The Chief Commercial Officer Summit, organized by Dynamic Global Events (“DGE”), returns to Philadelphia, PA, this fall. The 3rd Chief Commercial Officer Summit is scheduled for October 23-24, 2024, taking on a hybrid format. The in-person event is being held at The Inn at Penn – Hilton Hotel, conveniently located just six miles from the Philadelphia International Airport. Organizers will also be streaming the event live to a virtual audience, with the online option also allowing attendees to follow the sessions whenever and wherever on demand.

The 3rd Chief Commercial Officer Summit is expected to bring together leaders and professionals in the biotech, pharma, and medical device and diagnostics sectors. And, as the annual meeting place for chief commercial officers (“CCOs”), the summit promises to introduce professionals to market leaders making a difference in their respective spaces.

Additionally, the event forms an ideal setting for attendees to learn about the fundamental vision and out-of-box strategies for driving commercial growth and operational excellence. The summit will examine the potential impact of the 2024 presidential election on the life sciences industry; discuss the skills, capabilities and processes for moving from clinical to commercial; the CCO career path; and it will also look into how M&A or shifts in leadership can transform organizational culture.

Attendees will also gain insight into when to independently navigate the market, engage in co-promotion, or fully out-license assets, as well as how to integrate a commercial perspective into clinical trial recruitment to enhance communications. Moreover, they will learn about ways to negotiate market access with channel partners such as payers, wholesalers, distributors, and pharmacy benefit managers (“PBMs”).

With a lineup of distinguished speakers drawn from companies in the biopharma and medical devices spaces, and multiple opportunities to network, the two-day event is the best opportunity to gain insights, establish relationships, and generate fresh ideas. This list of speakers includes the likes of Christina Larkin, CEO of Mobius Care; Geoff Birkett, CCO of Ensysce Biosciences; Charmaine Lykins, a Commercial Strategy Advise and former CCO of MapLight Therapeutics; John Harlow, CCO of Melinta Therapeutics; and Ferrell Simon, CCO of Trevi, just to mention a few.

The summit kicks off early on October 23 with opening remarks from Robert Francomano, CCO of Synox Therapeutics, followed by a presentation titled “Potential Impact of 2024 Presidential Election on the Life Sciences Industry” by Jason Slotnik, Partner at Health Policy Strategies. The next item on the agenda will be a fireside chat, followed by a networking refreshment break, with attendees then returning for additional educational presentations, a second fireside chat, and a panel discussion summarizing CCO best practices. The second day is equally jam-packed, with a cocktail of insightful presentations and networking sessions that are all curated around this year’s theme: Vision and Strategy for Driving Commercial Growth and Excellence.

To learn more, visit https://ibn.fm/V4lww

The Finovate platform showcases innovations, technologies and new applications to an audience consisting of senior executives, experts, financial institutions, credit unions, and VCs, from all across the globe. Every demo hosted by fintech companies demonstrates unique innovations, technology and products.

Finovate events are meticulously curated conferences for and by executives of the fintech spectrum. Thousands of executives, companies and investors from around the globe attend the conferences to learn the latest trends and technology in the fintech world. These visionaries offer sharp insights and strategies on the important aspects of the industry. Upcoming and established companies/individuals are selected by the Finovate team to give demos where they pitch their business/services.

The outstanding demos that catch everyone’s attention are selected for the Finovate Awards. This year, the Finovate team selected 24 winners of the 2024 Finovate Awards. The selection involved a rigorous process, and every entrepreneur, company or organization competed with several other competitors to find a place in the winning slot.

The Finovate Awards congratulate veterans and newcomers who have delivered state-of-the-art products and services to the financial sector. All winners have given phenomenal contributions to the fintech landscape and developed cutting-edge solutions.

To learn more, please visit https://ibn.fm/vlSsH.

• The company is seeking an accelerated approval regulatory pathway for CNM-Au8^® for ALS.
• The FDA agreed to an in-person meeting to reevaluate Clene’s submission.
• Lead drug candidate CNM-Au8 has been shown to restore and protect neurological function, offering hope for patients with neurodegenerative conditions.
• The FDA meeting will be held before the end of November and will be attended by top FDA officials and key opinion leaders in ALS, biostatistics and biomarkers.

