Author: Ravi Shankar

NEW YORK, Oct. 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Nasdaq Stock Market^® (Nasdaq: NDAQ) announced that the trading halt in CN Healthy Food Tech Group Corp. (Nasdaq: UCFI and UCFIW) will continue. Nasdaq has requested additional information from the company, and trading will remain halted until the company has satisfied Nasdaq’s request for information. Trading in the company’s common stock and warrants was halted on October 1, 2025 at 11:28:10 Eastern Time.

For news and additional information about the company, please contact the company directly or check under the company’s symbol using InfoQuotes^SM on the Nasdaq^® Web site.

For more information about The Nasdaq Stock Market, visit the Nasdaq Web site at http://www.nasdaq.com.

Nasdaq Contact:

Nasdaq MarketWatch
dl-NasdaqMarketWatch@nasdaq.com

NDAQO

• Investor webcast at 4:30 p.m. ET on October 22 to discuss ORIGIN 3 final efficacy results for TRUTAKNA™ (atacicept-vymj) featured in a late-breaking oral presentation during the opening plenary session of ASN Kidney Week 2026
• Q3 2026 financial results investor webcast scheduled at 4:30 p.m. ET on November 5

BRISBANE, Calif., Oct. 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Vera Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: VERA), a commercial-stage biotechnology company, today announced that it will host two upcoming investor webcasts to discuss ORIGIN 3 final efficacy results as presented at the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Kidney Week 2026 and its third quarter 2026 financial results and business updates.

ASN Kidney Week 2026 Investor Webcast

The Company’s management team will host a live investor webcast at 4:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, October 22, 2026, to discuss the final efficacy analysis from the ORIGIN 3 clinical trial of TRUTAKNA in IgA nephropathy (IgAN), which will be featured in a late-breaking oral presentation during the opening plenary session of ASN Kidney Week 2026.

Participants can register for the company’s webcast here. A replay of the webcast will be available for 90 days and can be accessed by visiting the “News & Events” section of the Investors page of the Company’s website.

Joining the Company’s management team will be Jonathan Barratt, PhD, FRCP, Mayer Professor of Renal Medicine at the University of Leicester. A live question and answer session will follow the presentation.

About Jonathan Barratt, PhD, FRCP: Dr. Barratt leads the Renal Research Group within the College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester. His research is focused on a bench-to-bedside approach to improving the understanding of the pathogenesis of IgAN, a common global cause of kidney failure. Dr. Barratt is the IgAN Rare Disease Group lead for the UK National Registry of Rare Kidney Diseases, and a member of the steering committee for the International IgAN Network. He works closely with pharmaceutical companies interested in new treatments for IgAN, is Chief Investigator for a number of international randomized controlled Phase 2 and 3 clinical trials in IgAN, and was a member of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and American Society of Nephrology Kidney Health Initiative: Identifying Surrogate Endpoints for Clinical Trials in IgAN Workgroup.

Third Quarter 2026 Financial Results Investor Webcast

The Company’s management team will host a live investor webcast at 4:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, November 5, 2026, to discuss the third quarter 2026 financial results and business updates.

Participants can register for the webcast here. A replay of the webcast will be available for 90 days and can be accessed by visiting the “News & Events” section of the Investors page of the Company’s website.

TRUTAKNA (atacicept-vymj) Indication

TRUTAKNA (atacicept-vymj) is indicated to reduce proteinuria in adults with primary immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) at risk for disease progression.

This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on reduction of proteinuria. It has not been established whether TRUTAKNA slows kidney function decline over the long-term in patients with IgAN. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory clinical trial.

Important Safety Information

Contraindications: TRUTAKNA is contraindicated in patients with serious hypersensitivity to atacicept-vymj or any excipients of TRUTAKNA.

Warnings and Precautions

Immunosuppression and Increased Risk of Infections: TRUTAKNA suppresses the immune system by reducing antibody production, which may increase the risk of infections. Patients with chronic infection or recurring infections may have an increased risk of serious infection. In clinical trials, infections were reported in 32% of TRUTAKNA patients compared with 28% of placebo patients.

