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Arix Bioscience plc: Aura Completes $40 Million Series D Financing

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THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE EU MARKET ABUSE REGULATION NO.596/2014

  • Arixs total interest in Aura increases to £8.5 million from £3.9 million
  • Arix commits $4.5 million (£3.4 million[1]) to increase its stake to 7.7%
  • Proceeds to be used to support late stage clinical development; Phase 3 trial expected to start in H1 2020

Arix Bioscience plc (“Arix”) (LSE: ARIX) a global venture capital company focused on investing and building breakthrough biotech companies, today announces that it has committed $4.5 million (£3.4 million[1]) to the $40 million (£31 million) Series D financing (“the financing”) of Aura Biosciences (“Aura”), a leader in the development of novel targeted therapies in ocular oncology.

Following this commitment, Arix increases its stake to 7.7% on a fully diluted basis. Arix Investment Director Mark Chinwill continue to serve on the Aura Board. The financing recognised a 33% uplift in the book value of Arix’s Series C investment in Aura, with Arix’s total interest in Aura increasing to £8.5 million from £3.9 million on a fully committed basis.

Aura plans to use the proceeds from the Series D to support the late stage clinical development of its lead asset, light-activated AU-011, for the treatment of primary choroidal melanoma. The currently available treatments for choroidal melanoma come with the risk of severe vision loss and other long-term sequelae, especially for patients with melanomas located close to the fovea or optic disk. The ongoing Phase 1b/2 study with light-activated AU-011 has shown that the drug was well-tolerated, with clear evidence of tumor control and preservation of visual acuity at long term follow up, even in high risk patients. Aura has been granted Orphan Drug and Fast Track status from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and expects to initiate a registration trial in 2020.

Medicxi served as the lead new investor. In addition to Arix, Aura’s existing investors Lundbeckfonden Ventures, Advent Life Sciences, Chiesi Ventures, Ysios Capital, Alexandria Venture Investments, Columbus Venture Partners, LI-COR Biosciences and several individual investors, including the estate of Henri Termeer, participated in the financing.

Joe Anderson, Chief Executive Officer of Arix, commented: 
“Aura has made significant clinical progress with its lead candidate in development for primary choroidal melanoma, a rare and aggressive eye cancer, and is preparing for a Phase 3 study. We look forward to working alongside the world class management team and new and existing investors to accelerate development of this potential new treatment.”

Elisabet de los Pinos, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Aura, commented: 
“The additional funding provided by this Series D financing enables Aura to continue to execute on our goals of developing the first targeted treatment for patients with primary choroidal melanoma, a life and vision threatening rare disease with no drugs approved. We are delighted to have the continued support from Arix, and our new and existing investors, as we enter this next stage of growth for the Company.”

 

SOURCE Arix Bioscience plc

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THE 10 KG 99.99% PURE GOLD THE DANCE SCREEN (THE SCREAM TOO), A ONE-OF-A-KIND COIN FROM THE ROYAL CANADIAN MINT, SURPASSES $1.5 MILLION AT HEFFEL AUCTION

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the-10-kg-9999%-pure-gold-the-dance-screen-(the-scream-too),-a-one-of-a-kind-coin-from-the-royal-canadian-mint,-surpasses-$1.5-million-at-heffel-auction

OTTAWA, ON, Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Royal Canadian Mint is delighted that the one-of-a-kind 2024 10 kg 99.99% Pure Gold Coin – The Dance Screen (The Scream Too), an exquisite numismatic tribute to the art of acclaimed Haida master carver Chief 7IDANsuu (James Hart), sold for $1,561,250.00 CAD (including Buyer’s Premium), after a live auction conducted by Heffel Fine Art Auction House (Heffel). This rare, pure gold masterpiece was sold to an anonymous bidder on November 20, 2024, and beat the previous record for a coin offered at auction in Canada, held by The Ultimate, a one kilo pure platinum coin also produced by the Royal Canadian Mint.

