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Historic U.S. Cannabis Rescheduling Unlocks Potential Growth Opportunities for MediPharm Labs, Backed by the Company's Suite of Licenses and Proven U.S. Clinical Trial Supply Experience
Globenewswire· 2025-12-19 13:45
Core Viewpoint - The reclassification of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act is a significant milestone that recognizes its medical use and is expected to facilitate clinical research and partnerships for MediPharm Labs [1][4][10]. Industry Impact - The reclassification is anticipated to accelerate cannabis-related medical research by removing barriers that have historically limited U.S. clinical trials, allowing for standardized medical-grade cannabis access [4][5]. - The change may lead to increased interest from institutional investors in research-oriented cannabis companies, as regulatory barriers evolve [10]. Company Positioning - MediPharm Labs is strategically positioned to benefit from this reclassification due to its FDA site registration, Drug Establishment License, and experience in supplying clinical trial materials to the U.S. [2][6]. - The company has a proven track record, having supplied products for over 10 active clinical trials, including significant studies funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health [7][8]. Research and Development Opportunities - The reclassification is expected to create a pipeline of researchers ready to advance clinical trials and evaluate compliant active pharmaceutical ingredient suppliers [5]. - MediPharm Labs has developed international licensing and regulatory expertise, enabling it to support new research initiatives that require pharmaceutical-grade standards [6][9]. Future Growth Potential - The company anticipates that the reclassification will strengthen its ability to expand U.S. clinical trial partnerships and facilitate significant growth in clinical research [3][10]. - MediPharm Labs' unique combination of experience and regulatory credentials positions it to immediately support new research initiatives in the U.S. and globally [8][9].
SEALSQ Unveils Strategic Plan for 2026-2030 to Develop Silicon-Based Quantum Computing Using CMOS-Compatible Semiconductor Technologies
Globenewswire· 2025-12-19 13:45
Core Insights - SEALSQ Corp has announced a strategic plan for 2026-2030 focused on advancing quantum computing through semiconductor technology, leveraging silicon and CMOS-compatible manufacturing processes for scalable and secure quantum systems [1][4]. Group 1: Quantum Computing Paths - The field of quantum computing is evolving along two distinct technological paths: helium-cooled superconducting systems and semiconductor-based systems [2]. - Helium-cooled superconducting quantum systems, while delivering scientific breakthroughs, are costly, energy-intensive, and difficult to scale, limiting their application to research environments [3]. - SEALSQ is pursuing semiconductor-based quantum computing, which utilizes silicon and CMOS-compatible processes, aligning with existing semiconductor infrastructure and supply chains [4]. Group 2: Industrialization and Trust - The future of quantum computing hinges on industrialization, with a focus on manufacturability, yield, reliability, and supply-chain resilience, which semiconductor-based technologies inherently possess [5]. - SEALSQ emphasizes that trust must be embedded in the design of future computing technologies, integrating security and digital identity directly into silicon [7]. Group 3: Policy and Market Relevance - The distinction between quantum computing paths has significant policy implications, as governments prioritize economic sovereignty, security, and supply-chain control [6]. - Semiconductor-compatible quantum technologies are better suited for deployment in regulated environments, addressing the limitations of laboratory-centric systems [6]. Group 4: Post-Quantum Technology - SEALSQ is at the forefront of developing Post-Quantum Technology, focusing on quantum-resistant cryptography to address security challenges posed by advancing quantum computers [10][11]. - The company aims to provide robust protection for sensitive data across various applications, ensuring organizations remain secure against quantum threats [11].
