Tonix Pharmaceuticals (TNXP) – Long COVID Study Did Not Meet Primary Endpoint But Provides Important Data


Wednesday, September 06, 2023

Tonix is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, licensing, acquiring and developing therapeutics and diagnostics to treat and prevent human disease and alleviate suffering. Tonix’s portfolio is composed of immunology, rare disease, infectious disease, and central nervous system (CNS) product candidates. Tonix’s immunology portfolio includes biologics to address organ transplant rejection, autoimmunity and cancer, including TNX-15001 which is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting CD40-ligand being developed for the prevention of allograft and xenograft rejection and for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. A Phase 1 study of TNX-1500 is expected to be initiated in the second half of 2022. Tonix’s rare disease portfolio includes TNX-29002 for the treatment of Prader-Willi syndrome. TNX-2900 has been granted Orphan-Drug Designation by the FDA. Tonix’s infectious disease pipeline includes a vaccine in development to prevent smallpox and monkeypox called TNX-8013, next-generation vaccines to prevent COVID-19, and an antiviral to treat COVID-19. Tonix’s lead vaccine candidates for COVID-19 are TNX-1840 and TNX-18504, which are live virus vaccines based on Tonix’s recombinant pox vaccine (RPV) platform. TNX-35005 (sangivamycin, i.v. solution) is a small molecule antiviral drug to treat acute COVID-19 and is in the pre-IND stage of development. TNX-102 SL6, (cyclobenzaprine HCl sublingual tablets), is a small molecule drug being developed to treat Long COVID, a chronic post-acute COVID-19 condition. Tonix expects to initiate a Phase 2 study in Long COVID in the second quarter of 2022. The Company’s CNS portfolio includes both small molecules and biologics to treat pain, neurologic, psychiatric and addiction conditions. Tonix’s lead CNS candidate, TNX-102 SL, is in mid-Phase 3 development for the management of fibromyalgia with a new Phase 3 study launched in the second quarter of 2022. Finally, TNX-13007 is a biologic designed to treat cocaine intoxication that is expected to start a Phase 2 trial in the second quarter of 2022. TNX-1300 has been granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation by the FDA.

Robert LeBoyer, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Biotechnology, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Phase 2 PREVAIL Study Announces Mixed Results. Tonix announced that the Phase 2 PREVAIL study testing TNX-102 SL in Long COVID did not meet its primary endpoint of multi-site pain reduction at week 14. The study was able to improve several important symptoms of Long COVID that could become acceptable endpoints in a Phase 3 trial.

Several Measures Showed Benefits In The Trial. PREVAIL was a blinded placebo-controlled study with an enrollment of  63 patients. Several secondary endpoints showed consistent benefits over the course of the study. These include fatigue, sleep quality, cognitive function, disability, and the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC). We believe these data show the drug can reduce several important symptoms of Long COVID.


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. 

Defense Metals Corp. (DFMTF) – New Exploration Targets Underscore the Potential to Expand the Wicheeda REE Deposit


Wednesday, September 06, 2023

Defense Metals Corp. is a mineral exploration and development company focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral deposits containing metals and elements commonly used in the electric power market, defense industry, national security sector and in the production of green energy technologies, such as, rare earths magnets used in wind turbines and in permanent magnet motors for electric vehicles. Defense Metals owns 100% of the Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Property located near Prince George, British Columbia, Canada. Defense Metals Corp. trades in Canada under the symbol “DEFN” on the TSX Venture Exchange, in the United States, under “DFMTF” on the OTCQB and in Germany on the Frankfurt Exchange under “35D”.

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.

Geophysical survey reveals two new exploration targets. Defense Metals completed a ground radiometric geophysical survey over the Wicheeda rare earth element (REE) deposit and identified new anomalies that may represent rare earth element mineralized carbonatite within the current mineral resource pit shells defined in the 2021 preliminary economic assessment (PEA). Two previously unknown anomalies were identified, each approximately 40 meters in width and extending approximately 250 meters northwest from the main body of the Wicheeda REE deposit. The survey further defined the surface extent of outcropping REE mineralization. 

New targets offer resource expansion potential. The two anomalies are under cover and have a similar geophysical expression to known drilled and outcropping rare earth mineralization. Recall Hole WI21-39 intersected relatively higher-grade carbonatite at depth returning 2.91% total rare earth oxide (TREO) over 45 meters from a depth of 69 meters downhole that is believed to represent the downdip projection of the eastern anomaly.


