• ECGI Holdings, a diversified holding company with a unique portfolio encompassing viticulture, luxury fashion, and hospitality, recently appointed Mandeep Singh, an AI and machine learning expert, to its Board of Advisors
• Singh’s addition is part of the company’s preparations for the launch of a new line of apparel under Pacific Saddlery’s Allon brand
• AI provides confidence in size selection, minimizing returns, and better measurement for options, supporting easier upsells
• Singh will help Pacific Saddlery evaluate and implement technologies to leverage AI precise body measurement solutions to provide personalized fit recommendations
• In addition, Singh is expected to leverage his experience to help ECGI optimize its financial performance, identify new investment opportunities, manage risks, and drive sustainable growth

The variability of human body types has always been a concern among clothing designers, who have traditionally had to take multiple measurements of the human body to create garments adapted to human morphologies. And while dimensions such as height and waist circumference are said to be easy to obtain, others, like the back width and length, can be difficult to measure. In addition, different stylists can obtain different values of the same dimensions, birthing errors.

To minimize errors associated with manual measurements, 3D scanning devices have been used. In addition, the development of artificial intelligence (“AI”) and machine learning (“ML”) has led to the adoption of the technology in various fields, including the textile, fashion, and apparel industry. Today, designers and fashion companies are increasingly adopting AI and ML technologies to “facilitate the extraction of measurements and to accurately predict full-body anthropometric measurements from a subset of easy-to-measure dimensions” (https://ibn.fm/fleLf).

Among the companies looking to adopt AI to aid in measurements is Pacific Saddlery Inc., a division of diversified holding company ECGI Holdings (OTC: ECGI). ECGI recently announced the planned launch of a new line of ready-to-wear equestrian apparel under Pacific Saddlery’s Allon brand. This announcement followed the signing of a binding Letter of Intent (“LOI”) to acquire 100% of Pacific Saddlery.

As part of its preparations to launch the new collection of apparel, ECGI recently announced that Mandeep Singh, an AI and machine learning expert, has joined its Board of Advisors (https://ibn.fm/72CD8). Singh, who has a distinguished career and hands-on experience in AI, machine learning, and data science, is expected to help Pacific Saddlery evaluate and implement technologies to leverage AI precise body measurement solutions to provide personalized fit recommendations.

ECGI believes the implementation of such solutions will increase conversion rates, reduce return rates, and enhance customer engagement and loyalty. Specifically, ECGI quantifies, the technologies can help reduce size-related returns by 30%. And given that such returns account for up to 70% of online returns, ECGI and Pacific Saddlery could reap huge benefits.

Besides helping Pacific Saddlery to evaluate and implement AI and ML technologies to aid in anthropometric measurements, Singh is expected to lend his wealth of experience in financial analytics to help ECGI optimize its financial performance, identify new investment opportunities, manage risks, and drive sustainable growth. In addition, Singh’s background and experience will be instrumental in helping ECGI leverage AI for financial analysis.

Singh has held significant roles at Alation, Antuit, Deutsche Bank (NYSE: DB), Capco, Bloomberg LP, and Skryty. As the chief scientist at Skryty, he developed the company’s machine learning autonomous trading system. Moreover, his time at Deutsche Bank and Bloomberg LP helped him hone his financial analytics skills and knowledge, which will prove invaluable in his advisory role at ECGI.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mandeep to our Board of Advisors. This pivotal moment marks a bold step forward for ECGI as we prepare to revolutionize the luxury equestrian sector. With Mandeep’s cutting-edge expertise in AI and machine learning, we are poised to achieve extraordinary advancements,” conveyed Jamie Steigerwald, CEO of ECGI.

ECGI is a diversified holding company with a unique portfolio encompassing viticulture, luxury fashion, and hospitality. The company is targeting the global $350 billion luxury brands market, focusing on segments that collectively represent significant growth opportunities. Its decision to appoint Mandeep Singh to its Board of Advisors, therefore, clearly indicates its plans to leverage technologies like AI and machine learning to capitalize on these growth opportunities.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.ECGIHoldings.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to ECGI are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/ECGI

• D-Wave introduced its new hybrid quantum solver designed to tackle previously intractable workforce, manufacturing, and logistics optimization problems at its Qubits 2024 conference
• The new hybrid solver is expected to have a positive impact on a variety of business processes, particularly in workforce, manufacturing, and logistics optimization
• D-Wave is also deploying a second U.S.-based Advantage(TM) quantum computer at Davidson Technologies’ global headquarters, accessible to D-Wave customers in select countries via D-Wave’s Leap(TM) quantum cloud service

D-Wave Quantum (NYSE: QBTS), a leader in quantum computing systems, software, and services, continues to make strides in the development and deployment of quantum computing technology. The company recently announced two major advancements: the introduction of a new hybrid quantum solver and the deployment of a second U.S.-based Advantage quantum computer.