Before initiating TRUTAKNA, assess patients for active infections. Delay TRUTAKNA administration in patients with active infection until the infection resolves or is adequately treated. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infection during treatment with TRUTAKNA. If a serious infection develops, consider interrupting TRUTAKNA until the infection is controlled.

The concomitant use of TRUTAKNA and other immune-modulating therapies has not been evaluated. Concomitant use of TRUTAKNA with drugs that affect the immune system, including systemic corticosteroids, may increase the risk of infection.

Immunosuppression and Immunization Risk: TRUTAKNA may interfere with the immune response to vaccines and increase the risk of infection from live vaccines. Prior to initiating treatment with TRUTAKNA, complete all age-appropriate immunizations. Live vaccines are not recommended within 30 days prior to initiation or during treatment with TRUTAKNA as safety of coadministration has not been established.

Adverse Reactions: The most common adverse reactions (≥5%) in patients treated with TRUTAKNA and placebo, respectively, were infections (32% vs 28%) and local administration reactions (30% vs 5%). The most common infection was upper respiratory tract infection (12% vs 9%), and the most common local administration reactions were injection site reaction (19% vs 2%) and injection site erythema (6% vs 1%).

Use in Specific Populations

Pregnancy: Available data on TRUTAKNA used in pregnant women exposed during clinical trials are insufficient to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes.

Based on the mechanism of action, TRUTAKNA may cause immunosuppression in the in utero-exposed infant. Consider the potential clinical impact of TRUTAKNA exposure in infants exposed in utero. Pregnant women exposed to TRUTAKNA, or their healthcare provider, should report TRUTAKNA exposure by calling 1-833-633-8372.

Pediatric Use: The safety and effectiveness of TRUTAKNA in pediatric patients have not been established.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects to Vera Therapeutics at 1-833-MED-VERA or medinfo@veratx.com.

Please see full Prescribing Information for additional Important Safety Information.

About TRUTAKNA

TRUTAKNA, a B-cell activating factor (BAFF) and A proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) inhibitor, is a soluble recombinant fusion protein containing the human transmembrane activator and calcium-modulating cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI) receptor that binds to the cytokines BAFF and APRIL.¹ BAFF and APRIL are key cytokines that activate B cells and drive IgAN pathophysiology. In IgAN, activated B cells produce both the antigen and associated antibodies that result in the production of damaging IgA immune complexes. The overlapping roles of BAFF and APRIL in activating B cells support the potential for TRUTAKNA as a disease-modifying therapy.² TRUTAKNA is self-administered as an at-home, small-volume (1 ml), 150 mg once-weekly autoinjector.

TRUTAKNA TRU SUPPORT™ Patient Support Program

We are dedicated to ensuring that eligible IgAN patients can access the first approved therapy that targets both BAFF and APRIL. TRUTAKNA TRU SUPPORT, our patient support program, offers insurance coverage assistance, financial assistance options for eligible patients, and educational resources designed to support patient access and care. Eligible commercially insured patients may pay as little as $0 out of pocket through our copay assistance program. More information will be available on www.veratx.com.

About IgAN

IgAN is a serious, progressive, immune-mediated kidney disease and a leading cause of chronic kidney disease and kidney failure worldwide.^2,3 Approximately 2.5 adults per 100,000 worldwide are diagnosed with IgAN each year, most often between 30 and 40 years of age.^4,5 Over time, IgAN can lead to irreversible kidney damage and may ultimately require dialysis or kidney transplantation. At least 50% of patients may progress to kidney failure or death within 10 to 20 years of diagnosis.³

About Vera Therapeutics

Vera Therapeutics is a commercial-stage biotechnology company focused on the pursuit of truth in science to transform medicine in autoimmune disease, starting with the kidney. Vera Therapeutics’ flagship commercial product is TRUTAKNA (atacicept-vymj), a BAFF and APRIL inhibitor indicated to reduce proteinuria in adults with primary IgA nephropathy at risk for disease progression. Beyond IgAN, Vera Therapeutics is evaluating additional diseases where the reduction of autoantibodies through inhibition of BAFF and APRIL may prove clinically meaningful. Vera Therapeutics was founded in 2016 and is based in Brisbane, California. To learn more, visit www.veratx.com.

