Month: September 2026

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, Sept. 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Next Hydrogen Solutions Inc. (“Next Hydrogen” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has secured a non-repayable contribution agreement with the Government of Canada through Natural Resources Canada’s Energy Innovation Program (NRCan) for funding of up to $2 million for additional research to develop scalable fabrication processes for commercial electrolyzer modules.

This funding will support R&D activities focused on improving the efficiency, performance and cost of Next Hydrogen’s commercial electrolyzer modules. As an initial project milestone, the Company is targeting cell performance of 1.8 V/cell at 1.0 A/cm² by Q1 2027, consistent with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) 2026 technical target for alkaline water electrolysis. The project’s ultimate performance target is 1.7 V/cell at 1.2 A/cm², targeted for achievement by September 2028.

The technologies developed through this project are expected to enhance the competitiveness of Next Hydrogen’s commercial products by lowering energy consumption and reducing the cost of green hydrogen production. As electricity accounts for 60–70% of hydrogen production operating costs, these efficiency gains are expected to reduce electricity consumption of its electrolyzer modules per kilogram of hydrogen produced by approximately 8% as well as reducing the cost of fabricating its electrolyzers.

We anticipate achieving the initial 1.8 V/cell at 1.0 A/cm² performance milestone by Q1 2027, with the project continuing toward the ultimate target of 1.7 V/cell at 1.2 A/cm² by September 2028.

“We are grateful for NRCan’s support of this important initiative,” said Jocelyne Moyer, President and CEO of Next Hydrogen. “This investment will help advance our electrolyzer technology to have performance levels aligned with the U.S. DOE/H2NEW long-term vision for alkaline water electrolysis while supporting lower hydrogen production costs for our customers. We expect the innovations developed through this project to be incorporated into our commercial electrolyzer platform in early 2027, further enhancing its efficiency and competitiveness. By improving project economics and making clean hydrogen more affordable, this initiative can help accelerate market adoption while reinforcing Canada’s leadership in hydrogen innovation and the transition to a low-carbon economy.”

“Building Canada’s energy future depends on building and scaling the technologies that will power our economy for decades to come. Investments in Canadian innovators like Next Hydrogen are strengthening our energy security, supporting growth and turning Canadian expertise into real-world solutions. By supporting innovation today, we are building the stronger, more competitive energy sector Canada needs for generations to come.” said the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.

About Next Hydrogen

Founded in 2007, Next Hydrogen is a designer and manufacturer of electrolyzers that use water and electricity to generate clean hydrogen for use as a clean energy source. Next Hydrogen’s unique cell design architecture supported by over 40 patents enables superior dynamic response to efficiently convert intermittent renewable electricity into green hydrogen on a commercial infrastructure scale.

Contact Information

Jocelyne Moyer, President and CEO
Email: jmoyer@nexthydrogen.com
Phone: 416-317-0566

www.nexthydrogen.com

Cautionary Statements

This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements”. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as “expects”, or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “forecasts”, “estimates”, “believes” or “intends” or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results “may” or “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: the risks associated with the hydrogen industry in general; delays or changes in plans with respect to infrastructure development or capital expenditures; cell efficiency targets; expected order sizes for the product line; customer relationships and customer terms for testing of products at a customer site; the ability of the Corporation to optimize energy efficiencies; the Corporation’s available resources to grow its sales backlog; uncertainty with respect to the timing of any contemplated transactions or partnerships, or whether such contemplated transactions or partnerships will be completed at all; whether the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to costs and expenses; failure to obtain necessary regulatory approvals; health, safety and environmental risks; uncertainties resulting from potential delays or changes in plans with respect to infrastructure developments or capital expenditures; currency exchange rate fluctuations; as well as general economic conditions, stock market volatility and the ability to access sufficient capital. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Except as required by law, there will be no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change.

Strategic Highlights: 

1. Palomino Laboratories, Inc. Co-founder Steven P. DenBaars will present at MicroLED Connect 2026 on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 11:50 a.m. (Central European Time) at the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven, the Netherlands.
2. DenBaars’ presentation, “Development of GaN Based MicroLED Devices for Full Color Displays and High-Speed Optical Communication,” will highlight the role of improved microLED device design in enabling higher-speed data transmission and the potential for energy-efficient optical interconnects supporting AI infrastructure and data-center applications.

GOLETA, Calif., Sept. 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Palomino Laboratories, Inc. (OTCQB: PALX) (‘Palomino’ or the ‘Company’), an artificial intelligence (AI) interconnect technology company, today announced that Co-founder and Director Steven P. DenBaars will present at MicroLED Connect 2026 on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 11:50 a.m. CEST at the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven, the Netherlands.

Professor DenBaars’ presentation, “Development of GaN Based MicroLED Devices for Full Color Displays and High Speed Optical Communication,” will highlight advances in gallium nitride (GaN) microLED materials, device efficiency, and integration approaches supporting next-generation display and optical communication applications. The presentation will address how improved microLED device design can support higher-speed data transmission and the potential for energy-efficient optical interconnects for AI infrastructure and data-center environments.

Jeffrey B. Shealy, Co-Founder and CEO, commented: “AI infrastructure is being constrained by power and bandwidth limits in short-reach data movement, and the next wave of optical interconnect innovation will be defined by higher efficiency and higher speed in compact form factors.” Mr. Shealy continued, “Prof. DenBaars’ presentation at MicroLED Connect 2026 highlights advances in GaN-based microLED devices that can help enable faster data transmission and more energy-efficient optical interconnects for AI and data-center environments. As Palomino advances its roadmap, we believe microLED-enabled optical interconnects represent a compelling opportunity to improve performance-per-watt across next-generation AI systems.”

MicroLED Connect 2026 is hosted at the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. Additional conference information is available here.

About Palomino Laboratories

Palomino Laboratories is an artificial intelligence (AI) interconnect technology company headquartered in Goleta, California, developing next-generation connectivity solutions for the rapidly evolving AI infrastructure market. The Company’s product focus addresses AI interconnect solutions in the 0-to-50 meters range and includes: (i) silicon chipsets enhancing the speed of copper, (ii) silicon optical integrated circuits (IC’s) optimizing the performance of MicroVCSEL interconnects, and (iii) silicon and gallium nitride IC’s for MicroLED interconnects. Our chipsets enable high-bandwidth, low-latency, and energy-efficient data movement across AI systems. Palomino’s solutions are designed to support the growing performance demands of AI, high-performance computing (HPC), enterprise networking, hyperscale data centers and advanced robotics as increasingly intelligent systems require faster, more efficient, and more reliable data connectivity.

For more information, please visit www.palominolabs.ai.

Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other statements that are predictive in nature, that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “could,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar expressions. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the factors listed under “Risk Factors” in the Company’s filings with the SEC, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. Except as may be required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

For further information
Palomino Laboratories Inc.
Jeffrey B. Shealy, CEO
Email: IR@palominolabs.ai

TORONTO, Sept. 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lahontan Gold Corp. (TSXV:LG, OTCQB:LGCXF, FSE:Y2F) (the “Company” or “Lahontan”) is pleased to announce additional results from its 2026 Sonic core drilling program at the Santa Fe Mine Project. The ten drill holes reported below were all located on Santa Fe Mine Heap Leach Pad Two (“HLP Two”) and total 168.9 metres. Nearly every drill interval (0.76m) contains meaningful gold and silver mineralization, not unexpected given that the program is evaluating a historic heap leach pad (please see table and map below).

Notes: Au Eq equals Au (g/t) + ((Ag g/t/60)*0.70). Silver grade for calculating Au Eq is adjusted to consider historic metallurgical recovery as described in the Santa Fe Project Technical Report*. All drill holes are vertical, true thickness of the intercepts are approximately 100% of the drilled interval. Numbers may not total precisely due to rounding.

HLP Two was utilized by Corona Gold to process run-of mine (“ROM” or uncrushed) gold and silver mineralized rock from the Santa Fe open pit during the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. Detailed production records show that 3.76M tonnes of rock grading 0.55 g/t Au, 2.9 g/t Ag (0.58 g/t Au Eq) was loaded on HLP Two and, based on reported recoveries (47% Au, 13% Ag), the expected residual grade would average about 0.29 g/t Au and 2.5 g/t Ag (0.32 g/t Au Eq). Based on these first ten drill holes (out of 26 completed), the weighted average grade of all samples to date is 0.50 g/t Au, 3.3 g/t Ag (0.54 g/t Au Eq). CN Au analyses vary from to 5 to 82% of the coresponing fire assay Au value and average 40%, suggesting that the heap leach pad material may be amenable to reprocessing using conventional CN leaching. Unique to drilling heap leach pads, mine dumps, or tailings, is a lack of systematic geologic or other technical controls to grade distribution, so grade variability is expected.

