Month: September 2026

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Sept. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Quince Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: QNCX), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel, disease modifying therapies for serious, underserved diseases, today announced that it will host a virtual key opinion leader (KOL) event on Monday, September 28, 2026 from 12:30-2:00 PM ET. The event will feature PH-ILD experts Aaron B. Waxman, MD, PhD (Brigham and Women’s Hospital) and Paul Yu, MD, PhD (Massachusetts General Hospital), as well as BOS expert Steven Hays, MD (UCSF Health) to discuss the current treatment landscape and unmet need for PH-ILD and BOS as well as the role for LAM-001 as a potential new therapeutic option. To register, click here.

The event will provide an overview of LAM-001, the Company’s proprietary investigational once-daily inhaled DPI formulation of rapamycin (mTOR inhibitor), currently in Phase 2 clinical trials for pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease (PH-ILD) and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome post lung transplant (BOS). The KOLs will discuss mTOR inhibition as a potentially disease modifying mechanism of action across these conditions, focusing on its potential role in suppressing pulmonary smooth muscle hyperproliferation, limiting fibroblast driven vascular and interstitial remodeling, and modulating inflammatory signaling, along with the unique potential advantages of delivering therapy through an inhaled route. The KOLs will review current treatment options as well as the emerging treatment landscape for each condition. Data from the recently presented Phase 2a trial of LAM-001 in pulmonary hypertension will be reviewed as well as the design and objectives of the ongoing Phase 2 BOS and Phase 2b PH-ILD studies.

A live question and answer session will follow the formal presentations.

About Aaron B. Waxman, MD, PhD
Aaron B. Waxman, MD, PhD, is Director of the Pulmonary Vascular Disease Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Waxman’s clinical practice and research programs center on pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), right heart failure, thromboembolic disease, and the broader spectrum of pulmonary vascular disease. Across local and national efforts, Dr. Waxman has served as Principal Investigator on more than 15 clinical trials in pulmonary hypertension. These include the Phase 2 SPECTRA trial of sotatercept, which helped establish activin signaling inhibition as a novel therapeutic pathway in PAH, and the INCREASE trial of inhaled treprostinil in pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease—a study that defined a new treatment standard for a previously underserved patient population. He has authored more than 180 peer-reviewed publications, and his research has been supported by the National Institutes of Health, including the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

About Paul Yu, MD, PhD
Paul Yu, MD, PhD is Director of the Cardiovascular Research Center at Massachusetts General Hospital and Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, where he holds the Charles and Elizabeth Sanders Endowed Chair. A physician-scientist trained in immunology and cardiovascular medicine, Dr. Yu’s research focuses on bone morphogenetic protein and transforming growth factor-beta signaling in cardiovascular homeostasis, repair, and disease. His work spans pulmonary vascular disease, cardiovascular rheumatology, and rare disorders such as fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva. Dr. Yu has translated several scientific discoveries into therapeutics, including contributions to sotatercept for pulmonary arterial hypertension and the clinical repositioning of saracatinib for fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva. He has published over 120 peer-reviewed studies and has been elected to the American Society for Clinical Investigation.

About Steven Hays, MD
Steven Hays, MD, is Medical Director of the UCSF Advanced Lung Disease and Lung Transplant Program and Professor of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. Under his leadership, the program has grown to be one of the nation’s largest transplant centers while consistently achieving superior outcomes, receiving INTERLINK’s Chairman’s Award for Transplant Excellence for three consecutive years. Dr. Hays brings deep clinical expertise across the full spectrum of advanced lung disease, including cystic fibrosis, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, interstitial lung disease, and emphysema. A dedicated clinical investigator, Dr. Hays has served as principal investigator on NIH-funded, industry-sponsored, and investigator-initiated trials. His research portfolio spans lung transplant immunology, chronic lung allograft dysfunction, infectious disease, and transplant digital health. He has authored more than 110 peer-reviewed publications and has been an invited speaker at the American Thoracic Society, the International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation, and the American Society of Transplantation, among others. He is a Fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians, and a member of the American Thoracic Society and the International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation, where he serves on the Pulmonary and Infectious Disease Councils. He is a recipient of the American Thoracic Society’s Outstanding Clinician Award (California Chapter) and a member of the prestigious UCSF Council of Master Clinicians.

About LAM-001

LAM-001 is a proprietary, investigational, once-daily inhaled formulation of rapamycin, also known as sirolimus. LAM-001’s potential as a disease-modifying agent in PH stems from its ability to inhibit mTOR-mediated pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell proliferation, to limit endothelial cell dysfunction, and to suppress inflammatory signaling, leading to improvement in pulmonary vascular remodeling. The mTOR pathway has been shown to be activated in pulmonary arteries of patients with PH, and mTOR inhibition with rapamycin has been shown to reverse smooth muscle cell hyperproliferation and to attenuate pulmonary vascular remodeling and cardiopulmonary dysfunction in multiple published nonclinical models. Additionally, in published non-clinical studies, hyperactive mTOR signaling has been shown to promote fibroblast activation, myofibroblast differentiation, and extracellular matrix deposition in injured or inflamed lung tissue, and mTOR inhibition has been shown to exert direct antifibrotic activity, suppressing profibrotic cytokine signaling, reducing collagen accumulation, and attenuating parenchymal fibrosis. These effects are particularly relevant in PH-ILD, where vascular remodeling and progressive fibrosis evolve in parallel and amplify pulmonary vascular load. LAM-001 is designed to enhance pulmonary delivery and to reduce systemic exposure of rapamycin, offering a promising, potentially disease-modifying, therapy for multiple pulmonary diseases.

LAM-001 is currently being studied in multiple indications including PH-ILD, a serious and progressive condition affecting an estimated 200,000 patients between the U.S. and Europe. Based on compelling Phase 2a data presented at the American Thoracic Society (ATS) in May 2026, the company has advanced LAM-001 into a Phase 2b PH-ILD trial and data is anticipated in the first quarter of 2028. LAM-001 is also being evaluated in a Phase 2 study in bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome post lung transplant (BOS), a serious complication with an estimated prevalence of ~30K patients between the U.S. and Europe by 2032. The trial is fully enrolled, and data is anticipated in the first quarter of 2027. In late 2026, the company also plans to initiate a Phase 2 study of LAM-001 in sarcoidosis-associated pulmonary hypertension (SAPH), a severe complication of pulmonary sarcoidosis with no approved therapy, that affects an estimated ~60K patients in the U.S. and Europe.

About Quince Therapeutics, Inc.