Forward-looking Statements

Statements contained in this press release regarding matters, events or results that may occur in the future are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements include statements regarding, among other things, the potential for TRUTAKNA as a disease-modifying therapy; and the plans, commitments, aspirations and goals under the caption “About Vera Therapeutics”. Words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “will” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon Vera Therapeutics’ current expectations and involve assumptions that may never materialize or may prove to be incorrect. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation, risks related to the regulatory approval process, risks related to commercial launch, market acceptance, and payer coverage, results of earlier clinical trials may not be obtained in later clinical trials, preliminary results may not be predictive of topline results, risks and uncertainties associated with Vera Therapeutics’ business in general, the impact of macroeconomic and geopolitical events, and the other risks described in Vera Therapeutics’ filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made and are based on management’s assumptions and estimates as of such date. Vera Therapeutics undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made, except as required by law.

References

1. TRUTAKNA™ [Prescribing Information]. Brisbane, CA: Vera Therapeutics, Inc; July 2026

2. Cheung CK, Barratt J, Liew A, Zhang H, Tesar V, Lafayette R. The role of BAFF and APRIL in IgA nephropathy: pathogenic mechanisms and targeted therapies. Front Nephrol. 2024;3:1346769. Published 2024 Feb 1. doi:10.3389/fneph.2023.1346769

3. Pitcher D, Braddon F, Hendry B, et al. Long-Term Outcomes in IgA Nephropathy. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2023;18(6):727-738. doi:10.2215/CJN.0000000000000135

4. McGrogan A, Franssen CF, de Vries CS. The incidence of primary glomerulonephritis worldwide: a systematic review of the literature. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2011;26(2):414-430. doi:10.1093/ndt/gfq665

5. Jarrick S, Lundberg S, Welander A, et al. Mortality in IgA Nephropathy: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2019;30(5):866-876. doi:10.1681/ASN.2018101017

For more information, please contact:
Investor Contact:
Joshua Qin
Vera Therapeutics
650-360-6978
ir@veratx.com

Media Contact:
Debra Charlesworth
Vera Therapeutics
415-854-8051
corporatecommunications@veratx.com

DENVER, Oct. 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — InnovAge Holding Corp. (“InnovAge” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: INNV), an industry leader in providing comprehensive healthcare programs to frail, and predominantly dual-eligible seniors through the Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), today announced it will release its 2027 fiscal first quarter financial results on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, after market close. In conjunction, the Company will host a conference call to review the results at 5 p.m. E.T.

Conference Call Details
A live audio webcast of the call will be available on the Company’s website, https://investor.innovage.com/. A replay of the call will be available via webcast for on-demand listening shortly after the completion of the call, at the same web link, and will remain available for a limited time. To access the call by phone, please go to this link (registration link), for dialing instructions and a unique access pin. We encourage participants to dial into the call fifteen minutes ahead of the scheduled start time.

About InnovAge
InnovAge is a market leader in managing the care of high-cost, frail, and predominantly dual-eligible seniors through the Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). With a mission of enabling older adults to age independently in their own homes for as long as safely possible, InnovAge’s patient-centered care model is designed to improve the quality of care its participants receive while reducing over-utilization of high-cost care settings. InnovAge believes its PACE healthcare model is one in which all constituencies — participants, their families, providers and government payors — “win.” As of June 30, 2026, InnovAge served approximately 8,230 participants across 20 centers in six states. https://www.innovage.com/.

Investor Contact:
Ryan Kubota
rkubota@innovage.com

Media Contact:
press@innovage.com

This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.

The new Smithfield, Rhode Island facility provides additional hangar capacity for Merlin’s expanding fleet, including the addition of a Beechcraft King Air and L-39 Albatros, and flight test program

BOSTON, Oct. 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Merlin, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRLN), an aerospace and defense technology company building the operating system of record for autonomous flight, today announced that it has moved its U.S. flight operations to North Central State Airport in Smithfield, Rhode Island. The move provides the additional hangar capacity and operational flexibility needed to support Merlin’s expanding aircraft fleet and growing flight testing requirements. As part of the transition to North Central, the company has concluded its flight operations at Quonset State Airport.