Kimberly Ann, Founder, Chair, CEO, and President of Lahontan Gold Corp commented: “The results from the Sonic core drilling of HLP Two are very encouraging. The drill holes confirm the presence of significant residual gold and silver mineralization in HLP Two. Additional drill results will be needed before Mineral Resources can be calculated; however, the program is clearly off to an excellent start. There are 86 additional Sonic drill holes spread across the four historic heap leach pads, so expect additional results as assays are provided by the lab.”

Drill hole location, Heap Leach Pad Two, Santa Fe Mine Project, Mineral County, Nevada. Drill holes shown are the SF26-XXXS series of Sonic core drill holes.

QA/QC Protocols

Lahontan conducts an industry standard QA/QC program for its core, Sonic, and RC drilling programs. The QA/QC program consisted of the insertion of coarse blanks and Certified Reference Materials (CRM) into the sample stream at random intervals. The targeted rate of insertion was one QA/QC sample for every 16 to 20 samples. Coarse blanks were inserted at a rate of one coarse blank for every 65 samples or approximately 1.5% of the total samples. CRMs were inserted at a rate of one CRM for every 20 samples or approximately 5% of the total samples.

The standards utilized include three gold CRMs and one blank CRM that were purchased from MEG, LLC of Lamoille, Nevada (formerly Shea Clark Smith Laboratories of Reno, Nevada). Expected gold values are 0.188 g/t, 1.107 g/t, 10.188 g/t, and -0.005 g/t, respectively. CRMs with similar grades are inserted as the initial CRM’s run out. The coarse blank material comprised of commercially available landscape gravel and unaltered Tertiary volcanic rock have an expected gold value of -0.005 g/t.

As part of the RC drilling QA/QC process, duplicate samples were collected of every 20^th sample interval at the drill rig to evaluate sampling methodology. Samples were collected from the reject splitter on the drill rig cyclone splitter. Samples were collected at each 95- to 100-foot (28.96 – 30.48m) mark and labeled with a “D” suffix on the sample bag. No duplicates were submitted for Sonic core drill holes.

All drill samples were sent to American Assay Laboratories (AAL) in Sparks, Nevada, USA for analyses. Delivery to the lab was either by a Lahontan Gold employee or by an AAL driver. Analyses for all RC and core samples consisted of Au analysis using 30-gram fire assay with ICP finish, along with a 36-element geochemistry analysis performed on each sample utilizing two acid digestion ICP-AES method. Tellurium or 50-element analyses were performed on select drill holes utilizing ICP-MS method. Cyanide leach analyses, using a tumble time of 2 hours and analyzed with ICP-AES method, were performed on select drill holes for Au and Ag recovery. AAL inserts their own blanks, standards and conducts duplicate analyses to ensure proper sample preparation and equipment calibration. We have all results reported in grams per tonne (g/t).

About Lahontan Gold Corp.

Lahontan Gold Corp. is a Nevada-focused mine development company advancing a portfolio of four gold and silver projects in mining-friendly Nevada’s prolific Walker Lane. The Company’s primary focus is the restart of its flagship, the 28.3 km² Santa Fe Mine project, with a targeted return to production in 2027.

• Santa Fe Mine historic production: 359,202 ounces of gold and 702,067 ounces of silver, open pit mining with heap-leach processing (1988-1995; Nevada Bureau of Mines).
• Current Resources: The Santa Fe Mine has a NI 43-101 compliant Indicated Mineral Resource of 1,195,000 oz Au Eq (47,532,000 tonnes grading 0.72 g/t Au and 5.55 g/t Ag, together grading 0.78 g/t Au Eq) and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 1,190,000 oz Au Eq (60,605,000 tonnes grading 0.59 g/t Au and 2.40 g/t Ag, together grading 0.61 g/t Au Eq), all pit constrained (Au Eq is inclusive of recovery, please see Santa Fe Project Technical Report and note below*).
• Objectives 2026:
  • Complete an updated Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEA”) for the Santa Fe Mine, including the first analysis of mining and processing sulfide resources,
  • Advancing mine permitting activities with the objective of commencing construction in 2027,
  • Continue drill testing the satellite West Santa Fe project, with a maiden resource estimate targeted by year-end,
  • Conduct exploration drilling at Santa Fe focused on expanding known gold and silver mineralization,
  • Drill test historic heap-leach pads to evaluate residual gold and silver mineralization for potential future reprocessing opportunities.

For more information, please visit our website: www.lahontangoldcorp.com

* Please see the “Updated Mineral Resource Estimate, NI 43-101 Technical Report, Santa Fe Project”, Authors: Michael S. Lindholm, C.P.G., and Thomas Dyer, PE; Effective Date: August 13, 2026, Report Date: Maximum 45 days from August 17, 2026. The Technical Report will be available on the Company’s website and SEDAR+. Mineral resources are reported using a cut-off grade of 0.10 g/t AuEq for oxide and transition resources and 0.30 g/t AuEq for non-oxide resources. AuEq for the purpose of cut-off grade and reporting the Mineral Resources is based on the following assumptions gold price of US$3,250/oz gold, silver price of US$40.00/oz silver, and oxide gold recoveries ranging from 60% to 79%, oxide silver recoveries ranging from 0% to 30%, transitional gold recoveries ranging from 28% to 45%, transitional silver recoveries ranging from 0 to 13%, and non-oxide gold and silver recoveries of 68% except for the York deposit where non-oxide recoveries are estimated to be 0%.

Qualified Person

Brian J. Maher, M.Sc., CPG-12342, is a “Qualified Person” as defined under Canadian National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and has reviewed and approved the content of this news release in respect of all technical disclosure other than the Mineral Resource Estimate as noted above.‎ Mr. Maher is Senior Vice President, Mine Development & Exploration for Lahontan Gold and has verified the data disclosed in this news release, including the sampling, ‎‎analytical and test data underlying the disclosure.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Kimberly Ann

Founder, CEO, President, Executive Chair

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Lahontan Gold Corp.

Kimberly Ann

Founder, CEO, President, Executive Chair

Phone: 1-530-414-4400

Email:
Kimberly.ann@lahontangoldcorp.com

Website: www.lahontangoldcorp.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Except for statements of historical fact, this news release contains certain “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as “plan”, “expect”, “project”, “intend”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “estimate” and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions “may” or “will” occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to delays or uncertainties with regulatory approvals, including that of the TSXV. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company’s control. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management’s estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties that could affect financial results is contained in the Company’s filings with Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedar.com.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/20a2bb0c-6da0-4051-9a55-564b48955150
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/22f0b7db-2c91-4ce4-ae55-d325c84d506f

– Rademikibart meaningfully reduced the rate of treatment failure at 28 days by 66% compared to placebo –

–Rademikibart produced a rapid, statistically significant improvement in lung function at Day 7 compared to placebo –

– Rademikibart was well tolerated in asthma patients experiencing an acute exacerbation with a low incidence of adverse events–

– Data from Seabreeze STAT COPD study of rademikibart will be available later this month after which Connect plans to engage with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to gain alignment on a Phase 3 program –

– Company to host a conference call to discuss the data today, September 15 at 8:00 a.m. ET –

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Connect Biopharma Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: CNTB) (Connect Biopharma, Connect or the Company), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on transforming care for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, today announced topline results from its global phase 2 study evaluating rademikibart, the Company’s next-generation, potentially best-in-class anti-interleukin-4-receptor alpha (IL-4Rα) antibody as an add-on treatment for acute exacerbations in adult and adolescent participants with asthma and type 2 inflammation.

“Topline data from our Seabreeze STAT asthma trial for rademikibart supports its potential to meaningfully improve outcomes for patients in the critical period after an exacerbation,” said Barry Quart, Pharm.D., CEO and Director of Connect Biopharma. “Today’s data highlight the statistically significant rapid improvements in FEV₁ within one week post treatment as well as a 66% reduction in treatment failures at 28 days, although that endpoint did not reach statistical significance. The overall results of this study provide a clear roadmap for design of a Phase 3 program. Taken together with updated market research showing approximately 1.6M ED visits in 2025 for acute asthma exacerbation by high-T2 patients, we believe these results support the potential of rademikibart to deliver significant patient impact and reduce the health economic burden for patients and hospitals. Looking ahead, we intend to report topline data from our Phase 2 Seabreeze STAT chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) trial later this month. Following which we plan to engage with the FDA regarding a Phase 3 registrational development program for rademikibart as add-on treatment for acute exacerbations of asthma and COPD.”

“Patients who experience acute exacerbations remain at an elevated risk for subsequent exacerbations and worsening of symptoms despite current standard-of-care,” said Michael Wechsler, MD, Director of the Cohen Family Asthma Institute and Professor of Medicine at National Jewish Health in Denver, Colorado. “66% reduction in treatment failure is an exceptional outcome and is particularly impressive and shows a meaningful improvement over standard-of-care therapy alone. The ability to deliver this magnitude of benefit while also significantly improving lung function underscores the potential of rademikibart to improve outcomes and establish a new treatment paradigm for managing acute exacerbations in the hospital setting.”

