• It is not only the environment that is threatened by greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions but human health; some sources of carbon emissions released from staple home appliances such as gas stoves also produce toxic pollutants that can exacerbate asthma, a recent study shows
• While electrification can slash GHG, it also increases pressure on the aging grid and blackouts are growing in frequency; for many homeowners, an answer can be to get off the grid
• GeoSolar’s SmartGreen(TM) Home system uses natural energy sources from the sun and ground to electrify homes without any fossil fuels; offers solutions that can improve indoor air quality and health of residents while increasing energy independence and reducing home’s carbon footprint

GeoSolar Technologies (“GST”) looks at another promising opportunity as more and more evidence surface about the harmful effects of GHG emissions not only on the environment but on human health as mounting evidence emerges that gas stove pollution can cause health problems such as asthma (https://ibn.fm/Gdbq2). The company’s SmartGreen(TM) technology combines solar, geothermal, and other green systems in an innovative package that improves indoor air quality and the health of the residents while reducing or eliminating carbon emissions. Moreover, this patent-pending system helps homeowners increase energy independence while slashing–or even eliminating–utility bills that millions of Americans have seen soaring as of late.

Industry and transportation are the usual suspects as the biggest culprits for pollution and climate change. But, while these two bear the brunt of emissions, what often flies under the radar among the public is that the residential sector ranks high on the list of largest environmental offenders. It is the world’s sixth-biggest carbon emitter. In the US, homes create 20% of the total carbon pollution (https://ibn.fm/zGCJf).

When it comes to greenhouse emissions, everything counts–even how people go about everyday living, including cooking. That’s why gas stoves have become a hot topic. Recent research indicates that cooking with gas in apartments leads to high levels of pollutants that not only damage the environment but are harmful to human health. When methane, or natural gas, burns, it sets in motion a chemical reaction that creates pollutants collectively known as nitrogen dioxides (“NOx”), which often lie at the root of many cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, including asthma. Generated in the kitchen, these harmful gasses spread throughout the house, leading to excess concentrations in other rooms. The latest study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health in December concluded that 12.7% of childhood asthma in the U.S. is attributable to gas stove use. But it’s not all doom and gloom. The study went on to show that a 35% reduction in daily NOx concentrations is possible when homeowners shift from gas to electric.

As a result of this increased focus on the health impact of gas stoves, the government is looking at changing regulations to protect both people and the environment, while introducing generous incentives through the Inflation Reduction Act for swapping out older stoves. If it’s known that 38% of U.S. households use a gas stove–and the number gets closer to 70% in some states like California and New Jersey – it’s clear that there are a lot of gas stoves to be replaced by electric alternatives.

While electrification is an essential component of climate action, it brings its own challenges. As the move toward electrifying everything from cars to kitchens shows no sign of slowing down, the load on the grid will continue to put increasing pressure on what seems to be an already frail power system (https://ibn.fm/CNV5g). When soaring heat combines with skyrocketing energy prices, it creates a disastrous combination that puts immense strain on the country’s electricity grids. With power interruptions doubling between 2015 and 2020, frequent blackouts have grown to become a reality for millions of Americans (https://ibn.fm/CKBnl).

For many homeowners, an answer can be to get off the grid. Companies like GeoSolar Technologies, a Colorado-based climate technology company, can help with their specialty in eco-friendly home systems that help reduce – or even eliminate – the dependence on the electricity grid. GeoSolar Technologies helps homeowners in their efforts to maximize energy efficiency, improve air quality, reduce utility bills and grow their home value.

The company has developed the SmartGreen(TM) Home system that uses natural energy sources from the sun and ground to heat, cool, and electrify homes without any fossil fuels. The house’s electricity generation starts from rooftop solar panels. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (“HVAC”) then utilizes a geothermal unit that pumps air through pressurized pipes using an electric heat pump – a device that is up to 5x more energy efficient than conventional heating systems (https://ibn.fm/U8YDp) – while a proprietary air purifying helps keep the air inside the home safe and healthy. The company claims that practically every home, both new construction and existing house, is a good candidate to become a SmartGreen(TM) home.

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

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

• Arizona Metals owns two highly compelling properties in Arizona, the Kay Mine Project and Sugarloaf Peak
• The company had $58 million in cash at the end of Q3, enough to complete its ongoing Phase 2 drilling program, as well as a large Phase 3 program to continue building the resource at the Kay Mine Deposit, and explore around it for additional deposits
• The latest drill results provided more compelling data, including discovery of a new gold/copper zone and extension of known mineralization

The U.S. mining industry produced $90.4 billion in non-fuel metals in 2021, with Arizona being the single-largest producer on a percentage bases, outshining neighbor Nevada as the only two states to command double-digit share at 11.0% and 10.3%, respectively. Arizona is widely known for its copper and gold prowess, contributing a whopping 71% of the nation’s copper production in 2021. If Arizona Metals (TSX: AMC) (OTCQX: AZMCF) has anything to say about it, the state will continue its dominance for decades to come as it unearths a world-class gold/copper/zinc VMS (volcanogenic massive sulfide) deposit.

The Toronto-based company owns 100% of the Kay Mine Project in Yavapai County, which is located on a combination of patented and BLM claims totaling 1,300 acres that are not subject to any royalties. The deposit is known to be a steeply dipping VMS deposit defined from a depth of 60 meters to at least 900 meters, remaining open on strike and at depth.

