(VUZI) and APX Labs’ Future Proof Enterprise Smart Glasses

Customers can deploy Skylight and Vuzix M100 today and upgrade to next-gen Vuzix M300 Smart Glasses seamlessly

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Jan. 6, 2016  — Vuzix® Corporation (NASDAQ: VUZI), (“Vuzix” or, the “Company”), a leading supplier of video eyewear and smart glasses products in the consumer, enterprise and entertainment markets, and APX Labs, (“APX”), the developer of the Skylight platform for enterprise wearable technology, today announced their Future Proof offer, which allows customers to begin deployments with Skylight and the Vuzix M100 smart glasses today and upgrade to the next generation Vuzix M300 seamlessly when they begin shipping to customers in Summer 2016.  The advanced design of the new M300 combined with the latest release of the Skylight software platform will enable large Enterprise Smart Glasses deployments to leverage the latest technology while continuing to use the Vuzix M100 concurrently within the same system.

“Vuzix and APX have created an industry leading solution that enables large Enterprise clients to deploy Vuzix Smart Glasses to their hands-on workforce and get in-view instructions, conduct video calls, and access live secure data feeds,” said Paul Travers, President and Chief Executive Officer of Vuzix.  “In production use today on our current M100, Skylight is the software application that Enterprise clients rely on for forward and backward compatibility across hardware upgrades, such as the new Vuzix M300, in essence making our clients’ current deployments ‘Future Proof’.”

The new Vuzix M300, being shown for the first time at CES 2016, is the next evolution of Vuzix Smart Glasses designed specifically for industrial use.  The M300’s design is born from real world client feedback and industry requirements culminating from over two years of productive use of the Vuzix M100. The technical advances and ergonomic flexibility of the M300 will answer Enterprise clients’ needs in a way that fosters large scale adoption in many industry sectors. For further information, a product brochure and video overview, please visit Vuzix M300 Smart Glasses.

“With Skylight, the same solution you deploy with the M100 will work with the M300. You get real business benefits today and a seamless upgrade path to new hardware tomorrow,” said Brian Ballard, CEO and co-founder of APX.  “This truly is a ‘Future Proof’ offer for the enterprise.  APX is proud to be the first to announce support for the Vuzix M300.  With a new form factor, improved interactivity, and top of the line specs, Vuzix is raising the bar for industrial grade enterprise wearable devices.”

APX’s Skylight is the most comprehensive and widely used enterprise wearables platform, enabling people to do important hands-on jobs using a range of wearable devices. Companies using Skylight have realized significant operational benefits, including improved process efficiency, less downtime, higher production quality and lower costs. It was recently recognized by industry analyst, Frost & Sullivan as the category-leading product in enterprise wearable software.

To learn more about the joint solution between Vuzix and APX and get started now, please visit www.apx-labs.com/landing/vuzix-m300/.

About APX Labs

Since 2010, APX Labs has been the market leader in developing wearable technology for the hands-on workforce. APX Labs’ Skylight software product runs on many types of devices, integrates with existing business systems, and is used today in a wide range of industrial operations including manufacturing, field service, repair, training, and compliance. For additional information, visit www.apx-labs.com.

About Vuzix Corporation

Vuzix is a leading supplier of Video Eyewear and Smart Glasses products in the consumer, commercial and entertainment markets. The Company’s products include personal display and wearable computing devices that offer users a portable high quality viewing experience, provide solutions for mobility, wearable displays and virtual and augmented reality. Vuzix holds 42 patents and 8 additional patents pending and numerous IP licenses in the Video Eyewear field. The Company has won Consumer Electronics Show (or CES) awards for innovation for the years 2005 to 2015 and several wireless technology innovation awards among others. Founded in 1997, Vuzix is a public company (NASDAQ: VUZI) with offices in Greater Rochester, NY, Oxford, UK and Tokyo, Japan.

Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer

Certain statements contained in this news release are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward looking statements contained in this release relate to Forward looking statements contained in this release relate to Vuzix’ new M300 Smart Glasses and its market success with APX’s Skylight solutions for it and the M100, the technological advancements of the new Vuzix products, and among other things the Company’s leadership in the Video Eyewear, VR and AR display industry. They are generally identified by words such as “believes,” “may,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “should” and similar expressions. Readers should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which are based upon the Company’s beliefs and assumptions as of the date of this release. The Company’s actual results could differ materially due to risk factors and other items described in more detail in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Annual Reports and MD&A filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and applicable Canadian securities regulators (copies of which may be obtained at www.sedar.com or www.sec.gov). Subsequent events and developments may cause these forward-looking statements to change. The Company specifically disclaims any obligation or intention to update or revise these forward-looking statements as a result of changed events or circumstances that occur after the date of this release, except as required by applicable law.

For further information:

Media and Investor Relations Contact:

Andrew Haag
Managing Partner
IRTH Communications
vuzi@irthcommunications.com
Tel: (866) 976-4784

Vuzix Corporation
25 Hendrix Road, Suite A
West Henrietta, NY 14586 USA
Investor Information – Grant Russell
IR@Vuzix.com
Tel: (585) 359-7562
www.vuzix.com

APX Media Contact:
Katherine Verducci
MIX Public Relations
apxlabs@mix-pr.com

For further sales, and product information, please visit:

North America:
http://www.vuzix.com/contact/

Europe/UK:
https://www.vuzix.eu/contact/

Asia:
http://www.vuzix.jp/contact.html

(HOFT) Agrees to Acquire Home Meridian International

MARTINSVILLE, Va., Jan. 06, 2016  — Major casegoods and upholstery importer and manufacturer Hooker Furniture Corporation (NASDAQ:HOFT) (“the Company”) is poised to more than double its size and become one of the top five sources for the U.S. furniture market with an agreement to purchase the business of Home Meridian International, Inc. (“HMI”).

In what would be the largest acquisition in Hooker Furniture Corporation’s 91-year history, the Company has entered into an asset purchase agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of HMI for approximately $100 million, comprised of $85 million in cash and $15 million of newly-issued HOFT stock. Both the cash portion and the stock portion of the purchase price are subject to customary working capital adjustments.

It is anticipated that HMI will operate autonomously as a division of Hooker Furniture Corporation, which, with the acquisition, is expected to surpass the half-billion-dollar sales mark. The combined companies had revenues over the trailing twelve months ending October 31, 2015, in excess of $550 million.  During the same time period operating income for the combined companies, which includes approximately $3.5 million of deal related costs, was $35.6 million.

“We are unbelievably excited at the prospect of having the individual businesses that comprise Home Meridian International become part of our Hooker Furniture Corporation stable of brands,” said Paul B. Toms Jr., chairman and chief executive officer. “Pulaski Furniture (PFC), Samuel Lawrence Furniture (SLF), Prime Resources (PRI), Sourcing Solutions Group (SSG), Right 2 Home (RTH) and Samuel Lawrence Hospitality (SLH) are all vibrant, well-run businesses addressing more moderate price points and some channels of distribution not currently served by the Hooker Furniture, Sam Moore, Bradington-Young, Homeware and/or H Contract brands,” he added.

“HMI’s strategy of providing proprietary products and custom business solutions to large customers and alternative channels of distribution, as well as growth in its traditional business, has yielded a compound average annual sales growth rate of over 15% during the last four years,” Toms said. “Growing sales at three times industry average is validation of their strategy,” he said.