Clene (NASDAQ: CLNN) and its wholly owned subsidiary Clene Nanomedicine Inc., a late clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on improving mitochondrial health and protecting neuronal function to treat neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (“ALS”) and multiple sclerosis (“MS”), announced an upcoming meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) leadership to discuss lead candidate CNM-Au8^®.

According to a company press release, the in-person meeting will be held before the end of November 2024 and will focus on the company’s CNM-Au8 biomarker and related clinical and survival data for ALS. The meeting will be attended by FDA’s Director of the Office on New Drugs, the Director of the Office of Neuroscience, and the Division of Neurology 1 (“DN1”) review team, as well as recognized key opinion leaders in ALS, biostatistics and biomarkers (https://ibn.fm/UgpSj).

The meeting comes after Clene submitted CNM-Au8 biomarker and clinical efficacy data to the FDA in a Type C meeting request, seeking approval to file a New Drug Application (“NDA”) using the accelerated approval regulatory pathway for ALS. DN1 responded that Clene’s briefing package for CNM-Au8 was not supportive of an NDA submission under the accelerated approval pathway. However, following further discussions, the FDA agreed to meet in person to reevaluate Clene’s submission.

“Clene looks forward to the opportunity to have experts present their views to the FDA and address questions on ALS biomarkers, related clinical endpoints and survival data, all of which Clene believes are essential for the understanding of its CNM-Au8,” the company release said.

The company also voiced appreciation for the FDA’s use of process and regulatory flexibility to obtain the best outcome for people living with ALS.

CNM-Au8 is an investigational first-in-class therapy that improves central nervous system cells’ survival and function via a mechanism that targets mitochondrial function and the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (“NAD”) pathway while reducing oxidative stress.

An oral suspension of gold nanocrystals, CNM-Au8 works by improving cellular energy production and utilization, crucial for maintaining neuronal health. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a common pathway leading to neuronal death in neurodegenerative diseases. By targeting this dysfunction, CNM-Au8 aims to provide neuroprotection and promote remyelination, potentially altering the course of these debilitating conditions, providing a dual benefit that sets it apart from existing therapies.

Clene has conducted extensive clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of CNM-Au8. Two recent independently conducted Phase 2 clinical trials, RESCUE-ALS and HEALEY ALS Platform Trials, yielded encouraging results, as participants saw improvement in survival rates and delays in clinical worsening, defined as first occurrence of death (or death and permanent assisted ventilation), tracheostomy, need for invasive ventilatory support, or feeding tube placement.

Additionally, Clene has more than 700 patient-years of safety data that show no significant safety concerns or safety trends identified. No serious adverse events have been identified as related to CNM-Au8 treatment by any clinical trial investigators to date. CNM-Au8 has the potential to capture a significant share of the therapeutic market for both ALS and MS by working in conjunction with existing treatments to improve function and increase survival rates. 

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

• New battery technologies are being researched and developed to rival lithium-ion batteries in terms of efficiency, cost and sustainability.
• Lithium-sulfur batteries could offer advantages over lithium-ion batteries, including increased range and storage capacity.
• Companies working in this space include Lion Battery Technologies Inc. founded by Platinum Group Metals Ltd. and Anglo American Platinum Limited.

The battery of choice these days, relied on to power everything from digital devices to electric vehicles and even energy-storage systems, is the lithium-ion battery. However, lithium-ion technology has its drawbacks; consequently, other battery solutions are being developed, including lithium sulfur. Through its subsidiary Lion Battery, Platinum Group Metals (NYSE American: PLG) (TSX: PTM) is working to strengthen its foothold in the lithium-sulfur space.

“Most battery-powered devices, from smartphones and tablets to electric vehicles and energy storage systems, rely on lithium-ion battery technology,” reported a recent Built-In article (https://ibn.fm/qVVJL). “Because lithium-ion batteries are able to store a significant amount of energy in such a small package, charge quickly and last long, they became the battery of choice for new devices.

