Our Stocks to Watch today include Renhuang Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (OTCBB: RHGP), BigString Corporation (OTCBB: BSGC), Sigma Global Corporation (OTC: SGGC), ER Urgent Care Centers (OTC: ERUC), Innovative Communications Technologies, Inc. (OTC: ICTN), MiddleBrook Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASD: MBRK)
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RENHUANG PHARMACEUTICALS (OTCBB: RHGP)
Detailed Quote: http://www.otcpicks.com/quotes/RHGP.php
Company Profile:
http://www.otcpicks.com/renhuang-pharma/renhuang-pharma.htm
Renhuang Pharmaceuticals, located in Harbin of Heilongjiang Province in Northeast China, is a leading integrated developer, manufacturer and distributor of a broad line of high-quality nutraceutical, natural medicinal and bio-pharmaceutical products. The Company provides three major product lines including the Acanthopanax-based natural medicinal products, Shark Power Health Care series and Traditional Chinese Medicines. Renhuang's key product line is Acanthopanax-based products, an effective natural medicine in treating depression and melancholy and offering various other health benefits. By controlling an estimated 70% of China's natural resource of Acanthopanax (also known as Siberian Ginseng), the Company has a dominant market position in Acanthopanax-based natural medicines. The Company distributes its products through a multi-layer sales network of over 2000 sales agents. Its products are not only sold nationwide but also exported to Russia and Southeast Asia. Renhuang has established a multi-channel research and development infrastructure composed of in-house researchers, a post-doctoral working center, and collaboration with well known institutions and scientists. In manufacturing, the Company strictly follows the international GMP certified quality standards and system by utilizing cutting-edge technologies, the state of the art equipment, and the proprietary innovative and award winning processes. For more information about Renhuang Pharmaceuticals, visit http://www.renhuang.com/.
RHGP News:
January 22 - Renhuang Pharmaceuticals Announces Breakthrough in Study of New Form of Anti-Depression Chinese Medicine: Lyophilized Syringin Powder for Injection
Renhuang Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (OTCBB: RHGP) (“Renhuang” or the “Company”), a leading Chinese integrated drug developer, manufacturer and distributor, announced the successful laboratory production of lyophilized syringin powder, its new powder injection anti-depression and fatigue drug. Renhuang expects this new drug to become its next revenue growth driver. At 90% purity, the syringin portion in the sample drugs meets the criteria of the State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA). Renhuang is expected to soon start clinical trials to evaluate both the efficacy and the safety of this new drug for depression and fatigue patients.
Lyophilized syringin powder for injection is developed independently by Renhuang as a new form of pure Chinese herbal medicine that does not have any of the side-effects of other synthetic anti-depression drugs commonly used by patients around the world. Renhuang is in the process to file an invention patent application for this new drug with the State Intellectual Property Office of the P.R.C (SIPO). The product is expected to be classified as a “Class One” new drug by SFDA representing a major breakthrough in anti-depression drug development worldwide. This new drug can also be used as anti-exhaustion treatment, wound stancher and healthy gland growth nutrition.
Mr. Li Shaoming, chief executive officer of Renhuang, said, “ Although rapid economic development is raising standards of living in China and improving the lives of many, Chinese people are increasingly confronted with stress brought about by economic development and increased competition. At the same time, they are becoming more health conscious and more sophisticated in their understanding of medical treatments. Given the high risks of side effects from current anti-depression drugs, both physicians and patients around the world are yearning for anti-depression medication treatments with low or zero side-effects. This creates substantial market potential globally for our new anti-depression drug. We are very confident that this new drug will not only help Renhuang expand its market share in China but it will also increase Renhuang’s brand awareness overseas.”
By controlling an estimated 70% of China’s natural resource of Acanthopanax (also known as Siberian Ginseng), a raw material, from which syringin is extracted, securing ample supply for the new drug and minimizing raw material cost.
According to a 2006 report by the World Heath Organization, there were about 340 million people suffering from depression in the world including more than 26 million in China as per the latest statistics from the China Association for Mental Health. Global sales of anti-depression drugs reached US $20.60 billion in 2006.
