• Ucore Rare Metals Inc. is a critical metals process developer intent on establishing North American-based resources for rare earth element (“REE”) production
• The company has developed its trademarked RapidSX(TM) process for separating REEs from ore deposits, describing it as a faster and more environmentally friendly solution than the industry standard process
• Ucore regards the establishment of a North American-based supply chain for REEs as a critical need to maintain the industry’s independence from China-dominated sourcing and processing
• The U.S. Department of Defense recently awarded Ucore $4 million to demonstrate the capabilities of RapidSX(TM)
• A new NetworkNewsWire (“NNW”) audio broadcast and accompanying editorial outline the efforts of Ucore and a handful of other companies aiming to strengthen North American REE production

More than a decade has passed since the rare earth trades dispute between China, on one side, and several nations including the United States, on the other, erupted over China’s rare earth element (“REE”) export restrictions (https://ibn.fm/0gOCP).

During the interim, the incident has continued to raise alarms as governments and industries search for ways to break China’s iron grip on the global REE supply chain that supplies critical mined resources for modern high-tech devices that range from smartphones and electric vehicle batteries to Abrams tanks and F-35s. An opinion piece published by Fox News in January highlighted the concerns with its headline, “China could shut down our military in a minute if we don’t fix the looming rare earths supply crisis” (https://ibn.fm/gr73H).

China produces 92 percent of the world’s rare earth magnets and performs 85 percent of rare earth processing, as well as 63 percent of rare earth mining (https://ibn.fm/jghLX).

REE processing innovator Ucore Rare Metals (TSX.V: UCU) (OTCQX: UURAF) has been developing technology to disrupt the China-reliant nature of the market, aiming to empower North American industry to extract rare earths from their mined ores using a process superior to the current standard.

An audio broadcast and accompanying editorial recently published by NetworkNewsWire (“NNW”) showcases the efforts of Ucore and a handful of other companies to protect the nations’ access to REEs (https://ibn.fm/GAeEk).

As the editorial notes, Ucore has launched a plant in Canada to demonstrate on a small scale the capabilities of its RapidSX(TM) technology to improve on the standard solvent extraction (“SX”) process for separating REEs from their host ores. And the company is scaling up to commercial production, having acquired a lease for an 80,800 square-foot brownfield facility in Louisiana where it will build its first Strategic Metals Complex (“SMC”) facility for REE separation and oxide production.

The U.S. Department of Defense provided a substantial boost to Ucore’s goals and to the company’s credibility by awarding a $4 million contract to help Ucore demonstrate the effectiveness and America-based capability of its RapidSX(TM) process to the government. Successful completion of the agreement’s requirements could lead to follow-on award opportunities for Ucore to continue its work.

“The full-scale production plant is scheduled to initially process 2,000 tonnes of total rare earth oxides by the end of 2024, increasing to 5,000 tonnes in 2026,” the editorial states (https://ibn.fm/VhoeW). “Management believes that the cost of the company’s facilities will be supported by local and state government incentives as well as prepurchase (off-take) agreements from major manufacturers currently under development. All of this aligns with the final primary purpose of the $4 million DoD contract.”

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

• Cepton recently revealed that its lidar technology has been deployed to bolster traffic infrastructure in Texas and Utah
• The announcement marks a continued trend, which has seen Cepton’s lidar solutions increasingly used to facilitate traffic management and smart city infrastructure – most recently announcing their multi-million contract with a leading U.S. tolling system operator
• With the company seeing growing business opportunities, as well as being fully committed to executing its flagship lidar series production program by a Top 3 automotive OEM, Cepton has looked to take the next step in its journey with the addition of Luis Gonçalves to its Detroit team
• Gonçalves will join as Director of Customer Programs and will be charged with helping Cepton bolster production volumes whilst simultaneously seeking to exploit new commercial opportunities