“We are thrilled by the collector interest in this unique coin and delighted that the skill of the Royal Canadian Mint and the talent of Chief 7IDANsuu (James Hart) have been recognized by the buyer of this rare and beautiful 10 kg pure gold masterpiece,” said Marie Lemay, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. 

“It has been an extraordinary privilege to auction The Dance Screen (The Scream Too) 10kg pure gold coin,” said David Heffel, President of Heffel Fine Art Auction House. “The profoundly significant artwork by the esteemed Chief James Hart, showcased on its face, stands as an enduring icon of Canadian art, embodying the rich traditions and cultural narratives of the Haida Nation. We are honoured to have placed this masterpiece in a distinguished collection and look forward to seeing its legacy continue to inspire.”

Impeccably crafted from 10 kg of 99.99% pure Canadian gold, The Dance Screen (The Scream Too) re–creates carved images from the original red cedar panel carved by Chief 7IDANsuu on its reverse. The reverse design of the flagship coin of the 2024 Opulence Collection brings together traditional Haida figures—a Shaman, the Beaver, Raven, Eagle, Frog, Orca and Mother Bear with cubs—whose life deeply depends on the Salmon, represented in human and animal form along the edge. Six pearlescent pieces of responsibly sourced abalone shell are inlayed along the coin’s edge, where their aquatic hues shimmer in the light and their shapes evoke the Haida copper shields that serve as traditional markers of wealth. The imposing coin’s obverse features the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III by Canadian artist Steven Rosati, surrounded by an engraving of subtle sketch lines from the original carving.

About the Royal Canadian Mint

The Royal Canadian Mint is the Crown corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada’s circulation coins. The Mint is one of the largest and most versatile mints in the world, producing award-winning collector coins, market-leading bullion products, as well as Canada’s prestigious military and civilian honours.

As an established London and COMEX Good Delivery refiner, the Mint also offers a full spectrum of best-in-class gold and silver refining services. As an organization that strives to take better care of the environment, to cultivate safe and inclusive workplaces and to make a positive impact on the communities where it operates, the Mint integrates environmental, social and governance practices in every aspect of its operations. 

For more information on the Mint, its products and services, visit www.mint.ca.  Follow the Mint on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

About Heffel Fine Art Auction House

Since 1978, Heffel has connected passionate collectors across the world with outstanding works of art, with sales totaling nearly $1 billion. With offices in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Ottawa and Calgary, Heffel has the most experienced team of fine art specialists in Canada and provides superior client service to both sellers and buyers internationally.

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For more information, media are asked to contact: Royal Canadian Mint, Alex Reeves, Senior Manager, Public Affairs, 613-884-6370, [email protected]; Heffel Fine Art Auction House, Rebecca Rykiss, National Director, Brand and Communications, 416-961-6505 ext. 323, [email protected]

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/the-10-kg-99-99-pure-gold-the-dance-screen-the-scream-too-a-one-of-a-kind-coin-from-the-royal-canadian-mint-surpasses-1-5-million-at-heffel-auction-302313592.html

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Fintech Pulse: Daily Industry Brief – A Dive into Today’s Emerging Trends and Innovations

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The fintech landscape continues to redefine itself, driven by innovation, partnerships, and groundbreaking strategies. Today’s roundup focuses on the latest digital wallet offerings, evolving payment trends, strategic collaborations, and notable funding achievements. This editorial explores the broader implications of these developments, casting light on how they shape the future of fintech and beyond.


Beacon’s Digital Wallet for Immigrants: A Gateway to Financial Inclusion

Beacon Financial, a leading player in financial technology, recently launched a digital wallet tailored to meet the unique needs of immigrants moving to Canada. This offering bridges a critical gap, enabling seamless financial integration for newcomers navigating a foreign system.