“But new battery technologies are being researched and developed to rival lithium-ion batteries in terms of efficiency, cost and sustainability,” the article continued. “While lithium-ion batteries have come a long way in the past few years, especially when it comes to extending the life of a smartphone on full charge or how far an electric car can travel on a single charge, they’re not without their problems. The biggest concerns — and major motivation for researchers and startups to focus on new battery technologies — are related to safety, specifically fire risk, and the sustainability of the materials used in the production of lithium-ion batteries, namely cobalt, nickel and magnesium.”

The article noted that many of these new battery technologies aren’t reinventing the wheel; rather, they’re exploring the potential of different materials when it comes to powering devices or storing energy. Such is the case with lithium-sulfur technology, which relies on sulfur for the battery’s cathode. Because sulfur is more sustainable than nickel and cobalt, which are often used in a battery anode with lithium metal, the possibilities are promising.

Lion Battery was jointly formed in 2019 by Platinum Group and Anglo American Platinum to accelerate the development of next-generation battery technology using platinum and palladium. Since inception the Lion team has focused on the development of proprietary lithium sulfur technology and enhancing the performance of existing commercial lithium-ion (“NMC”) chemistries. Lion has a sponsored research agreement with Florida International University (“FIU”) including exclusive rights to all intellectual property developed and will lead commercialization efforts. To date the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has granted five patents related to research conducted by FIU on behalf of Lion.

“Lithium-sulfur batteries are believed to be more efficient than lithium-ion batteries, which could increase the range and storage capacity of electric vehicles,” Built-In reported. “Additionally, sulfur is affordable and abundant, which could mean lower costs. And since the manufacturing process for these batteries is like the one used for lithium-ion batteries, the same facilities could also be used for production. Advancements in lithium-sulfur batteries have also resulted in faster charging and made them useful for raising the storage capacity of renewable energy technologies.”

Lion Battery has engaged The Battery Innovation Center (“BIC”) in Newberry, Indiana, to help drive commercialization of its next generation platinum and palladium based battery chemistries. The BIC is completing independent small scale and large scale trials to validate Lion’s proprietary platinum and palladium based electrode composition, slurry and films in both lithium-sulfur and lithium-ion (“NMC811”) coin and pouch cells. Collaboration also includes additional research and development focused on improving performance and scale-up with the goal of creating prototypes for commercialization consideration in late 2024. Lion’s target is to develop batteries with specific energies that are 20% to 100% higher than current technologies while meeting or exceeding their present cycle lives.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.PlatinumGroupMetals.net.

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

The 2024 MoneyShow/TradersEXPO Orlando will be held on Oct. 17-18 at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate in Central Florida. The MoneyShow conference is an interactive platform for networking, education and collaborative experiences. Attendees will get valuable insights from money experts on personal portfolio management right before the U.S. presidential elections. Distinguished financial leaders will grace the conference stage to guide traders and investors with their experience and wisdom.

MoneyShow has a 43-year history of offering expertise, connections and education, to active traders and investors, helping them best position their portfolios in all market environments. MoneyShow’s platform connects traders and investors with experts who are skilled portfolio managers, financial journalists, best-selling authors, market analysts, and newsletter editors.

At the Orlando conference, attendees will learn critical insights on the market and economy. They can use these tips and advice to streamline their financial and investment decisions. Attendees can also make long-term business connections and engage directly with eminent speakers in ways they could never otherwise do.

The three-day event will include discussion panels, keynote speaker sessions, and training workshops for executives, traders, and investors, helping them identify the best market opportunities and learn how to execute seamless and timely trade entries and exits.

Meanwhile, the on-site exhibit hall will showcase the latest products, technologies and financial tools that attendees can test-drive on the spot. Attendees will learn to capitalize on the latest market trends during live trading and podcast recording sessions.

Participants will also get to collect autographed copies of their favorite books and get a chance to get their queries answered on-the-spot. Recreational activities are also available, allowing conference-goers to unwind and connect with other attendees while enjoying drinks in a casual setting.

To learn more, please visit https://ibn.fm/pbi4d

• Europe’s energy landscape has undergone significant changes recently, in part due to the geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
• Türkiye’s energy demand is growing rapidly with an expanding economy and population.
• Amid this growth, Trillion Energy International has emerged as a significant player in the natural gas sector.