Lidar has firmly established its position within in-car technology, but in the city of Arlington, Texas, the technology solution may be on its way towards becoming part of the critical infrastructure on street level. Cepton (NASDAQ: CPTN), a Silicon Valley innovator and pioneer of high-performance MMT(TM) lidar solutions, recently revealed that its lidar technology had been used in a series of groundbreaking studies in Texas and Utah, designed to help improve traffic safety for all road users (https://ibn.fm/8u7Hf). The deployment of lidar technology in Arlington and Irving, Texas as well as in Salt Lake City, Utah has been designed to enable operators to monitor pedestrians’ walking speeds, examine pedestrian and driver adherence to road safety regulations, as well as track ‘near misses’ for pedestrians and vehicles. Going forward, lidar could help city authorities tailor traffic signals to travelers’ needs, potentially allowing for the adjustment of signal timing in real time as well as potentially warning vehicles of potential unseen hazards ahead.

Dr. Jun Pei, CEO of Cepton commented on the deployment of Cepton’s Lidar solutions within the United States’ traffic infrastructure, “Pedestrian safety is essential to people-oriented transportation. We are thrilled that Cepton’s technology has been utilized in such ground-breaking studies and deployments that could revolutionize the way intersections are designed and operated. Our advanced lidar perception solution is designed to provide accurate, real-time 3D analytics that ultimately helps improve the walkability of streets. I am excited to see Helius deployed in more U.S. cities to help transform America’s traffic infrastructure, making safe, smart mobility accessible to everyone.”

Although the use of lidar within road safety infrastructure within the U.S. remains at a relatively nascent stage, the technology has rapidly obtained its acceptance. In early 2022, Cepton announced that its technology was being used to facilitate lidar-based vehicle detection in Cape Town, South Africa. City authorities used Cepton’s lidars to enable pedestrian and vehicle classification. Enabled by lidar, and with an AI platform to understand how both interact with the city environment, allowed for the collection of critical information needed to facilitate both traffic management and urban planning (https://ibn.fm/7IM9W).

In February 2022, Cepton announced a multi-million contract with a leading U.S. tolling system operator, where Cepton lidars will be deployed nationwide to enable accurate and intelligent tolling applications. Cepton has been shipping products to the customer to enable free-flow e-tolling systems on several major tollways located in the Tri-State area and Northern California.

Since its inception in 2016, Cepton has witnessed its innovative lidar based solutions rapidly superseding their original stated goal of facilitating advanced driver assistance systems (“ADAS”) and autonomous vehicle development, with the company’s Helius(TM) Smart Lidar System now also being used to support smart city infrastructure and traffic management systems the world over.

With the company seeking to build upon their recent success, Cepton have just announced the addition of Luis Gonçalves to their Detroit team as the company’s Director of Customer Programs (https://ibn.fm/vjGwD). Boasting extensive experience, having worked at both General Motors and Honda in the past, the industry veteran will be charged with supporting the company’s volume production ramp in support of its lead OEM customers as well as to garner future production awards from other automotive customers.

“Cepton is pioneering the mass-market commercialization of lidar, and I am excited to become part of its vision of enabling safe and autonomous transportation for everyone,” said Gonçalves. “In my previous role at GM, I became very familiar with Cepton lidars through extensive benchmarking and testing efforts on real vehicles, in real-world scenarios. I hope to contribute to Cepton’s successful execution of its flagship lidar program through the production validation and volume production ramp phases this year. I also look forward to applying my learnings from the automotive industry to help solidify Cepton’s next series production award.”

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

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

GolfLync just received over 200 5-star reviews on the Apple App Store, performing exceptionally well in a space where sports apps averaged 3.97 and social networking apps posted a mere 3.73 in Q2 2022

• The platform matches golfers of all skill levels looking for a game through its smartphone app, becoming the go-to social network for golfers
• The app’s warm reception is seen as a reflection of its exceptional user experience, made possible by the built-in logic that allows users to get the perfect match with whomever they share similar interests and on-course preferences

GolfLync, offering a platform through its smartphone app that matches golfers of all skill levels looking for a game, just affirmed its status as the go-to “social network for golfers” with over 200 5-star ratings on the Apple App Store. The ratings reflect the warm reception the app has received thus far, the level of thoughtfulness and detail that went into its development, and the real user value that GolfLync delivers to the growing community of golf enthusiasts around the country.