Profound Medical Corp. Announces Pricing of up to $40 Million Financing Comprised of a $36 Million Registered Direct Offering and a Subsequent $4 Million Private Placement
Globenewswire· 2025-12-19 13:45
Core Viewpoint - Profound Medical Corp. announced a registered direct offering of 5,142,857 common shares at $7.00 per share, aiming for gross proceeds of up to $40 million, including a subsequent private placement of up to 571,428 shares at the same price [1][3][6] Group 1: Offering Details - The registered direct offering is structured as an equity investment with no warrant coverage, led by healthcare-dedicated investors [2] - Gross proceeds from the offering are expected to be approximately $36 million before deducting fees and expenses [3] - The private placement aims for up to $4 million in gross proceeds, with shares subject to a four-month hold period [6] Group 2: Use of Proceeds - The net proceeds from the offering will be utilized for sales and marketing expansion, working capital, research and development, strategic transactions, and general corporate purposes [3] Group 3: Company Overview - Profound Medical Corp. is a commercial-stage medical device company focused on AI-powered, MRI-guided therapies for tissue ablation [7] - The company is commercializing TULSA-PRO, a technology for treating various prostate conditions, which is incision-free and has a quick recovery time [8] - Profound is also developing Sonalleve, a platform for treating uterine fibroids and other conditions, with approvals in multiple jurisdictions [9]
Amplia Enters into Second Agreement with Korean Specialist Drug Screening Company Next&Bio to Explore Combination Therapy with FAK Inhibitor and kRAS Inhibitors
Globenewswire· 2025-12-19 13:45
Core Insights - Amplia Therapeutics Limited has entered the second phase of a research collaboration with Next & Bio to further investigate the efficacy of its FAK inhibitors in treating pancreatic cancer [2][3][4] - The collaboration aims to explore the synergistic effects of Amplia's FAK inhibitor narmafotinib in combination with kRAS inhibitors, which target genetic mutations present in over 90% of pancreatic cancers [3][4][9] - Initial studies have shown that narmafotinib demonstrated promising activity against patient-derived pancreatic cancer cells, with plans to present this data at an upcoming scientific conference [3][6] Company Overview - Amplia Therapeutics is an Australian pharmaceutical company focused on developing a pipeline of FAK inhibitors for cancer and fibrosis, particularly in fibrotic cancers like pancreatic and ovarian cancer [7] - Narmafotinib (AMP945) is Amplia's leading FAK inhibitor, which has shown significant potential in preclinical studies and is currently undergoing clinical trials in combination with established chemotherapies [8][10] Collaboration Details - The partnership with Next & Bio, a preclinical drug screening company, leverages patient-derived cell models to provide more accurate and predictive results for pancreatic cancer treatment [5][6] - The collaboration is expected to enhance Amplia's strategic positioning for future partnerships and commercial growth opportunities [6]
VERSES Closes CAD$2.65 Million Convertible Debenture Unit Financing
Globenewswire· 2025-12-19 13:44
Core Points - VERSES AI Inc. has successfully closed a non-brokered private placement offering, raising gross proceeds of CAD$2.65 million, with CAD$2.4 million in cash [1][4] - The offering consists of secured convertible debenture units, each unit comprising CAD$1,000 principal amount of convertible debentures and 164 detachable share purchase warrants [2] - The convertible debentures have a conversion price of CAD$3.04 per share and mature on December 18, 2027, with an interest rate of 15% per annum [3] Financial Structure - Each unit includes secured convertible debentures and detachable share purchase warrants, with the warrants exercisable at CAD$7.00 per share until December 18, 2028 [2] - The convertible debentures are secured by a first-ranking security interest over all present and after-acquired property and assets of the company [3][4] - The net proceeds from the offering will be used for general working capital purposes [4] Regulatory and Compliance - The securities issued under the offering are subject to a statutory hold period of four months plus a day from the date of issuance [4] - The offering is subject to final approval by Cboe Canada Inc. [4] - The securities will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act, and cannot be offered or sold in the United States without registration or an applicable exemption [5][6] Company Overview - VERSES is a cognitive computing company focused on developing next-generation agentic software systems inspired by nature [7] - The flagship product, Genius™, is designed to generate reliable domain-specific predictions and decisions under uncertainty [7]
IAMGOLD Announces Closing of Northern Superior Acquisition
TMX Newsfile· 2025-12-19 13:43
Core Viewpoint - IAMGOLD Corporation has successfully completed the acquisition of Northern Superior Resources Inc., enhancing its position in the Canadian gold mining sector with the Nelligan Mining Complex now being one of the largest pre-production gold projects in Canada [1][2]. Company Overview - IAMGOLD is an intermediate gold producer and developer based in Canada, operating mines in North America and West Africa, including the Côté Gold Mine, which achieved full nameplate capacity in June 2025 [3]. - The company employs approximately 3,700 people and is committed to high standards of Environmental, Social, and Governance practices [3]. Transaction Details - The acquisition involved IAMGOLD acquiring all issued and outstanding common shares of Northern Superior, making it a wholly-owned subsidiary [1][2]. - Former Northern Superior shareholders will receive a combination of 0.0991 IAMGOLD common shares and C$0.19 in cash for each NSUP Share held [2]. - The transaction also included a distribution of ONGold Resources Ltd. shares previously held by Northern Superior [2]. Future Plans - IAMGOLD aims to accelerate its exploration program in the Chibougamau-Chapais region of Quebec, focusing on expanding mineralization at Nelligan, Philibert, and Monster Lake [2].
