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Source: Streetwise Reports   05/05/2020

Commercial-stage biotechnology company Portola Pharmaceuticals Inc. (PTLA:NASDAQ), which focuses on blood-related disorders, and global biopharmaceuticals firm Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ALXN:NASDAQ) announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement for Portola to be acquired by Alexion.

The acquisition is said to provide a key addition to Alexion's diversified commercial portfolio. The report indicated that the merger agreement has already been unanimously approved each of the company's boards of directors.

The report explained that "Portola's commercialized medicine, Andexxa^® [coagulation factor Xa (recombinant), inactivated-zhzo], marketed as Ondexxya^® in Europe, is the first and only approved Factor Xa inhibitor reversal agent, and has demonstrated transformative clinical value by rapidly reversing the anticoagulant effects of Factor Xa inhibitors rivaroxaban and apixaban in severe and uncontrolled bleeding."

Portola's President and CEO Scott Garland commented, "In developing and launching Andexxa, Portola has established a strong foundation for changing the standard of care for patients receiving Factor Xa inhibitors that experience a major, life-threatening bleed. Andexxa rapidly reverses the pharmacologic effect of rivaroxaban and apixaban within two minutes, reducing anti-Factor Xa activity by 92 percent...Given their enhanced resources, global footprint and proven commercial expertise, we look forward to working with Alexion to maximize the value of Andexxa. With their commitment to commercial excellence, together, we will be able to drive stronger utilization of Andexxa, increase penetration and accelerate adoption in the critical care setting."

Ludwig Hantson, Ph.D., CEO of Alexion, remarked, "The acquisition of Portola represents an important next step in our strategy to diversify beyond C5. Andexxa is a strategic fit with our existing portfolio of transformative medicines and is well-aligned with our demonstrated expertise in hematology, neurology and critical care...We believe Andexxa has the potential to become the global standard of care for patients who experience life-threatening bleeds while taking Factor Xa inhibitors apixaban and rivaroxaban. By leveraging Alexion's strong operational and sales infrastructure and deep relationships in hospital channels, we are well positioned to expand the number of patients helped by Andexxa, while also driving value for shareholders."

The firms advised that "under the terms of the merger agreement, a subsidiary of Alexion will commence a tender offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Portola's common stock at a price of $18 per share in cash." Alexion plans to fund the purchase with existing cash on hand and the transaction is expected to close in Q3/20. The purchase is subject to approval by a majority interest of Portola's common stockholders tendering their shares along with ordinary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. The company noted that "following successful completion of the tender offer, Alexion will acquire all remaining shares not tendered in the offer at the same price of $18 per share through a merger."

Alexion is a global biopharmaceutical company based in Boston, Mass., with offices in 50 countries worldwide. The company states that it has been "the global leader in complement biology and inhibition for more than 20 years and that it has developed and commercializes two approved complement inhibitors to treat patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, as well as the first and only approved complement inhibitor to treat anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive generalized myasthenia gravis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder."

Portola is headquartered in South San Francisco, Calif., and is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on treating patients with serious blood-related disorders. Specifically, the company is engaged in developing and commercializing novel therapeutics in order to advance the fields of thrombosis and other hematologic conditions. The firm listed that its first two commercialized products are Andexxa^® and Bevyxxa^® (betrixaban), and that it is also advancing and developing cerdulatinib, a SYK/JAK inhibitor for use in treatment of hematologic cancers.

Portola Pharmaceuticals started off the day with a market capitalization of around $609.0 million with approximately 78.5 million shares outstanding and a short interest of about 23.0%. PTLA shares opened 130% higher today at $17.85 (+$10.09, +130.03%) over yesterday's $7.85 closing price. The stock has traded today between $17.71 and $17.91 per share and is currently trading at $17.83 (+$10.07, +129.77%).