The demand for natural gas in Europe and Türkiye is on the rise, driven by a combination of geopolitical, economic and environmental factors. As the world grapples with energy security and sustainability, natural gas has emerged as a crucial component of the energy mix in these regions. The increased demand for natural gas is prompting a call for enhanced production, with companies such as Trillion Energy International (CSE: TCF) (OTCQB: TRLEF), a Canadian oil and gas exploration and production company, playing a pivotal role in meeting these needs.

Europe’s energy landscape has undergone significant changes in recent years, in part due to the geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine (https://ibn.fm/OcTh0). The conflict has disrupted traditional gas supplies from Russia, prompting European nations to seek alternative sources of energy. Natural gas is seen as a crucial transition fuel that can help bridge the gap between coal and renewable energy sources. It is cleaner than coal and oil and produces fewer carbon emissions, making it an essential part of Europe’s strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring a stable energy supply.

In Türkiye, the situation is somewhat different but equally compelling. Türkiye’s energy demand is growing rapidly due to its expanding economy and population (https://ibn.fm/6QD1K). The country’s strategic location as an energy transit hub has increased its role in regional energy dynamics. Türkiye is working to diversify its energy sources to reduce dependence on imports and enhance energy security. Natural gas is a key element in this strategy, providing a reliable and relatively cleaner energy source to support economic growth and meet domestic energy needs.

Amid this growing demand, Trillion Energy International has emerged as a significant player in the natural gas sector. The company has been actively involved in natural gas production in Türkiye, where it operates the South Akçakoca Sub-Basin (“SASB”) gas project. This project is strategically important for Türkiye’s energy goals because it aims to increase domestic natural gas production and reduce reliance on imported energy.

A recent update on Trillion Energy International’s production highlights the progress the company is making (https://ibn.fm/kazL9). According to the latest article, Trillion Energy has reported significant advancements in its production capabilities. The company has successfully completed several key milestones in the SASB project, including drilling and testing new wells. These efforts have led to increased production rates and have enhanced the overall efficiency of the gas field.

Specifically, the company noted that the Akcakoca-3 well at the SASB Gas Field was perforated in July 2024 and has now been put into production, producing at 4.66 million cubic feet per day.

“We are thrilled with the strong performance of Akcakoca-3 and the successful flow tests at Alapli-2,” said Trillion Energy CEO Arthur Halleran. “All the wells except Bayhanli-2 have now been put on production or flow tested to ascertain if gas is present and capable of production in the 4-½-inch production tubing. This confirms that once the 2-3/8-inch is installed in the wells, the gas will flow in a predictable and stable manner.”

The report emphasizes Trillion Energy’s commitment to further expanding its operations. The company is focused on increasing its production capacity to meet the region’s rising demand for natural gas. By investing in new technology and exploring additional reserves, Trillion Energy is well positioned to contribute significantly to the natural gas supply in Europe and Türkiye.

Trillion Energy International is focused on oil and natural gas production for Europe and Türkiye with natural gas assets in Türkiye. The company is 49% owner of the SASB natural gas field, a Black Sea natural gas development, and has a 19.6% interest (except three wells with 9.8%) in the Cendere oil field.

For more information regarding Trillion Energy, visit the company’s website at www.TrillionEnergy.com.

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

• The partnership is aimed at furthering quantum education and industry adoption efforts
• D-Wave will engage with the Chicago Quantum Exchange (“CQE”) community on materials science research, quantum education, and the development of practical optimization use cases across multiple sectors
• D-Wave’s technology, products and training are expected to play a role in the efforts to support and expand quantum commercialization in the Chicago region

D-Wave Quantum (NYSE: QBTS) (“D-Wave”), a leader in quantum computing systems, software and services, and the first commercial provider of quantum computers, has joined the Chicago Quantum Exchange (“CQE”), a leading quantum research hub connecting academia, industry and national labs. The partnership aims to further quantum education and accelerate the development and commercialization of quantum technology, with a focus on practical applications of D-Wave’s annealing quantum computing solutions (https://ibn.fm/HPXrV).