Ratings are the way users find the top APPs in a category and GolfLync is significantly higher than the industry average, with sports apps averaging 3.97 and social networking apps posting a mere 3.73 (https://ibn.fm/s38A2). GolfLync delivers an exceptional, tailored experience to golfers which has been instrumental in amassing over 200 5-star reviews on the App Store.

It’s all made possible by the app’s matching logic that connects players that share similar interests with on-course preferences. “[GolfLync] Basically operates like Tinder for golfers,” noted Noah DiPasquale, the Co-Founder, and CEO of GolfLync Inc. “The reason I say the Tinder component is because there is some logic built into it. So if you like to drink on the course, or smoke, or play music, or gamble, you’ll have the opportunity to meet everybody in your area that has similar preferences,” he added (https://ibn.fm/0vitU).

The app is built to help golfers looking to grow their golf network and find other players with similar interests, and setup local groups and events, thus also growing the app’s community. With the popularity of golf having posted a steady rise in recent years, there is a growing demand for a platform that offers such features. GolfLync understands the demand, providing an app that meets users’ personal requirements, and thus driving a positive user experience. The 5-star rating on the App Store reflects an unmatched understanding of the sport while highlighting the company’s commitment to growing the golf community, and the game.

You can download the GolfLync app using the following links:
Android: https://ibn.fm/JjKJQ
iPhone: https://ibn.fm/bGEs7

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

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

• Biotechnology company BiondVax has entered into a collaboration with Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences (“MPG”) and the University Medical Center Göttingen (“UMG”) to develop innovative NanoAbs
• BiondVax enjoys an exclusive option for an exclusive worldwide license agreement at pre-agreed financial terms for additional NanoAbs discovered and characterized thereunder the RCA
• The company recently announced intent to develop innovative NanoAbs targeting immune system cytokines such as IL-17 for the potential treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
• Analysts at Zacks Small-Cap Research laud the shift in focus to anti-IL-17 and have pegged the stock to reach $8 per share from current levels of below $2 per share

Last September, a joint steering committee comprising professionals from BiondVax Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: BVXV), the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences (“MPG”), and the University Medical Center Göttingen (“UMG”), made a decision. Established to guide the BVXV-MPG-UMG NanoAb collaboration, the committee decided to focus the nanosized antibody (“NanoAb”) development on other therapeutic indications in addition to COVID-19. This renewed focus would begin with the development of NanoAbs targeting immune system cytokines such as IL-17 (IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-17A/F) for the potential treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and IL-13 for the potential treatment of asthma (https://ibn.fm/AFw7N).

The committee’s decision is anchored in a five-year definitive research collaboration agreement (“RCA”) entered between BVXV, a biotechnology company focused on developing, manufacturing, and commercializing innovative immunotherapeutic products, and its collaborators, MPG and UMG, allowing the company to exercise an exclusive option for an exclusive worldwide license agreement at pre-agreed financial terms for additional NanoAbs discovered and characterized thereunder (https://ibn.fm/m9LCk).

BiondVax’s decision to focus on developing additional NanoAb therapies was featured in new updated coverage by Zacks Small-Cap Research (https://ibn.fm/mIODn). The research report highlighted the company’s recent announcement regarding its intention to exercise the option to obtain an exclusive license to NanoAbs targeting IL-17 and other system cytokines. This announcement aligns with the company’s de-risked strategy, which includes pursuing biobetter drugs for against biological targets that are already proven to exert beneficial clinical results in humans when treated with conventional monoclonal antibodies (“mAbs”). Additionally, and in line with this strategy, the company intends to capitalize on NanoAbs’ status as potential “bio-betters” that offer potential advantages over mAbs, given their stability, extremely high binding affinity with effective neutralization, and high specificity.

The company has so far gathered significant data about the potential efficacy and capabilities of NanoAbs, thanks to its preclinical in vivo proof-of-concept study evaluating the effect of its inhaled anti-COVID-19 NanoAb therapy. The study, which utilized the industry-standard Syrian hamster model of SARS-CoV-2 infection, showed that the therapy virtually eliminated the virus from the lungs (https://ibn.fm/OHouD), caused milder and shorter illness (https://ibn.fm/nYkMP), and had prophylactic properties (https://ibn.fm/EyuhQ). Based on these encouraging findings, BiondVax is evaluating plans to commence a Phase 1/2a clinical trial, albeit with a keen eye on the mutation of the virus and the emergence of new variants of concern (“VoCs”).