An historic estimate by Exxon Minerals in 1982 at the Kay Mine Project reported a proven and probable reserve of 6.4 million short tons at a grade of 2.2% copper, 2.8 g/t (grams per ton) gold, 3.03% zinc, and 55 g/t silver.(1) Miners and explorers cannot rely on historic estimates and Arizona Metals is currently working on verifying the resource, as well as adding to it via expansive drilling programs.

The company also owns 100% of the Sugarloaf Peak Property, in La Paz County, which is located on 4,400 acres of BLM claims. Sugarloaf is a heap-leach, open-pit target and has a historic estimate by Westworld Resources in 1983 of 100 million tons containing 1.5 million ounces gold at a grade of 0.5 g/t.(2)

As of the end of September, Arizona Metals had $58 million in its coffers, fully funding its exploration plans, including completing the balance of an ongoing 8,500-meter Phase 2 program and an upcoming 76,000-meter Phase 3 drilling program at its flagship Kay Mine Project. The drilling will test numerous parallel targets heading west of the Kay Mine Deposit, as well as possible northern and southern extensions.

On January 17, 2023, Arizona Metals said that the step-out drilling located 300 meters north and on strike at the Kay Mine Deposit intersected a new zone of copper-gold VMS mineralization at depths between 150-600 meters vertically below surface. The new zone is open in all directions.

Drilling is already underway to test for extensions and widening of the mineralization.

Arizona Metals also released results for six holes drilled at Kay, comprised of three infill and three extension holes. The detailed report was highlighted by multiple intercepts.

Hole KM-22-93, part of the North Strike Extensions Drilling, cut four separate intervals of VMS mineralization at a depth of 470-610 meters, including 4.5 meters at a grade of 1.8% copper equivalent (CuEq); 2.0 meters grading 1.5% CuEq; 4.6 meters grading 0.8% CuEq; and 1.2 meters grading 2.7% CuEq.

This hole is about 300 meters below hole KM-22-30, which hit 3.0 meters grading 1.1% CuEq. It is also 400 meters below KM-22-33, which intersected 1.2 meters grading 4.2% CuEq, to extend the strike at the northernmost drill intercept at the deposit by about 300 meters.

Arizona Metals CEO Marc Pais said that the latest batch of drill results, “confirm our opinion that the Kay Mine Deposit is potentially part of a much larger mineralized system, typical of what is encountered in other VMS camps around the world.”

Mineralization remains open in all directions around these intercepts.

Hole KM-22-81B, part of Kay Mine Deposit Drilling program, intersected 3.8 meters grading 10.7% CuEq from 750 meters. This is a step-out hole to the south, which extended mineralization about 50 meters south of hole KM-21-52A along the southern edge of the Kay Mine Deposit.

Furthermore, the company has begun the first tests around the Central Target, which has produced encouraging results, evidenced by “numerous markers typically associated with VMS deposits.” Drilling will continue to provide a better understanding of the mineralization at the target.

Elsewhere at the project, road construction is well underway to reach drill locations that will test the Western Target, located 1,200 meters west of the Kay Mine Deposit. Drilling is targeted to begin this quarter.

According to Pais, “Work will continue at the Kay Mine Deposit to define an initial resource, in conjunction with associated hydrological, rock geochemistry, metallurgical, and specific gravity studies, but we anticipate that over the next 18 months approximately 90% of our budget will go towards exploration south, north, and west of the Kay Mine Deposit.”

(1) The historic estimate at the Kay Mine Deposit was reported by Exxon Minerals in 1982. The historic estimate has not been verified as a current mineral resource. None of the key assumptions, parameters, and methods used to prepare the historic estimate were reported, and no resource categories were used. Significant data compilation, re-drilling and data verification may be required by a “qualified person” (as defined in National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects) before the historic estimate can be verified and upgraded to be a current mineral resource. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify it as a current mineral resource, and Arizona Metals is not treating the historic estimate as a current mineral resource.

(2) The historic estimate at the Sugarloaf Peak Property was reported by Westworld Resources in 1983. The historic estimate has not been verified as a current mineral resource. None of the key assumptions, parameters, and methods used to prepare the historic estimate were reported, and no resource categories were used. Significant data compilation, re-drilling and data verification may be required by a qualified person before the historic estimate can be verified and upgraded to a current mineral resource. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify it as a current mineral resource, and Arizona Metals is not treating the historic estimate as a current mineral resource.

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

Full Disclosure: Arizona Metals Corp. is an InvestorBrandNetwork marketing client.

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

• Ucore currently owns REE mining projects and advanced separation technology
• Commercial demonstration of the company’s RapidSX(TM) technology is ongoing
• Ucore plans several modern REE refineries in North America, with the first SMC slated to begin construction in Louisiana in 2023. This planned REE separation and rare earth oxide production plant is scheduled to process 2,000 tons of total rare earth oxides by the end of 2024, increasing to 5,000 tons in 2026
• Through its strategic partnerships with Kingston Process Metallurgy Inc., Mech-Chem Associates Inc. and other supporting contractors and vendors, Ucore is developing a North American REE supply chain

Ucore Rare Metals (TSX.V: UCU) (OTCQX: UURAF) is engaged in Rare Earth Element (“REE”) resource development and in commercializing its critical metals separation technology, RapidSX(TM), for the mining and metals extraction industry. The company is guided by principles of environmental, social and corporate governance (“ESG”) with a focus on disrupting China’s current dominance of the U.S. REE supply chain.

