• New financial cryptocurrency tech space remains volatile, with impending regulatory moves on horizon
• Melding of new acquisitions – iOS app Bitcoin Charts and CryptoFolio – expected to create ultimate live cryptocurrency trading data app
• Combined app expected to be available on the App Store and Google Play with translations in 10 unique languages

Epazz, Inc. (OTC: EPAZ), a leading provider of blockchain cryptocurrency mobile apps and cloud-based business software solutions, is preparing to combine two of its newest acquisitions to create the ultimate live cryptocurrency trading app. Epazz intends to combine the best of its recently-acquired Android app, CryptoFolio, which securely tracks and manages bitcoin and altcoin portfolios, with its latest acquisition, the iOS app Bitcoin Charts, which provides live trading data on cryptocurrencies. The combined app is expected to be available on both the App Store and Google Play, with translations in 10 languages.

The two apps already have over 3,000 downloads, while the company’s primary blockchain app, Zenapay, was downloaded more than 17,000 times in January alone. Zenapay, now available on both the App Store and Google Play, offers a cutting-edge payment solution that gives consumers a way to buy items online or in stores using bitcoin (http://ibn.fm/atbai). Zenapay Bitcoin Wallet has been downloaded more than 10,000 times since its launch on the Android Play Store. The second version of Zenapay is scheduled for release on February 10.

As active cryptocurrency holders the world over know by now, volatility is part of the daily ebb and flow of this new financial tech space. Business Insider reported that nearly every major cryptocurrency dropped more than 15 percent on Friday, February 2, as concerns over regulation, an advertising ban from Facebook and investigations into altcoins spooked cryptocurrency traders (http://ibn.fm/v0Oho). One thing that didn’t diminish, however, was the level of interest in the cryptocurrency markets. An easy way to keep abreast of cryptocurrency prices is exactly what Epazz plans to deliver with its “ultimate live cryptocurrency trading app,” Shaun Passley, PhD, CEO of Epazz, said in a news release.

“We are purchasing the rights to blockchain apps to speed up our market entry into the blockchain industry. CryptoFolio and Zenapay users will benefit from the live data on Bitcoin Charts,” Passley said. “We will add mobile apps through acquisition or internal development over the next few months. We believe blockchain is a very large industry, and we will use our skills to expand into this market.”

All users of Zenapay will have the option to use a company discount for making in-app purchases of the CryptoFolio app. Similarly, Epazz’s acquisition of the Bitcoin Charts iOS app will provide live trading data to CryptoFolio users. The CryptoFolio business model provides free features to attract users and then allows users to purchase additional features ranging in price from $1.99 to $5.99 each. The CryptoFolio app is also one of the few block trading apps with chatrooms, bringing like-minded cryptocurrency holders together in a centralized virtual hangout. Epazz will be expanding the chatrooms in future versions of the app, and it expects to release the next version of CryptoFolio on both iOS and Android in the next few months.

The blistering pace of the cryptocurrency markets and advances in blockchain technology will keep anyone on their toes (http://ibn.fm/krfxD), as nonstop news reports on this week’s volatility proves. For cryptocurrency traders or just the seriously curious wannabe’s, having access to real-time, accurate information provided through a secure, trusted app such as those provided by Epazz could mean the difference between riding the crypto-wave and being run over by it.

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

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• PetroBLOQ promises to play vital role in improving efficiency, transparency and security of oil and gas sector
• Increases in oil shale production, rising Brent prices fueled by rising demands worldwide
• Complex transactions, supply chain management issues cement need for PetroBLOQ’s disruptive technology

Petroteq Energy Inc. (TSX.V: PQE) (OTCQX: PQEFF), a company focused on the development and implementation of proprietary technologies for the energy industry, is uniquely positioned to develop a disruptive blockchain technology platform for the oil and gas industry through its subsidiary, PetroBLOQ. In a recent letter to shareholders (http://ibn.fm/r4LtG), Jerry Bailey, director and president of Petroteq, said blockchain “holds the promise of unlocking billions of dollars in profits for the Energy Industry by reducing the friction inherent in the business processes we need to control.”

