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Amazon, Google And Microsoft Bet Big On Nuclear: AI’s Growing Energy Demands Fuel New Projects

Benzinga

By Kyle Anthony, Benzinga The rapid proliferation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is resulting in externalities for the energy landscape, specifically the accelerated adoption of nuclear energy as a power source. In recent months, various big tech firms have announced their involvement in several nuclear energy-related projects to generate the necessary power for their ongoing AI development initiatives. The Growing Need For Nuclear Recently, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Amazon’s (NASDAQ: AMZN) subsidiary in cloud computing, announced that it had signed an agreement with Dominion Energy (NYSE:D)*, Virginia’s utility company, to explore the development of a small modular reactor (SMR) near Dominion’s existing North Anna nuclear power station. In mid-October, Amazon announced that it would be investing more than $500 million in nuclear power, across three projects from Virginia to Washington state. SMRs are advanced nuclear reactors with a power capacity of up to 300 Megawatts electric (MW(e)) per unit, about one-third of the generation capacity of traditional nuclear power reactors. SMRs can produce a large amount of low-carbon electricity and are becoming a source of energy for AI data centers. According to CNBC, Virginia is home to nearly half of all the U.S. data centers, with one area in northern Virginia dubbed Data Center Alley. An estimated 70% of the world’s internet traffic travels through Data Center Alley daily, with Dominion Energy serving roughly 3,500 megawatts from 452 data centers across its service territory in Virginia. About 70% is in Data Center Alley. Dominion Energy projects that power demand will increase by 85% over the next 15 years. AWS expects the new SMRs to bring at least 300 megawatts of power to the Virginia region. Amazon has also announced a new agreement with Energy Northwest, a consortium of public utilities, to support the development, licensing and construction of four SMRs in Washington state. While Energy Northwest will build, own and operate these reactors, the generated energy will feed directly into the grid, contributing to Amazon's energy needs. Through this agreement, Amazon gains the right to purchase electricity from the first four SMR modules. Additionally, Energy Northwest has the option to construct up to eight more modules, which could supply power to Amazon and regional utilities, potentially serving both residential and commercial needs across the Northwest. Google And Microsoft Also Make Nuclear Power Deals Amazon is not the only big tech firm exploring nuclear power as a source for powering their AI development, as Google (Alphabet Inc) (NASDAQ: GOOG)* recently announced a deal with Kairos Power, an advanced nuclear energy company focused on developing affordable, safe and flexible nuclear reactors using molten salt technology. The deal sees Google buying power from Kairos via small modular nuclear reactors the company will be building. The initial phase of work is intended to bring Kairos Power’s first SMR online quickly and safely by 2030, followed by additional reactor deployments through 2035. This deal, Google says, should enable up to 500 MW of new 24/7 carbon-free power to U.S. electricity grids. The company also argues that it may help more communities benefit from “clean and affordable nuclear power.” Similarly, as reported by Bloomberg, Microsoft Inc. (NASDAQ: MSFT) has brokered a deal with Constellation Energy Corp. (NASDAQ: CEG)*, the biggest U.S. operator of reactors, to reopen the Three Mile Island nuclear plant in Pennsylvania. Constellation Energy will invest $1.6 billion to revive the plant, and Microsoft has agreed to exclusively purchase the energy generated from the plant for two decades. Shares in nuclear energy companies surged to record highs in mid-October after Amazon and Google's announcements. The Financial Times reports that the share prices of U.S.-listed SMR developers Oklo Inc (NYSE: OKLO) rose by 99%, and shares in Cameco (NYSE: CCJ), NuScale Power (NYSE: SMR) and BWX Technologies (NYSE: BWXT)* all traded at record highs that week. The Value Proposition Of Nuclear The growing demand for energy globally and the need to move away from fossil fuels could be setting the stage for nuclear power. For a national, state or local utility, the appeal of nuclear power starts with its reliability. Furthermore, according to Science Direct, nuclear energy is the “safest and most renewable clean energy.” The announcement of the various deals by big tech and nuclear energy providers has led companies involved in the industry to see an uptick in recent equity performance. Increasing energy demand due to AI development or general societal need is leading to nuclear energy increasingly becoming an energy source various stakeholders are looking to – making nuclear energy