Hooker Furniture Corporation expects to operate HMI as a stand-alone business led by its current chief executive officer, George Revington, and his current management team. Revington will serve as president and chief operating officer of the HMI division, with no visible changes to customers of either company. Revington will report to Paul Toms, Hooker Furniture Corporation chairman and chief executive officer.

“The HMI team is excited to join with Hooker Furniture Corporation to become one of the largest players in the industry,” said Revington. “The success of these two companies is directly related to how they serve their customers and the new combination will make us even more effective and provides a great platform for future growth.”

Added Toms, “We are particularly impressed with the depth and experience of the HMI management team and excited about having this level of talent join us as we plan for the future. HMI has a significant presence in Vietnam, China and Malaysia, which Hooker will look to leverage for enhanced vendor management and customer service.”

The HMI division’s headquarters will continue to be located in High Point, N.C., and Hooker Furniture Corporation’s headquarters will remain in Martinsville, Va.

The combined global footprint of the companies will include upholstery manufacturing facilities in Hickory, N.C., and Bedford, Va., showrooms in High Point and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and eight distribution centers in North Carolina, Virginia, California, China and Vietnam.

Once combined, Hooker Furniture will have approximately 900 employees worldwide.

The companies’ existing ERP operating systems and sales forces will remain in place and operate separately.

“While there will be no merger of operations or change in customer-facing services, we do see opportunity to improve each company by sharing best practices and looking for ways to work together to lower costs, improve efficiency and grow sales,” Toms said.

“Although Hooker Furniture Corporation has been debt-free for some time, we look at this acquisition as an excellent way to put excess capital to work and use our pristine balance sheet to layer in a manageable amount of low-cost debt,” Toms said. “We expect the transaction to be accretive to earnings immediately.”   The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2016 but not prior to February 1, 2016, subject to, among other things, an anti-trust regulatory review and other customary closing conditions. The transaction does not require approval by Hooker’s shareholders.

In connection with the agreement to purchase the business of HMI, Hooker also entered into a commitment letter with Bank of America, N.A. (“BofA”) pursuant to which BofA has committed to provide debt financing for the transactions contemplated in the form of a $90,000,000 senior credit facility.  The obligation of BofA to provide this debt financing is subject to a number of customary conditions.

Ranked among the nation’s top 10 largest publicly traded furniture sources based on 2014 shipments to U.S. retailers, Hooker Furniture Corporation is a residential wood, metal and upholstered furniture resource in its 91^st year of business.  Major casegoods product categories include home entertainment, home office, accent, dining, and bedroom furniture primarily in the upper-medium price points sold under the Hooker Furniture brand.  Hooker’s residential upholstered seating product lines include: Bradington-Young, a specialist in upscale motion and stationary leather furniture; Sam Moore Furniture, a specialist in fabric upholstery with an emphasis on cover-to-frame customization; and Hooker Upholstery, which focuses on imported leather upholstered furniture targeted at the upper-medium price-range. The Homeware product line offers direct-to-consumer, customer-assembled, modular upholstered and casegoods products. The H Contract product line supplies upholstered seating and casegoods to upscale senior living facilities.

Home Meridian International is the parent company of 5 business units including Pulaski Furniture, Samuel Lawrence Furniture, Samuel Lawrence Hospitality, Prime Resources International and Right 2 Home. In addition. Sourcing Solutions Group and Right 2 Home provide customized and proprietary products and services to HMI partners. HMI has a unique business model which allows the company to create global sourcing solutions for major customers and multiple channels of distribution. The organization has a deep understanding of the furniture market, products and customers. This business model, global sourcing and broad experience have allowed HMI to adapt and gain significant market share within the industry.  HMI was consistently been recognized as an industry and regional leader in sales gain and growth. Headquartered in High Point, N.C., HMI has distribution centers on both coasts and Asian operations in China, Vietnam and Malaysia.

Forward Looking Statements

This release includes certain forward-looking information that is subject to various risks and uncertainties. Words such as “expect,” “target,” “would,” “will,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “should” and similar terms and phrases are used to identify forward-looking statements.   There are a number of factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements.  For example, the parties may not be able to obtain any necessary regulatory or third-party consents or approvals or delays in obtaining any such consents or approvals may delay the closing of, or cause the parties to abandon, the transactions contemplated by the asset purchase agreement, or conditions to the closing of the transactions contemplated by the asset purchase agreement or the committed debt financing may not be satisfied.  Accordingly, forward-looking statements are not guarantees or assurances of future outcomes and actual results could differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements.  Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which it is made.

For more information, contact:

Paul B. Toms Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, or

Paul Huckfeldt, Chief Financial Officer; Phone: 276-632-2133

(CCCL) Completes Production Line for New Roofing Products

JINJIANG, China, Jan. 6, 2016  — China Ceramics Co., Ltd. (NASDAQ Global Market: CCCL) (“China Ceramics” or the “Company”), a leading Chinese manufacturer of ceramic tiles used for exterior siding and for interior flooring and design in residential and commercial buildings, today announced that it has completed a new production line to manufacture glazed brick ceramic tiles in its Hengdali facility in Gaoan, Jiangxi Province, China.

“We are excited about the addition of glazed brick ceramic tiles to our product portfolio as it is engineered to be a highly effective and customized roofing solution for both high-rise apartment buildings and housing projects. Further, it complements our existing ceramic tile building products and provides a competitively-priced solution for property developers,” said Mr. Jiadong Huang, Chief Executive Officer of China Ceramics. “Once in production, we believe that this new product will be one of the highest quality roofing bricks available in the building materials market and we are pleased that it further broadens our already extensive product line.”

The new production line is optimized to manufacture customized size ranges of glazed brick ceramic tiles in a manner that maximizes production efficiency and output. It also increases the Company’s total number of production lines from sixteen to seventeen. The new production line will undergo extensive testing procedures in the current quarter and full production is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2016.

Although there are currently some pre-orders for glazed brick ceramic tiles, we do not expect sales to ramp until the second quarter of 2016. We have incurred capital expenditures of RMB 93.0 million (US$ 14.6 million) to date in connection with the new production line, although additional expenditures are possible prior to the production line being fully operational. The new glazed brick ceramic tiles will be sold alongside our existing ceramic tile products to property developers on a direct basis and by our network of distributors throughout China.

Safe Harbor Statement

Certain of the statements made in this press release are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning and protections of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements include statements with respect to our beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, anticipations, assumptions, estimates, intentions, and future performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control, and which may cause the actual results, performance, capital, ownership or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation, the continued stable macroeconomic environment in the PRC, the PRC real estate and construction sectors continuing to exhibit sound long-term fundamentals, our ability to bring additional capacity online going forward as our business improves, our customers continuing to adjust to our product price increases, our ability to sustain our average selling price increases and to continue to build volume in the quarters ahead, and whether our enhanced marketing efforts will help to produce wider customer acceptance of the new price points. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be forward-looking statements. You can identify these forward-looking statements through our use of words such as “may,” “will,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “should,” “indicate,” “would,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “continue,” “plan,” “point to,” “project,” “could,” “intend,” “target” and other similar words and expressions of the future.