Merlin’s expanding fleet includes a Beechcraft King Air, which was first flown by the Merlin Pilot this month, as well as an L-39 Albatros, the company’s first owned jet aircraft. The L-39 represents an important opportunity to extend the Merlin Pilot autonomy platform toward tactical mission profiles and other high performance military missions. Together with Merlin’s work on the Cessna 208 Caravan and Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules, these platform integrations give the company a representative range of airframes spanning single- and twin-engine platforms, a military transport aircraft, and a jet. This breadth enables Merlin to mature a versatile autonomy platform across aircraft types and missions its customers operate every day.

“Flight testing is central to everything we do, and our infrastructure needs to grow alongside our technology and aircraft fleet,” said Matt George, CEO and founder of Merlin. “North Central State Airport gives us the space and operational flexibility we need for our evolving flight test programs, while bringing these critical operations closer to our Boston headquarters and growing team. This move reflects the momentum Merlin has built and our continued investment in the region.”

Merlin’s broader vision is to help establish the greater Boston area as a hub for aviation autonomy. Expanding the region’s hangar, flight testing, and operational capacity is critical to building that ecosystem and advancing the next generation of autonomous aircraft. The company’s growing regional presence is also expected to support continued job creation and provide access to the Northeast’s deep pool of aerospace, engineering, and technology talent. That talent base will be essential as Merlin expands its team and develops increasingly sophisticated autonomous flight capabilities.

About Merlin
Merlin is an aerospace and defense technology company building the operating system of record for autonomous flight. Through a first-principles approach, the company is redefining what’s possible across aviation, aerospace, and defense with the goal of delivering full-stack autonomy for any aircraft, military or civilian, from takeoff to touchdown. The Merlin Pilot system powers a growing range of aircraft and mission profiles, proven through hundreds of autonomous flights from test facilities across the globe. With $100M+ total in IDIQ contract ceiling value under its C-130J autonomy program with USSOCOM, Merlin is advancing American leadership in autonomous aviation. To learn more, visit www.merlinlabs.com or follow us on X @merlinaero.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including without limitation statements regarding: the expected benefits of the move to North Central State Airport; our ability to support our expanding aircraft fleet and growing flight testing requirements; our ability to mature our autonomy platform across aircraft types and missions; our vision to establish the greater Boston area as a hub for aviation autonomy and the expected related job creation and access to talent; and our goal of delivering full-stack autonomy for any aircraft. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations, assumptions, and projections about future events and trends. These forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including without limitation the risks and uncertainties detailed under the section entitled “Risk Factors” of our final prospectus, dated May 13, 2026, filed with the SEC on May 13, 2026, and our subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, which are available from the SEC. Except as required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements after the date of this press release. 

Media Contacts
Kristen Georgette
617-842-6064
merlin@pluckpr.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/64f0e2e2-8728-4711-a72a-5553bcb3c82a

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Oct. 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Black Rock Coffee Bar, Inc. (Nasdaq: BRCB) (“Black Rock Coffee Bar”) today announced that the Company plans to host a conference call to discuss its third quarter 2026 financial results on November 10^th, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

The conference call can be accessed live over the phone by dialing 1-877-704-4453 or for international callers, 1-201-389-0920. A live webcast of the conference call will also be available in the investor relations section of Black Rock Coffee Bar’s website, ir.br.coffee.

A replay will be available two hours after the call and can be accessed by dialing 1-844-512-2921, or for international callers, 1-412-317-6671. The passcode for the live call and the replay is 13762671. The replay will be available until Tuesday, November 24, 2026.

About Black Rock Coffee Bar

Black Rock Coffee Bar is a high-growth operator of guest-centric, drive-thru coffee bars offering premium caffeinated beverages and an elevated in-store experience crafted by our engaging baristas. Black Rock Coffee Bar was founded in 2008 in Beaverton, Oregon. What started as a single 160 square foot coffee bar in 2008 is now one of the fastest growing beverage companies in the United States by revenue and the largest fully company-owned coffee retailer in the country, with more than 210 locations spanning seven states from the Pacific Northwest to Texas.