Founded in 1999, D-Wave is developing two types of superconducting quantum computers: annealing systems, currently at 5,000+-qubits, and gate-based systems. D-Wave offers cloud access to its annealing quantum computing systems as well as open-source software and support services for customers across a variety of sectors, including government, education, manufacturing, logistics, financial services, life sciences, retail and more.

The company is committed to helping its customers in these industries derive value from today’s quantum technologies by solving complex computational problems spanning optimization, research and artificial intelligence.

D-Wave brings its expertise in quantum computing to CQE’s growing ecosystem, offering unique resources to explore solutions for real-world problems across various sectors. The company aims to engage with the CQE community on materials science research, quantum education, and the development of practical optimization use cases, including for the manufacturing and logistics industries.

The corporate partnership between D-Wave and CQE was welcomed by David Awschalom, director of the Exchange and Liew Family Professor in Molecular Engineering and Physics at the University of Chicago. “Quantum computing has the potential to create new paths for solving some of society’s most difficult challenges, but to realize this vision, we need to accelerate industry adoption and ensure that the future quantum workforce has access to education programs geared toward real-world applications,” said Awschalom. “We look forward to collaborating with D-Wave to advance these shared goals.”

The CQE is based at the University of Chicago and supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Northwestern University, and Purdue University. The CQE includes about 50 corporate, international, nonprofit, and regional partners. 

D-Wave is also a member of MxD, a Chicago-based digital manufacturing innovation center focused on providing solutions for the domestic defense industrial base. MxD members can use D-Wave’s quantum computing technologies today to solve a variety of optimization problems, in the areas of logistics and manufacturing, materials sciences, mobility, supply chain management, and more.

Both MxD and the CQE are members of The Bloch Quantum Tech Hub, a coalition of industry, academic, government, and nonprofit stakeholders led by the CQE. Recently, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker announced a multi-year plan to support quantum commercialization in the region, and D-Wave’s technology, products and training are expected to play a role in these efforts.

Commenting on the partnership and D-Wave’s role in the region going forward, D-Wave CEO Dr. Alan Baratz reiterated that as the world’s first commercial quantum computing company, D-Wave is at the forefront of quantum innovation, education and adoption.

“Our efforts are well aligned with the Chicago Quantum Exchange’s mission of fostering a Midwest-based quantum community that advances quantum science, trains the future quantum workforce, and, ultimately, drives the quantum economy,” Dr. Baratz said. “We’re thrilled to join the CQE and look forward to working together to support its efforts in helping Chicago become a central driver of U.S. leadership in quantum.”

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 our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or any updates discussed under the caption “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in Part II of our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in our 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 us on the date hereof. We undertake no duty to update this information unless required by law.

• Police in Australia recently reported a data-sharing error that caused domestic violence victims’ addresses to be published to the offenders accused of harassing them
• The situation demonstrated the vulnerability of the police service’s public safety measures, leading to recommendation that at least one of the victims move to a new residence, and highlighting the critical need for advanced electronic monitoring (“EM”) technology for domestic violence offenders
• SuperCom Ltd., a secured tracking solutions provider for governments, is focused on ensuring that its superior PureConnect EM platform is available for tracking the movements of offenders under parole and probation supervision, including accused domestic violence offenders
• The company’s technology not only helps meet public safety concerns but also helps accused offenders to remain employed and active in society

Electronic monitoring (“EM”) technology innovator SuperCom (NASDAQ: SPCB) has built its PureSecurity suite as a public safety solution that draws on the most advanced technology to track the movements of potentially dangerous individuals who nevertheless are deemed a low enough risk that they can resume normal activities under observation.

The company’s end-to-end solution, helping justice systems worldwide reduce recidivism and improve offender rehabilitation, uses GPS tracking, communication, monitoring technologies, and real-time tracking and reporting to provide the best EM services.

PureProtect’s goal-driven design approach focuses on reducing domestic violence, supporting house arrest orders, and generally observing the movements of individuals involved in sensitive situations.