The Phase 2 Seabreeze STAT Asthma study (CBP-201-206) is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study that evaluated the safety and efficacy of rademikibart as an adjunct to standard of care for acute exacerbations in adult and adolescent participants with asthma and type 2 inflammation. The study enrolled 160 patients who were randomized 1:1 to receive either a 600mg dose of rademikibart (n=79) or placebo (n=81), administered subcutaneously in addition to standard of care. The primary endpoint was treatment failure, defined as death due to any cause, (re)admission to a hospital for asthma, emergency department (ED) (re)visit or unscheduled medical visit for worsening of asthma symptoms, or the necessity to intensify pharmacologic treatment within 28 days after randomization. The key secondary endpoint was absolute change from baseline in post-bronchodilator (post-BD) forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁) at Week 1, which is also the proposed primary endpoint for Phase 3.
Key topline results include:

• Rademikibart demonstrated a statistically significant increase from baseline in post-bronchodilator FEV₁ on Day 7 of 250 mL compared to 120 mL with placebo (130mL greater improvement compared to placebo; p=0.023)
• Rademikibart reduced the treatment failure rate by approximately 66% over 28 days compared to placebo (p=0.153).
  • The endpoint missed statistical significance due to an overall lower treatment failure rate than projected
• 50% reduction in emergency department visits or unscheduled medical visits for worsening asthma symptoms compared to placebo
• Rademikibart was well tolerated and no new safety signals were observed through the end of the study. The safety profile was comparable to placebo, with a low incidence of adverse events (AEs) in both arms, no individual AE occurring in more than 2 participants, no AEs leading to study discontinuation in either arm, and one serious adverse event (SAE) reported in the rademikibart arm compared to 3 SAEs in the placebo arm.

Connect expects to report topline data from the ongoing Phase 2 Seabreeze STAT COPD study (CBP-201-207) of rademikibart for the treatment of acute exacerbations in COPD patients with type 2 inflammation later this month and plans to move quickly to meet with the FDA to gain alignment on a Phase 3 program.

Company-Hosted Conference Call and Webcast

Connect will host a conference call and webcast today, September 15, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. ET. To access the conference call, please pre-register through here to receive dial-in information and a personal PIN to access the live call. Participants may access the live webcast here or from the Investors section of the Connect website at investors.connectbiopharma.com. An archive of the webcast and presentation will be available for approximately 90 days after the event.

About the Seabreeze STAT Asthma Study

Seabreeze STAT Asthma is a Phase 2, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the safety and efficacy of rademikibart as an adjunct to standard of care for acute exacerbations in adult and adolescent participants with asthma and type 2 inflammation. The study has enrolled 160 participants globally with an eosinophil count of ≥300 cells/μL who have experienced an acute asthma exacerbation. Participants received either a single dose of rademikibart or placebo, administered subcutaneously. The primary endpoint is treatment failure rate over 28 days following an acute exacerbation. The key secondary endpoint is post-bronchodilator (post-BD) forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁) at Week 1. Other secondary endpoints include rate and time to new asthma exacerbations, change-from-baseline in asthma symptom score and nocturnal awakenings, post-BD FEV₁ at other timepoints, and incidence of adverse events for 8 weeks after dosing. For more information, please visit clinicaltrials.gov (identifier NCT06940141).

About Rademikibart

Rademikibart is a fully human monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin-4 receptor alpha (IL-4Rα), a common subunit of interleukin-4 receptor (IL-4) and interleukin-13 receptor (IL-13). We believe that by binding with IL-4Rα, rademikibart can block the functions of IL-4 and IL-13 effectively, thereby blocking the T helper 2 (Th2) inflammatory pathway to achieving the goal of treating Th2 related inflammatory diseases such as atopic dermatitis, asthma and COPD.

About Connect Biopharma

Connect Biopharma is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to transforming care for asthma and COPD. Headquartered in San Diego, California, the Company is advancing rademikibart, a next-generation, potentially best-in-class antibody designed to target IL-4Rα. The Company is currently conducting global clinical studies of rademikibart for the treatment of acute exacerbations of asthma and COPD, areas with significant unmet need. Connect has granted an exclusive license to Simcere Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., for rademikibart in Greater China. Under the exclusive license and collaboration agreement, Connect is eligible to receive remaining milestone payments up to an aggregate amount of approximately $99 million upon the achievement of certain development, regulatory and commercial milestones. Connect is also eligible to receive royalties at tiered percentage rates up to low double-digit percentages on net sales in Greater China.

For more information visit www.connectbiopharma.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not of historical fact and include, without limitation, statements regarding future events, our future financial and operating results and related expectations, business strategy and plans, prospective products (as well as their potential to achieve a differentiated, competitive, or favorable benefit or profile or trend, including on safety, tolerability, improvement, maintenance, clinical response, dosing, efficacy and/or convenience), statements regarding the timing or results of any interim analysis or interim, topline or preliminary data and whether such analysis or data is indicative of safety, efficacy, final trial results or likelihood of regulatory approval for our product candidates, planned or expected meetings with the FDA or any other regulatory authorities, planned or expected product approval applications or approvals, anticipated milestones and milestone payments, expected data readouts and enrollments and the timing thereof, research and development plans and costs, potential future partnerships, expectations about existing partnerships, timing and likelihood of success, objectives of management for future operations, future results of anticipated product development efforts, adequacy of existing cash and potential partnership funding to fund operations and capital expenditure requirements, anticipated patient populations, market opportunities and potential pricing strategies for our prospective products, if approved, our plans for rademikibart, including potential indications, as well as statements regarding industry trends. These statements are based on management’s current expectations of future events only as of the date of this press release and are inherently subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified and some of which are beyond our control, including, among other things: the ability of our clinical trials to demonstrate safety and efficacy of our product candidates and other positive results; whether we will need expanded or additional trials in order to obtain regulatory approval for our product candidates; the timing and outcome of any meetings with the FDA or other regulatory authorities regarding further development of our product candidates, including with respect to a potential Phase 3 program for rademikibart; our ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approval of our product candidates; existing regulations and regulatory developments in the U.S., the People’s Republic of China, Europe and other jurisdictions; our plans and ability to obtain, maintain, protect and enforce our intellectual property rights and our proprietary technologies, including extensions of existing patent terms where available; our continued reliance on third parties to conduct additional clinical trials of our product candidates, and for the manufacture of our product candidates for preclinical studies and clinical trials; the degree of market acceptance of our product candidates, if approved, by physicians, patients, healthcare payors and others in the medical community; the impact on our business of adverse global macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions, including high interest rates, the inflationary environment, recessionary fears, foreign exchange rate volatility, instability in financial institutions, government shutdowns, changes in monetary policy, changes in trade policies, including tariffs and other trade restrictions or the threat of such actions, and rising geopolitical instability, including the conflicts in the Middle East and the related volatility in the price of oil and other commodity prices; as well as the risks and uncertainties described in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and our other filings with the SEC .

Words such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “commitments,” “continue,” “could,” “design,” “estimate,” “expect,” “feel,” “goal,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “objective,” “optimistic,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “promising,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, though not all forward-looking statements necessarily contain these identifying words. The inclusion of forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by Connect Biopharma that any of its expectations, projections or plans will be achieved. Actual results or outcomes, or the timing of such results or outcomes, may differ materially from those expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements due to the risks and uncertainties described above. These forward-looking statements should not be taken as forecasts or promises nor should they be taken as implying any indication, assurance or guarantee that the assumptions on which such forward-looking statements have been made are correct or exhaustive or, in the case of the assumptions, fully stated herein. Drug development and commercialization involve a high degree of risk, and only a small number of research and development programs result in commercialization of a product. Results in early-stage clinical trials may not be indicative of full results or results from later stage or larger scale clinical trials and do not ensure regulatory approval. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the scientific data presented or these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Except as required by law, Connect Biopharma undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise.

This press release discusses our product candidate, rademikibart, which is under clinical investigation and has not yet been approved for marketing by the FDA, the NMPA, or by any other regulatory agency. No representation is made as to the safety or effectiveness of rademikibart for the uses for which it is being studied. The trademarks included herein are the property of the owners thereof and are used for reference purposes only.