All written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary notice, including, without limitation, those risks and uncertainties described in our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2014 and otherwise in our SEC reports and filings. Such reports are available upon request from the Company, or from the Securities and Exchange Commission, including through the SEC’s Internet website at http://www.sec.gov. We have no obligation and do not undertake to update, revise or correct any of the forward-looking statements after the date hereof, or after the respective dates on which any such statements otherwise are made.

About China Ceramics Co., Ltd.

China Ceramics Co., Ltd. is a leading manufacturer of ceramic tiles in China. The Company’s ceramic tiles are used for exterior siding, interior flooring, and design in residential and commercial buildings. China Ceramics’ products, sold under the “Hengda” or “HD”, “Hengdeli” or “HDL”, the “TOERTO” and “WULIQIAO” brands, and the “Pottery Capital of Tang Dynasty” brands, are available in over 2,000 style, color and size combinations and are distributed through a network of exclusive distributors as well as directly to large property developers. For more information, please visit http://www.cceramics.com.

Contact Information:
China Ceramics Co., Ltd.
Edmund Hen, Chief Financial Officer
Email: info@cceramics.com

Precept Investor Relations LLC
David Rudnick, Account Manager
Email: david.rudnick@preceptir.com
Phone: +1 917-864-8849

(EMAN) Inks Licensing Agreement for Immersive Headset Intellectual Property

eMagin Corporation (NYSE MKT:EMAN) has signed a non-exclusive intellectual property (IP) licensing agreement for its unique 4 MegaPixel per eye immersive virtual reality headset technology with an undisclosed company. The deal includes an upfront licensing fee of $1M and a commitment to use eMagin’s 2,000 x 2,000 pixel full color displays in the company’s headsets. eMagin’s OLED microdisplays are the superior choice for the emerging Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) markets with features such as their speed (which helps prevent nausea), small size, low power consumption, high brightness and high contrast. These features make eMagin’s microdisplays a better choice than alternative liquid crystal based display technologies like LCOS or LCD.

“This licensing agreement confirms that our immersive headset technology is unique in the VR market,” said Andrew G. Sculley, CEO of eMagin Corporation. “Our immersive headset has four times the resolution of alternative cellphone based VR headsets and provides a more realistic, “screen-door”- free image. This agreement also demonstrates that eMagin’s OLED microdisplays are the right choice for VR applications, giving eMagin the opportunity to jump into the market with its highest resolution microdisplay offering.”

About eMagin Corporation

A leader in OLED microdisplay technology, OLED microdisplay manufacturing know-how and mobile display systems, eMagin manufactures high-resolution OLED microdisplays and integrates them with magnifying optics to deliver virtual images comparable to large-screen computer and television displays in portable, low power consumption, lightweight personal displays. eMagin microdisplays provide near-eye imagery in a variety of products from military, industrial, medical and consumer OEMs. More information about eMagin is available at www.emagin.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including those regarding eMagin Corporation’s expectations, intentions, strategies and beliefs pertaining to future events or future financial performance. Actual events or results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including those described in the Company’s most recent filings with the SEC. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements should not be regarded as a representation by the Company, or any other person, that such forward-looking statements will be achieved. The business and operations of the Company are subject to substantial risks which increase the uncertainty inherent in forward-looking statements. We undertake no duty to update any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In light of the foregoing, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. OLED-XL, Color OLED-XLS and True Black are trademarks of eMagin Corp. OLED-ULT is trademark pending. All other names are the products of their respective owners.

(COOL) Announces Special Dividend

(OGES) Providing Batteries for Unmanned Maritime Vessels

Oakridge Global Energy Solutions, Inc.
Info@oakg.net

Oakridge Global Energy Solutions:
A New Era In Battery Manufacturing

Oakridge Providing Batteries for Unmanned Maritime Vessels

January 6, 2016 Melbourne, Florida – Oakridge Global Energy Solutions, Inc. (OGES) is excited to announce that it has received a supplier agreement from an industry leader in the unmanned maritime market space, Maritime Tactical Systems, Inc., MARTAC.   MARTAC is a Melbourne, Florida based company that designs and produces the Man-Portable Tactical Autonomous Systems (MANTIS) that can reach speeds in excess of 75 miles per hour.  These vehicles are designed to be used in numerous applications including mine warfare, port and harbor security patrol, anti-piracy, search and rescue, and many others.

“This is an outstanding local company that develops and produces highly innovative and exciting game-changing products with very important strategic applications,” said OGES Executive Chairman and CEO, Steve Barber. “We are pleased to provide batteries for their products and welcome the opportunity to work together.  We at Oakridge love high speed vehicles whether on the ground or in the water, and these products are absolutely best in class.”

On January 4, 2016 Oakridge Global Energy Solutions entered into the full scale production phase of the company restructuring as planned out by Barber and his team.  The company forecasts having solid revenues in January and growing rapidly each month thereafter.

“Oakridge is an incredible company to work with.  Their engineering team reviewed our applications and immediately started work on a fantastic solution that exceeded our expectations and strengthened our product offerings.  It is absolutely wonderful to have a strong lithium battery manufacturing facility in the U.S.” says MARTAC President/CEO Bruce Hanson.  “We look forward to a long and successful relationship with the Oakridge team!”

About Oakridge Global Energy Solutions, Inc.

Oakridge Global Energy Solutions Inc., is a publicly traded company, trading symbol: OGES on the OTCQB with a market capitalization of approximately USD $ 250,000,000, whose primary business is the development, manufacturing and marketing of energy storage products. Additional information can be accessed on the company’s website www.oakg.net.

Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer: This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the following words: “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “ongoing,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “will,” “would,” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which such performance or results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time the statements are made and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this press release. This press release should be considered in light of all filings of the Company that are contained in the Edgar Archives of the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov.

Contact:
Oakridge Global Energy Solutions, Inc.
www.oakg.net
3520 Dixie Highway
Palm Bay, 32905, Florida, USA
Ph: (321) 610-7959

(AMIC) & (IHC) Announce Sale of Stop Loss Business

STAMFORD, Conn. and NEW YORK, Jan. 05, 2016  — Independence Holding Company (NYSE:IHC) and American Independence Corp. (NASDAQ:AMIC) today announced that they have entered into an agreement to sell the stock of IHC Risk Solutions LLC (RS) and co-insure to Swiss Re Corporate Solutions’ largest US carrier, Westport Insurance Corporation, all of the in-force stop-loss business of Standard Security Life Insurance Company of New York (SSL) and Independence American Insurance Company (IAIC) produced by RS, as of January 1, 2016, for an aggregate of $152,500,000 in cash. AMIC and its subsidiaries, including IAIC, are expected to receive approximately 89% of the purchase price with the balance being paid to SSL.  The transaction has been approved by the independent members of the Boards of Directors of IHC, AMIC and SSL and by the holders of approximately 92% of the outstanding stock of AMIC.  It is anticipated that the transaction, which is subject to certain closing conditions including applicable regulatory approvals, will close in the first quarter of 2016.  This transaction will result in very significant gains in both income and book value of both IHC and AMIC, which amounts will not be fully determined until after closing of the transaction.