When the Queensland, Australia, state police recently reported it had received information from a media outlet that a “data system breach” had caused domestic violence victims’ addresses to be published to their accused offenders, the police service struggled to come up with a solution and advised at least one victim to move to a new home, according to The Associated Press (https://ibn.fm/VSQi1).

At least five victims in hiding were harassed by phone or email, and the police service’s records management system recorded the victims’ addresses as the place where the offenses took place, which were then included on published court paperwork (https://ibn.fm/MUt1p). While the police service ultimately set up CCTV government cameras at the victims’ homes as a means of security, the incidents serve as an example of how judicial systems could make better use of technology such as that offered by SuperCom to protect vulnerable individuals.

“Our GPS technology and 24/7 monitoring center services are perfectly aligned to meet the needs of their clients and operations, providing robust and reliable solutions to support their mission,” SuperCom President and CEO Ordan Trabelsi stated in an Aug. 29 news release (https://ibn.fm/KtfKf).

SuperCom’s flagship platform works in near real-time to transmit information on a monitored subject’s whereabouts, not only on a geographical footprint but also with elevation data, for more effective use in the 3-D landscape inhabited by apartment dwellers and office workers. The system also notifies victims via cell phone if an offender’s location is proximal to their location.

Another virtue of SuperCom’s technology is its streamlined presence, allowing offenders to wear it more discretely than traditional bulky ankle monitors, thus avoiding the social stigma that may accompany the more obvious presence of monitoring technology. In addition, the use of cell phone technology to quickly notify victims of offenders’ whereabouts serves as a simple and readily adaptable method.

The technology is a win-win for criminal justice systems, providing a valuable measure of public safety while also making it possible for qualifying offenders to avoid incarceration. That helps jail services reduce expenses and avoid overcrowding while also helping the offender to function gainfully in the community through employment and safe interactions.

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

• Lexaria, a global innovator in drug delivery platforms, announced the appointment of Richard Christopher as its new CEO, replacing Chris Bunka who will serve in his new capacity as Executive Strategic Advisor while remaining Chairman of the Board
• Lexaria also announced entering a Material Transfer Agreement with an undisclosed pharmaceutical industry partner, leading to speculation of which company has taken this formal step to get closer to Lexaria’s technology
• The company is focusing on this pharmaceutical industry collaboration and on investigations in cardiometabolic and GLP-1 sectors (alternative diabetes and obesity treatments), a huge sector that particularly needs its unmatched technology
• The company seems one step closer to exploiting commercial opportunities in the sector, with a goal toward associated commercialization of its patented DehydraTECH technology

Lexaria (NASDAQ: LEXX), a global innovator in drug delivery platforms, has, since 2016, worked on the development of its patented DehydraTECH(TM) technology. It has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to increase bio-absorption and has also evidenced an ability to deliver some drugs more effectively across the blood-brain barrier. These efforts have earned it 46 patents in the United States, European Union and other countries, with many more pending worldwide (https://ibn.fm/oDriC).

With the success achieved thus far, Lexaria is looking to pivot and focus on pharmaceutical industry collaboration and operations. To help steer it in the right direction, the company appointed Richard Christopher as its new CEO, effective Aug. 31, 2024. He will replace Chris Bunka, who will serve in his new capacity as Executive Strategic Advisor to the management team. He will continue to support and advise Lexaria and remain chairman of the board of directors.

“I’m delighted that I have been appointed to lead Lexaria,” noted Mr. Christopher. “The company is well positioned for an exciting period of growth centered around the advancement and improvement of drug delivery in the GLP-1 marketplace. We are preparing for an active and collaborative new era for Lexaria in the pharmaceutical industry,” he added (https://ibn.fm/8gIKQ).

Mr. Christopher will lend his vast experience spanning more than three decades in the medical device and pharmaceutical industries. He also has domestic and international experience in leadership, operations, acquisitions/licensing, business development, strategic planning, and capital markets. Most recently, he was the Chief Financial Officer at InVivo Therapeutics, a research and clinical-stage biomaterials and biotechnology company focusing on treating spinal cord injuries.