By combining intuitive technology with user-centric features, Beacon aims to empower immigrants with tools for payments, savings, and remittances. This aligns with the growing demand for tailored financial products that resonate with specific demographics.

Op-Ed Insight:
Financial inclusion is more than just a buzzword; it’s a moral imperative in the fintech space. Products like Beacon’s digital wallet highlight the industry’s potential to create tangible change. As global migration trends increase, such offerings could inspire similar initiatives worldwide.

Source: Fintech Futures.


Juniper Research Highlights 2025’s Payment Trends

Juniper Research’s latest report unveils pivotal payment trends poised to dominate in 2025. Central themes include the adoption of instant payment networks, a surge in embedded finance solutions, and the rise of crypto-backed financial products.

The research underscores the rapid adoption of real-time payment systems, fueled by increasing consumer demand for speed and efficiency. Meanwhile, embedded finance promises to blur the lines between traditional banking and non-financial services, delivering personalized and context-specific solutions.

Op-Ed Insight:
As the lines between financial services and technology continue to blur, these trends emphasize the industry’s shift toward convenience and personalization. The growing role of crypto-based solutions reflects an evolving consumer mindset, where decentralization and digital-first experiences gain precedence.

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Source: Juniper Research.


MeaWallet and Integrated Finance Partner to Revolutionize Digital Wallets

MeaWallet, a prominent fintech solutions provider, has partnered with Integrated Finance to advance digital wallet capabilities and secure card data access for fintech companies. This collaboration focuses on empowering fintechs to deliver better, safer digital payment experiences.

MeaWallet’s role as a technology enabler aligns seamlessly with Integrated Finance’s goal of simplifying complex financial infrastructures. Together, they aim to create scalable, robust platforms for secure payment solutions.

Op-Ed Insight:
Partnerships like this underscore the importance of collaboration in driving innovation. As security concerns grow in tandem with digital payment adoption, solutions addressing these challenges are essential for maintaining consumer trust. The fintech ecosystem thrives when synergy and innovation coalesce.

Source: MeaWallet News.


Nucleus Security Among Deloitte’s Fastest-Growing Companies

Nucleus Security has achieved a remarkable milestone, ranking 85th on Deloitte’s 2024 Technology Fast 500 list. This achievement is attributed to its robust cybersecurity solutions, which cater to the increasingly digital fintech environment.

With cyberattacks becoming more sophisticated, fintech companies are under immense pressure to safeguard their platforms. Nucleus Security’s growth reflects the rising demand for comprehensive, scalable security solutions that protect sensitive financial data.

Op-Ed Insight:
In a digital-first world, robust cybersecurity isn’t optional—it’s fundamental. The recognition of companies like Nucleus Security signals the growing importance of protecting fintech infrastructure as the industry scales globally.

Source: PR Newswire.


OpenYield Secures Funding to Transform the Bond Market

OpenYield has announced a successful funding round, aiming to revolutionize the bond market through innovative technology. The platform promises greater transparency, efficiency, and accessibility in fixed-income investments.

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This funding underscores the growing appetite for digitizing traditionally opaque financial markets. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, OpenYield seeks to democratize bond investments, making them accessible to a broader audience.

Op-Ed Insight:
The bond market, long viewed as complex and inaccessible, is ripe for disruption. OpenYield’s efforts to modernize this space highlight fintech’s transformative potential to democratize finance and empower individual investors.

Source: PR Newswire.


Key Takeaways: Shaping the Future of Fintech

Today’s developments underscore several critical themes in the fintech landscape:

  1. Personalization and Inclusion: Products like Beacon’s wallet highlight the importance of understanding and addressing specific user needs.
  2. Collaborative Ecosystems: Partnerships, like that of MeaWallet and Integrated Finance, emphasize the power of collaboration in solving industry challenges.
  3. Emerging Technologies: Juniper Research’s predictions affirm the continued influence of blockchain, embedded finance, and instant payment networks.
  4. Security at the Core: The recognition of Nucleus Security underscores the essential role of cybersecurity in fintech.
  5. Market Transformation: OpenYield’s funding signifies the ongoing disruption of traditional financial markets, paving the way for broader accessibility.

