Sign Up NowThis Month's Tiny Gems - August 2017

AzurRx BioPharma, Inc. (NASDAQ: AZRX)
ChineseInvestors.com (CIIX)
India Globalization Capital, Inc. (NYSE: IGC)
Lakeland Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ: LAKE)
Monaker Group, Inc. (MKGI)
Moxian, Inc. (NASDAQ: MOXC)
Net Element (NASDAQ: NETE)

 

 

 

AzurRx BioPharma, Inc. (NASDAQ: AZRX)

 

AzurRx BioPharma, Inc. (NASDAQ: AZRX) is a development-stage biopharmaceutical company whose core scientific team is focused on the development of recombinant proteins for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases and microbiome-related conditions.

 

Diseases such as cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, acute infectious diarrhea, and a multitude of health issues directly related to antibiotic use and bacterial infection are currently undergoing intensive scientific research and clinical studies by AzurRx.

 

With its science-driven approach and more than a century of combined experience, AzurRx is at the forefront of developing therapies for digestive disorders. Treating disease with next-generation enzymes is a novel approach representing a step forward in the fight to treat the millions of people living with these debilitating diseases.

 

Among the team members fighting daily to conquer these challenges are scientists with extensive experience in hepato-gastroenterology and infectious diseases, clinical medical practice, scientific research and translational medicine, and pharmaceutical research and development.

 

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates 60-70 million people in the United States alone are affected by digestive diseases. AzureRx is meeting this challenge head-on by conducting research into protein engineering, bio-engineered therapies delivered in capsule or liquid form, and conducting clinical trials.

 

MS1819 recombinant lipase for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is the company's lead development program, and additional early-stage research is being conducted for the prevention of hospital-acquired infections.

 

Headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, AzureRx has come a long way from its beginning as a small research focused company. The company's goal is to become a fully integrated biotechnology company delivering the highest quality therapies possible to those afflicted with gastric-impacted diseases.

 

Improving existing enzyme therapies for various gut disorders, along with innovating the next generation of enzyme therapies, are corner stones of the company's commitment to help people living with these life-altering diseases.

 

 

 

ChineseInvestors.com (CIIX)

 

Founded in 1999, ChineseInvestors.com (CIIX) has become a leading financial information website for Chinese-speaking investors in the United States and China. Recognizing unprecedented opportunities in the U.S. cannabis industry, CIIX is also laying the groundwork to capitalize on growing demand for cannabidiol (CBD)-based nutrition and health products.

 

Through its primary website, www.ChineseInvestors.com, CIIX offers a variety of investor education products and services, including real-time market commentary, analysis and educational related services in Chinese language character sets; consultative services to smaller private companies considering becoming a public company; and advertising and public relations related support services.

 

At the center of this initiative is the ChineseInvestors Method, a unique integration of a disciplined investing process, web-based tools, personalized instructions and support. Using this strategy, CIIX provides reliable market information to help investors make informed investment decisions and meet their individualized financial goals.

 

CIIX is also leveraging its financial expertise to enter into the burgeoning CBD industry, which within a few years has grown from a relatively invisible sector to a billowing market expected to reach $2.1 billion in consumer sales by 2020.

 

The increasing demand for CBD-based products is a catalyst for innovative business endeavors. To this accord, CIIX has established a three-year development plan to capitalize on the convergence of CBD and the nutrition and health products market in mainland China, where the benefits of CBD oil have not been widely recognized.

 

Under a wholesale agreement with a reputable CBD health brand, CIIX is launching the world's first online CBD health products store published in the Chinese language. The site, www.ChineseCBDoil.com, caters to a growing number of Chinese people awakening to the numerous health benefits of CBD oil for treatment of a variety of conditions such as anxiety, stress, poor sleep, Alzheimer's disease, and more. CIIX expects to launch this website at the end of January 2017, and plans to sell CBD-infused products via online and in-store.

 

In conjunction, CIIX's cannabis-focused "Yelp"-style mobile app is in development as a platform for Chinese people to review and discuss various cannabis products. The app will be the first marijuana social media mobile app designed for Chinese-speaking customers worldwide.

 

 

 

India Globalization Capital, Inc. (NYSE: IGC)

 

India Globalization Capital, Inc. (NYSE: IGC) is a first mover in developing a portfolio of products using cannabis-based "combination therapies" for the treatment of Alzheimer's, cachexia, pain and other conditions.

