Author: [email protected]

Release – Ocugen and Roots Pharmaceutical Complete License Agreement for OCU400 Modifier Gene Therapy for Retinitis Pigmentosa in the Middle East and North Africa

Posted on by [email protected]

October 14, 2026

MALVERN, Pa., Oct. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ocugen, Inc. (“Ocugen” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: OCGN), a pioneering biotechnology leader in gene therapies for blindness diseases, today announced the execution of a licensing agreement with Roots Pharmaceutical, and its strategic partner Al-Dhow International Holding, for the exclusive rights to OCU400, Ocugen’s novel modifier gene therapy for the treatment of Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Subject to the terms of the License Agreement, Ocugen will receive an upfront license fee and potential initial development milestone payments of up to $4 million, in the aggregate, as well as potential sales milestone payments of up to $255 million, and royalties equaling 22% of OCU400 net sales generated by Roots Pharmaceutical. Ocugen will manufacture the commercial supply of OCU400 under terms of a related supply agreement.

Ocugen believes RP is a leading cause of inherited vision loss globally, with a particularly significant unmet need across the MENA region, where the prevalence of RP is estimated to be 10 to 20 times higher than in the U.S. and EU. Through OCU400, Roots Pharmaceutical aims to help address this substantial unmet need by potentially providing a treatment option for people in the MENA region living with RP and facing progressive vision loss and potential blindness.

“By partnering with Roots Pharmaceutical, an established leader with strong reach across the Middle East and North Africa, we are expanding our ability to bring our potential one-time gene therapy to patients in a region where retinitis pigmentosa is highly prevalent and the unmet medical need is significant,” said Dr. Shankar Musunuri, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Ocugen. “This agreement represents another important step in our strategy to build strong regional partnerships and expand global access to our potentially transformational gene therapies.”

Roots Pharmaceutical is an established and rapidly growing pharmaceutical company serving key markets across the MENA region. With more than two decades of operating experience and expertise in commercializing innovative medicines, the company’s regional capabilities and established healthcare relationships position it as a strong partner for bringing OCU400 to RP patients across MENA.

“This partnership reflects Roots’ commitment to bringing breakthrough gene therapies to the Middle East and North Africa, leading and shaping the treatment paradigm for our patients, which is our main objective,” said Dr. Islam Zayed, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Roots Pharmaceutical. “OCU400 has the potential to change the outlook, and the lives, of patients living with retinitis pigmentosa. We look forward to working closely with Ocugen to build the diagnosis-to-treatment pathway that gene therapy requires across our markets, and to exploring further collaboration across Ocugen’s ophthalmology pipeline.”

Ocugen continues to advance OCU400 through its Phase 3 liMeliGhT clinical trial with a topline data readout expected in the first quarter of 2027, followed by global regulatory submissions, including a Biologics License Application in the U.S. and a Marketing Authorization Application in Europe.

About Ocugen, Inc.
Ocugen, Inc. is a pioneering biotechnology company developing gene therapies for blindness diseases. The Company’s breakthrough modifier gene therapy platform has the potential to address significant unmet medical needs across large patient populations through a gene-agnostic approach. Unlike traditional gene therapies and gene-editing technologies that target a single gene mutation, Ocugen’s modifier gene therapies are designed to address the underlying disease biology by restoring balance across multiple gene networks. The Company is currently advancing programs for inherited retinal diseases and other causes of blindness that affect millions worldwide, including retinitis pigmentosa, Stargardt disease, and geographic atrophy, an advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration. Discover more at www.ocugen.com and follow the Company on LinkedIn and X.

About Roots Pharmaceutical Company
Founded in Kuwait in 2006, Roots Pharmaceutical is a fully integrated healthcare provider specializing in commercializing innovative therapies, medical devices, and an aesthetic line across the Middle East and North Africa. It is led by a team with over 25 years of pharmaceutical industry experience.

Roots Pharmaceuticals has established a direct commercial presence in the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa), mainly in GCC countries and key North African countries, with a therapeutic portfolio spanning neurology, hematology, oncology, rare diseases, dermatology, cardiovascular, medical devices and aesthetic line.

With 30+ global partners and a $300M+ product pipeline, Roots Pharmaceutical and its strategic partner Al-Dhow Group are committed to delivering meaningful healthcare impact across the MENA region through innovation, access and excellence. Its operations are ISO 9001:2015-certified and externally audited by PwC.

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the anticipated benefits to Ocugen of the definitive license agreement and supply agreement with Roots Pharmaceutical Company, as well as statements regarding strategy, the potential amounts of milestone payments and royalty payments that may be received under the license agreement, business plans and objectives for Ocugen’s clinical programs, plans and timelines for the preclinical and clinical development of Ocugen’s product candidates, including the therapeutic potential, clinical benefits and safety thereof, expectations regarding timing, success and data announcements of current ongoing preclinical and clinical trials, including the timing of data readouts and marketing applications, the ability to initiate new clinical programs, statements regarding qualitative assessments of available data, potential benefits, expectations for ongoing clinical trials, anticipated regulatory filings and anticipated development timelines, statements regarding potential market size and commercial possibilities of Ocugen’s product candidates, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. Ocugen may, in some cases, use terms such as “predicts,” “believes,” “potential,” “proposed,” “continue,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “may,” “could,” “might,” “will,” “should,” or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to numerous important factors, risks, and uncertainties that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from Ocugen’s current expectations, including, but not limited to, the risks that the license agreement and supply agreement with Roots Pharmaceutical Company will not lead to the current anticipated benefits to Ocugen; that preliminary, interim and top-line clinical trial results may not be indicative of, and may differ from, final clinical data; that unfavorable new clinical trial data may emerge in ongoing clinical trials or through further analyses of existing clinical trial data; that earlier non-clinical and clinical data and testing may not be predictive of the results or success of later clinical trials; and that clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and assessments, including by regulatory authorities. These and other risks and uncertainties are more fully described in Ocugen’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the risk factors described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the quarterly and annual reports that Ocugen files with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements that Ocugen makes in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, Ocugen assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this press release whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, after the date of this press release.

Contacts:

Investors:
Candice Masse, astr partners
[email protected]

Media:
Chris Clark, Ocugen
[email protected]

Release – Kodiak Extends Ketchan Mineralization by over 450 Metres with 0.41% CuEq over 122.5 Metres from Surface

Posted on by [email protected]

October 14, 2026 – Vancouver, British Columbia – Kodiak Copper Corp. (the “Company” or “Kodiak”) (TSX-V: KDK, OTCQX: KDKCF, Frankfurt: 5DD1) announces additional drill results from the summer 2026 drill program at its 100% owned MPD copper-gold porphyry project in southern British Columbia. Results received from seven holes totalling 1,583 metres drilled on the Ketchan deposit are reported herein (Figure 1).