Roy T. Thung, Chief Executive Officer of IHC and AMIC, commented, “We are delighted that this transaction will unlock significant value for the shareholders of both AMIC and IHC and will materially increase liquidity in both companies. We will continue to focus on growing our specialty health, group life and disability, DBL and occupational accident lines of business through organic growth and acquisitions.  In addition, the IHC Board of Directors has appointed a special committee of independent directors which has been authorized to hire independent advisors to recommend to the full Board of Directors the price at which IHC would take AMIC private in 2016.  After completion of the going private transaction, IHC will own 100% of SSL, IAIC and Madison National Life Insurance Company, Inc.”

About Independence Holding Company

Independence Holding Company (NYSE:IHC) is a holding company principally engaged in the life and health insurance business through its insurance company subsidiaries (Standard Security Life Insurance Company of New York, Madison National Life Insurance Company, Inc. and Independence American Insurance Company) and its marketing and administrative affiliates.  Standard Security Life furnishes medical stop-loss, group limited medical, short-term medical, group long-term and short-term disability, group life, statutory disability benefit policies (DBL) in New York, group and individual dental, vision and various supplemental products.  Madison National Life sells group life and disability, group limited medical, group and individual dental, and various supplemental products.  Independence American offers pet insurance, non-subscriber occupational accident, short-term medical, medical stop-loss, group and individual dental and various supplemental products.  IHC owns certain subsidiaries through its majority ownership of American Independence Corp. (NASDAQ:AMIC), which is a holding company principally engaged in the insurance and reinsurance business.

About American Independence Corp.

American Independence Corp. (NASDAQ:AMIC) is a holding company principally engaged in health insurance and reinsurance.  It provides specialized health coverage and related services to commercial customers and individuals.  Through Independence American Insurance Company and its other subsidiaries, it offers medical stop-loss, non-subscriber occupational accident, pet insurance, group major medical, short-term medical, vision, dental and various supplemental products, which are marketed through its subsidiaries IHC Specialty Benefits, Inc., IPA Direct, LLC and IPA Family, LLC.  AMIC markets medical stop-loss through its marketing and administrative company IHC Risk Solutions, LLC.

Forward-looking Statements

Certain statements and information contained in this release may be considered “forward-looking statements,” such as statements relating to management’s views with respect to future events and financial performance.  Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical experience or from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, economic conditions in the markets in which Independence Holding Company (IHC) and American Independence Corp (AMIC) and operates, new federal or state governmental regulation, IHC’s and AMIC’s ability to effectively operate, integrate and leverage any past or future strategic acquisition, and other factors which can be found in IHC’s and AMIC’s other news releases and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  IHC and AMIC expressly disclaims any duty to update its forward-looking statements unless required by applicable law.

INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY	
96 CUMMINGS POINT ROAD		
STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT 06902	
NYSE: IHC

CONTACT:  LOAN NISSER
(646) 509-2107
www.IHCGroup.com

AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE CORP.	
485 MADISON AVENUE			
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10022		
NASDAQ: AMIC				

CONTACT:  LOAN NISSER
(646) 509-2107
www.americanindependencecorp.com

(CNAT) Positive Results with Emricasan in Initial Stage of Phase 2 Trial

– Consistent Treatment Effect Observed on Biomarkers in Overall Patient Population –

– Emricasan Improves Key Measures of Liver Function in High Medical Need Subgroup –

– Conference Call and Webcast Presentation at 4:30 p.m. ET Today –

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 05, 2016  — Conatus Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:CNAT) today announced that the three-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled stage of the company’s multicenter Phase 2 Liver Cirrhosis clinical trial showed a statistically significant reduction in caspase-cleaved cytokeratin 18 (cCK18) vs. placebo (p=0.04) in the overall patient population when adjusted for differences between treatment and placebo groups in baseline Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD)¹ score and disease etiology as specified in the trial statistical analysis plan. cCK18 is a mechanism-specific biomarker of caspase-driven cell death. Multiple additional liver disease biomarkers achieved statistically significant reductions vs. placebo in the overall patient population after three months of treatment, while others achieved positive trends. The company believes that the consistent pattern of improvement across these biomarkers in the overall patient population provides strong evidence of a favorable treatment effect with emricasan, the company’s first-in-class, orally-active pan-caspase inhibitor.

Collectively, two key secondary endpoints and clinically relevant measures of liver function, MELD score and Child-Pugh-Turcotte (Child-Pugh)² score, along with other key liver function parameters, demonstrated favorable trends vs. placebo in the overall patient population after three months of treatment.

Exploratory Subgroup Analyses Yield Clinically Meaningful Results

Importantly, the trends in the overall patient population were driven by statistically significant improvements in a subgroup of patients with baseline MELD scores ≥15, the established prerequisite for listing a patient for liver transplant. This pattern of greatest responses in highest need patients is consistent with the results from the company’s Phase 2 Portal Hypertension clinical trial announced in the third quarter of 2015.

Additional analyses of the three-month data showed the following broadly evident treatment effects in this subgroup:

• 1.6 reduction in mean MELD score with emricasan vs. 0.6 increase with placebo (p=0.003)
  • Patients achieving at least 2-point reductions in MELD score
    • 6 of 9 with emricasan vs. 2 of 10 with placebo
  • Patients achieving reductions in MELD score to ≤14
    • 4 of 9 with emricasan vs. 1 of 10 with placebo
• 0.6 reduction in mean Child-Pugh score with emricasan vs. 0.6 increase with placebo (p=0.003)
  • Patients achieving at least 1-point changes in Child-Pugh score
    • 4 of 9 had decreases with emricasan vs. 2 of 10 with placebo
    • 0 of 9 had increases with emricasan vs. 4 of 10 with placebo

Consistent with the company’s previous 15 clinical trials, emricasan was generally well-tolerated in the placebo-controlled stage of the Liver Cirrhosis clinical trial, and the overall safety profile was similar in the emricasan and placebo groups with regard to both serious and other adverse events.

“The improvement after only three months of treatment in patients with cirrhosis and impaired hepatic function in nearly all of the mechanism-specific and mechanism-independent biomarkers, as well as favorable overall trends driven by statistically significant subgroup improvements in clinically relevant markers of liver function – MELD and Child Pugh scores – is highly encouraging,” said David T. Hagerty, M.D., Executive Vice President of Clinical Development at Conatus. “The magnitude of the treatment effect was much more meaningful in patients with high baseline MELD scores. We believe these results, if confirmed and sustained, will be very important clinically. We look forward to the availability of the six-month data from this clinical trial to understand whether longer dosing may also demonstrate a treatment effect as measured by MELD and Child-Pugh in patients with lower baseline MELD scores and the overall patient population.”

“With these latest results, we have now demonstrated emricasan’s ability to cause meaningful improvements in targeted patient populations using all three measures identified by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) as potentially acceptable surrogate endpoints for clinical trials in patients with liver cirrhosis,” said Conatus co-founder, President and Chief Executive Officer Steven J. Mento, Ph.D. “The evidence of emricasan’s clinical activity across the spectrum of liver disease continues to build. Over the past year, we have generated clinical data defining acceptable emricasan dosing in patients with all levels of liver function impairment, and confirming that emricasan is active across multiple etiologies of liver disease. The two latest clinical trials demonstrate emricasan’s ability to provide statistically significant improvements rapidly in clinically important validated surrogate endpoints of portal hypertension and liver function in the subgroups of patients with highest medical need. These results reinforce our commitment to the further development of emricasan with a focus on an initial registration in liver cirrhosis. We believe the planned ENCORE liver cirrhosis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) fibrosis clinical trials announced in November offer the optimal path forward toward that objective. We expect that the upcoming six-month Liver Cirrhosis clinical trial data will allow us to determine, with the continued engagement of the regulatory authorities, whether the ENCORE-LF clinical trial – originally planned as a Phase 2 clinical trial – may be redesigned to qualify as Phase 3. We are advancing well with our plans to initiate the ENCORE clinical trials on a staggered basis through early 2017.”