Investor Contact
Will MacIntosh
investors@br.coffee
(541) 208-1860

Media Contact
Jessica Wegener-Beyer
media@br.coffee

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tree Island Steel Ltd. (“Tree Island” or the “Company“) (TSX: TSL) is pleased to announce that it will report its third quarter 2026 financial results for the period ended September 30, 2026, after market hours on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.

About Tree Island Steel

Tree Island Steel, headquartered in Richmond, British Columbia, since 1964, through its operating facilities in Canada and the United States, produces wire products for a diverse range of industrial, residential construction, commercial construction and agricultural applications. Its products include galvanized wire, bright wire; a broad array of fasteners, including packaged, collated and bulk nails; stucco reinforcing products; concrete reinforcing mesh; fencing and other fabricated wire products. The Company markets these products under the Tree Island®, Halsteel®, K-Lath®, TI Wire®, Tough Strand® and ToughPanel™ brand names.

For more information, please contact:

Ali Mahdavi
Investor Relations & Capital Markets
(416) 962-3300
email: amahdavi@treeisland.com 
Website: www.treeisland.com 

Mercedes-Benz dealerships across the U.S. now have access to NETSOL’s Transcend Retail platform which keeps each deal intact as buyers move between online and in-store

ENCINO, Calif., Oct. 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NETSOL Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: NTWK), a provider of AI-enabled solutions and services powering OEMs, dealerships and financial institutions to sell, finance and lease assets, today announced that Mercedes-Benz USA has approved NETSOL as a digital retail provider for Mercedes-Benz dealerships. This opens the brand’s dealer network to Transcend Retail, NETSOL’s digital retail platform.

The platform gives buyers a single, continuous purchase experience, from configuring a vehicle and valuing a trade-in to reviewing transparent payment and finance options and completing the transaction, whether that happens online, in the showroom or across both. Buyers and dealership teams work on the same deal in parallel, so either side can pick up where the other left off. Transcend Retail allows dealers to carry the Mercedes-Benz luxury experience into every stage of the digital purchase.

“Luxury buyers expect the same level of care online as they receive in the showroom and they expect the two to work as one,” said Faraaz Ghauri, Vice President of Digital Retail at NETSOL Technologies, Inc. “Being approved by Mercedes-Benz USA gives its dealers a platform that keeps every deal moving in one place, from the first click to the signed contract.”

“We look forward to working closely with Mercedes-Benz dealerships to deliver the experience their customers expect from the brand,” he added.

To learn more about Transcend Retail, visit our page:
https://netsoltech.com/products/digital-retail

About NETSOL Technologies
NETSOL Technologies delivers state-of-the-art solutions for asset finance, leasing and digital automotive retail, serving automotive and equipment OEMs, dealerships, auto captives and financial institutions across over 30 countries. Since its inception in 1997, NETSOL has been at the cutting edge of technology, pioneering innovations with its asset finance solutions, and today leverages advanced AI and cloud services to meet the complex needs of the global market. Renowned for its deep industry expertise, customer-centric approach and commitment to excellence, NETSOL fosters strong partnerships with its customers, ensuring their success in an ever-evolving landscape. With a rich history of innovation, ethical business practices and a focus on sustainability, NETSOL is dedicated to empowering businesses worldwide, securing its position as the trusted partner for leading firms around the globe.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding the company’s products and services, expectations for future operations, and other statements that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements may be identified by terminology such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “targets,” and similar expressions. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, the timing of customer go-lives and contract renewals, the rate of adoption of AI-enabled product capabilities, foreign currency volatility, and other factors discussed in NETSOL’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. NETSOL undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Investor Relations Contact:
Investor Relations
(818) 222-9195
investors@netsoltech.com

Acquisition Adds Approximately 4.47 EH/s of On-Rack Mining Capacity and Expands Total Installed Hash Rate to Approximately 13.85 EH/s

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, Oct. 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NIP Group Inc. (“NIPG” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: NIPG), where digital entertainment meets computing infrastructure, today announced it has entered into a definitive on-rack sales and purchase agreement (the “Agreement”) to acquire on-rack crypto mining machines (the “Products”) from certain sellers (collectively, the “Sellers”).