Ucore’s vision is to become a leading advanced technology company providing best-in-class metal separation products and services to the mining and mineral extraction industry. It plans to aid in the development, through strategic partnerships, of a North American REE supply chain controlled by the U.S. and its allies.

The company intends to contribute to this initiative through the near-term development of a heavy and light rare-earth processing facility in Louisiana and subsequent development of Strategic Metals Complexes (“SMCs”) in Alaska and Canada, as well as through the longer-term development of its 100%-owned Heavy Rare Earth Element (“HREE”) mineral resource property at Bokan Mountain on Prince of Wales Island, Alaska.

Ucore is headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Projects & Technology

RapidSX(TM) Demonstration Plant

The Kingston, Ontario, RapidSX(TM) Demonstration Plant commissioning process is underway. Once commissioned, the plant is designed to demonstrate the commercial capabilities of the RapidSX technology platform.

The RapidSX demo plant will show:

• The techno-economic advantages of the RapidSX technology platform
• The processing of tens of tons of heavy and light mixed rare earth element concentrates in a simulated production environment
• The platform’s ability to operate for thousands of semi-continuous run-time hours
• Production of high-purity NdPr, praseodymium, neodymium, terbium and dysprosium rare earth elements for early OEM product qualification trials

The demo plant is located within Ucore’s 5,000-square-foot RapidSX Commercialization and Demonstration Facility and is run by its laboratory partner, Kingston Process Metallurgy Inc. (“KPM”).

RapidSX(TM) Technology

Innovation Metals Corp., acquired by the company in 2020, developed the RapidSX separation technology platform with early-stage assistance from the United States Department of Defense, later resulting in the production of commercial-grade, separated rare earth elements at pilot scale.

RapidSX combines the time-proven chemistry of conventional solvent extraction (“SX”) with a new column-based platform that significantly reduces time to completion and plant footprint, as well as potentially lowering capital and operating costs. SX is the international REE industry’s standard commercial separation technology and is currently used by all REE producers worldwide for bulk commercial separation of both heavy and light REEs.

Utilizing similar chemistry to conventional SX, RapidSX is not a “new” technology, but it represents a significant improvement on the well-established, well-understood, proven conventional SX separation technology preferred by REE producers.

Strategic Metals Complex

Ucore, engineering partner Mech-Chem Associates Inc. and KPM are developing the full-scale engineering for the company’s first Strategic Metals Complex (“SMC”). The SMC is a planned REE separation and rare earth oxide production plant slated to commence construction in Louisiana in 2023. It is scheduled to initially process 2,000 tons of total rare earth oxides by the end of 2024, increasing to 5,000 tons in 2026.

Bokan-Dotson Ridge REE Deposit

Ucore has invested over C$35 million to establish and validate the Bokan-Dotson Ridge resource in preparation for mine design and permitting. Initial drilling is complete, and a Preliminary Economic Assessment has been issued. Next steps for the project include a feasibility study, detailed mine design and permit acquisition. The project can be “near shovel ready” for construction in less than 30 months after receipt of the next stage of development funding.

Market Opportunity

According to a report by Grand View Research, the global rare earth elements market was valued at $2.8 billion in 2018 and is forecast to reach a value of $5.6 billion by 2025, achieving a CAGR of 10.4% during the period. Market growth is driven by increasing demand for these elements in the manufacturing of magnets and catalysts for the automotive industry. Rising demand for electric vehicles to reduce CO2 emissions is expected to propel the use of permanent magnets in the production of EV batteries.

China is the major producer and consumer of REEs. To maintain self-sufficiency and to meet future demand, China has been raising the export tariffs on rare earth elements shipped to various countries, including the U.S., Japan, India, Brazil and the European Union. This led to the current supply-demand gap in these countries, as they rely on imports from China.

China reduced the exports of REEs by 72% in the second half of 2010 to preserve its reserves of these elements and continues to export REEs at reduced levels, thereby affecting industries such as automotive, oil and gas, and electronics, which require an ample amount of rare earth elements.

Management Team

Pat Ryan, P.Eng., is Chairman and CEO of Ucore Rare Metals. He began as a director with the company when he developed a heightened interest in critical metals. Before joining Ucore, he founded and led a multimillion-dollar automotive OEM design and lean manufacturing company. His understanding of complex supply chains across international markets has led to a prime positioning as the global auto industry transitions to vehicle electrification. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Dalhousie University.

Peter Manuel is Vice President and CFO of Ucore. Prior to joining the company, he practiced as a Chartered Accountant for more than 17 years, providing consulting services to companies in a range of industries, with a focus on the financial services and resource sectors. He spent 10 years in England and Ireland providing assurance, strategic planning, corporate finance and other consulting services to a portfolio of both public and private entities. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from Dalhousie University.

Michael Schrider, MEng, P.E., is Vice President and COO of Ucore. He is a multidisciplinary engineer who has been involved in manufacturing, engineering and managing complex structural and mechanical systems projects since 1989. He was the Founder, President and Chief Engineer of Schrider & Associates and Alton Bay Design, both engineering services firms. He holds a bachelor’s degree in naval architecture and marine engineering from the University of New Orleans and a master’s degree in mining, geological and geophysical engineering from the University of Arizona.

Mark MacDonald is Vice President of Investor Relations at Ucore. He has over 25 years of experience implementing award winning business development and marketing programs at regional and national levels. As Vice President of Sales, he was responsible for Mediapro Communication’s growth as AT&T Canada’s leading B2B sales partner. He subsequently became Atlantic Regional Vice President of AT&T Canada Corp. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Dalhousie University.