Worldwide demand for efficiency in the oil and gas sector continues to grow as geopolitical and economic instabilities fluctuate, affecting supply and resources. Implementation of blockchain technology, which utilizes a distributed, encrypted ledger and smart contracts, would move this massive industry away from the inherent problems of paper trails or outdated trading platforms, as noted in an article on OilPrice.com (http://ibn.fm/zdyrv). These hugely complicated global contracts are often rife for lawsuits and lengthy legal processes that pump up prices and create numerous obstacles for those involved in oil and gas supply chain management.

“Few people outside of the energy industry understand the complexity of the transactions that need to happen between getting crude oil from the ground to ultimately ending up as gasoline in your automobile,” Bailey said in discussing the benefits of PetroBLOQ’s technology.

Petroteq recently forged a partnership with First Bitcoin Capital (OTC: BITCF) to bring the benefits of cryptocurrency to the oil and gas industry (http://ibn.fm/t4KvY). The companies are collaboratively working to develop and operate PetroBLOQ – the first blockchain-based platform developed exclusively for the supply chain needs of the oil and gas sector (www.PetroBLOQ.com). As demand for energy continues its never-ending upward spiral, PetroBLOQ is building a stabilizing, distributed digital ledger through blockchain technology that will give all the players in the energy industry crucial production, transportation and accounting information in real-time, potentially saving billions in cost.

In its ‘2018 Oil and Gas Industry Outlook’ report (http://ibn.fm/KAbys), Deloitte points out “the proliferation of increasingly lower-cost digital technology is already unleashing innovative ideas across the oil and gas value chain. From how we develop a field, procure goods and services, and move product to all the HR and back-office services to support the core businesses, digital technologies could change everything, resulting in radical efficiency gains and improvements of both top and bottom lines.”

Goldman Sachs said in a recent report (http://ibn.fm/pqFFi) that it has raised its 2018 oil price forecasts, projecting that Brent crude will soon top $80, fueled by blockbuster oil demand, a deal among big producers to limit output and U.S. drillers’ inability to meet the world’s growing energy appetite. Notably, the investment bank said that many U.S. drillers and oil majors have vowed to focus on efficiency and fiscal discipline at the expense of runaway production growth – underscoring the disruptive potential of PetroBLOQ’s visionary technology.

Pemex, the Mexican state-owned petroleum company and one of the world’s top petroleum producers, recently became the first member of the PetroBLOQ Global Blockchain Industry Consortium. Pemex also made headlines on December 1, 2017, by becoming the first petroleum company to accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment.

“We believe this new opportunity with Pemex serves as a testament to the success of our vision as we continue to make progress in our most recent venture, to develop and operate an enterprise-grade, blockchain-based platform,” Alex Blyumkin, CEO and chairman of Petroteq, stated in a news release announcing the agreement. “As part of our strategy to build advanced oil processing and refining facilities, we discovered inefficiencies and bottlenecks associated with the industry’s supply chain, and proposed blockchain solution is being designed to enable oil and gas companies globally to conduct transactions.”

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.Petroteq.energy

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• Goal is to raise $4 million to help company finance its planned projects
• Expansion into Canada eyed, attorney retained to help seek Canadian licenses to import ETST’s CBD-rich hemp oil into country
• ETST would also use funding for MSN-2, its home kit for the detection of sexually transmitted diseases

Earth Science Tech, Inc. (OTC: ETST) is working toward an uplisting to the OTCQB Venture Market in early 2018. It has also retained counsel for a planned Regulation A+ Tier 2 round of financing, which the company hopes will raise an aggregate of $4 million (http://ibn.fm/v2gKV). The funds would be used to finance its planned projects in the new year and for general working capital (http://ibn.fm/bbx4q), with share cancellation by company founders counteracting dilution.

ETST is also eyeing expansion into Canada in 2018, and it has appointed an attorney who will serve as consultant for ETST’s activities in that country, Avi Levi, Esq. (http://ibn.fm/LmBS1). He will help the company apply for licenses to import its CBD-rich hemp oil into Canada. It will then be exported to various countries as raw hemp oil or in individual ready-to-consume bottles, the company said.