Liver Cirrhosis Trial

The double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 Liver Cirrhosis clinical trial was conducted at 26 U.S. sites and enrolled 86 patients with liver cirrhosis due to different etiologies, mild to moderate liver impairment and baseline MELD scores of 11 to 18. In the double-blind and placebo-controlled stage, patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either 25 mg of emricasan or placebo orally twice daily for three months. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in cCK18. Secondary endpoints included changes from baseline in MELD and Child-Pugh scores, which include laboratory parameters associated with liver synthetic and excretory function, such as serum albumin levels, international normalized ratio (INR) and total bilirubin levels. In the open-label stage, all patients either on emricasan or placebo receive emricasan for an additional three months. Six-month data from patients who continued treatment and three-month data from placebo patients who crossed over to emricasan treatment are expected in the second quarter of 2016.

Among the 86 subjects enrolled and dosed, liver cirrhosis etiologies included alcohol (38%), hepatitis C virus, or HCV (29%), NASH (23%), and other causes (9%). Baseline MELD scores were ≤14 in 78% of enrolled subjects and ≥15 in 22% of enrolled subjects. Baseline Child-Pugh status was A (Child-Pugh score of 5-6) in 43% of subjects and B (Child-Pugh score of 7-9) in 56% of subjects.

Conference Call/Webcast/Presentation

Conatus will host a conference call and webcast at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time today, January 5, to discuss the initial top-line results. To access the conference call, please dial 877-312-5857 (domestic) or 970-315-0455 (international) at least five minutes prior to the start time and refer to conference ID 17708674. An associated presentation and live and archived audio webcast of the call will be available in the Investors section of the company’s website at http://ir.conatuspharma.com/events.cfm.

About Emricasan Clinical Development

To date, emricasan has been studied in over 650 subjects in sixteen clinical trials across a broad range of liver disease etiologies and stages of progression. In multiple clinical trials, emricasan has demonstrated statistically significant, rapid and sustained reductions in elevated levels of key biomarkers of inflammation and apoptosis that are implicated in the severity and progression of liver disease. Importantly, these key biomarkers are known to be elevated and to have prognostic value in multiple hepatic indications that Conatus is currently pursuing. The company also is evaluating emricasan’s potential longer-term effects on liver structure in its ongoing Phase 2b clinical trial in post-orthotopic liver transplant (POLT) recipients who have reestablished liver fibrosis or cirrhosis post-transplant as a result of recurrent HCV infection and have successfully achieved a sustained viral response following HCV antiviral therapy (POLT-HCV-SVR). In November 2015, the company announced plans to conduct multiple clinical trials covering various liver cirrhosis patient populations for different chronic dosing periods using different endpoints – the ENCORE trials – as a strategy for initial registration of emricasan as a potential treatment for patients with liver cirrhosis.

About Conatus Pharmaceuticals

Conatus is a biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of novel medicines to treat liver disease. Conatus is developing its lead compound, emricasan, for the treatment of patients with chronic liver disease. Emricasan is a first-in-class, orally active pan-caspase inhibitor designed to reduce the activity of enzymes that mediate inflammation and apoptosis. Conatus believes that by reducing the activity of these enzymes, emricasan has the potential to interrupt the disease progression across the spectrum of liver disease. For additional information, please visit www.conatuspharma.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release are forward looking statements, including statements regarding:  improvements in biomarkers as evidence of a favorable treatment effect with emricasan; the clinical importance of the three-month results if confirmed and/or sustained over longer treatment periods with emricasan; the use of the six-month data from the Liver Cirrhosis trial to determine whether longer dosing with emricasan may lead to improvements in patients with lower baseline MELD scores and the overall patient population; the potential of measures identified by the FDA to be used as surrogate endpoints in future clinical trials in patients with liver cirrhosis; further development of emricasan with a focus on an initial registration in liver cirrhosis; the planned ENCORE clinical trials being the optimal registration path forward for emricasan; the ability of the six-month Liver Cirrhosis trial data to allow the company, with continued engagement of the regulatory authorities, to determine whether the ENCORE-LF clinical trial may be redesigned as a Phase 3 trial; the planned initiation of the ENCORE trials through early 2017; the expected results of the six-month data from patients who continued treatment and the three-month data from placebo patients who crossed over to emricasan treatment in the Liver Cirrhosis trial in the second quarter of 2016; the company’s plans to conduct multiple clinical trials covering various liver cirrhosis patient populations for different chronic dosing periods using different endpoints as a strategy for initial registration of emricasan as a potential treatment for patients with liver cirrhosis; and emricasan’s potential to interrupt the disease progression across the spectrum of liver disease. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “could,” “intend,” “target,” “project,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including:  Conatus’ ability to initiate and successfully complete current and future clinical trials; the potential that further analysis of the data described herein or additional data may yield different results; Conatus’ ability to evaluate emricasan’s potential medium-term and longer-term effects on liver function and liver structure in its other two ongoing clinical trials; Conatus’ ability to develop and implement a registration strategy and pathway for emricasan; FDA’s and other regulatory agencies’ interactions and guidance relating to the development of emricasan; Conatus’ dependence on its ability to obtain regulatory approval for, and then successfully commercialize emricasan, which is Conatus’ only drug candidate; Conatus’ reliance on third parties to conduct its clinical trials, enroll subjects, manufacture its preclinical and clinical drug supplies and manufacture commercial supplies of emricasan, if approved; the potential that earlier clinical trials may not be predictive of future results; potential adverse side effects or other safety risks associated with emricasan that could delay or preclude its approval; results of future clinical trials of emricasan; the potential for competing products to limit the clinical trial enrollment opportunities for emricasan in certain indications; the uncertainty of the FDA’s and other regulatory agencies’ approval processes and other regulatory requirements; Conatus’ ability to fully comply with numerous federal, state and local laws and regulatory requirements applicable to it; Conatus’ limited operating history and its ability to operate successfully as a public company; Conatus’ ability to obtain additional financing in order to complete the development and commercialization of emricasan; and those risks described in Conatus’ prior press releases and in the periodic reports it files with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The events and circumstances reflected in Conatus’ forward-looking statements may not be achieved or occur and actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable law, Conatus does not plan to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of any new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise.

¹ MELD score is a numerical value ranging from 6 (less ill) to 40 (gravely ill) calculated by a formula using three routine serum biomarkers:  total bilirubin, creatinine, and INR, and used to position patients on the liver transplant waiting list. Biomarker values below 1 are rounded to 1 to avoid negative values in the MELD formula. Scores of 15 or greater are required for listing eligibility.

² Child-Pugh score is a numerical value ranging from 5 (least severe) to 15 (most severe) calculated by totaling the individual scores on a 1-3 scale for three routine serum biomarkers:  bilirubin, INR, and albumin; and two clinical factors:  encephalopathy and ascites. Scores of 5-6 are classified as Child-Pugh A (mild liver impairment); scores of 7-9 are classified as Child-Pugh B (moderate liver impairment); scores of 10-15 are classified as Child-Pugh C (severe liver impairment).