an industry that could be worth considering for interested investors. Investing In Critical Materials As big tech firms find different avenues to power their data centers, there could be increased demand for the critical materials needed to generate, transmit and store cleaner energy. In the case of nuclear energy, uranium is an abundant source of concentrated energy for nuclear reactors. This presents a possible opportunity for investors, as having material exposure to uranium could enable them to benefit from any gradual price appreciation that may occur. For investors seeking comprehensive exposure to companies involved in the uranium industry, the Sprott Uranium Miners ETF (ARCA: URNM) and Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF (NASDAQ: URNJ) are turnkey solutions that provide access to investable uranium companies. URNM provides investors with exposure to companies that devote at least 50% of their assets to the uranium mining industry, which may include mining, exploration, development and production of uranium, holding physical uranium, owning uranium royalties or engaging in other non-mining activities that support the uranium mining industry, by tracking the North Shore Global Uranium Mining Index. Meanwhile, URNJ reflects the performance of mid-, small- and micro-cap companies in uranium mining-related businesses, providing investment results that generally correspond to the total return performance of the Nasdaq Sprott Junior Uranium Miners™ Index. For investors seeking to capitalize on the growth potential of AI, investing in critical minerals – such as uranium – could be an opportune way to gain tangential exposure to the technology’s ongoing evolution. Featured photo by Lukáš Lehotský on Unsplash. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. *As of 11/20/24, none of the securities listed in the article are holdings of either URNM or URNJ. Important Disclosures Before investing, you should consider each Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. Each Fund’s prospectus contains this and other information about the Fund and should be read carefully before investing. A prospectus can be obtained by calling 888.622.1813 or by clicking these links: Sprott Uranium Miners ETF Prospectus and Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF Prospectus. The Funds are not suitable for all investors. There are risks involved with investing in ETFs, including the loss of money. The Funds are non-diversified and can invest a greater portion of assets in securities of individual issuers than a diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single investment could cause greater fluctuations in share price than would occur in a diversified fund. Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) are bought and sold through exchange trading at market price (not NAV) and are not individually redeemed from the Fund. Shares may trade at a premium or discount to their NAV in the secondary market. Brokerage commissions will reduce returns." Authorized participants" may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 10,000 shares. Funds that emphasize investments in small/mid-cap companies will generally experience greater price volatility. Diversification does not eliminate the risk of experiencing investment losses. ETFs are considered to have continuous liquidity because they allow for an individual to trade throughout the day. A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses, affect the Funds’ performance. The North Shore Global Uranium Mining Index is designed to track the performance of companies that devote at least 50% of their assets to the uranium mining industry, which may include mining, exploration, development and production of uranium, or holding physical uranium, owning uranium royalties or engaging in other non-mining activities that support the uranium mining industry. The Nasdaq Sprott Junior Uranium Miners™ Index (NSURNJ™) is designed to track the performance of mid-, small- and micro-cap companies in uranium-mining related businesses. Nasdaq ®, Nasdaq Junior Uranium Miners™ Index, and NSURNJ™ are registered trademarks of Nasdaq, Inc. (which with its affiliates is referred to as the “Corporations”) and are licensed for use by Sprott Asset Management LP. The Product(s) have not been passed on by the Corporations as to their legality or suitability. The Product(s) are not issued, endorsed, sold, or promoted by the Corporations. THE CORPORATIONS MAKE NO WARRANTIES AND BEAR NO LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO THE PRODUCT(S). One cannot invest directly in an index. Sprott Asset Management USA, Inc. is the Investment Adviser to the Sprott ETFs. Sprott Asset Management LP is the Sponsor of the Funds. ALPS Distributors, Inc. is the Distributor for the Sprott ETFs and is a registered broker-dealer and FINRA Member. ALPS Distributors, Inc. is not affiliated with Sprott Asset Management LP. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