D-Wave has revealed plans to place a second U.S.-based Advantage quantum computer at the new Davidson Technologies Global Headquarters in Huntsville, Alabama (https://ibn.fm/mKZXS). This deployment marks an important milestone in D-Wave’s mission to expand its quantum computing footprint and provide advanced quantum solutions for customers, including the U.S. federal government.

“Davidson has a track record of embracing emerging and advanced technologies to address unique and critical national defense challenges and protect our nation’s interests,” said Dr. Alan Baratz, CEO of D-Wave. “By placing an Advantage quantum computing system onsite at Davidson’s headquarters and creating a unique environment for operation, we’re opening up opportunities to tackle the US government’s most pressing computational problems.”

This deployment is part of D-Wave’s ongoing commitment to making quantum computing accessible and practical for a wide range of organizations. With the Advantage quantum computer, customers have access to more than 5,000 qubits and new performance updates, enabling them to solve large and complex optimization problems.

In addition, D-Wave introduced a new hybrid quantum solver, designed to tackle previously intractable workforce, manufacturing, and logistics optimization problems, expanding the value of D-Wave’s quantum computing solutions (https://ibn.fm/rRAV6). The new hybrid solver combines the power of classical and quantum computing to provide enhanced performance and flexibility. According to D-Wave, the solver can handle problems with up to two million variables and constraints, making it one of the most powerful tools available for solving complex optimization problems.

“We are confident that this solver will simplify and accelerate customers’ journey to successful quantum technology adoption, helping them more quickly drive return-on-investment and gain a competitive edge,” Dr. Baratz said. “Many organizations are recognizing that their most complex computational problems go well beyond the capabilities of existing solutions. They’re adopting hybrid quantum solutions to find better answers to transform operations faster and improve the bottom line.”

D-Wave expects the introduction of the new hybrid solver to have a positive impact on various industries, particularly those tackling workforce, manufacturing, and logistics problems. D-Wave believes that these computationally complex challenges require sophisticated solutions to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.DWaveQuantum.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to QBTS are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/QBTS

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking, as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the information expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements and may not be indicative of future results. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, among others, various factors beyond management’s control, including the risks set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” discussed under the caption “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in Part I of the company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or any updates discussed under the caption “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in Part II of the company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in its other filings with the SEC. Undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements in this press release in making an investment decision, which are based on information available to the company on the date hereof. The company undertakes no duty to update this information unless required by law.

• Electronic monitoring (“EM”) technology developer SuperCom Ltd. recently reported a new contract with European government clients for its flagship product, its third such contract secured within a three-month period
• SuperCom’s business with European governments that are seeking its EM technology solutions amounts to over $11 million in new orders since April
• SuperCom’s flagship EM PureSecurity Suite products provide monitoring solutions that are chiefly being used as an alternative to incarceration 
• The EM market is growing as criminal justice officials increasingly seek alternatives to incarceration as a means of cutting costs while simultaneously benefitting society through reduced recidivism and increased productive social and labor market participation

SuperCom (NASDAQ: SPCB), a global identity technology provider, reported on July 11 that the company has received new orders from European governments valued at $2.9 million, the third set of orders from European clients in the past 90 days, amounting to a cumulative total of over $11 million in sales during three-month period.

“Securing over $11 million in new orders from Europe in less than 90 days is a significant achievement for SuperCom. It highlights our leadership in the electronic monitoring sector and our ability to meet our clients’ evolving needs consistently,” SuperCom President and CEO Ordan Trabelsi stated in the announcement (https://ibn.fm/9GjDm). “We are committed to ensuring successful project execution and fostering lasting partnerships with governments worldwide.” 

SuperCom revealed last month that it had received over $3 million in orders from a group of European government clients for law enforcement safety efforts (https://ibn.fm/4whNQ), and over $5 million in similar European government contracts announced in April (https://ibn.fm/smpxU).

SuperCom’s flagship PureSecurity Suite provides state-of-the-art GPS tracking and monitoring technologies using a secure software platform that works in real time to transmit information on a monitored subject’s whereabouts.

The company’s electronic monitoring (“EM”) clients are primarily in the justice system sector, using the technology to supervise criminal case offenders granted home detention or work-release activity as an alternative to incarceration. Domestic violence-related protective orders and substance abuse rehabilitation programs are also served by the technology.

EM technology is being sought by governments and justice system personnel increasingly as a cost-saving alternative to incarceration and also as a potential measure to reduce recidivism.