Renhuang has secured prime time advertising slots on China Central Television Station (CCTV) in 2008. Advertising during the Beijing Olympics, in particular, will provide a unique platform to substantially increase Renhuang’s brand recognition in China and around the world.
BIGSTRING CORPORATION (OTCBB: BSGC)
Detailed Quote: http://www.otcpicks.com/quotes/BSGC.php
Company Profile: http://www.otcpicks.com/bigstring/bigstring.htm
BigString Corporation, through its subsidiary, BigString Interactive, Inc., provides email services. It offers BigString, which is a Web-based, POP3 server email service solution that allows the user to edit, recall, cancel, and erase the email, as well as insert or delete attachments, even after the email has been sent out and opened. The company also provides BigString Beta 2.0 that offers erasable, recallable, and self destroying applications, non-printable and non-forwardable emails, set time or number of views, and masquerading to protect the sender's privacy and security. BigString Beta 2.0 also provides spam filters, virus protection, and large-storage web-based email accounts. The company's products include BigString Free, which provides the features of BigString Beta 2.0, and includes 1GB of storage and permits the user to send unlimited emails per month; BigString Premium, which offers the features of the BigString Free account, plus vanity domains, POP3 access using any email client, 2GB of storage, and 30 minute video email; and BigString Business that offers the features of the BigString Premium account, plus 10 email accounts, 20GB of storage, global filter notification, and email management. BigString Corporation also offers BigString Marketer Pro, which provides an enterprise marketing software application which allows for the sending of interactive video email commercials that can be programmed to self-destruct at a set time; and BigString Marketer SMB, a hosted video email marketing platform for small and medium size businesses. The company was founded in 2003. It was formerly known as Recall Mail Corporation and changed its name to BigString Corporation in 2005. Bigstring Corporation is based in Red Bank, New Jersey.
BSGC News:
January 23 - BigString Corporation Launches Video Email for Chinese Market
BigString Corporation (OTCBB: BSGC) announced that it is launching a new video email platform for the Chinese market through its BigString.cn and BigString.com.cn websites. This service will allow users of both the traditional and simplified language Chinese BigString websites to send video emails up to 30 minutes in length that can be set to self-destruct after a predetermined number of views.
“The popularity of video as means to communicate, in combination with one of the fastest-growing internet markets in the world, creates a significant new market opportunity for BigString” stated Darin Myman, President and CEO of BigString Corporation. Myman also noted that BigString “will continue to innovate communication privacy initiatives and seek distribution partnerships for the global market.”
SIGMA GLOBAL CORPORATION (OTC: SGGC)
"Up 42.86% in morning trading"
Detailed Quote: http://www.otcpicks.com/quotes/SGGC.php
Sigma Global is an emerging oil and gas company whose core business is the production of oil and gas and to continue to evaluate profitable oil and gas lease options, build a solid foundation of revenue and assets through acquisition of leases, and explore and develop opportunities on these prolific properties.
SGGC News:
January 24 - Sigma Global Corporation Retains Investor, Public Relations Firm
Sigma Global Corporation (OTC: SGGC), a Delaware corporation, an emerging oil and gas company, has retained Numarket Solutions, Inc. to provide the Company with Investor and Public Relations services. Numarket Solutions will begin offering its services to the Company and shareholders on the 4th of February.
Brian Conrad, CEO of Sigma Global, stated, "We are glad to welcome Numarket Solutions onboard to act as our investor relations representatives. We have a strong outlook for 2008 and expect to make some exciting announcements about our ongoing and future operations very soon."
Chad Sykes, Numarket Solutions President and CEO, stated, "It is a pleasure for me to be able to represent an oil and gas company so early in its development. I will be working with Mr. Conrad over the next few days to put together information for investors and map out a marketing campaign. I look forward to assisting Brian in communicating company developments to existing and future shareholders."