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. 

Bit Digital, Inc. (BTBT) – Increasing Hash Rate Means Increasing Production


Wednesday, September 06, 2023

Joe Gomes, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

August Production. Bit Digital produced 139.9 BTC, a 5% increase compared to the prior month’s 133.0 BTC. The increase was due to a higher average active hash rate, partially offset by an increase in network difficulty. The active hash rate was approximately 2.03 EH/s as of August 31, 2023 compared to 1.78 EH/s last month.

Staking. Bit Digital had approximately 13,188 ETH actively staked in native and liquid staking protocols as of August 31, 2023, up from 12,708 last month. Approximately 10,784 were natively staked and 2,404 ETH were deployed in liquid staking protocols as of that date, with 416 ETH deposited but in queue to be activated on the Ethereum staking network, which are estimated to come online by the end of September 2023. The blended APY the Company earned was 4.4% on its staked ETH position for the month of August 2023.


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. 

Saudi-Russian Oil Alliance Stokes Prices and Tensions

Saudi Arabia and Russia have extended their joint oil production cuts by 1.3 million barrels per day until the year’s end. This move caused oil prices to spike, with benchmark Brent crude exceeding $90 per barrel, a level unseen since November.

While this decision may lead to higher inflation and fuel costs, it also strains Saudi Arabia’s relations with the U.S., as President Biden had previously warned of “consequences” for Saudi-Russian cooperation due to Russia’s Ukraine conflict involvement.

Saudi Arabia plans to monitor market conditions closely and take further action if needed, aligning with OPEC+ efforts to stabilize oil markets. Russia will continue its daily 300,000-barrel cut.

Brent crude had traded between $75 and $85 per barrel since November before these announcements.

No immediate U.S. reaction, but past criticism of OPEC, Saudi Arabia, and Russia by U.S. lawmakers persists. Analysts predict these cuts may create global oil imbalances and push prices above $90 per barrel if there isn’t a significant economic downturn.

U.S. gasoline prices average $3.81 per gallon, slightly below the 2012 Labor Day high of $3.83, but the impact remains uncertain. Higher gasoline prices can raise transportation costs and contribute to inflation.

Take a moment to learn about InPlay Oil, a junior oil and gas exploration and production company with operations in Alberta focused on light oil production.

Click here for company information, including equity research from Noble Capital Markets.

Saudi Arabia’s production cut, initiated in July, aligns with other OPEC+ countries extending cuts into the following year, yet previous cuts failed to significantly raise oil prices due to weak demand and tighter monetary policies. International travel’s revival is expected to boost oil demand.

Saudi Arabia aims to boost oil prices to fund its Vision 2030 initiative, diversifying its economy and creating jobs, including the $500 billion Neom city project.
Balancing these goals, Saudi Arabia must manage its U.S. relationship, complicated by past tensions over Jamal Khashoggi’s killing. Recent negotiations include nuclear cooperation, raising nonproliferation concerns.

Higher oil prices from these cuts also aid Russia in funding the Ukraine conflict, as Western sanctions reduce Moscow’s revenues, leading to discounted oil sales.

These dynamics add complexity to the global geopolitical landscape surrounding oil production.

US Dollar Soars: China and Japan’s Defensive Moves Amidst Inflation Concerns

China and Japan are actively defending their currencies against the rising US dollar, sparking inflation concerns. Both the yen and yuan have depreciated significantly due to market expectations of prolonged higher interest rates by the US Federal Reserve.

In response, China’s central bank is providing robust guidance through its daily yuan reference rate to prevent excessive weakening. Japan has issued a stern warning against rapid yen depreciation, signaling readiness for intervention.

Despite these efforts, doubts linger about their effectiveness, especially if the Federal Reserve maintains a hawkish stance or China’s economic recovery remains sluggish. The strong US dollar also affects European currencies, with the euro and pound hitting their lowest levels since June, raising concerns of quicker rate cuts by eurozone and UK central banks to counter rising borrowing costs. Investors globally watch closely as central banks and the Federal Reserve navigate these currency dynamics, with potential implications for inflation and future monetary policies.