Earlier this year, the Journal of Public Economics published research suggesting that the use of electronic monitoring benefits society. It strengthens the labor market and supports offenders’ families as a securely monitored alternative to incarceration.

“Our findings indicate that the reform resulted in several positive outcomes. Specifically, it significantly reduced the probability of being re-arrested within three years after the trial by 4.7 percent and lowered the three-year re-conviction rate by about 2.2 percent,” the report on the study states (https://ibn.fm/DRLD3).

“Additionally, EM improves the educational attainment and early-life earnings of the children whose parents were exposed to the reform,” the report states. “Our calculations suggest that the social benefits stemming from EM are about seven times larger than the fiscal savings associated with reduced prison expenditures, implying that the welfare gains from EM could be much greater than previously acknowledged.”

The company’s first quarter financial results published in May revealed that SuperCom’s EBITDA grew by 400 percent YOY to $2 million, showing a tremendous increase in its profitability.

“This improvement is a testament to our rigorous management practices and dedication to effectively leveraging our core business infrastructure,” Trabelsi stated.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.SuperCom.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to SPCB are available in the company’s newsroom at http://ibn.fm/SPCB

• The study shows buntanetap is effective in enhancing both motor and cognitive functions, as well as non-motor activities in Parkinson’s Disease patients
• Following the announcement of these positive results, the company’s stock price surged by 76%
• The data revealed that while 12% of Parkinson’s Disease patients showed cognitive decline, buntanetap not only halted this decline but also led to improvements
• Annovis held a webcast to go over the results in more depth, which is available for replay on the company’s website

Annovis Bio (NYSE: ANVS), a late-stage clinical drug platform company pioneering transformative therapies for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease, has released new data from its Phase III study of buntanetap for early Parkinson’s Disease. The study shows buntanetap is effective in enhancing both motor and cognitive functions, as well as non-motor activities in Parkinson’s Disease patients (https://ibn.fm/5ZqlC).

Following the announcement of these positive results, the company’s stock price surged by 76%. This remarkable increase reflects strong investor confidence in buntanetap’s potential to address critical unmet needs in neurodegenerative disease treatment (https://ibn.fm/ZctmR). The trial results highlighted notable improvements in motor and cognitive functions, particularly in patients diagnosed for more than three years and those with postural instability and gait difficulty.

Key findings from the study include:

• Cognitive Benefits: Buntanetap demonstrated a significant effect in halting cognitive decline among all participants with MMSE scores of 20-30. In patients with mild dementia (MMSE 20-26), cognitive deterioration was slower in the placebo group compared to those receiving 10mg of Buntanetap. Additionally, those treated with 20mg showed significant cognitive improvements over placebo.
• Motor and Non-Motor Function: The drug showed notable improvements in motor and non-motor Parkinson’s Disease-related functions, particularly in patients diagnosed for over three years. These improvements were significant across various measures, including MDS-UPDRS Part II, Part III, Part II+III, and Total scores.
• Postural Instability and Gait Difficulty (“PIGD”): Patients with PIGD, who typically experience faster disease progression, responded exceptionally well to buntanetap. Significant improvements were seen in MDS-UPDRS Part II, Part III, Part II+III, and Total scores.

Participants were selected based on MMSE scores between 20-30, with these scores re-evaluated at the study’s conclusion. The data revealed that while 12% of Parkinson’s Disease patients showed cognitive decline (MMSE 20-26), buntanetap not only halted this decline but also led to improvements.

Buntanetap’s safety profile remained consistent across all participant groups, with no notable differences between those with early and advanced Parkinson’s Disease. This aligns with previous safety data from Alzheimer’s Disease studies.

Initially, the primary endpoint was MDS-UPDRS Part II+III. However, after feedback from the FDA, the focus shifted to MDS-UPDRS Part II alone, considered more relevant for assessing clinically meaningful changes. Consequently, MDS-UPDRS Part III was designated a secondary endpoint. Buntanetap successfully met both primary and secondary endpoints in specific patient subgroups.

“We are very pleased to see improvements in many of our patients over such a short course of treatment,” said Maria Maccecchini, Ph.D., Founder, President, and CEO of Annovis. “These compelling data reinforce our commitment to advancing buntanetap into a longer study, which will allow us not only to verify observed symptomatic improvements but also to explore buntanetap’s disease-modifying properties.”

Annovis Bio also hosted an investor webcast on July 2, 2024, to provide more information and deeper insight into the study’s findings. Interested parties are encouraged to watch a replay of the webcast (https://ibn.fm/Ut4B5).

