Author: sHq_LoGiNz

MORTON GROVE, Ill., Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Lifeway Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ: LWAY) (“Lifeway” or “the Company”) a leading U.S. supplier of kefir and fermented dairy products, today announced that Institutional Shareholder Services (“ISS”) has recommended that shareholders vote FOR all of the Company’s director nominees (the “Board Nominees”) and WITHHOLD votes from nominees submitted by Edward Smolyansky (the “Dissident Nominees”) at Lifeway’s upcoming 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, scheduled for December 29, 2025, as set forth below:

ISS is an independent proxy advisory firm that provides research and voting recommendations to institutional investors.

The Company encourages shareholders to vote their shares in advance of the meeting returning the WHITE proxy card or voting via the Internet or QR code by following the instructions on the WHITE proxy card provided to them.

About Lifeway Foods, Inc.
Lifeway Foods, Inc., which has been recognized as one of America’s Growth Leaders by TIME, as Dairy Foods’ Processor of the Year 2025 and one of Forbes’ Best Small Companies, is America’s leading supplier of the probiotic, fermented beverage known as kefir. In addition to its line of drinkable kefir, the Company also produces a variety of cheeses and a ProBugs® line for kids. Lifeway’s tart and tangy fermented dairy products are now sold across the United States, Mexico, Ireland, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, and France. Learn how Lifeway is good for more than just you at lifewayfoods.com.

Important Additional Information

The Company has filed a proxy statement on Schedule 14A, an accompanying WHITE proxy card and other relevant documents with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) in connection with the solicitation of proxies from the Company’s shareholders for the Company’s 2025 annual meeting of shareholders. THE COMPANY’S SHAREHOLDERS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO READ THE COMPANY’S DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO), THE ACCOMPANYING WHITE PROXY CARD, AND ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors and shareholders may obtain a copy of the definitive proxy statement, an accompanying WHITE proxy card, any amendments or supplements to the definitive proxy statement and other documents filed by the Company with the SEC at no charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Copies will also be available at no charge by visiting the “Investor Relations” tab of the Company’s website at http://lifewaykefir.com/investor-relations/. 

Certain Information Regarding Participants in Solicitation

The Company, each of its independent directors (Kirk Chartier, Juan Carlos Dalto, Rachel Drori, Andee Harris, Susie Hultquist, Dorri McWhorter, Jason Scher and Pol Sikar) and certain of its executive officers (Julie Smolyansky, Chief Executive Officer, President and Secretary, and Eric Hanson, Chief Financial and Accounting Officer and Treasurer) are deemed to be “participants” (as defined in Schedule 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) in the solicitation of proxies from the Company’s shareholders in connection with matters to be considered at the Company’s 2025 annual meeting of shareholders. Information about the names of the Company’s directors and officers, their respective interests in the Company by security holdings or otherwise, and their respective compensation is set forth in Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for its 2025 annual meeting of shareholders, filed with the SEC on December 1, 2025, the Company’s 2024 Form 10-K and Amendment No. 1 to the 2024 Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on April 29, 2025. Copies of these filings are available free of charge online at https://www.sec.gov and http://lifewaykefir.com/investor-relations/ or by writing to the Company’s Secretary, Lifeway Foods, Inc., 6431 West Oakton St., Morton Grove, IL 60053.

Contacts:
Derek Miller
Vice President of Communications, Lifeway Foods
Email: derekm@lifeway.net

Perceptual Advisors
Dan Tarman
Email: dtarman@perceptualadvisors.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lifeway-foods-receives-iss-recommendation-supporting-company-nominees-302646427.html

SOURCE Lifeway Foods, Inc.

MORTON GROVE, Ill., Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Lifeway Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ: LWAY) (“Lifeway” or “the Company”) a leading U.S. supplier of kefir and fermented dairy products, today announced that Institutional Shareholder Services (“ISS”) has recommended that shareholders vote FOR all of the Company’s director nominees (the “Board Nominees”) and WITHHOLD votes from nominees submitted by Edward Smolyansky (the “Dissident Nominees”) at Lifeway’s upcoming 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, scheduled for December 29, 2025, as set forth below:

ISS is an independent proxy advisory firm that provides research and voting recommendations to institutional investors.

The Company encourages shareholders to vote their shares in advance of the meeting returning the WHITE proxy card or voting via the Internet or QR code by following the instructions on the WHITE proxy card provided to them.