Highlights

  • Drilling southeast of the Ketchan deposit expanded the mineralized envelope by a minimum of 450 metres beyond the deposit’s currently defined 1.4 kilometre strike extent. Notable drill results associated with the mineralized extension include: (Figures 2 and 3, Tables 1 and 2)
    • AG-26-034 intersected 0.31% Cu, 0.10 g/t Au and 1.70 g/t Ag (0.41% CuEq) over 122.5 metres from 5.5 metres to 128 metres
    • AG-26-021 intersected 0.12% Cu, 0.09 g/t Au and 0.76 g/t Ag (0.20% CuEq) over 202.5 metres from 39.5 metres to 242 metres
  • Hole AG-26-034 confirmed copper mineralization is associated with a large geophysical anomaly that extends one kilometer southeast from Ketchen. This3D-Induced Polarization (3D-IP) chargeability anomaly is untested southeast of AG-26-034. It is also coincident with anomalous soil and surface rock geochemistry. Figures 2 and 3
  • Additional results of interest include AG-26-015 which tested gaps in the central portion of the deposit. The hole intersected a gold rich zone with 0.19% Cu, 0.15 g/t Au and 0.58 g/t Ag (0.31% CuEq) over 207.3 metres from 22.7 metres to 230 metres. Figures 2 and 3, Tables 1 and 2
  • Kodiak expects these drill results to improve and expand the mineral resource at Ketchan, thereby continuing to grow the Mineral Resource Estimate (“MRE”) at MPD overall.
  • To date, 12,712 meters in 60 holes have been drilled in 2026 at the Ketchan, West and South deposits. A total of 16,500 metres of drilling is planned, with the goal of expanding a number of the deposits, as well as testing several prospective exploration targets that have potential for new discoveries. Drilling is expected to continue until late in the year.
  • All seven deposits in the current MRE are open to expansion and results from the 2026 drill program will contribute to an updated MRE, planned in Q1 2027.

“The recent drilling at the Ketchan deposit continues to deliver excellent results and suggests near-surface mineralization goes well beyond the current resource footprint.” said Claudia Tornquist, President & CEO of Kodiak Copper. “This demonstrates the scale of the mineralized system at Ketchan and could potentially result in a significant extension of the current deposit. With mineralization remaining open in this area, we see opportunities to further expand the deposit through continued step-out drilling.”

Figure 1: MPD Project – Location Map and Mineral Deposits

Picture1

Figure 2: Plan map showing the Ketchan deposit drilling to date. Bar graphs show downhole copper (green) and gold (red) values, and the background is the colour-contoured copper-in-soil data.

Picture2

Figure 3: Ketchan Deposit – Holes AG-26-007 to AG-26-008, AG-26-011, AG-26-015, AG-26-020 to AG-26-021 & AG-26-034 Long Section (Looking Northeast)

Picture3

Ketchan Deposit Drilling

The Ketchan deposit is located on the MPD Northwest claims and is a near-surface, alkalic porphyry copper-gold system defined by geophysics (aeromagnetics and induced polarization surveys), geology, rock sampling, and drilling. The current drill program, Kodiak’s first at Ketchan, is designed to target areas within, and adjacent to, the Mineral Resource Estimate (the “MRE”). As such, any mineralization intersected has the potential to expand the overall MRE.

Drill hole AG-26-034 was drilled towards the east from a pad located 450 metres southeast of the Ketchan deposit. A significant mineralized zone characterized by calc-potassic alteration was intersected from surface, between 5.5 metres and 128 metres, on the margin of a southeast trending 3D-IP chargeability anomaly. The 3D-IP anomaly extends for an additional 550 metres beyond this drill collar.

Drill hole AG-26-021 tested an intrusive monzonite porphyry associated with Ketchan and confirmed the body is mineralized throughout. The mineralization is characterized by bornite/chalcopyrite bearing veins.  When combined with historic hole K15-08, which returned 0.21 % Cu, 0.12 g/t Au and 0.97 g/t Ag (0.31% CuEq*) over 92 m from 15 metres to 107 metres, these three drill holes demonstrate a strong potential to expand the Ketchan MRE at least 450 meters to the southeast.

Drill hole AG-26-015 tested an area internal to the resource where the block model exhibited patchy mineralization. The hole intersected a gold rich zone over 200 metres and demonstrated continuity.

Drill hole AG-26-020 was drilled to the east of the MRE in an area with no known mineralization and intersected a zone of copper enrichment. Both drill holes are expected to enhance the resource.

Drill holes AG-26-007 and AG-26-011 targeted the area between the northwestern lobe and main lobe of the deposit. Both holes intersected lower grade mineralization, indicating the porphyry system is present. Additional drilling is required to further investigate this area.

Table 1: 2026 Ketchan Deposit Weighted Assay Intervals for Holes AG-26-007 to AG-26-008, AG-26-011, AG-26-015, AG-26-021 & AG-26-034 (see Figures 2 & 3).

HoleFromToInt(m)**Cu %Au g/tAg g/tCuEq*
AG-26-0345.5128122.50.310.101.700.41
AG-26-01522.7230207.30.190.150.580.31
AG-26-02139.5242202.50.120.090.760.20
AG-26-020115.515337.50.150.061.000.21
AG-26-007246336900.060.060.350.12
AG-26-01145.58640.50.030.020.270.05
AG-26-008No significant assays

*Copper equivalent grades (%CuEq) are for comparative purposes only to express the combined abundance of copper, gold, and silver. Metallurgical recovery is assumed as 82% for copper, 60% for gold and 54% for silver as determined by Kodiak metallurgical testing as stated in the Mineral Resource Estimate (see News Release June 25, 2025). Metal prices used in calculations are: US$4.75/lb copper, US3,500/oz gold, and US40/oz silver, using the formula: CuEq = Cu(%) + Au(g/t) x 0.7863 + Ag(g/t) x 0.0081

**Intervals are downhole drilled core intervals. Drilling data to date is insufficient to determine true width of mineralization. 