AMETEK Snaps Up UEI to Grow in Aerospace and Defense Testing

Pennsylvania instrumentation company AMETEK (NYSE: AME) is expanding its testing and measurement capabilities with the acquisition of United Electronic Industries.

Massachusetts-based UEI is a leader in data acquisition and control solutions for aerospace, defense, energy and semiconductor sectors. Its products enable customers to build robust systems for simulation, monitoring and automated testing.

AMETEK CEO David Zapico expressed excitement about bringing UEI’s innovative solutions into the company’s Power Systems and Instruments division. He said the $35 million deal broadens AMETEK’s presence in attractive markets that complement existing strengths.

UEI will join AMETEK’s Electronic Instruments Group, known for analytical, calibration and display instruments. The acquisition aligns with AMETEK’s growth strategy of targeting niche segments and making strategic buys.

Headquartered near Philadelphia, AMETEK has annual sales over $6 billion globally. The 90-year-old firm focuses on cash flow and capital deployment to drive double-digit earnings growth.

Take a moment to learn about Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, a company that specializes in satellite communications, missile defense, and hypersonic systems.

Click here for company information, including equity research from Noble Capital Markets.

Western Midstream Expands in Powder River Basin with Meritage Acquisition

Western Midstream Partners, LP (NYSE: WES) is set to expand its footprint in the Powder River Basin through the acquisition of Meritage Midstream Services II, LLC (Meritage). This all-cash transaction comes with a price tag of $885 million and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2023, subject to regulatory approvals.

Meritage, headquartered in Denver, Colorado, operates a substantial natural gas gathering and processing business in Wyoming’s Powder River Basin. The acquisition will significantly increase WES’s natural gas processing capacity, taking it to 440 MMcf/d. Additionally, it will diversify WES’s customer base with long-term contracts and acreage dedications from reputable counterparties.

The Powder River Basin has attracted considerable investment due to its multi-stacked pay horizon potential, making it an appealing prospect for energy companies. As part of this acquisition, WES aims to enhance its position in the basin and pursue additional acreage dedications and business development opportunities.

Upon completing the transaction, WES anticipates recommending a Base Distribution increase of $0.0125 per unit, providing a potential boost for its investors.

This strategic move represents a significant step for WES in expanding its presence in a region with promising energy prospects.

Take a look at Alvopetro Energy, a company that engages in the acquisition, exploration, development and production of natural gas.

Deadline Extended: Trump’s Truth Social and Digital World Acquisition Gain More Time

Shareholders of Digital World Acquisition (DWAC), the investment partner of former President Donald Trump’s media venture, have granted an extension to the company’s merger deadline. This extension allows the special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) more time to complete its long-pending merger with Truth Social, a social network with pro-Trump leanings.

The extension comes after a concerted effort to secure shareholder approval, arriving just three days before the liquidation deadline of Truth Social on September 8. A failure to secure shareholder approval would have compelled the SPAC to dissolve, resulting in the return of $300 million to shareholders, depriving Trump Media & Technology Group of the funds associated with the deal.

However, the merger still faces challenges, including meeting closing conditions and resolving issues raised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In July, the SEC alleged that Digital World had misled investors in its official merger documents. Correcting these inaccuracies and resubmitting the filings is necessary before the merger process can proceed. Additionally, required quarterly financial statements covering operations in the first half of 2023 have not been filed with the SEC.

Digital World Acquisition had initially anticipated a year for the merger process when it went public in September 2021 but has encountered several hurdles necessitating deadline extensions, including a previous one in September 2022.

Following the news of the extension, Digital World’s shares experienced a rise to over $18 before settling at $16.80 per share at 11 a.m. The stock had reached its peak at approximately $175 per share in 2021.

Explore other SPAC Mergers via SPACtrac reports from Noble Capital Markets

FG Merger Corp. (FGMC) -Asymmetric Return Profile Acquisition To Unlock iCoreConnect SaaS Potential

Heritage Distilling Co.: Liquor With A Kicker

SoftBank’s Arm Aims for $52 Billion Valuation in Landmark US IPO

SoftBank Group’s Arm is gearing up for its highly-anticipated initial public offering (IPO), with ambitions to secure a valuation exceeding $52 billion. In an announcement made on Tuesday, the renowned chip designer unveiled plans to issue 95.5 million American depository shares, priced between $47 and $51 each, with a target of raising up to $4.87 billion at the upper end of this range.

