed collaboration agreements to develop sustainable bottles with an undisclosed major global food and beverage brand owner, the Japanese specialty chemical company Toyobo, the US specialty polyester film producer Terphane, and the Dutch beverage bottling company Refresco.

These deals come on top of Avantiums existing Plastic Bottle Project: a collaboration with Coca-Cola, spirits firm The Absolut Company and Carlsberg to jointly develop several PEF applications. This venture has already led to Carlsberg unveiling a prototype for the Green Fibre Bottle, which it claims is the worlds first paper beer bottle made from sustainably-sourced wood fibres that is both 100% bio-based and fully recyclable. The Danish beer giant has added its partnership with the project will assist its targets to achieve zero carbon emissions at its breweries and reduce its value chain carbon footprint by 30% by 2030.

Thanks to these developments, Avantium is confident PEF will be broadly introduced to the market around the globe and with high-value applications varying from monolayer bottles, multilayer bottles, and film.

Tom van Aken, Chief Executive Officer of Avantium told FoodNavigator that PEF plastic boasts attractive sustainability credentials because it uses no fossil fuels (unlike polyethylene terephthalate, or PET), can be recycled and will also degrade in nature much faster than normal plastics. It can further enable shelf life extension and thus help reduce waste.

The material is made using sugars from corn, wheat or beet and retains carbon dioxide better than conventional PET. If you have carbonated drinks, you need to keep the CO2 in your bottles, he explained. Our material is 5-10 times better than PET in keeping C02 in the bottle - so in that sense it's almost like glass in terms of how good it is in keeping carbonation in your drinks. But it is equally good for keeping air and oxygen out of the bottle so is good for everything that is sensitive to oxygen such as beer, juice, smoothies or coffee. It also has higher heat stability and is a bit stronger than PET, so it has significant safety performance benefits over it.

Around 300 million tonnes of plastic is made from fossil fuels globally every year, most of which is not recycled and can take hundreds of years to decompose. According to van Aken, many plastic bottles arent recycled because they use multiple polymers such as polyethylene,polyurethane and nylon in conjunction with PET. We're trying to replace these with a monolayer PEF film which can be easily recycled, he said. That will mean a substantial improvement over existing packaging materials.

Meanwhile, Avantium says its plant-based material degrades 100 times faster than PET. This is a product designed for recycling, stressed the CEO.But if it does end up in nature it will degrade much faster than conventional plastics.

Eventually, Avantium plans to use plant sugars from sustainable sourced biowaste so that the rise of plant plastic does not affect the global food supply chain. And while its target to make 5,000 tonnes is a modest one, it expects its production to grow as demand for renewable plastics climbs.

Cost remains a challenge for the scaling up of PEF production, however. While PET currently costs around 1 per kilo, for example, PEF is between 8-10 per kilo. However, van Aken said that's not a like-for-like comparison.We're competing against materials where they might be using nylon in sparling water bottles to keep the carbonation in the bottles,he eleborated.But the downside is that if the bottle is a combination of PET and nylon, it cannot be recycled. If you take away the nylon and replace it with PEF, you have a bottle than you can subsequently recycle because PEF and PET can mix and recycle.

He also pointed out that todays end consumers are prepared to pay a premium for sustainable products. More research shows that there's a significant percentage of consumers that are perfectly prepared to pay a few cents extra for something which is more sustainable. I think the contracts that we've just signed show that economics is not a prohibited aspect.

And while the companys current plans will suit "more niche high-value applications", he expects prices to drop as the company builds larger-scale plants.

From 2026 onwards, we expect the next stage will be to build larger-scale plants in Asia and the US which means the product will be built on a much larger scale and much more materials will become available at significantly lower cost. Then the material will compete with all glass packaging, all alumina cans and with many of the multi-layer packaging products that you see out there."

It can be used across the soft drinks sector in juice and waters, but also in everything that is air sensitive so coffee and meat packaging.

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PEF can become the 'standard in the food and drink industry', says plastics producer - FoodNavigator.com

The programme of work, which represents a 2.5million investment by Belfast Harbour, will effectively renew and modernize the terminal infrastructure, extending its life span for a further 25 years. Work will include refurbishment of the berth ramp, the access walkways and the fenders.

Local contractors McLaughlin & Harvey has been engaged to deliver the project which is due to commence in early summer.

To facilitate these works the Belfast-Heysham service will operate from the Ballast Quay Terminal during the summer period.

Belfast Harbour has continued its long-term investment programme in port infrastructure in recent years, including the 40million redevelopment of Victoria Terminal 3 container terminal, with more than 20million invested in new cranes, and the installation of a new 15million two tier linkspan ramp at Victoria Terminal 2 ferry terminal to accommodate Stenas new Embla and Edda vessels on the Belfast- Liverpool route.

Michael Robinson, Port Director, Belfast Harbour said: We are continuing to invest in our port infrastructure and equipment that will help us achieve our goal of becoming the best regional port in the world.

Roll-On-Roll-Off freight, including on the Belfast to Heysham route, performed strongly last year, reflecting the importance of our freight traffic routes to Scotland and England and the essential supply chains we serve to the Northern Ireland economy. We want our facilities to be best in class and having undertaken a full structural assessment of the VT1 facilities we believe that making this 2.5million investment now will provide both this standard and a long-term life extension for the terminal.

John Mariner, McLaughlin & Harvey Contracts Director added: We are delighted to deliver another project for Belfast Harbour; building on our successful long-term relationship which includes Victoria Terminals 3 and 4. This project will be delivered using a local supply chain, and will utilise our extensive marine civil engineering expertise to support the harbour in its programme of continual investment to improve facilities in the port.

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Belfast Harbour invests 2.5m in refurbishment of Terminal 1 - Belfast Newsletter

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. Beginning Thursday, February 25, 2021, the radar operated by the NOAA National Weather Service will be down for approximately seven days.

The planned outage is to replace the generator, fuel tanks, and accompanying components.

This update is important to support the radars operation during periods of commercial power outages, specifically when hazardous weather is present.

This generator update is the third major project of the NEXRAD Service Life Extension Program, a series of upgrades and replacements that will keep our nations radars viable into the 2030s.

NOAA National Weather Service, the United States Air Force, and the Federal Aviation Administration are investing about $150 million in the seven-year program. The first project was the installation of the new signal processor and the second project was the transmitter refurbishment. The two remaining projects are the refurbishment of the pedestal and equipment shelters. The Service Life Extension Program will complete in 2023.

During the outage, check data from adjacent radars including: Pleasant Hill/Kansas City (KEAX), St Louis (KLSX), Paducah, KY (KPAH), Memphis, TN (KNQA), Little Rock, AR (KLZK), Fort Smith, AR (KSRX), Tulsa, OK (KINX), Wichita, KS (KICT) and Topeka, KS (KTWX).

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Springfield National Weather Service radar scheduled outage coming, will last about a week - KOLR - OzarksFirst.com

Dublin, Feb. 25, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Military Aircraft Modernization and Upgrade and Retrofit Market 2020-2024" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The military aircraft modernization and upgrade and retrofit market is poised to grow by $ 2.61 bn during 2020-2024 progressing at a CAGR of 3% during the forecast period.

The market is driven by the incorporation of CNS systems in aircraft and emergence of SVAB.

The reports on military aircraft modernization and upgrade and retrofit market provides a holistic analysis, market size and forecast, trends, growth drivers, and challenges, as well as vendor analysis covering around 25 vendors.

The report offers an up-to-date analysis regarding the current global market scenario, latest trends and drivers, and the overall market environment. The military aircraft modernization and upgrade and retrofit market analysis includes type segment and geographical landscapes.

This study identifies service life extension of military aircraft fleets as one of the prime reasons driving the military aircraft modernization and upgrade and retrofit market growth during the next few years.

The robust vendor analysis is designed to help clients improve their market position, and in line with this, this report provides a detailed analysis of several leading military aircraft modernization and upgrade and retrofit market vendors that include BAE Systems Plc, Elbit Systems Ltd., Honeywell International Inc., Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd., L3Harris Technologies Inc., Lockheed Martin Corp., Northrop Grumman Corp., Raytheon Technologies Corp., Thales Group, and The Boeing Co..

Also, the military aircraft modernization and upgrade and retrofit market analysis report includes information on upcoming trends and challenges that will influence market growth. This is to help companies strategize and leverage on all forthcoming growth opportunities.

Key Topics Covered:

Executive Summary

Market Landscape

Market Sizing

Five Forces Analysis

Market Segmentation by Type

Customer landscape

Geographic Landscape

Vendor Landscape

Vendor Analysis

Appendix

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/lyfiou

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Global Military Aircraft Modernization and Upgrade and Retrofit Markets to 2024: Incorporation of CNS Systems in aircraft and Emergence of SVAB -...

Representational image

Can anyone perceive questions and provide answers in the midst of a vivid dream? It is possible, say researchers of a recent study whose results might sound like a real-life extension of the Hollywood blockbuster Inception.

The findings of the study indicate that it is possible for people while dreaming to follow instructions, do simple math, answer yes-or-no questions, or tell the difference between different sensory stimuli.

"We found that individuals in REM sleep can interact with an experimenter and engage in real-time communication," said researcher Ken Paller from Northwestern University in the US. According to the researcher, dreamers are capable of comprehending questions, engaging in working-memory operations and producing answers.

"Most people might predict that this would not be possiblethat people would either wake up when asked a question or fail to answer and certainly not comprehend a question without misconstruing it," Paller said. But the research shows that people in dreams could respond using eye movements or by contracting facial muscles.

For the study, published in the journal Current Biology, the researchers evaluated 36 people who aimed to have a lucid dream, in which a person is aware they're dreaming. The researchers refer to it as "interactive dreaming."

The researchers said that future studies of dreaming could use these same methods to assess cognitive abilities during dreams versus wake. Outside of the laboratory, the methods could be used to help people in various ways, such as solving problems during sleep or offering nightmare sufferers novel ways to cope, the team noted.

**

The above article has been published from a wire source with minimal modifications to the headline and text.

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Real-Time Communication with Dreaming Person Possible, Says Study | The Weather Channel - Articles from The Weather Channel | weather.com - The...

New York, Feb. 23, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Canned Soups Market Forecast to 2027 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis By Type, Category, Processing, and Distribution Channel" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06027525/?utm_source=GNW The shelf life of any canned soup is the amount of time it requires to degrade to the non-palatable state. Shelf life extension ingredients added in the canned soup products slow down the process of food degradation and enable longer storage of the food items. They are both organic and conventional in origin. Shelf life extension ingredients also aid in the keeping food logistics decongested, sustain canned soups in frozen areas, and improve consumer confidence over stability of food items. Consumers have become more aware about their diet. Health benefits such as improved immunity, lower caloric intake, and high protein intake are other factors expected to influence the product demand. Moreover, canned soups with high shelf life also comprise high content of nutrition, minerals, vitamins, and proteins. On a global level, youngsters are preferring to purchase premium goods due to health attributes and are ready to change their habits toward healthier nutrition. Canned soup made from fresh vegetables, and bone and meat has gained tremendous popularity as it offers various health benefits and nutrition as well as it has a high shelf life. In addition, consumers are opting for canned soup products over other protein sources owing to its benefits such as the presence of macro and micronutrient in good proportion with a high concentration of protein. Additionally, packed soups are majorly preferred over soups served in the restaurants and food outlets due to ease of access as well as durability of packages. Drinking canned soups or making a simple soup help add more protein into the diet and prevents one from consuming too many calories. Thus, consumers inclination toward nutrition-based canned soup drives the market growth.

In terms of category, the non-vegetarian segment led the global canned soup market in 2019.The demand for non-vegetarian canned soups is high owing to their versatile nutritional composition and high protein content.

Non-vegetarian canned soup is a rich source of protein.It is also a nutritional supplement that offers various health benefits such as weight loss, joint pain reduction, skin aging reduction, and appetite reduction.

These canned soups products contain essential minerals such as calcium and magnesium in larger amounts than other animal protein-based products. Therefore, the rising demand for healthy food & beverage products across the world drives the market growth for the non-vegetarian segment.Campbell soup company, Amys Kitchen Inc, General Mills Inc., The Kraft Heinz Company, Baxters Food Group, Unilever, Struik Foods Europe NV, Vanee Foods Company, BCI Foods Inc., and Hain Celestial Companies are among the players operating in the global canned soup market.At present, most of the regions across the world are under lockdown due to the COVID-19 outbreak.In the most-affected countries in different regions, isolation and social distancing measures have been imposed.

The lesser production of goods and commodities is hampering the growth of the global canned soup market as the demand for these products has been declined since the past couple of months.The outbreak and measures taken to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus are hindering the food & beverages industry across the world, mainly due to disruptions in supply and distribution chain.

In addition, the overall restrictions on manufacturing processes, research, and development activities are restraining the global canned soup market.The overall global canned soup market size has been derived using both primary and secondary sources.To begin the research process, exhaustive secondary research has been conducted using internal and external sources to obtain qualitative and quantitative information related to the market.

The process also serves the purpose of obtaining an overview and forecast for the global canned soup market with respect to all the segments pertaining to the region.Also, multiple primary interviews have been conducted with industry participants and commentators to validate the data, as well as to gain more analytical insights into the topic.

The participants of this process include industry experts such as VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers, along with external consultants such as valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders, specializing in the global canned soup market.Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06027525/?utm_source=GNW

About ReportlinkerReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.

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Canned Soups Market Forecast to 2027 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis By Type, Category, Processing, and Distribution Channel - GlobeNewswire

February 24, 2021 - TheNewswire - Toronto, ON - Star Royalties Ltd. (the Company or Star Royalties) (TSXV:STRR) is pleased to announce the closing of the second installment of its previously announced US$18,000,000 gold purchase and sale agreement (the Streaming Agreement) with Arizona Gold Corp. (Arizona Gold) (TSX: AZG, OTC: AGAUF) (formerly Kerr Mines Inc.) which will be used to finance the restart of underground operations and gold production at the Copperstone Gold Mine (Copperstone) in Arizona, USA.

Alex Pernin, Chief Executive Officer of Star Royalties, commented: With the closing of Tranche 2 and an expected operational restart in less than one year, this gold stream represents significant, near-term cash flow from a highly prospective deposit in a world-class jurisdiction. We have great confidence in both Copperstones potential and Arizona Golds ability to execute a successful restart of operations. We continue to look forward to working closely with their team as we transition Copperstone into Arizonas next producing gold mine.

The US$18 million advance payment under the Streaming Agreement is being provided in three equal installments, with the first two US$6 million installments having now been advanced. The final US$6 million installment will be payable on or before April 30, 2021, subject to certain closing conditions.

Summary of Transaction Terms

Star Royalties will purchase from Arizona Gold an amount of refined gold equal to 9.9% of gold produced at Copperstone until a cumulative 21,000 ounces of refined gold are delivered, then 3.3% of gold produced until a cumulative 27,200 ounces are delivered, and 1.2% of gold produced thereafter for the remaining life of mine.

In addition to the US$18 million advance payment, Star Royalties will provide a cash payment to Arizona Gold for each ounce of gold delivered equal to 25% of the average London Bullion Market Association gold spot price (PM) for the five consecutive trading days prior to delivery. Arizona Gold has granted security over all of its assets to the Company to secure the obligations of Arizona Gold to the Company under the Streaming Agreement.

In connection with the advance of the second tranche of US$6 million, Arizona Gold entered into an amended and restated royalty purchase agreement with Trans Oceanic Mineral Company Ltd. (TOMCL) providing for the purchase of a 3% gross production royalty on Copperstone for US$2.5 million. Upon completion, the purchase will reduce the aggregate gross royalties on Copperstone from 6% to 3%, consisting of a remaining 1.5% royalty which will continue to be held by TOMCL and a 1.5% royalty held by Angie Patch Survivor's Trust. Completion of the repurchase is subject to the satisfaction of all conditions to the advance by Star Royalties of the third US$6 million installment under the Streaming Agreement.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For more information, please visit our website atwww.starroyalties.comor contact:

Alex Pernin, P.Geo.

Chief Executive Officer and Director

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Peter Bures

Chief Business Development Officer

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+1 647 360 4793 +1 437 997 8088

ABOUT STAR ROYALTIES LTD.

Star Royalties Ltd. is a precious metals royalty and streaming investment company. The companys objective is to provide wealth creation through accretive transaction structuring and asset life extension with superior alignment to both counterparties and shareholders. With a strategy to also invest in green opportunities, Star Royalties pioneered the first forest carbon credit royalty and is pursuing a pipeline of additional green investments.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain statements in this news release may constitute "forward-looking statements", including those regarding future market conditions for metals and minerals. Forward-looking statements are statements that address or discuss activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates may occur in the future. When used in this news release, words such as "estimates", "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "will", "believes", "intends" "should", "could", "may" and other similar terminology are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are made based upon certain assumptions and other important factors that, if untrue, could cause the actual results, performances or achievements of Star Royalties to be materially different from future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results and will not necessarily be an accurate indication of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results, performances or achievements to differ materially from such forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, changes in business plans and strategies, market conditions, share price, best use of available cash, the ability of the Company to identify and execute future acquisitions on acceptable terms or at all, risks inherent to royalty companies, title and permitting matters, metal and mineral commodity price volatility, discrepancies between actual and estimated production, mineral reserves and resources and metallurgical recoveries, mining operation and development risks relating to the parties which produce the metals and minerals Star Royalties will purchase or from which it will receive royalty payments, regulatory restrictions, activities by governmental authorities (including changes in taxation), currency fluctuations, the global social and economic climate, natural disasters and global pandemics, dilution, and competition. These risks, as well as others, could cause actual results and events to vary significantly. Accordingly, readers should exercise caution in relying upon forward-looking statements and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise them to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as required by law.