Investor Relations Contact:

Alex Lobo
Precision AQ
Alex.lobo@precisionaq.com
(212) 698-8802

Media Contact:

Ignacio Guerrero-Ros, Ph.D., or David Schull
Russo Partners, LLC
Ignacio.guerrero-ros@russopartnersllc.com
David.schull@russopartnersllc.com
(858) 717-2310 or (646) 942-5604

Bogota, Colombia, Sept. 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GeoPark Limited (NYSE: GPRK) (the “Company” or “GeoPark”) today announced that it is soliciting consent (the “Consent Solicitation”) from the holders of its 8.750% Senior Notes due 2030 (the “Notes”) for the adoption of a certain proposed amendment (the “Proposed Amendment”) to the indenture governing the Notes (the “Indenture”) to amend the definition of “Permitted Holders” in the Indenture to include Jaime Gilinski Bacal and his Immediate Family Members (as defined in the Indenture) or the former spouses (including widows and widowers), heirs or lineal descendants of any of the foregoing and any Affiliate of any of the foregoing. Jaime Gilinski Bacal is affiliated with Grupo Gilinski, which through affiliated entities has through a number of transactions recently purchased approximately 28% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common shares. GeoPark’s recently announced proposed major strategic entry into Venezuela through the Bare field, a large-scale producing heavy oil asset located in the Orinoco Heavy Oil Belt, was led by Grupo Gilinski. GeoPark is acquiring Grupo Gilinski’s 95% interest in the holding company through which the Bare opportunity is held in exchange for newly issued common shares. The proposed transaction has not yet closed and remains subject to certain conditions. Upon completion of the share issuance, Grupo Gilinski is expected to hold approximately 56.3% of GeoPark’s issued and outstanding common shares. Pursuant to the Indenture, a “Change of Control” will generally not be triggered by the consummation of a transaction the result of which is that a Permitted Holder becomes the beneficial owner of more than 50% of the outstanding shares. Pursuant to the Indenture, if a Change of Control occurs, the Company is required to make an Offer to Purchase (as defined in the Indenture) for all of the outstanding Notes.

The Consent Solicitation is being made pursuant to a Consent Solicitation Statement, dated September 15, 2026 (as may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the “Consent Solicitation Statement”). The Consent Solicitation was commenced today and will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on September 23, 2026, unless extended by the Company (each such date and time, as the same may be extended, is referred to as the “Expiration Time”). Only holders of the Notes as of 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on September 14, 2026 (such date and time, including as such date and time may be changed by the Company, from time to time, the “Record Date”) are entitled to consent to the Proposed Amendment pursuant to the Consent Solicitation.

The Proposed Amendment will be set forth in a supplemental indenture relating to the Notes and are described in more detail in the Consent Solicitation Statement. To amend the Indenture, the Company must receive consents from holders (as of the Record Date) representing a majority in aggregate principal amount outstanding (not including any Notes which are owned by the Company or any of its affiliates) of the Notes (the “Requisite Consents”).

With respect to the Consent Solicitation, the Company will, within five business days of the Expiration Time, provided that all applicable conditions to the Consent Solicitation as described in the Consent Solicitation Statement have been satisfied or waived, pay to holders of the Notes, a cash payment equal to $2.50 per $1,000 principal amount of Notes in respect of which such consents have been validly delivered prior to the Expiration Time and not validly revoked by such holders as total consideration for such consent (the “Consent Fee”). No Consent Fee will be paid to any holder of Notes unless such holder delivers a consent in accordance with the terms of the Consent Solicitation Statement prior to the Expiration Time. The consummation of the Consent Solicitation is conditioned on the receipt of the Requisite Consents.

Subject to applicable law, the Company reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to (i) extend, terminate or withdraw the Consent Solicitation at any time, or (ii) otherwise amend the Consent Solicitation in any respect, including waiving any or all of the conditions to the Consent Solicitation set forth in the Consent Solicitation Statement, at any time and from time to time. The Company further reserves the right, in its sole discretion, not to accept any deliveries of consents with respect to the Notes. The Company is making the Consent Solicitation only in those jurisdictions where it is legal to do so.

Banco BTG Pactual S.A. – Cayman Branch is acting as solicitation agent for the Consent Solicitation and can be contacted at Banco BTG Pactual S.A. – Cayman Branch, Attn: Debt Capital Markets +1 (646) 924-2500, with questions regarding the Consent Solicitation.

Copies of the Consent Solicitation Statement are available to holders of Notes from D.F. King & Co., Inc., the information agent, tabulation agent and paying agent for the Consent Solicitation. Requests for copies of the Consent Solicitation Statement should be directed to D.F. King at +1 (800) 967-5084 (toll free), +1 (212) 269-5550 (collect) or geopark@dfking.com.

Neither the Consent Solicitation nor any related documents have been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, nor have any such documents been filed with or reviewed by any federal or state securities commission or regulatory authority of any country. No authority has passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of the Consent Solicitation Statement or any related documents, and it is unlawful and may be a criminal offense to make any representation to the contrary.

The Consent Solicitation is being made solely on the terms and conditions set forth in the Consent Solicitation Statement. Under no circumstances shall this press release constitute an offer to buy or the solicitation of an offer to sell the Notes or any other securities of the Company or any of its affiliates. The Consent Solicitation is not being made to, nor will the Company accept deliveries of consents from, holders in any jurisdiction in which the Consent Solicitation or the acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdiction. This press release also is not a solicitation of consents to the Proposed Amendment to the Indenture. No recommendation is made as to whether holders should deliver their consents with respect to the Notes. Holders should carefully read the Consent Solicitation Statement because it contains important information, including the various terms and conditions of the Consent Solicitation.

ABOUT GEOPARK

GeoPark is a leading independent energy company with over 20 years of successful operations across Latin America.

For further information, please contact:
INVESTORS:
Maria Catalina Escobar Shareholder Value and Capital Markets Director	mescobar@geo-park.com
Miguel Bello Investor Relations Officer	mbello@geo-park.com
Maria Alejandra Velez Investor Relations Leader	mvelez@geo-park.com
MEDIA:
Communications Department	communications@geo-park.com

CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS RELEVANT TO FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements often are preceded by words such as “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “intends,” “assumes,” “will” or similar expressions. The forward-looking statements contained herein include statements about the consent solicitation, the acquisition of our common shares by Jaime Gilinski Bacal and Grupo Gilinski, and the proposed major strategic entry into Venezuela through the Bare field. These expectations may or may not be realized. Some of these expectations may be based upon assumptions or judgments that prove to be incorrect. In addition, GeoPark’s business and operations involve numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of GeoPark, which could result in GeoPark’s expectations not being realized or otherwise materially affect the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of GeoPark. Some of the factors that could cause future results to materially differ from recent results or those projected in forward-looking statements are described in GeoPark’s filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

The forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and GeoPark does not undertake any obligation to (and expressly disclaims any obligation to) update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date such statements were made, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. In light of the risks and uncertainties described above, and the potential for variation of actual results from the assumptions on which certain of such forward-looking statements are based, investors should keep in mind that the results, events or developments disclosed in any forward-looking statement made in this document may not occur, and that actual results may vary materially from those described herein, including those described as anticipated, expected, targeted, projected or otherwise.

Consistent with prior Type C Meeting, the Pre-NDA Meeting confirms Ocular’s plan to submit AXPAXLI NDA based on SOL-1 Week 52 efficacy and safety, interim SOL-R safety, and confirmatory evidence

AXPAXLI NDA submission for wet AMD remains on track for 4Q 2026

NDA submission to include subjects that have received multiple AXPAXLI injections in support of the Company’s application for repeat dosing

Commercial readiness accelerates ahead of potential 2027 launch as AXPAXLI is well positioned to potentially be the first TKI approved for wet AMD

BEDFORD, Mass., Sept. 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ocular Therapeutix, Inc. (NASDAQ: OCUL, “Ocular”), an integrated biopharmaceutical company committed to redefining the retina experience, today announced the successful completion of its Pre-New Drug Application (NDA) Meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its investigational product candidate AXPAXLI™ (also known as OTX-TKI) for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD). Based on the Pre-NDA Meeting, the Company’s expectations for the AXPAXLI NDA package remain consistent with prior FDA communications, including the May 2026 Type C Meeting. Ocular remains on track to submit the NDA in the fourth quarter of 2026.

“Following our successful Pre-NDA Meeting with the FDA, we are on track for our planned AXPAXLI NDA submission in the fourth quarter of 2026. We are immensely grateful to the FDA for their collaboration throughout this process and will continue to follow their guidance as we advance AXPAXLI through NDA submission, review, and potential approval,” said Pravin U. Dugel, M.D., Executive Chairman, President and CEO of Ocular Therapeutix. “Consistent with the FDA Type C Meeting minutes we previously communicated, our NDA submission will continue to be based on efficacy and safety data from SOL-1, interim safety data from SOL-R, and supporting confirmatory evidence. Our submission will include subjects that have received multiple AXPAXLI injections in support of our application for repeat dosing. From the outset, we have sought to thoughtfully balance risk and speed through methodical clinical trial design and consistent interactions with the FDA, always placing patients and physicians at the forefront of our decisions. That approach has served us well and has brought us to a position where AXPAXLI has the potential to be not only the first TKI to market for wet AMD, if approved, but also the only novel product candidate supported by a positive Phase 3 superiority trial against an approved anti-VEGF. We believe physicians will have all the data they need from SOL-1 to begin using AXPAXLI immediately following potential approval, due to the unmatched durability and level of sustained disease control observed in SOL-1 that is simply unprecedented in this space. Our commercial preparation efforts are well underway, and we look forward to bringing AXPAXLI to the wet AMD community as quickly as possible.”