Dr. Michel Aube, CEO and chief scientific officer of the company, said, “With the funds being raised through the Regulation A+ offering, we will be in a position to begin finalizing all of our projects while we pursue grants from the Canadian government to cover our MSN-2 medical device, CBD patent pending formulas and CBD based generic pharmaceutical drugs.”

The MSN-2 device is prepared for third-party evaluation ahead of manufacture and commercialization. The MSN-2 device is a home kit designed for the detection of sexually transmitted diseases.

ETST is a biotechnology company operating in the fields of hemp cannabinoid pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and medical device R&D. Its hemp CBD is made using the liquid extraction process. As a result, its CBD oil is 100 percent natural and organic, as noted by the company.

ETST has three wholly owned subsidiaries. First, Earth Science Pharma, Inc. specializes in the development of medical devices for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases. Second, Cannabis Therapeutics, Inc. works to explore the medicinal powers of CBD. Cannabis Therapeutics holds a provisional application patent for a CBD product which develops treatments for ovarian and breast cancers. Third, KannaBidioid, Inc. focuses on the recreational cannabis space.

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

• Investor interest nearly doubles size of placement
• Company’s 2017 revenues soared 438 percent year-over-year
• On pace to double number of testing facilities this year

The regulatory uncertainties surrounding cannabis will have little impact on the long-term growth of the industry. There’s overwhelming scientific evidence validating the medical efficacy of certain cannabinoids and, like all medications, cannabinoids require quality control assurances for potency and purity. Also, much like prohibition, it’s realistic to expect parochial federal regulators to ultimately succumb to the will of the majority and relax any uncertainties around recreational cannabis use. Again, the end product must be tested and screened for potency and any potentially harmful byproducts.

EVIO, Inc. (OTCQB: EVIO) is the established national leader in such testing and verification, providing accredited cannabis testing, as well as high-quality analytical and consulting services for agricultural and biomedical industries in the United States. Operating coast-to-coast, the company’s EVIO Labs division provides state-mandated ancillary services to ensure both safety and quality of the nation’s cannabis supply. The company provides state-of the-art analytical testing and advisory services, and it performs extensive product research in its accredited laboratory testing facilities.

In a recent vote of confidence for EVIO, as well as in the long-term viability and opportunities in the cannabis industry, EVIO just closed a $5,973,000 private placement. The initial target of $3 million was nearly doubled due to investor interest in EVIO’s uniquely scalable business model and scientific expertise in the cannabis testing space (http://ibn.fm/n0wfL).

Market savants fully understand that fresh capital seldom flows to dead-end deals, and doubling the raise is a significant signal of potential success. The best-efforts offering was completed on January 30 through lead agent and bookrunner Dominick Capital Corporation of Toronto, Canada.

As further evidence of EVIO’s growth curve, the company reported a 438 percent revenue increase on a year-over-year basis in its fiscal year ended September 30, 2017 (http://ibn.fm/HIxjJ). The vast majority of this growth came from increased testing revenue, which was up 782 percent, while consulting services increased by 27 percent.

EVIO has grown from one laboratory in Oregon to nine fully operational laboratories in California, Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts and Oregon, and it intends to open 18 laboratory facilities at other locations around the United States by the end of 2018.

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

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• Net Element is looking forward to continued growth in 2018
• 2017 held a number of accomplishments, including the company’s strongest balance sheet and a $7.55 million investment
• Over the past year, Net Element has produced important product launches in the U.S. and internationally

Net Element, Inc. (NASDAQ: NETE) is looking forward to continual development and delivery of innovative payment solutions in 2018 and beyond. According to a recent press release (http://ibn.fm/pyT6n), last year provided the company with its strongest balance sheet on record. In 2017, Net Element re-focused business initiatives internationally and saw organic growth across all categories. In a news release, CEO Oleg Firer said that the company’s leadership team is very pleased with the progress made and looks “forward to significant accomplishments in 2018 to include the addition of blockchain technology that will act as a framework for an unlimited number of value-added services.” According to Firer, the future looks promising as the company remains focused on the execution of its long-term objective “to create a single, international on-boarding and transaction processing platform across payments ecosystems.”