The Bitcoin mining hardware has a combined hashrate of approximately 4.47 exahash per second (EH/s) and is currently deployed and operational at hosting facilities. Upon closing, these assets will immediately add to NIP Group’s Bitcoin mining production. Under the terms of the Agreement, NIP Group will issue to the Sellers as consideration for the Products up to 247,091,740 Class A ordinary shares of the Company.

This transaction advances NIPG’s long-term vision of converging digital infrastructure with its core gaming and esports ecosystem, creating a foundation where computing power, artificial intelligence (AI), high-performance computing (HPC) and blockchain technology intersect with next-generation entertainment experiences.

Upon completion of Tranche 3, the expansion is expected to bring NIPG’s total Bitcoin mining capacity across all three tranches to approximately 13.85 EH/s, further establishing NIPG among the largest publicly traded Bitcoin mining operators globally. Based on this combined capacity, NIP Group’s Bitcoin mining operations are expected to generate approximately 195 Bitcoins per month at full deployment, subject to global network hashrate, Bitcoin difficulty adjustments and operational factors. The third tranche reinforces the NIP Group’s digital infrastructure strategy.

Hicham Chahine, Co-CEO of NIP Group, commented, “We are rapidly executing on our digital infrastructure strategy with this third tranche of mining asset acquisitions. Scaling our hashrate to nearly 14 EH/s solidifies our position as a significant player in the Bitcoin mining space, while generating tangible revenue that supports our broader transformation. The disciplined, share-based consideration structure allows us to expand our compute footprint, and we’ll evaluate opportunities to deploy this capacity toward AI, HPC and other compute-intensive applications that complement our entertainment business.”

Carl Agren, COO of NIPG Mining and Digital Assets, commented, “These on-rack assets are immediately operational and will be integrated into our existing hosting framework with minimal ramp time. We are focused on efficient deployment, stable production and maximizing the utility of our growing computing base across multiple revenue streams.”

The Agreement was dated as of September 24, 2026. The closing of the proposed transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to occur within ten (10) business days following the satisfaction of such conditions. There can be no assurance that the closing conditions will be satisfied or that the proposed transaction will be completed.

In connection with the transaction, NIP Group and the Sellers have also entered into a second amended and restated investor rights agreement (the “A&R IRA”), which has amended and restated the existing investor rights agreement dated January 9, 2026 in its entirety. The A&R IRA defines certain rights and obligations among the Company and the Sellers, including registration rights, lock-up arrangements and governance rights with respect to the Class A ordinary shares to be issued as consideration.

About NIP Group

NIP Group (NASDAQ: NIPG) operates at the nexus of Bitcoin mining, compute infrastructure and global digital entertainment. Rooted in a decade of gaming DNA and industry leadership, the Company brings a cultural and community-driven edge to digital asset operations. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi with teams worldwide, NIP Group pairs significant compute capacity with a global gaming and entertainment ecosystem including esports teams, live events and content networks, reaching hundreds of millions of fans.

Safe Harbor Statements

This press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking” statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “likely to” or other similar expressions. Among other things, the business outlook and quotations from management in this press release, as well as NIP Group’s strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. NIP Group may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including but not limited to statements about NIP Group’s beliefs, plans and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: NIP Group’s growth strategies; its future business development, results of operations and financial condition; its ability to maintain and enhance the recognition and reputation of its brand; developments in the relevant governmental laws, regulations, policies toward NIP Group’s industry; and general economic and business conditions globally and in the countries or regions where NIP Group has operations; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in NIP Group’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and NIP Group undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

NIP Group Inc.

Investor Relations: ir@nipgroup.gg

Public Relations: pr@nipgroup.gg

CHARLESTOWN, Mass., Oct. 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Solid Biosciences Inc. (Nasdaq: SLDB) (the “Company” or “Solid”), a life sciences company developing precision genetic medicines for neuromuscular and cardiac diseases, today announced that seven abstracts have been accepted for poster presentation at the 33^rd European Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ESGCT) Annual Congress, taking place October 27-30, 2026, in Hamburg, Germany.