Quince Therapeutics, Inc. is committed to transforming the lives of patients facing serious, underserved diseases by developing disease-modifying therapies to treat their conditions. The company is currently developing LAM-001 for the treatment of PH-ILD, BOS, and SAPH. A Phase 2a study in PH patients has been completed, a Phase 2 clinical study in BOS patients is ongoing, a Phase 2b study in PH-ILD is ongoing, and a Phase 2 study in SAPH is anticipated to begin in late 2026. By pioneering innovative approaches, the company aims to offer new hope and improved quality of life to patients worldwide.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this news release contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 as contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are subject to the “safe harbor” created by those sections. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release may be identified by the use of words such as “believe,” “may,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “estimated,” “potential,” “intend,” “will,” “can,” “seek,” “designed,” “aims,” or other similar words. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements relating to the design and potential benefits of LAM-001, including as a disease-modifying therapy for pulmonary disease; anticipated regulatory and development processes and timelines, including the expected timing to initiate the planned Phase 2 trial of LAM-001 in SAPH, the expected timing for data readouts from the ongoing Phase 2 trial of LAM-001 in BOS and the ongoing Phase 2b trial of LAM-001 in PH-ILD; the Phase 2a data of LAM-001 in PAH and PH-ILD supporting continued development of LAM-001 in PH-ILD and the potential benefit across exercise capacity, pulmonary hemodynamics, cardiac stress and lung function; observed improvements in 6MWD and PVR in the Phase 2a trial potentially suggesting broader effects on cardiopulmonary physiology; the estimated patient populations in the U.S. and Europe for PH-ILD, BOS and SAPH; and the potential advantages of mTOR inhibitors in PH-ILD, BOS and SAPH. Forward-looking statements are based on Quince’s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks, and assumptions that are difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially from what the company expects. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include, but are not limited to: clinical results may not be indicative of results that may be observed in the future, including in larger populations; potential safety and other complications related to LAM-001; the ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approval; competition in the company’s industry; the scope, progress and expansion of developing LAM-001; the size and growth of the market(s) therefor and the rate and degree of market acceptance thereof vis-à-vis alternative therapies; the company’s ability to attract or retain key management, members of the board of directors and other personnel; the company’s ability to fund its operations and clinical development plans, including its anticipated cash runway; the impacts of general macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions on the company’s business and financial position; and other risks and uncertainties described in the section titled “Risk Factors” in the company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on August 14, 2026 and other reports as filed with the SEC. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of this date, and Quince undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.

Contacts

Joyce Allaire
LifeSci Advisors, LLC
jallaire@lifesciadvisors.com

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Artiva Biotherapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ARTV) (Artiva), a clinical-stage biotechnology company whose mission is to develop effective, safe and accessible cell therapies for patients with debilitating autoimmune diseases, today announced that management will participate in a fireside chat at the Stifel 2026 Virtual Immunology and Inflammation Forum on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 10:00 am EDT.

To access the audio webcast and subsequent archived recording of this and other company presentations, please visit the Investors section of Artiva’s website. The archived audio webcast will remain available for replay on Artiva’s website for 90 days.

About Artiva Biotherapeutics
Artiva is a clinical-stage biotechnology company whose mission is to develop effective, safe and accessible cell therapies for patients with debilitating autoimmune diseases. Artiva is initiating a Phase 3 registrational trial of its lead program, AlloNK^® (also known as AB-101), in refractory rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the second half of 2026. AlloNK is an allogeneic, off-the-shelf, non-genetically modified, cryopreserved natural killer (NK) cell therapy candidate designed to enhance antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity for a range of antibodies, including anti-CD20 antibodies, and drive deep B-cell depletion. Initial clinical data evaluating AlloNK in combination with anti-CD20 antibodies have demonstrated encouraging activity across multiple B-cell-driven autoimmune diseases, together with a tolerability profile supportive of outpatient administration. Artiva is developing AlloNK to drive deep B-cell depletion through a scalable, outpatient-administered treatment regimen compatible with community rheumatology settings. In addition to refractory RA, AlloNK is being evaluated in Sjögren disease, systemic sclerosis and myositis.

Artiva is headquartered in San Diego, California. For more information, please visit www.artivabio.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements in this press release that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding: expectations of Artiva regarding the potential benefits, accessibility, effectiveness and safety of AlloNK; Artiva’s Phase 3 registrational trial for AlloNK^®; and Artiva’s participation in the Stifel 2026 Virtual Immunology and Inflammation Forum. These forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of the management of Artiva as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to Artiva. Such statements reflect the current views of Artiva with respect to future events and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in developing product candidates and risks related to the legal and regulatory framework for the industry. In light of these risks and uncertainties, the events or circumstances referred to in the forward-looking statements may not occur. These and other factors that may cause Artiva’s actual results to differ from current expectations are discussed in Artiva’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including the section titled “Risk Factors” in Artiva’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2026. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date this press release is given. Except as required by law, Artiva undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Source: Artiva Biotherapeutics, Inc.

CONTACT: Contacts

Investors & Media
Noopur Batsha Liffick, MPH
NBL LifeSci Advisory LLC
ir@artivabio.com

LockeT Has Expanded to Six Hospitals in Brazil Since Its August Launch

Company Engages Experienced Cardiology Group to Support Expansion Across Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Additional Latin American Markets

FORT MILL, S.C., Sept. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  Catheter Precision Inc. (NYSE American: VTAK), Catheter Precision, Inc. (NYSE American: VTAK) (“Catheter Precision” or the “Company”), a U.S.-based medical device company specializing in cardiac electrophysiology, today announced the expansion of its LockeT commercialization efforts across Latin America following the product’s successful introduction in Brazil.

LockeT launched commercially in São Paulo in August through the Company’s distribution agreement with Ablacor and has since expanded to six hospitals in Brazil, with additional interest from healthcare institutions in the market.

Building on the initial traction in Brazil, Catheter Precision has expanded its relationship with an experienced cardiology group with extensive clinical knowledge and longstanding relationships throughout Latin America to support the Company’s continued commercial expansion across the region.

The Company is now pursuing opportunities to expand LockeT into additional Latin American markets, including Argentina, Chile and Colombia, as well as other countries throughout the region.

“The early response to LockeT in Brazil has been very encouraging and has given us confidence to broaden our efforts across Latin America,” said David Jenkins, Chief Executive Officer of Catheter Precision. “Expanding to six hospitals in a relatively short period demonstrates the potential we see for LockeT internationally. We believe the clinical experience and established relationships of the cardiology group we are working with can be valuable as we introduce LockeT into additional markets throughout the region.”

Building on Early Commercial Traction in Brazil

Catheter Precision entered the Brazilian market through a distribution agreement with Ablacor, initially launching LockeT in São Paulo in August 2026.

Since that introduction, LockeT has expanded to six hospitals, providing the Company with an initial commercial foundation in one of Latin America’s largest healthcare markets.

The Company believes the early progress in Brazil provides a model for expanding LockeT’s international commercial presence across additional markets where electrophysiology procedures are performed.

Catheter Precision is now working with an experienced cardiology group with expertise in electrophysiology and established relationships throughout the region to support the next phase of that expansion.

The Company intends to build upon its presence in Brazil while pursuing commercial opportunities across Argentina, Chile, Colombia and additional markets throughout Latin America.

“Latin America represents an important opportunity for LockeT,” Jenkins continued. “Our focus is on building the market thoughtfully, working alongside experienced clinical groups and establishing strong relationships within each country we enter. Brazil was an important first step, and we are excited to continue expanding LockeT’s presence across the region.”

The expansion of LockeT in Latin America is part of Catheter Precision’s broader strategy to increase the international commercial reach of its cardiac electrophysiology product portfolio and establish relationships with physicians, hospitals and healthcare organizations in new markets.