MEDIA:  David Schull
Russo Partners, LLC
(858) 717-2310
David.Schull@RussoPartnersLLC.com

INVESTORS:  Alan Engbring
Conatus Pharmaceuticals Inc.
(858) 376-2637
aengbring@conatuspharma.com

(AKTX) Announces Additional Data from Non-Human Primate Safety Study

Safety Study Demonstrating Equivalent Coversin Efficacy in Both Elisa CH50 and Hemolytic SRBC Assays

NEW YORK and LONDON, Jan. 05, 2016  — Akari Therapeutics (NASDAQ:AKTX), an emerging growth, development-stage biopharmaceutical company, announced an update from its 28 day non-human primate (NHP) safety study that Coversin demonstrated complete inhibition of complement C5 whether measured by Elisa CH50 or Sheep Reb Blood Cell (SRBC) lytic assay (see Figure 1 below). The study tested Coversin daily subcutaneous injection for 28 days at a low and high dose versus placebo in 24 non-human primates and demonstrated no safety issues, adverse events or injection site reactions. Coversin is a second-generation complement inhibitor that acts on complement component-C5, preventing release of C5a and formation of C5b-9 (also known as the membrane attack complex or MAC). C5 inhibition is growing in importance in a range of rare autoimmune diseases related to dysregulation of the complement component of the immune system, including paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS), and Guillain Barré syndrome (GBS).

Miles Nunn, Chief Scientific Officer of Akari Therapeutics, said, “At steady state we see comparable complement inhibition in non-human primates dosed subcutaneously once a day with Coversin whether complement activity is measured by Elisa CH50 U Eq/ml assay or sheep red blood cell lytic CH50 assay. We believe the lytic assay provides a more sensitive measure of residual complement activity than the Elisa assay, and these data at steady state show that complement is completely and tightly inhibited in non-human primates given daily Coversin.”

Figure 1
http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/576a4864-596c-4ed9-bdcd-f2268f5071fa

Figure legend: Comparison of the complement activity present in the serum of non-human primates dosed daily with saline control or high dose Coversin and measured by Elisa Quidel CH50 assay or sheep red blood cell (SRBC) lytic CH50 assay. Activity is expressed as the average percentage of complement activity (with CH50 value determined by Elisa or 3-point SRBC lytic assay) at days 2, 15 and 28 compared to baseline (day 0). Vertical bars show standard error of the mean.

“We believe these data demonstrating that Coversin completely inhibited complement C5 activity whether measured by Elisa CH50 or SRBC lytic assays highlights the potential for Coversin to be the best-in-class second generation complement C5 inhibitor in development,” said Gur Roshwalb, Chief Executive Officer of Akari Therapeutics.  “The non-human primate safety and complement inhibition data strengthen our belief that daily subcutaneous administration of Coversin in humans at an appropriate dose, to be determined in our upcoming Phase 1b study, should provide the complete and highly stable chronic complement inhibition needed to effectively treat complement driven diseases.”

Full data from this safety study will be presented at a future scientific forum.

About CH50 Testing

CH50 assays measure the activity of the classical complement activation pathway and are sensitive to the reduction, absence and/or inactivity of any component (including inhibited components) of the pathway.

The CH50 assay is often currently performed by an Elisa assay that measures terminal complement complex (TCC) which is formed of complement components C5b-9 (also known as the membrane attack complex or MAC). In the Elisa assay, complement in serum at a single dilution is activated by immunoglobulin either in solution or directly on the ELISA plate leading to formation of TCC. The TCC is captured on the plate and is measured and compared to a series of standards of known TCC concentration. The TCC concentration is described in units of CH50 U Eq/ml and equates directly to a CH50 value determined using the traditional CH50 assay.

The traditional CH50 assay tests the functional capability of serum complement components of the classical pathway to lyse sheep red blood cells (SRBC) pre-coated with rabbit anti-sheep red blood cell antibody (haemolysin). When antibody-coated SRBC are incubated with test serum, the classical pathway of complement is activated and hemolysis results. If a complement component is absent, the CH50 level will be zero; if one or more components of the classical pathway are decreased or inhibited, the CH50 will be decreased. The amount of complement activity is determined by examining the capacity of various dilutions of test serum to lyse antibody coated SRBC. The serum fold-dilution which causes 50% lysis of the SRBC is the CH50 value.

About Akari Therapeutics Plc

Akari is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative therapeutics to treat orphan autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Akari’s lead drug product, Coversin is a second-generation complement inhibitor that acts on complement component-C5, preventing release of C5a and formation of C5b-9 (also known as the membrane attack complex or MAC). C5 inhibition is growing in importance in a range of rare autoimmune diseases related to dysregulation of the complement component of the immune system, including paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS), and Guillain Barré syndrome (GBS).

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements reflect our current views about our plans, intentions, expectations, strategies and prospects, which are based on
the information currently available to us and on assumptions we have made. Although we believe that our plans, intentions, expectations, strategies and prospects as reflected in or suggested by those forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that the plans, intentions, expectations or strategies will be attained or achieved. Furthermore, actual results may differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements and will be affected by a variety of risks and factors that are beyond our control. Such risks and uncertainties for our company include, but are not limited to: an inability or delay in obtaining required regulatory approvals for Coversin and any other product candidates, which may result in unexpected cost expenditures; risks inherent in drug development in general; uncertainties in obtaining successful clinical results for Coversin and any other product candidates and unexpected costs that may result therefrom; failure to realize any value of Coversin and any other product candidates developed and being developed in light of inherent risks and difficulties involved in successfully bringing product candidates to market; inability to develop new product candidates and support existing product candidates; the approval by the FDA and EMA and any other similar foreign regulatory authorities of other competing or superior products brought to market;
risks resulting from unforeseen side effects; risk that the market for Coversin may not be as large as expected; inability to obtain, maintain and enforce patents and other intellectual property rights or the unexpected costs associated with such enforcement or litigation; inability to obtain and maintain commercial manufacturing arrangements with third party manufacturers or establish commercial scale manufacturing capabilities; the inability to timely source adequate supply of our active pharmaceutical ingredients from third party manufacturers on whom the company depends; our inability to obtain
additional capital on acceptable terms, or at all; unexpected cost increases and pricing pressures; uncertainties of cash flows and inability to meet working capital needs; and risks and other risk factors detailed in our public filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 23, 2015. Except as otherwise noted, these forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any of these statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after this press release. We caution investors not to place considerable reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.

Contact: 
Investor & Media Contact:
Akari Therapeutics Plc
Gur Roshwalb, MD, CEO
646-350-0702
info@AkariTx.com

(AETI) Announces New $8.5 Million Credit Facility

New Relationship With Frost Bank Facilitates Company’s Global Growth Strategy

HOUSTON, Jan. 05, 2016  — American Electric Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq:AETI), a leading provider of power delivery solutions for the global energy industry, announced today the Company has entered into a new $8.5 million credit facility (“Credit Facility”) with Frost Bank of Texas.

The new Credit Facility consists of a $4.0 million revolving line of credit with a two-year term and a $4.5 million declining revolving line of credit.