Table 2: 2026 Ketchan Deposit Drill Collar Information

Hole IDEasting
(UTM Z10)		Northing
(UTM Z10)		Elevation
(m)		Azimuth
(degrees)		Dip
(degrees)		EOH
(m)		Reported
AG-26-00767615155171781331170.3-503362026-10-14
AG-26-00867624455170021359180-752012026-10-14
AG-26-01167601855172241308270-601282026-10-14
AG-26-01567616455168161344274.8-602302026-10-14
AG-26-0206765225516827139650-752072026-10-14
AG-26-02167685255164871424330-502452026-10-14
AG-26-0346771055516255139590-502362026-10-14

Sampling, Laboratory Analyses and QA/QC Procedures

All core samples are delivered to accredited laboratory Activation Laboratories Ltd. (Actlabs) Kamloops, BC, for preparation and Fire Assay prior to being shipped to their Ancaster, Ontario Laboratory for Multi-element analysis. The maximum standard sample interval is 1.5 metres for HQ sized core and 3 metres for NQ sized core, with shorter intervals dictated by geological considerations.  The samples are analyzed for gold by fire assay fusion with an AA finish. If samples return gold values over 10ppm, samples are reanalysed by fire assay with gravimetric finish. Samples then undergo four acid digestion and ICP-OES and ICP-MS analysis for 48 elements. Samples that return copper values above 10,000 ppm are further analysed using a “near-total” digestion, ICP-OES package. Actlabs meets all requirements of International Standards ISO/IEC 17025:2015 and ISO 9001:2015 for analytical procedures. In addition to Actlabs quality assurance-quality control (QA/QC) protocols, Kodiak implements an internal QA/QC program that includes the insertion of sample blanks, duplicates, and certified reference materials, at a rate of one per ten samples.

Dave Skelton, P.Geo., Vice President Exploration and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has approved and verified the technical information in this news release. The company has not independently validated the historical component of the soil results or historic drill assays referenced herein; therefore, the reader is cautioned about the accuracy of the data. Copper-equivalent (CuEq) grades for historical drill results were calculated using the same formula, metal prices and metallurgical recovery assumptions applied to Kodiak’s drill results, as detailed in the notes to Table 1.

On behalf of the Board of Directors
Kodiak Copper Corp.

Claudia Tornquist
President & CEO

For further information contact:
Nancy Curry, VP Corporate Development
[email protected]
+1 (604) 646-8362

Release – Kratos Breaks Ground on New AN/SPY-1 Radar and Helios Hypersonics Testing Facilities in Indiana

Posted on by [email protected]
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October 14, 2026

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS), a technology company in defense, national security, and global markets, celebrated a joint groundbreaking ceremony, at the Westgate Academy in Odon, Indiana, marking the beginning of construction for its new Helios and AN/SPY-1 facilities. These facilities, which are the product of $35 million in funding through the Department of War’s Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) program and cost-sharing from Kratos, represent a significant step forward in advancing defense capabilities, innovation, and the long-term growth of the state’s defense ecosystem.

Kratos’ $35 million investment reinforces its commitment to supporting the U.S. Department of War and its mission partners by aggressively expanding the company’s engineering, integration, testing, and manufacturing capabilities.

The new footprint will feature two distinct, purpose-built complexes:

AN/SPY-1, also referred to as the Indiana Radar Integration Complex (IRIC): An approximately 183,000-square-foot SPY-1 facility designed to establish a long-term organic capability for the repair, testing, integration, and sustainment of the Navy’s AN/SPY-1 radar system. IRIC will provide a scalable infrastructure and workforce foundation to support legacy and next-generation radar systems. This state-of-the-art capability is designed to improve Navy Fleet readiness, reduce sustainment bottlenecks, and increase critical surge capacity.

The HELIOS Arc Jet & Laser Facility: This complex will advance next-generation directed energy technologies, delivering high-energy laser solutions for integrated air and missile defense, counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS), and force protection missions. Helios is being designed to address current gaps in the U.S. Defense Industrial Base by providing essential testing infrastructure for thermal protection systems used in hypersonic vehicles. By combining a 20-25 MW arc jet capability with a 200-kW fiber laser system, Helios aims to bridge the gap between low-fidelity screening solutions and the exquisite, large-scale arc jet facilities at government testing sites. This unique capability will dramatically increase opportunities for material evaluation in support of both hypersonic and strategic national defense efforts.

Dave Carter, President of Kratos Defense and Rocket Support Services, said, “The groundbreaking of the IRIC and Helios facilities furthers Kratos’ support to the U.S. Armed Forces. By bringing together advanced radar sustainment and cutting-edge hypersonic material testing under one strategic umbrella, we are addressing critical readiness bottlenecks. Indiana has the mission, talent, partnerships, and industrial commitment to become an even more significant contributor to the nation’s defense—and today is evidence of that momentum.”

Together, these facilities underscore Kratos’ dedication to strengthening the nation’s defense industrial base and delivering mission-critical solutions to the warfighter.

Eric DeMarco, President and CEO of Kratos, said, “Kratos is making deliberate internal investments to rapidly develop and field advanced capabilities our warfighters require against peer adversaries. The new IRIC and Helios facilities are prime examples of how we approach commercial investment in national security to be first to market with proven, cost-effective capabilities. We are proud to expand our partnership with the state of Indiana to deliver real, mission-relevant products and systems, ensuring that our military has the national security relevant hardware it needs to decisively execute its missions.”

About Kratos Defense & Security Solutions
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS) is a technology, products, system and software company addressing the defense, national security, and commercial markets. Kratos makes true internally funded research, development, capital and other investments, to rapidly develop, produce and field solutions that address our customers’ mission critical needs and requirements. At Kratos, affordability is a technology, and we seek to utilize proven, leading-edge approaches and technology, not unproven bleeding edge approaches or technology, with Kratos’ approach designed to reduce cost, schedule and risk, enabling us to be first to market with cost effective solutions. We believe that Kratos is known as an innovative disruptive change agent in the industry, a company that is an expert in designing products and systems up front for successful rapid, large quantity, low-cost future manufacturing which is a value-add competitive differentiator for our large traditional prime system integrator partners and also to our government and commercial customers. Kratos intends to pursue program and contract opportunities as the prime or lead contractor when we believe that our probability of win (PWin) is high and any investment required by Kratos is within our capital resource comfort level. We intend to partner and team with a large, traditional system integrator when our assessment of PWin is greater or required investment is beyond Kratos’ comfort level. Kratos’ primary business areas include virtualized ground systems for satellites and space vehicles including software for command & control (C2) and telemetry, tracking and control (TT&C), jet powered unmanned aerial drone systems, hypersonic vehicles and rocket systems, propulsion systems for drones, missiles, loitering munitions, supersonic systems, space craft and launch systems, C5ISR and microwave electronic products for missile, radar, missile defense, space, satellite, counter UAS, directed energy, communication and other systems, and virtual & augmented reality training systems for the warfighter. For more information, visit www.KratosDefense.com and follow Kratos on LinkedIn and X.