ER URGENT CARE HOLDINGS (OTC: ERUC)
"Up 35.71% in morning trading"
Detailed Quote: http://www.otcpicks.com/quotes/ERUC.php
ER Urgent Care Holdings, Inc. operates emergency care centers that offer after-hours health care in Florida and Kansas. It provides healthcare services for children, adults, and seniors, as well as offers employee injury, illness, and general healthcare programs. The company also offers physical examination services; occupational urgent care services, such as work-related injuries, sprains/fractures, and lacerations; and occupational healthcare services, including drug screening NIDA/NON-NIDA, breath alcohol testing, spirometry, audiometry, PPD Test, Immunization/HEP B series, and flu shots. It also offers other related services, such as X-Ray, limited laboratory, and limited pharmacy services. The company was founded in 2000 and based in North Miami Beach, Florida.
ERUC News:
January 24 - ER Urgent Care Centers Reaches Milestone of 250,000 Patients
ER Urgent Care Centers (OTC: ERUC) announced it has reached a quarter of a million patients as of January 15, 2008. Since its inception in 2001, ERUC has continued to set trends in the delivery of healthcare. ER Urgent Care owns and operates eight urgent care centers with a staff 85 professionals. The company also operates an in-house pharmacy as well as full-services labs and X-rays. ERUC provides its patients with a full spectrum of antibiotics as well as other drugs used in the practice of urgent care. Known for its exceptional standards, ERUC has become a nationwide leader in the urgent care industry.
"We are very proud of this major milestone in ERUC's history. These numbers are the result of ERUC's commitment to its business plan and nationwide expansion," said Mark Solomon, ERUC president. The 85 healthcare professionals that staff our centers are to be commended for there efforts. 2008 has begun with exciting news, and we look forward to a year filled with many more memorable events. We hope that our shareholders stop in for a tour of one of our many locations."
INNOVATIVE COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES (OTC: ICTN)
"Up 25.00% in morning trading"
Detailed Quote: http://www.otcpicks.com/quotes/ICTN.php
Innovative Communications Technologies is a communications specific technology development company and, since 1989, has been a pioneer in the development and positioning of private telecommunications networks for businesses. Innovative has a proven track record of developing communications specific technologies within the telecommunications, media and wireless industries. Innovative owns 21% of ReelTime Rentals, Inc. (OTC: RLTR) (http://www.reeltime.com/), 30% of Exosphere Aircraft Company, Inc. (OTC: EXSA) (http://www.flyexosphere.com/) and 100% of privately held ICT Private Networks and the "Cannes Project."
ICTN News:
January 23 - Sony Selects Innovative's Technology for Content Distribution Through ReelTime.com
Innovative Communications Technologies, Inc. (OTC: ICTN) announced that Sony Pictures Television, a subsidiary of Sony Pictures Entertainment, will utilize the Intelligent Rapid Delivery System (IRDS) technology originally created by Innovative Communications Technologies, Inc. (ICT) through ReelTime Rentals, Inc. (OTC: RLTR). The ICT Research and Development Team developed and then sold the IRDS technology to ReelTime Rentals, Inc., a US company that manages and delivers streaming video via its on line broadband network at www.reeltime.com.
IRDS technology has significant advantages in cost and quality over other systems in current use. "Sony is one of the first Hollywood studios to make use of digital distribution of content and understand its impending impact," said Joel Edwards, Director of Business Development with Innovative Communications Technologies. "The Sony agreement with ReelTime is a huge endorsement for the IRDS technology and ICT Product Development."
ICT R&D will continue to leverage its 18-year product development strengths to the currently announced "Cannes Project" mobile broadband voice and data platform and other projects in the ICT R&D pipeline.
