Advaxis, Inc. (ADXS)

Advaxis is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing the next-generation of immunotherapies for cancer and infectious diseases. The company’s immunotherapies are based on a novel platform technology that uses live, bio-engineered bacteria to secrete an antigen/adjuvant fusion protein that redirects the powerful immune response all human beings have to the bacteria to fight off cancer and disease. The company has more than 15 distinct constructs in various stages of development, many in strategic collaborations with recognized centers of excellence such as the National Cancer Institute, Cancer Research – UK, the Wistar Institute, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of British Columbia, and others.

The company achieved encouraging preliminary data from the Phase 1 dose escalation study evaluating the safety of ADXS-cHER2 in companion dogs with Her2/neu overexpressing canine osteosarcoma. The trial will soon be expanded to three additional sites in the United States, where ADXS-cHER2 booster vaccinations will be given to evaluate the effects of maintenance immunotherapy. These preliminary findings suggest that the second Advaxis’ immunotherapy to be evaluated in a clinical setting (in addition to ADXS-HPV) may also improve survival in cancer.

Advaxis recently established a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with FusionVax, Inc. setting forth the main terms under which Advaxis will exclusively license its lead clinical stage product candidate, ADXS-HPV, to FusionVax for Asia, exclusive of India, for all indications. Advaxis and FusionVax are working out details to enter into a definitive licensing agreement based upon terms of the MoU.

International Stem Cell Corp. (ISCO)

International Stem Cell Corp. specializes in the therapeutic applications of human parthenogenetic stem cells (hpSCs) and the development and commercialization of cell-based research and cosmetic products. The company was first to perfect the natural phenomenon of parthenogenesis, which utilizes unfertilized human eggs to create hpSCs. These stem cells, created in a particular form called HLA homozygous, can be immune-matched to millions of people regardless of sex or racial background, with minimal expectation of immune rejection after transplantation.

In the spring of 2013 the company reported positive results from its pre-clinical in vivo Parkinson’s disease studies, representing an important first step in bringing its therapy to clinical trials. The results demonstrate the safety, tolerability, and potential therapeutic benefits of neuronal cells derived from hpSC line in both rodent and non-human primate models of Parkinson’s disease.

The company’s breakthrough method of deriving neuronal cells for the treatment of Parkinson's disease in March 2013 was published in the peer-reviewed journal Scientific Reports, a primary research publication from the publishers of Nature. The paper described ISCO’s technology for producing highly pure populations of GMP-grade neuronal cells suitable for pre-clinical studies and clinical trials.

In February 2013, ISCO reported positive top line efficacy results from its pre-clinical in vivo liver study, demonstrating that hpSC-derived hepatocytes in the livers of Gunn rats behave in a similar manner to primary human hepatocytes. The data suggest that hpSC-derived hepatocytes could be a well suited alternative to donated primary hepatocytes as a source of cells in clinical applications including the treatment of Crigler-Najjar Syndrome.

The Guitammer Company Inc. (GTMM)

The Guitammer Company is a leader in low frequency sound products and technology. Its innovative and award winning line of patented ButtKicker-brand low frequency audio transducers let users feel low-frequency sound (bass). ButtKicker brand products are used around the world by leading entertainment and theater companies such as AMC, IMAX, and Disney in movie theaters and attractions; by world-famous musicians; in home theaters, simulators and for car audio.

For full-year 2012 the company achieved revenue growth of 64% year-over-year and reduced debt by 28% compared to fiscal 2011. Guitammer successfully raised $1.7 million in private placements in fiscal year 2012 and an additional $250,000 was raised in the first quarter of fiscal year 2013.

Guitammer recently expanded its relationship with China-based Sichuan Lumière Cinema Co. Ltd. by adding ButtKicker "4D" experience seats and securing an agreement for an additional theater. In addition, the company fulfilled the reinstallation of the ButtKicker "4D" cinema system for all 504 seats in the Kansas City Mainstreet Theatre, which is now operated by Alamo Drafthouse Cinema.

Guitammer’s primary goal is to grow its core business sales in the U.S. as well as expand its presence in China. In support of this mission, the company recently formed the ButtKicker Live! "Technical Advisory Group" to facilitate the broadcast testing and rollout of ButtKicker Live!; launched stage one of its "Proof of concept" in-arena testing of the patented ButtKicker Live! broadcast technology with a major sports league during both the regular season and playoffs; and reported successful in-suite testing of ButtKicker Live! for patrons inside a glass-enclosed luxury box during a live major motorsports race.

VIASPACE, Inc. (VSPC)

VIASPACE is focused on growing renewable Giant King™ Grass as a low-carbon fuel for clean electricity generation and environmentally friendly energy pellets, as well as a feedstock for bio-methane production, green cellulosic biofuels, biochemical, and biomaterials. A high-yield, low-cost feedstock, Giant King Grass is recognized as the highest yielding biomass crop in the world. Giant King Grass can grow in a variety of soil conditions, grows up to 14 feet tall twice a year, and does not compete with food crops.

VIASPACE is currently working to finalize the Tibbar Energy 7 MW anaerobic digestion power plant project on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Tibbar continues to plant its Giant King Grass nurseries, and has plans to build a 1000+ acre plantation to power the anaerobic digestion power plant. Tibbar is testing irrigation options and large-scale planting procedures, and has purchased tractors and additional equipment as it prepares for the close of the power purchase agreement.

The company also has roots in Nicaragua where it recently formed a partnership with AGRICORP, a subsidiary of Grain Hill, to build a 12MW biomass power plant fueled by Giant King Grass. Giant King Grass is successfully being grown on a portion of a 10,000 acre AGRICORP farm near Lake Nicaragua, and the companies soon plan to expand the nursery in support of the 12MW power plant.

Giant King Grass can be harvested multiple times each year, which enables energy output yield that far surpasses other crops. This superior feedstock offers material productivity benefits at remarkable costs for energy production, biofuels, and biomaterials. VIASPACE has formed numerous partnerships to grow the Giant King Grass, which is currently being grown in the United States, Virgin Islands, China, and other areas.