About LockeT

Catheter Precision’s LockeT is a suture retention device intended to assist in wound closure after percutaneous venous punctures. LockeT is a Class 1 device registered with the FDA and has received CE Mark approval.

About Catheter Precision
Catheter Precision is an innovative U.S.-based medical device company bringing new solutions to market to improve the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. It is focused on developing groundbreaking technology for electrophysiology procedures by collaborating with physicians and continuously advancing its products.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “potential,” “will,” “may,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include, but are not limited to, expectations regarding potential strategic transactions, valuation outcomes, market opportunities, and the Company’s growth strategy. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. For a discussion of these risks, please refer to the Company’s filings with the SEC, including its most recent Forms 10-K and 10-Q. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

CONTACTS:

Investor Relations
973-691-2000
IR@catheterprecision.com

# # #

Veteran BPO executives Mark Lyndsell and Troy Sanders join TOG as the company expands its global delivery capabilities and advances its Experience Process Outsourcing strategy

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Sept. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Office Gurus (TOG), a business segment of Superior Group of Companies, Inc. (NASDAQ: SGC), announced the appointments of Mark Lyndsell as Executive Vice President of Global Operations and Troy Sanders as Vice President of Business Development. Together, they bring more than six decades of BPO, contact center, operations and sales leadership experience to TOG.

“TOG has reached an important point in our evolution,” said Dominic Leide, President of The Office Gurus. “Mark and Troy bring the experience and leadership to help us significantly scale the successful, technology-driven platform we’ve built.”

Lyndsell brings more than 30 years of global operations experience, most recently as Senior Vice President, Delivery, Americas at TTEC, leading a multi-country delivery organization generating approximately $850 million in annual revenue. As EVP of Global Operations, he will lead TOG’s global operations, focusing on operational excellence and advancing the company’s Experience Process Outsourcing (EPO) delivery model.

Sanders brings more than 30 years of BPO and contact center sales leadership experience, including new business development for organizations such as iQor and Startek. As VP of Business Development, he will focus on expanding TOG’s new-client pipeline and brings the relationship-based sales mentality that TOG values.

The appointments support TOG’s continued advancement of its EPO strategy and its investment in GuruSuite iX, its AI-enabled technology ecosystem supporting agent performance, quality assurance, training and customer interaction automation. “Our objective isn’t simply to become bigger — it’s to become a better, more capable partner for our clients,” Leide said.

Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain matters discussed in this press release are “forward-looking statements” intended to qualify for the safe harbors from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified by use of the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expect,”“anticipate,” “estimate,” “believe,” “intend,” “project,” “potential,” or “plan” or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements in this press release include statements regarding the Company’s capital allocation strategy and growth. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that may materially adversely affect the anticipated results. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the factors described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including those risks described in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 entitled “Risk Factors” and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2026. Shareholders, potential investors and other readers are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements made herein and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements made herein are only made as of the date of this press release and we disclaim any obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as may be required by law.

About The Office Gurus

The Office Gurus is a global provider of customer experience and business process outsourcing solutions, combining engaged people, operational expertise and AI-enabled technology to help organizations improve customer experience and business performance.

About Superior Group of Companies, Inc. (SGC)

Established in 1920, Superior Group of Companies is comprised of three attractive business segments each serving large, fragmented and growing addressable markets. Across Healthcare Apparel, Branded Products and Contact Centers, each segment enables businesses to create extraordinary brand engagement experiences for their customers and employees. SGC’s commitment to service, quality, advanced technology, and omnichannel commerce provides unparalleled competitive advantages. We are committed to enhancing shareholder value by continuing to pursue a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions. For more information, visit www.superiorgroupofcompanies.com.

Contact:
Investor Relations
Investors@superiorgroupofcompanies.com

Updated guidelines establish a dedicated framework for routine MRD assessment across the multiple myeloma patient journey

clonoSEQ named as an FDA-cleared assay for MRD assessment, with 10^-6 sensitivity now preferred

SEATTLE, Sept. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Adaptive Biotechnologies Corporation (Nasdaq: ADPT), a commercial stage biotechnology company that aims to translate the genetics of the adaptive immune system into clinical products to diagnose and treat disease, today highlighted significant updates to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network^® Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines^®) for Multiple Myeloma that further establish highly sensitive minimal (or measurable) residual disease (MRD) assessment as an important tool in myeloma care.

For the first time, NCCN Guidelines^® include a dedicated page that outlines Principles of MRD Testing, underscoring the importance of MRD testing in modern myeloma management. The new page, MYEL-E, gives clinicians a clearer, more consistent approach to using MRD testing in patients. The update builds on years of clinical evidence demonstrating that MRD negativity is associated with longer progression-free survival and overall survival. By bringing MRD testing recommendations together in one place, the updated guidelines may help support more informed conversations between patients and their care teams about disease status, treatment decisions, and ongoing monitoring.

Significant additions to the NCCN MRD recommendations include:

• Bone marrow-based MRD assessment is recommended using next-generation sequencing (NGS) with an FDA-approved assay such as clonoSEQ^® or multicolor flow cytometry. Notably, clonoSEQ is the only assay specifically named in the NCCN Guidelines.
• 10^-6 is stated as the preferred sensitivity for MRD testing due to its higher prognostic value, with 10^-5 described as the minimum recommended sensitivity.
• Recommended timepoints for MRD assessment have been expanded to include annual testing during maintenance, and after later lines of therapy including after CAR T-cell therapy, reinforcing the role of MRD as a longitudinal measure of disease status.

Most importantly, the updated guidelines reflect the growing clinical utility of MRD assessment in helping clinicians evaluate response to therapy and personalize treatment decisions. The guidelines note that MRD negativity and sustained MRD negativity can help guide treatment escalation, de-escalation, and maintenance therapy as part of a shared decision-making process with patients. Conversely, rising MRD positivity may prompt, at a minimum, closer monitoring and clinical evaluation.

“The updated NCCN Guidelines represent an important step forward in how we use MRD in multiple myeloma. Greater sensitivity matters, as it is associated with clinical outcomes, and assessing MRD at a sensitivity of 10⁻⁶ gives us a more precise understanding of the depth of response,” said Ola Landgren, MD, PhD, director of the Sylvester Myeloma Institute at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. “Equally important is the recognition that MRD should be followed over time. Sustained MRD negativity is more informative than a single negative result. Incorporating MRD into decisions about treatment duration, including the possibility of discontinuing therapy in selected patients with sustained MRD negativity, moves the field toward a more individualized approach in which we aim not only to achieve deep responses, but also to avoid unnecessary treatment.”

“NCCN Guidelines play an important role in advancing the standard of care for patients, particularly by helping community oncologists access and apply the latest guidance,” said Susan Bobulsky, Chief Commercial Officer, MRD, Adaptive Biotechnologies. “The updated myeloma guidelines provide more detailed recommendations for MRD testing timepoints and frequency, helping clinicians incorporate MRD assessment into care throughout the myeloma treatment continuum. These updates underscore clonoSEQ’s established leadership in hematology MRD testing and reflect the continued evolution of the field toward MRD-informed patient care.”

The latest NCCN Guidelines can be accessed here.