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

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

• Correlate has, since its inception, remained committed to increasing energy efficiency, while minimizing upgrade costs, for commercial real estate
• In a recent interview, Jim Florentino, Correlate’s Vice President of Sales, gave insights into the inner workings of the company, its history, and his role therein
• He reiterated the company’s commitment to implementing advanced technologies and workflow processes while trying to break the old habits that have made this industry stagnant and slow-moving
• Florentino also noted that given the company’s commitment to building long-term sustainability planning and driving NPO for its customers at every phase, Correlate sits right at the impetus of property owners and business paths to net-zero goals and sustainable operations

Correlate Infrastructure Partners (OTCQB: CIPI), a tech-enabled development, finance, and fulfillment platform for distributed energy solutions across North America, has remained committed to reducing costs, improving comfort, and increasing energy reliability for home, work, and commercial commerce, while eliminating the adoption barriers to net-zero carbon goals. Having started with its first offering that allowed for the remote audit of buildings and designing energy optimization without the involvement of on-site engineers and auditors, the company has grown to offer industry-leading energy solutions and a financing platform for the industrial and commercial sectors.

In a recent interview, Jim Florentino, Correlate’s Vice President of Sales, gave insights into the company’s inner workings, the firm’s history, and his role therein. Of note was his introduction into the clean tech space back in 2008 as a residential HVAC systems designer and salesperson, a role that would allow him to cross paths with Todd Michaels, Correlate’s President and CEO. After staying in touch over several years, he jumped at the opportunity to build upon the strengths of the team that Todd has built, ultimately molding the company into what it is today (https://ibn.fm/7mYrv).

Florentino noted that Correlate is committed to implementing advanced technologies and workflow processes while trying to break the old habits that have made this industry stagnant and slow-moving.

“We approach each day with a disruptive mindset of scaling energy project development by using great solution technologies, partner organizations, and industry-leading standards, all while making an important global impact toward decarbonization,” he noted.

He also emphasized the importance of the company culture, pointing out Correlate’s ubiquitous use of workflow and communications platforms to keep constant dialogue and collaboration happening in real time. This, he noted, comes with its share of challenges, the main one being the lack of awareness and dangers associated with the current electrical grid. To expound on that, he highlighted that the decentralization of the company’s power systems and networks needs all sides of the table to work in coordination, thereby streamlining the installation of microgrid technologies that would help address the massive issue of electric grid instability.

Florentino expressed his optimism in the company building long-term sustainability planning and driving Net Operating Income (“NOI”) for its customers at every phase. He also highlighted the positive reception of its tech-enabled development work in a remote environment that removes high engineering expenses. This, he reckoned, validated Correlate’s methodology of using data and intelligence to expedite large corporate portfolio carbon reduction initiatives, allowing the company to make a huge impact and do so quickly.

“Correlate not only aims to be a solution to the problem in the years to come, but we also sit right at the impetus of property owners and business’ paths to net zero goals and sustainable operations,” noted Florentino.

“To me, that’s a really good place to be,” he added.

So far in the new year, Correlate has partnered with global stored energy solutions leader, EnerSys(R) (NYSE: ENS), to improve its carbon footprint in its Pennsylvania headquarters (https://ibn.fm/rPFda). It is also aggressively pushing its offerings to help clients improve their environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) profiles, especially given the growing interest by investors in backing such efforts. These moves define Correlate as the undisputed industry leader and a key player in renewable energy.

For company information, visit the company’s website at www.CorrelateInfra.com, including the following:

• Breaking Down Barriers To Your ESG Goals While Generating Additional Net Operating Income: www.CorrelateInfra.com/our-process
• Platform Generates New Rent And Operating Income, Allowing You To Meet Your ESG Goals: www.CorrelateInfra.com/program

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

• Wearable wellness technology innovator MetAlert is revitalizing its brand and increasing its product and services portfolio through M&A and other corporate developments designed to improve the company’s healthcare profile
• The mortality associated with chronic disease can be ameliorated with the use of wearable devices, along with other healthful practices, and the use of wearable wellness technology is expected to continue at an increasing pace
• More than 41 million people die of noncommunicable diseases (aka chronic illnesses) each year — 17 million of them before the age of 70, according to the World Health Organization
• MetAlert’s growing product slate is designed to combine unobtrusive wearability, tracking technology, telehealth communication capabilities, and artificial intelligence, to serve the needs of patients and caregivers

For many people, the beginning of a new year signals a time to renew efforts at self-betterment through increased exercise and other healthful practices. One means of measuring improvements that has become popular in recent years is the use of a pedometer to track the wnumber of the wearer’s “steps” in a given day, and smartwatches have made such wearable devices unobtrusive and easily accessible (https://ibn.fm/rs2hb).

The modern variety in wearable technologies has gained increasing use in part because the devices may enable individuals to self-assess their goals and conditioning without the need to visit to visit medical clinics to obtain physiological data and analyze it for biomedicine, healthcare and wellness purposes.

Big data analyst PatSnap reports more than 722 million wearable devices were in use worldwide in 2019 and that they are expected to reach one billion by the end of this year, calling wearable devices “the new healthcare revolution”, and anticipating that the wearable technology industry will see a CAGR of 13.67 percent between this year and 2027 (https://ibn.fm/z9Zwa).