Disclosure:
1) Stephen Hytha compiled this article for Streetwise Reports LLC and provides services to Streetwise Reports as an independent contractor. He or members of his household own securities of the following companies mentioned in the article: None. He or members of his household are paid by the following companies mentioned in this article: None.
2) The following companies mentioned in this article are billboard sponsors of Streetwise Reports: None. Click here for important disclosures about sponsor fees.
3) Comments and opinions expressed are those of the specific experts and not of Streetwise Reports or its officers. The information provided above is for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security.
4) The article does not constitute investment advice. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her individual financial professional and any action a reader takes as a result of information presented here is his or her own responsibility. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Streetwise Reports' terms of use and full legal disclaimer. This article is not a solicitation for investment. Streetwise Reports does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on Streetwise Reports should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Streetwise Reports does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company mentioned on Streetwise Reports.
5) From time to time, Streetwise Reports LLC and its directors, officers, employees or members of their families, as well as persons interviewed for articles and interviews on the site, may have a long or short position in securities mentioned. Directors, officers, employees or members of their immediate families are prohibited from making purchases and/or sales of those securities in the open market or otherwise from the time of the interview or the decision to write an article until three business days after the publication of the interview or article. The foregoing prohibition does not apply to articles that in substance only restate previously published company releases.
6) This article does not constitute medical advice. Officers, employees and contributors to Streetwise Reports are not licensed medical professionals. Readers should always contact their healthcare professionals for medical advice.

On Monday, California State University, Fullerton announced it was planning to begin the fall 2020 semester online, making it one of the first colleges to disclose contingency plans for prolonged coronavirus disruptions.

"Our plan is to enter [the fall] virtually," said Pamella Oliver, the schools provost, at a virtual town hall. "Of course that could change depending on the situation, depending on what happens with COVID-19. But at this point that's what we're thinking."

The public institution in Southern California also said it hopes to resume in-person learning when it's safe to do so.

Oliver asked faculty to start planning for fall virtual classes now, citing the pain felt this spring when the university was forced to transition to online classes. "Having to jump quickly, without having in-depth plans," she said, "added to the difficulty."

Colleges and universities moved spring classes online, and many also closed campuses in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Schools are now grappling with how long the disruptions will last, and what the fall semester will look like, but many have been hesitant to announce their fall plans publicly.

College enrollment was already on a downward trend before the pandemic, making it a competitive field for college recruiters — every student they sign up counts. The big question is: Will students still enroll if college is all online? And will colleges that were already in dire financial straits survive the outbreak?

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

Source: Streetwise Reports   05/05/2020

Commercial-stage biotechnology company Portola Pharmaceuticals Inc. (PTLA:NASDAQ), which focuses on blood-related disorders, and global biopharmaceuticals firm Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ALXN:NASDAQ) announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement for Portola to be acquired by Alexion.

The acquisition is said to provide a key addition to Alexion's diversified commercial portfolio. The report indicated that the merger agreement has already been unanimously approved each of the company's boards of directors.

The report explained that "Portola's commercialized medicine, Andexxa^® [coagulation factor Xa (recombinant), inactivated-zhzo], marketed as Ondexxya^® in Europe, is the first and only approved Factor Xa inhibitor reversal agent, and has demonstrated transformative clinical value by rapidly reversing the anticoagulant effects of Factor Xa inhibitors rivaroxaban and apixaban in severe and uncontrolled bleeding."

Portola's President and CEO Scott Garland commented, "In developing and launching Andexxa, Portola has established a strong foundation for changing the standard of care for patients receiving Factor Xa inhibitors that experience a major, life-threatening bleed. Andexxa rapidly reverses the pharmacologic effect of rivaroxaban and apixaban within two minutes, reducing anti-Factor Xa activity by 92 percent...Given their enhanced resources, global footprint and proven commercial expertise, we look forward to working with Alexion to maximize the value of Andexxa. With their commitment to commercial excellence, together, we will be able to drive stronger utilization of Andexxa, increase penetration and accelerate adoption in the critical care setting."

Ludwig Hantson, Ph.D., CEO of Alexion, remarked, "The acquisition of Portola represents an important next step in our strategy to diversify beyond C5. Andexxa is a strategic fit with our existing portfolio of transformative medicines and is well-aligned with our demonstrated expertise in hematology, neurology and critical care...We believe Andexxa has the potential to become the global standard of care for patients who experience life-threatening bleeds while taking Factor Xa inhibitors apixaban and rivaroxaban. By leveraging Alexion's strong operational and sales infrastructure and deep relationships in hospital channels, we are well positioned to expand the number of patients helped by Andexxa, while also driving value for shareholders."