The Zacks report lauds the shift to focus on the anti-IL-17 NanoAb as a “good decision.” By announcing its intention to exercise the option for an additional NanoAb, BiondVax is expanding its pipeline potential while mitigating certain risks to its business and diversifying its portfolio of possible block buster therapies.

Meanwhile, BVXV released its financial results for the first quarter of 2023, reporting cash and cash equivalents of $10.9 million, which analysts at Zacks estimate are sufficient to fund the company’s operations through the first quarter of 2024. An astute business practitioner as well as biotech innovator, BiondVax aims to maximize assets and increase revenues by offering its state-of-the-art cGMP manufacturing services to interested parties which could easily engender new strategic alliances as well as bolster the bottom line.

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

• U.S.-based gene therapy developer Genprex, Inc. is dedicated to finding more effective and novel solutions for battling cancer (particularly lung cancers) and diabetes
• Genprex utilizes a propriety platform that encapsulates tumor-suppressing genes within lipid nanoparticles that are injected intravenously
• The company has received Fast Track designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) for its two non-small cell lung cancer (“NSCLC”) programs using its drug candidate, REQORSA(R)
• Genprex also expects to begin a third trial using its REQORSA therapy against small cell lung cancer (“SCLC”) later this year
• The company recently used its proprietary nanoparticle delivery system, Oncoprex(R), in pre-clinical testing against immunotherapy-resistant tumors, reporting success with a different gene than the one in use for the Fast Tracked programs, thus showing early viability for the use of the Oncoprex platform with a second tumor suppressor gene
• Genprex’s chief medical officer discusses the developments in a new video released by the company May 23

Clinical-stage gene therapy developer Genprex (NASDAQ: GNPX) is expanding the breadth of its drug candidate potential with positive results from a preclinical study that examines the anti-tumor immune response of a gene believed to play a key role in suppressing certain tumors.

Genprex’s lead drug candidate, REQORSA immunogene therapy, uses Genprex’s proprietary, non-viral ONCOPREX Nanoparticle Delivery System to introduce the tumor-suppressing TUSC2 gene through an intravenous injection into cancer patients.

REQORSA is being evaluated in two clinical trials for non-small cell lung cancer (“NSCLC”) patients, and has received Fast Track designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”). A third trial for small cell lung cancer (“SCLC”) will begin enrollment this year.

Genprex recently reported positive results from a study using its non-viral ONCOPREX(R) Nanoparticle Delivery System but substituting the NPRL2 gene for the TUSC2 gene (https://ibn.fm/ioHH9).

NPRL2 has long been regarded as a tumor-suppressing gene with potential value in the fight against lung cancers (https://ibn.fm/CyM9u). Genprex’s preclinical study examined the ability to introduce NPRL2 using the ONCOPREX platform into humanized mouse models and to inhibit tumor growth.

“The whole point of our oncology program is to identify tumor suppressor genes, which are systematically deleted during cancer development, and then re-express the tumor suppressor genes in cancers. This process has shown preclinically that it can achieve strong efficacy and is currently being evaluated in Phase 1/2 clinical trials of REQORSA,” Berger said (https://ibn.fm/5c9tg). “Now researchers have replicated that process in in vitro studies with the NPRL2 gene, which we believe is validation that ONCOPREX as a platform may be used with multiple tumor suppressor genes to address multiple types of cancer.” 

The NPRL2 study targeted mouse xenografts KRAS/STK11 mutant anti-PD1 resistant metastatic human non-small cell lung tumors. PD1 is an immune checkpoint that can help tumors resist immunotherapy, thereby promoting tumor progression despite treatment (https://ibn.fm/qCWaC). By successfully using the ONCOPREX delivery system with NPRL2 to target the anti-PD1 resistant tumor cells, these new preclinical data suggest that this could be a new way to treat lung cancer patients progressing on anti-PD1 treatment.