The accepted abstracts span multiple areas of gene therapy research, including therapeutic design, next-generation delivery technologies, capsid engineering and manufacturing. The presentations include research supporting SGT-003, Solid’s investigational Duchenne muscular dystrophy development program, evaluation of the Company’s next-generation engineered myotropic POLARIS-101™ capsid platform and studies focused on improving rAAV manufacturing and vector performance.

1. Title: SGT-003 Gene Therapy Restores DAPC Stability and Improves Muscle Integrity in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
   Scientific Session: Cardiovascular & Muscular Diseases
   Poster Session: Poster Session I (Uneven Posters)
   Poster Number: P0611
   Date/Time: October 28, 13:30-15:30 CET
   Presenter: Peter Burch, Director, Discovery & Translational Development
2. Title: Successful Polaris-101™ Transduction of Multiple Tissues After Depletion of Preexisting Antibodies Using a Novel IgG-Degrading Enzyme
   Scientific Session: Immune Responses to Gene Therapy
   Poster Session: Poster Session II (Even Posters)
   Poster Number: P0708
   Date/Time: October 29, 14:00-16:00 CET
   Presenter: Peter Burch, Director, Discovery & Translational Development
   
3. Title: Mechanism of Improved POLARIS-101™ Capsid Transduction
   Scientific Session: AAVs / Non-integrative Vectors
   Poster Session: Poster Session II (Even Posters)
   Poster Number: P0130
   Date/Time: October 29, 14:00-16:00 CET
   Presenter: Glen Banks, Head of Molecular Therapeutics
4. Title: Impact of Genome Size and Sequence Composition on AAV Vector Genome Integrity
   Scientific Session: AAVs / Non-integrative Vectors
   Poster Session: Poster Session I (Uneven Posters)
   Poster Number: P0129
   Date/Time: October 28, 13:30-15:30 CET
   Presenter: Jie Tan, Director, Predictive Sciences
   
5. Title: Transcriptomic Profiling Identifies G2/M Cell Cycle Modulation as a Strategy to Enhance rAAV Production
   Scientific Session: Manufacturing
   Poster Session: Poster Session I (Uneven Posters)
   Poster Number: P0855
   Date/Time: October 28, 13:30-15:30 CET
   Presenter: Xiaofei E, Director, Molecular Therapeutics
6. Title: Development and Implementation of a High Yield and Scalable Manufacturing Process for Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) Production
   Scientific Session: Manufacturing
   Poster Session: Poster Session II (Even Posters)
   Poster Number: P0850
   Date/Time: October 29, 14:00-16:00 CET
   Presenter: Ben Wright, Vice President, Head of Process Development
7. Title: Boosting rAAV Yield and Quality in HEK293 Cells Through Multi-Mechanism Strategies
   Scientific Session: Manufacturing
   Poster Session: Poster Session II (Even Posters)
   Poster Number: P0856
   Date/Time: October 29, 14:00-16:00 CET
   Presenter: Xiaofei E, Director, Molecular Therapeutics

About SGT-003
SGT-003 is an investigational gene therapy containing a novel microdystrophin construct and a proprietary, next-generation capsid, POLARIS-101™ (formerly known as AAV-SLB101), which was rationally designed to target integrin receptors, and has shown enhanced cardiac and skeletal muscle transduction with decreased liver targeting in data from the Phase 1/2 INSPIRE DUCHENNE clinical trial and in nonclinical studies. SGT-003’s microdystrophin construct uniquely includes the R16/17 domains, which localize nNOS to the muscle. Nonclinical studies have shown that nNOS can improve blood flow to the muscle thereby reducing muscle breakdown from ischemia and muscle fatigue. Together, these design features suggest that SGT-003 could be a potential best-in-class investigational gene therapy for the treatment of Duchenne.