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are made on the basis of the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the management of Kratos and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Kratos undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although Kratos believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve many risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from what may be expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. For a further discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the business of Kratos in general, see the risk disclosures in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Kratos for the year ended December 28, 2025, and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the SEC by Kratos.

Press Contact: 
Claire Cantrell
[email protected]

Investor Relations: 
877-934-4687
[email protected]

Release – T3 Defense Subsidiary Positech Commences Deliveries On $3.9 Million Defense Order

Posted on by [email protected]

NEW YORK and NETANYA, Israel, Oct. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — T3 Defense Inc. (Nasdaq: DFNS) (“T3 Defense,” “DFNS” or the “Company”), a defense company that acquires and operates mission-critical defense businesses embedded in long-cycle national security programs, today announced that its subsidiary, Positech Ltd. (“Positech”), has completed the first shipment of a modified version of Heavy-Duty Single-Axis rotators under a previously announced $3.9 million order from a leading Israeli defense customer.

The initial delivery marks an important milestone in fulfilling the order, which was announced in June 2026. Positech expects to complete the remaining deliveries in Q1 2027.

“Positech’s progress on this order reflects T3 Defense’s strategy of acquiring and operating specialized businesses that supply mission-critical technologies to established defense customers,” said Menny Shalom, Chairman and CEO of T3 Defense. “Our focus is on building a portfolio with deep customer relationships and differentiated capabilities embedded in long-cycle national security programs. This delivery demonstrates how our subsidiaries are translating those strengths into contract execution.”

“This first shipment represents an important milestone for our team in delivering a modified rotator tailored to our customer’s requirements,” said Gera Eron, CEO of Positech. “Our Heavy-Duty Single-Axis rotators are designed to meet the demanding performance and reliability requirements of modern defense applications, including C-UAV systems, where they support the precise positioning of both detection and interception equipment. We are working closely with our customer to execute the order as we complete the remaining units, with final delivery expected in Q1 2027.”

Positech’s Heavy-Duty Single-Axis rotator is a new product developed from the company’s legacy line, serving as the precision positioning foundation for custom radars, including surveillance sensors, and electro-optical payloads, enabling accurate tracking, scanning, and pointing under demanding field conditions. These rotators are also critical components of Counter-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (C-UAV) systems, providing precision positioning for mounted detection and interception equipment. Battle-proven across customer tactical and homeland security systems and field operations, the platform delivers torque from 0.5Nm up to 200Nm and rotational speeds of up to 180 degrees per second, combining zero backlash, continuous rotation, and high-accuracy dynamic performance in a modular, gearless architecture that distinguishes it from conventional gear-driven alternatives.

About Positech Ltd. 
Positech Ltd. is a defense engineering company specializing in high-precision, multi-axis motion control systems for mission-critical platforms. The company develops direct-drive, gearless motion technologies that provide accurate stabilization, tracking, and pointing for electro-optical sensors, radar systems, communications platforms, and remote weapon stations. Positech’s systems are deployed across land, sea, and air defense environments where reliability, accuracy, and durability are essential for operational performance.

About T3 Defense Inc.
T3 Defense Inc. (Nasdaq: DFNS) is a defense company that acquires and operates mission-critical defense businesses involved in national security programs. It focuses on manufacturers with strong customer relationships and solid order backlogs, often capacity- and resource-constrained, in specialized areas such as drones and autonomous vehicles, counter-drone systems, advanced manufacturing, tactical robotics, and AI software and system integration. Through disciplined acquisitions, centralized capital and strategy, and decentralized day-to-day operations, T3 Defense aims to strengthen essential defense capabilities and build long-term value. For more information, visit www.t3dfns.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements relating to delivery timelines, contract values, and anticipated business performance. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current expectations and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These risks include, but are not limited to, the ability to execute on existing contracts, customer acceptance, geopolitical developments, and general market conditions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release.

Contact us:

T3 Defense Inc.
575 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10017
[email protected]
www.t3dfns.com

Positech Ltd.
Gera Eron, CEO
[email protected]
www.positech.co.il

Investor Relations
The Equity Group Inc.
Lena Cati
[email protected]
+1 212 836-9611

Val Ferraro
[email protected]
+1 212 836-9612

Release – SKYX Announces Closing of Merger with Leading AI Smart Home Technology Company Deako, Positioning the Combined Company to Become a Leader in the AI Smart Home Market

Posted on by [email protected]
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MIAMI, Oct. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SKYX Platforms Corp. (NASDAQ: SKYX) (d/b/a SKYX Technologies) (the “Company” or “SKYX”), an award-winning, highly disruptive advanced safe-smart home and AI platform technology company with over 120 U.S. and global pending and issued patents, with a mission to make homes and buildings advanced, safe and smart instantly as the new standard, today announced the closing of its merger with Deako, Inc., a Silicon Valley-backed U.S. smart home technology company. The combined company aims to lead the AI smart home, builder and hotel markets with its plug & play smart home and AI platform technologies.