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.AnnovisBio.com, and social channels
LinkedIn, X and YouTube.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to ANVS are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/ANVS

• Nickel demand is expected to grow at a continually accelerating rate over the coming years and decades
• By 2040, use in batteries will command 41% of total nickel usage, up from just 7% in 2021
• Nickel is considered one of the most strategically vulnerable critical metals in North America or the west
• Like Canada’s Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (“CMIF”), the west has been making increasing efforts to encourage critical metal exploration and extraction
• Fathom is developing two highly prospective projects in Canada’s Trans-Hudson Corridor in Saskatchewan
• Fathom has received a new drill permit that allows for up to 60 drill holes, a 25-person camp, and more, as the company advances its Gochager Lake Project

The global nickel market is experiencing a red-hot surge, driven by the electric vehicle revolution and questions about a potential supply shortage. Stainless steel remains the top use for nickel, but usage for batteries is forecast to jump for 7% of total use in 2021 to 41% by 2040. This trend is prompting major mining companies to make strategic investments, with Canada emerging as a potential new battleground for nickel production, especially as the race for critical metal independence continues to heat up.

Vale Pours Billions into Nickel Expansion

As an example, the Brazilian mining giant Vale recently announced a whopping $3.3 billion investment plan to boost its copper and nickel production capacity in Brazil and Canada. Vale’s global Base Metals business, headquartered in Toronto, Canada, is one of the world’s largest producers of low carbon, responsibly sourced nickel, copper, cobalt and platinum group metals. While the focus is on increasing copper output to 500,000 tons by 2028, nickel is also getting a significant boost. This move underscores the immense potential of the nickel market and the strategic importance of securing reliable supplies.

Canada Positions Itself as a Future Nickel Powerhouse

The real twist in this story lies in Canada. Vale’s investment isn’t the only indicator. Recently, the Canadian Government’s $1.5 billion Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund underscores Canada’s strategic initiative to enhance its global standing on minerals like nickel. Companies like Fathom Nickel (CSE: FNI) (FSE: 6Q5) (OTCQB: FNICF) are actively exploring and developing large-scale nickel deposits in the Canadian metal hotbeds of the Trans-Hudson Corridor. Efforts like Fathom Nickel’s to uncover the next great Canadian nickel discovery are essential to any efforts by the west to secure critical metals. These efforts, if successful, could propel Canada to become one of the world’s biggest nickel producers in the coming years.

This type of development holds immense significance for North America. A robust domestic nickel supply chain would bolster regional security and reduce dependence on China, the current dominant force in nickel mining and refining through its investments in Indonesia, hands-down the world’s leading nickel producer. In 2023, Canada’s nickel production paled in comparison to Indonesia’s – 180,000 metric tons versus a staggering 1.7 million metric tons.

Canada is aiming to make up some ground with large and extremely high-grade deposits at Fathom’s Gochager Lake and Albert Lake projects spanning over 112,000 square hectares in Saskatchewan and CNC’s metal-rich (3.8 million metric tons of proven and probable nickel reserves) Crawford project in Ontario.

Weighing in at fifth in global nickel production in 2023, Canada has a real opportunity in the coming years to overcome the three others between the country and Indonesia. These include Russia (220,00 MT), New Caledonia (230,000 MT), and the Philippines (400,000 MT).

Fathom the Opportunity

Canada’s nickel ambitions present a compelling opportunity for smaller, agile players like Fathom Nickel that can contribute significantly by developing highly prospective, underexplored targets in prolific metal regions.

Fathom has delivered promising results to date at Albert Lake and Gochager Lake, both of which have strong historic data, including the Albert Lake producing high grade nickel, copper, and platinum group elements in the 1960’s and Gochager Lake the subject of an historic open pit resources detailing millions of tonnes of mineralization containing nickel and copper.

Historic resources aren’t compliant with today’s National Instrument 43-101 standards, but they do provide a roadmap to delineate and validate resources using the latest exploration technologies. Fathom has conducted a bevy of geological research indicating the historical records are only a small sampling of the potential metal reserves.

Fathom this month secured a drill permit that will allow for up to 60 new holes at Gochager Lake, construction of a 25-person camp, and more. This importantly will allow Fathom to explore more quickly, efficiently, and cheaply, increasing responsiveness and effectiveness.

As management prepares for a new drill program, additional work is already in motion. The company is conducting a soil geochemical survey for the purpose of defining a soil geochemical signature associated with the Gochager Lake deposit that will expand the known trend and locate additional Gochager-like deposits. More and more targets continue to be advanced to drill-ready status.