About Lifeway Foods, Inc.
Lifeway Foods, Inc., which has been recognized as one of America’s Growth Leaders by TIME, as Dairy Foods’ Processor of the Year 2025 and one of Forbes’ Best Small Companies, is America’s leading supplier of the probiotic, fermented beverage known as kefir. In addition to its line of drinkable kefir, the Company also produces a variety of cheeses and a ProBugs® line for kids. Lifeway’s tart and tangy fermented dairy products are now sold across the United States, Mexico, Ireland, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, and France. Learn how Lifeway is good for more than just you at lifewayfoods.com.

Important Additional Information

The Company has filed a proxy statement on Schedule 14A, an accompanying WHITE proxy card and other relevant documents with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) in connection with the solicitation of proxies from the Company’s shareholders for the Company’s 2025 annual meeting of shareholders. THE COMPANY’S SHAREHOLDERS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO READ THE COMPANY’S DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO), THE ACCOMPANYING WHITE PROXY CARD, AND ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors and shareholders may obtain a copy of the definitive proxy statement, an accompanying WHITE proxy card, any amendments or supplements to the definitive proxy statement and other documents filed by the Company with the SEC at no charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Copies will also be available at no charge by visiting the “Investor Relations” tab of the Company’s website at http://lifewaykefir.com/investor-relations/. 

Certain Information Regarding Participants in Solicitation

The Company, each of its independent directors (Kirk Chartier, Juan Carlos Dalto, Rachel Drori, Andee Harris, Susie Hultquist, Dorri McWhorter, Jason Scher and Pol Sikar) and certain of its executive officers (Julie Smolyansky, Chief Executive Officer, President and Secretary, and Eric Hanson, Chief Financial and Accounting Officer and Treasurer) are deemed to be “participants” (as defined in Schedule 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) in the solicitation of proxies from the Company’s shareholders in connection with matters to be considered at the Company’s 2025 annual meeting of shareholders. Information about the names of the Company’s directors and officers, their respective interests in the Company by security holdings or otherwise, and their respective compensation is set forth in Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for its 2025 annual meeting of shareholders, filed with the SEC on December 1, 2025, the Company’s 2024 Form 10-K and Amendment No. 1 to the 2024 Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on April 29, 2025. Copies of these filings are available free of charge online at https://www.sec.gov and http://lifewaykefir.com/investor-relations/ or by writing to the Company’s Secretary, Lifeway Foods, Inc., 6431 West Oakton St., Morton Grove, IL 60053.

Contacts:
Derek Miller
Vice President of Communications, Lifeway Foods
Email: derekm@lifeway.net

Perceptual Advisors
Dan Tarman
Email: dtarman@perceptualadvisors.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lifeway-foods-receives-iss-recommendation-supporting-company-nominees-302646427.html

SOURCE Lifeway Foods, Inc.

NEW YORK, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — 2025 was a year of challenges, a year of action and, most importantly, a year where it became increasingly clear that change is possible through shared ambition.

In the face of complex global challenges, the UN Global Compact demonstrated that through collaboration, accountability and collective leadership, businesses have the power to step up and show up for people, the planet and the future.

The private sector plays a critical role in creating a safer, more inclusive and resilient world. It’s not just the right thing to do — it’s good business.

Additionally, 2025 marked the 25th anniversary of the UN Global Compact, a moment to commemorate progress and focus on the transformations ahead. As we reflect on 2025, we approach the next 25 with energy, urgency and optimism about what’s possible.

Global growth

The reach of the UN Global Compact continues to expand as more stakeholders join the movement for responsible business.

2025 marked an inflection point in growth and impact. In the past five years alone, the UN Global Compact has nearly doubled participation to more than 23,000 companies across 160+ countries, expanding its small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) and regional programmes and raising the bar for corporate ambition and accountability.

We welcomed three new Country Networks this year, strengthening local implementation of the Ten Principles and enabling more companies to take action aligned with global standards and country-specific priorities.

Business with global stakeholders

Throughout 2025, the UN Global Compact convened leaders from business, Government, civil society, academia and youth to accelerate progress across the Sustainable Development Goals.

Momentum around social sustainability was especially strong this year. From global advocacy at the Commission on the Status of Women to strengthened partnerships on human rights, the UN Global Compact continued to elevate equity and inclusion across businesses and markets.

A major highlight was the launch of the Ring the Bell LGBTIQ+ Equality Initiative, in partnership with UN Human Rights, the UN Sustainable Stock Exchange Initiative and Koppa, as well as the annual Ring the Bell for General Equity celebration. Through coordinated bell-ringing ceremonies at stock exchanges globally, 14 countries amplified a powerful message: equality is good for people, good for markets and good for business.