The positive Pre-NDA Meeting represents the latest in a series of successful clinical and regulatory milestones for AXPAXLI. The registrational Phase 3 SOL-1 superiority trial was designed and conducted under a Special Protocol Assessment (SPA) agreement with the FDA and, in February 2026, met its pre-specified primary endpoint with high statistical significance. In May 2026, the Company completed a positive Type C Meeting with the FDA, with subsequent meeting minutes supporting an NDA based on Week 52 efficacy and safety data from SOL-1, interim safety data from the ongoing Phase 3 SOL-R trial, and supporting confirmatory evidence. The September 2026 Pre-NDA Meeting further confirmed alignment with the FDA on the content and format of the planned NDA submission under the 505(b)(2) pathway, which has the potential to shorten the FDA review timeline by up to 60 days as compared to the traditional 505(b)(1) pathway for a new molecular entity. Ocular remains on track to conduct the interim SOL-R safety analysis and submit the AXPAXLI NDA in the fourth quarter of 2026.

About AXPAXLI
AXPAXLI™ (also known as OTX-TKI) is an investigational, bioresorbable, intravitreal hydrogel incorporating axitinib, a small molecule, multi-target, tyrosine kinase inhibitor with anti-angiogenic properties, being evaluated for the treatment of wet AMD and diabetic retinal disease.

About Wet AMD
Wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) is a leading cause of severe, irreversible vision loss affecting approximately 14.8 million individuals globally and 1.8 million in the United States alone. Wet AMD causes vision loss due to abnormal new blood vessel growth and hyperpermeability and associated retinal vascularity in the macula, which is primarily stimulated by local upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Without prompt and continuous treatment to control this exudative activity, patients develop irreversible vision loss. With proper treatment, patients may maintain visual function for a period of time and may temporarily regain lost vision. Challenges with current therapies include pulsatile, repeated intraocular injections, treatment-related adverse events and up to 40% patient discontinuation within one year of initiating treatment with continued disease progression. Taken together, these factors lead to undertreatment and a lack of long-term vision improvement for patients.

About Ocular Therapeutix, Inc.
Ocular Therapeutix, Inc. is an integrated biopharmaceutical company committed to redefining the retina experience. AXPAXLI™ (also known as OTX-TKI), Ocular’s investigational product candidate for retinal disease, is an axitinib intravitreal hydrogel based on its ELUTYX™ proprietary bioresorbable hydrogel-based formulation technology. AXPAXLI is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials for wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD), and diabetic retinal disease, including non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR).

Ocular’s pipeline also leverages the ELUTYX technology in its commercial product DEXTENZA^®, an FDA-approved corticosteroid for the treatment of ocular inflammation and pain following ophthalmic surgery in adults and pediatric patients and ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis in adults and pediatric patients aged two years or older, and in its investigational product candidate OTX-TIC, which is a travoprost intracameral hydrogel that has completed a Phase 2 clinical trial for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Ocular is currently evaluating next steps for the OTX-TIC program.

Follow the Company on its website, LinkedIn, or X.

DEXTENZA^® is a registered trademark of Ocular Therapeutix, Inc. The Ocular Therapeutix logo, AXPAXLI™, ELUTYX™, and Ocular Therapeutix™ are trademarks of Ocular Therapeutix, Inc.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements of the Company regarding its future expectations, plans, and prospects; statements regarding the development and regulatory status of the Company’s investigational product candidate AXPAXLI (also known as OTX-TKI), including the Company’s intention to submit a new drug application for AXPAXLI for the treatment of wet AMD based on Week 52 efficacy and safety data from the Company’s SOL-1 Phase 3 clinical trial, Week 52 data from an interim safety analysis to be conducted in the Company’s SOL-R clinical trial, and confirmatory evidence; statements regarding the timing, design, enrollment, randomization, conduct and retention of subjects in the Company’s ongoing and planned clinical trials for AXPAXLI; statements regarding the commercial potential of AXPAXLI and the potential commercialization of AXPAXLI; statements regarding the Company’s plans to leverage the Section 505(b)(2) pathway and its potential to accelerate the review timeline of the Company’s planned NDA submission; statements regarding the potential utility or adoption, if approved, of any of the Company’s product candidates, including AXPAXLI; and other statements containing the words “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “designed”, “goal”, “may”, “might”, “plan”, “position”, “predict”, “project”, “target”, “potential”, “will”, “would”, “could”, “should”, “continue”, and similar expressions, all of which constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors. Such forward-looking statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company’s development programs, future results, performance, or achievements to differ significantly from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, uncertainties regarding the initiation, design, timing, conduct and outcomes of the Company’s ongoing clinical trials, including the Company’s SOL-1 trial, SOL-R trial, HELIOS-3 trial, and SOL-X trial; the timing and costs involved in commercializing any product or product candidate that receives regulatory approval; the risk that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, will not agree with the Company’s interpretation of the written agreements under the Special Protocol Assessments for AXPAXLI, including for the SOL-1 trial, of the minutes of the Company’s Type C meeting with the FDA or of the outcome of the Company’s Pre-New Drug Application meeting with the FDA; uncertainty as to whether the FDA will accept a new drug application for AXPAXLI on the basis of a single pivotal clinical trial, notwithstanding discussions the Company has had with the FDA regarding its planned NDA submission; uncertainty as to the minimum clinical data required to demonstrate the safety of a proposed product candidate such as AXPAXLI, even if the FDA recognizes that only one pivotal clinical trial may be required to demonstrate efficacy and accepts the Company’s NDA submission; the risk that even though the FDA has agreed with the overall design of the SOL-1 trial, the FDA may not find that the data generated by the trial and submitted by the Company are sufficient to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of AXPAXLI to the degree necessary to support marketing approval for wet AMD; the risk that the FDA might not agree to the Company’s design, protocol, and statistical analysis plan of any of its clinical trials for which the Company has not obtained a Special Protocol Assessment, including the SOL-R trial; the risk that the Company and the FDA may not agree on, or maintain agreement with respect to, the registrational pathway for any of its product candidates, including AXPAXLI; uncertainty as to whether the Company will be able to timely satisfy the FDA’s other requirements for regulatory approval of AXPAXLI, including the FDA’s Chemistry, Manufacturing and Control’s requirements, even if the Company can satisfy the FDA’s clinical requirements to demonstrate safety and efficacy; uncertainty as to whether the Company’s NDA will qualify for, or whether the FDA will agree to review the NDA, if accepted for filing, under the 505(b)(2) pathway, notwithstanding discussions the Company has had with the FDA regarding its planned regulatory pathway, and whether the 505(b)(2) pathway will provide any time-savings as compared to the traditional 505(b)(1) pathway; uncertainty as to what restrictions, if any, may be imposed on the label for AXPAXLI, if approved, pending the receipt of additional clinical data or otherwise; uncertainty as to whether the data from earlier clinical trials will be predictive of the data of later clinical trials, particularly later clinical trials that have a different design or utilize a different formulation than the earlier trials, whether preliminary or interim data from a clinical trial or post-hoc analyses of clinical data will be predictive of final data from such trial, or whether data from a clinical trial assessing a product candidate for one indication will be predictive of results in other indications; uncertainty as to the Company’s ability to retain regulatory approval of any product or product candidate that receives regulatory approval; uncertainty as to whether data from the Company’s SOL-X trial will demonstrate additional clinically meaningful, long-term benefits; uncertainties regarding the potential commercial advantages and/or position of the Company’s product candidates; uncertainty regarding the implementation and impact of most-favored-nation and other reference pricing regimes on the commercial potential of AXPAXLI, especially in markets outside the United States; availability of data from clinical trials and expectations for regulatory submissions and approvals; the Company’s scientific approach and general development progress; uncertainties inherent in estimating the Company’s cash runway, future expenses and other financial results, including its ability to fund future operations, including clinical trials; the Company’s existing indebtedness and the ability of the Company’s creditors to accelerate the maturity of such indebtedness upon the occurrence of certain events of default; and other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section contained in the Company’s quarterly and annual reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, the forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company’s views as of the date of this press release. The Company anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause the Company’s views to change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company’s views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.

Investors & Media
Ocular Therapeutix, Inc.
Bill Slattery
Vice President, Investor Relations
bslattery@ocutx.com

Approval advances support of excavation, cutoff-wall, and ground-improvement activities at the Palisades Energy Center

COVERT TOWNSHIP, Mich., Sept. 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) granted Holtec an exemption on August 28, 2026, authorizing installation of permanent support-of-excavation (SOE) and cutoff-wall systems for Pioneer Units 1 and 2 before issuance of a Limited Work Authorization (LWA). Holtec submitted the request on December 31, 2025, as part of Part 1 of the phased Construction Permit Application (CPA), which included the LWA R0 application and the Environmental Report (ER). The approval marks an important milestone toward initiating early site construction at the Palisades Energy Center in Covert, Michigan.