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Star Royalties Closes Second US$6 Million Installment of US$18 Million Stream Financing for the Restart of the Copperstone Gold Mine - Junior Mining...

RNSKLDSVIK, Sweden--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BAE Systems has received an order from the Norwegian Army for 20 additional CV90 Infantry Fighting Vehicles to increase the combat power of its existing fleet. The Norwegian Defense Materiel Agency awarded the more than $50 million contract that will increase the Armys fleet to 164 vehicles as part of its effort to grow and modernize in the face of evolving threats.

Norway is one of seven CV90 users and is the latest customer to enhance its fleet of combat-proven CV90s following significant life extension and mid-life upgrade contracts from Switzerland and the Netherlands. The new Norwegian order for 12 engineering and eight multi-carrier CV90 variants is scheduled for delivery in 2023.

We look forward to fielding another 20 modern CV90 combat support vehicles into the Norwegian Army, said Brigadier yvind Johan Kvalvik, Norwegian Defence Materiel Agencys Land Systems Division. These additional vehicles will provide the Norwegian Army with the room for maneuver and combat power that the Army needs to be able to complete its missions using the most modern IFV vehicles in the world.

BAE Systems Hgglunds, the manufacturer of the CV90 based in rnskldsvik, Sweden, will deliver the new vehicles in cooperation with Ritek, an established Norwegian CV90 partner. With Ritek at the center of the local industrial cooperation hub, up to 30 potential Norwegian suppliers will be responsible for upgrading and repairing components, as well as delivering new subsystems and technology solutions as part of future upgrades for the Norwegian CV90 fleet.

We have a strong track record of delivering on time, at cost, and high quality to the Norwegian Army. This follow-up order demonstrates the importance of successful relationships with in-country industry partners like Ritek, said Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, managing director of BAE Systems Hgglunds. As we work to enhance the Norwegian Armys existing fleet of CV90s, deepening our existing relationships with local industry will naturally benefit our end users.

BAE Systems has a successful history of industrial cooperation projects in Norway that have strengthened industry partnerships, transferred technical know-how, and exceeded customer expectations and requirements. During the latest CV90 procurement and upgrade contract, BAE Systems Hgglunds delivered 100 percent offset obligation five years ahead of schedule.

BAE Systems and Ritek look forward to strengthening their relationship through the successful execution of this contract. Our cooperation with the Norwegian Armed Forces and BAE Systems Hgglunds is based on trust and experience between all parties involved. We are very pleased with this new agreement which brings a positive local employment effect for Ritek as we focus on delivering this critical capacity to the Norwegian Army in the form of more combat support vehicles, said Hilmar Olsen, general manager at Ritek. We also expect the project to provide long-term opportunities for several other Norwegian suppliers across the country.

Norway is one of seven European users operating the CV90. The others are Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Switzerland, Sweden and the Netherlands. With close to 1,300 vehicles in service in multiple variants, the vehicle is combat-proven and designed to accommodate future growth to meet evolving missions.

Read more:
Norwegian Army Adding 20 CV90s to Its Fleet - Business Wire

Earlier this month, Alphabet (GOOG) took the air out of its Loon subsidiary, a former moonshot project for deploying internet around the world using high-flying balloons. Apparently, the economics just didnt work out. No word on how much Googles parent company spent on Loon, but SoftBank had sunk $125 million into the business in 2019. This seems like the latest sign that the tech giant is tightening its belt a bit in an increasingly risky regulatory environment. That made us wonder whats happening with another venture that isnt contributing anything to its bottom line. Lets dive into Calico, a subsidiary focused on life extension research and development.

Calico is pretty much the opposite of Verily Life Sciences, the Alphabet unit working to digitize healthcare in every possible way. Verily is one of the few companies that does generate some revenue among the $461 million that its sideline subsidiaries earned through the first nine months of 2020. Some of the joint ventures connected to Verily are developing apps or new medical devices, with a certain amount of publicity and transparency. Calico operates more like a nonprofit research center thats secretly working on some biotech version of the Manhattan Project, so most of what we read is pretty superficial and saccharine.

At face value, Calico is pure anti-aging R&D, starting at the very beginning of the problem with what is aging? For example, one of its public-facing projects involves studying how yeast ages, apparently without in situ experiments involving a teenagers room. The premise (in very broad strokes) is that if we can understand how yeast age at the cellular level, we could all one day look like Brad Pitt forever. But the biggest news to emerge is that Calico scientists created a bit of new technology to help analyze the yeast cells, enabling genome-wide characterization of the aging process, which certainly sounds significant and was published in a peer-reviewed journal.

The Miniature-chemostat Aging Device (MAD) purifies 50 million old cells in a single test tube to speed up the search for genetic biomarkers of aging. An additional platform that sounds similar to the technology used in lab-on-a-chip solutions developed by companies like Berkeley Lights (BLI) allows scientists to observe the entire aging process in single cells hundreds of thousands each week allowing them to screen for lifespan-extending modifications that can increase the yeast lifespan beyond that of your ordinary lab yeast. The company integrated computer vision and machine learning to recognize cell division from time-lapse images or to measure the age of a cell directly from static images.

While a new cell-counting gizmo using AI sounds great, thats certainly not something out of reach for any large research university. Calico is a company that has at least $2.5 billion in funding thanks to its most high-profile partnership with AbbVie (ABBV), a pharmaceutical company with a market cap of nearly $200 billion as of late January 2021.

The companies first joined forces in September 2014. Three years later, Calico and AbbVie had already burned through $1 billion, but that didnt stop the duo from extending their research collaboration and kicking in another $500 million each, according to the San Francisco Business Times. So you would think theres some high-pressure expectation to produce an anti-aging Brad Pitt pill or something significant. What has all that money produced? According to the company, the partnership has resulted in two dozen early-stage programs addressing disease states across oncology and neuroscience and new insights into the biology of aging.

The 2018 deal makes Calico responsible for research and early development until 2022 and for advanced collaboration projects through Phase 2a clinical trials through 2027. In fact, theres actually a whisper of something finally gaining traction. Endpoints News was the first to report that a team from Calico and AbbVie is conducting a phase 1 safety study to test a drug called ABBV-CLS-579 for treating solid tumors. The article also noted how one of the companys principal investigators just published a paper in Nature on how Calico is using AI to predict genome folding from DNA sequence alone.

Calico is mining for answers to longevity in human DNA by creating its own hardware and software to automate and accelerate that search. One of its other high-profile ventures, in fact, involved mining the genetic database of Ancestry.com for three years. The Holy Grail was to find genetic commonalities among those who live longer, but research delivered some unexpected results. Another study based on the Ancestry data in another prestigious journal, Genetics, found that while longevity runs in families, DNA isnt as strong an influence on how long an individual lives, so just because Grandpa Joe lived to 103 doesnt mean youre going to outlive a lifetime of junk food.

Other ongoing collaborations include the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, and C4 Therapeutics (CCCC), a small-cap biotech company focused on treating diseases of aging, including cancer, by degrading proteins known to drive disease.

Pretty much every story on Calico refers to the fact that the former Genentech CEO Art Levinson, who has a PhD in biochemistry, is in charge of the Alphabet subsidiary. Acquired by Roche for nearly $47 billion about a dozen years ago, Genentech was considered the worlds oldest and most successful biotechnology company. Its also worth noting that he serves on the boards of Apple and the Broad Institute, as well as formerly served on the boards of small-cap biotechs, including Amyris Biotechnologies, a synthetic biology stock. He is also an advisor on a bunch of scientific boards. So the assumption is that this guy knows what hes doing in terms of his scientific expertise needed to lead one of the most well-funded, private, anti-aging R&D labs in the world.

As we told you more than five years ago, Calico will likely forever be an innovation lab similar to Alphabets DeepMind AI lab in London. The only thing close to a pure-play in the longevity theme is perhaps C4 Therapeutics, which has developed a novel platform for harnessing the bodys natural mechanisms for regulating protein levels to fight diseases of aging. But the Boston area biopharmaceutical company is on pace to double its losses in 2020 from 2019, and it gets all of its revenue from collaboration agreements like the one with Calico. Well just have to wait for a Brad Pitt pill and make our money on the market the old-fashioned way over time.

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Calico Purring Right Along With Life Extension Research - Nanalyze

By Pleasanton Express Staff | on January 27, 2021

The Texas A&M Agri- Life Extension Service in Atascosa County has some events coming up to help families reach their health goals.

Walk N Talk

Join the 2021 Walk N Talk FABLOW AgriLife group on Facebook, a walking program that kicks off on Feb. 1. This eight-week series is a multi-county collaboration between the Extension Service in Frio, Atascosa, Bee, Live Oak and Wilson Counties.

They will have daily posts, weekly lessons with live cooking and walking sessions. Each week, a new fruit or vegetable will be featured. Lets support each other in a fun and simple way.

Cooking Well for Healthy Blood Pressure

The Extension Service will also host the upcoming series, Cooking Well for Healthy Blood Pressure. This online cooking school is designed to help those concerned about high blood pressure and anyone who prepares meals for them.

This series of three interactive classes is full of research-based information and healthy recipes. Classes will be held via Zoom on these dates:

Feb. 2, DASHing to Improved Health

Feb. 9, A Virtual Grocery Store Tour

Feb. 16, Cooking with Spices and Herbs

All classes are at noon. Presenters will be Nicole Demmer, Wilson County FCH Agent; Dru Benavides, Atascosa County FCH Agent, Hillary Long, Bastrop County FCH Agent and Methodist Healthcare Ministries Nurses.

Please RSVP to bastroptx@tamu.edu or call 512- 581-7186. Are you ready to explore the new flavors of heart-healthy meals? Sign up today.

More:
Get healthy in Feb. with AgriLife - Pleasanton Express

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Wellness Supplements Market Statistics 2021- Industry Insights and COVID-19 impact analysis with Future Opportunities 2027 | Life Extension, OPTAVIA,...

TSX: GPR | NYSE American: GPL

(All dollar amounts expressed in US dollars unless otherwise noted)

VANCOUVER, BC, Jan.29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Great Panther Mining Limited (TSX: GPR) (NYSE-A: GPL) ("Great Panther" or the "Company") announces today it has filed the "Technical Report on the 2020 Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources of the Tucano Gold Mine, Amapa State, Brazil" ("Technical Report"). The Technical Report supports the Company's updated Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimate ("MRMR") for Tucano announced by news release onDecember 15, 2020.

The Technical Report has an effective date ofSeptember 30, 2020, and is available on SEDAR at http://www.sedar.comand on the Company's website at http://www.greatpanther.com,and will be filed on EDGAR as soon as practicable at http://www.sec.gov.

2021 Exploration Programs and Exploration Strategy Update

"Our 2020 exploration programs were successful in extending the existing open pit mine life at Tucano and adding significant resources to our mineral inventory for the Guanajuato Mine Complex", stated Rob Henderson, President and CEO. "2021 will represent a significant increase in our exploration efforts with a planned record of 90,000 metres of drilling representing a $13 million investment. Our key objectives will be to continue to extend the Tucano open pit mine life, further prove up the underground with a view to extending the high-grade zones, and make meaningful inroads into key targets in the expansive Tucano regional land package. Building on our 2020 exploration success in Mexico will also be a key focus for this year."

The Great Panther exploration strategy is built on the objective of result driven exploration programs leading to resource replacement and near-mine growth, and longer-term organic growth through regional exploration.

The following outlines Great Panther's 90,000 metres ("m") drilling program for 2021.

Drilling Program

Meters

USD (millions)

Tucano (Brazil)

Open pit

24,000

3.5

Underground

8,000

1.7

Regional

28,000

3.2

Sub-Total

60,000

8.4

Mexican Operating Mines

GMC(1)

15,000

2.0

Topia

5,000

1.0

Sub-Total

20,000

3.0

Other Projects(2)

10,000

2.0

Total

90,000

13.4

(1)

"GMC" refers to the Guanajuato Mine Complex comprised of the Guanajuato Mine, San Ignacio Mine and the Cata processing plant.

(2)

Planned 2021 drilling metres and expenditure for Other Projects (described below) are new disclosures. The Company previously provided planned 2021 drilling expenditures for the Tucano Mine and Mexican operating mines in its January 14, 2021 press release which provided production and cost guidance for these mines.

Tucano (Brazil)

Great Panther's strategy for Tucano is to explore and grow the gold resource potential of the tenement portfolio, covering an almost 2,000 square kilometres ("km2") portion of the Vila Nova Greenstone Belt (the "Belt"). In 2021, five drill rigs are planned to complete 60,000m of drilling and over 500km of regional soil sampling will identify high priority regional targets.

The Tucano Gold Mine is host to a 7-kilometer-long trend of gold deposits surrounded by the large, near 2,000km2 tenement package controlled by Great Panther. Despite the long history of the deposit, discovered in the late 1990's and with first production in 2005, little exploration or resource drilling has been carried out outside the Tucano mine trend. A number of targets were defined in aero-geophysical and regional geochemical surveys in the late 1990's and Great Panther plans include carrying exploration of those viewed as the highest potential targets within reasonable proximity of the current mining operations.

Open Pit Resource replacement and expansion. The 24,000m combined Reverse Circulation ("RC") and Diamond Drilling ("DD") campaign is focused on near-mine targets including TAPC, Urso and Torres, as well as testing of several geochemical anomalies associated with the mine sequence that have not been evaluated.

Urucum underground. The current underground MRMR incorporates just part of the anomalous trend below the Urucum pits. There are a number of high-grade mineralized zones suggested by the modelling of the historical drilling. The 8,000m diamond drilling program is focused on upgrading one of the known high-grade zones at Urucum North while testing another zone at Urucum Central. The extent of these high-grade zones is important in determining the placement of the primary decline that will be used to access the mining areas.

Regional target drilling. A total of 28,000m has been planned for fast-track evaluation of key targets such as Mutum, Saraminda and Lona Amarela using Auger, Rotary Air Blast ("RAB") and RC drilling programs plus multi-element soil geochemistry. Initial orientation studies in 2020 and currently underway at Mutum suggest the interpretation of detailed soil sampling using multi-element geochemical analyses will allow for the skipping of the auger drilling step and going straight to RAB or RC drilling, which is expected to accelerate the start of drill permitting processes by four to eight months. A detailed soil grid is currently being opened to cover the 5km long Mutum gold trend and RAB and RC programs are being prepared for Saraminda and Lona Amarela. Mutum, Saraminda and Lona Amarela are within 15 km of the of the existing mine operations.

New target generation. Having defined the regional structural model associated with the mineralization events, Great Panther has prioritized high potential exploration corridors within the 2000km2 area of interest. It has initiated a program of regional multi-element soil sampling over these corridors with the intention of defining new targets within the Belt and prioritizing these targets using the combination of the geochemistry and existing regional aero-geophysical data.

Mexico

San Ignacio.Exploration efforts continue with 5,000m of fill-in surface drilling planned along the Purisima veins south of the development of the San Pedro ramp, deeper in the Purisima/Purisima alto vein system and continue testing for Au-Ag mineralization along 1.1km of Purisima vein north from the old San Ignacio shaft.

Guanajuato. A concerted effort of sampling and geological mapping in accessible parts of the historical mining areas is near completion and will be followed by a planned 10,000m of underground drilling on the most prospective areas, including along the north side of Valenciana, between Valenciana and Cata, and in the Pozos, Promontorio, and Guanajuatito areas. The 2020 exploration efforts more than doubled the known Inferred Mineral Resource estimate. See the Company's news release dated November 23, 2020 and the related technical report filed on December 23, 2020 with an effective date of July 31, 2020 for more details.

Topia. 5,000 m exploration surface drilling are planned focussed on defining new Mineral Resources in six areas along the strike and down-dip extents of present mining efforts.

Other Projects

Other Projects. These may include the Plomo gold project in Sonora ("Plomo"), El Horcn which has proximity to the GMC, or Coricancha in Peru. The $2.0 million budgeted for these projects will be allocated on the basis of a number of factors including potential for return on investment, access and availability of resources, community and permitting considerations. Plans for Plomo, for example, will see detailed geological / alteration / structural mapping to confirm an earlier geological interpretation from 2012, before any surface drill testing. El Horcon drilling will be subject to a successful study on the addition of a zinc concentrate flotation for the Guanajuato plant. Drilling for Coricancha would focus on expanding readily accessible high grade Mineral Resources along the Constancia, Wellington, and Escondida veins and is subject to achieving acceptable community agreements for access.