Location-sensitive health monitoring wearable device developer MetAlert (OTC: MLRT) is building its product portfolio and profile of affiliated companies, working to become a market leader in the wearable technology industry.

The company’s patented GPS SmartSole shoe insoles have become its flagship offering in delivering a solution for those at risk of wandering or becoming lost or disoriented due to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, autism, or traumatic brain injury, and MetAlert is expanding its sights with products that may help protect fall-prone patients and grant them confidence-building independence, as well as small tracking devices with increased battery life and products that provide telehealth connectivity and assessment tools.

According to the World Health Organization (“WHO”), noncommunicable diseases (NCDs, also known as chronic illnesses) claim the lives of some 41 million people each year — 17 million annually before they reach the age of 70. The agency notes physical fitness, good eating habits, safe alcohol use and tobacco avoidance are all important in improving a patient’s potential to avoid dying from an NCD (https://ibn.fm/N50kM).

An increase in attention to lifestyle wellness factors is expected to continue raising the overall age of the world’s elderly population, but with increasing age the prevalence of chronic diseases such as dementia, heart disease, and diabetes increases as well, indicating the market potential for wearable devices that may help patients cope with their conditions as successfully as possible.

“Strategic acquisitions, expanding our products and services, and increasing our revenues per user (‘RPU’), should help set us on a path toward continued success in the coming months and years”, MetAlert CEO and Founder Patrick Bertagna stated in a Jan. 5 letter to the company’s shareholders (https://ibn.fm/tAkQF). “Moreover, aligning with new technologies could open possibilities for crucial data analysis that has the potential to revolutionize how we conduct and manage healthcare worldwide.”

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

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

• BiondVax’s preclinical proof-of-concept study was designed to mimic a real-world situation regarding at-risk groups, including the elderly, people with comorbidities, the immunocompromised, travelers, those attending densely packed social events, and front-line healthcare workers
• The study shows promising prophylactic results with hamsters receiving BiondVax’s inhaled NanoAb three hours before infection experiencing no significant weight loss over the six-day trial; follows previously reported data showing successful use of NanoAb as COVID-19 therapeutic
• First-in-human Phase 1/2a clinical trial is planned for later this year

Focused on the development, manufacture, and commercialization of innovative NanoAb immunotherapeutic products, BiondVax Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: BVXV) recently announced additional results in the company’s preclinical proof-of-concept study of its inhaled nanosized VHH-antibody (NanoAb) COVID-19 drug (https://ibn.fm/Kz8W4). BiondVax is developing a pipeline of innovative alpaca-derived NanoAb drugs addressing diseases with large underserved medical needs and attractive commercial opportunities, such as COVID-19, asthma, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and macular degeneration. The research is being done as part of a collaboration with the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences and the University Medical Center Göttingen.

The study was designed to mimic a real-world situation in which at-risk groups, including the elderly, people with comorbidities, the immunocompromised, travelers, those attending densely packed social events, and front-line healthcare professionals may proactively protect themselves prior to potential SARS-CoV-2 exposure using BiondVax’s self-administered inhaled NanoAb therapy.

Using an industry-standard animal model, the study compared weight loss in two groups of hamsters. The hamsters administered a mid-sized 0.66mg dose of the NanoAb three hours before infection experienced no significant weight loss over the six-day trial. In contrast, the hamsters in the untreated control group experienced a 12% decline in weight, a highly statistically significant difference (p<0.0005).

The promising prophylactic results follow previously reported data from the same study indicating that compared to the control (placebo) group, hamsters treated with a 2mg dose of BiondVax’s inhaled NanoAb one day after infection had negligible (below detection level) SARS-CoV-2 viral titers in their lungs, and experienced a milder and shorter illness compared to the placebo group that had at least 30-times higher viral titers in their lungs at the end of the trial. Additionally, lung histopathology revealed that therapeutic inhalation of NanoAbs reduced damage to alveoli, pulmonary vessels, and the conductive system.

“We continue to be thrilled with the results of this ongoing trial. There is strong market demand for COVID prophylactics as evidenced by AstraZeneca’s reported Q1 through Q3 2022 EVUSHELD revenues of $1.5 billion. EVUSHELD is currently the only prophylactic COVID medication with FDA approval under emergency use authorization,” BiondVax CEO Amir Reichman said. “Our inhaled NanoAb is designed to be self-administered at the time of choosing to generate rapid protection from COVID illness. In contrast, EVUSHELD must be administered via two separate consecutive intramuscular (‘IM’) injections in a health care setting… we believe the additional ‘biobetter’ value provided by our NanoAb potentially positions it to capture significant market share both for treatment and prevention of COVID illness.”

The preclinical trial’s next step is to continue with additional arms testing lower therapeutic doses. It will also evaluate safety parameters. The results of the dosing study will inform the design of future studies of BiondVax’s inhaled NanoAb expected in 2023, including a preclinical toxicity study to assess safety as required by regulatory authorities for approval of human clinical trials. BiondVax is also expected to scale up its manufacturing processes to produce, at its Jerusalem GMP manufacturing facility, the NanoAbs for the first-in-human Phase 1/2a clinical trial planned for Q4 2023.