Genprex is developing a gene therapy drug candidate pipeline to battle cancers through its non-viral platform and has a second program to treat Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes using a viral vector.

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

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

• Fr8Tech’s management recently shared its updated 2023 revenue guidance of $25-30 million, representing as much as nearly 20% growth from the previous year’s full-year revenue
• The growth will be fueled, in part, by the uptake of its services, with the company having posted the highest monthly increase in new client sign-ups since the launch of the Fr8App platform
• Following the recent 10 to 1 reverse share split necessary for Fr8Tech to regain Nasdaq compliance, the company showed that the price would need to show 11x growth on the closing price of March 28, 2023 to meet with third party forecasts for the company
• Fr8Tech remains committed to revolutionizing cross-border shipping, and the recent increase in new client sign-ups is indicative of the building momentum, and potential of its products and services

Freight Technologies (NASDAQ: FRGT) (“Fr8Tech”), a tech company on a mission to revolutionize cross-border shipping by offering carriers increased growth opportunities and shippers with flexibility, visibility, and simplicity, is working hard to have its best year yet. The company’s management recently updated its 2023 revenue guidance of $25-30 million, representing up to nearly 20% growth from the previous year’s full-year revenue (https://ibn.fm/XvYo4) in a very difficult freight market.

This growth will be fueled, in part, by the uptake of its services, with the company having posted the highest monthly increase in new clients since the launch of its Fr8App platform. According to Fr8Tech’s Sales Director, Harry Martin, the new sign-ups were expected to yield a recurring monthly income of over $1 million a month, with the figure expected to start growing in Q2 and through the rest of the year.

“We have onboarded new clients in a variety of sectors, including automotive, beverage, motorcycles, and consumer goods that we had been working on for some time,” noted Mr. Martin.

“The new shipper clients represent a potential for significant recurring traffic on our platform and include leading first-tier automotive clients,” he added.

On March 7, 2023, Fr8Tech announced quarterly revenue for Q4 2022 amounting to $4.4 million. The company also reported a year-to-date (“YTD”) 2022 revenue of an impressive $25.9, representing a 20.6% growth from the previous year. Its management is optimistic that the current momentum will be maintained, yielding even more significant growth as time progresses and more value for its shareholders.

This performance will be very welcome, particularly following the recent 10 to 1 reverse share split necessary for Fr8Tech to regain Nasdaq compliance. As of the close of market on March 31, 2023, this share split saw the share price stand at $1.560, a 92.2% discount to independent analysts’ target price for the company’s ordinary shares of $20 per share on a split-adjusted basis. On the upside, it implied an over 11x growth on the closing price of March 28, 2023.

Fr8Tech remains committed to revolutionizing cross-border shipping, and the recent increase in new client sign-ups indicates the building momentum and potential of its products and services. As it looks forward to a successful year 2023, Fr8Tech continues to strengthen its brand, bolster its offerings, and increase incentives toward its customers. It is a company committed to its mission, taking on a once-complex process of international over-the-road shipping and simplifying it for the ordinary customer.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.Fr8Technologies.com, and its freight matching platform information site at www.Fr8.App.

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

Corporate Communications
IBN (InvestorBrandNetwork)
Los Angeles, California
www.InvestorBrandNetwork.com
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Editor@InvestorBrandNetwork.com

• The graphite supply chain is geographically concentrated with nearly 65% of output currently produced in China
• The U.S. pursued to promote further investment and geographical diversification within the sector, with credits granted to electric vehicles produced with critical minerals that are not supplied by ‘foreign entities of concern’
• Reflex Advanced Materials are working towards demonstrating the positive economics of the past producing, Ruby Graphite mine in Montana, USA
• The company recently revealed that they are in talks with prospective North American customers and are beginning the material qualification programs for end use potential offtake clients down the line