Keep an Eye on Canada

The nickel market is witnessing a surge in investment, with Canada emerging as a potential new frontier. While established companies like Vale are making significant investments, this trend also creates a fertile ground for smaller, innovative players. With a strategic approach and a focus on exploration and technology, companies like Fathom Nickel can potentially carve out a niche and benefit from the rising demand for nickel, especially in the crucial North American market.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.FathomNickel.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to FNICF are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/FNICF

• Clene plans to submit a briefing book to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration by July 13 as Part of Overall Process to Support Approval for CNM-Au8(R) for Treatment of ALS
• Type C interaction is aimed at obtaining FDA feedback on the potential pathway for a new drug application for CNM-Au8 as a treatment for ALS via the accelerated approval process
• The briefing book includes new post-hoc analyses of data from completed clinical trials and addresses comments made by the FDA during a previous meeting in late 2023

Clene (NASDAQ: CLNN) and its wholly owned subsidiary Clene Nanomedicine Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to enhancing mitochondrial health and protecting neuronal function to combat neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (“ALS”) and multiple sclerosis (“MS”), have revealed plans to submit a briefing book to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) by July 13. This submission precedes a granted Type C interaction scheduled for the third quarter of 2024, aimed at obtaining FDA feedback on the potential pathway for a new drug application (“NDA”) for CNM-Au8 as a treatment for ALS via the accelerated approval process (https://ibn.fm/icmDr).

CNM-Au8, Clene’s primary therapeutic asset, is a highly concentrated aqueous suspension of catalytically active, clean-surfaced, faceted gold nanocrystals. Neurodegenerative diseases often involve multiple pathogenic factors leading to neuronal death, with mitochondrial dysfunction and NAD+ decline being critical pathways. NAD+ is essential for cell survival and function. CNM-Au8’s catalytic mechanisms are designed to address the energy deficits, oxidative stress, and accumulation of misfolded proteins typical in many neurodegenerative diseases.

The briefing book includes new post-hoc analyses of data from completed clinical trials and addresses comments made by the FDA during a previous meeting in late 2023. In that meeting, Clene received guidance on the potential for accelerated approval. The briefing book provides additional analyses on the reduction of the neurofilament light (“NfL”) biomarker, a more comprehensive set of survival and functional benefit data, and further evidence of CNM-Au8’s mechanism of action.

Clene believes that these analyses collectively support the accelerated approval based on NfL reduction as a surrogate endpoint. Moreover, the company has included data to address the FDA’s request for more information on the relationship between CNM-Au8’s proposed mechanism of action and NfL reduction, as well as the link between observed NfL reductions and improved clinical outcomes in ALS patients, including survival rates.

The unique mechanism of action of CNM-Au8 is believed to provide neuroprotection and support remyelination in neurodegenerative conditions by: (1) promoting and maintaining beneficial metabolic and energetic cellular reactions in diseased, stressed, or damaged cells, (2) catalyzing the reduction of harmful reactive oxygen species (“ROS”), and (3) enhancing protein homeostasis through activation of the heat shock factor-1 pathway. This pathway helps reduce the cytotoxicity caused by misfolded and denatured proteins, which are common in neurodegenerative diseases.

CNM-Au8, used in combination with other treatments, has no known drug-drug interactions and aims to improve function and survival. Clinical trials for ALS have demonstrated its positive effects on both function and survival, as previously reported.

In clinical trials and Expanded Access Protocol programs for ALS, MS, and Parkinson’s disease, CNM-Au8 has been collectively used for over 500 estimated years without any reported safety concerns.

The neurodegenerative disease market size is estimated at $55.12 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $77.82 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 7.14% during the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to the increase in number of neurological disorder diagnoses, the growing awareness globally, and the lineup of products being developed for treatment (https://ibn.fm/t0wmc).

Further details on these new data analyses will be shared publicly later in 2024. Clene plans to publicly announce the FDA’s feedback following the completion of the Type C interaction.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.Clene.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to CLNN are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/CLNN

• Majority of surveyed businesses actively engaged in quantum computing anticipate significant returns on investment (“ROI”) from their quantum optimization efforts
• Survey also highlights a significant increase in quantum adoption, with 21% of respondents either currently employing or planning to integrate quantum technology into production within the next 12 to 18 months
• D-Wave has been named a finalist in the GameChanger Ambition category of the upcoming Technology Impact Awards (“TIAs”) by the BC Tech Association

D-Wave Quantum (NYSE: QBTS), a leader in quantum computing systems, software, and services, and the world’s first commercial supplier of quantum computers, recently announced the findings of a recent study it commissioned with Hyperion Research on enterprise quantum computing adoption plans. Notably, a majority of the surveyed businesses actively engaged in quantum computing anticipate significant returns on investment (“ROI”) from their quantum optimization efforts. The potential combined positive financial impact is estimated to reach approximately $51.5 billion (https://ibn.fm/WklRF).