November 27, 2024 01:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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BTC Hits Record High, But Rainbow Chart Hints At Higher Surges Ahead, Shiba Inu Burn Rate Spikes 6000% As New DeFi Altcoin Enters The Market

Cutoshi

Bitcoin approached the $100k mark, reaching $99,645 and is now experiencing a correction with some analysts warning that BTC must hold $92,500, but the Rainbow chart indicates long-term bullishness. Shiba Inu sees its biggest burn rate ever as creator Shytoshi says that burning 99% of the currency is now possible. A new coin, $CUTO, the basis of the Cutoshi DeFi ecosystem, has the potential to surge in price after hitting a new milestone in fundraising. Bitcoin Almost Hits $100k Milestone But Faces Key Resistance BTC has been doing what it does best, hitting all-time highs and getting close to the psychological $100,000k threshold. However, in the last hours, a death cross formed on the 4 hourly charts and the price began to tumble. Bears got liquidated to the tune of $500 million and BTC is currently trying to defend $92,000. Analyst Skew said it is extremely important that Bitcoin’s $92,5k to $92k level is upheld. If not, a bigger correction could be on the cards. Respected analyst Ali Marinez replied, agreeing and reposting his tweet from two days ago, which said that the TD Sequential charts were suggesting a pullback of $91,583 or even $85,610 for BTC. However, a few minutes ago he tweeted again, saying a bullish pattern is forming on the 1hr chart. Looking at longer-term trends, the Bitcoin Rainbow Chart suggests we are in the green ‘Accumulate’ zone. The indicator, invented by Reddit user u/trolololo in 2014, has become a popular way for Bitcoin users to track where they are in Bitcon’s cycle. But like any indicator, it should be used with other tools as well. Shytoshi Highlights The Bigger Picture Beyond Burns Shiba Inu hit a new record as well, with a burn rate of over 6200% and the potential to burn 99% of the supply due to the collaborative nature of the Shibarium, Shiba Inu’s Layer 2 Blockchain. However, the pseudonymous creator Shytoshi reminded the community that the burn rate is just one small part of a much bigger and more meaningful ecosystem. They told people that they want SHIB to appreciate in price due to its DeFi features and utilities. This is because the devs want Shiba Inu to be a coin with long-term sustainability and growth potential. This meme and utility combination could lead Shiba Inu to become crypto’s biggest meme coin, pushing above Dogecoin in the current cycle. Although Dogecoin is better known, it has very little utility or development. Presale Momentum: $CUTO’s Path To $1.1M And Beyond A new coin is taking a leaf out of Shiba Inu’s book and that’s CUTO. On the face of it, Cutoshi is a cat-based meme coin, drawing inspiration from the Chinese Lucky Cat figures, often seen in Asian businesses around the world. But beneath the surface, like SHIB, it's also a DeFi ecosystem, but in the early stages of development. The team plans to release a cross-chain DEX, a learning academy, NFTs with utility such as trading discounts and more. And like Shiba Inu, Cutoshi has a buyback and burn scheme. Right now, Cutoshi is developing behind the scenes and focusing on uniting their community through competitive token farming and fun quests. The latest from the team is a competition where people can win a share of a $2000 prize pool for making an ‘epic meme’. This multi-layered approach appears to be working very well, as the token has raised over $1.1 million in presale funding, with the third stage of presale almost sold out. CUTO is available for $0.259, up 72% on the monthly. For more information on the Cutoshi (CUTO) Presale: https://cutoshi.com/ Join and become a community member: https://twitter.com/CutoshiToken https://t.me/cutoshi Welcome to Cutoshi, the revolutionary meme coin, DeFi hub and educational platform inspired by the Lucky Cat and Satoshi Nakamoto’s teachings. Traditionally, people put the Lucky Cat in their homes and businesses to maximize its lucky powers and bring them good fortune and wealth. Now Cutoshi the Lucky Cat is on the blockchain bringing luck, prosperity, and wealth to your digital assets. Cutoshi is creating a path to financial freedom, for those who choose to honor the power of the Lucky Cat. Supporting the principles of freedom, privacy, anonymity, and monetary empowerment for the masses. Cutoshi aims to bring the benefits of blockchain to everyone. The regulatory environment surrounding cryptocurrencies is evolving and varies across jurisdictions. It is your responsibility to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations in your country or region before engaging with Custoshi. Contact Details Cutoshi hello@cutoshi.com Company Website https://cutoshi.com/

November 27, 2024 12:43 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Hesai Stands Out In LiDAR Market, With Growth In Third Quarter