At the World Social Summit, business leaders emphasized that social development, decent work, equity, social protection and lifelong learning are fundamental to sustainable economic growth and a just transition.

UN General Assembly High-Level Week was another pivotal moment for the UN Global Compact this year. Marking the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and the 25th anniversary of the Global Compact, business leaders gathered to reaffirm their commitment to multilateralism and the power of tackling tough challenges together.

During the UN General Assembly, hundreds of business leaders and partners came together at the Private Sector Forum, the UN Global Compact Hub and the Leaders Summit. Conversations centred on rebuilding trust, accelerating climate action and strengthening the role of responsible business in advancing peace, prosperity and the SDGs.

Additionally, the Unstoppable Africa event highlighted the continent’s tremendous potential for business, trade and investment, and showcased the strategic role businesses play in advancing sustainable and inclusive growth.

Beyond these specific events, throughout the year, companies engaged meaningfully across themes and regions through: 

• Financing for Development: Mobilizing capital for the SDGs
• High-Level Political Forum: Strengthening accountability for progress
• Food Systems Summit Stocktake: Accelerating action for sustainable, equitable food systems
• COP30: Reaffirming climate action and charting a path for our future

Moments like these reinforce the power of public-private collaboration in advancing global goals.

New insights, tools and guidance

In 2025, the UN Global Compact released a series of resources to help companies transform their commitments into meaningful action. These included:

The UN Global Compact – Accenture 2025 CEO Study showcased global executive perspectives on sustainability transformation.

The Non-Discrimination and Equality Analysis Tool helps companies assess and strengthen their approach to eliminating discrimination in work-related activities.

The Ocean Investment Protocol revealed a practical framework for scaling blue finance and ocean stewardship.

The EU Sustainability Navigator provides timely, expert-led insights into the latest EU policy shifts, translating the complex landscape into practical implications and impactful action.

Collectively, these tools support companies seeking to integrate sustainability into governance, operations, finance and culture.

2026 and beyond…

We look back on this last year with gratitude, ambition and hope for the future.

This year affirmed that when businesses take action grounded in principles, guided by science and united around shared goals, transformation is possible.

As we enter the next chapter of the UN Global Compact, our ambition is clear: to accelerate progress, deepen accountability and mobilize the full power of business to create a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable world.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/2025-a-year-of-accelerating-sustainable-business-302646381.html

SOURCE United Nations Global Compact

NEW YORK, Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — 2025 was a year of challenges, a year of action and, most importantly, a year where it became increasingly clear that change is possible through shared ambition.

In the face of complex global challenges, the UN Global Compact demonstrated that through collaboration, accountability and collective leadership, businesses have the power to step up and show up for people, the planet and the future.

The private sector plays a critical role in creating a safer, more inclusive and resilient world. It’s not just the right thing to do — it’s good business.

Additionally, 2025 marked the 25th anniversary of the UN Global Compact, a moment to commemorate progress and focus on the transformations ahead. As we reflect on 2025, we approach the next 25 with energy, urgency and optimism about what’s possible.

Global growth

The reach of the UN Global Compact continues to expand as more stakeholders join the movement for responsible business.

2025 marked an inflection point in growth and impact. In the past five years alone, the UN Global Compact has nearly doubled participation to more than 23,000 companies across 160+ countries, expanding its small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) and regional programmes and raising the bar for corporate ambition and accountability.

We welcomed three new Country Networks this year, strengthening local implementation of the Ten Principles and enabling more companies to take action aligned with global standards and country-specific priorities.

Business with global stakeholders

Throughout 2025, the UN Global Compact convened leaders from business, Government, civil society, academia and youth to accelerate progress across the Sustainable Development Goals.

Momentum around social sustainability was especially strong this year. From global advocacy at the Commission on the Status of Women to strengthened partnerships on human rights, the UN Global Compact continued to elevate equity and inclusion across businesses and markets.

A major highlight was the launch of the Ring the Bell LGBTIQ+ Equality Initiative, in partnership with UN Human Rights, the UN Sustainable Stock Exchange Initiative and Koppa, as well as the annual Ring the Bell for General Equity celebration. Through coordinated bell-ringing ceremonies at stock exchanges globally, 14 countries amplified a powerful message: equality is good for people, good for markets and good for business.

At the World Social Summit, business leaders emphasized that social development, decent work, equity, social protection and lifelong learning are fundamental to sustainable economic growth and a just transition.