The firms advised that "under the terms of the merger agreement, a subsidiary of Alexion will commence a tender offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Portola's common stock at a price of $18 per share in cash." Alexion plans to fund the purchase with existing cash on hand and the transaction is expected to close in Q3/20. The purchase is subject to approval by a majority interest of Portola's common stockholders tendering their shares along with ordinary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. The company noted that "following successful completion of the tender offer, Alexion will acquire all remaining shares not tendered in the offer at the same price of $18 per share through a merger."

Alexion is a global biopharmaceutical company based in Boston, Mass., with offices in 50 countries worldwide. The company states that it has been "the global leader in complement biology and inhibition for more than 20 years and that it has developed and commercializes two approved complement inhibitors to treat patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, as well as the first and only approved complement inhibitor to treat anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive generalized myasthenia gravis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder."

Portola is headquartered in South San Francisco, Calif., and is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on treating patients with serious blood-related disorders. Specifically, the company is engaged in developing and commercializing novel therapeutics in order to advance the fields of thrombosis and other hematologic conditions. The firm listed that its first two commercialized products are Andexxa^® and Bevyxxa^® (betrixaban), and that it is also advancing and developing cerdulatinib, a SYK/JAK inhibitor for use in treatment of hematologic cancers.

Portola Pharmaceuticals started off the day with a market capitalization of around $609.0 million with approximately 78.5 million shares outstanding and a short interest of about 23.0%. PTLA shares opened 130% higher today at $17.85 (+$10.09, +130.03%) over yesterday's $7.85 closing price. The stock has traded today between $17.71 and $17.91 per share and is currently trading at $17.83 (+$10.07, +129.77%).

Disclosure:
1) Stephen Hytha compiled this article for Streetwise Reports LLC and provides services to Streetwise Reports as an independent contractor. He or members of his household own securities of the following companies mentioned in the article: None. He or members of his household are paid by the following companies mentioned in this article: None.
2) The following companies mentioned in this article are billboard sponsors of Streetwise Reports: None. Click here for important disclosures about sponsor fees.
3) Comments and opinions expressed are those of the specific experts and not of Streetwise Reports or its officers. The information provided above is for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security.
4) The article does not constitute investment advice. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her individual financial professional and any action a reader takes as a result of information presented here is his or her own responsibility. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Streetwise Reports' terms of use and full legal disclaimer. This article is not a solicitation for investment. Streetwise Reports does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on Streetwise Reports should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Streetwise Reports does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company mentioned on Streetwise Reports.
5) From time to time, Streetwise Reports LLC and its directors, officers, employees or members of their families, as well as persons interviewed for articles and interviews on the site, may have a long or short position in securities mentioned. Directors, officers, employees or members of their immediate families are prohibited from making purchases and/or sales of those securities in the open market or otherwise from the time of the interview or the decision to write an article until three business days after the publication of the interview or article. The foregoing prohibition does not apply to articles that in substance only restate previously published company releases.
6) This article does not constitute medical advice. Officers, employees and contributors to Streetwise Reports are not licensed medical professionals. Readers should always contact their healthcare professionals for medical advice.

Greenbriar Capital has signed an agreement for the design and construction of the Caribbean's largest solar project.

#VarTOC TOC{"Topic"} table of contents * Table of Contents. Shows a TOC that is generated automatically based on headings of a topic. Headings in WikiSyntax ... (last changed by ProjectContributor)

Watford’s survival hopes have suffered another blow after they threw away a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to ten-man Everton at the death at Vicarage Road.

