Technology enables kidney function measurement in preclinical applications

(ST. LOUIS - June 8, 2016) - St. Louis-based MediBeacon™ Inc., maker of proprietary, non-invasive, real-time monitoring systems for kidney function, gastrointestinal permeability and other light-activated diagnostics, has completed the acquisition of Mannheim Pharma & Diagnostics, a life science company based in Mannheim, Germany.

MediBeacon will continue to expand the use of Mannheim Pharma & Diagnostics’ technology in leading medical schools, academic centers, research institutes and pharmaceutical companies. Use of the technology enhances preclinical assessment of kidney therapeutics, evaluation of nephrotoxicity and fundamental understanding of kidney function in animals.

Their unique device, which is the size of a small coin, is placed on the animal’s body. It allows researchers to calculate and track the animal’s kidney function over time – without requiring the animal to be restrained during monitoring. A fluorescent agent, which is eliminated entirely by the kidney, is administered. The device is not approved for human use. In addition, Mannheim Pharma & Diagnostics holds several patents pertaining to their transdermal kidney function measurement methodology.

The acquired technology adds to MediBeacon’s robust intellectual property estate, which includes a portfolio of fluorescent tracer agents. MediBeacon’s system that is designed for human use is currently in clinical trials. This system consists of an optical skin sensor combined with a proprietary agent that glows in the presence of light. MediBeacon is focused on the development of a renal function monitoring system, which can provide clinicians continuous real-time monitoring of a patient’s kidney function or measured Glomerular Filtration Rate (mGFR). Results of the initial clinical studies were presented at the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Kidney Week in 2015.

Operationally, MediBeacon will make ongoing investments in the sales and engineering organization, led by Dr. Daniel Schock-Kusch in Europe. Dr. Schock-Kusch is one of three Ph.D. scientists who have joined MediBeacon’s European affiliate. In addition, Dr. Johannes Pill, a physician, cofounder and past CEO of Mannheim Pharma & Diagnostics joins MediBeacon as a consultant.

Professor Pill said, “MediBeacon’s sales and marketing experience and strong intellectual property portfolio will help us achieve our goal of positively impacting kidney health and improving other diagnostic applications.”

“This acquisition brings tremendous engineering talent to the company and will allow MediBeacon to quickly enter the important research and animal health marketplace,” said Dr. Richard Dorshow, MediBeacon’s cofounder and chief scientific officer.

MediBeacon’s investors include Pansend Life Sciences, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of HC2 Holdings, Inc.

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About MediBeacon Inc.
MediBeacon was formed in 2012 specifically to acquire the optical diagnostic program from Mallinckrodt, the Pharmaceuticals business of Covidien. MediBeacon’s mission is to commercialize biocompatible optical diagnostic agents for physiological monitoring, surgical guidance, and imaging of pathological disease in the human population. Several product concepts in these arenas are contained in the MediBeacon Intellectual Property estate.

About HC2 Holdings, Inc.
HC2 Holdings, Inc. is a publicly traded (NYSE MKT:HCHC) diversified holding company, which seeks opportunities to acquire and grow businesses that can generate long-term sustainable free cash flow and attractive returns in order to maximize value for all stakeholders. HC2 has a diverse array of operating subsidiaries across seven reportable segments, including Manufacturing, Marine Services, Utilities, Telecommunications, Insurance, Life Sciences and Other. HC2?s largest operating subsidiaries include Schuff International, Inc., a leading structural steel fabricator and erector in the United States, and Global Marine Systems Limited, a leading provider of engineering and underwater services on submarine cables. Founded in 1994, HC2 is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia.

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CONTACT:
Steve Hanley
MediBeacon Inc.
Office - 314-269-5808
Email - hanley@medibeacon.com
www.medibeacon.com

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