Benzinga

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga The global LiDAR sensor market is heating up as manufacturers attempt to include more of these safety features in their vehicles. After all, LiDAR sensors can help drivers respond better to their surroundings, which then potentially reduces accidents and improves navigation. Self-driving vehicles currently on the road and in development need LiDAR sensors to operate safely. The market is forecasted to grow in the years to come. One research firm estimates it will reach $7.9 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 19.3%. It’s also a crowded market, with many LiDAR sensor makers vying for vehicle makers’ attention and business. Standing out is difficult, but it’s something Hesai Group (NASDAQ: HSAI) seems to be achieving, if their progress in the third quarter is indicative. Leading In Market Share The global maker of three-dimensional light detection and ranging (LiDAR) solutions says that as of the third quarter, it has emerged as a leader in terms of revenue, gross margins, cash flow and cash reserves when compared to its peers. Net revenue in the third quarter reached $76.9 million, up 21.1% year-over-year, and the company projects it will become the first automotive LiDAR company globally to achieve quarterly revenue of $100 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. Total lidar shipments during the third quarter were 134,208 units, up 182.9% YoY; Q3 2024 ADAS lidar shipments were 129,913 units, up 220.0% YoY. It marked two consecutive quarters of nearly 50% sequential growth in shipments. Hesai expects a record-breaking fourth quarter, with lidar shipments projected to reach 200,000 units – nearly matching its total shipments for 2023. Looking to the fourth quarter, Hesai estimates a net profit of $20 million and a positive operating cash flow. Hesai anticipates achieving full-year profitability on a non-GAAP basis for 2024. If it achieves those targets, Hesai said it will become the first profitable automotive LiDAR company globally in the fourth quarter of 2024. “Achieving profitability is a pivotal milestone, creating a virtuous cycle where increased resources fuel enhanced innovation and product development, driving stronger sales and sustainable growth,” said Hesai. Its commanding position in the market is also winning the company industry recognition. In July, Yole Group named Hesai the top automotive LiDAR company by market share for the third consecutive year. Hesai said the achievement came after a strong year of record-breaking revenue and shipments, strategic design wins, an expanded product roster and new partnerships. “We are honored to be recognized by Yole Group as the leader in the global LiDAR market for the third year in a row,” David Li, CEO and co-founder of Hesai, said at the time. “Our unique R&D and production capabilities allow us to mass produce high quality LiDAR at an unparalleled speed. As a result, Hesai will continue to advance road safety through our best-in-class products.” Bringing Manufacturing In House At last check, Hesai had a 37% market share in the ADAS and autonomous driving markets. The second-place competitor had a 21% market share, according to Yole Intelligence. Hesai is also dominating the L4 autonomous driving LiDAR segment, achieving 74% global market share in 2023. Of the top 10 L4 autonomous driving companies, nine use Hesai’s LiDAR sensors. Several clients, including Leapmotor, Changan Automobile, and Great Wall Motor (OTC: GWLLF), have switched to Hesai after initially selecting other companies, the company reports. What Hesai says sets it apart from its rivals is its in-house integrated technology that boasts long-term cost reductions and improvements in efficiency. By operating an in-house manufacturing facility, Hesai says it can produce its sensors on a large scale and deliver them in a timely manner. It doesn’t hurt that Hesai also created what it says is the world’s first integrated R&D and manufacturing center for LiDAR technology. That focus on advancing the market could give it an opportunity to establish a lasting leadership position. Crossing The Chasm According to Hesai, the LiDAR industry is currently in the “crossing the chasm,” a theory popularized by Geoffrey Moore that highlights the struggles a product faces going from early adoption to being used by the masses. When the product begins to achieve mass appeal, with at least 16% market penetration, it starts “crossing the chasm.” Hesai said that the automotive LiDAR market had penetration rates of 24% as of September, a firm indication that the transition to mass appeal is underway. From January to September 2024, the cumulative delivery volume of mass-produced LiDAR installed for passenger cars in the Chinese market exceeded 990,000 units, representing a 202% increase year-over-year, according to Chinese auto media Gasgoo. Among the top 10 emerging new energy vehicle brands in China, excluding new brands from traditional automakers, the average adoption rate of automotive LiDAR reached nearly 60% in September and continues to rise, according to Gasgoo. LiDAR still has a long way to grow before it's ubiquitous in the market like airbags, but adoption is growing at a steady pace. Hesai is positioning itself to be a big beneficiary when the market does eventually cross that chasm. Featured photo courtesy of Hesai Group. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