 
 000
 WTNT84 KNHC 140307
 TCVAT4
 
 HUMBERTO WATCH/WARNING ADVISORY NUMBER 6
 NWS NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL     AL092019
 1107 PM EDT FRI SEP 13 2019
 
 .TROPICAL STORM HUMBERTO
 
 CAUTION...THIS PRODUCT ONLY APPROXIMATELY CONVEYS THE EXTENT OF
 TROPICAL CYCLONE WIND AND SURGE WATCHES AND WARNINGS. PLEASE SEE
 THE LATEST PUBLIC ADVISORY FROM THE NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER FOR
 THE PRECISE LATERAL EXTENT OF WIND WATCHES AND WARNINGS ALONG THE
 COAST...AS WELL AS THE APPROXIMATE LATERAL EXTENT OF SURGE WATCHES
 AND WARNINGS. THE PRECISE EXTENT OF SURGE WATCHES AND WARNINGS
 CAN BE FOUND IN THE NWS NATIONAL DIGITAL FORECAST DATABASE HAZARD
 GRIDS.
 
 FLZ047-054-059-064-141-147-140415-
 /O.CAN.KNHC.TR.A.1009.000000T0000Z-000000T0000Z/
 1107 PM EDT FRI SEP 13 2019
 
 $$
 
 ATTN...WFO...MLB...
 

000
WTCA44 TJSJ 170242
TCPSP4

BOLETIN
Huracan Humberto Advertencia Numero 18
CENTRO NACIONAL DE HURACANES MIAMI FL AL092019
TRADUCIDO POR EL SERVICIO NACIONAL DE METEOROLOGIA SAN JUAN PR
1100 PM EDT lunes 16 de septiembre de 2019

...SE ESPERA QUE HUMBERTO SE FORTALEZCA DURANTE EL PROXIMO DIA
O MAS...


RESUMEN DE LAS 1100 PM EDT...0300 UTC...INFORMACION
---------------------------------------------------
LOCALIZACION...30.3 NORTE 75.1 OESTE
ALREDEDOR DE 625 MI...1000 KM O DE BERMUDA
VIENTOS MAXIMOS SOSTENIDOS...90 MPH...150 KM/H
MOVIMIENTO ACTUAL...ENE O 75 GRADOS A 8 MPH...13 KM/H
PRESION MINIMA CENTRAL...966 MB...28.53 PULGADAS


VIGILANCIAS Y AVISOS
--------------------
CAMBIOS CON ESTA ADVERTENCIA:

Ninguno.

RESUMEN DE VIGILANCIAS Y AVISOS EN EFECTO:

Una vigilancia de Tormenta Tropical esta en efecto para...
* Bermuda

Una Vigilancia de Tormenta Tropical significa que se esperan
condiciones de tormenta tropical dentro del area bajo vigilancia,
generalmente dentro de 48 horas.

Para informacion especifica para su area, favor monitorear los producots
emitidos por su oficina de servicio nacional meteorologico.


DISCUSION Y PRONOSTICO
----------------------
A las 1100 PM EDT (0300 UTC), el ojo del Huracan Humberto
estaba localizado cerca de la latitud 30.3 norte, longitud 75.1 oeste.
Humberto se mueve hacia el este-noreste a cerca de 8 mph (13 km/h).
Se espera este movimiento general con un aumento en la velocidad de
traslacion hasta temprano el jueves. En el pronostico de
trayectoria, se espera que el centro de Humberto se acerque a
Bermuda tarde el miercoles en la noche.

Los vientos maximos sostenidos han aumentado a cerca de 90 mph (150
km/h) con rafagas mas altas. Se pronostica fortalecimiento adicional
durante las proximas 48 horas, y Humberto pudiera convertirse en
huracan mayor en la noche del martes o miercoles en la manana.

Los vientos con fuerza de huracan se extienden hasta 30 millas (45
km) del centro y los vientos con fuerza de tormenta tropical se
extienden a 150 millas (240 km).

La presion minima central estimada por el Avion Caza huracanes de
la Fuerza Aerea es de 966 mb (28.53 pulgadas).


PELIGROS AFECTANDO TIERRA
-------------------------
VIENTO: Condiciones de tormenta tropical son posibles sobre Bermuda
tarde el miercoles.

LLUVIA: Humberto puede resultar en lluvia fuerte sobre Bermuda comenzando
tarde el martes.

RESACAS: Las marejadas grandes generadas por Humberto aumentaran a lo
largo de la costa de Bermuda en la noche del martes.