In 2017, the company received a $7.55 million institutional investment, supporting continued organic growth and ensuring full scalability of its platform, as well as blockchain-focused developments. Deloitte’s 2017 Technology Fast 500™ ranked Net Element as one of the fastest-growing companies in North America. The year before, 2016, South Florida Business Journal ranked Net Element as one of the fastest-growing technology companies. When Hurricane Irma hit, the company was ready and able to support affected Florida SMB merchants with free mobile point-of-sale credit card readers. Net Element works to provide virtually seamless payment solutions and powerful problem-solving expertise to the small to medium enterprises it serves. The $7.55 million investment has put the company in position to continue achieving organic growth as it moves forward with innovative blockchain developments.

The company competes in highly competitive market segments using innovative technology at the core of its products. In 2017, Net Element launched several successful products to better the user experience. The products launched exclusively in the United States included a same-day ACH payment processing solution, a zero-fee processing program for SMB merchants and PayOnline’s support for electronic commerce. In Russia, the company launched Apple Pay support. Additional product launches included loyalty programs for merchants; a payment acceptance module for Telegram, Viber and Facebook; VK instant messenger apps; a comprehensive point-of-sale program during Unified Payments’ 2017 Launch Series at the Northeast Acquirers Association event; and an ISO incubator program for certified resellers of Unified Payments. NETE also expanded payment modules to include Prominent InSales.

Net Element has goals in the United States and internationally. In the U.S., it seeks to grow transactional revenue. By using blockchain technology and Aptito, a cloud-based, restaurant and retail point-of-sale solution, the company aims to grow transactional revenue. Internationally, it leverages an omni-channel platform, delivering flexible offerings to emerging markets.

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

• Heightened share price target for PotNetwork Holding Inc. set at $1.25
• Previous market estimates, exceeded by over 70 percent, show positive month-to-month sales for PotNetwork Holdings Inc.
• SeeThruEquity report highlights the greatly lowered legal and physiological risk from hemp-derived CBD

A recent comprehensive report by SeeThruEquity highlighting PotNetwork Holding Inc. (OTC: POTN) and its subsidiary, Diamond CBD, projected a heightened share price target set at $1.25. The increase was attributed to the company’s strong monthly sales data and 3Q17 filings (http://ibn.fm/yCn1c). Per the report, these indicated “continued profitability as the company invests in growth.”

In a prior news release, Dr. Richard Goulding, CEO of PotNetwork Holding Inc., stated, “It is very rewarding to experience this type of growth and success, and all the more pleasing to see an acknowledgement of our collective efforts in the marketplace.” This statement followed news that the company’s previously announced estimates of $8.3 million were exceeded by over 70 percent, reaching $14.5 million due to rapid month-to-month growth in sales (http://ibn.fm/wBGTB).

SeeThruEquity’s report highlighted that hemp derived from CBD can provide a legal alternative to marijuana-based CBD, which is banned by federal law. This allows consumers to make use of CBD products without the risk of experiencing a ‘high’ or infringing on government law. The projected market for hemp-derived CBD is expected to grow at a CAGR of roughly 53 percent through 2020, positioning it among the fastest-growing segments within the multi-billion dollar legal cannabis and hemp market.

Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the most researched derivatives of cannabis, a psychoactive drug also known as marijuana (http://ibn.fm/5oEOJ). The traditional ‘high’ associated with this drug is largely thanks to the presence of THC, and, while CBD is a structural isomer of THC (meaning that it has the same chemical composition), the atomic structure is arranged differently, offering many of the same health benefits without the psychoactive effects of THC. Based on numerous studies, CBD has demonstrated the capacity to produce a number of effects on the endocannabinoid system (ECS), including boosting immune system function, reducing sensations of pain, playing a role in inflammatory response and altering appetite, mood, memory and energy levels.

With the advancement of technology and ongoing research of the medicinal qualities of CBD, it is possible that these products could, potentially, serve as substitutes for harmful medications that are currently on the market. The natural healing properties are being assessed on a global level, and several journals have already noted the economic impact of CBD in general. Matt Karnes of Greenwave Advisors, in an interview with Forbes, stated, “In terms of the CBD market size, I estimate an almost $3 billion market by 2021. Right now, there are 15 states that allow CBD only — this is in addition to the 28 states plus DC that have legalized medical marijuana.”