The authorized systems include diaphragm walls, soldier-pile soil-mix walls, and perimeter cutoff walls, with tiebacks or struts as needed. They will stabilize excavations, protect adjacent structures and utilities, manage groundwater pressures, and support safe construction. The SOE walls will be retired in place, with the space between the walls and permanent structures backfilled to grade.

The approval enables Holtec to advance SOE and cutoff-wall (COW) installation, excavation, dewatering, and required ground-improvement activities for the Nuclear Island (NI), Turbine Island (TI), and Balance of Plant (BOP) structures. These early works will establish the stable excavation and foundation conditions needed to support and accelerate subsequent plant construction following LWA approval.

NRC Environmental and Safety Findings
On August 25, 2026, the NRC issued an Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact, concluding that the authorized activities would not significantly affect the human environment or historic properties and would not require a separate environmental impact statement for the exemption.

Under 10 CFR 50.12, the Commission determined that the exemption is authorized by law, presents no undue risk to public health and safety, is consistent with the common defense and security, and is supported by special circumstances. The NRC found reasonable assurance that installation and retirement of the SOE walls would not adversely affect the safe design or siting of Pioneer Units 1 and 2.

Holtec will perform geologic mapping and data collection during excavation, notify the NRC when the excavation is open for inspection, and account for the retired SOE walls in soil-structure interaction analyses. The exemption authorizes the specified early SOE work but does not constitute a commitment to issue an LWA or construction permit.

The approval reflects Holtec’s disciplined, risk-informed approach to advancing the Palisades project and marks another step toward deploying 680 megawatts of clean, reliable energy through Pioneer Units 1 and 2.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements regarding planned construction activities for and anticipated deployment of Pioneer Units 1 and 2. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Holtec’s control, and speak only as of the date of this release. Holtec undertakes no obligation to update them unless required by law and cautions readers not to place undue reliance on them.

About Holtec Nuclear Corporation
Holtec is a U.S.-headquartered, multinational technology company focused on clean energy, with its principal business centered on nuclear power generation and an expanding presence in adjacent clean energy generation solutions and long-duration energy storage. The Company is the owner/developer of the SMR-300 advanced small modular reactor featuring passive safety systems and currently expects the first two units to be deployed at the Company-owned Palisades site in Michigan. Holtec is also recommissioning the Palisades nuclear power plant in Michigan, which would be the first commercial nuclear reactor in the United States to be repowered after permanent shutdown. Holtec is the NRC-authorized operator for the Palisades plant.

The Company owns over 200 granted patents as of June 30, 2026, supported by a collection of proprietary processes, internally developed software, and proprietary technical reports, three large U.S.-based manufacturing facilities for nuclear fabrication and operates on five continents. The Company has provided products and services to a client base of more than 150 nuclear reactors worldwide. Holtec’s technical capabilities include reactor design, reactor operations, engineering, licensing, manufacturing, construction, commissioning, and decommissioning services. As such, Holtec believes that it is well-positioned to help catalyze the growth of the nuclear power industry in the U.S. and around the world. The Company is also expanding its activities in solar energy and long-duration energy storage technologies intended to enhance renewable energy reliability and complement its SMR-300 product line.

Contact:
Patrick O’Brien, Director of Government Affairs and Communications
Phone: (508) 494-4254 | Email: p.obrien@holtec.com

ICR
Holtec@icrinc.com

TORONTO, Sept. 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Premier American Uranium Inc. (“PUR”, the “Company” or “Premier American Uranium”) (TSXV: PUR) (OTCQB: PAUIF) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an asset purchase agreement (the “Agreement”) dated September 14, 2026, with DISA Uranium™ Corporation (“DISA Uranium”), pursuant to which the Company has agreed to sell to DISA Uranium all of its rights, title and interest in and to the Outlaw Mesa, Atkinson Mesa, Monogram Mesa and Slick Rock Projects located in Colorado (the “Colorado Package”) for aggregate consideration of approximately US$2,000,000, consisting of 25,413 shares of DISA Uranium (“DISA Uranium Shares”) and warrants to acquire an equivalent number of DISA Uranium Shares (the “Transaction”). Concurrently, DISA Uranium will make a strategic equity investment in subscription receipts of PUR (“Subscription Receipts”) at a price of C$0.75 per Subscription Receipt (the “Offering Price”), for aggregate proceeds of US$5,000,000, expected to result in an approximately 8.7% ownership interest in PUR (the “Equity Investment”). This represents a 41.5% premium to the closing price of PUR shares on September 14, 2026.

DISA Uranium is a new, well-capitalized American uranium production platform pursuing a supply chain growth strategy across conventional uranium production, remediation and recovery, and future domestic processing. Concurrent with its recently completed transaction with IsoEnergy Ltd. (“IsoEnergy”), DISA Uranium closed a US$105 million private placement financing backed by leading mining, energy and technology investors, including Tembo Capital, BHP Ventures, Galvanize Climate Solutions, Valor Equity Partners, Evok Innovations, Halliburton Labs and Veriten. Its portfolio includes the permitted, past-producing Tony M, Daneros and Rim mines and the Sage Plain and Flatiron projects in Utah, complemented by its proprietary HPSA™ technology and NRC-licensed abandoned uranium mine remediation and recovery platform.

Highlights

• Unlocks Value While Retaining Upside: PUR will receive US$2,000,000 in DISA Uranium Shares, together with an equal number of warrants, monetizing its non-core Colorado assets while retaining exposure to their future development and gaining participation in the growth of DISA Uranium’s broader U.S. uranium platform.
• Strategic Investment in PUR at a Significant Premium: DISA Uranium will make a concurrent Equity Investment in PUR at C$0.75 per Subscription Receipt, reflecting a 41.5% premium to the last close of PUR shares, resulting in an approximately 8.7% ownership interest and providing additional capital to advance PUR’s core portfolio. Subject to maintaining a specified ownership threshold, DISA Uranium will receive customary participation rights and the right to nominate one director to PUR’s Board of Directors. Greyson Buckingham, CEO of DISA Uranium is expected to join PUR’s Board upon closing.
• Exposure to a Well-Capitalized U.S. Uranium Platform: Through PUR’s equity position in DISA Uranium, PUR shareholders will gain exposure to a well-capitalized U.S. uranium platform backed by US$105 million of financing and leading mining, energy and technology investors, with conventional uranium assets, proprietary recovery technology and an NRC-licensed remediation business.
• Strategic Relationship Could Unlock New Development Options for Cebolleta: Given the nature of Cebolleta’s sandstone-hosted uranium mineralization, PUR believes that the project could be well suited to benefit from DISA Uranium’s HPSA™ technology. The technology has the potential to increase grade by rejecting waste mass prior to downstream processing which could unlock operating and processing scenarios not previously considered for Cebolleta, including opportunities to simplify processing and reduce mine-site infrastructure. Together with DISA Uranium’s planned regional processing capacity, this could provide PUR with additional development pathways to evaluate as it continues to advance and optimize Cebolleta.
• Disciplined Portfolio Strategy: The Transaction further focuses PUR’s portfolio and capital allocation on advancing the Cebolleta, Kaycee and Cyclone projects, supporting the Company’s strategy to build value through the exploration, advancement and optimization of its core U.S. uranium assets.

Colin Healey, CEO and Director of PUR commented, “This Transaction once again demonstrates our ability to execute on PUR’s strategy of disciplined capital allocation. By monetizing our non-core Colorado assets, we are unlocking value while retaining meaningful exposure to their future potential through our equity position in DISA Uranium. At the same time, DISA Uranium’s strategic investment in PUR at a premium provides additional capital to support our core portfolio and creates strong alignment between our companies.

We believe DISA Uranium is building a differentiated U.S. uranium platform, and we are pleased to participate in its future growth while maintaining our focus on advancing Cebolleta, Kaycee and Cyclone. The relationship also creates potential strategic opportunities for Cebolleta, including the evaluation of DISA Uranium’s HPSA™ technology and future regional processing capacity, which could provide additional development pathways as we continue to advance and optimize the project.”

Greyson Buckingham, CEO of DISA Uranium commented, “Our investment in PUR extends the relationship beyond the Colorado Portfolio and gives DISA Uranium a direct interest in PUR’s continued growth. Together, the investment and Board position create long-term alignment between the companies and a foundation to explore future opportunities across PUR’s broader U.S. portfolio, including where our technology and planned processing capabilities may add value. I look forward to joining PUR’s Board and contributing to its next stage of development.”