Merger Highlights and Economics

  • Post merger, current SKYX’s shareholders own 84.4% of the Company and Deako’s shareholders and lender collectively own 15.6%.
  • Deako’s Lead Investors include Paul Jacobs, former Chairman and CEO of Qualcomm; Deako’s Former Board Member Marwan Fawaz was the former CEO of Nest (Google).
  • The combined SKYX and Deako pipeline is estimated at over 4 million units with an expected average selling price of approximately $50 per product.
  • Synergies between SKYX and Deako are expected to save over $6 million in overlapping annual expenses.
  • SKYX’s full product line is expected to create an opportunity to increase Deako’s revenue per home by up to five-fold.
  • Deako has recently extended it supply agreement with leading builders D.R. Horton and Stone Martin.
  • Deako has shipped over 32 million units, including its smart plug-in wall switches, and generated over $26 million in revenue in 2025.
  • The SKYX Deako combined estimated expense reduction of over $6 million annually is expected to move Deako into profitability as well as support SKYX’s goal of becoming cash flow positive.
  • SKYX Deako merger is expected to provide future recurring revenue opportunities from plug & play product interchangeability, AI services, monitoring, subscriptions, licensing, among others.
  • Deako is a leading technology supplier to the builder market, and its customers include over 50 U.S. home builders, including D.R. Horton, Toll Brothers, Risewell Homes, Adams Homes, Maronda Homes, Shea Homes and Schumacher Homes, among others.
  • Deako, Inc. is a smart home and intelligent lighting company with 20 U.S. and global issued and pending patents for plug & play smart and AI-activated lighting wall switches.
  • The merger expands SKYX’s collective patent portfolio to over 120 patents and pending applications related to platforms, smart home, AI and plug & play products.
  • The merger between SKYX and Deako will enable SKYX to offer an A-to-Z AI and smart home plug & play solution for homes and buildings including wall outlets, wall switches and ceiling outlet boxes for smart home and safety products, lighting, ceiling fans, smoke detectors, among others.
  • Most smart home solutions today require time-consuming and costly wired installation and address only part of the A-to-Z opportunity, while the combined company aims to offer a complete A-to-Z AI and plug & play smart home solution.
  • The merger is expected to fast-track SKYX’s technologies and products into Deako’s builder footprint of over 50 U.S. home builders, including those named above.
  • The merger opens the door for Deako’s products in SKYX projects, including Marriott and European hotels and Miami’s $4 billion Smart City.
  • The merger is expected to provide deployment opportunities of millions of combined products into the builder, hotel and pro markets, and future recurring revenue opportunities from plug & play product interchangeability, AI services, monitoring, subscriptions, licensing, among others.
  • As consideration for the merger, SKYX issued 25,000,000 shares of common stock, subject to a 21-month lock-up and leak-out agreement, with a 12-month full lock-up, followed by quarterly releases after 12 months, 15 months, 18 months, and 21 months after the closing, with share sales subject to a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. Post merger, current SKYX’s shareholders own 84.4% of the Company and Deako’s shareholders and lender collectively own 15.6%.
  • SKYX paid Deako’s senior lender $2M at signing on September 9, 2026, and $2M at closing, and issued an $8.5M secured promissory note, with $2.25M payable in Q1 2027 and the remaining $6.25M payable in Q4 2027.
  • Based on its safety features, SKYX’s plug & play ceiling outlet receptacle system has in recent years received approval votes from leading U.S. building safety standards organizations including 10 segments in the NFPA-NEC code book (National Fire Protection Association / National Electrical Code) and its specifications received an approval vote as an ANSI/NEMA standard.
SKYX Announces Closing of Merger with Leading AI Smart Home Technology Company Deako

Rani Kohen, Founder and Executive Chairman of SKYX Platforms, said: “The close of the SKYX Deako merger is a major step forward in our mission to make advanced, safe, smart homes and buildings the new standard. Combining our complementary technologies, extensive patent portfolios, and established market relationships, we believe we are creating the most comprehensive A to Z smart home and AI platform in the industry. Importantly, Deako’s track record with 50 prominent U.S. builders provides an opportunity to significantly accelerate SKYX’s builder market penetration, creating a meaningful long-term value for our shareholders.”

Derek Richardson, Founder and CEO of Deako, Inc., stated: “We are excited for the official closing of the SKYX Deako merger. In Deako, we bring a consistent business track record with more than 50 U.S. home builders and over 32 million units shipped, and SKYX brings a broad patent technology portfolio of plug & play and smart home and AI platforms, complemented by its growing market penetration into the hotel and builder segments. Together, we see a significant opportunity to increase revenue per home by as much as five-fold and to create long-term value for SKYX shareholders.”

For more information about Deako: Click Here

For a video demo of SKYX’s technologies: Click Here

About SKYX Platforms Corp.

As electricity is a standard in every home and building, our mission is to make homes and buildings safe, advanced and smart as the new standard. SKYX has a series of highly disruptive advanced, safe, smart and AI platform technologies, with over 120 U.S. and global patents and patent pending applications. Additionally, the Company owns 60 lighting and home décor websites for both retail and commercial segments. Our technologies place an emphasis on high quality and ease of use, while significantly enhancing both safety and lifestyle in homes and buildings. We believe that our products are a necessity in every room in both homes and other buildings in the U.S. and globally. For more information, please visit our website at https://www.skyx.com/ or follow us on LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements made in this press release are not based on historical facts but are forward-looking statements. These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “could,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “evaluate,” “forecast,” “guidance,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “might,” “objective,” “ongoing,” “outlook,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “probable,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “target” “view,” “will,” or “would,” or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. These statements reflect the Company’s reasonable judgment with respect to future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which have outcomes difficult to predict and may be outside our control, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and statements include, but are not limited to, risks relating to the merger, including risks arising from the diversion of management’s attention from the Company’s ongoing business operations, an increase in the amount of costs, fees and expenses and other charges related to the merger agreement or the merger, the outcome of any litigation that the Company or Deako may become subject to relating to the merger, the extent of, and the time necessary to obtain, any regulatory approvals that may be required, risks of disruption to the Company’s business as a result of the public announcement of the merger, the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of agreements relating to the merger, including due to a failure of any condition to the of the merger to be satisfied or waived by the applicable party, a decline in the market price for the Company’s common stock, risks that the merger disrupts current plans and operations of the Company or Deako and potential difficulties in Company or Deako employee retention as a result of the merger, the Company’s ability to pay the interest and principal on the promissory notes to be issued in connection with the merger, and the ability to implement business plans, forecasts and other expectations after the completion of the merger, realize the intended benefits of the merger, and identify and realize additional opportunities following the merger. Such risks and uncertainties also include statements relating to the Company’s ability to successfully launch, commercialize, develop additional features and achieve market acceptance of its products and technologies and integrate its products and technologies with third-party platforms or technologies; the Company’s ability to expand its market presence and control the market following the merger with Deako; the Company’s ability to achieve positive cash flows; the Company’s efforts and ability to drive the adoption of its products and technologies as a standard feature, including their use in homes, hotels, offices and cruise ships; the Company’s ability to capture market share; the Company’s estimates of its potential addressable market and demand for its products and technologies; the Company’s ability to raise additional capital to support its operations as needed, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all; the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern; the Company’s ability to execute on any sales and licensing or other strategic opportunities; the possibility that any of the Company’s products will become National Electrical Code (NEC)-code or otherwise code mandatory in any jurisdiction, or that any of the Company’s current or future products or technologies will be adopted by any state, country, or municipality, within any specific timeframe or at all; risks arising from mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and other collaborations; the Company’s ability to attract and retain key executives and qualified personnel; guidance provided by management, which may differ from the Company’s actual operating results; the potential impact of unstable market and economic conditions on the Company’s business, financial condition, and stock price; and other risks and uncertainties described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. There can be no assurance as to any of the foregoing matters. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by U.S. federal securities laws.

Investor Relations Contacts:

Jeff Ramson
PCG Advisory
[email protected]

Ronald A. Both
Encore Investor Relations
[email protected]

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/de71691f-a0b8-4eb9-bdf8-2b36459d8f07

Apple Reclaims $5 Trillion Valuation as AI Expansion and Strong iPhone Demand Fuel Growth

Posted on by [email protected]

Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) has once again surpassed a $5 trillion market capitalization, becoming only the second publicly traded company to reach the milestone as strong iPhone sales, expanding artificial intelligence capabilities, and renewed investor confidence continue to drive its valuation higher.