A battery’s anode is a crucial component of its design, responsible for receiving incoming electricity and dissipating the heat created in the process of doing so; notably, it is also almost entirely made up of graphite. Today, the world is almost entirely dependent on China for its graphite supply – the nation mines 65% of the world’s graphite, processes 85 percent and is home to the world’s sixth largest anode material producers, according to the International Energy Agency (https://ibn.fm/58toQ). Mozambique is the world’s second largest producer of the mineral, set to account for nearly 14% of global supply by 2030 according to Benchmark Minerals; nevertheless, 96% of Mozambican graphite is mined from the country’s Cabo Delgado province, a geographical territory that has seen a huge rise in insurgent activity since 2017 (https://ibn.fm/5SBqe). With the natural graphite demand set to treble over the next four years as sales of electric vehicles soar, the constrained nature of the western supply chain of the essential mineral is becoming increasingly apparent.

The U.S. predominantly uses synthetic graphite, a material largely produced from the by-products of the fossil fuel industry within its domestic battery manufacturing industry. Paradoxical to its use in powering electric vehicles, aimed towards ultimately reducing greenhouse gas emissions, synthetic graphite is derived from a feedstock consisting of petroleum coke or pitch coke – the latter, a by- product resulting from coal tar with a carbon footprint nearly four times higher than that generated by mining natural graphite.

The U.S. has sought to tackle the growing conundrum posed by the geographical concentration of natural graphite mining through the passing of the recent Inflation Reduction Act (“IRA”). The legislation states that EVs entering the market after 2024 will not be eligible for tax credits – which can go up to $7,500 – if any of the critical minerals are extracted, processed or recycled by a “foreign entity of concern”, which includes China. However, and as a result, graphite prices have soared by nearly 60% since the start of 2022 with the World Bank Group now predicting that a rise in anode demand will likely fuel a material shortage of 8 million tonnes by 2040.

Reflex Advanced Materials (CSE: RFLX) (OTCQB: RFLXF), a British Columbia-based strategic minerals company focused on locating and developing economic properties within the advanced materials space, has centred its corporate mission around catering to the burgeoning need for natural graphite supply through its flagship asset the Ruby Graphite Project. One of a handful of companies comprising the western natural graphite supply chain, Reflex Advanced Material’s flagship project is a past producing graphite mine in southwest Montana which produced upwards of 2,400 tons of graphite between 1902 and 1948, as well as the Ontario-based Zig Zag Lithium Property, encompassing eight mining claims across 2,710 hectares.

As a result, and in a sector characterized by opaque pricing and long-term bilateral off-take agreements between producers and consumers, Reflex Advanced Materials recently revealed that it has begun the qualification process with prospective North American customers, putting the company years ahead of their peers within the lengthy graphite sales cycle. With an upcoming drill program scheduled to kick-off in the summer of 2023 at its Ruby Graphite project in Montana, alongside two product development and material research partnerships currently underway in an effort to help the company diversify its risk profile and improve margins, Reflex Advanced Materials are aiming to emerge as one of the biggest beneficiaries of the global push towards an electric vehicle-powered future.

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

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

• XESP’s managed service offering drives growth through its proprietary smart technology stack, the Digital Engagement Engine(TM)
• This technology allows complete control of content while optimizing reach and lift
• XESP’s ‘Growth as a Service’ allows clients to focus on their brands, core product offerings, and content creation

B2B businesses have seen an increased demand for digital assistance, especially for customer-driven marketing and associated communications. Electronic Servitor Publication Network (OTCQB: XESP), a digital engagement and activation company, offers a managed service that provides digital engagement and activation solutions for companies seeking to enhance their growth. The company is changing the landscape of digital marketing for its clients with its proprietary technology, the Digital Engagement Engine(TM).

XESP’s managed service is powered by a proven and proprietary technology, utilizing a combination of automation, unique data management, and a modern workflow built on a microservices architecture. It provides intelligent interaction management, dynamic content provisioning, and a logic-driven workflow, combining digital experiences that accelerate an audience from awareness to action. The result is greater reach and lift for client content.

XESP’s ‘Growth as a Service’ offering is designed to allow clients to focus on their brands, core product offerings, and content creation, while XESP manages the technology and outcome. The Digital Engagement Engine(TM) is not just another marketing or technology tool but a way to develop real connections with target markets.