About clonoSEQ
clonoSEQ^® is the first and only FDA-cleared in vitro diagnostic (IVD) test for detecting and tracking minimal (or measurable) residual disease (MRD) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) or B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) using bone marrow, and in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) using blood or bone marrow. clonoSEQ is also available in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), and other lymphoid cancers and specimen types as a CLIA-validated laboratory-developed test (LDT). clonoSEQ is covered by Medicare for MM, CLL, ALL, DLBCL and MCL.

clonoSEQ identifies and quantifies DNA sequences in malignant cells—detecting one cancer cell in one million healthy cells—to help clinicians and researchers assess and monitor MRD with precision over time. It delivers standardized, sensitive results that inform treatment decisions, predict outcomes, and detect relapses earlier. clonoSEQ has been extensively studied in more than 300 peer-reviewed publications.

clonoSEQ is CE-marked under the EU In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation (IVDR). For intended use details in the EU, see the instructions for use, available on request.

To review the FDA-cleared uses of clonoSEQ, visit clonoSEQ.com/technical-summary.

About Adaptive Biotechnologies
Adaptive Biotechnologies (“we” or “our”) is a commercial-stage biotechnology company focused on harnessing the inherent biology of the adaptive immune system to transform the diagnosis and treatment of disease. We believe the adaptive immune system is nature’s most finely tuned diagnostic and therapeutic for most diseases, but the inability to decode it has prevented the medical community from fully leveraging its capabilities. Our proprietary immune medicine platform reveals and translates the massive genetics of the adaptive immune system with scale, precision, and speed. We apply our platform to partner with biopharmaceutical companies, inform drug development, and develop clinical diagnostics across our two business areas: Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) and Immune Medicine. Our commercial products and clinical pipeline enable the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. Our goal is to develop and commercialize immune-driven clinical products tailored to each individual patient.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are based on management’s beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to management. All statements contained in this release other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including statements regarding our ability to develop, commercialize and achieve market acceptance of our current and planned products and services, our research and development efforts, and other matters regarding our business strategies, use of capital, results of operations and financial position, and plans and objectives for future operations.

In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the words “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “project,” “potential,” “continue,” “ongoing” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. These statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors are described under “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and elsewhere in the documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. We caution you that forward-looking statements are based on a combination of facts and factors currently known by us and our projections regarding the future, about which we cannot be certain. As a result, the forward-looking statements may not prove to be accurate. The forward-looking statements in this press release represent our views as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements for any reason, except as required by law.

Note: NCCN makes no warranties of any kind whatsoever regarding their content, use or application and disclaims any responsibility for their application or use in any way.

ADAPTIVE INVESTORS
Karina Calzadilla, Vice President, Investor Relations and FP&A
201-396-1687
investors@adaptivebiotech.com

ADAPTIVE MEDIA
Erica Jones, Associate Corporate Communications Director
206-279-2423
media@adaptivebiotech.com

This order, placed by Alta Ares, marks:

• A first commercial order for more than 100 battery packs intended for the interceptor drone developed by Alta Ares, a French company selected by the DGA as part of the ELISA innovation partnership
• The culmination of nearly six months of co-development between the Novacium and Alta Ares teams, validated by a successful test campaign involving ten prototypes in July 2026;
• An AA NOVA 6S3P 15,000 mAh pack that is lighter than Alta Ares’ reference battery, thanks to an optimized design and the higher energy density of Novacium’s silicon-based cells.

MONTREAL and SOLAIZE, France, Sept. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HPQ Silicon Inc. (TSX-V: HPQ, OTCQB: HPQFF, FRA: O08) is pleased to inform its shareholders that its strategic partner, NOVACIUM SAS, a French deep-tech company specializing in the development and production of silicon-based anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, has announced that it has received from Alta Ares a first commercial order for the supply of more than 100 AA NOVA 6S3P 15,000 mAh battery packs incorporating lithium-ion cells using its silicon-based anode technology.

These packs are intended to power the X-Lock, Alta Ares’ interceptor drone. The X-Lock is a short- to medium-range quadcopter interceptor guided by the company’s onboard artificial intelligence software, Pixel Lock. This order represents the first commercial application of Novacium’s silicon-based anode technology in an interceptor drone system, a European counter-drone defence solution developed in collaboration with major industrial players ^[1].

Alta Ares is a French defence technology company specializing in counter-drone systems and onboard artificial intelligence. Selected alongside MBDA as part of the ELISA (Équipement Léger d’Interception de Système Autonome) innovation partnership launched by France’s Directorate General of Armaments (DGA), the company also won a NATO innovation challenge in 2025 focused on the early detection and identification of aerial threats. It subsequently participated, alongside other companies, in an integrated systems test campaign conducted at DGA sites in collaboration with NATO and Ukrainian representatives ^[1][2]. Its Pixel Lock software and technologies are used and have been proven in real combat conditions in Ukraine ^[3].

Novacium is approaching this project with a growing presence in the French and European defence ecosystem. In July 2026, the company received from LN Innov, Novacium’s partner in the electric propulsion system (“EPS”), a first order for the supply of GEN3 6S1P 6,000 mAh battery packs for FPV (First Person View) drones intended for a regiment of the French Army.

Novacium has also entered into discussions with the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) regarding a potential project that could be submitted under the RAPID program (Régime d’appui à l’innovation duale)  administered by the Defence Innovation Agency (AID). No funding decision has been made at this stage. The company has also held discussions with the NATO Energy Security Centre of Excellence, based in Vilnius, regarding energy autonomy issues for armed forces.

These initiatives and collaborations illustrate Novacium’s progress in evaluating its technologies for defence applications related to energy storage and energy autonomy.

Nearly Six Months of Collaboration Between Novacium and Alta Ares

This order is the culmination of co-development work carried out in close collaboration by the Novacium and Alta Ares teams for nearly six months. The objective was to design a battery pack that precisely meets the demanding specifications of an interceptor drone in terms of power, reliability and onboard weight.

Image 1) The AA NOVA 6S3P 15,000 mAh battery pack developed by Novacium with Alta Ares

In July 2026, a test campaign was conducted on ten AA NOVA pack prototypes. These prototypes fully met the performance and reliability criteria established by Alta Ares, leading to this first commercial order for more than 100 units. The ordered packs will be delivered to Alta Ares before the end of September 2026. This first order could subsequently lead to an ongoing supply agreement, subject to in-service results and Alta Ares’ procurement decisions.

A Battery Designed for Performance and Weight Reduction

The AA NOVA 6S3P 15,000 mAh pack incorporates 18 cylindrical 21700 GEN3 “high-current” cells rated at 5,000 mAh each. These cells are capable of a 25C discharge rate, equivalent to a maximum current of 125 A per cell, providing a particularly high level of power that is essential during the acceleration and manoeuvring phases of an interceptor drone.

Beyond power, weight reduction was the differentiating factor during testing. At performance levels that were at least equivalent, the AA NOVA pack proved lighter than the reference battery previously used by Alta Ares. This weight advantage results from an optimized pack design and the higher energy density of Novacium’s silicon-based cells compared with conventional graphite-anode cells.