While this valuation marks a decline from the $64 billion that SoftBank paid last month to acquire the remaining 25% stake in Arm from its $100 billion Vision Fund, it still surpasses the abandoned $40 billion sale of Arm to Nvidia Corp, which fell through last year due to opposition from antitrust regulators.

Arm, headquartered in Cambridge, England, holds a dominant position in the global technology landscape, powering over 99% of the world’s smartphones. Its innovative designs are also integral to a wide array of devices, spanning from tablets and laptops to servers and automobiles. Notably, Arm maintains a substantial presence in the United States.

Expected to be the largest IPO in the United States this year, Arm’s public offering carries significant weight as a litmus test for an IPO market grappling with challenges such as rising interest rates and geopolitical tensions stemming from the Ukraine conflict.

Despite these obstacles, investors are likely to welcome Arm’s IPO with open arms. The company boasts profitability and a remarkable history of technological innovation. Furthermore, Arm’s designs play a pivotal role in advancing emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and the metaverse.

For SoftBank, this IPO represents a major triumph. The Japanese conglomerate has been under pressure to enhance its investment returns, and while the sale of Arm would have been a monumental windfall, the IPO is a noteworthy achievement in its own right.

The success of Arm’s IPO hinges on several key factors:

1. IPO Market Conditions: The strength of the overall IPO market will play a vital role in determining Arm’s success.

2. Investor Appetite for Tech Stocks: As a technology company, Arm’s fate will be closely tied to investor sentiment towards tech stocks.

3. Valuation of Arm: The company’s valuation must be attractive to prospective investors.

4. Demand for Arm’s Shares: The level of demand for Arm’s shares will significantly impact the outcome.

If Arm’s IPO prevails, it could usher in a new era for the IPO market, potentially inspiring other startups to pursue public offerings. This success story would also bolster SoftBank’s financial standing and burnish its reputation as a savvy investor. Moreover, the technology industry would reap the rewards of heightened visibility and liquidity associated with Arm’s shares.

However, should Arm’s IPO falter, it could stymie the company’s growth prospects due to a lack of capital infusion. SoftBank would bear the financial brunt, and its reputation as an investor might suffer. Additionally, the technology sector would miss out on the potential benefits of Arm’s IPO.

In conclusion, Arm’s IPO is a watershed moment poised to leave an indelible mark on the company, SoftBank, and the technology sector at large. Its success will pivot on a complex interplay of factors, but if it prospers, it promises significant advantages for all stakeholders involved.

Timken Strengthens Industrial Motion Portfolio Through Des-Case Acquisition

The Timken Company (NYSE: TKR), a global leader in engineered bearings and industrial motion products, has announced its acquisition of Des-Case Corp., a Nashville-based manufacturer specializing in filtration products for industrial lubricants. Founded in 1983, Des-Case serves various industrial sectors, and it is expected to generate approximately $40 million in revenue in 2023.

Des-Case is recognized for its innovative filtration solutions that complement Timken’s automatic lubrication systems. This acquisition opens up opportunities for synergy, such as cross-selling and international expansion. Des-Case’s product range includes breathers, filter elements, condition monitoring, lubrication storage, and filter systems, all of which play a crucial role in improving equipment reliability, reducing downtime, and extending the lifespan of customer systems.

Des-Case employs around 120 individuals and operates manufacturing facilities in both Tennessee and the Netherlands. The acquisition was funded through a combination of cash reserves and Timken’s existing revolving credit facility.

Timken, with over a century of experience and innovation, designs and manufactures engineered bearings and industrial motion products. In 2022, the company achieved $4.5 billion in sales and has a global workforce of more than 19,000 employees across 46 countries. Timken has received recognition as one of America’s Most Responsible Companies, World’s Most Ethical Companies, America’s Most Innovative Companies, and America’s Best Large Employers by various prestigious organizations.

Take a look at other companies in the metals space by exploring Mark Reichman’s coverage list.

Release – Fazoli’s Brings Back Fan Favorite Pizza Baked Pasta!