Shares climbed more than 1% on Wednesday, October 14, pushing Apple’s market value above the historic threshold. The company initially reached $5 trillion in late July, less than a year after surpassing $4 trillion in October 2025.

Apple shares have gained approximately 26% year to date and nearly 40% over the past 12 months, reflecting investor optimism surrounding the company’s hardware ecosystem and evolving AI strategy.

A significant contributor to Apple’s recent performance has been renewed consumer demand for iPhones, supported by an upgrade cycle throughout 2026.

The company’s ability to maintain customer loyalty while introducing new products has helped reinforce its position in the global smartphone market.

Apple is also preparing additional hardware launches, including its anticipated iPhone Duo foldable smartphone, expected to carry a $1,999 price tag. The premium device could help increase average selling prices and expand Apple’s presence in the growing foldable smartphone category.

Other anticipated products include a touchscreen MacBook and updated iPads, potentially creating additional revenue opportunities across the company’s hardware portfolio.

However, rising memory and storage costs remain a challenge. Supply constraints have contributed to higher device prices, raising questions about whether consumers will continue upgrading at the same pace.

Apple’s expanding artificial intelligence capabilities have become another important driver of investor sentiment.

After facing criticism for delays in rolling out features associated with Apple Intelligence, the company has accelerated development through software updates and partnerships.

Its collaboration with Google provides access to AI models that support Apple’s broader efforts to improve Siri and introduce more advanced capabilities across its devices.

The company is also expanding beyond smartphones and computers into connected home technology.

Apple recently introduced HomeView, a smart home hub designed to integrate its AI-powered Siri assistant into household devices. The product represents an effort to compete more directly with established smart home platforms from Amazon and Google.

The initiative could create additional opportunities in connected devices, automation, and AI-enabled consumer services.

Apple’s valuation highlights the growing importance investors place on companies capable of combining artificial intelligence, hardware innovation, and recurring technology services.

While the milestone primarily reflects Apple’s market position, its continued expansion could also influence smaller companies operating within the broader technology ecosystem.

Businesses developing AI applications, semiconductor technologies, connectivity solutions, and smart device components may benefit from increased industry investment and demand for specialized capabilities.

At the same time, Apple’s scale demonstrates the competitive challenges smaller technology companies face when entering markets dominated by established platforms.

Despite its historic valuation, Apple faces questions surrounding premium device pricing, competitive pressure, and its ability to translate AI investments into sustained revenue growth.

Investors will be watching upcoming product launches, consumer demand, and the financial impact of Apple’s expanding AI capabilities.

For the broader technology sector, Apple’s return to the $5 trillion milestone underscores how innovation, ecosystem strength, and long-term growth expectations continue to shape market valuations.

AZZ (AZZ) – Record Earnings Drive Increased Guidance

Posted on by [email protected]


Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Q2 FY 2027 Financial Results. AZZ reported adj. net income of $60.1 million, or $2.00 per share, versus $46.9 million, or $1.55 per share, a year ago. Results exceeded our estimates of $54.9 million, or $1.81 per share, by 9.5% and 10.5%, respectively. Revenue increased 16.7% to a record $486.9 million, while adj. EBITDA rose 25.0% to $110.9 million, exceeding our $101.6 million estimate. Adj. EBITDA margin expanded 150 basis points to 22.8%. Metal Coatings revenue increased 22.9% to $233.5 million, while Precoat Metals revenue rose 11.5% to $253.4 million. Segment adj. EBITDA margins were 30.7% and 21.2%, respectively.

FY 2027 Corporate Guidance Raised. Reflecting strong performance and sustained sales momentum, management raised FY 2027 revenue guidance to $1.825–$1.875 billion from $1.800–$1.850 billion. Adj. EBITDA guidance increased to $380–$420 million from $375–$415 million, while adj. EPS guidance rose to $7.00–$7.30 from $6.75–$7.15. The revised outlook reflects contributions from the new Washington, Missouri facility, improved operations, and lower interest expense. Capital expenditures are expected to total $80–$100 million, with debt reduction of $100–$140 million.


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Aurania Resources (AUIAF) – Drilling Completed at Thor’s Valley; Assays Expected in November

Posted on by [email protected]


Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

2026 drilling program completed. Aurania completed eight diamond drill holes totaling 780.7 meters at its Thor’s Valley gold-silver project in Iceland, compared with six holes originally planned. The program included six holes twinning historical drilling, one drilled in the same direction as a historical hole but at a different inclination, and a step-out hole 50 meters northwest of the historic area. The program was intended to confirm historical results and assess the continuity and extent of mineralization. Assay results are expected in November 2026.

Core recovery improves geological confidence. Aurania achieved nearly 100% core recovery in most holes, compared with approximately 50% or less historically. Using HQ3 diamond drilling, the company recovered fragmented, clay rich vein material frequently lost during earlier programs. More representative samples should improve the assessment of historical gold grades and mineralized widths.


Get the Full Report

Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.

This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Federal Reserve Faces High-Stakes Interest Rate Decision Days Before Midterm Elections

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The Federal Reserve is approaching one of its most closely watched interest rate decisions of the year, with policymakers facing renewed inflation concerns just days before the November midterm elections. The central bank’s next policy announcement, scheduled for October 28, comes only six days before Americans head to the polls, creating a politically sensitive environment as officials determine whether additional monetary tightening is necessary.

Fresh inflation data released Wednesday, October 14, has intensified expectations that another rate increase could be on the table. The Consumer Price Index rose 3.7% annually in September, with prices increasing 0.6% from the previous month. Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, increased 2.6% year over year and 0.3% monthly, reinforcing concerns that inflationary pressures remain persistent.

The latest figures have complicated the Federal Reserve’s efforts to balance price stability with economic growth. Following the inflation report, financial markets increased the probability of a quarter-percentage-point rate hike at the October meeting to approximately 40%, up from roughly 20% the previous day.

The Federal Reserve already raised its benchmark interest rate in September, marking its first increase in more than three years. That decision brought the federal funds target range to 3.75%–4.00%, signaling policymakers’ determination to address inflation despite concerns about economic momentum.

The upcoming decision presents an additional challenge because of its proximity to the November 3 elections. Interest rate changes can influence borrowing costs, consumer spending, housing affordability, and financial market performance, making monetary policy a closely watched issue during election campaigns.