MIDDLEBROOK PHARMACEUTICALS (NASD: MBRK)
"Up 176.80% in morning trading"
Detailed Quote: http://www.otcpicks.com/quotes/MBRK.php
MiddleBrook Pharmaceuticals, Inc. engages in the development and commercialization of anti-infective drug products for the treatment of infectious diseases. It develops a proprietary, once-a-day pulsatile delivery technology called PULSYS. The company's pulsatile product candidates include Amoxicillin PULSYS for adults and adolescents with pharyngitis and/or tonsillitis; and Keflex PULSYS product candidate, based on the antibiotic cephalexin, which is in Phase I clinical trials for skin and skin structure infections. In addition, MiddleBrook Pharmaceuticals sells its Keflex products in both capsule and powder formulations for the treatment of skin and skin structure infections, and upper respiratory tract infections primarily through pharmaceutical distributors and wholesalers to physicians, hospitals, and pharmacies in the United States. It has a collaboration agreement with Par Pharmaceutical for the distribution and marketing of the company's generic formulation of Abbott's Biaxin XL (extended release clarithromycin). The company was founded in 1999. It was formerly known as Advancis Pharmaceutical Corporation and changed its name to MiddleBrook Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in June 2007. MiddleBrook Pharmaceuticals is headquartered in Germantown, Maryland.
MBRK News:
January 24 - FDA Approves MiddleBrook's Amoxicillin PULSYS for Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis in Adolescents and Adults
Amoxicillin PULSYS to be Marketed as MOXATAG(TM) - First Once-Daily Amoxicillin Product Approved in U.S.
MiddleBrook Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASD: MBRK), a pharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel anti-infective products, announced that it has received approval of its New Drug Application (NDA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), for its once-daily MOXATAG(TM) Tablets 775 mg (amoxicillin extended-release tablets) for the treatment of adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older with pharyngitis and/or tonsillitis secondary to Streptococcus pyogenes (commonly referred to as strep throat).
The FDA approval was based on results from a Phase 3 clinical study conducted with more than 600 patients that found once-daily MOXATAG for 10 days was effective in eradicating bacteria responsible for strep throat and demonstrated statistical non-inferiority to a four times daily dose of penicillin for 10 days. MOXATAG was very well tolerated in the clinical trial.
"We are extremely gratified to have received FDA approval of our MOXATAG NDA," stated Edward Rudnic, Ph.D., president and CEO of MiddleBrook. "As the first and only once-daily amoxicillin therapy approved for marketing in the United States, we believe MOXATAG represents a major advance for patients and doctors seeking safe, effective, and convenient treatment options for strep throat. We now look forward to continuing our ongoing strategic evaluation process from a position of greater strength with this approval in hand."
In accordance with the requirements of the Pediatric Research Equity Act, MiddleBrook has agreed with the FDA to further evaluate its MOXATAG product candidate for pediatric patients less than 12 years of age with pharyngitis and/or tonsillitis as part of a post-marketing commitment. The Company has agreed to submit a completed study report and data set for MOXATAG in pediatric patients less than 12 years old within the next five years as part of this commitment.
"Compared to four times daily penicillin, once-daily MOXATAG has shown comparable efficacy and tolerability in eradicating Group A streptococcal infections of the pharynx. However, the once-daily dosing of MOXATAG is a major advantage," said lead study investigator Stan L. Block, M.D., professor of clinical pediatrics at the Universities of Louisville and Kentucky Medical Schools. "For the first time, physicians in the U.S. have the option of an FDA-approved once-daily amoxicillin therapy to treat their adolescent and adult patients with pharyngitis/tonsillitis. This should ensure better first- line therapy compliance with a penicillin class of antibiotic."
Clinical Trial Results Summary:
The approval of MOXATAG was based on MiddleBrook's Phase 3 clinical study of more than 600 adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older in a double- blind, double-dummy, randomized, parallel-group, 50-center non-inferiority trial. The Company compared its MOXATAG tablet for the treatment of pharyngitis/tonsillitis due to Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A streptococcus) delivered in a once-daily, 775 milligram tablet for a period of 10 days to 250 milligrams of penicillin dosed four times daily, for a total of one gram per day, for 10 days.
Bacteriological eradication at the post-therapy test-of-cure visit in the per-protocol population was 85.0 percent (198/233) of patients with MOXATAG and 83.4 percent (191/229) with penicillin. These results demonstrate statistical non-inferiority (95 percent confidence interval of -5.1, 8.2). The per-protocol patient population included patients with confirmed Group A streptococcal infections, who were compliant with treatment and did not have major protocol violations. Other results from the trial were consistent with the per-protocol population, with MOXATAG therapy demonstrating statistical non-inferiority to the comparator therapy in all primary and secondary endpoints.