For an interceptor drone, reducing weight can, depending on the aircraft configuration and operating conditions, help improve parameters such as agility, acceleration, endurance or available payload. These parameters are particularly important in an interception mission, where speed and responsiveness play an essential role.

In parallel with this first order, the Novacium and Alta Ares teams are continuing their work to further improve battery performance. The packs in this first batch incorporate 5,000 mAh GEN3 “high-current” cells. Future versions could incorporate 6,000 mAh GEN4 “high-current” cells currently under development, with the objective of increasing pack capacity and, depending on the selected configuration, endurance or available payload, while maintaining the required power level.

“Designing the battery for the interceptor drone of a company selected under a DGA program and which won a NATO innovation challenge is an important milestone for the entire team,” said Jed Kraiem, co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Novacium SAS. “This order is the culmination of nearly six months of work carried out in close collaboration with the Alta Ares teams. It demonstrates that our silicon-based anode technology provides a concrete and measurable advantage [4], in this case significant weight reduction at performance levels that are at least equivalent, in one of the most demanding defence applications. This first order helps position Novacium as a credible French player in the development of advanced energy solutions for drone systems, an area that represents a major technological and industrial sovereignty challenge. Additional discussions are already underway to extend this collaboration.”

“For an interceptor like the X-Lock, every gram counts: the battery directly affects the aircraft’s agility and endurance. The packs developed with Novacium enabled us to reduce weight while maintaining at least equivalent performance, which translates very concretely in flight. We appreciated the responsiveness and professionalism of their teams, and being able to rely on French cell technology fully aligns with our sovereignty approach,” said Julien Théodore, Design Authority Airborne at Alta Ares.

A First Commercial Order Opening New Opportunities

This first order comes at a time when a significant share of high-performance lithium-ion cells comes from suppliers located outside Europe. By equipping Alta Ares’ interceptor drone, Novacium is positioning itself at the centre of a strategic challenge involving technological sovereignty, performance and security of supply for European defence systems.

The transition from a test campaign to a commercial order for more than 100 units, with the prospect of an ongoing supply agreement, provides a concrete reference that could support the development of new commercial opportunities in the drone and defence sectors.

“We would like to warmly thank the Alta Ares teams for their cooperation, availability and excellent spirit of collaboration throughout this project. It is this relationship of trust that made this result possible, and we look forward to continuing it,” said Bernard Tourillon, President and CEO of HPQ Silicon Inc., which itself, IS President of Novacium.

Additional Information:

[1] NATO — Alta Ares won the competition with a system using artificial intelligence for the early detection and identification of threats. [Source: NATO – Innovation for the Front Line].

[2] NATO confirms that Alta Ares participated, alongside other companies, in a campaign during which integrated systems were evaluated against simulated and real targets at DGA test facilities. [Source: NATO – Ukraine Support: Counter-Glide Bomb Solutions Tested].

[3] According to Alta Ares, Pixel Lock has been developed and validated in real combat conditions within Ukrainian units since 2025. [Source: Alta Ares – MBDA x Alta Ares: an unprecedented partnership for a rapid and sovereign response to the drone threat].

[4] Detailed comparative technical data, including the weight of the AA NOVA pack and that of the reference battery, are not disclosed for confidentiality reasons.

About Novacium SAS

Novacium is a French deep-tech company based in Solaize, specializing in developing silicon-based anode materials for lithium-ion batteries using a proprietary process. The company also designs custom battery cells and packs for demanding applications, particularly in the defence, aerospace and portable energy sectors.

About Alta Ares

Alta Ares is a French defence technology company specializing in air defence and counter-drone solutions based on onboard artificial intelligence. Its technologies have been presented as part of NATO innovation initiatives and tested during campaigns involving NATO, the DGA and Ukrainian representatives. Alta Ares was also selected, alongside MBDA, as part of the ELISA innovation partnership launched by the DGA. The company develops a range of effectors and software solutions designed to counter the growing drone threat.

About HPQ Silicon

HPQ Silicon Inc. is a Quebec-based industrial issuer listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSX-V: HPQ), focused on innovation in advanced materials and developing critical processes.

HPQ holds a strategic 36.8% equity interest in Novacium, its research, development and commercialization partner. Together, HPQ and Novacium are developing next-generation silicon-based anode materials (Gen3 and Gen4) for batteries, pursuing commercialization of ENDURA+ lithium-ion cells, and developing innovative technologies for clean hydrogen production and energy recovery from waste materials. HPQ holds the exclusive rights to commercialize these technologies in North America.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements based on certain assumptions regarding technological performance, market demand, permitting, financing, supply chains and economic conditions. These statements involve significant risks, including delays, regulatory issues, competition, availability of financing and macroeconomic uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated. Detailed risk factors are presented in HPQ’s Annual Information Form available on SEDAR+. Forward-looking statements are provided solely to outline management’s future expectations and objectives. A more detailed cautionary note regarding forward-looking information related to the HPQ Endura+ batteries project is available for download [here]. Additional information regarding the Company is available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and on the Company’s website at www.hpqsilicon.com/.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contact Information

NOVACIUM SAS
Dr. Jed Kraiem, Ph.D., Chief Operating Officer
info@novacium.com

HPQ Silicon Inc.
Bernard J. Tourillon, BAA, MBA, President and CEO
info@hpqsilicon.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3a583994-0e4d-41f7-9779-ca94a56d2f4c

TORONTO, Sept. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Quantum BioPharma Ltd. (NASDAQ: QNTM) (FRA: 0K91) (“Quantum BioPharma” or the “Company”), a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to building a portfolio of innovative assets and biotech solutions for the treatment of challenging neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders and alcohol misuse disorders with drug candidates in different stages of development, today announces Rodman & Renshaw has initiated coverage of Quantum BioPharma with a BUY rating and a US$8 price target. The lead analyst of this report is Michael G. King Jr., Director of Research, Senior Biotechnology Analyst at Rodman & Renshaw. This coverage is unpaid and Quantum BioPharma providing no consideration for this report.

Rodman & Renshaw published an initiation research report regarding Quantum BioPharma. The company did not pay Rodman & Renshaw any fees for this report.

A copy of this report can be found at: Quantum Published Initiation Report

About Quantum BioPharma Ltd.

Quantum is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to building a portfolio of innovative assets and biotech solutions for the treatment of challenging neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders and alcohol misuse disorders with drug candidates in different stages of development. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Lucid Psycheceuticals Inc. (“Lucid”), Quantum is focused on the research and development of its lead compound, Lucid-MS. Lucid-MS is a patented new chemical entity shown to prevent and reverse myelin degradation, the underlying mechanism of multiple sclerosis, in preclinical models. Quantum invented UNBUZZD™ and spun out its OTC version to a company, Unbuzzd Wellness Inc. (“Unbuzzd”) (formerly, Celly Nutrition Corp.), led by industry veterans. Quantum retains ownership of 19.48% (as of June 30, 2026) of Unbuzzd. The agreement with Unbuzzd also includes royalty payments of 7% of sales from unbuzzd™ until payments to Quantum total $250 million. Once $250 million is reached, the royalty drops to 3% in perpetuity. Quantum retains 100% of the rights to develop similar products or alternative formulations specifically for pharmaceutical and medical uses.