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

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

• The partnership will leverage D-Wave’s Leap(TM) quantum cloud service coupled with IPG’s data assets
• IPG recently launched a pilot program with D-Wave to build marketing optimization equations for one of the company’s top 20 clients in the retail industry
• Leap provides access to the Advantage quantum computing system and quantum hybrid solvers, enabling users to tackle complex problems of up to 1 million variables and 100,000 constraints

D-Wave Quantum (NYSE: QBTS), a leader in quantum computing systems, software, and services focused on delivering customer value via practical quantum computing solutions, recently announced a partnership with one of the world’s leading global advertising and marketing services companies, Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG). Through the partnership, D-Wave and IPG will work together on quantum computing applications that fuel innovation in marketing investments and strategies (https://ibn.fm/fYyy3).

As part of their collaboration, D-Wave and IPG will use D-Wave’s quantum computers and hybrid solvers through the Leap cloud service, coupled with IPG’s data assets, creating quantum applications designed to build high-value audiences for marketers in various settings. IPG recently launched a pilot program with D-Wave to build marketing optimization equations for one of the company’s top 20 clients to optimize campaigns in the retail industry.

D-Wave’s Leap quantum cloud service delivers immediate, real-time access to the company’s Advantage(TM) quantum computers and quantum hybrid solver service – allowing for enterprise-class performance and scalability (https://ibn.fm/waofR). Through a seamless and secure cloud-based connection, Leap users can easily start solving complex problems of up to 1 million variables and 100,000 constraints. By eliminating the need to wait hours, days, or even weeks for useful answers to industry problems, D-Wave is helping businesses accelerate solutions to their most challenging problems now.

D-Wave CEO Dr. Alan Baratz explained that consumers encounter brand messages daily, and breaking through to reach the right customer at the right time remains a difficult challenge for businesses, given the vast number of existing variables. “We’re excited to work with IPG to bring the power of quantum to advertising optimization, more efficiently harnessing a massive amount of data to create hyper-targeted campaigns that drive desired outcomes for brands,” Dr. Baratz added.

D-Wave has a portfolio of commercial clients, including blue-chip industry leaders like Volkswagen, Mastercard, Deloitte, ArcelorMittal, Siemens Healthineers, Unisys, Accenture, BBVA, NEC Corporation, Pattison Food Group Ltd., DENSO, and Lockheed Martin. During the first quarter of 2023, D-Wave signed several new and expanded existing customer engagements with Forbes 2000 companies and industry leaders, including IPG, Unisys US, POLARISqb, and Quantum Algorithms Institute.

IPG is an S&P 500 company, home to some of the world’s best-known and most innovative communication specialists. IPG brands include Acxiom, Craft, FCB, FutureBrand, Golin, Huge, Initiative, IPG Health, Jack Morton, Kinesso, MAGNA, Matterkind, McCann, Mediabrands, Mediahub, Momentum, MRM, MullenLowe Group, Octagon, R/GA, UM, Weber Shandwick, and more.

“At IPG, we understand that every customer is unique, with very personal passions, behaviors, and motivations,” said Philippe Krakowsky, CEO of IPG. “By working with D-Wave and adopting quantum technology as part of our tech stack, we believe we can uncover an even greater collection of data-driven insights to deliver more relevant and effective marketing for our clients at scale.”

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

• In May, Lexaria made a number of positive announcements related to its R&D initiatives
• In addition to holding its 2023 Annual Meeting, the company completed dosing for its human clinical nicotine study, NIC-H22-1
• Lexaria also reported 900% improvements in delivery of DehydraTECH(TM) processed estrogen into blood plasma in an animal study
• In a human hypertension study, the company announced that its DehydraTECH-CBD formulation resulted in significant reductions in the blood plasma levels of pro-inflammatory biomarkers (IL 8, 10, and 18)
• These biomarkers are linked to cardiovascular disease (“CVD”) and many other conditions, such as asthma, lung diseases, chronic kidney disease, fatty liver disease, Type 1 and 2 diabetes, obesity, and rheumatoid arthritis

Lexaria Bioscience (NASDAQ: LEXX), a global innovator in drug delivery platforms, held its 2023 Annual Meeting on the 9th of May, with shareholders voting on several agenda items, including the election of directors, appointment of auditors, approval of the stock option pricing, approval of the amendment to the maxim number of shares issuable pursuant to the Incentive Equity Plan, and approval of the addition of an evergreen formula to the Incentive Equity Plan. All items put to the vote were approved by the majority, setting the stage for what would become a month of even more positives, particularly around the company’s research and development (“R&D”) initiatives.