QUALIFIED PERSONS

All scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Neil Hepworth, Chartered Engineer MIMMM, Chief Operating Officer of Great Panther, Nicholas Winer, FAusIMM, Vice-President, Exploration of Great Panther, and Robert F. Brown, P. Eng., Geological Consultant of Great Panther, each a non-independent Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101)".

ABOUT GREAT PANTHER

Great Panther is a growing gold and silver producer focused on the Americas. The Company owns a diversified portfolio of assets inBrazil,MexicoandPeruthat includes three operating gold and silver mines, four exploration projects, and an advanced development project. Great Panther is actively exploring large land packages in highly prospective districts and is pursuing acquisition opportunities to complement its existing portfolio. Great Panther trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol GPR, and on the NYSE American under the symbol GPL.

CAUTIONARY NOTES ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws (together, "forward-looking statements"). Such forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the Tucano Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates and the GMC Mineral Resource estimates and the assumptions underlying the estimates; the Tucano life of mine extensions; the Company's ability to advance successfully opportunities for resource growth and mine life extension in the future; the exploration potential of Tucano near-mine, underground and regional land package; the Company's plans to complete and results of further exploration and drilling at Tucano, Topia, GMC, Plomo, El Horcn and Coricancha; the Company's ability to further prove up the underground resources to support the development of an underground mine; the Company's ability to successfully execute and fund its exploration strategies as planned; and the Company's plans to pursue acquisition opportunities to complement its existing portfolio.

These forward-looking statements and information reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, economic and regulatory uncertainties, and contingencies. These assumptions include: the accuracy of the Company's Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates and the assumptions upon which they are based; ore grades and recoveries; metal prices remaining as estimated; national and international transportation arrangements to deliver Tucano's gold dor to international refineries continue to remain available, despite inherent risks due to COVID19; international refineries that the Company uses continue to operate and refine the Company's gold dor, and in a timely manner such that the Company is able to realize revenue from the sale of its refined metal in the timeframe anticipated, despite inherent risks due to COVID19; currency exchange rates remaining as estimated; capital, decommissioning and reclamation estimates; prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation); all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals for the Company's operations and exploration and drilling programs are received in a timely manner and maintained, including the various drilling permits required to complete the programs; the Company will be able to access the prospective exploration and drilling areas without interruption; continued operations at Tucano in accordance with the Company's mine plan, including the expectations regarding the ongoing geotechnical control of Urucum Central South ("UCS") where mining re-started in the last week of October; management's estimates in connection with the assessment of provisions for loss and contingent liabilities relating to legal proceedings may differ materially from the ultimate loss or damages incurred by the Company; assumption that the Company will be successful in resolving the legal claims that ban the use of cyanide in the Tucano processing; management's estimates regarding the carrying value of its mineral properties may be subject to change in future financial periods, which may result in further writedowns and consequential impairment loss; conditions in the financial markets; the ability to procure equipment and operating supplies and that there are no material unanticipated variations in the cost of energy or supplies; the accuracy of the geological, operational and price and exchange rate assumptions on which the cost assumptions are based; operations not being disrupted by issues such as pit-wall failures or instability, mechanical failures, labour disturbances and workforce shortages, illegal occupations or mining, seismic events, and adverse weather conditions; the Company's expectations that metallurgical, environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-economic, political, marketing or other issues will not materially affect the estimates or Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources or its future mining plans; and the Company's ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive.

These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements to be materially different. Such factors include, among others, risks and uncertainties relating to: the impact of COVID19 on the Company's ability to operate as anticipated, including the risk of an unplanned partial or full shutdown of the Company's mines and processing plants, whether voluntary or imposed by authorities, which would adversely impact the Company's revenues, financial condition and ability to meet its production and cost guidance; the inherent risk that estimates of Mineral Reserves and Resources may not be accurate or that the assumptions upon which they are based are different than expected; the discontinuity of the ore body and mine selectivity may result in a risk that dilution and mining recovery estimates used in the Mineral Reserve estimation do not accurately reconcile with the Company's ability to recover the tonnage, grade and metal content estimated in the Mineral Reserves; metal prices may decline or may be less than forecasted; fluctuations in currency exchange rates (including the U.S. dollar to Brazilian real exchange rate) may increase costs of operations; potential of further instability or failure of walls of the UCS pit, which compromises a material part of the Mineral Reserves being accessed in 2021; there is no assurance that the Company will be able to continue mining and be able to access the UCS Mineral Reserves which may adversely impact the Company's Mineral Reserve estimates, production plans and future revenues, including the potential risk that the Mineral Reserves at UCS may not be accessible at all or that access may be dependent on further remedial work that might interrupt operations; operational and physical risks inherent in mining operations (including pit wall collapses, tailings storage facility failures, environmental accidents and hazards, industrial accidents, equipment breakdown, unusual or unexpected geological or structural formations, cave-ins, flooding and severe weather) may result in unforeseen costs, shut downs, delays in production and exposure to liability; risk that the Company is not successful in its litigation, including a risk that the use of cyanide would be banned in respect of Tucano's operations causing Tucano to have to cease operations if an alternative to cyanide treatment cannot be identified and implemented in a cost-effective way (of which there is no assurance); planned exploration activities may not result in conversion of existing Mineral Resources into Mineral Reserves or discovery of new Mineral Resources; potential political and social risks involving Great Panther's operations in a foreign jurisdiction; the potential for unexpected costs and expenses or overruns; employee and contractor relations; relationships with, and claims by, local communities; the Company's ability to obtain and maintain all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in a timely manner, which if not granted could result in an interruption to operations, including the permits and approvals of the expansion of the GMC tailings facility and the exploration and drilling programs required to complete the various programs being planned; changes in laws, regulations and government practices in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates; legal restrictions related to mining; diminishing quantities or grades of Mineral Reserves as properties are mined; operating or technical difficulties in mineral exploration; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; the Company's inability to meet its production forecasts or to generate the anticipated cash flows from operations could result in the Company's inability to meet its scheduled debt payments when due or to meet financial covenants to which the Company is subject; ability to maintain and renew agreements with local communities to support continued operations, including any access which may be required for the exploration and drilling programs described in this news release; there is no assurance that the Company will be able to identify or complete acquisition opportunities; and other risks and uncertainties, including those described in respect of Great Panther, in its annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2019 and material change reports filed with the Canadian Securities Administrators available at http://www.sedar.comand reports on Form 40-F and Form 6-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available at http://www.sec.gov.

There is no assurance that these forward-looking statements will prove accurate or that actual results will not vary materially from these forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described, or intended. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements and information are designed to help readers understand management's current views of our near- and longer-term prospects and may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not intend, nor does it assume any obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, changes in assumptions, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law.

CAUTIONARY NOTE TO UNITED STATES INVESTORS CONCERNING ESTIMATES OF MEASURED, INDICATED AND INFERRED RESOURCES

The Company prepares its disclosure in accordance with the requirements of securities laws in effect in Canada, which differ from the requirements of U.S. securities laws. Terms relating to Mineral Resources in this news release are defined in accordance with NI 43-101 under the guidelines set out in the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and Petroleum Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves 2014 (CIM Definition Standards).

The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") has adopted amendments effective February 25, 2019 (the "SEC Modernization Rules") to its disclosure rules to modernize the mineral property disclosure requirements for issuers whose securities are registered with the SEC under the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The SEC Modernization Rules have replaced SEC Industry Guide 7, which will be rescinded following a transition period and after the required compliance date of the SEC Modernization Rules.

As a result of the adoption of the SEC Modernization Rules, the SEC will now recognize estimates of "Measured Mineral Resources", "Indicated Mineral Resources" and "Inferred Mineral Resources", which are defined in substantially similar terms to the corresponding CIM Definition Standards. In addition, the SEC has amended its definitions of "Proven Mineral Reserves" and "Probable Mineral Reserves" to be substantially similar to the corresponding CIM Definition Standards.

United States investors are cautioned that while the foregoing terms are "substantially similar" to corresponding definitions under the CIM Definition Standards, there are differences in the definitions under the SEC Modernization Rules and the CIM Definition Standards. Accordingly, there is no assurance any Mineral Resources that the Company may report as "Measured Mineral Resources", "Indicated Mineral Resources" and "Inferred Mineral Resources" under NI 43-101 would be the same had the Company prepared the resource estimates under the standards adopted under the SEC Modernization Rules.

United States investors are also cautioned that while the SEC will now recognize "Measured Mineral Resources", "Indicated Mineral Resources" and "Inferred Mineral Resources", investors should not assume that any part or all of the mineral deposits in these categories would ever be converted into a higher category of Mineral Resources or into Mineral Reserves. Mineralization described by these terms has a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. Accordingly, investors are cautioned not to assume that any "Measured Mineral Resources", "Indicated Mineral Resources", or "Inferred Mineral Resources" that the Company reports are or will be economically or legally mineable.

Further, "Inferred Resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and as to whether they can be mined legally or economically. Therefore, United States investors are also cautioned not to assume that all or any part of the Inferred Resources exist. In accordance with Canadian securities laws, estimates of "Inferred Mineral Resources" cannot form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies, except in limited circumstances where permitted under NI 43-101.

In addition, disclosure of "contained ounces" is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC has historically only permitted issuers to report mineralization as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures.

SOURCE Great Panther Mining Limited

http://www.greatpanther.com

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Great Panther Files NI 43-101 Technical Report for the Tucano Gold Mine and Provides Update on Exploration Strategy and Programs for 2021 - PRNewswire

The long national awakening to a renewed threat presented by Russia has prompted Swedens political leadership to dip into its past to prepare for potential future conflict.

The new preparations encapsulated in the governments Total Defense (Totalfrsvaret) 2021-2025 bill introduced in December seek to safeguard the countrys independence and territorial integrity by enhancing the military deterrent and drawing upon a whole-of-society approach traditionally referred to as Civil Defense.

Resiliency against myriad threats forms the basis of Swedens Total Defense concept, which originated in the 1940s but has now been dusted off and brought up to date to deal with modern gray-zone warfare tactical challenges.

Foremost in the countrys Total Defense preparation will be enhancing the force structure of the Swedish armed forces (Frsvarsmakten, or Defense Force).

The first step involves expanding the number of personnel across the military organization from the current 60,000 to 90,000, a 50 percent increase. In addition, the annual number of conscripts absorbed into the military ranks will grow from about 4,000 currently to 8,000 by 2025.

The government plans to retain the Swedish Armys two existing brigades while beginning to organize and stand up a third mechanized brigade and a reduced motorized brigade in the area of the capital, Stockholm.

An additional marine amphibious battalion will be created and based in Gothenburg, on Swedens western coast along the Kattegat Sea area, with both of these battalions receiving new vessels and unmanned systems.

The strategic island of Gotland will have its defenses further strengthened with air defense systems.

Back in late 2017, the Swedish government opted to reinstate a permanent military presence on the Baltic Sea island under the re-raised Gotland Regiment (roughly 350 troops), which had been disbanded in 2005. The disbanding of the regiment left the island situated strategically in the middle of the Baltic Sea, and thus crucial to controlling naval traffic through the Baltic waterways with no military presence. This step marked the nadir of Swedens reform measures begun in 1999 that significantly pruned the overall size and capabilities of the armed forces in order to generate cost savings for the government.

Also on tap is an expansion of the peacetime organization of the armed forces. This will entail the re-establishment of former regiments and building up a military presence across the country, the latter with the twin goals of increasing the security footprint and deterrent and bolstering popular national support for the military.

Along with more soldiers and units, the stand-by territorial defense force, the Home Guard, will receive additional materiel including vehicles, sensors, and nighttime combat equipment.

In terms of additional hardware capabilities, the Swedish Army will see a gradual replacement of its Leopard 2 (Stridsvagn 122 in Swedish service) main battle tanks and CV90 infantry fighting vehicles. These projects will begin in the timeframe of the Total Defense bill, resulting in the replacement of platforms introduced into service by the early 1930s. Additional firepower in the form of artillery pieces supplemental to the existing Archer wheeled self-propelled howitzers (SPHs) is also on tap.

On the naval side, the Royal Swedish Navy fleet of submarines will grow from four to five, as the third of three Gotland class submarines, HSwMS Uppland, will receive a service-life extension and upgrade to keep her in service into the latter half of the decade. This upgrade was earlier recommended by Swedens Defense Commission in its white paper presented to Parliament on May 14, 2019. With the two new-generation Blekinge class submarines (Type A26) expected to be delivered by 2025, this will provide the service with five active submarines just as a program to replace the Gotland class fleet kicks off.

The Navys surface fleet will receive some attention as well, with the five Visby class corvettes undergoing midlife upgrades that will equip them with new air defense, torpedo and unmanned systems, allowing them to remain in service out to 2040. Replacement projects for the other two types of corvettes the pairs of Gavle and Stockholm class ships will get underway on one-for-one bases, with the Gavle class successors arriving between 2026 and 2030 and the Stockholm class replacement to be ordered by 2030.

The minesweeping fleet consisting of two classes of ships (Sparo and Koster) will be put through a life-extension program.

For the Swedish Air Force, the combat aircraft fleet will remain at 100 fighters in six squadrons more than originally envisioned. The earlier goal was for the new JAS 39E Gripen models to replace the older JAS 39C/D variants outright, but instead up to 40 C/D models will be retained through 2035 to bolster combat aircraft capacity. This will result in 60 Gripen Es based in four squadrons, with the C/D variants filling the remaining two squadrons. The Gripen Es are to achieve Final Operational Capability (FOC) by 2027.

Additional missiles, electronic warfare capabilities, new unmanned systems, and new airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) platforms to replace the existing two Saab 340 Erieye units will also be acquired.

To cover the cost of these ambitions, the government plans to significantly increase annual defense expenditures with the goal of hitting a topline allocation of SEK89 billion ($10.7 billion) by 2025, a 27 percent rise in nominal value from the 2020 earmark. The annual upticks to the budget between 2021 and 2025 will average nearly SEK5 billion ($600 million) per year, with the 2021 budget already nominally 10 percent higher than the previous years budget and 8.3 percent higher in real terms.

The funding will no doubt be received gratefully by the armed forces, which have pressed for significantly higher allocations than previously provided. Now they will do better than what the cross-party Defense Committee called for in its white paper on development of Swedens defense released in May 2019, which was a defense spending increase to SEK84 billion by 2025. In an indication of the heightened concerns about Russia, the actual funding will instead come out 6 percent higher than the Defense Committee request.

The slow re-focus on defense has taken years and multiple indications of Russian aggression along the European periphery (most crucially in Ukraines Crimean Peninsula in 2014) and into Swedish waters and airspace to gather real momentum.

The following all contributed to the buildup of concern in Stockholm: a simulated air attack on Sweden during a Russian military exercise in March 2013; submarine intrusions in the Stockholm archipelago in October 2014 that stoked remembrances of the infamous October 1981 Whiskey on the Rocks incident near the Swedish naval base in Karlskrona in which a Soviet Whiskey class submarine ran aground in national waters; and a Russian amphibious operation rehearsal in Kaliningrad in August 2019, followed by the appearance of Russian vessels in Swedish waters near Gothenburg one month later.

Still, the slowness in responding to Russias provocations alarmed many in Swedens military.

Now Stockholm is trying to make up for lost time.

It has responded by re-equipping its coastal defense anti-ship batteries, reinforcing the defense of Gotland, restarting military conscription, and issuing civil defense brochures to all citizens in preparation of national emergencies. Parliament has even flirted with the idea of joining NATO more as a statement aimed at Russia rather than a practical political measure.

Meanwhile, Sweden has stepped up security cooperation with the U.S. and military exercises with American forces. It has even allowed the permanent stationing of a U.S. Army Green Beret team on its soil to help train the Home Guard in resistance operations.

The proactive steps being taken by Stockholm represent a past is prologue template, one that allowed Sweden to maintain its independence and neutrality during the Cold War.

Back then, of course, Sweden retained a significant combat component in terms of both capacity and capability. With exorbitant costs for cutting-edge military technologies and post-Cold War-era societal changes factored into the equation, Sweden is highly unlikely to embark on an effort to reconstitute a combat aircraft fleet of 300 fighters or a naval component featuring 12 submarines, for instance.

But it will once again devote enough attention and funding to its high-end military capabilities, while identifying and combatting cyber- and information-warfare tactics practiced by Russia, to lend the Kremlin pause before seeking to test Swedens mettle.

International Military Markets Europe

This service, authored by Daniel Darling, provides a country-by-country examination of the regions military capabilities, equipment requirements, and inventories. The individual country reports are structured to condense a vast range of information into concise segments. Governmental and political structures, political and economic trends, national and defense budgets, force structures, military planning requirements, recent and future procurements, the security environment, threat assessments, and military postures all are detailed in this volume. Prices begin at $2,295, click here for more information.

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Sweden Looks to the Past to Prepare for Its Defense Future - Defense & Security Monitor

TORONTO, Jan. 25, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- YAMANA GOLD INC. (TSX:YRI; NYSE:AUY; LSE:AUY) (Yamana or the Company) herein provides 2021, 2022, and 2023 production guidance, 2021 cost guidance, and its 10-year production overview.