“This new Credit Facility with Frost Bank provides us the liquidity and the flexibility to execute our growth strategy in the oil and natural gas and power generation and distribution sectors of the energy industry,” said Bill Brod, AETI’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

“We are pleased to work with the AETI management team as they execute their growth strategy,” said Michael Aubuchon, Frost Bank’s Market President. “Frost Bank has helped Texas businesses and manufacturing clients with their financial needs for 148 years. This new AETI facility is a great example of the flexibility that we provide to our clients.”

This Credit Facility replaces the Company’s prior credit facility with another bank which was scheduled to mature on December 31, 2015.

American Electric Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:AETI) is a leading provider of power delivery solutions for the global energy industry. AETI offers M&I Electric™ power distribution and power conversion products, control and automation systems, Power Distribution Centers (PDCs) and E&I services. South Coast Electric Systems L.L.C., a subsidiary, services Gulf Coast marine and vessel customers.

AETI is headquartered in Houston and has global operations in Beaumont, Texas; Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, and Rio de Janeiro and Macae, Brazil. In addition, AETI has minority interests in two joint ventures, which have facilities located in Xian, China and Singapore. AETI’s SEC filings, news and product/service information are available at www.aeti.com.

Investor Contacts: 
American Electric Technologies, Inc. 
Bill Brod
713-644-8182 
investorrelations@aeti.com

(OGES) Sells Interest in Leclanche S.A., Releasing Funding for Corporate Growth

MELBOURNE, FL–(Jan 5, 2016) – Oakridge Global Energy Solutions, Inc. (OTCQB: OGES) is excited to announce that it has sold its entire interest, 11,000,000 shares, of European battery manufacturing company Leclanché (LECN), with financial close dated December 30, 2015. While details of this transaction are under non-disclosure with the buyer, Golden Partner Management SPC of Luxemburg, the purpose of the sale is to make available the necessary capital to fund Oakridge’s previously announced expansion strategy.

Proceeds of the sale will sufficiently fund Oakridge’s growth plans and operations going forward, and the Company has launched full production in the first quarter of 2016.

The sale has also enabled Oakridge to bring all outstanding payables to current status and also completely pay out its long-standing $2 million loan to Expedia Holdings Limited.

As a result of this transaction, Oakridge enters into 2016 completely debt-free and funded for growth.

“In the process of growing Oakridge from an R&D company to a production company we have had, like all growth companies, our share of speed bumps. However, with the infusion of cash from this sale of our holdings in Leclanché, we are now debt-free, well-funded and self-sustaining for the first time in Oakridge’s corporate history. Pivoting from here, we will continue to follow our previously announced goals and expansion plans for our existing manufacturing facilities in Florida. We are now well on our way to becoming a major player in the world lithium-ion battery manufacturing space. The addition of this significant capital into Oakridge provides the liquidity that we needed to launch this company from small scale production to one of the largest lithium battery manufacturing facilities in the world,” says Oakridge CEO Steve Barber.

On January 4, 2016, Oakridge entered into the full-scale production phase of the Company’s restructuring, as planned out by Barber and his team. The company forecasts solid revenues in January and rapid growth each month thereafter.

“Oakridge is a fantastic place to work. The business is really taking off and we are all glad to be a part of it,” says Oakridge employee Idelfonso Silva. “The addition of this new infusion of capital has will allow us to go from producing a small number of units each day to producing large scale quantities. It is a very exciting time to be at Oakridge!”

About Oakridge Global Energy Solutions, Inc.

Oakridge Global Energy Solutions Inc., is a publicly traded company, trading symbol: OGES on the OTCQB with a market capitalization of approximately USD $ 250,000,000, whose primary business is the development, manufacturing and marketing of energy storage products. Additional information can be accessed on the company’s new website at http://oakridgeglobalenergy.com/

Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer: This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the following words: “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “ongoing,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “will,” “would,” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which such performance or results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time the statements are made and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this press release. This press release should be considered in light of all filings of the Company that are contained in the Edgar Archives of the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov.

(QUIK) to Present at the 18th Annual Needham & Company Growth Conference

(RPRX) Updates Enclomiphene Program

• Repros expects to meet with FDA to discuss “Complete Response Letter” for enclomiphene NDA during February 2016
• Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) for enclomiphene planned for submission in Europe mid-2016

THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Jan. 04, 2016  — Repros Therapeutics Inc.® (Nasdaq:RPRX) today announced that it has been granted a meeting with the Division of Bone, Reproductive and Urologic Products (DBRUP) of the FDA to discuss aspects of the “Complete Response Letter” received on Nov. 30, 2015 for the enclomiphene NDA. The meeting will be held during February 2016.

European MAA

The Company plans a central filing in Europe for an indication of enclomiphene for the treatment of secondary hypogonadism. The remaining item on the critical path to the submission is manufacture of finished drug product in Europe meeting EU requirements. The Company believes the MAA will be submitted mid-2016. The review cycle for a central filing is 17 months.

About Repros Therapeutics Inc.®

Repros Therapeutics focuses on the development of small molecule drugs for major unmet medical needs that treat male and female reproductive disorders.

Forward-Looking Statements

Any statements made by the Company that are not historical facts contained in this release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are subject to various risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These statements often include words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “continue,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “believe,” “plan,” “seek,” “could,” “can,” “should” or similar expressions. These statements are based on assumptions that the Company has made in light of the Company’s experience in the industry, as well as the Company’s perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors the Company believes are appropriate in these circumstances. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those relating to its plans to meet with the FDA to discuss the Complete Response Letter and to the eventual submission and review of the MAA. Such statements are based on current expectations that involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual events to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including risks that the EMA will not ultimately approve the MAA, the risk that the MAA, if granted, may have significant limitations on use, that even if the MAA is approved, the Company may not be able to successfully commercialize the product candidate, risks relating to the Company’s ability to protect its intellectual property rights and such other risks as are identified in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. These documents are available on request from Repros Therapeutics or at www.sec.gov. Repros disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

CONTACT: Investor Relations:
Thomas Hoffmann
The Trout Group
(646) 378-2931
thoffmann@troutgroup.com

(FCEL) Announces 5.6 Megawatt Fuel Cell Project With (PFE)

• 5.6 megawatt fuel cell system to supply ultra-clean electricity and steam to Pfizer’s research and development site in Groton, Connecticut under a power purchase agreement
• Reducing energy costs while improving carbon footprint and supporting clean air initiatives
• Grid-independent capability provides  power  reliability to 160 acre campus
  

DANBURY, Conn., Jan. 04, 2016  — FuelCell Energy, Inc.  (Nasdaq:FCEL), a global leader in the design, manufacture, operation and service of ultra‐clean, efficient and reliable fuel cell power plants, announced plans for the installation of a 5.6 megawatt fuel cell power generation system for Pfizer Inc., one of the world’s largest biopharmaceutical companies, to provide reliable and low carbon electricity and steam for its 160 acre research and development facility in Groton, Connecticut.  Pfizer will purchase the power and steam under a 20 year power purchase agreement that will lead to a reduction in energy costs while enhancing power reliability from on-site power generation.  The highly efficient combined heat and power (CHP) fuel cell system will be configured to operate continuously, in parallel with the grid during normal operation and independently supplying electricity to campus loads during grid outages, while supporting Pfizer’s commitment to sustainability with power generation that is low carbon and efficient.  The fuel cell installation is expected to be fully operational by summer 2016.