Research News and Market Data on FAT

SEPTEMBER 05, 2023

Limited Time Menu Reintroduces Italian Chain’s Most Popular Mashup

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 05, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fazoli’s, America’s favorite fast and fresh Italian chain, today announces the return of the beloved Pizza Baked Pasta to its menu for a limited time. Beginning Sept. 5, the classic dish will be available to order in three irresistible variations: Pizza Baked Pasta, Meaty Pizza Baked Pasta and Supreme Pizza Baked Pasta. Also included in the limited-time offering is Pumpkin Cheesecake made by The Cheesecake Factory Bakery®, a welcome addition to the dessert menu just in time for fall.

The classic Pizza Baked Pasta is back better than before, this time featuring a penne pasta smothered in the chain’s signature zesty Pizza Bake Sauce, loaded with mozzarella and pepperoni, and then baked to sizzling perfection. Guests can elevate the dish by opting for the Meaty Pizza Baked Pasta, which includes the classic ingredients plus Italian sausage and bacon, or the brand-new Supreme Pizza Baked Pasta, made with the classic ingredients, Italian sausage, bacon, red and green peppers, onions, and mushrooms. All three renditions of the dish are available through the end of the year – giving customers plenty of time to try all three at restaurants systemwide!

“At Fazoli’s, we’re dedicated to crafting innovative Italian dishes,” said Tisha Bartlett, Vice President of Marketing at Fazoli’s. “The return of our Pizza Baked Pastas is a celebration of that commitment, and we’re eager for our devoted fans to once again enjoy a quintessential Fazoli’s classic.”

As part of the limited-time menu, guests will also get a taste of fall with Pumpkin Cheesecake made by The Cheesecake Factory Bakery® available through Oct. 30. Made with a secret blend of spices, garnished with a rosette of whipped cream, and drizzled with Ghirardelli Salted Caramel Sauce, The Cheesecake Factory’s legendary Pumpkin Cheesecake is a delightful sweet and spiced treat that will have each forkful tasting like sweater weather.

Founded in 1988, Fazoli’s prides itself in serving quality Italian pastas, sub sandwiches, salads, pizza, and dessert. For more information on Fazoli’s, visit Fazolis.com.

About FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands
FAT Brands (NASDAQ: FAT) is a leading global franchising company that strategically acquires, markets, and develops fast casual, quick-service, casual dining, and polished casual dining concepts around the world. The Company currently owns 17 restaurant brands: Round Table Pizza, Fatburger, Marble Slab Creamery, Johnny Rockets, Fazoli’s, Twin Peaks, Great American Cookies, Hot Dog on a Stick, Buffalo’s Cafe & Express, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Pretzelmaker, Elevation Burger, Native Grill & Wings, Yalla Mediterranean and Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses, and franchises and owns over 2,300 units worldwide. For more information on FAT Brands, please visit www.fatbrands.com.

About Fazoli’s: Fast. Fresh. Italian.
Founded in 1988 in Lexington, Ky., Fazoli’s owns and operates nearly 220 restaurants in 27 states, making it the largest QSR Italian chain in America. Fazoli’s prides itself on serving quality Italian food, fast, fresh and friendly. Menu offerings include freshly prepared pasta entrees, Submarinos® sandwiches, salads, pizza and desserts – along with its unlimited signature breadsticks. Fazoli’s is a winner of FastCasual and Steritech’s 2020 Excellence in Food Safety Award and ranked number seven on FastCasual’s “Top 100 Movers and Shakers” list in 2022. Additionally, it was named to Technomic’s “Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report” in 2022, selected as one of the “Top 50 Global Fast Casual Innovators in 2021” by Foodable, a “Top 200 Franchises in 2021” by Franchise Business Review, and an Entrepreneur 2018 “Franchise 500.” Fazoli’s was a recipient of the 2021 American Business Awards Gold Stevie Awards in Food & Beverage for Company of the Year.

Media Contact:
Ali Lloyd
FAT Brands
alloyd@fatbrands.com

Source: FAT Brands Inc.

Fazoli’s Brings Back Fan Favorite Pizza Baked Pasta!

SEPTEMBER 05, 2023

 DOWNLOAD PDFPDF FORMAT (OPENS IN NEW WINDOW)

Limited Time Menu Reintroduces Italian Chain’s Most Popular Mashup

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 05, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fazoli’s, America’s favorite fast and fresh Italian chain, today announces the return of the beloved Pizza Baked Pasta to its menu for a limited time. Beginning Sept. 5, the classic dish will be available to order in three irresistible variations: Pizza Baked Pasta, Meaty Pizza Baked Pasta and Supreme Pizza Baked Pasta. Also included in the limited-time offering is Pumpkin Cheesecake made by The Cheesecake Factory Bakery®, a welcome addition to the dessert menu just in time for fall.