Numerous studies on the positive effects of cannabinoids and THC have paved the way for legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes in Canada and the U.S. A focus report by Mackie Research Capital Corp. (http://ibn.fm/5ZX6c) notes that (based on internal models) the Canadian marijuana market is expected to increase in size quickly, with the forecast peak in market size to exceed C$2.5 billion by 2020. With the United States presenting various states in which medicinal marijuana is legal, the market size for these states (most notably Colorado, Arizona, Oregon and Michigan) is projected to record a significant increase in growth from 2015 to 2020. For the above-mentioned states, the Colorado market is expected to reach more than $1.5 billion, Arizona is expected to exceed $453 million, Oregon could increase to $330 million and Michigan is expected to rise to $556 million, all by 2020.

PotNetwork Holding Inc. is a publicly traded company that acts as a holding company for a number of subsidiaries, namely First Capital Venture Co., PotNetwork.com, and Diamond CBD, Inc. The latter focuses on research, development and multinational marketing of hemp extracts containing a wide variety of cannabinoids and natural hemp derivatives. Diamond CBD’s team of hemp industry pioneers, chemists, doctors, scientists and natural product experts aims to produce high-grade CBD oil, providing a variety of CBD oils, tinctures, edibles and vape liquids.

In a previous news release (http://ibn.fm/ssK7h), Goulding added, “[W]e are proud, and think our shareholders should be too, that on December 13, 2017 PotNetwork Holding was named by Huffington Post, a prominent major national news source, as “One of Five Notable CBD Revolution Industry Leaders’, an accolade that pays tribute to the company’s achievements and future prospects.”

Goulding further noted, “2017 has been a phenomenally successful year for us! Our unprecedented sales growth pays tribute to the hard work of our staff and our resellers, and the exceptional quality of our CBD product line which expanded greatly over 2017.” He also emphasized that the company is poised for growth during 2018 and it embarks on new and unique marketing initiatives and embraces new opportunities.

Without question, the recent report by SeeThruEquity highlighting PotNetwork Holding Inc. and Diamond CBD projects not only an increased share price target, but also a positive expansion of the company within this multi-billion dollar arena. With an ever-increasing demand for safer products of this nature that abide by all governing regulations, PotNetwork Holding Inc., also with its subsidiaries, has its foot in the door of tomorrow’s market.

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

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Pursuant to the applicable federal law, the sale or distribution of CBD with less than 0.03% of tetrahydrocannabinol by retailers may be permissible in all states. However, the local, state and federal laws regarding these issues tend to remain in flux and should be accordingly reviewed by local counsel and, as such, legal advice is not intended, but specifically disclaimed.

• Company’s IP portfolio, including proprietary technology and biosynthetic methods, features seven U.S. patents and patent filings in numerous other key countries around the world
• Eliminating the high costs of cultivating plants, Teewinot Life Sciences Corporation delivers pure, consistent pharmaceutical-grade cannabinoids
• Company’s goal is to cut costs and approach cannabinoid production like a pharmaceutical company, not as a cannabis firm

Teewinot Life Sciences Corporation has an advantage in consistently producing pure, clinical-grade cannabinoids with its patented biosynthetic technology. The results eliminate the watering and electrical costs of traditional plant cultivation, as well as the variances in quality. Instead, its method offers low-cost cannabinoids in a pure, consistent clinical grade.

Teewinot Life Sciences is a Tampa, Florida-based global biopharmaceutical company focused on cannabinoid clinical development utilizing patented and proprietary synthetic biology and biocatalysis technology. Its strategy involves the production and use of cannabinoid molecules. The goal of the company is to produce, at lower cost, consistent and pure cannabinoids that it believes can be used to develop superior human therapies.

The company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries have patented technologies that produce individual cannabinoids at commercial scale for a wide variety of markets. It approaches the process as a straight medical company, not as a marijuana firm. Its process involves the pharmaceutical manufacture of cannabinoids through biocatalysis and synthetic biology.