Historically, the Federal Reserve has often avoided changing interest rates immediately before national elections. An analysis of previous election cycles found that the central bank left rates unchanged approximately 67% of the time between October 1 and Election Day. However, persistent inflation has occasionally prompted policymakers to act despite the political calendar.

Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh has emphasized the importance of maintaining credibility in the central bank’s efforts to control inflation. The institution faces pressure to demonstrate that its decisions are guided by economic conditions rather than political considerations.

For investors, the implications extend beyond the immediate reaction in stock and bond markets. Higher interest rates can increase financing costs for businesses, discourage borrowing, and place additional pressure on corporate earnings.

These challenges can be particularly significant for small-cap and microcap companies, which often have fewer financing alternatives and greater exposure to changes in credit conditions. Businesses dependent on external capital to support expansion, acquisitions, or research and development may face higher borrowing expenses if monetary policy remains restrictive.

Conversely, a decision to hold rates steady could provide some near-term relief to interest-rate-sensitive sectors, although continued inflation concerns may limit expectations for monetary easing.

Investors will be closely monitoring the Federal Reserve’s October announcement for indications of how policymakers assess inflation risks and the possibility of additional rate increases before year-end.

Whether the central bank raises rates or maintains its current position, the decision will carry implications for financial markets, business investment, and the broader economic outlook.

With inflation proving difficult to contain and political scrutiny intensifying, the Federal Reserve faces a critical test of its commitment to independent, data-driven monetary policy.

Critical Minerals Race Fuels Mining Deals as Companies Move to Secure Copper and Rare Earth Supplies

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The global race to secure critical minerals is driving renewed merger and acquisition activity across the mining industry, as companies seek greater control over copper, rare earth elements, and other strategically important resources. Growing demand from electrification, artificial intelligence infrastructure, and defense manufacturing is encouraging producers to pursue acquisitions, strategic partnerships, and long-term supply agreements.

For small-cap and microcap mining companies, these developments could create opportunities to attract investment, advance exploration projects, and establish relationships with larger industry participants.

Recent transactions involving copper exploration assets and rare earth supply agreements highlight the increasing importance of securing access to future mineral production.

Copper remains central to global electrification, with applications spanning electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, power transmission networks, and data centers.

As electricity demand increases, mining companies are looking to expand their resource portfolios. However, developing new copper mines can require substantial investment and years of exploration, permitting, and construction.

Acquiring existing exploration assets or partnering with junior miners can offer established producers an alternative route to securing future supplies.

Kodiak Copper (KDKCF) provides an example of activity within the junior copper sector. The company is advancing its MPD copper-gold project in British Columbia, where its 2026 exploration program includes drilling intended to expand existing mineral resources and evaluate additional targets.

Kodiak has also pursued a proposed transaction involving its Mohave copper project in Arizona and assets contributed by Teck Resources, illustrating how junior miners can participate in broader asset consolidation strategies.

Another company operating in the sector is Power Metallic Mines (PNPNF), which is advancing polymetallic exploration projects in Quebec with exposure to copper and other metals important to industrial supply chains.

Beyond copper, rare earth elements have become increasingly important because of their use in electric motors, wind turbines, and advanced defense technologies.

Recent activity involving Arafura Rare Earths and commodity trader Traxys underscores the importance of long-term offtake agreements in securing future supplies.

These arrangements can provide mining developers with commercial visibility while helping industrial customers reduce exposure to concentrated global supply chains.

The broader critical minerals landscape also includes materials used in batteries and energy storage.

First Phosphate (PHOS) is focused on phosphate resources in Quebec, a material relevant to lithium iron phosphate battery chemistry. Meanwhile, Century Lithium (CYDVF) is developing its Angel Island lithium project in Nevada, positioning it within the North American battery materials supply chain.

Although these companies operate in different commodity markets, their projects illustrate the range of resources attracting strategic interest as governments and manufacturers prioritize domestic and diversified supply networks.

For junior mining investors, increasing acquisition activity could provide additional opportunities for companies with attractive deposits, favorable jurisdictions, and credible development plans.

However, stronger demand for critical minerals does not automatically translate into profitable projects.

Investors should evaluate resource quality, project economics, financing requirements, permitting risks, and potential shareholder dilution.

Strategic equity investments, joint ventures, government funding commitments, and binding offtake agreements may offer important indications of commercial interest.

As competition for critical minerals intensifies, securing reliable access to future production is becoming an increasingly important priority.

For small-cap mining companies, this environment could support additional partnerships and consolidation activity, making critical minerals a sector worth watching through the remainder of 2026 and beyond.

Big Pharma’s Patent Cliff Could Spark a New Wave of Small-Cap Biotech Acquisitions

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As major pharmaceutical companies face billions in potential revenue losses from expiring patents, smaller biotechnology firms could become increasingly attractive acquisition targets.

The biotechnology sector could be approaching another wave of merger and acquisition activity as major pharmaceutical companies confront a growing challenge: the expiration of patent protection on blockbuster medications. With an estimated $300 billion to $400 billion in pharmaceutical revenue facing patent-related pressure beginning in 2028, large drugmakers are increasingly focused on replenishing their development pipelines, potentially creating opportunities for smaller biotechnology companies.

The industry’s so-called “patent cliff” occurs when branded medications lose market exclusivity, allowing generic or biosimilar competitors to enter the market. These alternatives can rapidly erode sales, forcing pharmaceutical manufacturers to identify new sources of revenue.

For small-cap biotechnology investors, this dynamic could become an important catalyst for dealmaking.

Pharmaceutical companies have several options for replacing revenue from aging products, including internal research, licensing agreements, strategic partnerships, and acquisitions. Purchasing smaller biotechnology companies with promising clinical assets can provide access to new treatments without starting development programs from scratch.

Merger and acquisition activity across the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors continues to reflect growing demand for innovative treatments and promising drug development pipelines. Oncology, immunology, rare diseases, and other specialized therapeutic areas remain key areas of strategic interest as major pharmaceutical companies seek new opportunities for long-term growth.

Among emerging biotechnology companies advancing treatments in these fields is Cardiff Oncology (NASDAQ: CRDF), which is developing onvansertib, a PLK1 inhibitor being studied in combination with standard therapies for metastatic colorectal cancer. The company reported encouraging Phase 2 results and has outlined plans for a registrational trial, subject to additional financing.

Such programs illustrate the type of clinical innovation occurring across the smaller biotechnology sector.

Biotechnology companies frequently operate without commercial revenue, relying on capital markets to finance expensive clinical trials and regulatory development.

This funding environment can make partnerships particularly valuable.