The survey, conducted between May and June 2024, tapped more than 300 decision makers from enterprises across the United States and select European countries that are exploring quantum optimization of critical business processes within the next 12 to 18 months. Among the respondents, 290 indicated an intention to commit between $3 to $6 million annually toward quantum optimization initiatives, with anticipated benefits ranging from $60 to $65 million each year. This translates to a notable ROI of between 10 to 20 times the initial investment. The estimated total benefits of $51.5 billion for those companies surveyed underscores the significant potential of quantum optimization to drive substantial improvements and create value across various industries.

The survey also highlighted a significant increase in quantum adoption planning, with 21% of respondents either currently employing or planning to integrate quantum technology into production within the next 12 to 18 months. This marks a 50% rise in adoption plans compared to Hyperion Research’s 2022 report, indicating a growing recognition of quantum computing’s tangible business value.

Respondents identified enhancing business process efficiencies as the primary benefit of quantum optimization (24%), followed by revenue growth (20%) and fostering innovation (14%). Additionally, respondents recognized the potential of quantum computing to optimize finance-related operations (17%), supply-chain management (16%), and manufacturing (14%).

“In my view, the data is clear: quantum computing has arrived as a critical business imperative. Those who proactively embrace this technology and invest in optimization efforts stand to reap significant rewards,” said Dr. Alan Baratz, CEO of D-Wave. “The anticipated gains and ROI projections paint a compelling picture of a possible near-term future where quantum computing becomes a fundamental driver of business success.”

According to the survey, improvements in workload performance emerged as the most significant driver for organizations adopting quantum computing. The advocacy for quantum computing adoption extends beyond technical teams to senior management, reflecting an increasing enterprise-wide interest in leveraging quantum technologies. Furthermore, organizations are prioritizing enhancements to existing business processes rather than solely focusing on developing new quantum-based applications.

In addition, D-Wave recently was named a finalist in the GameChanger Ambition category of the upcoming TIAs by the BC Tech Association. The award recognizes companies that leverage their ambition to address significant challenges with innovative technology, aiming to make a substantial impact (https://ibn.fm/AsGAv).

“This finalist nomination means a tremendous amount to the technology team in our B.C.-based Quantum Engineering Center of Excellence. We are making amazing strides to advance the science of quantum computing as well as develop six generations of quantum computing systems and are honored to receive this recognition,” said Dr. Trevor Lanting, Chief Development Officer for D-Wave. “We are grateful to BC Tech for being a stalwart champion of innovation and for helping companies like D-Wave promote our talent around the world.”

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.DWaveQuantum.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to QBTS are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/QBTS

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking, as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the information expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements and may not be indicative of future results. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, among others, various factors beyond management’s control, including the risks set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” discussed under the caption “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in Part I of the company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or any updates discussed under the caption “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in Part II of the company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in its other filings with the SEC. Undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements in this press release in making an investment decision, which are based on information available to the company on the date hereof. The company undertakes no duty to update this information unless required by law.

• Considered intangible assets, patents offer a significant competitive advantage and value for companies
• Lexaria Bioscience views its growing patent portfolio as a solid foundation upon which to build future commercial partnerships
• The company recently announced the receipt of three new patents in the E.U., Canada, and the U.S.
• The issuance of the latest three patents grows Lexaria’s patent portfolio to 46 granted patents worldwide

Lexaria’s multi-patented DehydraTECH(TM) “drug delivery platform technology” offers proven increased bioavailability, enhancing the way active pharmaceutical ingredients (“APIs”) enter the bloodstream by promoting more effective oral delivery, helping with speed of onset, and brain absorption of APIs. Strong patents covering this important technology are a critical factor for Lexaria.

A robust patent portfolio has always been a metric that investors use to judge a biotechnology or biopharmaceutical company. “A strong patent position is not only an important goal for a successful biotechnology business but also the primary asset by which a company will be valued during all stages of its development. Therefore, a patent portfolio must be as well designed and solidly constructed from the outset as all other aspects of the business,” a 2001 article conveyed (https://ibn.fm/OZA2n).

Not much has changed since the article’s publication, with a recent Forbes write-up observing that intangible assets, which include trade secrets, proficiency and expertise, trademarks, copyrights, and patents, accounted for 90% of the S&P 500’s total assets in 2020. This is a substantial increase from 1975’s figures, when intangible assets only accounted for 17% of the total assets, while tangible assets comprised the balance. The article noted that the explosion of intangible assets shows “that there is value to companies’ intellectual property (“IP”),” with patents holding the potential to be “far more valuable than physical assets” because they can offer businesses a competitive advantage (https://ibn.fm/WEEx9).

For its part, Lexaria Bioscience (NASDAQ: LEXX), a global innovator of drug delivery platforms, looks at the value of its growing patent portfolio not only from a commercialization perspective but also from an IP protection standpoint. As CEO Chris Bunka put it in his 2024 letter to shareholders, “Those patents, when granted, can form the foundation upon which future commercial relationships are built” (https://ibn.fm/pQgX8).