Cannabinoid biosynthetic enzymes are produced in microorganisms transformed with cannabinoid biosynthetic genes. Those enzymes are then used to manufacture pharmaceutically-pure cannabinoids.

The goal is to improve human therapies. The company has now secured seven U.S. patents and has a portfolio of patent applications in a number of countries. Teewinot Life Sciences has subsidiaries in Ireland and Canada.

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

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In a testament to the value of corporate communications, West Corporation recently announced that it will acquire Nasdaq’s (NASDAQ: NDAQ) Public Relations Solutions and Digital Media Services, both segments of Nasdaq’s Corporate Solutions business. Valued at $335 million, the acquisition dovetails with West Corporation’s technology-driven communication services, which include unified communications services, safety services, interactive services such as automated notifications, specialized agent services and telecom services. Nasdaq’s Corporate Solutions business provides an array of intelligence and communications tools, technology and advisory services to help businesses better engage investors, the investment community and the public. Nasdaq said it would use the proceeds of the deal for share buybacks.

The deal shows not only the value of information, but, even more importantly, the value of effective corporate communications. In an increasingly cluttered environment of irrelevant information and an overload of news, cutting through the cacophony of noise and confusion is proving to have enormous worth. Businesses around the world are searching for better ways to disseminate information and efficiently communicate messages and value propositions.

West Corporation was purchased last year by New York-based private-equity firm Apollo Global Management. Private equity firms are renowned for finding and buying undervalued companies in high growth sectors, tweaking the business to enhance value, then selling or spinning off segments for exceptional returns. The acquisition of Nasdaq’s communications segments by West reveals the inherent and future value that private equity places on corporate communications.

In a news release announcing the acquisition, John Shlonsky, chief executive officer of West Corporation stated, “This acquisition will complement and broaden our portfolio of products and services. We see tremendous opportunity to grow and enhance this business. We are also excited to partner with NASDAQ and add the talented Public Relations Solutions and Digital Media Services teams to West.”

Products and services acquired in the transaction include:

• GlobeNewswire: a global press release distribution platform and media contacts database with analytics
• Webhosting: a web hosting service purpose-built for investor relations and external communications functions
• Webcasting: a multimedia service that publishes webcasts, webinars, video presentations and other content
• Media Intelligence: a media monitoring and analyst-curated daily news reporting service
• Influencers Database: a service to identify and connect with relevant journalists and social media profiles

Nasdaq also entered an exclusive multi-year partnership with West to provide Nasdaq clients seamless access to the products and services included in the transaction.

Businesses around the world have long realized – and now private equity has verified – the immense value of effective corporate communications.

To view the full press release, please visit http://ibn.fm/eoH8d

• Despite China’s ban on cryptocurrency, CIIX is positioned to lead the way in cryptocurrency education and awareness for the Chinese-speaking community
• Demand for bitcoin continues to rise despite China’s ban on cryptocurrency
• Company is committed to the education and growth of cryptocurrency and providing innovative ways of making bitcoin more accessible

ChineseInvestors.com, Inc. (OTCQB: CIIX) is continuing its commitment to cryptocurrency education and awareness for the Chinese-speaking community. Its educational services seek to answer the average person’s curiosity while simultaneously providing skilled investors with up-to-date news on digital currency. Using the Chinese language character sets, CIIX provides analysis and education that is accessible to the Chinese-speaking community worldwide. CIIX provides information on how to purchase bitcoin, real-time market commentary and consulting services, as well as advertising and public relations services.

Cryptocurrency is appealing in that it allows investors to diversify their portfolios. This shift away from traditional investment opportunities brings with it an air of excitement. Bitcoin is being exchanged by investors in unregulated offline platforms in an effort to bypass China’s ban (http://ibn.fm/MNRpC). The scarcity of bitcoin, and the complexity of mining new coins, is part of the draw. Despite a recent post by China’s Communist Party paper bashing bitcoin and insisting that cryptocurrency is a load of hype, demand has continued to rise (http://ibn.fm/kqchC).