November 27, 2024 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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AI Generates Massive Amounts Of Data And This Company’s Tech Helps Transmit It

Benzinga

By Johnny Rice, Benzinga Dr. Michael Lebby, chairperson and CEO of Lightwave Logic, Inc. (NASDAQ: LWLG), was recently a guest on Benzinga’s All-Access. Lightwave Logic develops proprietary engineered electro-optic (EO) polymers. The company’s high-activity, high-stability organic polymers allow it to create next-generation photonic EO devices, which convert data from electrical signals into optical signals – critical to the functioning of the Internet. This means that with the company’s technology, more data gets sent faster using less power than the current standard, the company reports. Lebby spoke about the increasing demand for faster data transmission required by AI and how his company’s tech is uniquely positioned to provide a solution. Watch the full interview here: Featured photo by Joshua Sortino on Unsplash. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

November 27, 2024 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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TAG’s Green Ecosystem Is Helping Drive Innovation In Solar

Benzinga

By Johnny Rice, Benzinga Pablo Diaz, Founder, Chairman and CEO of The Awareness Group (OTC: FHLD), was recently a guest on Benzinga’s All-Access. TAG offers a national platform offering a unique suite of solar services and financing solutions for commercial and residential projects. TAG’s services are full-stack, taking care of every stage of the project from concept to installation. Mr. Diaz spoke about the way in which TAG is democratizing solar for clients who may not be able to access credit through other channels. Watch the full interview here: Featured photo by Andreas Gücklhorn on Unsplash. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

November 27, 2024 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Clinical Trial Results Show Positive Signs For Potential New Dementia Treatment

Benzinga

By Johnny Rice, Benzinga John Alam, MD - Chief Executive Officer of CervoMed Inc. (NASDAQ: CRVO), was recently a guest on Benzinga’s All-Access. CervoMed is a clinical-stage company dedicated to the development and commercialization of targeted drug treatments for neurodegenerative diseases with a focus on the early stages of the disease process. Mr. Alam spoke of the promising topline results from the ongoing phase 2b trial of its lead drug candidate. Watch the full interview here: Featured photo by JD Mason on Unsplash. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

November 27, 2024 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Soligenix, A Pharmaceutical Firm Tackling Potentially Lucrative Unmet Medical Needs

