🇺🇸 NOW: Senator Tim Scott declares "Blockchain technology and digital assets are not going away, they are here to stay." https://t.co/kiiIatVrLP ...

Since my last write-up on Lesaka Technologies (NASDAQ: LSAK ), shares in the South Africa-based fintech firm, which at the time were in the midst of a post-earnings pullback, have since climbed back to higherAnalyst’s Disclosure:I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of LSAK either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relatio ...

Company Overview - Proactive is a financial news publisher that provides fast, accessible, informative, and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience [2] - The company has a team of experienced and qualified news journalists who produce independent content [2] Market Focus - Proactive specializes in medium and small-cap markets while also covering blue-chip companies, commodities, and broader investment stories [3] - The news team delivers insights across various sectors including biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto, and emerging digital and EV technologies [3] Technology Adoption - Proactive is recognized for its forward-looking approach and enthusiastic adoption of technology to enhance workflows [4] - The company utilizes automation and software tools, including generative AI, while ensuring that all content is edited and authored by humans [5]

Core Viewpoint - Merck & Co. Inc. is acquiring Verona Pharma plc for approximately $10 billion, adding Ohtuvayre, a novel treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), to its portfolio [1][2][4] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition price is set at $107 per American Depository Share (ADS), with each ADS representing eight ordinary shares of Verona Pharma [1] - The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, with most of the purchase price capitalized as an intangible asset for Ohtuvayre [3] Group 2: Product Information - Ohtuvayre, approved by the U.S. FDA in June 2024, is the first new inhaled mechanism for COPD in over 20 years, combining bronchodilator and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory effects [2] - Ohtuvayre is also under evaluation in clinical trials for non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis [2] Group 3: Industry Context - The acquisition reflects a trend of large pharmaceutical companies acquiring biotech firms with approved, revenue-generating products to replace revenue from drugs losing patent protection [4] - Merck's Keytruda, the top-selling drug globally with nearly $30 billion in annual revenue, is expected to face patent expiration and U.S. government price-setting rules by 2028 [4] Group 4: Merck's Acquisition Strategy - Since Rob Davis became CEO in April 2021, Merck has been highly active in acquisitions and licensing, with the highest deal count and spending in the pharmaceutical industry [5] - Investors are urging Merck to pursue more deals to offset anticipated sales declines following Keytruda's patent expiration, with Davis seeking deals worth between $1 billion and $15 billion [5] Group 5: Market Reaction - Following the announcement, Verona Pharma's stock rose by 20.7% to $104.83, while Merck's stock increased by 0.50% to $81.78 during premarket trading [6]

Core Insights - The 2025 State of Operational Technology and Cybersecurity Report by Fortinet indicates a significant increase in the responsibility for operational technology (OT) security being assigned to the C-suite, with 95% of organizations reporting C-suite involvement, up from 41% in 2022 [1][2][3] - The report highlights a correlation between OT cybersecurity maturity and the impact of intrusions, with organizations reporting fewer attacks as their maturity increases [2][3] Summary by Categories Responsibility and Accountability - There has been a notable increase in organizations assigning OT security responsibility to the CISO or CSO, with 52% of organizations now reporting this responsibility, up from 16% in 2022 [1][3] - The percentage of organizations planning to move OT cybersecurity under the CISO in the next 12 months has increased from 60% to 80% in 2025 [3] Cybersecurity Maturity - Self-reported OT security maturity has improved, with 26% of organizations at Level 1 (establishing visibility and implementing segmentation), up from 20% the previous year [3] - Organizations reporting higher maturity levels (0-4) are experiencing fewer attacks and are better equipped to handle lower-sophistication tactics, such as phishing [3] - The impact of intrusions on organizations has declined, with operational outages affecting revenue dropping from 52% to 42% [3] Best Practices and Implementation - Adoption of cybersecurity best practices, including basic cyber hygiene and improved training, has led to a significant reduction in business email compromise [3] - The use of threat intelligence has increased by 49% since 2024, indicating a trend towards more informed security practices [3] - A significant decrease in the number of OT device vendors has been observed, with 78% of organizations now using only one to four vendors, reflecting consolidation as part of best practices [3] - Organizations utilizing the Fortinet OT Security Platform have seen a 93% reduction in cyber incidents compared to a flat network [3] Recommendations for Improvement - Establishing visibility and protective controls for OT assets is essential for organizations to understand their OT networks [6] - Deploying segmentation to create defensible OT environments is recommended, following standards such as ISA/IEC 62443 [6] - Integrating OT into security operations and incident response planning is crucial for effective risk management [6] - A platform-based approach to security architecture can simplify management and improve security efficacy [6] - Embracing OT-specific threat intelligence and security services is vital for timely awareness of risks [6]

SARASOTA, Fla., July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- INVO Fertility, Inc. (Nasdaq: IVF) (“INVO Fertility” or the “Company”), a healthcare company focused on the fertility market, today announced further efforts to drive its comprehensive strategy to enhance fertility services through expanded clinical and embryology training support and improved pricing for its innovative INVOcell® technology. This underscores the Company’s dual mission as an innovator of cutting-edge fertility solutions and a provider of comp ...

Fiber-optic drones have emerged as the latest adaptation to a new type of warfare as both Russian and Ukrainian troops seek ways to out-smart jamming devices. Photo: Svet Jacqueline for WSJ ...

The Company expects to receive revenues, for the first time, through its collaboration with Elbit from initial sales of the "Birds of Prey" stabilized weapons drone system The stabilized weapons drone system, which has been marketed and deployed by Elbit under the brand name "Birds of Prey", features proprietary technology that enables precise remote operations via an unmanned aerial platform, designed to enhance military operational capabilities while minimizing risk to personnel with no boots on the groun ...

Core Insights - MDWerks, Inc. announced that its subsidiary, Two Trees Beverage Company, received three awards at the 2025 SIP Awards, including a Silver Medal and an Innovation Award for its Climax Honey Raspberry Flavored Whiskey™ and a Silver Medal for Two Trees Snarly Yow Bourbon Whiskey™ [1][5] Industry Overview - The SIP Awards is a prestigious annual event in the spirits industry, recognized for its rigorous blind-tasting methodology, providing a fair evaluation platform for spirits of all scales and origins [2][3] - This year's competition featured over 1,300 global entries judged by approximately 300 spirits enthusiasts through a double-blind tasting process, assessing aroma, taste, and finish [3] Company Achievements - The Silver Medal Award signifies spirits that received high marks from consumer judges, while the Innovation Award highlights unique taste profiles or designs in spirits [4] - The CEO of MDWerks expressed pride in the accolades, emphasizing the quality and innovative technology used in producing their spirits, which have impressed consumers in blind tastings [5]

Renowned Food Industry Leader Giora BarDea Joins Beyond Oil to Drive Global Strategic Growth VANCOUVER, British Columbia and KIBBUTZ YIFAT, Israel, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Beyond Oil Ltd. (CSE: BOIL) ("Beyond Oil" or the "Company"), a food-tech innovation company dedicated to reducing health risks associated with fried food while lowering operational costs, minimizing waste and enhancing sustainability, today announced the appointment of Giora BarDea as VP of Global Strategy. In this new role, Mr. ...