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

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

• Small to mid-cap-sized public companies often struggle to include salaries for full-time chief information security officers (“CISOs”) in their budgets, and to establish protocols for their resiliency in the wake of cybercrime incidents
• Cybersecurity services and technology provider SideChannel Inc. provides virtual chief information security officer (“vCISO”) services as a per-contract consultancy to SMBs, helping them to manage finances and security at the same time
• The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) is expected to finalize rules this year that would provide investors with a transparent view of public company boards’ C-suite-level cybersecurity profiles
• SideChannel CEO Brian Haugli has made appearances in numerous media forums as a go-to cybersecurity expert and he will participate Feb. 15 in an Investor Day event structured in a virtual webcast format (information and registration at https://ibn.fm/qRYcq)

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s pending rules change, designed to promote transparency on public company boards regarding the level of cybersecurity expertise present among their C-suite members, is serving as a wakeup call to corporate leaders who perhaps have been complacent about their vulnerability to cyber attack.

A November Harvard Business Review report noted that recent research in company boardrooms found that most board members consider cybersecurity important, and that cybersecurity is regularly discussed in each board meeting, but it also found that 47 percent of respondents believe their organization is unprepared for a cyber attack and that about a third of board members say they only interact with the chief information security officer during scheduled presentations to the board (https://ibn.fm/W6H1c).

In response to expectations that the Securities and Exchange Commission will soon require companies to disclose their cybersecurity governance capabilities, including whether the entire board, a specific board member, or a board committee is responsible for the oversight of cyber risks, C-suite recruiting firm DHR Global conducted its own research, which found that only 1.4 percent (seven out of America’s top 500 public companies) said they have a current or former CISO on their board.

DHR further reported that only 23 percent of the companies said they have a current or former chief information officer on their boards, and that most companies — 65 percent — simply assigned cybersecurity responsibility to their audit committees (https://ibn.fm/Ctc8C).

While many small and mid-cap public companies may struggle with having to dedicate budgets to cybersecurity resiliency and employing a full-time CISO, cybersecurity services and technology provider SideChannel (OTCQB: SDCH) is providing an alternative solution with its team of experienced virtual CISOs — experts available to consult with clients on contract without the need for a staffing commitment.

The vCISO contracts generally last 12 months with options for annual renewal and a monthly subscription plan. SideChannel’s annual report to the SEC noted that each of its vCISOs is generally embedded into the C-suite executive teams of its clients, providing them with “the C-suite cybersecurity leadership needed to effectively mitigate cybersecurity risks and support ongoing operation of critical business functions” (https://ibn.fm/K2PQu).

CEO Brian Haugli has been increasing SideChannel’s visibility as the public face of the company, enjoying placements with top-tier US and Canada media (CBC, NBC News, FOX Business) as a go-to cybersecurity expert and inclusion in numerous reports online and with other national media outlets, including Fast Company Sinclair Broadcast Group.

Services such as SideChannel’s vCISOs and its proprietary microsegmentation software platform (Enclave) for sustaining encryption against cybercrime can help public companies best prepare for the SEC’s transparency rules.

“Cybersecurity incidents and other risks are considered one of the largest threats to companies. Accordingly, investors may find disclosure of whether any board members have cybersecurity expertise to be important as they consider their investment in the registrant as well as their votes on the election of directors of the registrant,” the SEC stated in announcing its intention for new rules last March (https://ibn.fm/ZYwaE).

The commission is expected to finalize the rules early this year.

“We believe most public companies of all sizes are ill-prepared for upcoming SEC regulations on cybersecurity and risk assessment,” DHR partner in the Board & CEO Practice Heather Smith stated in her company’s report. “It’s obvious that a sea change is underway at the board level. As a result of the SEC identifying the need and issuing new guidance, we’ve already had a number of boards looking to hire CISO board directors who understand the latest vulnerabilities and best strategies on cyber risk.”

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

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

• AZMCF expanding the 100%-owned Kay Mine Projects in Arizona, surrounded by sixty historic underground VMS copper, gold, zinc, and silver mines
• Volcanogenic massive sulfide (“VMS”) deposits are critical global sources of copper, zinc, lead, gold, and silver ores
• Recent company update reveals progress on Kay Mine Project, including 33,000 meters of core drilling completed in 2022, drill permits received for Central and Western targets, and drilling initiated on targets outside deposit
• Company fully funded (cash of $58 million at Sept 30, 2022) to complete remaining 8,600 meters for Kay Mine Phase 2, as well as 76,000 meters for Phase 3

Arizona Metals (TSX: AMC) (OTCQX: AZMCF), a mineral exploration company, recently provided a year-end review and updates on its 100%-owned Kay Mine VMS Project and Sugarloaf Peak Gold Project in Arizona (https://ibn.fm/Uvy2n). During 2022, the company completed approximately 33,000 meters of core drilling at the Kay Mine Deposit, received drill permits for both the Central and Western Targets, and initiated drilling on targets outside the deposit.

As of September 2022, AZMCF was fully funded to complete the remaining 8,600 meters planned for the Kay Mine Phase 2 program, and an additional 76,000 meters for Phase 3. Both programs will test numerous parallel targets west of the Kay Mine Deposit, along with possible northern and southern extensions.

“As we begin 2023, I want to take a moment to reflect on the past year and share some of our accomplishments,” said AZMCF CEO Marc Pais. “First, I want to thank our shareholders for your continued support and belief in Arizona Metals. Your trust and investment have been a driving force in creating one of the best-financed explorers listed on the TSX and advancing what we believe to be one of the world’s premier VMS exploration projects.”

Volcanogenic massive sulfide (“VMS”) deposits represent a critical global source of copper, zinc, lead, gold, and silver ores. AZMCF aims to tap into the potential of Arizona’s Yavapai County with its 100%-owned projects surrounded by sixty historic underground VMS copper, gold, zinc, and silver mines.