Transaction Summary

Pursuant to the Agreement, DISA Uranium has agreed to acquire the Colorado Package from PUR in consideration for:

1. the issuance to PUR of US$2,000,000 worth of equity consisting of 25,413 DISA Uranium Shares on closing of the Transaction; and
2. the issuance to PUR of warrants exercisable to acquire 25,413 DISA Uranium Shares at a price of US$118.05 per share, subject to the satisfaction of certain vesting conditions.

Completion of the Transaction is subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions as set forth in the Agreement, including, among other things, receipt of applicable regulatory approvals including the approval of the Department of Energy and completion of the Equity Investment, including the conversion of the Subscription Receipts in accordance with the terms thereof.

Pursuant to the Equity Investment, DISA Uranium has agreed to acquire Subscription Receipts at the Offering Price a for aggregate proceeds of US$5,000,000 (as converted to Canadian dollars using the applicable exchange rate). Each Subscription Receipt will entitle the holder thereof to automatically receive, upon satisfaction or waiver, as applicable, of certain escrow release conditions (the “Escrow Release Conditions”), one common share of PUR.

The Escrow Release Conditions include the satisfaction of all conditions precedent to the completion of the Transaction. The proceeds of the Equity Investment will be held in escrow and not released to PUR until the Escrow Release Conditions are satisfied or waived, as applicable. If the Escrow Release Conditions have not been satisfied or waived, as applicable, on or prior to June 13, 2027, the aggregate Offering Price of the Subscription Receipts (plus any interest earned thereon) will be returned to DISA Uranium, and such Subscription Receipts will be automatically cancelled and be of no further force and effect.

Following the satisfaction or waiver, as applicable, of the Escrow Release Conditions, the proceeds of the Equity Investment are expected to be used by the Company to fund proposed exploration and development programs for PUR’s projects as well as for working capital and general corporate purposes. Completion of the Equity Investment is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

The Transaction constitutes a “related party transaction” within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (“MI 61-101”). The Company has determined that the Transaction is exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 by virtue of the exemptions contained in Section 5.5(a) and Section 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, as neither the fair market value of the subject matter of, nor the consideration paid under, the Transaction exceeds 25% of the Company’s market capitalization. The Transaction was approved by the board of directors of the Company with Mr. Tunney having disclosed his interest in the Transaction and abstaining from voting in respect thereof. The Company has not received, nor has it requested a valuation of its securities or the subject matter of the Transaction in the 24 months prior to the date hereof.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including any of the securities in the United States of America. The securities referred to in this news release have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons, absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws.

About DISA Uranium™ Corporation

DISA Uranium™ Corporation (DISA Uranium) is redefining American uranium recovery and production. Headquartered in Casper, Wyoming, the veteran-led Company recovers uranium and vanadium from abandoned uranium mine (AUM) waste, remediates legacy sites left across the western United States, and applies its patented high-pressure slurry ablation technology (HPSA™) to make conventional uranium production cleaner, more efficient, and more economic. DISA Uranium holds the only U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) license to treat and recover AUM waste across multiple sites — and with a growing conventional resource base behind it, the Company is building the domestic capacity to turn American waste and American ore into American fuel. Our mission is simple: restore the past while powering the future and rebuild a secure domestic uranium supply chain.

About Premier American Uranium Inc.

Premier American Uranium is focused on consolidating, exploring, and developing uranium projects across the United States to strengthen domestic energy security and advance the transition to clean energy. The Company’s extensive land position spans five of the nation’s top uranium districts, with active work programs underway in New Mexico’s Grants Mineral Belt and Wyoming’s Great Divide and Powder River Basins.

Backed by strategic partners including Sachem Cove Partners, IsoEnergy, Mega Uranium Ltd., and other leading institutional investors, PUR is advancing a portfolio supported by defined resources and high-priority exploration and development targets. Led by a distinguished team with deep expertise in uranium exploration, development, permitting, operations, and uranium-focused M&A, the Company is well positioned as a key player in advancing the U.S. uranium sector.

For More Information, Please Contact:

Premier American Uranium Inc.
Colin Healey, CEO and Director
info@premierur.com
Toll-Free: 1-833-223-4673
X: @PremierAUranium
www.premierur.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulations Services Provider (as that term is defined in 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” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to, the Transaction, including statements with respect to the completion of the Transaction, the Equity Investment and the timing thereof; the anticipated benefits of the Transaction for PUR and shareholders of PUR; the expected receipt of regulatory and other approvals relating to the Transaction and the Equity Investment; the future prospects of DISA Uranium, including planned regional processing capacity; the potential benefits of using DISA Uranium’s HPSA™ technology at Cebolleta and plans with respect to potential development at Cebolleta; the satisfaction or waiver of the Escrow Release Conditions; the expected proceeds of the Equity Investment and the anticipated use thereof; and other activities, events or developments that are expected, anticipated or may occur in the future. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes” or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved” or the negative connotation thereof.

Forward-looking information and statements are based on our current expectations, beliefs, assumptions, estimates and forecasts about PUR’s business and the industry and markets in which it operates. Such forward-information and statements are based on numerous assumptions, including among others, assumptions that the Transaction and the Equity Investment will be completed in accordance with the terms and conditions of the relevant agreements; that the parties will receive the required regulatory approvals and will satisfy, in a timely manner, the other conditions to completion of the Transaction and the Equity Investment; the accuracy of management’s assessment of the effects of the successful completion of the Transaction and that the anticipated benefits of the Transaction will be realized for PUR and PUR shareholders; that the application of DISA Uranium’s HPSA™ technology at Cebolleta will have the anticipated results; that DISA Uranium’s business will develop as expected; 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, that third party contractors, equipment and supplies and governmental and other approvals required to conduct the Company’s planned exploration activities will be available on reasonable terms and in a timely manner. Although the assumptions made by PUR in providing forward-looking information or making forward-looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate.

Forward-looking information and statements also involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performances and achievements of Premier American Uranium to differ materially from any projections of results, performances and achievements of Premier American Uranium expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or statements, including, among others: the inability of PUR and DISA to complete the Transaction and the Equity Investment; a material adverse change in the timing of and the terms and conditions upon which the Transaction and the Equity Investment are completed; the inability to satisfy or waive all conditions to completion of the Transaction and the Equity Investment; the failure to obtain regulatory approvals in connection with the Transaction and the Equity Investment; the inability to realize the benefits anticipated from the Transaction and the timing to realize such benefits; changes to PUR’s and/or DISA Uranium’s current and future business plans and the strategic alternatives available thereto; growth prospects and outlook of DISA Uranium’s business; changes in commodity and metal prices; results of future exploration activities; cost overruns; the limited operating history of the Company; negative operating cash flow and dependence on third party financing; uncertainty of additional financing; delays or failure to obtain required permits and regulatory approvals; changes in mineral resources; no known mineral reserves; aboriginal title and consultation issues; reliance on key management and other personnel; potential downturns in economic conditions; availability of third party contractors; availability of equipment and supplies; failure of equipment to operate as anticipated; accidents, effects of weather and other natural phenomena and other risks associated with the mineral exploration industry; changes in laws and regulation, competition, and uninsurable risks and the risk factors with respect to Premier American Uranium set out in the documents of PUR filed with the Canadian securities regulators and available under PUR’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Although PUR has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. PUR undertakes no obligation to update or reissue forward-looking information as a result of new information or events except as required by applicable securities law.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Anfield Energy Inc. (“Anfield” or the “Company”) (TSX.V: AEC; NASDAQ: AEC; FRANKFURT: 0AD) today announced that its operating subsidiary, Highbury Resources, Inc. (“Highbury”), has advanced Colorado state permitting for the JD-8 uranium and vanadium mine in Montrose County. By rationale dated August 24, 2026, the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (“DRMS”) determined that Highbury’s Regular (112d) reclamation permit application (File No. M-2025-056) meets the requirements of the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Act and the Mineral Rules and Regulations of the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board (the “Board” or “MLRB”) and recommended that the Board approve the application. A staff finding of completeness, together with a recommendation for approval, is a significant de-risking event. A formal public hearing is scheduled for the Board’s October 14–15, 2026 meeting in Denver.

DRMS is Colorado’s principal state authority for hard-rock mine reclamation permitting. A Division recommendation for approval moves JD-8 from staff-level review into a defined Board decision window — a significant milestone in Anfield’s Colorado West Slope / Monogram Mesa permitting program. The Board hearing is the final step in completing Anfield’s state permitting for JD-8.

Corey Dias, Anfield CEO, commented: “DRMS’s recommendation that the Board approve the JD-8 permit is a major permitting milestone. Colorado DRMS is the primary state authority for this mine-plan decision, and the October Board hearing puts us in a defined decision window. JD-8 is planned as Anfield’s second mine after Velvet-Wood, with a targeted restart by the end of Q2 2027, after which we intend to advance both JD-7 and Slick Rock. This is concrete progress toward domestic conventional production feeding our Shootaring-centered hub-and-spoke strategy.”