The following table presents the Company's total gold, silver and gold equivalent ounces ("GEO") production expectations in 2021, 2022 and 2023. The Company notes that it guides on GEO production and costs based on a particular assumption of gold and silver prices. Although underlying gold and silver production does not change with the fluctuation in gold and silver prices, the change in the GEO ratio from such fluctuations may result in a different GEO production than that guided.

The Company looks at production within a normal range of +/- 3%, and the guidance values noted below reflect the mid-point of this production range for the 2021-2023 period.

The production profile for 2021 to 2023 shows sequential growth in gold production. Several growth opportunities are available, and in the near and medium-term the Company remains focused on optimizing the existing portfolio of five operating mines while also advancing studies for various expansion projects and longer term development assets.

The Company expects to continue its established trend of delivering stronger production in the second half of the year, with approximately 53% of production slated for the second half, along with quarterly sequential increases in production.

(i) GEO assumes gold ounces plus the equivalent of silver ounces using a ratio of 72:1 for 2021, 2022 and 2023. Included in full year 2020 production figures are 18,929 gold ounces of pre-commercial production, related to the Company's 50% interest in the Canadian Malartic mine's Barnat deposit. Pre-commercial production ounces are excluded from sales figures, although pre-commercial production ounces that were sold during their respective period of production had the corresponding revenues and cost of sales capitalized to mineral properties.

The following table presents mine-by-mine production results for Yamana Mines for 2020 and expectations for 2021.

(ii) Included in full year 2020 production figures are 18,929 gold ounces of pre-commercial production, related to the Company's 50% interest in the Canadian Malartic mine's Barnat deposit. Pre-commercial production ounces are excluded from sales figures, although pre-commercial production ounces that were sold during their respective period of production had the corresponding revenues and cost of sales capitalized to mineral properties.

Cost Outlook

The Company anticipates that it will continue to incur some costs in relation to COVID-19 in the near future.Current expectation of pandemic related costs is that those costs will continue to be incurred during the first half of the year and begin to decrease in the second half of the year with a rollout of vaccinations expected in most countries in which the Company operates. With increasing numbers of the population receiving the vaccine, the Company would expect to see increasing immunity and decreasing caseloads, allowing for gradual easing of our COVID-related controls and associated costs toward the second half of 2021 as noted. Total costs are not expected to exceed approximately $20 million for the year. Similarly to 2020, COVID-19 costs are disclosed as part of mine operating earnings as temporary suspension, standby and other incremental COVID-19 costs and are excluded from cash costs and all-in sustaining costs (AISC).

The expected decline in COVID-19 costs throughout the upcoming year also corresponds to the Companys customary lower second half of the year costs, associated with higher production levels.

The following table presents guidance ranges for 2021.

(iii) A cautionary note regarding non-GAAP financial measures and additional subtotals in financial statements are included in Section 12: Non-GAAP Performance Measures of this MD&A. Total cost of sales per GEO sold will be provided in conjunction with the Companys annual results.(iv) Mine site AISC includes cash costs, mine site general and administrative expense, sustaining capital, capitalized exploration and expensed exploration. Consolidated AISC incorporates additional non-mine site costs including corporate general and administrative expense.

The following table presents expansionary capital, sustaining capital and exploration spend expectations by mine for 2021:

(i) Related to Yamanas ownership in MARA of 56.25%

Approximately 70% of the Companys expected exploration spend is capital in nature.

Capital expenditure values for 2021 do not include the cost to add to long-term ore stockpile balances at Canadian Malartic. These costs are estimated at $15.0 million for 2021 compared to $5.9 million for 2020, both on a 50% basis.

The following table presents other expenditure expectations for 2021:

(i) 2021 guidance for cash taxes paid is based on metal prices per the guidance assumption table. Further, cash taxes paid consider payments made in relation to prior years, as in certain jurisdictions, payments and true-ups related to a fiscal years taxes are settled in the next fiscal year.

Guidance Assumptions

Key assumptions, in relation to the above guidance, are presented in the table below.

2021 Sensitivity Impact

Change

AISC/GEO

(i) Actual metal prices and exchange rates shown in the table above are the average metal prices and exchange rates for the year ended December 31, 2020.

The Company may enter into forward contracts or other risk management strategies, from time to time, to hedge against the risk of an increase in the value of foreign currencies in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates. Please refer to the Foreign Exchange Hedging Section of this release for further details.

MINE BY MINE NEAR-TERM OUTLOOK

Canadian Malartic (50%)

Canadian Malartic exceeded its revised 2020 guidance, producing 284,000 ounces of gold. Production last year was impacted by COVID-19 related restrictions on mining in Quebec and is forecast to increase in 2021 to 350,000 ounces, with AISC projected to decline to $850-$885 per ounce from $945 per ounce in 2020. Mining is transitioning from the Canadian Malartic pit to the Barnat pit, which is now in commercial production, and 70% of the total tonnes mined in 2021 are expected to come from Barnat. The Canadian Malartic pit will be depleted in the first half of 2023, and waste rock and tailings will be deposited into the pit beginning in 2023.

The operation continues to advance the underground project, which consists of the East Gouldie, Odyssey, and East Malartic zones, (collectively known as the Odyssey project). Key development milestones over the next three years include the development of a ramp into the Odyssey, East Malartic, and East Gouldie zones, which will allow for tighter definition drilling to further expand the mineral resource base, along with headframe construction and shaft sinking. First production from Odyssey is expected in 2023. These milestones are included in the production and cost outlooks provided above. A preliminary economic assessment for the project is expected to be completed in February 2021.

Jacobina

The Jacobina mine continues to be a standout performer, consistently exceeding expectations. Production in 2021 is forecast to be in a similar range to the all-time high recorded in 2020 at low AISC of $735-$765 per ounce. The operation exceeded the targeted throughput rate of 6,500 tonnes per day (tpd) for the Phase 1 expansion, and it continues to identify and implement additional processing plant optimizations to further increase throughput, improve recoveries, and reduce costs. Beyond further optimizations, the Feasibility Study for Jacobinas Phase 2 expansion plans to increase throughput to 8,500 tpd and raise annual production to 230,000 ounces remains on track for mid-2021.

In a separate initiative, Jacobina is evaluating the installation of a backfill plant that would allow up to 2,000 tpd of tailings to be deposited in underground voids. In addition to reducing the mines environmental footprint, a backfill plant would extend the life of the mines existing tailings storage facility and improve mining recovery, resulting in increased conversion of mineral resources to mineral reserves.

El Pen

Overall GEO production in 2021 is forecast to be in line with production in 2020, but improvements to cost structure are expected to be realized in 2021, with cash costs expected to range between $620-$660 per GEO and AISC(1) forecast at between $835-$870 per GEO. The mines current production ratethe result of the right-sizing of the operation initiated in late 2016increased cash flow while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the mine. Exploration successes over the last two years has resulted in an increase in mineral reserves, unlocking opportunities to incrementally increase production by leveraging excess processing capacity at El Pen. The operation can process approximately 4,200 tpd, which represents upside of 20-30% above currently budgeted levels, with no additional capital expenditures required.

1. Refers to a non-GAAP financial measure.

Minera Florida

Minera Florida exceeded its full year production guidance, posting its highest production level since 2010 and the second highest since entering production in 1986.(1) Gold production is forecast to be at a similar level in 2021. The strategy at Minera Florida is to extend mine life and unlock opportunities for increased annual gold production following an approach similar to the approach taken at Jacobina. This includes focusing on mineral reserve development and generating an inventory of prepared mining areas to increase operational flexibility. The short-term focus is to achieve consistent throughput of 74,500 tonnes per month (tpm) from the underground mine while continuing improvements in the mine that will increase feed grade to align with mineral reserve grade and set the stage for further expansions.

1. Excluding gold production from the reclamation of historic tailings.

Cerro Moro

Production and costs in 2020 at Cerro Moro were significantly impacted by COVID-19 related restrictions on travel and work rosters. The mine and processing plant are currently running at full capacity, though COVID-19 continues to present a risk of further disruptions, particularly during the first half of the year. Exploration drilling and underground capital development were also delayed by COVID-19 in 2020. Hence, Cerro Moro is planning higher production in 2021, but will ramp-up gradually throughout the year as it mines new underground levels. Exploration drilling continues in the core mine area at Cerro Moro with positive results and opportunities to convert mineral resources into mineral reserves and generate new high-grade discoveries. The operation is evaluating construction of a heap leach operation, a lower-cost processing alternative that would allow for the processing of lower-grade mineral reserves, potentially extending mine life. The evaluation is in the early stages with a preliminary study completed and metallurgical lab testing currently underway.

TEN-YEAR PRODUCTION OVERVIEW

A graphic accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4e5ea3bd-e322-4966-b94e-7c8baf50adfa

1. Production guidance for the period 2021 2023 reflects the mid-point of the production range of +/- 3%.2. Production from 2024 2030 is illustrative production profile.3. GEO assumes gold plus silver at a ratio of 72:1.

Base Case

Yamana has a strong 10-year base case outlook with a sustainable production platform of 1 million GEO per year through 2030. Production will be underpinned by continued operational success at the Companys existing operations, which have consistently replaced mineral reserves above depletion.

Robust exploration results are expected to drive incremental production growth at Minera Florida, which has a low-cost opportunity to increase capacity at its existing processing plant. The long-term strategy at Minera Florida is to increase monthly throughput from 74,500 tpm to 100,000 tpm with a corresponding production increase of up to 120,000 ounces of gold per year at AISC below $1,000 per ounce.

At El Pen, which recently completed its twenty-first year of production, the Company has a high degree of confidence that it will continue to replace mineral reserves through new discoveries and infill drilling on several major veins, thereby maintaining mine life visibility for at least another 10 years. The operation is targeting annual production of 260,000 GEO at AISC below $900 per GEO, with the production increase to be supported by the mines existing processing capacity of up to 4,200 tpd and no additional capital spending required.

The base case assumes continuing exploration success at Cerro Moro, which will support a mine life extension. The Company is investing in exploration drilling on its large mine property and surrounding area, which together exceed 300,000 hectares, with efforts currently focusing on both the core mine area and new mineralized zones close to existing mineral reserves. Further upside is available from significant mineralization that has been identified at below current mineral reserve cut-off grades that could potentially be mined economically using lower-cost heap leach processing that would occur in parallel with the existing processing plant.

The base case also includes the Canadian Malartic underground project, which represents the next evolution for Canadas largest gold mine. First production is expected in 2023 from the Odyssey South zone with the Upper East Gouldie zone expected to come online in 2027. The most recent underground mineral resource for the project, which was published in February 2020, showed more than 10 million ounces of gold (100% basis), including 9,596,000 ounces of inferred mineral resources (100% basis) and 830,000 ounces of indicated mineral resources (100% basis). In the interim, exploration results have been exceptional, improving economics and increasing confidence that the underground project will be a multi-hundred thousand ounce annual producer for decades. The Company will provide an updated mineral resource and further details on the development for the underground project when it reports its fourth quarter and full year results on February 11, 2021.

The base case scenario also includes the Jacobina Phase 2 expansion, which will increase throughput to 8,500 tpd and raise annual production to 230,000 ounces, a 28% increase from current levels. In addition, the Company plans to implement a Phase 3 expansion at Jacobina which, for a modest cost, would increase throughput to 10,000 tpd without the need for additional grinding capacity and raise annual production to 270,000 ounces by approximately 2027.

The Company is well-positioned to fund all exploration, expansions, projects and opportunities identified in its guidance and decade-long outlook using available cash and cash flow from operations. Based on current forecasts, annual expansionary capital expenditures are expected to be in the range of $100 million and $125 million, on average, over the next four years, the result of which is that the Company will be well-positioned to manage all its capital allocation priorities, objectives and plans, including payment and increases in dividends. The Company forecasts that it should be able to sustain its dividend at the current rate even if the price of gold were to decline to significantly lower levels, and should be able to support and increase its dividend at the current price of gold as its cash balances increase. The Company notes that in addition to its cash balances and cash flows, it also has interests in securities, instruments and assets that can and, over time, will likely be monetized, which will further increase cash balances for redeployment to the Companys capital allocation priorities, objectives and plans.

Upside Case

The Companys upside case is for annual production to trend above 1 million GEO by mid-decade, reaching 1.2 million GEO by approximately 2028. The upside case is underpinned primarily by the newly acquired Wasamac projecta future underground mine located in Quebecs Abitibi region just 100 kilometres away from Canadian Malartic. The project, which is expected to enter production in 2025, currently has a mineral reserve base of 1.8 million ounces of gold. Based on the 2018 Feasibility Study conducted by Wasamacs previous owner, Monarch Gold, production is projected at 160,000 ounces of gold per year at a low AISC of $635 per ounce. Yamana believes there is considerable upside for future exploration success and mineral resource conversion, with the deposit remaining open at depth and along strike. The Company will target increasing the mineral inventory and perform optimizations to enhance the projects value, advance engineering, and de-risk execution, leveraging the Companys technical expertise and adhering to its disciplined capital approach.

Additional Long-Term Upside

The Company has a number of compelling development and exploration stage projects in its pipeline with the potential to drive significant long-term production upside towards the end of the current decade and beyond. These include the MARA project, one of the largest copper-gold projects in the world; the Suyai Project, a large gold project in Chubut Province, Argentina, that is projected to reach production of up to 250,000 ounces annually in its first eight years; and a number of advanced exploration projects in the Companys generative exploration program, including Lavra Velha, Monument Bay, Jacobina Norte, and Borborema. Assuming just two of these projects, MARA and Suyai, are constructed within the next 10 years, annual production would almost double.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE HEDGING

As at December 31, 2020, the Company had zero-cost collar contracts, which allow the Company to participate in exchange rate movements between two strikes, as follows:

(i) R$ = Brazilian Reais(ii) Evenly split by month.

In addition, as at December 31, 2020, the Company had forward contracts as follows:

(i) R$ = Brazilian Reais(ii) Evenly split by month.

Subsequent to December 31, 2020, the Company entered into new zero-cost collar contracts, which allow the Company to participate in exchange rate movements between two strikes, as follows:

(i) R$ = Brazilian Reais(ii) Evenly split by month.

Additionally, the Company entered into new forward contracts as follows:

(i)R$ = Brazilian Reais, CLP = Chilean Pesos, C$ = Canadian Dollars(ii)Evenly split by month.

CORPORATE UPDATE CALL AND WEBCAST

The Company will provide a corporate update webcast on Tuesday, January 26, 2021, from 10:00 am-12:00 pm ET (3:00-5:00 pm GMT) during which it will expand on its guidance and decade-long outlook, share its strategic priorities, and provide an operational update.The event will be accessible via conference call or webcast with further details below. Analysts and investors who intend to attend or who may not be able to attend the webcast are advised that a detailed presentation which will be relied upon for the webcast is available and can be accessed on the Companys website at http://www.yamana.com.

The conference call replay will be available from January 26, 2021, until 11:59 p.m. ET (5:00 am GMT) on February 26, 2021.

About YamanaYamana Gold Inc. is a Canadian-based precious metals producer with significant gold and silver production, development stage properties, exploration properties, and land positions throughout the Americas, including Canada, Brazil, Chile and Argentina. Yamana plans to continue to build on this base through expansion and optimization initiatives at existing operating mines, development of new mines, the advancement of its exploration properties and, at times, by targeting other consolidation opportunities with a primary focus in the Americas.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:Investor Relations416-815-02201-888-809-0925Email: investor@yamana.com

FTI Consulting (UK Public Relations)Sara Powell / Ben Brewerton +44 203 727 1000Email: Yamana.gold@fticonsulting.com

Credit Suisse (Joint UK Corporate Broker)Ben Lawrence / David Nangle Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7888 8888

Joh.BerenbergGossler& Co. KG (Joint UK Corporate Broker)Matthew Armitt / Jennifer Wyllie / Detlir EleziTelephone: +44 (0) 20 3207 7800

Peel Hunt LLP (Joint UK Corporate Broker)Ross Allister / David McKeown / Alexander AllenTelephone: +44 (0) 20 7418 8900

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This news release contains or incorporates by reference forward-looking statements and forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation and within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to information with respect to the Companys strategy, plans or future financial or operating performance, changes to its dividend policy and dividend reporting, the implementation of a cash reserve fund in order to sustain dividend level independent of gold prices, the Companys expectation that it will continue to generate cash flow and execute on monetization initiatives, some of which will support the cash reserve fund, or updates regarding mineral reserves and mineral resources. Forward-looking statements are characterized by words such as plan", expect, budget, target, project, intend, believe, anticipate, estimate and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions may or will occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made, and are inherently subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other known and unknown factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. These factors include unforeseen impacts on cash flow, monetization initiatives, and available residual cash, an inability to maintain a cash reserve fund balance that can support current or future dividend increases, the outcome of various planned technical studies, production and exploration, development, optimizations and expansion plans at the Company's projects, changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls or regulations and/or change in the administration of laws, policies and practices, and the impact of general business and economic conditions, global liquidity and credit availability on the timing of cash flows and the values of assets and liabilities based on projected future conditions, fluctuating metal prices (such as gold, silver and zinc), currency exchange rates (such as the Brazilian Real, the Chilean Peso and the Argentine Peso versus the United States Dollar), the impact of inflation, possible variations in ore grade or recovery rates, changes in the Companys hedging program, changes in accounting policies, changes in mineral resources and mineral reserves, risks related to asset dispositions, risks related to metal purchase agreements, risks related to acquisitions, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, changes in project development, unanticipated costs and expenses, higher prices for fuel, steel, power, labour and other consumables contributing to higher costs and general risks of the mining industry, failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, unexpected changes in mine life, final pricing for concentrate sales, unanticipated results of future studies, seasonality and unanticipated weather changes, costs and timing of the development of new deposits, success of exploration activities, permitting timelines, government regulation and the risk of government expropriation or nationalization of mining operations, risks related to relying on local advisors and consultants in foreign jurisdictions, environmental risks, unanticipated reclamation expenses, risks relating to joint venture or jointly owned operations, title disputes or claims, limitations on insurance coverage, timing and possible outcome of pending and outstanding litigation and labour disputes, risks related to enforcing legal rights in foreign jurisdictions, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to herein and in the Company's Annual Information Form filed with the securities regulatory authorities in all provinces of Canada and available at http://www.sedar.com, and the Companys Annual Report on Form40-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended.There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or managements estimates, assumptions or opinions should change, except as required by applicable law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking information contained herein is presented for the purpose of assisting investors in understanding the Companys expected financial and operational performance and results as at and for the periods ended on the dates presented in the Companys plans and objectives and may not be appropriate for other purposes.