This appointment directly followed the Material Transfer Agreement with a pharmaceutical company (“PharmaCO”) to evaluate Lexaria’s DehydraTECH technology in a pre-clinical setting. Under the terms of the agreement, Lexaria will formulate and supply certain DehydraTECH compositions for use in animal studies. PharmaCo has been awarded a temporary exclusive license option limited to specific DehydraTECH concepts and formulations under examination, and the project should be completed within roughly six months or less (https://ibn.fm/rcOMf).

Lexaria is looking to double down on its DehydraTECH research and commercialization. This move points to this commitment and ushers in a new chapter for the company. Its management is optimistic about the future, not just from a commercial standpoint and creating shareholder value, but also by positively transforming human health.

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

• Open enrollment provides people with Medicare an opportunity to review options, make changes to coverage.
• Evaluating network, extra benefits can help individuals make important plan decisions.
• Astiva Health provides a wide range of valuable extra benefits, leading the industry with its generous grocery allowance and rebate programs, along with transportation services, fitness programs, vision and hearing care, and more.

As Medicare open enrollment approaches, eligible individuals have the chance to review their healthcare options and make important decisions about their coverage. Astiva Health, a leading Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (“MAPD”) health plan, stands out with its extensive network in Southern California and a broad array of benefits tailored to meet the unique needs of its members. Known for its industry-leading rebates and grocery benefits, Astiva Health is committed to offering a comprehensive solution that not only meets but exceeds the needs of its diverse member population.

Medicare open enrollment for 2024–2025 begins on Oct. 15, 2024, and closes on Dec. 7, 2024, as noted in a recent Medicare Advocates article (https://ibn.fm/eNHOB). During this time, Medicare beneficiaries can make changes to their coverage, including switching between plans, adding or dropping prescription drug coverage or transitioning between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare. Any changes made during this period will take effect on Jan. 1, 2025.

Astiva Health provides a standout option during this critical enrollment period, offering a health plan designed to meet the specialized needs of its members. A key feature of Astiva’s plans is its unmatched rebates and grocery benefits. Members are eligible to receive the full Part B premium rebate of $174.70 monthly, helping to alleviate the financial burden of healthcare costs. Additionally, members benefit from a grocery allowance ranging from $100 to $135 per month — a valuable resource to help cover the rising costs of food. These benefits directly support members who might otherwise struggle with basic expenses, giving them access to healthier food options and effectively managing their healthcare costs.

When evaluating their plan choices, Medicare beneficiaries are advised to consider several key elements, such as coverage for regular medications, access to extra benefits and overall plan costs. Astiva Health checks all these boxes. The company offers an extensive array of extra benefits, including transportation services for medical appointments, fitness programs, hearing and vision coverage, dental care and more.

For instance, Astiva Health members have access to reliable, nonemergency transportation for their medical needs and a choice of gym memberships or fitness programs. The company has partnered with VSP for comprehensive vision coverage and offers a unique hearing aid benefit with no network restrictions. Astiva also provides members with an over-the-counter allowance, allowing them to order necessary wellness and first-aid supplies directly to their homes.

Astiva’s focus on underserved communities in Southern California — covering counties such as Orange, San Diego, Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino — positions it as a leader in addressing the unique healthcare needs of seniors. The company’s culturally responsive approach to healthcare includes multilingual services, ensuring that members can access the care they need in a language they understand. In addition to its current reach, Astiva is also planning to expand into Northern California, further extending its benefits and services.

“We are dedicated to reshaping the landscape of personalized and comprehensive healthcare,” said Dr. Tri T. Nguyen, cofounder and CEO of Astiva Health. “Our industry-leading grocery and rebate benefits, combined with our comprehensive care offerings, ensure that our members receive the support they need to live healthier, fuller lives.”

As Medicare open enrollment kicks off, Astiva Health remains committed to being a leader in the Medicare Advantage space by offering a community-based, tailored healthcare plan that ensures its members receive the best care possible. With a dynamic approach to healthcare, the company continues to expand its reach and enhance the benefits it offers, making it a standout choice for Medicare beneficiaries.

For those interested in exploring investment opportunities with Astiva Health, more information can be found on their Investor Relations website at https://investor.astivahealth.com/.

For more information, visit www.AstivaHealth.com.

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