Benzinga

By Kyle Anthony, Benzinga Soligenix, Inc. (NASDAQ: SNGX), a late-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing products to treat rare diseases and areas of unmet medical need, has a portfolio of products aimed at treating orphan diseases. The United States (U.S.) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines an orphan disease as a rare disease or condition that affects fewer than 200,000 people in the U.S.. By focusing primarily on rare diseases, Soligenix can address the needs of niche but critical markets while having a long-lasting impact on patients' outcomes and quality of life. Soligenix’s Areas Of Focus Soligenix has a dual market focus: Specialized Biotherapeutics and Public Health Solutions. The firm’s Specialized Biotherapeutics division is dedicated to developing products for orphan diseases and areas of unmet medical need, such as Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), Psoriasis, Oral Mucositis and Behçet’s disease. This segment is where much of the firm’s product development focus and initiatives reside. The firm’s Public Health Solutions division seeks to develop heat stable vaccines and therapeutics for military and civilian applications in the areas of ricin exposure and viral diseases including Ebola and Marburg. This division has been funded almost entirely by the U.S. Government with grant and contract awards, with this non-dilutive funding exceeding $60 million to date. Soligenix’s Product Pipeline Soligenix’s Specialized Biotherapeutics division has several product offerings in different phases of development. Their lead product candidate, HyBryte™, is in final clinical testing and is a promising treatment for CTCL. CTCL is a rare, chronic and treatable type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma affecting the skin and is caused by a mutation in T-cells, which are white blood cells that help fight infection. The mutated T-cells attack the skin, causing lesions to appear. As reported by the Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation, approximately 3,000 new cases are reported in the U.S. every year, with as many as 20,000-30,000 living with this chronic, incurable disease. CTCL is more common in men than women and in patients older than 50, compared to younger people. By 70 years old, there is a four-fold increase in CTCL cases. HyBryte is a photodynamic therapy that uses synthetically manufactured hypericin in an ointment or gel combined with safe, visible fluorescent or LED light. Photodynamic light therapy is a two-part treatment. First, the drug (synthetic hypericin) is applied topically to the skin. Then, it is activated by visible light. Soligenix reports that synthetic hypericin, the active ingredient in HyBryte, tends to accumulate in T-cells. Once the hypericin is in the T-cells, it can be activated by safe, visible light. When synthetic hypericin is activated, it creates oxygen radicals, which subsequently cause cellular toxicity, killing the targeted T-cells, reports Soligenix. Soligenix says that HyBryte has demonstrated positive and statistically significant results in phase 1, 2 and 3 clinical studies. To further advance their clinical findings, the company recently announced the formation of a European Medical Advisory Board to provide additional clinical guidance on the safety and efficacy of HyBryte, and will be initiating a second confirmatory phase 3 trial in 80 CTCL patients before year end to support potential marketing approval worldwide. HyBryte has orphan drug designations in the U.S. and Europe, as well as a Fast Track designation for treating CTCL in the U.S. and a Promising Innovative Medicine designation from the United Kingdom Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency. Soligenix has another product offering, SGX302, that also utilizes photodynamic light therapy and synthetic hypericin to treat mild-to-moderate psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition in which inflammation, exacerbated by T-cells of the adaptive immune system (autoimmune response), causes itchy and sometimes painful rashes and lesions. The lesions develop because the skin cells grow and divide rapidly. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, more than 8 million people in the U.S. have this incurable disease. Clinical studies with SGX302 have found it safe and efficacious in treating the disease, reports Soligenix. Regarding the success of their clinical studies and the learnings gathered, Christopher J. Schaber, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer of Soligenix, has stated, “We are pleased with the preliminary findings from our ongoing Phase 2a trial. Current estimates show as many as 60-125 million people worldwide living with the condition, with a global treatment market valued at approximately $15 billion in 2020 and projected to reach as much as $40 billion by 2027. The success of HyBryte™ in targeting malignant T-cells during CTCL clinical trials is a promising indicator of the ability of SGX302 to provide a much-needed approach for the treatment of mild-to-moderate psoriasis, also caused by dysregulated T-cells.” Soligenix is also developing a treatment for oral mucositis. Mucositis is the damage done to the lining of the mouth and gut by cancer treatment regimens. Severe oral mucositis (SOM) occurs