For more information visit www.quantumbiopharma.com.

About Rodman & Renshaw

Rodman & Renshaw (“Rodman”) is a full-service Investment Bank with a rich heritage spanning over 70 years. Rodman has deep rooted experience as a leading investment bank, fostering the long-term success of growth companies through Investment Banking, Equity Research, Corporate Access, and Strategic Advisory.

For more information visit www.rodm.com

Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by words such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate,” “potential,” “continue,” and similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These statements are based on the Company’s current expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements.

Forward-looking statements in this press release should be considered in light of the risks and uncertainties described in the Company’s filings with applicable securities regulators, including its filings on SEDAR+ and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on EDGAR. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contacts:

Investor Relations
Robert Guzman, Investor Relations
Email: Rob@QuantumBioPharma.com
Telephone: (833) 304-0323
General Inquiries: info@QuantumBioPharma.com

CALGARY, Alberta, Sept. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Condor Energies Inc. (“Condor” or the “Company”) (TSX: CDR), a Canadian based, internationally focused energy transition company with active Central Asian operations is pleased to provide an operational update on its Uzbekistan project.

The Kumli-48 horizontal well (“K-48”) was recently drilled to a total depth of 3,233 meters and includes an 863-meter open-hole lateral section into a lower carbonate reservoir interval that was identified by the previously drilled K-42 vertical well. K-48 initially flowed at a peak rate of 19.5 MMscf/d (or 3,250 boe/d) but was rate restricted to manage the high gas stream velocities. K-48 was tested on a 1” choke for four hours at an average rate of 18.1 MMscf/d (or 3,017 boe/d) with a flowing tubing pressure of 1,005 psi. Formation water production was negligible and the preliminary condensate-gas ratio from the flow test is 7.6 barrels per MMscf. The well is currently being tied in and will begin producing to gas sales shortly.

The Kumli 50 horizontal well (“K-50”) which drilled the same lower carbonate reservoir has reached a total depth of 3,375 meters and is currently being completed prior to testing. The drilling rig from K-50 has commenced drilling the K-51 horizontal well which targets the same prolific lower carbonate reservoir as the K-48 and K-50 wells and the drilling rig from K-48 has moved to the adjacent Andakli field to begin drilling the A-22 horizontal well which targets a regionally extensive stratigraphic carbonate play.

Figure 1: Kumli NW field Pads and development wells

Don Streu, Condor’s President and CEO commented: “The very strong flow results from K-48 and its predecessors demonstrate the transformative impact horizontal wells can deliver and validates the significant value realized by successfully applying proven reservoir characterization and modern drilling technologies.

The Company has now drilled eight wells on the Kumli Northwest structure in 2026 that have added significant production volumes, while the drillable prospect inventory has grown to 58 and continues to expand our multi-year drilling program. Relocating one of the rigs to the Andakli field in the northern part of the concession becomes part of Condor’s next growth engine to further enhance long-term value in Uzbekistan. Andakli is a large area of established gas charge where the team has recently tested and flowed gas outside of existing mapped structural closure boundaries. Given that we have already proven the commerciality of horizontal developments at Kumli, this opens significant prospective drilling acreage at Andakli while the second rig continues to monetize the Kumli field”.

ABOUT CONDOR ENERGIES INC

Condor Energies Inc is a TSX-listed energy transition company that is uniquely positioned on the doorstep of European and Asian markets with three distinct first-mover energy security initiatives: increasing natural gas and condensate production from its existing fields in Uzbekistan; an ongoing project to construct and operate Central Asia’s first LNG ‘lower carbon fuel’ diesel substitution facility in Kazakhstan; and a separate initiative to develop and produce critical minerals from brines in Kazakhstan. Condor has already built a strong foundation for reserves, production and cashflow growth while also striving to minimize its environmental footprint.

The Company recognizes 100% of the production volumes, sales volumes, sales revenues, royalties and expenses related to the production enhancement contract project in Uzbekistan (“PEC Project”) and then allocates 49% of the comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the non-controlling interest holder. This is consistent with the accounting and disclosure in the Company’s financial statements. Accordingly, the production volumes disclosed in this news release related to the PEC Project are 100% of the amounts attributable to the PEC Project, of which 51% are attributable to the Company.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this news release constitute forward-looking information under applicable securities legislation. Such statements are generally identifiable by the terminology used, such as “is”, “expect”, “plan”, “estimate”, “may”, “will”, “could”, “ongoing”, “predict”, “future”, “continue”, “upcoming”, “possible”, “continue”, “extend”, “advance”, “on track”, “underway”, “leading” or other similar wording. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to: the timing and ability to drill, complete, test, tie in and produce new wells; the timing and ability to restrict gas flows and manage high gas stream volumes; the timing and ability to target the same lower carbonate reservoir as K-48 and K-50; the timing and ability to target the regionally extensive stratigraphic carbonate play; the timing and ability of the horizontal wells to deliver transformative impact and significant value; the timing and ability to successfully apply proven reservoir characterization and modern drilling technologies; the timing and ability of the drilling inventory locations to be drilled and become producing wells; the timing and ability to expand the multi-year drilling program; the timing and ability for Andakli to become part of the next growth engine to enhance long-term value; the timing and ability to test and flow gas outside of existing mapped structural closure boundaries; the timing and ability to deliver on the Company’s broader initiatives to increase natural gas and condensate production in Uzbekistan, construct and operate an LNG facility in Kazakhstan, and to develop and produce critical minerals from brines in Kazakhstan.

By its very nature, such forward-looking information requires Condor to make assumptions that may not materialize or that may not be accurate including, but not limited to, the assumptions that: the Company will be able to fund its initiatives through a combination of cash on hand, increased cashflows, debt or equity financing, asset sales, or other financing arrangements; the financing available to the Company will be on terms acceptable to the Company, the Company will be able to manage liquidity and capital expenditures through budgeting and authorizations for expenditures; the Company will be able to manage health, safety, and operational risks through existing precautions and guidelines; the Company will be able to adapt to changing trade policies, tariffs, and restrictions; the Company will be able to obtain various approvals to conduct its planned exploration and development activities; the Company will be able to access natural gas pipelines as planned, the Company will be able to access sales markets as planned, the Company will have accurately estimated the anticipated capital expenditures and anticipated potential budgeting shortfalls; and the Company will be able to manage the impact of geopolitical instability and sanctions. Forward-looking information is subject to both known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, levels of activity and achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such information. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: regulatory changes including changes to environmental regulations; the timing of regulatory and government approvals and the possibility that such approvals may be delayed or withheld; the risk that results of exploration and development drilling and related activities differ from what was initially anticipated; the risk that historical production and testing rates may not be indicative of future production rates, capabilities or ultimate recovery; the risk that the historical composition and quality of oil and gas does not accurately predict its future composition and quality; the risks associated with general economic, market and business conditions; risks relating to the uncertainty related to marketing and transportation; the risk of competitive action by other companies; risks associated with market fluctuations, particularly with respect to oil and natural gas prices; the effects of weather and climate conditions; fluctuation in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates; the ability of suppliers to meet commitments; unanticipated actions by governmental authorities, including increases in taxes, tariffs, levies and fees; decisions or approvals of administrative tribunals and the possibility that government policies or laws may change or the possibility; risks associated with oil and gas operations, both domestic and international and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Condor.