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Yamana Gold Provides 2021-2023 Guidance and Ten-Year Overview - GlobeNewswire

The Constitution directs Congress to provide and maintain a Navy. This direction is open to many interpretations, but Congress resolved the current policy with direction to build a 355-ship Navy with 12 carriers and defined other categories of ships. The president signed the law, but the last administration did nothing to implement it. Now is the time to start implementation.

Russia is rebuilding its Navy with emphasis on highly capable submarines. But the major challenge comes from China.

During the last 30 years, China has transitioned from a land power to a major maritime power. It started with commercial activities. It is the largest producer of merchant ships. It has one of the largest commercial fleets in international trade. It has container and port management in several countries, including the United States. It has roughly 17,000 open-ocean fishing ships around the world.

As described in a recent U.S. Defense Department study, China now has the worlds largest navy. It has an overseas base on the Red Sea, with others planned in the Indian Ocean area. Navy shipbuilding is accelerating, with quality improving in each ship generation. It has not caught up with the U.S. and allies, but the challenge is clear.

The Biden administration will undertake a review of naval forces but must understand the rapid change now occurring. Shipbuilding budgets of the last 30 years will not be adequate to build this fleet. They will need to approximate the Cold War annual average of about $25 billion in constant dollars.

The important starting point is carrier force levels. Carriers have proven to be the most important naval force when power is needed. Many in the Pentagon want to reduce the current level of 11 to eight. This is wrong. Congress has it right by planning 12. The fastest way to get there is refueling the aircraft carrier Nimitz rather than retiring it.

Rebuilding will be a combination of new construction and upgrading, with life extension of current ships. For example, the current plan will retire 22 guided-missile cruisers with 2,000 missile launchers and 44 5-inch guns. This is a major offensive capability that should be retained along with that ship class anti-submarine capability.

There are a few glimmers of hope. The DDG-51 class has contained cost growth and is a promising ballistic missile defense ship. The new frigate, based on a proven Italian design, provides hope to a low cost but capable, multimission combatant that, with competition, can be built in quantity.

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Many problems remain. The Ford-class carrier is about 10 years late and 25 percent over budget largely because the mission-critical weapons elevators as well as both aircraft-launch and arresting-gear projects failed on the planned schedule.

Attack submarine production ramp-up is currently limited by a supplier base shrunken in the 1990s. The new ballistic missile submarine now shows signs of design delay. The littoral combat ship is still searching for a mission. Propulsion system reliability on one design has caused deliveries to be stopped.

Plus there is the very high cost DDG-1000, which does not have ammunition for its unique gun because development was canceled. Navy wants to build a new cruiser but has not developed the combat system (nor the cost estimate) for it. Several classes of logistic ships are planned, but costs have risen far beyond the constant dollar costs of prior classes.

Added to all this is the diversion of unmanned ships. Many assume that these experimental prototype ships will be the Navy of the future. While there are important and probable missions, performance is not proven.

The cost-management problem is best summarized by the replacement cost of the amphibious assault ship Bonhomme Richard. Original cost in constant dollars is $1.3 billion. The Navy says that current replacement cost is $4.1 billion. This is a clear case of out-of-control requirements creep and manufacturing inefficiency at many levels.

Cost control has to be restored if there is to be any hope of rebuilding the Navy.

Rebuilding and expanding the Navy is a major challenge. Recent results do not inspire confidence. The four important and interdependent lessons that we learned in the 1980s need to be remembered and applied. In brief, they are:

Everett Pyatt is a former assistant secretary of the U.S. Navy for shipbuilding and logistics.

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Here are the challenges involved in building the future US Navy - DefenseNews.com

TEFEN, Israel, Jan. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Fresh produce packaging innovators, StePac Ltd. are gaining growing interest in the retail sector for their functional standing pouches. The attractive, high-performance resealable bags are crafted with the company's proprietary Xgoadvanced modified atmosphere/modified humidity (MA/MH) technology. They're designed to significantly lengthen the shelf life of fresh produce and reduce waste in the supply chain as well as in the consumer's homes. The pouch enhances consumer experience and concurrently helps raise the fresh food packaging sector to greater ethical standards by contributing its part to the global waste reduction effort.

Divine Flavor, LLC, a San Diego, Calif.-based, grower-owned distributor of fruits and vegetables and part of agro giant Grupo Alta, have already adopted StePac's new standing pouches. The attractively designed Xgo standing pouch is cleverly engineered to combine shelf-life extension capabilities by actively slowing the aging and ripening process, with convenience in an attractive "grab-n-go" retail packaging format.

Since 2010, Divine Flavor took advantage of StePac's Xtendline ofbulk packaging for transporting its squash, cucumbers and bell peppers from growing regions in Mexico to USA. The company began testing the new Xgo standing pouches just over two years ago in a move to expand their line of high value products and bring differentiation of their brand by offering supermarkets a means of bringing the purposeful packaging benefits all the way from the farm to the consumer.

Xgo standing pouches allowed the company to shift to packing fresh produce in the final retail format at source. Impressed by the consistent performance, the Divine Flavor technical team fully adopted the protocol in 2020 for direct field-to-home refrigerator packaging of its Persian cucumbers for the US market. It is now arousing the interest of fresh produce distributers around the globe.

"The Xgo standing pouch is a remarkably high performing product, with an unrivalled ability to retain freshness and meaningfully extend product shelf life," attests Michael DuPuis, Quality Assurance and Public Relations Coordinator for Divine Flavors. "The Feedback from our customers has been excellent; they're really happy with the quality and attractive appearance and the fact that it has that sustainability edge consumers are seeking."

The Xgostanding pouchlife extension capabilities are due to unique properties inbuilt into the packaging matrix that functions to lower oxygen (O2) and increase carbon dioxide (CO2). This creates optimal conditions for slowing respiration and senescence (aging) in plant tissues, inhibiting the growth of mold and other microorganisms, thereby preserving freshness and valuable nutrients. The StePac technology limits dehydration and product weight loss during storage, shipment, and home use and has inbuilt condensation control, that ensures high visibility of the packed products even under challenging supply chain conditions.

StePac's breakthrough pouches are resealable and are also available in fully recyclable formats, contributing to a circular economy. They can be decoratively printed for personal brands to evoke instant product recognition while on the shelves and come with a convenient grab handle.

"Our packaging designs have traditionally focused on the wholesale sector, offering a lean functional solution to bulk packaging of high-value fresh produce that can support long haul shipments as well as storage," says Gary Ward, Ph.D., Business Development Manager for StePac. "It already demonstrated abilities to extend shelf life by 50-100%, bringing promising support to food-waste reduction. In the midst of current Covid19 climate, concerns for food safety are driving demand for more retail packaging. We have purpose designed our packaging to preserve quality and reduce waste in the most sustainable way possible. We are increasingly venturing into the retail sector to bring this sustainable resource saving solution into consumers' homes."

About StePac:

StePac specializes in functional packaging for fresh produce. Its globally recognized brands include Xtend, Xgo, Xflow and Xbloom modified-atmosphere/modified-humidity packaging solutions. These solutions reduce weight loss, slow respiration and aging, and inhibit microbial decay, while prolonging storability and shelf life. They are supported by a wealth of post-harvest expertise for enhanced performance and sustainability.

SOURCE StePac

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Divine Flavor adopts StePac' modified atmosphere standing pouches for extending produce shelf life in the retail sector - PRNewswire

BOULDER, Colo., Jan. 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- miRagen Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: MGEN), a development-stage biotechnology company, today announced its name change to Viridian Therapeutics, Inc. (Viridian). Beginning tomorrow, Viridian will trade on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol "VRDN" and its common stock will trade under a new CUSIP number, 92790C104.

The Company also announced today the appointment of Jonathan Violin, Ph.D., M.B.A. as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and member of the Board of Directors. Dr. Violin, who previously served as Viridians President and Chief Operating Officer (COO), succeeds Lee Rauch as CEO and member of the Board of Directors. Ms. Rauch will remain as strategic advisor for the Company.

In addition, Viridian appointed internationally recognized neuro-ophthalmologist, Barrett Katz M.D., M.B.A., as Chief Medical Officer (CMO). Dr. Katz comes to Viridian from BridgeBio Pharma, Inc. where he developed therapeutics to treat orphan eye diseases.

The leadership team changes and Viridian Therapeutics name reflect the continuing evolution of the company and our patient-centric model of innovation, said Dr. Violin. Were leveraging proven biology and technology to efficiently allocate research and development resources, while addressing strategic gaps related to access, delivery, quality of life, and efficacy. We are thrilled to attract someone with Dr. Katzs depth of expertise in serving patients and leading scientific and clinical programs.

During his tenure at BridgeBio, Dr. Katz held leadership positions in two subsidiaries, as President and CMO of Retinagenix and CEO of Fortify Therapeutics. Prior to BridgeBio, he was CMO at GenSight Biologics where he oversaw early- and late-stage clinical programs. He held the Francis DeJur Chair of Ophthalmology at the Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, where he also served as Professor of Ophthalmology, Neurology and Neurosurgery, as well as the Executive Director of the Office of Clinical Trials. He previously served as CEO of Danube Pharmaceuticals, CMO of Fovea Pharmaceuticals and VP for Medical Affairs and Strategy at Eyetech. Dr. Katz received an M.D. from Case-Western Reserve University School of Medicine, an M.B.A. from the University of Rochesters Simon School of Business, and an A.B. from Colgate University.

Prior to co-founding privately held Viridian Therapeutics, Dr. Violin had founded and served as CEO of two virtual drug discovery companies, Quellis Biosciences and Dianthus Therapeutics, and co-founded and held several executive positions at Trevena, Inc. He holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences from the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, an M.B.A. from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University, and a B.S. from Duke University.

Viridian is developing multiple product candidates to treat patients who suffer from thyroid eye disease (TED), a debilitating orphan disease that can cause bulging eyes, or proptosis, as well as double vision and potential blindness. TED significantly impacts quality of life, imposing a high physical and mental burden on patients. There is currently one Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatment for TED, an intravenously administered monoclonal antibody that targets the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R).

Patients with TED have limited treatment options, said Dr. Katz. Viridian has a clear and compelling strategy to better serve these patients. I am delighted to help build upon the Companys recent momentum and eager to design and implement robust clinical programs for our lead product candidates.

Viridians most advanced product candidate is VRDN-001, an intravenously administered anti-IGF-1R monoclonal antibody which, the Company expects to proceed directly to a phase 2 trial, pending feedback from the FDA. In October, the Company obtained exclusive worldwide rights from ImmunoGen, Inc. to develop and commercialize VRDN-001 for all non-oncology indications that do not use radiopharmaceuticals, including the treatment of TED.

VRDN-002 is the Companys second-generation product candidate, incorporating half-life extension technology, and is intended for subcutaneous administration. Viridian holds exclusive rights to develop and commercialize antibody therapeutics targeting IGF-1R using the XtendTM half-life extension technology developed and owned by Xencor, Inc.

In the second half of 2021, Viridian expects to file Investigational New Drug (IND) applications for both VRDN-001 and VRDN-002.

AboutViridian Therapeutics

Viridian Therapeuticsis a biotechnology company advancing new treatments for patients suffering from serious diseases but underserved by todays therapies. Viridians most advanced program, VRDN-001, is a clinical-stage anti-IGF-1R monoclonal antibody in development for thyroid eye disease (TED). Viridian is headquartered inBoulder, Colorado, with research and development operations in Waltham, Massachusetts. Learn more about Viridian and our programs at viridiantherapeutics.com. Follow us on Twitter @ViridianThera and on LinkedIn.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of words such as, but not limited to, "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "might," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "target," "will," or "would" or other similar terms or expressions that concern Viridians expectation, strategy, plans or intentions. Forward looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the Companys future research and clinical development plans and the potential commencement of the Companys Phase 2 clinical trial and the timing for any of these events. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, our clinical results and other future conditions. New risks and uncertainties may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all risks and uncertainties. No representations or warranties (expressed or implied) are made about the accuracy of any such forward-looking statements. We may not actually achieve the forecasts disclosed in our forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of material risks and uncertainties including but not limited to those set forth under the caption Risk Factors in Viridians Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on November 12, 2020 and in other filings Viridian makes with the SEC from time to time. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it was made. Neither we, nor our affiliates, advisors or representatives, undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any date subsequent to the date hereof.

Viridian Contacts:

Investors:Dan FerryLifeSci Advisors617-430-7576IR@viridiantherapeutics.com

Media:Darby PearsonVerge Scientific Communications703-587-0831PR@viridiantherapeutics.com

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miRagen Therapeutics Announces Company Name Change to Viridian Therapeutics and New Executive Appointments, Including Expansion of Leadership Team -...

VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Capstone Mining Corp. (Capstone or the Company) (TSX:CS) provides a corporate update including 2021 production and capital guidance, project and exploration updates and executive leadership announcements. Capstones 2020 actual production finished above the highest end of the 140 to 155 million pounds guidance range and actual costs below the bottom end of $1.85 to $2.00 per pound of payable copper. The Company will further expand on 2020 results when it releases 2020 fourth quarter results on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 before market open, followed by an investor webcast and conference call at 11:30 am Eastern Time.

2021 PRODUCTION, COST AND CAPITAL GUIDANCE

In 2021, Capstone expects to produce between 175 and 190 million pounds of copper at C1 cash costs1 of between $1.75 and $1.90 per pound payable copper produced.

This is the first year of a multi-year growth phase for Capstone that will target 40% higher production with 15% lower costs by 2022, compared to last years guidance, said Darren Pylot, President and CEO. In the coming weeks, we will close the $150 million silver stream announced last month with Wheaton Precious Metals and it will allow Capstone to become debt free in 2021, while operating in this strong copper price environment. I am also pleased to announce the appointment of Brad Mercer to Chief Operating Officer, as he has been instrumental in leading Cozamins success in exploration and expansion, and will now have expanded responsibility for both Cozamin and Pinto Valley operations.

Brad Mercer, SVP and Chief Operating Officer said, We have high impact, high return projects at each operation to advance this year. At Cozamin, we will release a pillar extraction study and new mine plan shortly, and following that our paste backfill and dry stack tailings project will officially commence. At Pinto Valley, the Eriez HydroFloat project is in final stage gate review following pilot plant testing which surpassed our 6% improvement target to overall copper recovery. This test gave us a sneak peak of where we want to get to in 2022; for the month of December, Pinto Valley averaged a record 60,717 tonnes per day.

Darren Pylot continued, I am pleased to announce we have extended our exclusive discussions with Puerto Ventanas on a port and rail definitive agreement partnership for the Santo Domingo project. This, coupled with a possible gold stream, will significantly reduce the remaining capital needed as we advance discussions with potential strategic partners over the next six months.

2021 GUIDANCE

Pinto Valley

Cozamin

Santo Domingo2

Total

Production and Cost (US$)

Copper production (million pounds)

127 137

48 53

-

175 190

C1 Cash Cost1

$2.00 $2.15

$1.00 $1.15

-

$1.75 $1.90

Capital Expenditure (US$ millions, rounded)

Sustaining

$43

$25

-

$68

Capitalized Stripping - Expansionary

$7

-

-

$7

Expansionary

$20

$13

$20

$53

Total Capital Expenditure

$70

$38

$20

$128

Exploration (US$ millions, rounded)

Brownfield (Cozamin)

-

$5

-

$5

Greenfield (Mexico and Brazil)

-

-

-

$4

Total Exploration

-

$5

-

$9

2 On a 100% basis, the figure for expansionary capital at Santo Domingo is $29 million; $20 million is Capstones 70% ownership.