 

Through a definitive agreement with the University of South Florida, IGC is the exclusive licensee of the U.S. patent filing entitled "THC as a Potential Therapeutic Agent for Alzheimer's Disease." Known as America's most expensive disease with an estimated cost to the U.S. economy of $236 billion, Alzheimer's currently effects more than 5.3 million Americans and over the next 20 years the number of those afflicted with the disease is expected to double. By acquiring the exclusive right to this patent filing, IGC is protecting a potential cannabis-based blockbuster treatment.

 

The Company has also filed combination therapy formulations for the treatment of epilepsy and cachexia. About 50 million people worldwide are affected by epilepsy and about 1.3 million in the U.S. experience cachexia associated with cancer, MS, Parkinson's, HIV/AIDS and other progressive illnesses. Cancer-induced anorexia/cachexia is responsible for 20% of all cancer deaths. IGC-502 indicated for seizures and IGC-504 indicated for cachexia are unique combination therapies that, if proven out by clinical trials, are expected to treat medical refractory epilepsy and eating disorders respectively, with lower side effects than conventional mono therapies.

 

Successful treatment of pain represents an enormous market opportunity as well with the national cost of health care due to pain ranging from $560 billion to $635 billion. In addition, the health care cost attributed to the abuse of prescription opioids, closely related to pain, is approximately $25 billion. IGC's patent filing (IGC-501) is a cannabis-based formulation addressing neuropathic and arthritic pain in joints and muscles using a variety of delivery techniques. The Company anticipates commencing clinical trials, and hopes that through its focus on combination therapy it can formulate and commercialize cannabinoid compounds as an alternative to long-term addictive opioid treatments.

 

IGC's strategy is exciting and unique in that it is aiming to become a leader in the phytocannabinoid-based combination therapy specialty pharmaceutical sector. This first mover advantage can potentially be formidable as it begins clinical trials and further builds its patent portfolio. "The development of combination therapies utilizing cannabis represents a large, unique opportunity in this emerging specialty-pharmaceutical sector. Securing FDA approval for combination therapy is believed to be significantly faster and less expensive than new drug applications. As a result, we believe that we can bring our cannabis-based pharmaceutical products to market in both an expeditious and cost-effective manner," stated Ram Mukunda, CEO.

 

IGC has recently exited its legacy businesses. An impressive and experienced team, led by Mr. Ram Mukunda, CEO, directs IGC.

 

Mr. Mukunda holds degrees in Electrical Engineering and Mathematics from the University of Maryland (UMD). He founded and served as Chairman and CEO of Startec Global Communications, an international telecommunications carrier focused on providing voice over Internet protocol (VOIP) services to emerging economies. Startec, the first pure play international long distance carrier, went public on NASDAQ. He has won a number of awards, including the 2013 University of Maryland International Alumnus of the year award. Mr. Mukunda serves as an Emeritus member on the Board of Visitors at the University of Maryland, School of Engineering, and has served as Council Member at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, Belfer Center of Science and International Affairs. Mr. Mukunda and Dr. Krishna are the originators of all the IGC patent filings.

 

Dr. Ranga Krishna, Senior Advisor, is a Board Certified Neurologist with a sub specialty in Epilepsy surgery. He is the Director of Neurology at the New York Community Hospital affiliated with New York Presbyterian Weil Cornell Medical College and the Director of Stroke Service at the New York Community Hospital affiliated with New York Presbyterian Weil Cornell Medical College. He is the Medical Director and Chairman of Total Neuro Care, P.C. He is CEO of International Pharma Trials, Inc., which assists U.S. pharmaceutical companies perform Phase II clinical trials. Dr. Krishna is a member of several organizations, including the American Academy of Neurology and the Medical Society of the State of New York. He is also a member of the Medical Arbitration panel for the New York State Workers' Compensation Board and a Founding Member of the New York State Pain Society. Dr. Krishna was trained at New York's Mount Sinai Medical Center (1991-1994) and New York University (1994-1996). Dr. Krishna and Mr. Mukunda are the originators of all the IGC patent filings.