These risk factors are discussed in greater detail in filings made by Condor with Canadian securities regulatory authorities including the Company’s most recent Annual Information Form, which may be accessed through at www.sedarplus.ca.

Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of important factors affecting forward-looking information is not exhaustive. The forward-looking information contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and, except as required by applicable law, Condor does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

BARRELS OF OIL EQUIVALENT

References herein to barrels of oil equivalent (“boe”) are derived by converting gas to oil in the ratio of six thousand standard cubic feet (“Mcf”) of gas to one barrel of oil based on an energy conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. Given the value ratio based on the current price of crude oil as compared to natural gas is significantly different from the energy equivalency of 6 Mcf to 1 barrel, utilizing a conversion ratio at 6 Mcf to 1 barrel may be misleading as an indication of value, particularly if used in isolation.

ABBREVIATIONS
The following is a summary of abbreviations used in this news release:
MMscf	million standard cubic feet
MMscf/d	million standard cubic feet per day
boe/d	barrels of oil equivalent per day
“	inch
psi	pounds per square inch
%	percent
LNG	Liquefied Natural Gas
TSX	Toronto Stock Exchange

The TSX does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

For further information, please contact Don Streu, President and CEO or Sandy Quilty, Vice President of Finance and CFO at 403-201-9694.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c4e382d0-b794-422c-8550-d194980e5032

TORONTO, Sept. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ZenaTech, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZENA) (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”), a technology solution provider specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drone, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS, and Quantum Computing solutions, announces that it has been selected as a qualified supplier under the Government of Canada’s Defence Drone Initiative (DDI) Marketplace. The qualification establishes ZenaTech as part of the Government of Canada’s pre-qualified supplier pool, creating a pathway to compete for future defense and security drone requirements supporting the Canadian Armed Forces and Canadian Coast Guard.

“Being selected for Canada’s Defence Drone Initiative Marketplace represents an important milestone for our growing defense business,” said Shaun Passley, Ph.D., ZenaTech CEO. “We have been investing in autonomous drone technology, AI, manufacturing, and advanced capabilities designed for real-world defense and government applications, and we look forward to demonstrating how our ZenaDrone solutions can contribute to Canada’s objective of building a strong domestic drone and autonomous systems industry. Our goal is to continue advancing our technology and manufacturing capabilities so that ZenaDrone can become an important supplier of autonomous drone solutions to Canada and allied governments.”  

Launched by the Government of Canada in July 2026, the Defence Drone Initiative is designed to accelerate the development, testing, adaptation and production of uncrewed and autonomous systems while strengthening Canada’s domestic defense industrial capacity. Qualification under the DDI Marketplace does not constitute the award of a procurement contract, but it positions ZenaTech to apply and compete for applicable future requirements issued through the Marketplace.

ZenaDrone’s defense-focused portfolio is anchored by the ZenaDrone 1000, a multifunction autonomous drone platform built for surveillance, reconnaissance, logistics and specialized cargo missions currently at the testing stage. The IQ Series of drones range from an indoor inventory management and security drone to inspection, land surveys and mapping, and an underwater drone. The Company’s counter-UAS maritime interceptor drones and launch and refueling station, part of an integrated defense system, are currently in development. These platforms are being created to combine AI-driven autonomy, advanced sensors and modular payloads designed to meet the demanding requirements of defense and security operators and are being developed in parallel with ZenaTech’s ongoing manufacturing facility expansion across Arizona, Dubai and Taiwan.

About ZenaTech

ZenaTech, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZENA) (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) is a technology company that specializes in AI autonomy drone platforms to transform commercial, government, and defense sectors. Its subsidiaries include drone manufacturing through ZenaDrone, a global Drone as a Service (DaaS) business, and an enterprise SaaS division of software brands. The Company is executing an acquisition-led DaaS roll-up strategy to digitize and automate legacy service industries including land surveys and inspections, driving drone-based scalable and recurring revenue growth. With an operating footprint spanning North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia, ZenaTech is advancing AI drones for agriculture and logistics, as well as ISR, cargo, and counter-UAS applications for U.S. defense and NATO allies. The company is investing in next-generation technologies, including drone swarms, quantum computing, and advanced AI autonomy to capture long-term opportunities in key markets through its R&D initiatives.

About ZenaDrone

ZenaDrone, a subsidiary of ZenaTech, develops and manufactures AI-powered multifunction autonomous drone solutions integrating machine learning, predictive analytics, and advanced computing technologies, for government, defense, and industrial applications. This includes multifunctional drones for surveying, inspections, logistics, security, and defense applications. Its product portfolio includes the ZenaDrone 1000 for ISR defense and specialized cargo, the IQ Nano for indoor inventory management and security, the IQ Square for outdoor inspections and maintenance, the IQ Quad for land surveying, and the IQ Aqua for underwater applications. ZenaDrone operates three global manufacturing facilities in Arizona, Dubai, and Taiwan, and is advancing counter-UAS maritime interceptor drones and an integrated defense system.

Contacts for more information:

Company, Investors, and Media:
Linda Montgomery
ZenaTech
312-241-1415

Investors:
Michael Mason
CORE IR
investors@zenatech.com

Safe Harbor

This press release and related comments by management of ZenaTech, Inc. include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of U.S. federal securities laws and applicable Canadian securities laws. These forward-looking statements are subject to the safe harbor provisions under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This forward-looking information relates to future events or future performance of ZenaTech and reflects management’s expectations and projections regarding ZenaTech’s growth, results of operations, performance, and business prospects and opportunities. Such forward-looking statements reflect management’s current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by terminology such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “expect”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “aim”, “seek”, “is/are likely to”, “believe”, “estimate”, “predict”, “potential”, “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information in this document includes, but is not limited to ZenaTech’s expectations regarding its revenue, expenses, production, operations, costs, cash flows, and future growth; expectations with respect to future production costs and capacity; ZenaTech’s ability to deliver products to the market as currently contemplated, including its drone products including ZenaDrone 1000, IQ Square, IQ Nano, IQ Quad, ZenaTech 2000, IQ Glider, IQ Sphere, IQ Aqua and Interceptor P-1; ZenaTech’s ability to develop products for markets as currently contemplated; ZenaTech’s anticipated cash needs and its needs for additional financing; ZenaTech’s intention to grow the business and its operations and execution risk; expectations with respect to future operations and costs; the volatility of stock prices and market conditions in the industries in which ZenaTech operates; political, economic, environmental, tax, security, and other risks associated with operating in emerging markets; regulatory risks; unfavorable publicity or consumer perception; difficulty in forecasting industry trends; the ability to hire key personnel; the competitive conditions of the industry and the competitive and business strategies of ZenaTech; ZenaTech’s expected business objectives for the next twelve months; ZenaTech’s ability to obtain additional funds through the sale of equity or debt commitments; investment capital and market share; the ability to complete any contemplated acquisitions; changes in the target markets; market uncertainty; ability to access additional capital, including through the listing of its securities in various jurisdictions; management of growth (plans and timing for expansion); patent infringement; litigation; applicable laws, regulations, and any amendments affecting the business of ZenaTech and other related risks and uncertainties disclosed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Form F-1, Form 20-F and other filings filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on EDGAR through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-looking information represents management’s best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