“This power purchase model delivers immediate value while increasing electrical reliability by providing the security of on-site power with a financial structure that avoids an investment in power generation assets, and FuelCell Energy installs, operates and maintains the fuel cell power plants,” said Chip Bottone, President and Chief Executive Officer, FuelCell Energy, Inc.  “Affordably addressing both energy and sustainability goals is an attractive value proposition offered by FCE.”

The fuel cell system will include two DFC3000^® fuel cell power plants, each rated at 2.8 megawatts that operate in tandem to generate 5.6 megawatts of clean power and steam and will supply a portion of the Pfizer Groton facility’s energy needs.  Generating both power and steam from the same unit of fuel reduces heating costs and the associated pollutants and carbon emissions from more traditional combustion-based boiler systems.  The fuel cells will operate parallel with the electric grid and, in the event of a grid disturbance, continue to provide power to Pfizer’s Groton facility by switching to what is termed an ‘island’ mode that is grid independent.

The CHP-configured fuel cell plants produce clean power and heat via an electrochemical process that avoids combustion and its associated pollutants, including nitrogen oxide (NO_x) that causes smog, sulfur dioxide (SO_x) that contributes to acid rain, and particulate matter that can aggravate asthma. The emissions profile of the fuel cells installed at the Pfizer facility will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; avoiding more than 28,900 tons of CO₂ and more than 34 tons of NO_x annually as compared to the average U.S. grid, which is equivalent to removing more than 5,300 cars from the road.  These environmental benefits can be realized by Pfizer or sold to third parties through renewable energy certificates.

Fuel cells electrochemically convert a fuel source into electricity and heat in a highly efficient process that emits virtually no pollutants due to the absence of combustion.  The Direct FuelCell^® (DFC^®) stationary fuel cell power plants manufactured by FuelCell Energy utilize carbonate fuel cell technology and provide continuous power located where the power is used, including both on-site applications and electric grid support. The combination of near-zero pollutants, modest land-use needs, and quiet operating nature of these stationary fuel cell power plants facilitates locating the power plants in urban locations.  The power plants are fuel flexible, capable of operating on clean natural gas, on-site renewable biogas, or directed biogas.

About FuelCell Energy
Direct FuelCell® power plants are generating ultra-clean, efficient and reliable power at more than 50 locations worldwide.  With more than 300 megawatts of power generation capacity installed or in backlog, FuelCell Energy is a global leader in providing ultra-clean baseload distributed generation to utilities, industrial operations, universities, municipal water treatment facilities, government installations and other customers around the world.  The Company’s power plants have generated over four billion kilowatt hours of ultra-clean power using a variety of fuels including renewable biogas from wastewater treatment and food processing, as well as clean natural gas.   For additional information, please visit www.fuelcellenergy.com, follow us on Twitter and view our videos on YouTube.

Direct FuelCell, DFC, DFC/T, DFC-H2 and FuelCell Energy, Inc. are all registered trademarks of FuelCell Energy, Inc.  DFC-ERG is a registered trademark jointly owned by Enbridge, Inc. and FuelCell Energy, Inc.

FuelCell Energy, Inc.
Kurt Goddard, Vice President Investor Relations
203-830-7494
ir@fce.com

(CERC) to Present at Biotech Showcase 2016 in San Francisco

Cerecor Inc. (NASDAQ:CERC), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing treatments to make a difference in the lives of patients with neurological and psychiatric disorders, today announced that it will present at Biotech Showcase 2016 on Tuesday, January 12, 2016. The presentation is scheduled at 11:30 a.m., PST, in the Parc 55 Hilton Hotel, San Francisco.

About Cerecor

Cerecor Inc. is a Baltimore-based biopharmaceutical company with the goal of becoming a leader in the development of innovative drugs that make a difference in the lives of patients with neurological and psychiatric diseases by addressing the unmet medical needs of underserved patient segments. We are committed to the development of drugs that improve lives by applying our extensive knowledge and experience in central nervous system disorders. For more information about the Company and its products, please visit: www.cerecor.com or contact Mariam E. Morris, Chief Financial Officer, at (443) 304-8002.

(AXSM) to Present at Biotech Showcase 2016

NEW YORK, Jan. 04, 2016  — Axsome Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:AXSM), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapies for the management of pain and other central nervous system (CNS) disorders, today announced that Herriot Tabuteau, M.D., Axsome’s Chief Executive Officer, will present at the 8^th Annual Biotech Showcase 2016 conference on January 13, 2016 at 10:00 AM Pacific Time. Dr. Tabuteau will provide an overview of Axsome’s business and late-stage clinical product candidates, AXS-02 and AXS-05. The conference will be held at the Parc 55 Hotel in San Francisco, CA.

A live webcast and archive of the event can be viewed on the Company’s website at www.axsome.com.

For more information on Biotech Showcase 2016, please visit: www.ebdgroup.com/bts/index.php.

About Axsome Therapeutics, Inc.
Axsome Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapies for the management of pain and other central nervous system (CNS) disorders. By focusing on this therapeutic area, Axsome is addressing significant and growing markets where current treatment options are limited or inadequate. Axsome’s product candidate portfolio includes two late-stage candidates, AXS-02 and AXS-05. AXS-02 is currently in a Phase 3 trial in complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), with additional Phase 3 trials planned in knee osteoarthritis (OA) associated with bone marrow lesions (BMLs), and chronic low back pain (CLBP) associated with Modic changes (MCs). A Phase 3 trial in treatment resistant depression (TRD) is currently planned with AXS-05. Axsome aims to become a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company that develops and commercializes differentiated therapies that expand the treatment options available to caregivers and improve the lives of patients living with pain and other CNS disorders.

AXS-02 and AXS-05 are investigational medications not approved by the FDA. The safety and efficacy of AXS-02 and AXS-05 have not yet been established.

Forward Looking Statements
Certain matters discussed in this press release are “forward-looking statements”. We may, in some cases, use terms such as “predicts,” “believes,” “potential,” “continue,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “may,” “could,” “might,” “will,” “should” or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements. In particular, the Company’s statements regarding trends and potential future results are examples of such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements include risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the success, timing and cost of our ongoing clinical trials and anticipated clinical trials for our current product candidates, including statements regarding the timing of initiation and completion of the trials; the timing of and our ability to obtain and maintain U.S. Food and Drug Administration or other regulatory authority approval of, or other action with respect to, our product candidates; the Company’s ability to successfully defend its intellectual property or obtain the necessary licenses at a cost acceptable to the Company, if at all; the successful implementation of the Company’s research and development programs and collaborations; the success of the Company’s license agreements; the acceptance by the market of the Company’s product candidates, if approved; and other factors, including general economic conditions and regulatory developments, not within the Company’s control. The factors discussed herein could cause actual results and developments to be materially different from those expressed in or implied by such statements. The forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this press release and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstance.

Axsome Contact: 
Mark Jacobson
Vice President, Operations
Axsome Therapeutics, Inc.
25 Broadway, 9th Floor
New York, NY 10004
Tel: 212-332-3243
Email: mjacobson@axsome.com 
www.axsome.com

Trout Group Contact: 
Marcy Beth Nanus
Senior Vice President 
The Trout Group LLC
Tel: 646-378-2927
Email: mnanus@troutgroup.com

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