UN General Assembly High-Level Week was another pivotal moment for the UN Global Compact this year. Marking the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and the 25th anniversary of the Global Compact, business leaders gathered to reaffirm their commitment to multilateralism and the power of tackling tough challenges together.

During the UN General Assembly, hundreds of business leaders and partners came together at the Private Sector Forum, the UN Global Compact Hub and the Leaders Summit. Conversations centred on rebuilding trust, accelerating climate action and strengthening the role of responsible business in advancing peace, prosperity and the SDGs.

Additionally, the Unstoppable Africa event highlighted the continent’s tremendous potential for business, trade and investment, and showcased the strategic role businesses play in advancing sustainable and inclusive growth.

Beyond these specific events, throughout the year, companies engaged meaningfully across themes and regions through: 

• Financing for Development: Mobilizing capital for the SDGs
• High-Level Political Forum: Strengthening accountability for progress
• Food Systems Summit Stocktake: Accelerating action for sustainable, equitable food systems
• COP30: Reaffirming climate action and charting a path for our future

Moments like these reinforce the power of public-private collaboration in advancing global goals.

New insights, tools and guidance

In 2025, the UN Global Compact released a series of resources to help companies transform their commitments into meaningful action. These included:

The UN Global Compact – Accenture 2025 CEO Study showcased global executive perspectives on sustainability transformation.

The Non-Discrimination and Equality Analysis Tool helps companies assess and strengthen their approach to eliminating discrimination in work-related activities.

The Ocean Investment Protocol revealed a practical framework for scaling blue finance and ocean stewardship.

The EU Sustainability Navigator provides timely, expert-led insights into the latest EU policy shifts, translating the complex landscape into practical implications and impactful action.

Collectively, these tools support companies seeking to integrate sustainability into governance, operations, finance and culture.

2026 and beyond…

We look back on this last year with gratitude, ambition and hope for the future.

This year affirmed that when businesses take action grounded in principles, guided by science and united around shared goals, transformation is possible.

As we enter the next chapter of the UN Global Compact, our ambition is clear: to accelerate progress, deepen accountability and mobilize the full power of business to create a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable world.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/2025-a-year-of-accelerating-sustainable-business-302646381.html

SOURCE United Nations Global Compact

Recent Morocco Lecture Addresses Viral Pop-Culture Phrase Referencing PRP Vaginal Injections

FAIRHOPE, Ala., Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Charles Runels, MD, founder of the Cellular Medicine Association (CMA), recently delivered an international medical lecture in Morocco addressing the science behind a viral pop-culture phrase — “Revenge Vagina” — and its connection to a real, peer-reviewed medical procedure known as the O-Shot®.

Dr. Runels’ lecture examined the biological and clinical evidence behind platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections into the female genitalia, a topic that has drawn heightened public attention following dialogue in the Hulu series All’s Fair. In the show, a character describes undergoing PRP injections as part of a post-divorce self-reinvention, prompting the now-viral phrase. Coverage of the scene by The Hollywood Reporter documents the rapid cultural adoption of the term.

According to Dr. Runels, the fictional reference reflects a medical procedure that has existed for more than a decade and continues to be actively researched, taught, and refined.

“When a pop-culture phrase suddenly captures public attention, it creates an opportunity — and a responsibility — for physicians to explain what the real medicine is and what is fiction,” said Dr. Runels. “That was the focus of my lecture in Morocco: the actual science behind what people are now calling Revenge Vagina.”

Dr. Runels first published data on the use of autologous platelet-rich plasma injections into the vagina and clitoris for the treatment of female sexual dysfunction in 2014, marking the first peer-reviewed publication describing this approach. Since that time, scientific interest has expanded substantially. A 2025 scoping review published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine identified thousands of scientific papers evaluating PRP in gynecologic and female genital applications, including sexual function, vaginal atrophy, and urinary incontinence.

The procedure discussed in Dr. Runels’ lecture is formally known as the O-Shot®, a trademarked medical protocol (USPTO Serial No. 90975954). Use of the name is restricted to physicians and physician extenders who have completed specific training and agreed to follow the documented protocol through licensure with the Cellular Medicine Association.

“PRP is not a drug and not a cosmetic filler,” Dr. Runels said. “How it is prepared, where it is injected, and why it is used matter. The O-Shot® is a defined medical protocol with more than a decade of published research and real-world clinical experience behind it.”