Facilities Expected to Fund the Majority of Turtle Creek’s Sub-$800 Million Estimated Project Cost

Company’s $2.4 Billion Contracted Forward Sales Position and Expected Operating Cash Flow Provide Credible Pathway to Fully Fund Turtle Creek

TERRE HAUTE, Ind., Sept. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hallador Energy Company (Nasdaq: HNRG) (“Hallador” or the “Company”) today announced that on September 15, 2026, the Company closed a $600 million senior secured term loan facility (the “Term Loan Facility”) with a three-year term and, subject to lender approval, a two-year extension option. The Term Loan Facility consists of approximately $550 million funded at closing and an additional $50 million delayed draw term loan commitment available for up to 12 months. In connection with the Term Loan Facility, the Company also has the ability to establish a super-priority revolving credit facility of up to $75 million with a similar tenor, creating a financing package (collectively, the “Facilities”) of up to $675 million.

Hallador expects to use borrowings from the Facilities primarily to fund upcoming payment obligations under its turbine asset purchase agreement, transportation and refurbishment costs, pre-notice-to-proceed and other development costs, and construction of the Company’s proposed new and efficient 460-megawatt natural gas fired Turtle Creek Gas project (“Turtle Creek”), which has an expected total project cost of less than $800 million. Approximately $120 million of the proceeds from the Term Loan Facility will be used to repay the Company’s existing $45 million term loan and $75 million revolving credit facility. Proceeds will also be used for general corporate purposes.

The Company believes the Facilities represent the largest component of its overall financing plan for Turtle Creek and address the majority of Turtle Creek’s expected capital requirements. The Company is actively evaluating and expects to pursue additional financing sources to strengthen its capital structure. Together with the operating cash flow Hallador expects to generate between now and commercial operation of Turtle Creek, supported by the Company’s contracted forward sales position, management believes the Company has a credible pathway and sufficient time to fully fund the project consistent with its objective of little to no equity dilution.

“Closing this loan is the largest single step in financing Turtle Creek,” said Brent Bilsland, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We chose this structure because it carries more debt than traditional bank project financing would typically allow. We are paying a higher rate for that capital, and we accept the trade. As Turtle Creek approaches and enters commercial operation, we expect to be able to refinance the loan on terms that reflect an operating plant.”

Bilsland continued, “Turtle Creek would continue Hallador’s transformation into a multi-fuel independent power producer and expand the scale of our power generation business. By leveraging existing infrastructure and critical generation equipment we have under contract, we believe we have positioned Turtle Creek to reach commercial operation on an accelerated timeline and at a capital cost well below comparable new generation projects. With demand for reliable, dispatchable power continuing to grow in MISO, we believe the combination of speed to market and capital efficiency makes Turtle Creek a compelling opportunity for Hallador and its shareholders. What the team remains focused on executing is straightforward but not assured: the turbines have to load, clear export, and be refurbished on schedule, and we have to contract the plant’s output at prices that justify the cost, as we have done at Merom.”

Kennedy Lewis Investment Management LLC provided the Term Loan Facility.

PEI Global Partners acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Hallador in connection with this transaction.

Turtle Creek Project Update

Development of Turtle Creek continues to progress. While certain development milestones have taken longer than initially anticipated, none has changed the Company’s view of the project’s economics or its targeted commercial operation date. Turbine shipment activities remain on schedule, and the Company expects to complete the purchase of the equipment in accordance with the terms of the previously filed turbine asset purchase agreement. The equipment is then expected to be transported to Siemens’ U.S. facilities for refurbishment in the coming months.

Hallador’s remaining development milestones continue to advance. The Company expects to execute the Generator Interconnection Agreement (“GIA”) in the coming weeks. Negotiations on the project’s engineering and construction agreement are in their final stages..

Hallador does not expect a long-term power purchase agreement to be a condition to its final investment decision (“FID”). As of June 30, 2026, the Company had approximately $2.4 billion of contracted forward sales under multi-year agreements with utilities and other counterparties. The Company believes this contracted position provides the foundation to proceed to FID on Turtle Creek. As a new natural gas-fired resource, Turtle Creek is expected to be attractive to counterparties seeking long-duration dispatchable supply, and discussions with prospective counterparties for Turtle Creek’s output are ongoing.

Turtle Creek, like the Company’s Merom Generating Station, is located in the MISO market. The Company believes current MISO market pricing for capacity and energy is supportive of new dispatchable generation, and its decision to advance Turtle Creek toward FID reflects that view.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Statements that are not strictly historical statements constitute forward-looking statements and may often, but not always, be identified by the use of such words as “expects,” “believes,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “estimates,” “guidance,” “target,” “potential,” “possible,” or “probable” or statements that certain actions, events or results “may,” “will,” “should,” or “could” be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, those relating to the availability of the delayed draw term loan commitment, the exercise of the extension option, the establishment of the revolving credit facility, the expected use of proceeds from the Facilities, the timing and outcome of any final investment decision on Turtle Creek, the development, construction, financing and commercial operation of Turtle Creek, the Company’s evaluation and pursuit of additional financing sources, the timing of the Company’s remaining capital requirements, the timing, terms and availability of any additional financing and the Company’s discussions with financing partners, the Company’s ability to achieve its objective of little to no equity dilution, the Company’s contracted forward sales position and the performance of counterparties thereunder, the Company’s ability to contract Turtle Creek’s capacity and energy on acceptable terms and the timing of FID relative to any such contracts, the Company’s ability to refinance the Term Loan Facility following commercial operation and the terms of any such refinancing, the repayment of existing indebtedness, the timing of turbine shipment, completion of the equipment purchase and refurbishment, MISO market conditions and demand for Turtle Creek’s capacity and energy, the execution of a Generator Interconnection Agreement with MISO, engineering and construction agreements, and agreements for the sale of capacity and energy, expected total project costs and capital requirements, expected operating cash flow, and the Company’s objective of limiting equity dilution. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and analyses made by Hallador and its management in light of experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors appropriate under the circumstances that involve various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in the statements. These risks include, but are not limited to, those set forth in Hallador’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, and other Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Hallador undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements except as required by law.

About Hallador Energy Company

Hallador Energy Company (Nasdaq: HNRG) is a vertically integrated Independent Power Producer (IPP) based in Terre Haute, Indiana. The Company has two core businesses: Hallador Power Company, LLC, which produces electricity and provides accredited capacity at its one-Gigawatt (GW) Merom Generating Station, and Sunrise Coal, LLC, which produces and supplies fuel to the Merom Generating Station and other companies. To learn more about Hallador, visit the Company’s website at http://www.halladorenergy.com.

Company Contact

Todd E. Telesz
Chief Financial Officer
TTelesz@halladorenergy.com

Investor Relations Contact

Sean Mansouri, CFA
Elevate IR
(720) 330-2829
HNRG@elevate-ir.com