The classic Pizza Baked Pasta is back better than before, this time featuring a penne pasta smothered in the chain’s signature zesty Pizza Bake Sauce, loaded with mozzarella and pepperoni, and then baked to sizzling perfection. Guests can elevate the dish by opting for the Meaty Pizza Baked Pasta, which includes the classic ingredients plus Italian sausage and bacon, or the brand-new Supreme Pizza Baked Pasta, made with the classic ingredients, Italian sausage, bacon, red and green peppers, onions, and mushrooms. All three renditions of the dish are available through the end of the year – giving customers plenty of time to try all three at restaurants systemwide!

“At Fazoli’s, we’re dedicated to crafting innovative Italian dishes,” said Tisha Bartlett, Vice President of Marketing at Fazoli’s. “The return of our Pizza Baked Pastas is a celebration of that commitment, and we’re eager for our devoted fans to once again enjoy a quintessential Fazoli’s classic.”

As part of the limited-time menu, guests will also get a taste of fall with Pumpkin Cheesecake made by The Cheesecake Factory Bakery® available through Oct. 30. Made with a secret blend of spices, garnished with a rosette of whipped cream, and drizzled with Ghirardelli Salted Caramel Sauce, The Cheesecake Factory’s legendary Pumpkin Cheesecake is a delightful sweet and spiced treat that will have each forkful tasting like sweater weather.

Founded in 1988, Fazoli’s prides itself in serving quality Italian pastas, sub sandwiches, salads, pizza, and dessert. For more information on Fazoli’s, visit Fazolis.com.

About FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands
FAT Brands (NASDAQ: FAT) is a leading global franchising company that strategically acquires, markets, and develops fast casual, quick-service, casual dining, and polished casual dining concepts around the world. The Company currently owns 17 restaurant brands: Round Table Pizza, Fatburger, Marble Slab Creamery, Johnny Rockets, Fazoli’s, Twin Peaks, Great American Cookies, Hot Dog on a Stick, Buffalo’s Cafe & Express, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Pretzelmaker, Elevation Burger, Native Grill & Wings, Yalla Mediterranean and Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses, and franchises and owns over 2,300 units worldwide. For more information on FAT Brands, please visit www.fatbrands.com.

About Fazoli’s: Fast. Fresh. Italian.
Founded in 1988 in Lexington, Ky., Fazoli’s owns and operates nearly 220 restaurants in 27 states, making it the largest QSR Italian chain in America. Fazoli’s prides itself on serving quality Italian food, fast, fresh and friendly. Menu offerings include freshly prepared pasta entrees, Submarinos® sandwiches, salads, pizza and desserts – along with its unlimited signature breadsticks. Fazoli’s is a winner of FastCasual and Steritech’s 2020 Excellence in Food Safety Award and ranked number seven on FastCasual’s “Top 100 Movers and Shakers” list in 2022. Additionally, it was named to Technomic’s “Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report” in 2022, selected as one of the “Top 50 Global Fast Casual Innovators in 2021” by Foodable, a “Top 200 Franchises in 2021” by Franchise Business Review, and an Entrepreneur 2018 “Franchise 500.” Fazoli’s was a recipient of the 2021 American Business Awards Gold Stevie Awards in Food & Beverage for Company of the Year.

Media Contact:
Ali Lloyd
FAT Brands
alloyd@fatbrands.com

Source: FAT Brands Inc.

Release – New Exploration Targets with Potential to Expand Wicheeda REE Deposit Defined by Defense Metals

Research News and Market Data on DFMTF

NEWS PROVIDED BY

Defense Metals Corp. 

05 Sep, 2023, 06:00 ET

VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 5, 2023 /CNW/ – Defense Metals Corp. (“Defense Metals” or the “Company“) (TSXV: DEFN) (OTCQB: DFMTF) (FSE:35D) is pleased to announce that a recently completed ground radiometric geophysical survey over the Wicheeda Rare Earth Element (REE) deposit, located near Prince George, Canada, has identified new anomalies that may represent previously unknown REE mineralized carbonatite located largely within the current mineral resource pit shells, as set forth in the 2021  preliminary economic assessment (PEA1).