VMS ore deposits are typically associated with and created by volcanic-associated hydrothermal events in submarine environments (https://ibn.fm/uvwM4). They are predominantly copper-zinc metal sulfide ore deposits occurring in areas dominated by volcanic or volcanic-derived rocks. Currently, VMS deposits are formed around volcanoes under the sea and along many ridges in the middle of the ocean within forearc rifts and back-arc basins. While some mineral exploration firms explore on the sea floor, most companies focus on land-based equivalents.

Yavapai County, located in mining-friendly Arizona, is a prolific mining district with substantial historic resources, one of which AZMCF is currently exploring, developing, and expanding. The company’s fully owned flagship Kay Mine property totals 1,300 acres that are not subject to any royalties. A historic 1982 estimate by Exxon Minerals revealed a “proven and probable reserve of 6.4 million short tons at a grade of 2.2% copper, 2.8 grams per ton gold, 3.03% zinc, and 55 grams per ton silver” (https://ibn.fm/C2zjb). (1)

According to a report by Westworld Resources in 1983, AZMCF’s fully owned Sugarloaf Peak Property in La Paz County has a historical estimate of “100 million tons containing 1.5 million ounces (of) gold” at a grade of 0.5 grams per ton. (2)

Based in Toronto, Canada, Arizona Metals advances precious and base metal deposits in Arizona. The company’s management team leverages decades of geological engineering, precious metals exploration, and investment banking experience to develop world-class VMS exploration projects.

(1) The historic estimate at the Kay Mine Deposit was reported by Exxon Minerals in 1982. The historic estimate has not been verified as a current mineral resource. None of the key assumptions, parameters, and methods used to prepare the historic estimate were reported, and no resource categories were used. Significant data compilation, re-drilling and data verification may be required by a “qualified person” (as defined in National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects) before the historic estimate can be verified and upgraded to be a current mineral resource. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify it as a current mineral resource, and Arizona Metals is not treating the historic estimate as a current mineral resource.

(2) The historic estimate at the Sugarloaf Peak Property was reported by Westworld Resources in 1983. The historic estimate has not been verified as a current mineral resource. None of the key assumptions, parameters, and methods used to prepare the historic estimate were reported, and no resource categories were used. Significant data compilation, re-drilling and data verification may be required by a qualified person before the historic estimate can be verified and upgraded to a current mineral resource. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify it as a current mineral resource, and Arizona Metals is not treating the historic estimate as a current mineral resource.

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

Full Disclosure: Arizona Metals Corp. is an InvestorBrandNetwork marketing client.

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

• Every country in the world signed the Paris agreement at COP 21 in 2015, 50+ countries have committed to Net-Zero by 2050
• GeoSolar helps ease energy transition with the SmartGreen(TM) whole-home renewable energy system
• GeoSolar’s SmartGreen(TM) system offers a total-home makeover, including geothermal-powered heat pump, solar panels, upgrades to insulation, windows, lighting systems

Every country in the world signed the Paris agreement at COP 21 in 2015 with the shared aim of limiting global temperature increases as close as possible to 1.5 degrees Celsius (https://ibn.fm/iDbjH). Since then, over 50 countries have committed to adopting a net-zero emissions goal by 2050 – including the United States (https://ibn.fm/kqTZ5). GeoSolar Technologies (“GST”), a Colorado-based climate technology company, helps ease the transition with the SmartGreen(TM) Home system for newly built and existing residences and commercial buildings.

Individual states throughout the US are also taking measures to promote renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions. GeoSolar’s home state of Colorado is among those taking bold steps to achieve Net-Zero through a proposed bill that uses 2005 benchmark levels to set greenhouse gas reduction goals of 65% by 2035, 80% by 2040, 90% by 2045, and 100% in 2050 (https://ibn.fm/skbhP). Other states are also taking action to reduce emissions, including Washington State, California, Illinois, New York, and New Jersey (https://ibn.fm/ONa4j).

GeoSolar’s SmartGreen(TM) whole home energy system helps building owners achieve energy independence while eliminating carbon emissions. Geothermal ground loops, air ducts, and photovoltaic solar panels tap into the energy of the earth and sun to power electric appliances and vehicles. In addition, the SmartGreen(TM) system improves efficiency throughout the entire home by tightening the building envelope and upgrading insulation, windows, and lighting systems.

SmartGreen(TM) is suitable for warm and cold climates and can be retrofitted to existing buildings or integrated into new construction. Besides offering energy independence, the SmartGreen(TM) system can also drastically reduce or eliminate utility bills and increase the building’s value.

GeoSolar aims to market SmartGreen(TM) to over 120 million homes across the United States with 100% financing options, valuable tax deductions, and utility incentives. The company is also giving the public an opportunity to own a piece of GeoSolar Technologies Inc. and the SmartGreen system through a Reg A+ capital raise that enables anyone to become a shareholder.

For more information on GeoSolar’s Regulation A+ capital raise, please visit https://www.manhattanstreetcapital.com/geosolar-technologies-inc.