Permitting Path

This milestone follows a defined sequence of steps in the process:

• December 22, 2025 — DRMS issued an initial completeness determination on Highbury’s JD-8 restart application package, allowing the matter to advance through substantive review.
• April 29, 2026 — The 112d application under File No. M-2025-056 was filed with DRMS (as reflected in the Division’s September 10, 2026 hearing notice).
• August 24, 2026 — DRMS issued its rationale recommending that the Board approve the application.
• September 10, 2026 — DRMS announced a Formal Board Hearing during the Board’s October 14–15, 2026 meeting in Denver.

Updated Timeline and Hub-and-Spoke Strategy

Subject to Board approval and remaining operational readiness work, Anfield is targeting a restart of uranium and vanadium production at JD-8 by the end of the second quarter of 2027. This updated timeline reflects the remaining Board process, mobilization, and underground restart activities at a past-producing brownfield site. Velvet-Wood in Utah remains the Company’s first mine advancing toward production; JD-8, along with Slick Rock, are intended to be the next mines in Anfield’s hub-and-spoke model, with ore shipped to a permitted mill — supporting the Shootaring Canyon Mill in Utah, one of only three licensed, permitted, and constructed conventional uranium mills in the United States. No on-site processing or milling is proposed in the JD-8 application.

Upon completion of JD-8 state reclamation permitting, Anfield intends to focus on advancing additional Colorado mine permitting at both JD-7 (within the Monogram Mesa Mine Complex) and at Slick Rock.

Market and U.S. Policy Backdrop

Since Anfield’s April 8, 2026 JD-8 amendment announcement, uranium market conditions and U.S. nuclear-fuel policy have continued to strengthen. The uranium long-term contract price closed August 2026 at US$96.50 per pound, above its 2007 peak, while spot U₃O₈ has recently traded near US$90 per pound.

In the United States, policy support for domestic nuclear fuel has accelerated. The U.S. Department of Energy has advanced large-scale nuclear supply-chain financing, including US$17.5 billion in conditional American Nuclear Supply Chain loans to support new large reactors, and has continued implementation of domestic enrichment and fuel-cycle programs under the Defense Production Act. Additional recent developments include federal support for reactor restarts, expansion plans at the only commercial-scale U.S. enrichment plant, and continued administration emphasis on reducing reliance on foreign uranium as the ban on Russian uranium imports phases toward full effect in 2028. EIA data have also shown a rebound in U.S. uranium concentrate production.

Anfield believes this combination of stronger term and spot pricing and a more supportive U.S. nuclear-fuel policy environment reinforces the strategic value of advancing permitted, past-producing conventional mines that can feed a licensed U.S. mill.

About JD-8

The JD-8 Mine is located approximately 11 miles west of Naturita, Colorado, on approximately 28.3 acres within Department of Energy Uranium Leasing Program lease tracts. It is a past-producing conventional underground uranium and vanadium mine and a key asset within Anfield’s Monogram Mesa Mine Complex. Historic Cotter operations at JD-8 were suspended in 2006 due to market conditions.

Production Decision

The Company’s decision to advance development and permitting of the JD-8 uranium and vanadium mine is based on historical production data and analysis of available technical information, and not on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability. As a result, there is increased uncertainty and a higher risk of economic or technical failure associated with that decision.

About Anfield

Anfield Energy is a uranium and vanadium development and near-term production company committed to becoming a significant supplier of energy-related fuels through sustainable, efficient growth of its U.S.-based assets. The Company’s flagship asset is the Shootaring Canyon Mill in Utah, one of only three licensed, permitted, and constructed conventional uranium mills in the country. Anfield’s portfolio includes the advanced Velvet-Wood project (Utah) and other conventional uranium-vanadium assets in Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. All of Anfield’s assets are located in the United States, positioning the Company to help meet America’s growing nuclear fuel needs. The U.S. consumes nearly 50 million pounds of uranium annually yet produces only a small fraction domestically.

On behalf of the Board of Directors
ANFIELD ENERGY INC.
Corey Dias, Chief Executive Officer

Contact:
Anfield Energy, Inc.
Corporate Communications
604-669-5762
contact@anfieldenergy.com
www.anfieldenergy.com

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

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (together, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as “seek”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “budget”, “plan”, “estimate”, “continue”, “forecast”, “intend”, “believe”, “predict”, “potential”, “target”, “may”, “could”, “would”, “might”, “will” and similar words or phrases (including negative variations) suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might”, “occur” or “be achieved” (including negative variations). Forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the completion of construction of the Velvet-Wood water treatment plan and installation of the dewatering pump; the commencement of treated water discharge; the expected timeframe for dewatering; and statements regarding ongoing rehabilitation work at Velvet-Wood. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current beliefs and assumptions as to the outcome and timing of future events, including, but not limited to, that the anticipated timing for completion of construction of the Velvet-Wood water treatment plant and installation of the dewatering pump will be consistent with the Company’s current expectations. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance and opportunities to differ materially from those implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, among other things: the risks and uncertainties relating to exploration and development; the availability of third-party contractors retained by the Company in connection with rehabilitation and construction; the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations in Canada and the United States; fluctuations in the prices of commodities; operating hazards and risks; competition and other risks and uncertainties and other such factors as are set forth in the Base Shelf Prospectuses and the Prospectus Supplements (including the documents incorporated by reference therein), as well as the management discussion and analysis and other disclosures of risk factors for the Company, filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Although the Company believes that the information and assumptions used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Except where required by applicable law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Achieves free cash flow target of $275 million and reaffirms full Fiscal 2026 guidance

MARYSVILLE, Ohio, Sept. 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (NYSE: SMG), the leading marketer of branded consumer lawn and garden products in North America, today announced the successful execution of key elements of its capital allocation strategy and reaffirmed confidence in achieving its Fiscal 2026 guidance.

The recent actions demonstrate continued execution of the Company’s disciplined capital allocation strategy. Among the completed actions:

• Senior Notes Redemption: The Company redeemed all $250 million aggregate principal amount of its outstanding 5.250% senior notes due 2026. This redemption, completed on September 11, 2026, was funded through a combination of available revolver debt and planned fiscal year 2026 excess free cash flow.
• Accounts Receivable Facility Renewal: The Company renewed its $750 million accounts receivable facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., extending its maturity to August 31, 2027, providing consistent access to efficient liquidity.
• Share Repurchases: The Company executed share repurchases totaling $25 million during the month of August, marking the start of the $500 million share repurchase program authorized by the Board of Directors. The timing and scale of future repurchases remain secondary to the Company’s commitment to ongoing debt reduction and will be subject to market conditions and other factors determined by management.

“We continue to accomplish what we set out to do,” said Nate Baxter, president and chief executive officer. “Our focus remains on operational excellence and executing our SMG 2.0 multi-year strategy to drive sustainable and consistent growth. These actions reflect our commitments to disciplined capital allocation, maintaining financial flexibility and further enhancing our capital structure.”

Mark Scheiwer, chief financial officer and chief accounting officer, added, “Strengthening our balance sheet is a top priority, and we are pleased with the progress we have made in deleveraging. By optimizing our liquidity through our accounts receivable facility and deploying free cash flow to address our debt obligations, we are further strengthening our financial position to fund growth and return value to shareholders.

“The start of the share repurchase program reflects our confidence in the strength of our SMG 2.0 initiatives, our consistent annual free cash flow generation and the long-term value of our Company and our capital allocation strategy. Future share repurchases will be undertaken in alignment with our commitment to debt reduction and other financial priorities outlined in our mid-term growth algorithm for fiscal years 2027 through 2029.”

The Company will close its fiscal year on September 30, 2026, and announce full-year financial results on November 4, 2026.

Fiscal 2026 Outlook
In connection with today’s announcement, the Company has reaffirmed its previously provided Fiscal 2026 guidance, which includes:

• U.S. Consumer net sales low single-digit growth
• Non-GAAP adjusted gross margin of at least 32%
• Non-GAAP adjusted net income per share from continuing operations of $4.30 to $4.45
• Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA mid single-digit growth
• Free cash flow of $275 million, driving leverage ratio down to the high 3s

About ScottsMiracle-Gro
With approximately $3.3 billion in sales, the Company is the leading marketer of branded consumer lawn and garden products in North America. The Company’s brands are among the most recognized in the industry. The Company’s Scotts^®, Miracle-Gro^®, Ortho^® and Tomcat^® brands are market-leading in their categories. For additional information, visit us at www.scottsmiraclegro.com

For investor inquiries:
Brad Chelton
Vice President
Treasury, Tax and Investor Relations
brad.chelton@scotts.com
(937) 309-2503

For media inquiries:
Tom Matthews
Chief Communications Officer
tom.matthews@scotts.com
(937) 844-3864