Highlights:

  • Based on extensive core drilling and surface geologic mapping completed to advance Defense Metals’ ongoing preliminary feasibility study (PFS), the survey results closely map and further define the surface extent of outcropping REE mineralization.

  • Two previously unknown linear radiometric anomalies were identified, each approximately 40 metres in width and extending approximately 250 metres northwest from the main body of the Wicheeda REE deposit (Figure 1).

  • Ground truthing showed that the anomalies are overlain entirely by surficial cover which occurs at lower elevations, along the western portion of the Wicheeda deposit.

Kristopher Raffle, P.Geo., Director of Defense Metals and a Qualified Person stated:

“We’re excited to have identified two new exploration targets so close to the Wicheeda deposit. The radiometric surveys were initially designed to assist our geologic mapping teams and it came as a surprise when we identified new anomalies under cover having a similar geophysical expression to known drilled and outcropping rare earth mineralization. After reviewing the geophysical data in the context of our updated Wicheeda 3D geological model we recognized the potential for undiscovered near-surface, east-dipping carbonatite bodies. We look forward to drill testing these anomalies.”

Several resource definition drill holes undercut the southern half of the eastern anomaly at >150 metre vertical depth below surface and preclude a subvertical or steeply east dipping source. Drill hole WI21-39 intersected relatively higher-grade carbonatite at depth returning 2.91% total rare earth oxide (TREO) over 45 metres from a depth of 69 metres2 downhole that is believed to represent the downdip projection of the eastern radiometric anomaly.

Figure 1: 2023 Ground Radiometric Survey Results (CNW Group/Defense Metals Corp.)

The majority of the eastern and the entirety of the western radiometric anomaly remain untested by core drilling. Defense Metals plans to test the western geophysical anomaly during fall 2023 as part of an expanded program of pit geotechnical drilling comprising a planned 915 metres in 4 holes (see Figure 1), with additional drilling subject to initial results.

____________________________
Independent Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Project, British Columbia, Canada, dated January 6, 2022, with an effective date of November 7, 2021, and prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. is filed under Defense Metals Corp.’s Issuer Profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).
____________________________
See Defense Metals News Release dated March 8, 2022

Details of the Radiometric Surveys

The recently completed Wicheeda ground radiometric survey comprised a total of 20 line-km along 50 metre spaced, and locally 25 metre infill, east-west oriented survey lines completed over an area of approximately 800 x 900 metres.  A NUVIA Dynamics PGIS-2 Gamma-ray spectrometer, equipped with a 0.347 Litre NaI detector and 512-channel resolution ADC was used and data was automatically synchronized with GPS, ensuring both time and location accuracy. The spectrometer’s self-stabilizing capabilities on natural radioactive elements such as K, U, and Th eliminated the need for frequent recalibration, assuring reliable and accurate gamma-ray measurements. Given that gamma rays are highly attenuated by overburden (approximately 90% attenuation at 20-30cm overburden depth) ground radiometric surveys are only likely to detect outcropping or very near surface sources.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release as it relates to the Wicheeda REE Project has been reviewed and approved by Kristopher J. Raffle, P.Geo. (B.C.), Principal and Consultant of APEX Geoscience Ltd. of Edmonton, Alberta, who is a director of Defense Metals and a “Qualified Person” as defined in NI 43-101. 

About the Wicheeda REE Property

Defense Metals 100% owned, 6,759-hectare (~16,702-acre) Wicheeda Project is located approximately 80 km northeast of the city of Prince George, British Columbia; population 77,000. The Wicheeda REE Project is readily accessible by all-weather gravel roads and is near infrastructure, including hydropower transmission lines and gas pipelines. The nearby Canadian National Railway and major highways allow easy access to the deep-water port facilities at Prince Rupert, the closest major North American port to Asia.

The 2021 Wicheeda REE Project Preliminary Economic Assessment technical report outlined an after-tax net present value (NPV@8%) of $517 million and an 18% IRR3. This PEA contemplated an open pit mining operation with a 1.75:1 (waste: mill feed) strip ratio providing a 1.8 Mtpa (“million tonnes per year”) mill throughput producing an average of 25,423 tonnes REO annually over a 16-year mine life. A Phase 1 initial pit strip ratio of 0.63:1 (waste: mill feed) would yield rapid access to higher grade surface mineralization in year 1 and payback of $440 million initial capital within 5 years.