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

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

• Lexaria Bioscience recently released its 2023 annual letter from CEO Chris Bunka, providing a strategic update to all stakeholders
• The letter highlights the key milestones achieved in calendar 2022, outlines expectations for calendar 2023, and indicates why Chris Bunka expects 2023 to be the company’s best year so far
• 1In calendar 2023, Lexaria expects to attain FDA registration for an investigational new drug (“IND”) program and commence Phase 1(b) clinical study evaluating the safety and tolerability of DehydraTECH(TM)-processed CBD as a treatment for hypertension
• The company will also be pursuing commercial relationships in 2023 even as its R&D continues to progress by engaging in discussions with potential collaborators who may license the patented DehydraTECH technology

Lexaria Bioscience (NASDAQ: LEXX) started calendar 2022 with optimism, which according to CEO Chris Bunka’s recently published annual letter to shareholders (https://ibn.fm/zu8hP), turned out to well founded. Now, as the company begins calendar 2023, “that optimism is, if anything, even stronger today.” Lexaria has reason to be optimistic about the current year, coming off a year that saw it successfully fulfill its primary objectives and tick most, if not all, of the boxes on its priority list.

At the start of calendar 2022, the company intended to introduce its patented DehydraTECH(TM) drug delivery technology to world-leading collaborators and to avoid raising additional funds through the capital markets. It also planned to develop its DehydraTECH-CBD hypertension program, explore whether DehydraTECH-nicotine pouches could replace nicotine administration via inhalation (smoking), and evaluate DehydraTECH-CBD as a therapeutic against other conditions such as epilepsy, dementia, and diabetes. Lexaria, through Chris Bunka’s letter, is pleased to report that these objectives were wholly completed in 2022 or are nearing completion in early 2023.

The completed objectives include the introduction of DehydraTECH to potential licensees via ongoing discussions as well as the completion of EPIL-A21-1 animal study evaluating DehydraTECH-CBD as an anti-seizure therapeutic and the HYPER-H21-4 human clinical study evaluating DehydraTECH-CBD as a potential treatment for hypertension.

The results affiliated with the primary objectives of the HYPER-H21-4 study, namely the blood pressure and pharmacokinetic performance, were positive, with no serious adverse events observed. It is, therefore, accurate to say that the study was a success, Bunka writes. Moreover, in the EPIL-A21-1 study, DehydraTECH-CBD demonstrated certain performance enhancements, namely more efficacy at lower doses and more rapid action, than Epidiolex, a leading CBD-based anti-seizure medication. Of note, and following the success of the EPIL-A21-1 seizure study, Bunka writes, Lexaria is rating its DehydraTECH-CBD for seizure investigation as one of its highest priorities along with the DehydraTECH-CBD for hypertension and DehydraTECH-nicotine.

In the Q1 of calendar 2023, the company expects to complete dosing in the human nicotine study NIC-H21-1, the animal diabetes study, and the animal dementia study, having initiated them in late 2022. The company is also evaluating a series of secondary objectives of HYPER-H21 4 study, with some of the findings and additional results expected within this period.

Remarkably, the company achieved these milestones and managed the growth while exercising excellent fiscal controls. In fact, and despite the inflationary pressures, Lexaria hit its annual 2022 budget, +/- about 2%, building on an accomplishment that began in 2021. This helped the company preserve its existing capital and stay true to its earlier commitment not to raise additional funds by issuing equity or taking on any debt. As a result, its cash in hand is enough to support operations through nearly all of 2023 without needing to raise additional capital if the company chooses to reduce its R&D spending.

“However, as we prefer to keep advancing our applied R&D at as rapid a pace as we can, we are also continuing to pursue capital-strengthening possibilities that do not involve the issuance of any equity,” Bunka writes.

According to the letter, the R&D programs and the capital-strengthening opportunities are interlinked. If successful, the DehydraTECH-CBD hypertension program, for example, is expected to help increase not only Lexaria’s corporate value but also the probability of reaching one or more commercial out-licensing agreements within the pharmaceutical industry. In addition, the success could also pave the way for more commercial pursuits of its DehydraTECH-CBD for therapeutic use. Similarly, if the nicotine study is successful, the company feels it will have inched closer to completing its scientific investigations, positioning it to market the technology to the global nicotine industry in pursuit of growing revenue streams.

“Each of these three areas of investigation [DehydraTECH-CBD as a hypertension therapeutics, DehydraTECH-CBD as an anti-seizure medication, and DehydraTECH-nicotine] has the potential to support important industry relationships that prove meaningful or even transformative for Lexaria. Because of the obvious medical and market needs in each of these three sectors, we will be pursuing commercial relationships in 2023 even as our R&D continues to progress,” the letter reads.

Accordingly, Lexaria’s CEO expects calendar 2023 will be the company’s “best year ever.” Among the key milestones the company intends to achieve is a Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) registration for an Investigational New Drug (“IND”) program that will sanction the commencement of a Phase 1(b) FDA-registered clinical trial evaluating the safety and tolerability of DehydraTECH-CBD as a treatment for hypertension. The company expects this research program will dominate the second half of calendar 2023 and beyond.

In all, the registered clinical trials for DehydraTECH-CBD are expected to culminate in the filing of a new drug application (“NDA”) via the abbreviated 505(b)(2) pathway. To support this shortened route to commercial approval, Bunka says, Lexaria will leverage precedent safety data generated from the clinical study of FDA-approved Epidiolex. In its trials, for example, Epidiolex demonstrated the pharmaceutical’s safety and tolerability when administered chronically but at much higher doses than Lexaria’s intended dosing of DehydraTECH-CBD.

Still, the company maintains that DehydraTECH-CBD is not its only long-term plan for FDA registration. “Stakeholders can follow our progress in other areas of therapeutic interest through the results we receive in our applied R&D programs,” emphasizes Bunka.

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