URBANDALE, IA, July 10, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spotlight Innovation Inc. (OTCQB: STLT), a pharmaceutical company targeting rare, emerging and neglected diseases, today announced that the Company has entered into a multi-year partnership agreement with Des Moines, IA-based Hip-Hope Inc., an organization dedicated to utilizing arts and culture to promote, advocate and support hope for at-risk youth wherever symptoms of hopelessness are prevalent.

Hip-Hope is helping to strengthen the community of greater Des Moines by providing programs and services that promote mental health wellness, healthy and active lifestyles, safety, and security. Hip-Hope's programs include, but are not limited to, arts and culture, music production, artistic expression, social development, conflict resolution, gang intervention, life skills, critical thinking, mentoring, community engagement, and career readiness.

“While our two organizations may appear different on the surface, the work of both Hip-Hope and Spotlight Innovation is laser focused on addressing unmet needs,” said John Krohn, Spotlight Innovation’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Whether it’s providing programs to keep kids safe and poised for success, or developing treatments for rare diseases that affect children, together we have the potential to enrich and save lives.”

Bo James, Founder and Executive Director of Hip-Hope, said, "All of our kids are at risk and exhibit symptoms of hopelessness, underprivileged and affluent alike. Some are in the foster care system, have experienced trauma, bouts with depression and suicidal thoughts. Many have been engaged in violent activities, are struggling academically and have considered dropping out of school. In some cases, our kids have one or both parents incarcerated, and drug addiction is prevalent in their households.”

James continued, saying, “We have a mantra, 'Hope Says Nope to Dope', and that's one reason we're so excited to partner with Spotlight Innovation. Like us, they have a passion for improving the lives of children and recognize that drug addiction has wide-spread implications for families and communities. The growing concern of prescription drug misuse lead them to develop their non-addictive chronic pain relief product, Venodol.”

As part of the partnership, Spotlight Innovation is the title sponsor for Hip-Hope’s 2018 “#kidslivesmatter FUNraiser Challenge” to be held August 3, 2018, at the 7 Flags Event Center in Clive, IA. The annual event is a youth empowerment campaign designed to build kids’ character, physical health, and self-esteem.

About Hip-Hope Inc.

Hip-Hope Inc. is a non-profit organization, with 501(C)3 tax exempt status, whose mission is to utilize arts and culture to promote, advocate and support Hope wherever symptoms of hopelessness are prevalent. Hip-Hope defines hopelessness as: “Being unable to function or maintain a desired quality of life due to lack of knowledge, resources, mental health and/or access to solutions.” Hip-Hope’s primary focus is on addressing community safety concerns and disparities as they relate to economics, health, incarceration and education among “at-risk” and “high-risk” youth ages K-12 in the greater Des Moines area. For more information, visit http://www.hiphopeinc.org or www.kidslivesmatter.net .

About Spotlight Innovation Inc.

Spotlight Innovation Inc. (OTCQB: STLT ) acquires and develops proprietary therapies to address unmet medical needs, with an emphasis on rare, emerging and neglected diseases. The Company identifies in-licensing opportunities and manages product development through partnerships with universities, medical schools, contract research organizations (CROs), and contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs). Spotlight Innovation’s development pipeline includes product candidates for cancer, chronic pain, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and Zika virus infection. At the appropriate stage of research and development the Company will endeavor to pursue product commercialization opportunities including, but not limited to, out-licensing and strategic partnerships with industry leaders. For more information, visit www.spotlightinnovation.com or www.twitter.com/spotlightinno .

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements herein include statements regarding Spotlight Innovation’s efforts to develop and commercialize its various therapies, and to achieve its stated benchmarks. Actual outcomes and actual results could differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include risks and uncertainties, such as: the inability to finance the planned development of the therapies; the inability to hire appropriate staff to develop the therapies; unforeseen technical difficulties in developing the therapies; the inability to obtain regulatory approval for human use; competitors’ proving to be more effective, cheaper or otherwise more preferable; or, the inability to market a product. All of which could, among other things, delay or prevent product release, as well as other factors expressed from time to time in Spotlight Innovation’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). As a result, this press release should be read in conjunction with Spotlight Innovation’s periodic filings with the SEC. The forward-looking statements contained herein are made only as of the date of this press release and Spotlight Innovation undertakes no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

Press Contact Rene Erickson Spotlight Innovation Inc. 1-515-274-9087 corpcomm@spotlightinnovation.com