Ocugen (NASDAQ: OCGN), which is developing gene therapies targeting inherited retinal diseases, has pursued regional licensing opportunities as part of its broader development strategy. Such arrangements demonstrate how smaller biotechnology companies can access additional resources while retaining certain commercial rights.

Meanwhile, Eledon Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ELDN) is developing therapies involving immune modulation, including tegoprubart, an investigational treatment being studied in kidney transplantation.

These companies represent different approaches to addressing significant medical needs, highlighting the range of assets that larger pharmaceutical companies may evaluate when expanding their portfolios.

Their inclusion does not imply that acquisition discussions are underway.

Although pharmaceutical patent expirations create incentives for acquisitions, clinical progress remains central to company valuations.

Investors should monitor trial results, regulatory milestones, cash reserves, intellectual property protection, and licensing announcements. Companies approaching pivotal clinical milestones may attract greater strategic attention, but they also face substantial development risks.

Another consideration is whether pharmaceutical buyers favor outright acquisitions or licensing agreements that provide access to promising treatments without assuming full development costs.

Following a slowdown in biotechnology dealmaking over the summer, industry observers anticipate renewed acquisition interest as companies prepare for upcoming patent expirations.

For investors following the small-cap biotechnology sector, the implications extend beyond potential takeover premiums. Increased dealmaking could improve sentiment, provide additional financing opportunities, and establish valuation benchmarks for emerging therapeutic platforms.

As the pharmaceutical industry prepares for significant revenue losses from patent expirations, innovative smaller biotechnology companies could play an increasingly important role in shaping the next generation of treatments.

The $4 Gallon Is No Longer a Shock. It’s the New Baseline.

Posted on by [email protected]

By Wednesday, American drivers are expected to log more days above $4 a gallon in a single year than in any year on record, surpassing a mark set in 2022. That is the forecast of Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, and the numbers support it.

AAA puts the national average for regular gasoline at $4.35 a gallon, about $1.27 higher than a year ago and still shy of the May peak above $4.50. Diesel sits at $6.25. Prices have drifted down a few cents over the past month, which is hardly comfort when the starting point is this high.

What stands out is not the peak but the persistence. A price spike is a shock; a price that stays elevated for months becomes a baseline. Households stop treating $4 gas as an emergency and start budgeting around it, which means cutting somewhere else. That quiet adjustment is how fuel costs feed into broader economic weakness, and it helps explain why consumers have grown so frustrated with the cost of living. The University of Michigan’s October sentiment survey fell to a five-month low, and gas prices that have held above $4 since mid-summer are part of that story.

The supply picture offers little relief. Crude rose Monday after deadly attacks in the Middle East and fresh doubts about a proposed Russia-Ukraine energy ceasefire, with Brent near $106 a barrel and West Texas Intermediate around $93. At home, Hurricane Isaias knocked two major Gulf Coast refineries offline, and the full extent of the damage is still being assessed. Refiners make diesel and heating oil from the same crude supply, so a disruption in one product can pull the others higher, just as winter demand arrives. Gasoline futures are up more than 86% this year and heating oil futures more than 124%.

Diesel deserves more attention than it gets. It moves the farm equipment, trucks, and delivery vans that carry nearly everything people buy, so higher diesel costs eventually show up on shelves and invoices. Drivers see the gasoline price on a sign; they don’t see the diesel surcharge folded into their groceries.

The pain is not evenly shared. Producers are positioned to benefit. InPlay Oil Corp. (IPOOF), an Alberta light oil producer covered by Noble Capital Markets research, reported record quarterly adjusted funds flow of $44.7 million in the second quarter, citing high oil prices, and raised its 2026 guidance. The company also reported production of 18,663 barrels of oil equivalent per day, about 62% light oil and natural gas liquids, and agreed to a $54.25 million acquisition after quarter end. Those figures are company-reported. Transportation and logistics businesses, along with lower-income households that spend a larger share of their budgets on fuel, face the opposite side of the trade.

Three things will decide how long this lasts: how quickly the damaged refineries come back, whether Middle East tensions and the Russia-Ukraine ceasefire push crude higher, and how tight distillate supply gets as temperatures fall. If those break the wrong way, the $4 gallon will remain a feature of the economy rather than a talking point, and the consumer will keep feeling it.

IonQ to Acquire Zero Trust Security Firm Elisity in Deal Valued at Up to $1.3 Billion

Posted on by [email protected]

IonQ (NYSE: IONQ) announced on Oct. 12 that it has agreed to acquire Elisity, a Zero Trust cybersecurity company, in an all-stock transaction valued at up to $1.3 billion. The deal pairs IonQ’s post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and quantum key distribution (QKD) technology with Elisity’s enterprise network security platform, and it extends IonQ’s push beyond quantum computing into security.

Founded in 2019, Elisity helps organizations apply Zero Trust principles to users, devices, workloads, AI agents, and other non-human identities. Its IdentityGraph product pulls together identity, asset, and risk data to set least-privilege access policies, letting teams simulate a policy before enforcing it and restrict each identity to only the communications it needs. IonQ says Elisity has more than 100 customer deployments, including a growing number of Fortune 500 companies, and has roughly doubled both revenue and customers year over year with no churn among deployed customers. IonQ also points to the microsegmentation market, which it sizes at more than $10 billion with double-digit annual growth.

IonQ is pitching a single security stack for two problems: attacks happening now, including those involving AI agents, and the longer-term risk that quantum computers eventually break today’s encryption. The companies plan to extend IdentityGraph with cryptographic inventory and risk information. IonQ CEO Niccolo de Masi said “Q-Day” is arriving faster than predicted, and compared the deal to IonQ’s earlier SkyWater Technology acquisition, which added chip design and fabrication capabilities. The announcement also cites a June 22, 2026 White House executive order and other federal directives pushing agencies toward PQC migration.

IonQ says its quantum-safe communications networks are already deployed in Switzerland, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia, and that multiproduct revenue grew 40% year over year in the second quarter of 2026. Elisity’s customer base and CISO relationships would give IonQ new channels to sell PQC, QKD, and quantum computing to enterprise and government buyers.

The transaction includes up to $150 million in earnout payments tied to Elisity’s performance. The number of IonQ shares issued will be set at closing using the 20-day volume-weighted average price before closing, with the price floored at $33.07 and capped at $49.61 per share. The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to customary conditions including regulatory approval. Elisity will continue operating under its current leadership, including CEO James Winebrenner.

Closing risk, customer and employee retention, and integration are the main variables, all flagged in IonQ’s own forward-looking statements. Investors should also watch whether IonQ can turn the cross-sell story into reported revenue, and how the share issuance affects dilution given the price collar.