 

The post Fintech Pulse: Daily Industry Brief – A Dive into Today’s Emerging Trends and Innovations appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.

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Israel Corp. Reports Results for Third Quarter of 2024

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TEL AVIV, Israel, Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Israel Corporation Ltd. (TASE: ILCO) (“ILCO”) announced today its third quarter results for the period ending September 30, 2024.

 

Selected Financial Figures for the Third Quarter 2024:

$m

Q3/24

Q3/23

ILCO share in ICL profit1

49

59

Financing income, G&A and other expenses at ILCO headquarter level

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(1)

Tax income of ILCO Headquarters

Net profit to company’s shareholders

49

58

Liquidity at the ILCO Headquarters Level2

As of September 30, 2024, total financial liabilities were $722 million, and investments in liquid assets amounted to $843 million of which $313 million are pledged deposits.

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Net cash1 as of September 30, 2024, totaled $84 million. The net cash includes the fair value of derivatives transactions, which increases the economic value of the financial liabilities by $37 million. As of June 30, 2024, the net cash was $64 million.

Additional updates

On March 27, 2024, ILCO Board of Directors decided on distribution of dividend at the sum of $37m, this in accordance with the company’s dividend policy announced in January 2023. The payment date was April 17, 2024.

On July 17, 2024, S&P Maalot, reaffirmed ILCO’s credit rating of ilA+/stable.

ILCO financial results of ILCO are mainly affected by the results of its investees. For more details see detailed financial report.

 

 

ILCO Total Assets, Net

$m

30/09/2024

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Assets

ICL (~567m shares, market value4)

2,427

AKVA Group (~6.6m shares, market value4)

35

Other5

11

Total Assets

2,473

ILCO’s Net Cash

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84

Total Assets, net

2,557

 

About Israel Corporation

Israel Corporation Ltd. (TASE: ILCO) (“ILCO”) is a reputable public investment company, which owns and invests in high quality companies with established managements and go-to markets.

In November 2019, ILCO announced its updated strategy, ILCO plans to expand its portfolio through new investments over the next few years. ILCO plans to focus mainly on the food (inc. tech), agriculture (inc. tech), healthcare and industry 4.0 sectors. For more details please see the following link to ILCO updated Strategy Presentation 

ILCO strives to generate return on its investment through active board participations and its operational and managerial expertise.

ILCO current core holdings include c.44% stake in ICL Group (NYSE:ICL, TASE:ICL) and c.18% stake in AKVA Group (OB:AKVA). ILCO is publicly traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange under the ticker ILCO and is included in the TA-35 Index.

For further information on ILCO, see ILCO’s publicly available filings, which can be found on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange website at http://maya.tase.co.il.

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Please also see ILCO company website http://www.israelcorp.com for additional information.

Convenience Translation

The financial information found in this press release is an English summary based on the original Hebrew financial statements and is solely for the convenience of the reader. The binding version is the original in Hebrew.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements, which may not materialize and are subject to risks and uncertainties that are not under the control of ILCO, which may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the disclosures.

Investor Relations Contact
Idan Hizki
Vice President, Business Development & Investor Relations
Tel: +972 3 684 4500
[email protected]

1. Amortization of excess cost
2. Israel Corp and its wholly owned and controlled headquarter companies.
3. Following the end of the quarter, $6m were np longer pledged
4. As of September 30, 2024
5. Includes 1.508m shares in Nordic Aqua Partners (OB:NOAP), after the end of the quarter NOAP successfully completed a financing round of ~NOK 366m, in which ILCO participated slightly above its pro-rata share ending with total shares of 1.98m.

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/israel-corp-reports-results-for-third-quarter-of-2024-302313398.html

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