During the Morocco conference, Dr. Runels also presented outcomes from a large clinical cohort demonstrating sustained benefit from the O-Shot® at one year, as well as ongoing research exploring synergistic approaches that combine PRP with other therapies affecting genital blood flow and neural signaling.

To address growing public interest, the Cellular Medicine Association has published a detailed explainer summarizing the medical science discussed in the lecture and clarifying how the viral phrase relates to established clinical practice.

Dr. Runels is available for media interviews to discuss the medical science behind PRP genital injections, the distinction between licensed protocols and unregulated imitations, and how fictional portrayals intersect with evidence-based medicine.

About the Cellular Medicine Association
The Cellular Medicine Association is a nonprofit physician organization dedicated to advancing research, education, and clinical standards in regenerative medicine, including platelet-rich plasma therapies and related cellular treatments.

Contact:
Charles Runels, MD
Founder, Cellular Medicine Association
Phone: 888-920-5311
Email: 406675@email4pr.com
Web: https://www.cellularmedicineassociation.org
O-Shot® Information: https://www.oshot.info

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/physician-who-coined-the-o-shot-presents-science-behind-revenge-vagina-at-international-medical-conference-302646372.html

SOURCE Cellular Medicine Association

Recent Morocco Lecture Addresses Viral Pop-Culture Phrase Referencing PRP Vaginal Injections

FAIRHOPE, Ala., Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Charles Runels, MD, founder of the Cellular Medicine Association (CMA), recently delivered an international medical lecture in Morocco addressing the science behind a viral pop-culture phrase — “Revenge Vagina” — and its connection to a real, peer-reviewed medical procedure known as the O-Shot®.

Dr. Runels’ lecture examined the biological and clinical evidence behind platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections into the female genitalia, a topic that has drawn heightened public attention following dialogue in the Hulu series All’s Fair. In the show, a character describes undergoing PRP injections as part of a post-divorce self-reinvention, prompting the now-viral phrase. Coverage of the scene by The Hollywood Reporter documents the rapid cultural adoption of the term.

According to Dr. Runels, the fictional reference reflects a medical procedure that has existed for more than a decade and continues to be actively researched, taught, and refined.

“When a pop-culture phrase suddenly captures public attention, it creates an opportunity — and a responsibility — for physicians to explain what the real medicine is and what is fiction,” said Dr. Runels. “That was the focus of my lecture in Morocco: the actual science behind what people are now calling Revenge Vagina.”

Dr. Runels first published data on the use of autologous platelet-rich plasma injections into the vagina and clitoris for the treatment of female sexual dysfunction in 2014, marking the first peer-reviewed publication describing this approach. Since that time, scientific interest has expanded substantially. A 2025 scoping review published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine identified thousands of scientific papers evaluating PRP in gynecologic and female genital applications, including sexual function, vaginal atrophy, and urinary incontinence.

The procedure discussed in Dr. Runels’ lecture is formally known as the O-Shot®, a trademarked medical protocol (USPTO Serial No. 90975954). Use of the name is restricted to physicians and physician extenders who have completed specific training and agreed to follow the documented protocol through licensure with the Cellular Medicine Association.

“PRP is not a drug and not a cosmetic filler,” Dr. Runels said. “How it is prepared, where it is injected, and why it is used matter. The O-Shot® is a defined medical protocol with more than a decade of published research and real-world clinical experience behind it.”

During the Morocco conference, Dr. Runels also presented outcomes from a large clinical cohort demonstrating sustained benefit from the O-Shot® at one year, as well as ongoing research exploring synergistic approaches that combine PRP with other therapies affecting genital blood flow and neural signaling.

To address growing public interest, the Cellular Medicine Association has published a detailed explainer summarizing the medical science discussed in the lecture and clarifying how the viral phrase relates to established clinical practice.

Dr. Runels is available for media interviews to discuss the medical science behind PRP genital injections, the distinction between licensed protocols and unregulated imitations, and how fictional portrayals intersect with evidence-based medicine.

About the Cellular Medicine Association
The Cellular Medicine Association is a nonprofit physician organization dedicated to advancing research, education, and clinical standards in regenerative medicine, including platelet-rich plasma therapies and related cellular treatments.

Contact:
Charles Runels, MD
Founder, Cellular Medicine Association
Phone: 888-920-5311
Email: 406675@email4pr.com
Web: https://www.cellularmedicineassociation.org
O-Shot® Information: https://www.oshot.info

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/physician-who-coined-the-o-shot-presents-science-behind-revenge-vagina-at-international-medical-conference-302646372.html

SOURCE Cellular Medicine Association