Sustainable 200 Million Pounds Production By 2022

2020 was a pivotal year for Capstone, at both Cozamin and Pinto Valley, as several projects were implemented to increase throughput and lower costs.

At Cozamin, the one-way ramp connection was completed in December which will lead to a 30% increase in mining rates to 3,800 tonnes per day (tpd), supported by a higher grade mine plan, which will deliver 50 million pounds of copper production and higher moving forward.

At Pinto Valley, Phase 1 of the PV3 Optimization was executed and the result of improved blast fragmentation in the mine, increased online time in the crushing plant, and higher mill throughput has translated to sustainable gains in overall performance. In 2021, Capstone expects mill throughput to average 56,000-57,000 tpd, which is a 10% increase in throughput from 2019 levels, and is targeting an increase to 60,000 to 63,000 tpd by 2022 following Phase 2 of PV3 Optimization work this year. The $20 million of expansionary work this year includes the replacement of another secondary crusher with 50% more capacity, upgrades to conveyors in the fine crushing plant, a mill shell replacement and upgrades to the tailings thickeners to improve water reclaim capability. All the PV3 Optimization projects will be included in an updated 43-101 Technical Report for Pinto Valley in H2 2021.

TWO HIGH IMPACT AND HIGH RETURN PROJECTS TO ADVANCE STARTING IN Q1 2021

Cozamin Paste Backfill and Dry Stack Tailings

In early Q1, Capstone will release an updated technical report for Cozamin which will include a new Reserve and Resource, inclusive of all the drilling completed in 2020, and results of the underground paste backfill prefeasibility study (PFS) to assess the potential for increasing the extraction ratio from Vein 20 in the Mala Noche Footwall Zone (MNFWZ). The current life of mine plan released in September 2020 excluded these pillars and assumed an extraction ratio of 74%, leaving 3.5 million tonnes of Indicated Mineral Resources grading 1.89% copper and 42 g/t silver in unmined pillars that is the subject of the PFS. These pillars, plus additional reserves from drilling, represent increased mine life potential. The $45 to $50 million project will commence this year and when in operation, targeted for Q1 2023, will allow for maximizing the extraction of high-grade ore. It will also improve environmental performance given 60% of our tailings will be sent underground and the remaining tailings will employ best practice dry-stack technology.

Pinto Valley Eriez HydroFloat Coarse Particle Floatation

The Eriez HydroFloat project is currently in final stage gate review following positive pilot plant testing which showed that a 6 to 8% increase in overall copper recovery at Pinto Valley is achievable. Furthermore, this technology will allow the operation increased throughput by operating at a coarser grind size, which is expected to lower power costs, improve water consumption and lead to higher stability in the tailings storage facility. Following final approval in Q1 2021, the $50 to $70 million expansionary capital will be spread over 2021 and early 2022, with start-up expected in Q2 2022. This will add to the $20 million of expansionary capital guidance for this year. Capstone will provide an update on the Eriez HydroFloat project in our 2020 results news release on February 24, 2021.

FUTURE GROWTH

Santo Domingo Capstone Enters into Exclusive Discussions with Puerto Ventanas for the Port and Rail

In September 2020, Capstone announced it had entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Puerto Ventanas S.A. for the Santo Domingo projects port and rail. A mutually attractive proposal is now being considered with synergies in business strategies identified. Exclusive negotiations around a proposed economic offer and framework agreement are ongoing. In addition to a port and rail deal with Puerto Ventanas, a gold stream and a strategic partnership are key deliverables for Capstone during H1 2021.

PV4 Study

Work on scenarios to take advantage of approximately one billion tonnes of Resource at similar grade to Pinto Valleys current Reserves will be conducted. Extensive column leach test work in collaboration with Jetti Resources will take place over 2021. The Jetti catalytic technology has been a success at Pinto Valleys leaching operation, where we expect to recover up to 350 million pounds of cathode copper over the current mine life from historic and new mineralized waste piles. Capstone is a pioneer of this leach technology and we intend to use it to enhance the economics of a future expansion at Pinto Valley. Other technologies we are studying include autonomous trucking that could lower mining costs up to 30%. The PV4 study is expected to be released in 2022, and will contemplate using existing mill infrastructure rather than building new, with higher mining rates, higher cut-off grades to the mill and increased tonnage available for leaching.

EXPLORATION UPDATE

The 2021 budget for brownfield exploration is $5 million and $4 million for greenfield exploration in Mexico and Brazil. Refer to the Exploration page on Capstones website for detailed information. An exploration update will be released in Q1 detailing recent exploration results and plans for 2021.

Cozamin Step-Out Drill Program

An 80-hole step-out drill program at Cozamin is targeting the down dip extension to the southeast of both Vein 10 and Vein 20 of the MNFWZ and extension to the west of the MNFWZ. The MNFWZ West is a new copper-silver target identified in November 2020, resulting from a reinterpreted vein model, and is accessible from both the historic San Roberto mine and the current MNFWZ Vein 20 mine. Drilling at the MNFWZ West target has commenced and will take priority over the East during 2021, as accessibility is better in the West. The East target will be easier to access following the development of an exploration drift this year.

Figure 1 Two areas of active expansion exploration at Cozamin including MNFWZ West and MNFWZ East

EXECUTIVE ANNOUNCEMENTS

Brad Mercer has been appointed to the position of Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Brad joined Capstone over 15 years ago and is a valued member of the senior leadership team. Over the past few years, Brad has demonstrated his operational excellence through the execution of the mine expansion project at Cozamin. In combination with his expertise in geology, his innovative lens on operations will be a significant benefit to Capstones operating assets. Brad will provide operational leadership and oversight to both Pinto Valley and Cozamin and will also continue to oversee all exploration activities.

Wendy King has an expanded role that will include her senior executive oversight on environment, social and governance (ESG). Her position is now Senior Vice President, Risk, ESG and General Counsel. In addition to leading matters relating to legal corporate governance insurance and overseeing the enterprise-wide risk management strategy, she will now lead the companys strategy for ESG and sustainability.

Q4 2020 RESULTS CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST DETAILS

Capstone will release its 2020 fourth quarter results on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 before market open, followed by an investor webcast and conference call on the same day at 11:30 am ET (8:30 am PT).

Link to the webcast and audio:

https://produceredition.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1420420&tp_key=d986555c4e

Dial-in numbers for the audio-only portion of the conference call are below. Due to an increase in call volume, please dial-in at least five minutes prior to 11:30 am ET to ensure placement into the conference line on time.

Toronto: (+1) 416-764-8650Vancouver: (+1) 778-383-7413North America toll free: 888-664-6383Confirmation #59411728

A replay of the conference call will be available until March 3, 2021. Dial-in numbers for Toronto: (+1) 416-764-8677 and North American toll free: 888-390-0541. The replay code is 411728#. Following the replay, an audio file will be available on Capstones website at: https://capstonemining.com/investors/events-and-presentations/default.aspx.

ABOUT CAPSTONE MINING CORP.

Capstone Mining Corp. is a Canadian base metals mining company, focused on copper. We are committed to the responsible development of our assets and the environments in which we operate. Our two producing mines are the Pinto Valley copper mine located in Arizona, US and the Cozamin copper-silver mine in Zacatecas State, Mexico. In addition, Capstone owns 70% of Santo Domingo, a large scale, fully permitted, copper-iron-gold project in Region III, Chile, in partnership with Korea Resources Corporation, as well as a portfolio of exploration properties. Capstone's strategy is to focus on the optimization of operations and assets in politically stable, mining-friendly regions, centred in the Americas. Our headquarters are in Vancouver, Canada and we are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX). Further information is available at http://www.capstonemining.com.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This document may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively, forward-looking statements). These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this document and the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements, except as required under applicable securities legislation.

Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect our expectations or beliefs regarding future events and the impacts of the ongoing and evolving COVID-19 pandemic. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, the expected success of the underground paste backfill system study, the realization of Mineral Reserve estimates, the timing and amount of estimated future production, costs of production and capital expenditures, the success of our mining operations, the continuing success of mineral exploration, the estimations for potential quantities and grade of inferred resources and exploration targets, Capstones ability to fund future exploration activities, environmental risks, unanticipated reclamation expenses and title disputes. The potential effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business and operations are unknown at this time, including Capstones ability to manage challenges and restrictions arising from COVID-19 in the communities in which Capstone operates and our ability to continue to safely operate and to safely return our business to normal operations. The impact of COVID-19 to Capstone is dependent on a number of factors outside of our control and knowledge, including the effectiveness of the measures taken by public health and governmental authorities to combat the spread of the disease, global economic uncertainties and outlook due to the disease, and the evolving restrictions relating to mining activities and to travel in certain jurisdictions in which we operate.

In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as plans, expects, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates, believes or variations of such words and phrases, or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved or the negative of these terms or comparable terminology. In this document certain forward-looking statements are identified by words including anticipated, guidance, plan and expected. By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, amongst others, risks related to inherent hazards associated with mining operations and closure of mining projects, future prices of copper and other metals, compliance with financial covenants, surety bonding, our ability to raise capital, Capstones ability to acquire properties for growth, counterparty risks associated with sales of our metals, use of financial derivative instruments and associated counterparty risks, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, market access restrictions or tariffs, changes in general economic conditions, accuracy of Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates, operating in foreign jurisdictions with risk of changes to governmental regulation, compliance with governmental regulations, compliance with environmental laws and regulations, reliance on approvals, licenses and permits from governmental authorities, acting as Indemnitor for Minto Exploration Ltd.s surety bond obligations post divestiture, impact of climatic conditions on our Pinto Valley and Cozamin operations, aboriginal title claims and rights to consultation and accommodation, land reclamation and mine closure obligations, risks relating to widespread epidemics or pandemic outbreak including the COVID-19 pandemic; the impact of COVID-19 on our workforce, suppliers and other essential resources and what effect those impacts, if they occur, would have on our business, including our ability to access goods and supplies, the ability to transport our products and impacts on employee productivity, the risks in connection with the operations, cash flow and results of Capstone relating to the unknown duration and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, uncertainties and risks related to the potential development of the Santo Domingo Project, including our ability to finance the Project, increased operating and capital costs, challenges to title to our mineral properties, maintaining ongoing social license to operate, dependence on key management personnel, potential conflicts of interest involving our directors and officers, corruption and bribery, limitations inherent in our insurance coverage, labour relations, increasing energy prices, competition in the mining industry, risks associated with joint venture partners, our ability to integrate new acquisitions into our operations, cybersecurity threats, legal proceedings, and other risks of the mining industry as well as those factors detailed from time to time in the Companys interim and annual financial statements and MD&A of those statements, all of which are filed and available for review under the Companys profile on SEDAR at http://www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those described in our forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause our results, performance or achievements not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that our forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as our actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements.

NATIONAL INSTRUMENT 43-101 COMPLIANCE

Unless otherwise indicated, Capstone has prepared the technical information in this news release (Technical Information) based on information contained in the technical reports, Annual Information Form and news releases (collectively the Disclosure Documents) available under Capstone Mining Corp.s company profile on SEDAR at http://www.sedar.com. Each Disclosure Document was prepared by or under the supervision of a qualified person (a Qualified Person) as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators (NI 43-101). Readers are encouraged to review the full text of the Disclosure Documents which qualifies the Technical Information. Readers are advised that Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The Disclosure Documents are each intended to be read as a whole, and sections should not be read or relied upon out of context. The Technical Information is subject to the assumptions and qualifications contained in the Disclosure Documents. Disclosure Documents include the National Instrument 43-101 compliant technical reports titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Cozamin Mine, Zacatecas, Mexico" effective October 23, 2020, Pinto Valley Mine Life Extension Phase 3 (PV3) Pre-Feasibility Study effective January 1, 2016 and Santo Domingo Project, Region III, Chile, NI 43-101 Technical Report effective February 19, 2020.

The disclosure of scientific and Technical Information in this news release was reviewed and approved by Brad Mercer, P. Geol., Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES

Alternative performance measures are furnished to provide additional information. These non-GAAP performance measures are included in this news release because these statistics are key performance measures that management uses to monitor performance, to assess how the Company is performing, and to plan and assess the overall effectiveness and efficiency of mining operations. These performance measures do not have a standard meaning within IFRS and, therefore, amounts presented may not be comparable to similar data presented by other mining companies. These performance measures should not be considered in isolation as a substitute for measures of performance in accordance with IFRS.

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Capstone Advances Two Operational Growth Projects to Sustain 200 Mlbs Copper Production Starting in 2022 - Business Wire

The nations have conflicting research results on Roches Actemra and Sanofi and Regenerons Kevzara. The United Kingdom says the anti-inflammatory drugs significantly reduce the risk of death in covid patients needing intensive care.

FiercePharma:Roche's Actemra, Regeneron's Kevzara Win U.K.'s Favor In COVID-19 After Study Shows 24% Drop In Death RiskThe question of whether seriously ill COVID-19 patients can benefit from anti-inflammatories like Roches Actemra and Sanofi and Regenerons Kevzara has dogged practitioners in the United States thanks to conflicting clinical trial results. The United Kingdom, on the other hand, has reached a definitive answer on the two drugs, both of which are IL-6 inhibitors: They significantly reduce the risk of death in COVID-19 patients needing intensive care, and they should be used to ease the pressure hospitals are now facing as the coronavirus pandemic continues to intensify, the countrys National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) said Thursday. The recommendation came after data from an NIHR-sponsored study showed that Actemra and Kevzara can cut hospital stays for COVID-19 patients admitted to intensive care by 10 days and can lower the risk of death by 24% in patients who receive either drug within a day of admission. (Weintraub, 1/8)

Albuquerque Journal:NM Providers Slow To Prescribe Coronavirus Antibody DrugsNew antibody drugs are available around the state that, if given early, can dramatically reduce the chance of at-risk COVID-19 patients getting so sick they end up in the hospital. But there havent been a lot of takers in New Mexico despite a near-record of 43 daily deaths one day last week related to COVID-19. Now the push is on to educate patients and medical providers about the availability and effectiveness of the two IV-administered antibody therapies. (Heild, 1/10)

Fortune:Bayer Strikes Deal To Aid CureVac In COVID-19 Vaccine RolloutThe German biopharma firm CureVac has announced a tie-up with the country's biggest pharmaceutical beast, Bayer, for the development and supply of CureVac's candidate COVID-19 vaccine. The companies did not disclose the financial terms of the deal. Bayer's stock jumped more than 2% on the news Thursday morning. The collaboration and services agreement should aid the supply of "several hundred million" vaccine doses, the companies said. CureVac said in November that it intends to produce up to 300 million doses this year, and up to 600 million doses in 2022. (Meyer, 1/7)

FiercePharma:Look Out, Pharma. A 'Tidal Wave' Of Side Effect Reports Is Coming Amid COVID-19 Vaccine RolloutsWith COVID-19 vaccine launches gaining steamand an unprecedented level of media coverage zeroed inpharma companies of all stripes should brace not only for a wave of adverse event reports, experts say, but for lawsuits that could follow. With tens of millions of Americansset to be vaccinated, including many people athigh risk of severe COVID-19, it's not just vaccine makers who need to actively look out for potential adverse events or drug interactions, lawyers with Sidley Austin said. All pharma companiesnot just those involved in COVID-19 vaccine deliveriescanexpect a significant increase in volume of reports over the coming months,Torrey Cope, a partner in the firm'sFood, Drug and Medical Device Regulatory practice,said in an interview. (Sagonowsky, 1/7)

ProPublica:CDC Shut Down A Lab Involved In Making Faulty Coronavirus TestsWith no public notice, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in October shut down a key lab involved in making faulty COVID-19 tests for state and local health authorities early in the pandemic. The move came less than six hours after ProPublica published an investigation that detailed for the first time the chain of mistakes and disputes that unfolded inside CDC labs, which culminated in one of the biggest fumbles in the agencys 74-year history. A CDC acting branch chief told the staff of the Respiratory Viruses Diagnostics Team lab on Oct. 15 that the closure would be for two to four weeks while the CDC investigated and the staff worked on corrective action plans, according to internal sources. But more than two months later, the lab still is not performing tests. (Bandler, Callahan and Rotella, 1/8)

In other pharmaceutical industry news

FiercePharma:FDA Extends Immunodeficiency Drug's Shelf Life As Pandemic Exacerbates ShortagesThe U.S. immunoglobulinsupplyjust got alittle more secure, thanks to a label change enablingone of Octapharma's chief rare disease meds to sitin the fridge for up to three years.The FDA has stretched the expiration date of 42 existing lots of Octapharmas subcutaneous immune deficiency drug cutaquigand granted a 12-month shelf life extension on future lots stored at 36 degrees to 46 degrees Fahrenheit. The drug was previously cleared to last 24 months when refrigerated. Cutaquigs six-month shelf life at room temperature remains unchanged, Octapharma said Tuesday. (Kansteiner, 1/6)

Stat:FDA Advisory Panel Meetings Became "Rarer And Tougher" In 2020Among the myriad changes wrought by the Covid-19 pandemic, Food and Drug Administration advisory committee meetings to review medicines are rarer and tougher now, according to one Wall Street analyst. Over the past year, just half of new drug applications taken to advisory committees were recommended for regulatory approval. That compares with 78% in 2019 and a rate of more than 80% in three of the four years before that, according to Cowen analyst Rick Weissenstein, who cited an analysis by the Prevision Policy consulting firm in an investor note. (Silverman, 1/8)

FiercePharma:Should Pharma Charity Contributions Be Publicly Disclosed, Just Like Doctor Payments? Senators Say YesPharma companies have inked a series of federal settlements over payments to charity organizations, which the federal government argues are a conduit to boosting drug sales. Now, after an opioid investigation, two Senators want all those charity payments disclosed publicly. And they have just the mechanism for it. Sens. Chuck Grassley and Ron Wyden have calledforan expansion of theCenters for Medicare and Medicaid Services Open Payments database. Thatdatabase now includespayments from pharma companies to doctors and other medical providers, but the senators propose adding payments to tax-exempt groups, too. Further, the senators have called for anew requirement that the HHS secretary formulate guidelines to boost transparency aroundresearch organizations and others contracted by the health agency. (Sagonowsky, 1/8)

CIDRAP:Nations Facing Drug Shortages Use Registries, Other StepsDrug supply chain vulnerabilities have achieved greater visibility with the COVID-19 pandemic, but they have increasingly plagued countries in the past few years. A survey published in Health Policy's December issue found that 20 of 24 countries used drug registries to combat them, 20 simplified regulatory procedures during shortages, 18 regularly talked with stakeholders, and 15 had financial sanctions in place for when manufacturers missed notification or supply requirements. Even with these practices in place, multiple countries expressed an interest in increasing management strategies, and for good reason. Finland, the researchers report, experienced an 18-fold increase in shortages from 2010 to 2018, with instances doubling from 2016 to 2018 alone. (McLernon, 1/8)

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2 More Drugs Recommended To Treat Covid In UK, But Not In US - Kaiser Health News

No one knows what's gonna happen next in The Ventrue Bros, and yet it always seems like every twist was always meant to happen.