CIIX is committed to raising awareness and education surrounding bitcoin. The company now hosts a daily broadcast from the NYSE, titled ‘Bitcoin MultiMillionaire’, with the intent of educating Chinese-speaking viewers on the most current news in cryptocurrency. In addition, CIIX is committed to bitcoin growth and has installed a bitcoin ATM in the lobby of its headquarters in San Gabriel, California. The Chinese middle and upper class is growing and looking for new ways to diversify their portfolios. ChineseInvestors.com is ready and able to offer them innovative accessibility to cryptocurrency.

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

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• A merger between Skinvisible and Quoin will enable a successful entry on the post-surgical pain management market
• Opioids – which typically refer to oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl – are highly addictive painkillers; nearly three in 10 Americans prescribed opioids for chronic pain will abuse them
• Opioids are becoming increasingly deadly to Americans; in 2016, two-thirds of drug-related deaths involved opioids; in fact, since 1999, opioid-related deaths in the United States have increased nearly fourfold
• Drug abuse is a burden shared by every state; nearly 63,600 Americans lost their lives to drug overdoses in 2016 – a 21 percent increase over the previous year; from 2000 to 2016, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 600,000 people died from drug overdoses in the United States
• Every 25 minutes, a baby in the United States is born suffering from opioid withdrawal

Skinvisible, Inc. (OTCQB: SKVI) previously announced the signing of a Letter of Intent for a proposed merger with Quoin Pharmaceuticals Limited – a partnership that could address significant unmet medical needs on the pain management market. If both parties agree on the terms, the merger should be completed this year, and the resulting entity will operate under the name Quoin Pharmaceuticals Inc. and will continue to trade on the OTCQB market.

Quoin’s strength is within the area of pharmaceutical product development for products that address some of the most serious present-day health problems. Skinvisible is the developer of innovative delivery system technologies that can enhance product delivery and performance.

Quoin’s lead product is QRX001 – a transdermal NMDA receptor antagonist for the effective treatment of pain following surgery. QRX001 delivers up to 72 hours of effective pain relief after surgical interventions. Almost 30 clinical studies have been performed to date on the NMDA receptor antagonist, clearly showing that sub-anesthetic doses reduced 24-hour PCA morphine consumption; reduced post-operative nausea and vomiting; reduced pain intensity; resulted in adverse events that were mild or absent; and generated better results than any other single product or combination. The aim of the product is to also reduce the use of opioids for pain management following an operation.

Upon the product’s launch, QRX001 is expected to provide surgeons with a new and effective alternative to opioids. Opioid abuse has reached an epidemic level in the U.S., with opioid overdoses causing more than 90 deaths per day (http://ibn.fm/dTd9u). This number has grown exponentially in the past decade, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with opioid use remaining widespread despite the risks. Today, approximately 12 million Americans report that they use pain killers in a non-medicinal way.

The opioid market in the U.S. is estimated at $6 billion annually. With the opioid epidemic now deemed a National Health Emergency, there is a significant push to find new products that reduce or eliminate their use, particularly in a post-surgical setting, which is where 50 percent of people who become addicted first become exposed to these drugs.

In addition to wrecking lives, opioid abuse poses a massive burden on the economy. Adding up money lost from costs related to health care, addiction treatment, reduced work productivity and crime, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the economic burden of the opioid crisis is more than $78.5 billion per year.

Almost half of the victims were first introduced to opioids after undergoing surgery. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 100 million surgeries take place in the U.S. every year (http://ibn.fm/6Tbem). At least 50 million of these surgical interventions necessitate the use of post-operative pain management pharmaceuticals.

Currently, the pain management market in the U.S. is fueled by a number of sectors. The most prominent ones include post-operative pain relief, arthritis pain, cancer pain, migraine and neuropathic pain. As larger Western populations age and become susceptible to an array of medical conditions, the need for new pain management developments will grow even further. The partnership between Skinvisible and Quoin perfectly positions the two companies to address these growing unmet needs on the pain management market.

The Skinvisible announcement states that new technologies and product synergies between the two companies could potentially provide significant value to shareholders after the merger. Together, Skinvisible and Quoin could maximize their product development opportunities, as noted by Skinvisible President Terry Howlett. The official news release also included a disclaimer regarding ‘forward looking’ statements.

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

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