Las marejadas afectaran el noroeste de las Bahamas y la costa
sureste de Estados Unidos desde el este central de Florida hasta
Carolina del Norte durante los proximos dias.

Estas marejadas pudieran causar resacas fuertes amenazantes a vida y
corrientes marinas peligrosas. Favor referirse a los productos
emitidos por su oficina local de meteorologia en Bermuda.


PROXIMA ADVERTENCIA
-------------------
Proxima advertencia intermedia a las 200 AM EDT.
Proxima advertencia completa a las 500 AM EDT.

$$

Pronosticador Pasch
Traduccion RVazquez

It set 2020 capital outlays at $800 million, 33 percent below previous guidance and the first sub-$1 billion budget since 2016.

The job losses were expected to occur on April 29.

Approximately 984 employees were affected.

Actor/activist excited to use new role to share that 'human well-being is intertwined fundamentally with biodiversity'.

Somewhere in West Texas is a 7-inch radioactive cylinder that Halliburton would like to find. Anyone who comes across it is advised to keep their distance.

Weary animals at elephant sanctuary in Thailand relax as volunteer plays classical piano music in the forest.

Gordon Fullerton, an Apollo-era NASA astronaut who was among the first test pilots to fly the space shuttle, died on Aug. 21.

In the wake of Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico may turn to Tesla turning disaster into an opportunity to avoid future blackouts.

Although a recent renewable energy bill stalled, the hurricane-ravaged territory isn't giving up on its fossil fuel-free aspirations.

The energy-services giant will plead guilty to destroying evidence after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, according to the U.S. Justice Department.

Researchers discovered a Chelonoidis phantasticus giant tortoise on Fernandina Island. The last time this tortoise was seen was 1906.

Puerto Rico wants to attract more tourists as part of its post-Maria economic recovery efforts, so don't be afraid to go there.

Taiwan-based NMA.tv, famous for its satiric animations, releases a new video about Canada's decision to withdraw from the Kyoto Protocol.

In addition to keeping green by hitting up the bulk food bins this week, outfit your kitchen with attractive receptacles to store all those garbanzo beans.

This giant Galapagos tortoise will "retire" from a successful mating program that helped the species rebound from very small numbers.

You don’t have to travel to the Caribbean for a laid-back island experience. Burton Island State Park in Vermont provides a getaway for swimming and sunbathin

World Central Kitchen founded by Chef José Andrés has served over 3 million meals since Hurricane Maria ravaged Puerto Rico, and it's not done yet.

Scientists are trying to figure out why the popular tourist destination has gone dark.

When you set out on a mission to document all 12,000 species of captive animals, it's bound to get a little silly.

The Insurtech UK chairman and Wrisk executive chairman said the “mini meteorite” of Covid-19 has put insurtechs at risk of underfunding.

What price peace of mind? Who is up for jumping out of a plane with a cheap parachute strapped to their back? Phil Barton ponders why insurance is often bought on price

The venture, which is a combination of five existing brokers - MRIB and Independents, La Playa, CGI and Versatile - is led by former Jelf boss Barton, with Chris Jelf as commercial director.

This week saw the launch of new broking business Partners&, bringing together a quintet of players to form a business which is positioning itself as distinctly anti-consolidator. Insurance Age content director Jonathan Swift looks at what this means; and the challenges it faces to maintain its self-proclaimed USPs as it grows.

Funny cartoons the easiest way to cope with stress and there is nothing easier to obtain, whether browsing a newspaper or magazine, or surfing the net visiting web sites providing graphic entertainment.

Mr. Barton has been endorsed by Marquis Who's Who as a leader in religion and theology

Rovia Joins Industry Leaders to Rebuild Puerto Rico

Mrs. Horton devoted 40 years of expertise to the nursing industry before retiring in 2002

Dr. Pilkerton has been endorsed by Marquis Who's Who as a leader in the medical industry

To Research, Educate, Develop & Manufacture Energy Technology throughout the globe.

Overtone Labs has entrusted the e-commerce experts at Quantum Networks to relaunch the Tune-Bot Gig, a simplified version of their original drum tuner.

Dr. Rasi has been endorsed by Marquis Who's Who as a leader in the fields of education, academic administration, journalism and religious services.