when the damage to the mouth is so severe that a patient’s ability to eat and drink is compromised, adversely affecting their nutrition and immune system. Soligenix’s SGX942 (dusquetide) is an intravenous formulation of the Innate Defense Regulator (IDR), dusquetide, for treating SOM. IDRs are a new compound class that changes the innate immune system's response by decreasing inflammation and increasing anti-infective and tissue healing activities. Dusquetide, as described by Soligenix, is a drug composed of 5 amino acids, naturally occurring molecules that make up the proteins in your body. As such, the metabolism of dusquetide results in additional building blocks for your body and does not interfere with any other drugs you may be taking. Soligenix reports that SGX942 has demonstrated safety in a phase 1 clinical study in 84 healthy volunteers, and biological activity and preliminary efficacy in phase 2 and 3 placebo-controlled clinical studies. SGX942 has a Fast Track designation for treating oral mucositis in the U.S. and a Promising Innovative Medicine designation from the United Kingdom Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency. Soligenix’s other specialized biotherapeutics include a product for treating Behçet’s Disease, a rare autoimmune disease, which is characterized by recurring oral and genital lesions. The company’s candidate for Behçet’s Disease, SGX945 (containing dusquetide, the same active in SGX942), is also currently enrolling patients in a phase 2 clinical trial, and topline results for both SGX945 and SGX302 trials are expected in H1 2025. Regarding their Public Health Solutions, Soligenix’s RiVax® is a safe alum-adjuvanted subunit vaccine candidate that may prevent death and injury from exposure to ricin toxin, a lethal yet easily manufactured white powder that can induce irreversible symptoms within four hours of exposure and may cause death within 48-72 hours. With the rise in antibiotic-resistant bacteria, Soligenix’s SGX943 is an investigational, intravenous formulation of the Innate Defense Regulator, dusquetide, for treating antibiotic-resistant bacteria and infectious diseases. SGX943 contains the same active ingredient and formulation as SGX942; it is a rapid 4-minute injection that may be administered upon suspicion of bacterial-origin infection before any confirmatory testing and may be given in combination with antibiotics. Treatment is continued every 2-3 days until the infection is resolved. Finally, ThermoVax® is Soligenix’s proprietary vaccine heat stabilization platform technology for preparing vaccines composed of protein and adjuvant such that they can be lyophilized (freeze-dried) while maintaining optimal potency when stored at elevated temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This technology has been applied not only to the company’s ricin vaccine (RiVax®) but also to candidate vaccines for hemorrhagic diseases such as Ebola and Marburg. Soligenix’s Market Perspective Though Soligenix’s business model is focused on treating rare diseases, this does not necessarily mean they’re not looking at a large addressable market. As cited by the CEO’s previous quote in this article, the estimated value of psoriasis’s total addressable market will reach approximately $40 billion by 2027. According to Maximize Market Research, the CTCL market was valued at $3.26 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow by 4.8 % from 2024 to 2030, reaching nearly $4.53 billion. Additionally, as reported by Allied Market Research, the global antimicrobial resistance market is projected to reach $9.5 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 7.6% from 2023 to 2032. Soligenix operates in potentially lucrative pharmaceutical business areas with the possibility of material payoffs for the company. In the public health realm, Soligenix has received over $60 million in non-dilutive government funding to date. The commercialization of Soligenix's public health offerings opens them up to clients such as the U.S. Government and other economies, where they can supply vaccines via government procurement contracts. Alternatively, given Soligenix’s focus on treating biothreats and emerging infectious diseases, the potential for priority review voucher (PRV) awards from the FDA with marketing approval offers an alternative revenue stream. Their recent investor relations deck noted that they have the potential to receive up to three PRVs with FDA approval, with the last PRV being sold for in excess of $100 million. Looking Ahead Soligenix’s focus on developing and commercializing products to treat rare diseases in areas of unmet medical need is aimed at developing a distinct value proposition within the marketplace that is not easily replicable over time. The firm's dual focus enables it to have better optionality within its product shelf, broadening its customer base and diversifying its revenue mix over time. As the firm embarks on its product development initiatives and seeks further collaboration with biotech firms, academic partners and government agencies, new opportunities for sustainable growth have the potential to emerge. For more information on Soligenix’s recent stock performance, click here. Featured photo by Louis Reed on Unsplash. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

