The University of Sheffield

LONDON, Ontario and BOSTON, Aug. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- August 12, 2024. Sernova Corp. (“Sernova” or the “Company”) (TSX:SVA) (OTCQB:SEOVF) (FSE/XETRA:PSH), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development of regenerative medicine cell therapies for treatment of chronic diseases, led by an ongoing phase 1/2a clinical trial in type 1 diabetes, is pleased to announce Mr. Jonathan Rigby as the Company’s new Chief Executive Officer. James Parsons, on behalf of the Board of Directors of Sernova, stated, “The Board believes that Sernova is now positioned to achieve its strategic milestones under Jonathan’s leadership. Jonathan brings a track record of success raising equity capital for biotech companies. Jonathan has led multiple biotech companies through listings onto Nasdaq, and the achievement of key operational and clinical developments, leading to strategic acquisitions that have generated significant value for shareholders.” On his appointment, Mr. Rigby commented, “As a type 1 diabetic myself, I am honored to serve the company and its shareholders as Sernova’s new CEO. I am passionate about Sernova’s mission and determined to lead the Company to realize its full potential. I have financed and grown multiple companies through to exits and my goal is clear; I will work tirelessly with the team to do the same for Sernova and its shareholders.” Mr. Rigby has held several CEO roles and currently serves on the board of directors of cancer therapy company, Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (Nasdaq: ONCY), and IM Therapeutics, working in the diabetes field. He was formerly a board member of Xeris Pharmaceuticals, which developed and commercialized a product to treat type 1 diabetes severe hypoglycemia. Mr. Rigby holds a degree in biological sciences from the University of Sheffield, U.K., and has a master of business administration degree from the University of Portsmouth, U.K. The Board thanks Ms. Cynthia Pussinen, the Company’s former CEO, for her dedication and service to the Company and wishes her the very best in her future endeavors. ABOUT SERNOVA CORP. Sernova Corp. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company that is developing therapeutic cell technologies that are implanted in patients inside its Cell Pouch™ System for chronic diseases, including an ongoing phase 1/2a trial in insulin-dependent diabetes and plans to enter the clinic in thyroid disease, and blood disorders that include hemophilia A. Sernova is currently focused on developing a ‘functional cure’ for insulin-dependent diabetes with its lead asset, the Cell Pouch System, a novel implantable and scalable medical device with immune protected therapeutic cells. On implantation, the Cell Pouch forms a natural vascularized tissue environment in the body for long-term survival and function of therapeutic cells that release essential factors that are absent or deficient in the bodies of patients with certain chronic diseases. Sernova’s Cell Pouch System has demonstrated its potential to be a ‘functional cure’ for people with T1D in an ongoing Phase 1/2 clinical study at the University of Chicago. In May 2022, Sernova and Evotec entered into a global strategic partnership to develop an implantable iPSC (induced pluripotent stem cells) based Cell Pouch islet replacement therapy. This partnership provides Sernova a potentially unlimited supply of insulin-producing cells to treat millions of patients with insulin-dependent diabetes (type 1 and type 2). Sernova continues to evaluate the potential for additional development programs that utilize its Cell Pouch System: a cell therapy for hypothyroid disease resulting from thyroid gland removal and an ex vivo lentiviral Factor VIII gene therapy for hemophilia A. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Christopher Barnes VP, Investor Relations Sernova Corp. christopher.barnes@sernova.com 519-902-7923 www.sernova.com FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This release contains statements that, to the extent they are not recitations of historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements” that involve various risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, including, without limitation, statements regarding the prospects, plans, and objectives of the company. Wherever possible, but not always, words such as "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential for" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur are used to identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management’s beliefs with respect to future events and are based on information currently available to management on the date such statements were made. Many factors could cause Sernova’s actual results, performances or achievements to not be as anticipated, estimated or intended or to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this news release. Such factors could include, but are not limited to, the company’s ability to secure additional financing and licensing arrangements on reasonable terms, or at all; ability to conduct all required preclinical and clinical studies for the company’s Cell Pouch System and or related technologies, including the timing and results of those trials; ability to obtain all necessary regulatory approvals, or on a timely basis; ability to in-license additional complementary technologies; ability to execute its business strategy and successfully compete in the market; and the inherent risks associated with the development of biotechnology combination products generally. Many of the factors are beyond our control, including those caused by, related to, or impacted by the novel coronavirus pandemic. Investors should consult the company’s quarterly and annual filings available on www.sedarplus.ca for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to the forward-looking statements. Sernova expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Researchers from the University of Sheffield have discovered a new form of immunotherapy that could prevent resistance to hormone therapy in prostate cancer. The study, funded by Prostate Cancer UK’s Research Innovation Awards programme and published in the Journal for Immunotherapy Cancer , could help men living with the condition live longer before their cancer becomes resistant to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), a first-line treatment for prostate cancer. Recognised as the second most common cancer in the UK, prostate cancer affects more than 52,000 men every year. Despite being effective in limiting the growth and spread of cancer, ADT can sometimes become resistant to tumours, accelerating the spread of cancer throughout the body. “Once [the onset of resistance to hormone therapy] happens, [prostate cancer] is difficult to treat and harsher treatments like chemotherapy have to be used,” explained professor Claire Lewis, School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield. Using cutting-edge techniques, researchers studied how immune cells function within prostate tumours following ADT and found that a type of white blood cell called a macrophage accumulates in large amounts around blood vessels in prostate tumours during ADT. The team then developed a way of using novel nanoparticles, which play a role in multiple steps of activation of the immune system to suppress cancer and induce tumour cell death, to selectively deliver a drug to these cells to make the macrophages express a potent immunostimulant called interferon-beta. When interferon-beta, a disease-modifying therapy commonly used for relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) and secondary progressive MS, is released inside tumours, it stimulates other immune cells known as T cells to eliminate cancer cells and delay treatment resistance. Lewis added: “We’re excited by the potential of this new form of immunotherapy to enhance the response of prostate tumours to hormone treatment. We are now working with our clinical colleagues to explore ways to take this forward into clinical trials as soon as possible.” The findings come after the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommended Accord’s ADT, Orgovyx (relugolix), as the first oral treatment of its kind to be approved by the agency for use in advanced prostate cancer patients with hormone-sensitive cases of the disease.