In the second half of 2020, Adult Swim decided to cancel one of its longest lasting and most prominent series, The Venture Bros. Thought by many within its community to be one of the most well-written superhero series of all time and a clear rival to even Rick and Morty, The Venture Bros. was an adult animation stand out that impressed with its witty writing, tot pacing, and large yet complex cast of characters.

RELATED:The Venture Bros: 10 Most Heroic Characters, Ranked

For a series that was initially animated over old, Hanna-Barbera cels, the series clearly became its own beast. This isn't just because it did the action cartoon schtick well but because it more than redefined subversion with its famous line of plot twists and character development. No one ever knows what's gonna happen next, and yet it always seems like every twist was always meant to happen.

One of the earliest and hardest hitting twists in the series was discovering that the Hank and Dean Venture that the fans were introduced to were not, in fact, the original Hank and Dean Venture. As Jonas Venture's old associate, Ben, put it, their dad couldn't handle the heartbreak of seeing them gone and decided to use a big ol' "band aid" to make things better.

RELATED:10 Best Venture Bros. Episodes (Until Season 8)

Due to the Venture Family's dangerous missions, some negligence on Rusty's part, and some stupidity on their part, the boys have actually died a shared 29 times throughout their "lifetime." With the slugs being destroyed and the O.S.I. now watching Dr. Venture for his illegal clone farm, there is now no longer a safety net for the Ventures, meaning that the Hank and Dean of today are likely going to be the last ones.

Myra debuted in Season 2 in another one of her kidnap attempts of Hank and Dean. According to her, she was apparently an old bodyguard of Rusty's that fell in love with him and, after a brief moment of passion, gave birth to the boys. After Rusty and Brock saved them, the two denied that Myra was their mother yet gave a very shaky cover story that she as an American Gladiator.

This gave some fans pause since the series from there would actually show Myra in a couple of flashbacks as Rusty's bodyguard, making some people think that she really could the Venture mom. It wouldn't be until Season 5 when she tried to kidnap Dean that she'd reveal that she never gave birth to them in the first place.

It's to be expected that in the clandestine world of super agents that there would be plenty of twists, turns, and double agents. Colonel Hunter Gathers love and embraces everything about the superspy world.

This meant even taking elective, plastic surgery to infiltrate Molotov's Black Hearts. Yes. Colonel Gathers didn't really betray the O.S.I. but was instead trying to gather intel on another mercenary group. But that's not even true either! Instead, Hunter had initiated is own offshoot of the O.S.I. and a reboot of an old villain organization, S.P.H.I.N.X. to take on bad guys within his own terms.

The relationship between the Venture scientists and their bodyguards is a sacred one. Rusty Venture's trusted second has consistently been Brock Samson. The original Dr. Venture had Kano. And, before them, was Colonel Venture and Eugen Sandow. During the earliest iteration of "The Guild," Colonel Venture was the leader of a group of scientists, artists, and adventurers that had worked together to create the ORB, a MacGuffin purely written to be a MacGuffin.

To prevent Colonel Venture from using it, it looked like Sandow had killed him. Instead, he had actually just broken the ORB, making it useless for future generations. It seemed like the two should've told people, but it did make for a good twist.

The Ventureboys have never shared a bad word against one another, unless for petty, campy reasons. Their closeness had practically been a staple of the series.

RELATED:Love Hurts: The 10 Best Comic Book Love Triangles Of All Time, Ranked

While Season 7 did tease that Dean may have had feelings for Sirena, no one was actually thinking that he'd steal Sirena from Hank, let alone as suddenly and coldly as it was shown at the end. This has created the biggest divide between the two to date and inspired Hank to finally go out on his own. Here's hoping that they work things out in Season 8 and that Season 8 even exists.

Rusty Venture has done a lot of terrible things. He has sacrificed Hank over Dean in a ton of adventures, killed interns in his self-centered Palaemon Project, and literally powered one of his machines with an orphan. These are all terrible things, but it's been easy to pass them off across the story due to the inherently dark and campy nature of the show.

However, if there was one scene of his that assuredly disgusted and horrified fans everywhere, it was learning that he was actually Dermott's father. Upon seducing the 15-year-old president of his own fan club, Rusty held unto one of his darkest and most shameful secrets to date.

It was easy enough to just call Rusty a bad dad given how he's cloned the boys so much. Despite his begrudging efforts to be a good dad, the whole clone thing may have made him even more arrogant and negligent as a father. Did he really need to take the boys on all of those dangerous missions?

As morally ambiguous as the cloning process was, it was surprising (well, not too surprising given Rusty's intelligence) to discover that he didn't actually invent the clones. They were a project of his father's when Rusty himself got into a few too many adventures himself.

Season 7's Morphic Trilogy was the ultimate culmination of some of the series' longest built stories and it was the epicenter of plenty more twists and surprises within the tail end of the story. One of the biggest bombshells was discovering how important the monotoned Vendata really is.

RELATED:20 Comic Dads That Would Make Anyone Wish They Were Orphans

Initially appearing as the most unpopular member of the Council of Thirteen, Vendata was actually Don Fitzcarraldo, the original Blue Morpho, The Monarch's father, and one of Dr. Venture's most trusted associates. After a tragic plane crash, Jonas resurrected Don as Venturion but quickly got rid of him after an incident with Rusty. Don would later get taken in by Dr. Z who reprogrammed him for evil.

While the true nature of Vendata was surprising on its own, his reveals don't compare to the sheer impact of discovering that the original Dr. Venture was still alive...kind of. After the Movie Night Massacre, the original Team Venture quickly got to work to put Jonas in PROBLEM, orPROgressive Biological Life Extension Module.

It was meant to extend someone's life in the event of their untimely death. When Rusty was first called in to check on the PROBLEM's light in Season 1, that was actually Jonas trying to communicate with the passengers of Gargantua-1. He'd resurrect once again in Season 7 only to have one final exchange with the Blue Morpho.

For years, one of the biggest questions in the series was why exactly does The Monarch want to arch Dr. Venture. Fans got somewhat of an idea when he discovered an old childhood photo of the two that he just couldn't recall. In Season 7, it was hinted that Don Fitzcarraldo had some issues conceiving on his own, leaving Jonas to offer his help which inevitably meant sleeping with his wife.

This made Rusty and The Monarch half brothers. Do they now need to compete for the right to the Venture throne? Will The Monarch still want to arch Dr. Venture? Will Rusty actually care about any of this? These questions and more are what keeping longtime fans waiting for Season 8.

NEXT:10 Best Superhero Sibling Rivalries (& Their Best Fights)

Next Legend Of Korra: 5 Characters That Improved After The Time Skip (& 5 That Regressed)

As a writer, auteur, and innovator, I seek to expand human potential through the creative medium, intellectually and emotionally challenging the mass audience. I seek to work in visual and written media, whether it be in film, video games, or publishing, using a variety of mediums to express the full spectrum of art. Over the years, Ive familiarized myself and worked with film organizations and workshops, such as the Austin Film Society, Austin Film Festival, and Austin Film Meet, to grow my understanding of the industry and hone my craft as a writer. My interaction and networking with the Austin film community as well as my interests and studies as a Writing & Rhetoric major have contributed to a fundamental and growing understanding of trends and changes within the art and media industries. In this instance, my knowledge and research could be fundamental in creating and editing effective material. As a whole, Im a valuable asset to any organization seeking experience and knowledge of the media industry as well as any group seeking ambitious storytelling and content creation.

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The Venture Bros: 10 Biggest Twists In The Series | CBR - CBR - Comic Book Resources

Researchers have successfully used a DNA-editing technique to extend the lifespan of mice with the genetic variation associated with progeria, a rare genetic disease that causes extreme premature aging in children and can significantly shorten their life expectancy. The study was published in the journal Nature, and was a collaboration between the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), part of the National Institutes of Health; Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Boston; and the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.

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Base editing for progeria treatmentProgeria is caused by a mutation in the nuclear lamin Agene in which one DNA base C is changed to a T. Researchers used the base editing method, which substitutes a single DNA letter for another without damaging the DNA, to reverse that change. Credit: Ernesto Del Aguila, NHGRI.

DNA is made up of four chemical bases A, C, G and T. Progeria, which is also known as Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, is caused by a mutation in the nuclear lamin A(LMNA) gene in which one DNA base C is changed to a T. This change increases the production of the toxic protein progerin, which causes the rapid aging process.

Approximately 1 in 4 million children are diagnosed with progeria within the first two years of birth, and virtually all of these children develop health issues in childhood and adolescence that are normally associated with old age, including cardiovascular disease (heart attacks and strokes), hair loss, skeletal problems, subcutaneous fat loss and hardened skin.

For this study, researchers used a breakthrough DNA-editing technique called base editing, which substitutes a single DNA letter for another without damaging the DNA, to study how changing this mutation might affect progeria-like symptoms in mice.

"The toll of this devastating illness on affected children and their families cannot be overstated," said Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D., a senior investigator in NHGRI's Medical Genomics and Metabolic Genetics Branch, NIH director and a corresponding author on the paper. "The fact that a single specific mutation causes the disease in nearly all affected children made us realize that we might have tools to fix the root cause. These tools could only be developed thanks to long-term investments in basic genomics research.

The toll of this devastating illness on affected children and their families cannot be overstated.The fact that a single specific mutation causes the disease in nearly all affected children made us realize that we might have tools to fix the root cause. These tools could only be developed thanks to long-term investments in basic genomics research.

The study follows another recent milestone for progeria research, as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first treatment for progeria in November 2020, a drug called lonafarnib. The drug therapy provides some life extension, but it is not a cure. The DNA-editing method may provide an additional and even more dramatic treatment option in the future.

David Liu, Ph.D., and his lab at the Broad Institute developed the base-editing method in 2016, funded in part by NHGRI.

"CRISPR editing, while revolutionary, cannot yet make precise DNA changes in many kinds of cells," said Dr. Liu, a senior author on the paper. "The base-editing technique we've developed is like a find-and-replace function in a word processor. It is extremely efficient in converting one base pair to another, which we believed would be powerful in treating a disease like progeria.

To test the effectiveness of their base-editing method, the team initially collaborated with the Progeria Research Foundation to obtain connective tissue cells from progeria patients. The team used the base editor on theLMNAgene within the patients cells in a laboratory setting. The treatment fixed the mutation in 90% of the cells.

The Progeria Research Foundation was thrilled to collaborate on this seminal study with Dr. Collinss group at the NIH and Dr. Lius group at Broad Institute, said Leslie Gordon, M.D., Ph.D., a co-author and medical director of The Progeria Research Foundation, which partially funded the study. These study results present an exciting new pathway for investigation into new treatments and the cure for children with progeria.

Following this success, the researchers tested the gene-editing technique by delivering a single intravenous injection of the DNA-editing mix into nearly a dozen mice with the progeria-causing mutation soon after birth. The gene editor successfully restored the normal DNA sequence of theLMNAgene in a significant percentage of cells in various organs, including the heart and aorta.

Many of the mice cell types still maintained the corrected DNA sequence six months after the treatment. In the aorta, the results were even better than expected, as the edited cells seemed to have replaced those that carried the progeria mutation and dropped out from early deterioration. Most dramatically, the treated mice's lifespan increased from seven months to almost 1.5 years. The average normal lifespan of the mice used in the study is two years.

As a physician-scientist, its incredibly exciting to think that an idea youve been working on in the laboratory might actually have therapeutic benefit, said Jonathan D. Brown, M.D., assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Ultimately our goal will be to try to develop this for humans, but there are additional key questions that we need to first address in these model systems.

Funding for the study was supported in part by NHGRI, the NIH Common Fund, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Engineering, the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences.

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DNA-editing method shows promise to treat mouse model of progeria - National Human Genome Research Institute

Thomas Leurent on creating an innovation step-change through structural digital twins

For engineers and manufacturers, adapting and improving their product line is an unending task. But eventually, simply tweaking an existing product to tease out another few drops of efficiency isnt enough. Sometimes, because of technological advancements or changes in consumer demand, it is necessary to scrap everything and start from scratch. For instance, most of the basic digital services we take for granted today would not have been possible if we had continued with dial-up modem infrastructure. Switching to broadband was a step-change in our digital capabilities and has unlocked a tidal wave of innovation.For the most part, we havent seen the same level of innovation in mechanical and structural engineering. Part of the problem is, when it comes to large assets such as planes or wind turbines, the health and safety consequences of wiping the slate clean can be enormous. Designing a new aeroplane or wind farm from the ground up is a monumental task. Yet as SpaceX demonstrates, embracing new methods and designs can create huge opportunities. For engineers to manage it effectively, they need accurate data, first class modelling capabilities, and an overview of the full lifecycle of current assets so they see how changes in the design will impact performance and operational life. This is why the future of design will depend on next-generation digital twins with full lifecycle management capabilities.

Tweaking an existing product is often significantly easier and cheaper for companies. However, the problem comes when companies end up tweaking a product line long enough that engineers then have to build around outdated features. When Boeing introduced a low-to-the-ground design for its 737-100 in 1968, it was beneficial but, as technology moved on, it became an increasingly problematic design aspect that engineers had to compensate for.

Continually modernising the 737, rather than starting afresh with a clean design, is part of the reason why the company ended up having to halt delivery of the Boeing 737 Max aircraft last year after the Federal Aviation Administrations decision to ground the aircraft. In contrast, by ditching the single-use model for rocket design and prioritising reusability, SpaceX has realistic ambitions to reduce the cost of reaching Earth orbit by a hundredfold. Currently, no other firm can match SpaceX prices, yet Musk is predicting further cost efficiencies while continuing to improve performance.

Yet starting afresh is also tricky due to the lack of data of how a new design will perform. For example, if an offshore wind farm operator wanted to revamp the type of turbine they use, they are immediately faced with a host of problems, including how the balance of the blades would be affected, or whether joints will be placed under unexpected stress levels and suffer from excessive fatigue.This fear of the unknown is driving many asset manufacturers to continue on an incremental innovation path with enormous over-engineeringespecially because high costs and long duration of physical tests typically allows firms to conduct only a few design iterations. Addressing the problem requires the deployment of next-generation digital twins thatare used throughout the entire lifecycle of assets, from design and fabrication, to operations, to life extension, and finally decommissioning. This enables efficient, lean designs to be implemented, with the knowledge that the digital twin will be used to monitor the asset during operations to pre-emptively identify any issues to avoid failures and downtime. Crucially, the insights gleaned from each digital twin are fed into the next generation of designs, enabling further improvements and optimisations.

Having a full-scale digital twin enables engineers to model potential changes to an assets structure and design, complete with insights into the consequences of those changes. For example, considering the environmental issues that have been caused by wind turbine blades once theyve reached their end-of-life, manufacturers are looking at alternative materials compatible with the circular economy.

However, there is a problem, in that there isnt enough real-world failure data from large turbines for engineers to develop effective, streamlined prototypes. This tends to lead to overly conservative designs, when the exact opposite is required. The solution is the simulation capabilities of next generation digital twins which, because of their full life-cycle management capabilities, can link operations and design in new ways, dramatically speeding up the Return on Experience (REX) for engineers, allowing them to go from a single prototype to the mass deployment of thousands of units within a few short years.