 

 

 

Lakeland Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ: LAKE)

 

Lakeland Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ: LAKE), a leading global manufacturer of industrial protective clothing, produces safety garments and accessories worn by factory workers, firefighters, healthcare workers, first responders, the military and others whose jobs inherently involve hazardous situations. Lakeland's core company mission is to create and manufacture the type of protective clothing essential to the safety of workers worldwide.

 

Lakeland Industries has earned and maintains a reputation for top quality products that allows wearers to put on Lakeland's protective clothing with confidence. The highest standard of quality assurance guarantees each piece of protective clothing produced by Lakeland also provides its customers with peace of mind. A recent example includes the critical role Lakeland's protective gear played in fighting the Ebola virus and bird flu, which protected workers from injury and infection.

 

Superior product performance starts with the designer, followed by rigid quality tests performed by Lakeland's technical staff. A growing array of protective products includes limited-use and disposable clothing, chemical protective clothing, flame resistant clothing, woven and anti-static clothing, aluminized industrial heat protective clothing and other protective products.

 

The demand for high-performance protective clothing continues to surge. Lakeland's 35 years in the industry assures the New York-based company is on the right path as it continues to pursue opportunities overseas. Its recent entry into China increased production while lowering costs. The establishment of Lakeland Protective Wear Inc. in Canada and the opening of a factory in Celaya Mexico broadens the company's international footprint even as it considers locations within Asia.

 

The company's products are sold by an in-house customer service group, regional sales managers and through independent sales representatives to a network of over 1,200 safety and mill supply distributors. Lakeland is a multidivisional, publicly held company proven throughout the world as a reliable, results-driven company dedicated to protecting workers in environments where hazards are common.

 

 

 

Monaker Group, Inc. (MKGI)

 

Monaker Group, Inc. (MKGI) is a technology driven travel company focused on leveraging resources to become a significant presence in the fastest growing sector of the $1.3 trillion travel and tourism market. The company's flagship brand, NextTrip.com, is the industry's first and only real-time booking engine that features alternative lodging (vacation home rentals, resort residences and unused timeshare inventory – "ALR"), as well as a full selection of airlines, hotels, cruises, rental cars, tours and concierge services all powered by the Moanker Booking Engine ("MBE"). These features are combined into a single, easy-to-use platform that gives travelers complete real-time control when planning and booking their vacations.

 

NextTrip.com takes an integrated approach to the needs of travelers by combining multiple booking solutions into a highly intuitive real-time booking platform. Since its launch in February 2016, NextTrip has already grown to more than 250,000 units of vacation rental inventory. Monaker currently has roughly 2 million additional alternative lodging units under contract that will soon be added to the platform. This places NextTrip among the top three largest vacation rental inventories and rival industry peers, Airbnb and HomeAway, in the rapidly expanding alternative lodging market. Unlike the competition, which book by request which can take hours or days before a lodging owner confirms, NextTrip's platform books in real-time, similar to online hotel bookings.

 

Most NextTrip listings are in desirable locations around the globe including the U.S., the EU and the Caribbean with 10% as exclusive listings. Monaker expects exclusive listing growth because, unlike the competition, Monaker doesn't charge a sign-up fee, just a commission upon booking. The competition charges both. Monaker even has a proprietary solution to unlock Timeshare and Fractional Share properties as rental inventory.

 

The Monaker Booking Engine, significant ALR inventory and strategic distribution partnerships positionnMonaker to be a major player in the travel and alternative lodging sector. In addition Monaker is also the parent to Maupintour and Voyage TV.

 

In business for 65 years, Maupintour still leads the tour industry in the creation of outstanding, unique itineraries and has the highest repeat rate in the tour industry. Maupintour's upscale luxury services create a unique blend with the various product offerings of NextTrip. Voyage TV has thousands of hours of travel footage shot in over 30 countries worldwide. These 15,000 video clips of hotels, resorts, cruise, and destination activities are a treasure trove for vacation travel marketing.

 

With an established portfolio of travel brands, and a proven record acquiring, consolidating and integrating companies, Monaker is building a diverse and exciting foundation to drive the company's future. According to data from the U.S. Travel Association, direct spending on leisure travel by domestic and international travelers topped $650 billion in 2015. When combined with the fact that roughly 64 percent of travel companies are still considered small businesses, Monaker's all-inclusive approach to vacation booking through Distributor Partnerships forged with the MBE, NextTrip and Maupintour strategically positions it for sustainable growth moving forward.