____________________________
Independent Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Project, British Columbia, Canada, dated January 6, 2022, with an effective date of November 7, 2021, and prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. is filed under Defense Metals Corp.’s Issuer Profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).

About Defense Metals Corp.

Defense Metals Corp. is a mineral exploration and development company focused on the development of its 100% owned Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Deposit located near Prince George, British Columbia, Canada. Defense Metals Corp. trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “DEFN”, in the United States, trading symbol “DFMTF” on the OTCQB and in Germany on the Frankfurt Exchange under “35D”.

Defense Metals is a proud member of Discovery Group. For more information please visit: http://www.discoverygroup.ca/

For further information, please visit: https://www.defensemetals.com or contact:

Todd Hanas, Bluesky Corporate Communications Ltd.
Vice President, Investor Relations
Tel: (778) 994 8072
Email: todd@blueskycorp.ca

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding “Forward-Looking” Information

This news release contains “forward‐looking information or statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which may include, without limitation, statements relating to advancing the Wicheeda REE Project, completion of additional geotechnical work including pit geotechnical core holes and the expected timelines, the potential of the anomalies to represent previously unknown bodies of REE mineralized carbonatite, the expected completion of the PFS, the technical, financial and business prospects of the Company, its project and other matters. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the price of rare earth elements, the anticipated costs and expenditures, accuracy of assay results, performance of available laboratory and other related services, future operating costs, interpretation of geological, engineering and metallurgical data, the ability to achieve its goals, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms. Such forward-looking information reflects the Company’s views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including the risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of exploration, engineering and metallurgical results, risks related to the inherent uncertainty of exploration, metallurgy and development and cost estimates, the potential for unexpected costs and expenses and those other risks filed under the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and risks. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, adverse weather and climate conditions, failure to maintain or obtain all necessary government permits, approvals and authorizations, failure to maintain community acceptance (including First Nations),  risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties (including failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications or expectations, cost escalation, unavailability of personnel, materials and equipment, government action or delays in the receipt of government approvals, industrial disturbances or other job action, and unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters), risks relating to inaccurate geological, metallurgical and engineering assumptions, decrease in the price of rare earth elements, the impact of Covid-19 or other viruses and diseases on the Company’s ability to operate, an inability to predict and counteract the effects of COVID-19 and other viruses and diseases on the business of the Company, the price of commodities, capital market conditions, restriction on labour and international travel and supply chains, loss of key employees, consultants, or directors, increase in costs, delayed results, litigation, and failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations. The Company does not undertake to update forward‐looking statements or forward‐looking information, except as required by law.

SOURCE Defense Metals Corp.

Release – Cocrystal Pharma to Participate in the H.C. Wainwright Global Investment Conference

Research News and Market Data on COCP

SEPTEMBER 05, 2023

 DOWNLOAD AS PDF

BOTHELL, Wash., Sept. 05, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cocrystal Pharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: COCP) (“Cocrystal” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing novel small molecule antiviral therapeutics, announces that management will participate in the H.C. Wainwright 25th Annual Global Investment Conference being held September 11-13, 2023. A webcast of the Cocrystal presentation will be available on the IR Calendar section of the Company’s website beginning Monday, September 11 at 7:00 a.m. Eastern time.

Management is available throughout the conference for in-person and virtual one-on-one meetings. Institutional investors and industry professionals can register to attend the conference virtually or in-person at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel.

About Cocrystal Pharma, Inc.

Cocrystal Pharma, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company discovering and developing novel antiviral therapeutics that target the replication process of influenza viruses, coronaviruses (including SARS-CoV-2 and noroviruses) and hepatitis C viruses. Cocrystal employs unique structure-based technologies and Nobel Prize-winning expertise to create first- and best-in-class antiviral drugs. For further information about Cocrystal, please visit www.cocrystalpharma.com.

Investor Contact:
LHA Investor Relations
Jody Cain
310-691-7100
jcain@lhai.com

Media Contact:
JQA Partners
Jules Abraham
917-885-7378
Jabraham@jqapartners.com

# # #

Source: Cocrystal Pharma, Inc.

Released September 5, 2023