November 27, 2024 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Potential Opportunities In Cosmetic Healthcare Highlighted Through SBC Medical’s Story

Benzinga

By Gerelyn Terzo, Benzinga Cosmetic healthcare is no longer reserved for Hollywood elites. Rising demand has increased access to aesthetic surgery, as technological advancements have paved the way for innovative financing options and less invasive procedures – placing it within the grasp of a wider swath of the population. Meanwhile, the market opportunity is growing and expected to increase, placing the advantage in the hands of companies that have already gained the trust of their consumers – brands like Japan’s SBC Medical Group Holdings (NASDAQ: SBC). According to Research and Markets, the global market for cosmetic surgery will grow by double digits in 2024 to reach a size of $53 billion. Furthermore, it will continue to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4% over 2024-2028 to culminate in a market size of $73.22 billion. In a recent report, McKinsey & Company predicted that the medical aesthetics sector, particularly in the United States and Canada, is here for the long haul and has demonstrated strong resilience in the face of changing economic cycles. The North American market growth is being fueled by demand for injectable procedures like Botox. According to the report, consumers continue to spend on cosmetic procedures, a heightened focus on cost-effective products and treatments notwithstanding. Demand is two-pronged, comprising a growing segment of the population who are most interested in the cosmetic benefits of self-care as well as those facing medical issues such as skin conditions in search of relief. Either way, the cosmetic healthcare industry seems poised for growth, and companies like SBC Medical Group are working hard to position themselves to continue to benefit from these macro trends. As a provider of comprehensive consulting and management services to medical corporations and their clinics, SBC Medical boasts the largest network of franchised clinics in Japan and a leading position in the aesthetic medical industry. The company’s revenue is growing as the number of clinics under its umbrella continues to expand. SBC Medical Group: A Case Study In Expansion In Aesthetics SBC Medical Group enjoys a dominant industry position in its home market of Japan, where it estimates it enjoys a 31% share of the market across hundreds of clinics. However, the company’s management team remains ambitious and has set its sights on expansion as SBC continues to take ground in cities like Irvine, CA and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Most recently, the company announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Aesthetic Healthcare Holdings Pte. Ltd. ("AHH"), a privately-held Singapore-based company that owns and operates several brands that provide aesthetic medical treatments, in an all-cash transaction. The acquisition by SBC of AHH marks the first step in the company’s strategy to grow its business through acquisitions, which includes plans to expand its business internationally with a primary focus on the U.S. and Asia markets. The company believes Singapore represents the ideal hub for the further development of its brand in the region. Furthermore, while the cosmetic surgery market is growing around the world, SBC Medical has managed to exceed the average growth rate. The company reports that its five-year revenue CAGR between 2018 and 2023 hovered at 24%, far outpacing the industry’s growth rate. SBC Medical attributes its growth largely to clinics that, under its leadership, are expanding their sales and customer base in Japan and beyond. The company benefits from a diversified revenue model in which it collects sales through different types of services, including management, procurement, rental and royalty income. While the market opportunity may already seem attractive, there may still be a growth story yet to unfold in the cosmetic healthcare market. For example, aesthetic medicine penetration among women up to their 30s in age is still increasing, fueled largely by demand for medical needs involving dermatology treatments. With total market penetration hovering at a modest 10%, as per estimates compiled by SBC, there is still plenty of room for further growth as the industry finds ways to reach middle-aged female and male patients whose ages range from 40 to 60. Cosmetic surgery among men has been growing as many search for cures like hair loss treatments and laser hair removal. To capture a potential windfall, SBC Medical is developing dermatology-focused services under its SBC brand and expanding laser hair removal to dermatology clinics via its Rise Clinics. While competition may be growing as more companies look to jump on the bandwagon, SBC Medical Group reports that it enjoys key advantages, not least its early-mover industry position. To maintain its lead, SBC is hyper-focused on growth, including expansions into adjacent medical fields such as treatments for fertility and hair loss, while it also looks to strike key business-to-business partnerships through which it can leverage complementary strengths. With an income statement comprising double-digit revenue growth, gross profit margin and operating profit margin, SBC Medical Group’s approach may already be paying off. Interested investors who are looking to add exposure to this market opportunity to their portfolios can learn more about SBC Medical’s stock on the company’s website sbc-holdings.com/en Featured photo by Adeolu Eletu on Unsplash. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

November 27, 2024 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Thanksgiving on Viberse: Real Thanks, Real Connections

Viberse

Thanksgiving is all about food, family, and gratitude—what’s not to love? This year, Viberse, the social media app for connecting everyday people through real, everyday moments, invites you to spread the love. Show appreciation for the people and experiences that make life meaningful by sharing your thanks as “vibes” with others around the world. (Thanksgiving) Vibes Get creative with topics like “( ) Challenge” and “ThisIs ( ).” Post your moments of gratitude with “(GivingThanks) Challenge,” or show your favorite turkey recipes using “ThisIs (TurkeyDinner).” These “vibe” posts bring Vibers together, turning individual thanks into a global gratitude fest. Your Gratitude Goes Global On Viberse, gratitude travels far and wide. This Thanksgiving, join us in building a worldwide community of thankfulness. Share your thanks beyond your usual circles of family and friends, and discover heartwarming stories from Vibers across the globe. About Viberse Founded in 2024 in Singapore, Viberse Technology is creating a platform where users can explore the extraordinary within everyday life, share their experiences, and connect meaningfully with others. Viberse offers a more authentic way to socialize in the digital age. Contact Details Viberse Christine Lin christine.lin@viberse.com

November 27, 2024 11:35 AM Eastern Standard Time

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