Important Safety Information:
MOXATAG is indicated for the treatment of tonsillitis and/or pharyngitis secondary to Streptococcus pyogenes in adults and pediatric patients 12 years or older.
MOXATAG is contraindicated in patients with known serious hypersensitivity to amoxicillin or to other drugs in the same class or in patients who have demonstrated anaphylactic reactions to beta-lactams.
Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions have been reported in patients on penicillin therapy. These reactions are more likely to occur in individuals with a history of penicillin hypersensitivity and/or a history of sensitivity to multiple allergens. Before initiating therapy with MOXATAG, careful inquiry should be made concerning previous hypersensitivity reactions to penicillins, cephalosporins, or other allergens. If an allergic reaction occurs, MOXATAG should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted.
Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with nearly all antibacterial agents, including amoxicillin, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibiotic use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents. If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued.
In a controlled U.S. clinical trial, the majority of treatment-emergent adverse reactions were of a mild and transient nature. The most frequently reported adverse reactions (> 1%) which were suspected or probably drug- related were vaginal yeast infection (2.0%), diarrhea (1.7%), nausea (1.3%), and headache (1.0%).
Safety and effectiveness of MOXATAG in pediatric patients less than 12 years of age has not been established.
ABOUT MOXATAG(TM):
MOXATAG (amoxicillin extended-release tablets) is a once-a-day extended- release formulation of amoxicillin for oral administration consisting of three components: one immediate-release and two delayed-release. The three components are combined in a specific ratio to prolong the release of amoxicillin from MOXATAG compared to immediate-release amoxicillin.
MOXATAG is intended to provide a lower treatment dose, once-daily alternative to currently approved penicillin and amoxicillin regimens for the treatment of adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older with tonsillitis and/or pharyngitis. MiddleBrook utilized its proprietary PULSYS® once-daily pulsatile delivery technology to develop MOXATAG. The company currently has a total of 26 issued U.S. patents and two issued foreign patents covering its PULSYS technology. Patents specifically relating to MOXATAG run to 2020.
Amoxicillin is indicated for a broad range of infections, and is commonly prescribed as a first-line therapy for common infections such as otitis media (middle ear infection), pharyngitis (sore throat), and sinusitis (sinus infection). Group A streptococcus, the primary bacteria causing pharyngitis, have been uniformly susceptible to amoxicillin and have not developed resistance to the penicillins, despite the long-term use of amoxicillin for pharyngitis.
According to data from IMS Health, a pharmaceutical research company, approximately one-quarter of amoxicillin prescriptions are written for pharyngitis, strep throat, and tonsillitis in adults and children. Approximately 60 million prescriptions for amoxicillin were written in 2006 with total retail sales of more than $650 million. For pediatricians, amoxicillin is the most prescribed drug among all therapeutic classes. Among family physicians, amoxicillin is the twelfth most prescribed drug among all therapeutic classes.
The most commonly prescribed treatment for the management of Group A streptococcal pharyngitis is 500 milligrams of amoxicillin dosed three-times daily for a period of 10 days. With the FDA approval of MOXATAG, physicians now have available the first once-daily product in the aminopenicillin class for the treatment of pharyngitis while utilizing approximately one-half the amount of amoxicillin currently used.
ABOUT PHARYNGITIS/TONSILLITIS
Pharyngitis is a painful inflammation of the throat caused by a variety of microorganisms, both viral and bacterial. About 15 million patients annually seek relief of sore throat symptoms in the United States. The most common bacterial cause of acute pharyngitis is Streptococcus pyogenes, or Group A streptococcus, which is referred to as "strep throat." Symptoms of strep throat include fever, painful swallowing, swelling of the throat, and headache. Symptomatic strep throat can lead to complications, such as rheumatic fever, and should be treated with antibiotic therapy. Pharyngitis ranks in the top ten diagnoses made by pediatricians, family physicians, and emergency medicine specialists.
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