NIKE Q2 Earnings & Revenues Beat Estimates, Digital Revenues Down 14%
ZACKS· 2025-12-19 13:41
Core Insights - NIKE Inc. reported second-quarter fiscal 2026 results with revenues of $12.43 billion, a 1% year-over-year increase, and earnings per share (EPS) of 53 cents, a 32% decline from the previous year, but above the Zacks Consensus Estimate [1][2][9] Financial Performance - EPS of 53 cents fell 32% year-over-year but exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 37 cents [2] - Revenues improved 1% year-over-year to $12.43 billion, surpassing the consensus estimate of $12.14 billion [2] - NIKE Direct revenues decreased 8% to $4.6 billion, driven by a 14% drop in NIKE Brand Digital and a 3% decline in NIKE-owned stores [3] - Wholesale revenues increased 8% to $7.5 billion, primarily due to growth in North America [3] Regional Performance - North America revenues rose 9% year-over-year to $5.63 billion, despite a 10% decline in NIKE Direct [7] - EMEA revenues increased 3% year-over-year to $3.39 billion, but were flat on a currency-neutral basis [8] - Greater China revenues plummeted 17% year-over-year to $1.42 billion, with NIKE Digital down 36% [9] - APLA revenues decreased 4% year-over-year to $1.67 billion [10] Cost and Margin Analysis - Gross profit fell 6.3% year-over-year to $5.05 billion, with gross margin contracting 300 basis points to 40.6% due to higher product costs and inventory obsolescence [11] - Selling and administrative expenses rose 1% to $4.04 billion, while demand creation expenses increased 13% to $1.27 billion [12][13] Balance Sheet and Shareholder Returns - Cash and cash equivalents stood at $7 billion, down nearly 13% year-over-year, with short-term investments totaling $1.37 billion [14] - Inventories totaled $7.7 billion, down 3% year-over-year, and the company returned $598 million to shareholders in the fiscal second quarter [15] Future Outlook - Management projects Q3 revenues to decline low single digits, with modest growth in North America [16] - Anticipated gross margin decrease of 175-225 basis points, with SG&A expenses expected to rise in low single digits [17]
Tempus AI Approaching Profitability Despite GAAP Losses
ZACKS· 2025-12-19 13:41
Core Insights - Tempus AI (TEM) is showing early signs of profitability with its first positive Adjusted EBITDA in Q3 2025 and has raised its full-year revenue guidance [1][7] - The company is focusing on improving cost control and operating leverage as revenues scale, despite the Paige acquisition impacting near-term profitability [1][2] Financial Performance - Gross profit nearly doubled year-over-year in Q3 2025, driven by growth in Genomics and Data services [2][7] - Fourth-quarter 2025 Adjusted EBITDA is expected to remain positive, supported by growth trends across business segments [2] - Despite positive Adjusted EBITDA, GAAP losses continue due to stock-based compensation and other non-cash items, limiting visibility into sustainable GAAP profitability [3][7] Peer Comparison - Hims & Hers Health, Inc. (HIMS) reported robust revenue growth nearing $600 million in Q3 2025 and achieved positive net income, reflecting a transition in profitability [4] - GoodRx Holdings, Inc. (GDRX) is maintaining stable revenues while shifting towards higher-margin solutions, focusing on margin durability amid evolving growth models [5] Stock Performance - Over the past year, Tempus' shares have increased by 81.4%, significantly outperforming the industry, which declined by 2.4% [6] - TEM currently trades at a forward Price-to-Sales (P/S) ratio of 7.42X, higher than the industry average of 5.77X, indicating an expensive valuation [8]
3 Internet Delivery Services Stocks to Watch Amid Industry Challenges
ZACKS· 2025-12-19 13:41
The Zacks Internet - Delivery Services industry is navigating choppy waters, with macroeconomic uncertainty, inflationary pressure and persistently high interest rates clouding the near-term outlook. Tariffs are adding fuel to the fire, threatening to further squeeze both consumers and businesses. Tariffs, inflation, and high interest rates could hurt discretionary and enterprise spending, leaving companies in the Internet – Delivery Services space bracing for softer demand in the quarters ahead.Moreover, a ...
How Will Surging IB Business Support Bank of America's Fee Income?
ZACKS· 2025-12-19 13:41
Key Takeaways BAC's IB fees rose 9.5% YTD to $5B, with 2025 full-year growth projected to be around 4%.Improved deal-making, IPO momentum and lower rates are lifting BAC's investment banking prospects.IB fee contribution to BAC's non-interest income is set to rise as it aims to grow market share.Investment banking (IB) fees constitute 13.5% of Bank of America’s (BAC) non-interest income on average. In the first nine months of 2025, the company’s IB fees increased 9.5% year over year to $5 billion. For full- ...