Benzinga | Apr 8, 2021 09:17AM EDT

Document Security Systems Reports Its DSS Biomedical Subsidiary Completed Equity Investment In Vivacitas Oncology

Document Security Systems, Inc. ("DSS" or the "Company") (NYSE:DSS), a multinational company operating businesses focusing on brand protection technology, blockchain security, direct marketing, healthcare, real estate, and securitized digital assets, today announced DSS Biomedical International, Inc. ("DSS Biomedical"), a subsidiary of Impact BioMedical, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, completed an equity investment in Vivacitas Oncology, Inc. ("Vivacitas"), a clinical-stage company focused on difficult to treat cancers.

Vivacitas was co-founded in 2015 by Dr. Joseph Rubinfeld and Infusion51a with an eye toward redesigning well-known chemotherapies that have already been demonstrated to have beneficial effects, but which may also possess potency, toxicity, stability, and/or pharmacokinetic issues that limit their use. To this end, Vivacitas has been laser-focused on acquiring its three pipeline assets, made possible by leveraging the robust professional network that Dr. Rubinfeld fostered over a lifetime in the industry. As a result, Vivacitas was able to complete the acquisitions of its three major programs within a 12-month period.

Contributing to the impressive asset acquisition track record is Vivacitas' partnership with International Infusion Advisors, LLC via its investment arm, Infusion 51A, a relationship that is anchored in a common mission - to develop disruptive technologies aimed at improving the quality of life of cancer patients.

Vivacitas' assets are organized into two separate, yet related platforms: a development platform centered around advancing next-generation Camptothecins in various cancers, and an innovation platform focused on applying new formulations and modified chemistries to compounds to potentially improve tolerability and efficacy.

"Impact BioMedical continues to demonstrate its commitment to addressing unmet needs in human healthcare and wellness," stated Frank D. Heuszel, CEO of DSS. "With a rich pipeline of promising assets, Vivacitas provides significant upside potential."

Jeffrey Stephens, Founder, Chief Investment Officer, and Director of Infusion51a and a Vivacitas Oncology Director, said, "Vivacitas Oncology is delighted to welcome Impact BioMedical as a new investor and contributor to our efforts to develop new treatment options for cancer patients."

As part of its equity investment in Vivacitas, DSS Biomedical received the right to appoint two members to the board of directors of Vivacitas.

Separately, DSS Biomedical acquired Impact Oncology Pte Ltd ("Impact Oncology") from Alset EHome International Limited, Inc. The principal assets of Impact Oncology consist of equity in Vivacitas. The Chairman of DSS is also the Chairman of Alset EHome International.