“If you’ve been following Lexaria for any period of time, you know that applied R&D is our lifeblood. It helps us establish areas of investigation for commercial pursuits, reduces risks of the unknown for both commercial and regulatory goals, and more,” wrote Lexaria CEO Chris Bunka in the January 2023 annual letter (https://ibn.fm/XQswm).

A look at the company’s announcements throughout May shows its unwavering resolve to support its lifeblood and, in the process, gain additional knowledge and understanding of the limitations and capabilities of its patented DehydraTECH(TM) technology. The company started the month off with the announcement that it had completed dosing in its human clinical nicotine study, NIC-H22-1.

With data showing that cigarette smoking claims the lives of more than 7 million people per year globally, Lexaria conducted the study as part of its efforts to validate its reduced-risk technology, which is poised to potentially provide tobacco smokers with a safer and faster-acting source of purified nicotine that delivers nicotine into blood plasma faster, potentially satisfying cravings more quickly. The study evaluated the capabilities of the company’s DehydraTECH-processed oral nicotine formulation by comparing it with the performance of other commercially available oral nicotine pouches sold under the On! and Zyn brands. Lexaria will provide further updates and any relevant material findings as they become available (https://ibn.fm/PYLeS).

Lexaria also reported the completion of its animal study HOR-A22-1, demonstrating its DehydraTECH(TM) platform technology significantly enhanced the oral delivery of estradiol, a type of estrogen hormone that is used in therapeutic products in women’s health sector (https://ibn.fm/HAL2x). Performed in 20 female Sprague-Dawley rats, the study compared a DehydraTECH-estradiol formulation to a generic estradiol composition.

The study aimed to evaluate the ability of DehydraTECH to enhance the delivery properties of the orally administered hormone using parameters such as Cmax, the maximum concentration in the bloodstream, and area under the curve (“AUC”), a measure that gives insight into the total delivery of estradiol over time and the extent of exposure to estrone. (Estrone is a second type of estrogen that is reversibly manufactured from estradiol in tissues found in the mammary gland, uterus, and liver.)

The animal study HOR-A22-1 found that the DehydraTECH-estradiol formulation resulted in a Cmax about 900% higher than the control formulation’s. Additionally, the AUC readings for estradiol and estrone when the DehydraTECH-processed composition was used were 1,500% and 12,500% higher, respectively, than when the control was used.

In other R&D, Lexaria announced additional findings from its human clinical study HYPER-H21-4, completed last year. The hypertension study sought to evaluate DehydraTECH-processed cannabidiol (“CBD”) as a potential antihypertensive medication and already achieved primary efficacy and safety objectives. According to the company, the study also demonstrated significant reductions in several pro-inflammatory biomarkers – interleukin (“IL”) 8, 10, and 18 – known to be linked to cardiovascular disease (“CVD”) and many other conditions such as asthma, lung diseases, chronic kidney disease, fatty liver disease, type 1 and 2 diabetes, obesity, and rheumatoid arthritis.

More specifically, after five weeks of treatment, the DehydraTECH-CBD formulation resulted in a 19%, 27%, and 43% reduction in the blood plasma levels of IL 8, 10, and 18, respectively. “There is some pre-clinical evidence for the anti-inflammatory actions of CBD, but this is likely the most convincing evidence in humans that I have ever seen,” Dr. Philip Ainslie, Cardiovascular Advisor to Lexaria and Lead Investigator of the study, said of the results.

In non-R&D-related news, the company reported the closing of its public offering, which generated approximately $2.0 million in gross proceeds (https://ibn.fm/CZgk2).

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