The company recently received three new patents in the European Union (“E.U.”), Canada, and the United States (https://ibn.fm/SIK8w). In the EU, Lexaria received a newly granted patent in its patent family #6: Transdermal and/or Dermal Delivery of Lipophilic Active Agents. This patent is validated in Austria, the Czech Republic, France, the U.K., Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. It is the company’s second patent in this family, following receipt of the first patent in Canada.

In Canada, Lexaria received a new patent granted in patent family #18: Compositions and Methods for Enhanced Delivery of Antiviral Agents. It is the company’s fourth granted patent in this patent family and follows the receipt of a patent-granted status in the U.S., Australia, and Japan. Across the border in the U.S., Lexaria received its fourth granted U.S. patent in the patent family #24: Compositions and Methods for Treating Epilepsy.

The latter two patents granted in Canada and the U.S. build on the company’s research development initiatives and safeguard discoveries thereof. In 2021, Lexaria conducted research under its antiviral drug program, evidencing its patented DehydraTECH(TM) technology increased the delivery of five compounds from three antiviral classes into the bloodstream. The studies found that the drug-delivery improvement rates ranged between 42% and 204% (https://ibn.fm/dUCLC).

In addition, Lexaria in 2022 completed an animal seizure study that demonstrated that DehydraTECH-processed cannabidiol (“CBD”) resulted in enhanced seizure-inhibiting performance compared to Epidiolex(R), one of the world’s leading anti-seizure drugs. According to the company, the study’s results demonstrated the ability of DehydraTECH-CBD to reduce or eliminate seizure activity in animals and to, in some instances, even surpass the performance of Epidiolex (https://ibn.fm/cZlYV).

The issuance of the latest three patents grows Lexaria’s patent portfolio to 46 granted patents worldwide. The company nonetheless continues to expect additional patents to be awarded in the future, given that it retains many valid patent applications throughout the world.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.LexariaBioscience.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to LEXX are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/LEXX

• Ontario is renowned for world-class mining infrastructure and gold and copper deposits, with the world-class Timmins Gold Camp region hosting $400+ billion in gold resources
• Torr Metals is developing its 100% owned 261km² Filion Gold Project, ideally located adjacent to the Trans-Canada Highway 11 and northwest of Timmins, with all requisite mining infrastructure
• Late last year Torr conducted the first large-scale systematic soil program ever conducted in the project area, with39 of 318 humus samples returning highly anomalous values greater than 10 parts per billion (ppb) gold and13 exceeding 20 ppb Au, reaching a maximum of 1,320 ppb Au The largest undrilled soil anomaly measures 1200 meters in strike-length with a 250-meter width along-trend of historical channel sampling in limited outcrop that yielded 91.4 g/t Au over 0.3 meters
• Torr this month received a 3-year drill permit from the Ontario government, positioning the company for the first-ever drill program at Filion

Ontario’s mining history is practically synonymous with gold and copper. The Timmins gold rush and the Sudbury nickel irruptions are legendary, shaping the province’s economic landscape for over a century. But could Ontario’s best finds be yet to come? Torr Metals (TSX.V: TMET) thinks so.

While these established camps continue to produce, the surrounding underexplored areas with similar characteristics hold immense potential for new discoveries. 

Modern exploration techniques are powerful tools. Advanced geophysics and core drilling can peer deep beneath the surface, revealing hidden mineral deposits. These technologies, together with boots on the ground surface work can unlock the secrets of Ontario’s geology, pinpointing areas with the highest potential for harboring the next big gold or copper find.

Torr’s 100% owned 261km² Filion Gold Project is ideally situated adjacent to excellent infrastructure with direct road access from the Trans-Canada Highway 11, paralleled by the regional railway and provincial power grid, as well as the nearby town of Kapuskasing located ~30 km to the southeast. These significant factors not only result in lower costs to exploration but also provide opportunities for year-round operation potential.

Surrounding the Filion Gold Project are operations of the likes of Agnico Eagle, Alamos, Barrick, and the famous Timmins Gold Camp that cumulatively host an estimated 170 million ounces of gold worth some $400+ billion at current prices.

Gold deposits in this area often share similar geological features. Additionally, they’re often found nestled within major east-west fault zones, a setting that is also seen at Filion.

While neighbors’ mineralization is no guarantee, the prolific nature of the region is reason for immense optimism. Since acquiring the project in October 2023, Torr has moved quickly with the first modern exploration work on the land, including a systematic humus soil sampling program that was the first to test for broad mineralization along the gold endowed Filion Fault Zone; successfully confirming this potential in early 2024. Historical rock grab samples from this zone have also demonstrated the potential for high-grade mineralization, with values up to 9.1 g/t gold (Au) and channel sampling reportedly yielded 91.4 g/t Au over 0.3 meters.

