A challenge trail for POLB 001 has highlighted its potential and Poolbeg Pharma (LON: POLB) shares jumped 27.1% to 10.8p, which is the highest it has been for more than 16 months. POLB 001 was effective in reducing multiple markers of systemic and localised inflammation compared with placebo. This suggests that it could be a treatment for severe influenza or other inflammatory conditions. This was a small trial of 36 volunteers, but Singer has increased its probability of success of POLB 001 to 30%.
Verici Dx (LON: VRCI) has achieved the CLIA certificate of compliance ahead of the commercial launch of kidney transplant diagnostics service Tutiva. This certification is important because it enables insurance reimbursement coverage in 45 states. The other five, including New York, have other requirements and they will eventually be added. The share price improved by 20% to 9p.
Purplebricks (LON: PURP) has received approaches for the acquisition of the company or its businesses and the ongoing strategic review has been widened to include a formal sale process. The share price recovered 16.6% to 9.77p.
Trinidad-focused oil and gas explorer and producer Touchstone Exploration (LON: TXP) has completed drilling of the Royston-1X exploration well and it encountered substantial sands in the Herrera Formation. A production test programme will start in April. The share price rose 11.5% to 73p. That is above the December placing price of 54.5p.
Healthcare services provider Totally (LON: TLY) warns that although full year revenues will be in line with expectations increasing costs means that profit will be below forecasts. Canaccord Genuity has cut its 2022-23 pre-tax profit forecast from £5.8m to £3.8m, down from £4m the previous year. Net cash is expected to be £5.5m at the end of March 2023. The share price slumped 26.6% to 20.75p.
Metal Tiger (LON: MTR) has decided to leave AIM so that it has more flexibility with its new investment strategy. A general meeting will be held on 20 March for shareholders to vote on the cancellation and the new investing policy. The company will remain listed on ASX. The share price dived by 22% to 9.75p.
Yesterday afternoon proton therapy technology developer Advanced Oncotherapy (LON: AVO) secured a convertible loan note facility of £4.95m. The lenders will also receive a portion of the revenues generated by the proton therapy machine installed in the Harley Street Centre, capped at £2.5m each year over a ten year period. A short-term loan of £2.92m from a French counterparty has been converted into notes convertible at 25p a share and 1.25 million warrants exercisable at 25p each. The share price fell 9.52% to 4.75p.
Orosur Mining (LON: OMI) says its partner in the Anza project has decided to progress to phase 2 of the agreement, which requires spending of $20m over four years to take their stake to 65%. Orosur Mining will also receive a $2m option payment. The share price is 6.91% lower at 8.75p.
Ex-dividends
Caspian Sunrise (LON: CASP) is paying a dividend of 0.04p a share and the share price rose 0.2p to 8.2p.
Driver Group (LON: DRV) is paying a final dividend of 0.75p a share and the share price fell 0.5p to 30.5p.
Sylvania Platinum (LON: SLP) is paying an interim dividend of 3p a share and the share price declined by 4.5p to 105.5p.