A new study has revealed the hidden emotional challenges patients go through following tooth loss. Patients highlight feelings of self-consciousness, shame or fear as well as physical sensations such as pain and sensitivity and worries about how tooth loss might impact their life. Improvements in dental care, more people living longer and the social value placed on having a healthy smile has led to people keeping their own teeth longer, but it has also led to an increasing number of people needing some kind of restoration work including crowns, bridges and implants. Many of these treatments remain unobtainable for most people due to the availability of NHS dentists and the high cost of private dental work. Removable dentures are often the only viable option for anyone experiencing tooth loss with an estimated 10 to 15 percent of the population wearing them. A new study by researchers at the University of Sheffield's Healthy Life Span Institute and the School of Clinical Dentistry has highlighted the emotional struggles and hidden challenges patients experience when having dentures fitted. This is the first study to map out the patient journey and how this experience can affect the overall success of the treatment. The study found that patients think about their denture journey in four stages: These feelings and how dentists understand and manage them can influence the patient outcomes. A dentist's empathy during this adjustment period is crucial for successful denture use and better patient outcomes. The study also identified that wearing removable dentures can be a hidden disability for many. People with dentures feel they have to hide them due to feeling embarrassed or worrying they will fall out. Some patients also avoided social situations Lead researcher Barry Gibson, Professor in Medical Sociology at the University of Sheffield said "Tooth loss can be hugely traumatic and this study has uncovered just how challenging it is for people needing partial dentures. Feelings such as embarrassment or shame can significantly affect the process of having dentures made and fitted. On top of this if they don't fit properly this can make everyday activities such as speaking, eating and drinking very difficult which affects a person's quality of life. The impact can be so dramatic that it can impact their confidence to leave the house. This can have a devastating and lasting impact. "Understanding the emotional difficulties identified in the study will help dentists to improve the care given to denture patients and lead to a more successful and better experience for everyone" The research team partnered with local Sheffield artist Gina Allen to create an art piece reflecting the diverse emotional journeys of denture wearers. The picture is a collage that illustrates the type of journeys patients go through from tooth loss to life with a denture. It uses colour to depict the emotional nature of the journey and demonstrates that all patients have a unique journey and outcome from the experience. One patient, a young woman, has a successful outcome; a middle-aged man is OK but a bit 'Meh!' An older woman continues to struggle to cope with some aspects of adapting to her denture. Artist Gina Allen said "I'm a visual artist with a science background and a particular interest in how art can help to explore and interpret data, often around social and environmental themes. It seemed to me that there was such a depth and variety of individual experiences captured by the research team on this project, so it was a really interesting challenge to be involved in, trying to use the visual parameters of an artwork to convey some of that in an engaging and meaningful way." This collaboration has influenced the development of a new patient questionnaire designed to: In addition to identifying the emotional challenges faced by patients, the study also highlights the need for a clinical care pathway to improve patient support, focus on improving denture fit, educate patients about denture care, and combat the shame and stigma associated with wearing dentures. Mr Bilal El-Dhuwaib, Clinical Teacher in Restorative Dentistry at the University of Sheffield, said: "This study is important because it goes beyond the typical numbers-driven approach to dentistry by looking at crucial aspects of patients' emotions and lived experiences. By understanding the psychological and social impact of tooth loss and replacement, the research provides a valuable toolkit for myself and fellow dentists to better understand and address the emotional rollercoaster patients navigate during this process. By equipping dentists with the tools to understand these challenges, we can create a more compassionate and effective approach to tooth replacement." The research team is seeking further funding to validate the questionnaire and develop a comprehensive clinical pathway for denture care. This pathway aims to improve patient outcomes and address the hidden struggles faced by denture wearers. This study, published in The Journal of Dentistry was funded by consumer health company Haleon.