Through the digital twin, engineers can gather data from assets in operation and use it to unlock new possibilities, such as leaner designs with adjusted safety margins based on sensor feedback. Engineers can review how these changes affect performance, efficiency, and lifespan of both the new blades and the asset as a whole, as operations and design become a mutually reinforcing virtuous circle. For example, due to a lack of data around fatigue for turbine shafts, many designs have been overly conservative and can be re-engineered to reduce weight and costs. This in turn will affect the stress and fatigue life of other sections of the turbine and supporting structure all of which will be visible on the digital twin simulation, allowing engineers to reduce cost at the system level.

Crucially, having a physics-based digital twin enables engineers to operate assets, simulate changes, and experiment with breakthrough designs and revolutionary technologies at scale, with the same level of certainty as they have now for incremental improvements and tweaks. By giving engineers the confidence to be bolder and more innovative with the design of their assets is the key to creating large-scale physical assets fit for the digital era, like the new Airbus SE ZEROe hydrogen-powered plane.

Ultimately, every design has physical limits. As the Boeing example illustrates, features which are initially extremely helpful can, over time, become increasingly problematic. Yet we still have engineers spending time on out-of-date designs, trying to squeeze out the last few efficiency gains, when they should be scrapping them and starting afresh.

Having digital twins operating throughout the entire asset life-cycle from design, to operations, life extension, and ultimately decommissioning offers engineers the ability to create leaner, more efficient designs while also increasing confidence in the performance and lifespan of the asset. We have to unlock the same tidal wave of physical engineering innovation that weve seen in the software world over the past few decades, and next-generation digital twins are the secret sauce that can offer reliable, real-time data to underpin this transformation, bringing everything from energy to transport into the 21st Century.

Thomas Leurent isCEO at Akselos

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Digital twins and design innovation - Engineer Live

Published OnlineFirst December 1, 2020; DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-20-3392

CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH | TRANSLATIONAL CANCER MECHANISMS AND THERAPY

Preclinical Characterization of HPN536, a Trispecic, T-Cell-Activating Protein Construct for the Treatment of Mesothelin-Expressing Solid Tumors A C

Mary Ellen Molloy1, Richard J. Austin1, Bryan D. Lemon1, Wade H. Aaron1, Vaishnavi Ganti1, Adrie Jones1,

Susan D. Jones1, Kathryn L. Strobel1, Purbasa Patnaik1, Kenneth Sexton1, Laurie Tatalick1, Timothy Z. Yu1, Patrick A. Baeuerle1,2,3, Che-Leung Law1, and Holger Wesche1

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Mesothelin (MSLN) is a glycophosphatidylinositol- linked tumor antigen overexpressed in a variety of malignancies, including ovarian, pancreatic, lung, and triple-negative breast can- cer. Early signs of clinical efcacy with MSLN-targeting agents have validated MSLN as a promising target for therapeutic inter- vention, but therapies with improved efcacy are still needed to address the signicant unmet medical need posed by MSLN- expressing cancers.

Experimental Design: We designed HPN536, a 53-kDa, tri- specic, T-cell-activatingprotein-based construct, which binds to MSLN-expressing tumor cells, CD3e on T cells, and to serum albumin. Experiments were conducted to assess the potency, activ-

Introduction

Redirection of cytotoxic T cells with bispecic antibody constructs for cancer therapy has been validated in the clinic (1-6). Blinatumo- mab is the rst and thus far the only bispecic T-cell engager (BiTE) approved by the FDA (7). T-cell-engaging biologics function by forming an immunologic cytolytic synapse between cancer target cells and T cells, which leads to target cell lysis independent of T-cell receptor (TCR) specicity, peptide antigen presentation by HLA, and T-cell costimulation. Despite the clinical success of blinatumomab for treating relapsed and refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia, other molecules, including BiTE antibodies, showed only limited activity in the treatment of solid tumors (8, 9). Their short plasma half-life required continuous intravenous infusion limiting their utility for most solid tumor indications. Novel designs for T-cell-engaging antibodies aim at overcoming limitations of the rst generation and are already being tested in clinical trials (10).

The Trispecic T-cell-Activating Construct (TriTAC) design has been specically developed to treat solid tumors (11). TriTACs consist of a single polypeptide chain aligning three humanized, antibody- derived binding domains: a single-domain antibody (sdAb) specic for

1Harpoon Therapeutics, South San Francisco, California. 2MPM Capital, Cam- bridge, Massachusetts. 3Institute for Immunology, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Planegg- Martinsried, Munich, Germany.

Note: Supplementary data for this article are available at Clinical Cancer Research Online (http://clincancerres.aacrjournals.org/).

Corresponding Author: Mary Ellen Molloy, Harpoon Therapeutics, 131 Oyster

Point Boulevard, 300, South San Francisco, CA 94080. Phone: 773-318-0796;

E-mail: mmolloy@harpoontx.com

Clin Cancer Res 2020;XX:XX-XX

doi: 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-20-3392

2020 American Association for Cancer Research.

ity, and half-life of HPN536 in in vitro assays, rodent models, and in nonhuman primates (NHP).

Results: HPN536 binds to MSLN-expressing tumor cells and to CD3e on T cells, leading to T-cell activation and potent redirected target cell lysis. A third domain of HPN536 binds to serum albumin for extension of plasma half-life. In cynomolgus monkeys, HPN536 at doses ranging from 0.1 to 10 mg/kg demonstrated MSLN- dependent pharmacologic activity, was well tolerated, and showed pharmacokinetics in support of weekly dosing in humans.

Conclusions: HPN536 is potent, is well tolerated, and exhibits extended half-life in NHPs. It is currently in phase I clinical testing in patients with MSLN-expressing malignancies (NCT03872206).

a tumor antigen, a sdAb specic for serum albumin for half-life extension, and a single-chain fragment variable (scFv) specic for the CD3e subunit of the TCR complex (11). Their molecular size of 53 kDa is about one-third of that of an IgG. Binding of TriTACs to tumor antigen and CD3e is monovalent, which minimizes off-target CD3e clustering that can potentially lead to nonspecic T-cell activation. The absence of an Fc-gamma domain for half-life extension is functionally compensated by an albumin-binding domain. HPN424 (11) and HPN536, the rst two TriTACs are in phase I clinical testing in hormone refractory prostate cancer and mesothelin (MSLN)-over- expressing solid tumors, respectively.

Human MSLN is produced as a 71-kDa precursor of 628 amino acids, which is expressed as a glycophosphatidylinositol-linked cell surface glycoprotein. Its 31-kDaN-terminal domain is released as a soluble protein, termed as the megakaryocyte potentiating factor (MPF), while the 40-kDaC-terminal domain remains attached to the plasma membrane as mature MSLN (12-14). MSLN expression on normal tissue is conned to the single-cell mesothelial layer covering the surface of tissues and organs of the pleural, pericardial, and peritoneal cavities (13, 15). MUC16/CA125 is a binding partner for MSLN, implicating a role for MSLN in cell adhesion (16, 17). However, the precise physiologic functions of MSLN have not been dened, and MSLN-knockout mice exhibit no detectable phenotype or developmental abnormality (18).

MSLN is overexpressed in many malignancies, including ovarian cancer (13, 15, 19), pancreatic cancer (20, 21), non-small cell lung cancer (22-26),triple-negative breast cancer (26, 27), and mesothe- lioma (28, 29). In triple-negative breast cancer (25) and in lung and pancreatic adenocarcinomas (22, 23, 30), overexpression of MSLN correlates with poor prognosis. Differential expression of MSLN in cancer versus normal tissue has made it an attractive target for MSLN- directed imaging agents and therapeutics (10, 31-33). A challenge in developing MSLN-directed therapeutics is the expression of MSLN on normal mesothelial cells, potentially leading to dose-limiting toxicities.

Published OnlineFirst December 1, 2020; DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-20-3392

Molloy et al.

Translational Relevance

Patients with mesothelin (MSLN)-overexpressing tumors, including ovarian, pancreatic, lung, and triple-negative breast cancer, have a high unmet clinical need. A number of MSLN- targeted therapeutics have been developed that show limited efcacy and safety in clinical trials. HPN536 is a novel, MSLN- targeted, trispecic, T-cell-activating protein construct that can potently redirect T cells to lyse tumor cells and was remarkably well tolerated in nonhuman primates at single doses up to 10 mg/kg, which is far above the expected therapeutic dose level. Our ndings suggest that HPN536 has the potential for high clinical activity and a wide therapeutic window. Its long serum half-life supports once-weekly dosing in humans. Currently, HPN536 is the only MSLN-targeting,T-cell-engaging biologic in clinical testing.

HPN536 specically redirects T cells for potent redirected lysis of MSLN-expressing cancer cells with concomitant T-cell activation. In three different mouse xenograft models, HPN536 induced durable antitumor activity at very low doses. In cynomolgus monkeys, HPN536 was well tolerated, showed a long serum half-life, and elicited signs of target engagement on mesothelial structures.

Materials and Methods

Protein production

Sequences of TriTACs, sdAbs, and extracellular domains of target proteins fused to an Fc domain or a hexahistidine tag were cloned into mammalian expression vector, pcDNA 3.4 (Invitrogen), preceded by a leader sequence. Expi293 Cells (Life Technologies) were maintained in suspension in Optimum Growth Flasks (Thomson) between 0.2 and

8 106 cells/mL in Expi293 media. Puried plasmid DNA was transfected into Expi293 cells in accordance with Expi293 Expression System Kit (Life Technologies) protocols and cultured for 4-6 days after transfection. Alternatively, HPN536 was produced in CHO- DG44 DHFR-decient cells (34). The amount of expressed proteins in conditioned media was quantitated using an Octet RED96 instru- ment with Protein A Tips (ForteBio/Pall) using appropriate puried control proteins for a standard curve. Conditioned media from either host cell were ltered and puried by protein A afnity and desalted or subjected to preparative size exclusion chromatography (SEC) using an AKTA Pure Chromatography System (GE Healthcare). Protein A puried TriTAC proteins were further puried by ion exchange and

formulated in a buffered solution containing excipients. Final purity was assessed by SDS-PAGE by resolving 2.5 mg/lane on TRIS-Glycine

gels and visualized with Simply Blue Stain (Life Technologies). Native purity was also assessed by analytic SEC using a Yarra SEC150 3 mm

4.6 150 mm Column (Phenomenex) resolved in an aqueous/organic mobile phase buffered at neutral pH on a 1290 LC system and peaks were integrated with OpenLab ChemStation Software (Agilent Technologies).

In vitro afnity measurements

Afnities of HPN536 analyte for albumin, CD3e, and MSLN ligands were measured by biolayer interferometry using an Octet RED96 instrument with Streptavidin Tips (ForteBio/Pall). Experiments were performed at 27 C in PBS plus casein in the absence or presence of 15 mg/mL has, as described in Results section and gure legends. Binding sensograms generated from empirically determined ligand

loads, appropriate serial dilutions of known analyte concentrations, and association and dissociation times were then t globally to a one- to-one binding model using Octet DataAnalysis 9.0 software.

In vitro T-cell-dependent cell cytotoxicity and T-cell activation assays

T cells from healthy donors were puried from leukopaks (leuka- pheresis samples, StemCell Technologies) using EasySep Human T Cell Isolation Kits (StemCell Technologies, 17951) following the manufacturer's instructions. All cancer cell lines were obtained from the ATCC, with the exception of OVCAR8 cells, which were obtained from the NCI (Bethesda, MD). Cell lines were passaged a maximum of 36 times after being received from the ATCC. Cell line authentication and Mycoplasma testing were not performed. T-cell-dependent cell cytotoxicity (TDCC) assays were performed as described previously (35). Briey, luciferase-expressing target cells and puried human T cells were seeded per well of a 384-well plate at a 10:1 T cell-to-target cell ratio. Target cell killing was assessed following incubation for 48 hours at 37oC and 5% CO2. Target cell viability was assessed by incubation with the SteadyGlo Reagent (Promega). Luminescence was measured using a PerkinElmer EnVision Detection System. Activated T cells were identied by CD69 and CD25 surface expression (BD Biosciences). Samples were analyzed on a FACSCelesta Flow Cyt- ometer (BD Biosciences). Flow cytometry data were processed using FlowJo v10 Software (FlowJo, LLC).

Binding of HPN536 on MSLN-expressing OVCAR and T cells Cultured cells were incubated with 1 mg/mL HPN536 or anti-GFP

TriTAC (control) for 1 hour. Binding was detected using Alexa647- anti-TriTAC antibody using a FACSCelesta Flow Cytometer (BD Biosciences). The QIFIKIT (Dako) was used according to the man- ufacturer's instructions to estimate the number of MSLN molecules expressed per cell.

Cytokines in the presence of T cells

To measure the cytokines, AlphaLISA Kits were used (PerkinElmer) per the manufacturer's instructions, except that the assays were performed in 384-well plates instead 96-well plates. Plates containing conditioned media from TDCC assays were used for analysis. Plates were read on a PerkinElmer EnVision Plate Reader equipped with an AlphaLISA module.

In vivo mouse efcacy studies

All mouse studies were performed in accordance with the policies of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) at

Harpoon Therapeutics and Charles River Laboratories. For TOV21G and HPAFII experiments, NCG (NOD-Prkdcem26Cd52Il2rgem26Cd22/

NjuCrl) mice received subcutaneous coimplants of human cancer cells (5 106) and human T cells (5 106) in 50% Matrigel (BD Biosciences) on day 0. Human T cells were expanded before implantation using Human T Cell Activation/Expansion Kit (Miltenyi Biotec) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Mice were dosed on days 1-15 (HPAFII, Fig. 4A and TOV21G, Fig. 4C) or days 7-16 (HPAFII, Fig. 4B) via intraperitoneal injection. For NCI-H292 experi- ments, NCG mice received subcutaneous coimplants of human cancer cells (1 107) and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC;

1 107). Mice were administered HPN536 daily for 10 days starting on

day 6 via intravenous injection. Tumor size was measured twice weekly and calculated using the following formula: tumor volume (mm3)

(w2 l)/2. Percent tumor growth inhibition (%TGI) was dened as the difference between the mean tumor volume (MTV) of the control

OF2 Clin Cancer Res; 2021

CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH

Rela

HPN536

An

group and the MTV of the treated group, expressed as a percentage of the MTV of the control group.

Exploratory cynomolgus monkey dose range-ndingstudy The pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity of HPN536

were evaluated after a single intravenous bolus dose of 0.1, 1.0, or 10 mg/kg HPN536 in one male and one female cynomolgus monkey per group followed by either a 1- or 3-weekpostdose recovery period. The study followed the protocol and standard operating procedures of the testing facility (Charles River Labo- ratories) and was approved by their IACUC. Pharmacologic activ- ity was evaluated by clinical observations, cytokine assessments, ow cytometry, and evidence of target engagement by histology. Two research electrochemiluminescence assays, a functional assay and an anti-idiotypeassay, were used for measuring HPN536 levels in serum. For the functional assay, HPN536 was captured with biotinylated CD3e and was detected with a sulfo-taggedMSLN. For the anti-idiotypeassay, HPN536 was captured with an anti- idiotype antibody recognizing the anti-albumindomain and was detected with a sulfo-taggedCD3e. Toxicokinetic parameters were estimated using Phoenix WinNonlin pharmacokinetic software. A noncompartmental approach, consistent with the intravenous bolus route of administration, was used for parameter estimation.

Published OnlineFirst December 1, 2020; DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-20-3392

HPN536 an Anti-MSLN/Anti-CD3T-Cell Engager for Solid Tumors

Toxicity endpoints included daily morbidity and mortality, daily clinical observations, weekly body weights, daily food consump- tion, clinical pathology (hematology, clinical chemistry, and coag- ulation), and anatomic pathology (gross necropsy, organ weights, and histopathology).

Results

Production, structure, and biochemical characteristics of

HPN536

Recombinant HPN536 has a molecular weight of approximately

53 kDa. A humanized llama sdAb specic for human MSLN is placed at its N-terminus (Fig. 1A). A humanized llama sdAb specic for human serum albumin (HSA) is placed in the middle of the molecule. The C-terminal end contains a humanized scFv specic for the human CD3e subunit of the TCR complex. GGGGSGGGS linkers connect the three binding domains.

HPN536 is produced by eukaryotic cell culture and secreted as a single, nonglycosylated polypeptide. Stability studies subjecting HPN536 to various stress conditions, including multiple freeze thaw cycles and storage at 4 C and 40 C for 2 weeks, suggest the protein is stable and stress resistant (Supplementary Fig. S1). The high stability of HPN536 ensures limited aggregation, which would otherwise lead to

huMSLN

huCD3e

huALB

A

B

MSLN

ALB

MSLN

CD3

ALB

CD3

In vitro anity

Human KD (nmol/L)

0.21

6.6

6.3

measurements

CynoK D (nmol/L)

1.1

6.2

5.6

Mouse (nmol/L)

210

NB

170

HPN536 binding to MSLN-

HPN536 binding to

expressing OVCAR8 cells

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