 

Monaker is headquartered in South Florida,he company is led by a seasoned management team with decades of applicable industry experience. Monaker's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bill Kerby has over 18 years of experience in the travel and media industries , as well as 10 years of experience in the financial industry.

 

 

 

Moxian, Inc. (NASDAQ: MOXC)

 

Moxian, Inc. (NASDAQ: MOXC) is a leading offline-to-online (O2O) integrated platform operator committed to providing high-quality social marketing and promotion platforms to end-users and merchants interested in promoting their business via social media.

 

The company's proprietary Social Customer Relationship Management (Social CRM) system is at the foundation of its multi-channel social commerce platform, and was developed to foster enhanced consumer/merchant interaction. By integrating social media, entertainment and business intelligence, Moxian's system is especially suitable for SMB, integrated entertainment, commerce, shopping and customer loyalty rewards providers.

 

Through its big data analytics system, Moxian has a clear picture of its targeted customers, their demands and payment data. End-user data generated from the platform helps Moxian's merchant clients achieve optimal marketing strategies.

 

Leveraging these assets, Moxian has two primary core products: Moxian User App and Moxian Business App.

 

The structure of Moxian User APP is for consumers to collect loyalty points from issuing merchants. Virtual currency (MO-Coin and MO-Points) is earned playing games and can be redeemed globally with any merchant in Moxian eco-system. This model drives registered consumers to Moxian and its merchant clients while providing merchants the opportunity to advertise, run marketing campaigns, and learn about their customers through Moxian's platform. The app also provides consumers a set of social networking features to set up a personalized multimedia profile and participate in traditional social media functions such as friend search, interest groups, topics and content sharing.

 

Moxian Business App is similar in that it is also based on loyalty points, but is geared toward the merchant. This app provides merchants the tool kits to covert customers into members and fans, issue loyalty points and redeem rewards, and respond to customer inquiries via instant messaging. Users can also conduct targeted marketing campaigns to members of Moxian community in the form of ads and games, list products online, as well as process orders. Moxian Business also provides business reports and analytical insights for merchants.

 

Led by a management team with more than a century of combined experience, Moxian's technologies supplement the company's broader corporate mission to create and lead a personalized social network platform best suited for modern users and businesses.

 

 

 

Net Element (NASDAQ: NETE)

 

Net Element (NASDAQ: NETE) is a global technology company delivering a range of electronic payment solutions that enable merchants of all sizes to process transactions through various integrated platforms. Ranked as one of South Florida Business Journal's Top 25 Fastest-Growing Technology Companies, Net Element bases its products around a set of innovations that enables it to compete in select, competitive market segments.

 

Florida-based Net Element owns and operates a global mobile payments and transactional processing provider TOT Group, Inc., parent company to: Unified Payments, which was recognized by Inc. Magazine as the #1 Fastest Growing Company in America in 2012; Aptito, a next generation cloud-based point-of-sale ("POS") payments platform; Restoactive, a seamless digital add-ons for legacy POS systems; Digital Provider, a leading provider of SMS messaging and mobile billing solutions; and Payonline, a fully integrated processor agnostic electronic commerce platform.

 

Revenues are primarily driven by transaction fees, and the company continues to see increased acceptance and adoption of mobile and online payments. In 2015 alone, the company processed 51.2 million bankcard transactions in North America. The same year, Net Element processed 90 million transactions in CIS and the Russian Federation in 2015, as well as 19.5 million mobile transactions in emerging markets.

 

Net Element's domestic strategy is to grow transactional revenue through the innovation of SME productivity services such as its signature POS solution, Aptito. The broader North America market strategy is to expand distribution while exploring new products, services, and value-added offerings.

 

Internationally, Net Element's strategy is to leverage its omni-channel platform to deliver flexible offerings to emerging markets with diverse banking, regulatory and demographic conditions. With a growing physical presence in Central Asia, Net Element has a portfolio of international clients that includes Nokia, Samsonite, Papa Johns, Microsoft, Norton by Symantec, Alawar Entertainment and many others.

 

Laying the groundwork for sustained growth, Net Element continues to focus on improvement and investments in its core technology and new product offerings. The company allocates its resources, along with the extensive experience of its management team, to foster growth in payment processing and the worldwide mobile payment industry, which is forecast to surpass $1 trillion in 2019.