Of the 318 humus soil samples, 39 showed greater than 10 parts per billion (ppb) gold with 13 exceeding 20 ppb Au, reaching a maximum of 1,320 ppb Au. The early work combined with historical data pointed towards the potential for significant mineralization; with Torr delineating six kilometer-scale gold soil anomalies that align with historical VLF-EM conductors across a 2.5-kilometer-wide corridor. More than 21 of the 28 known conductors have yet to be tested.

None of these areas have been tested by drilling. Torr is looking to change that.

The company announced on July 3 that it has received a three-year exploration permit from the Ontario government.

Malcolm Dorsey, President and CEO, commented, “The granting of this exploration permit opens up a tremendous opportunity for Torr to build on our promising work from late last year at the Filion Gold Project. We are very excited to further advance our exploration, especially after identifying extensive kilometer-scale gold soil anomalies that have yet to be drill tested along-trend of historical high-grade rock and channel samples.”

Dorsey added that the company is in the process of finalizing exploration plans and that he will keep investors updated on progress over the coming months.

In Ontario, the success of nearby mines serves as a powerful motivator. Existing infrastructure, skilled workforce, and established regulatory frameworks create a fertile ground for developing new discoveries. Ontario’s mining history may be a testament to its past riches, but it also paves the way for a future brimming with new opportunities to unearth the province’s next generation of mineral wealth.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.TorrMetals.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to TMET are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/TMET

• Annovis has filed a new composition of matter patent with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office covering novel solid forms of buntanetap, selecting the best crystal, and building upon the provisional patent filed in June 2023
• The company’s research focuses on inhibiting the production of multiple neurotoxic proteins that contribute to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases
• Annovis continues to expand its position in an ongoing fight against neurodegenerative diseases

Annovis Bio (NYSE: ANVS), a pioneering biotechnology company, committed to addressing unmet medical needs through innovative research and development efforts, particularly in Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurodegenerative conditions, is continuing to make significant strides in the field of neurodegenerative diseases with its latest patent filings. The recent announcement is the filing of a new composition of matter patent with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office covering novel solid forms of buntanetap, selecting the best crystal, and building upon the provisional patent filed in June 2023.

“The invention of a new solid form of our drug, buntanetap, and the subsequent patent filing represent groundbreaking milestones for our company,” said Maria Maccecchini, Ph.D., Founder, President, and CEO of Annovis (https://ibn.fm/5vAuO). “This achievement will allow us not only to continue advancing our pipeline, but also to enhance the drug’s properties, ultimately providing greater benefits to our patients.”

Annovis is dedicated to developing unique treatments that can improve the lives of individuals suffering from neurodegenerative conditions. The company’s research focuses on inhibiting the production of multiple neurotoxic proteins that contribute to the progression of these diseases. By addressing the root causes, Annovis aims to slow or even halt disease progression, offering hope to millions of patients worldwide.

Annovis Bio’s pipeline includes several promising candidates, with buntanetap being at the front of the line. The company’s research has shown that buntanetap can penetrate the blood-brain barrier effectively, allowing it to target the central nervous system directly. This capability is crucial for treating diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, where the brain is the primary site of pathology.

Michael Christie, Ph.D., Vice President of Process Chemistry for Annovis, said that as the company continues to advance its pipeline, securing manufacturing rights for new forms of buntanetap is vital. “This ensures we maintain control over the production process, protect our intellectual property, and continue our mission to deliver novel therapeutics for patients suffering from neurodegenerative disorders,” Christie added (https://ibn.fm/vH5kb).

In addition to buntanetap, Annovis is also exploring other therapeutic avenues, including the development of biomarkers for early diagnosis and disease monitoring. These efforts are aimed at providing a holistic approach to disease management, encompassing early detection, effective treatment, and ongoing monitoring.

Annovis’ mission extends beyond research and development; the company is also deeply committed to patient care. By collaborating with leading academic institutions and healthcare providers, Annovis ensures that its treatments are not only scientifically sound but also aligned with the needs of patients and clinicians.

The company has established numerous partnerships to facilitate clinical trials and gather real-world evidence on the efficacy of its treatments. These collaborations are critical for bringing new therapies to market and ensuring that they can make a tangible difference in patients’ lives.

The company’s creative approach to drug development and delivery sets it apart in the biotechnology industry. With its recent patent filings and ongoing research initiatives, Annovis holds a growing position in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases, a massive market.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.AnnovisBio.com, and social channels
LinkedIn, X and YouTube.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to ANVS are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/ANVS