About POLARIS-101™
POLARIS-101™ is Solid’s proprietary, rationally engineered capsid developed for enhanced skeletal muscle and cardiac tropism and reduced liver biodistribution. Preclinical studies have demonstrated increased transduction speed, enhanced skeletal and cardiac muscle delivery, decreased liver biodistribution and improved efficiency compared with first-generation capsid benchmarks. POLARIS-101 is being clinically evaluated as the delivery capsid for SGT-003, Solid’s investigational gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, in the Phase 1/2 INSPIRE DUCHENNE clinical trial (NCT06138639) and the Phase 3 IMPACT DUCHENNE clinical trial (NCT07160634).

Solid is developing POLARIS-101 as part of a broader gene therapy technology platform that includes proprietary manufacturing and other enabling technologies intended to support the development of genetic medicines for neuromuscular and cardiac diseases.

About Solid’s Advanced Manufacturing Platform
Solid’s proprietary, advanced manufacturing technologies were developed to optimize productivity and product quality for POLARIS-101^™, Solid’s proprietary, rationally engineered myotropic capsid. The manufacturing platform enables efficient, regulatory-compliant manufacturing while maintaining high-quality product attributes. Solid has optimized more than 200 operating parameters for upstream and downstream unit operations supported by best-in-class plasmid design, raw material selection and manufacturing processes designed for scalability, transferability and implementation across diverse production environments.

About Solid Biosciences
Solid Biosciences is a precision genetic medicine company focused on advancing a portfolio of gene therapy candidates targeting rare neuromuscular and cardiac diseases, including SGT-003 for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Duchenne), SGT-212 for Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), SGT-501 for catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT), SGT-601 for TNNT2-mediated dilated cardiomyopathy and additional fatal, genetic cardiac diseases. The Company is also focused on developing innovative libraries of genetic regulators and other enabling technologies with promising potential to significantly impact gene therapy delivery cross-industry. Solid is advancing its diverse pipeline and delivery platform in the pursuit of uniting experts in science, technology, disease management and care. Patient-focused and founded by those directly impacted by Duchenne, Solid’s mission is to improve the daily lives of patients living with devastating rare diseases. For more information, please visit  www.solidbio.com and follow us on LinkedIn at  Solid Biosciences and X at @Solid_Bio.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding future expectations, plans and prospects for the company; the ability to successfully achieve and execute on the company’s goals; anticipated benefits of SGT-003, SGT-212, SGT-501, SGT-601 and other preclinical programs and technologies; strategies and expectations for the company’s SGT-003, SGT-212, SGT-501, SGT-601 and other preclinical programs and technologies; expectations for planned site activation, planned enrollment, planned regulatory interactions and the potential approval pathways for SGT-003, SGT-212 and SGT-501; the cash runway of the company and the sufficiency of the Company’s cash, cash equivalents, and available-for-sale securities to fund its operations; and other statements containing the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “would,” “working” and similar expressions. Any forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations of future events and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those set forth in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks associated with the company’s ability to advance SGT-003, SGT-212, SGT-501, SGT-601 and other preclinical programs, capsid libraries and other enabling technologies on the timelines expected or at all; obtain and maintain necessary approvals from the FDA and other regulatory authorities; replicate in clinical trials positive results found in preclinical studies and early-stage clinical trials of the company’s product candidates; manufacture sufficient quantities of our drug product in a timely manner and maintain adequate supply to support our clinical development and potential commercialization; obtain, maintain or protect intellectual property rights related to its product candidates; replicate preliminary or interim data from clinical trials in the final data of such trials; compete successfully with other companies that are seeking to develop Duchenne, FA, CPVT and other neuromuscular and cardiac treatments and gene therapies; manage expenses; and raise the substantial additional capital needed, on the timeline necessary, to continue development of SGT-003, SGT-212, SGT-501, SGT-601 and other candidates; achieve its other business objectives and continue as a going concern. For a discussion of other risks and uncertainties, and other important factors, any of which could cause the company’s actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see the “Risk Factors” section, as well as discussions of potential risks, uncertainties and other important factors, in the company’s most recent filings 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 hereof and should not be relied upon as representing the company’s views as of any date subsequent to the date hereof. The company anticipates that subsequent events and developments will 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.

Investor Contact
Nicole Anderson
Senior Director, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
Solid Biosciences Inc.
investors@solidbio.com

Media Contact
Amir Khan
Corporate Affairs Practice
Syneos Health
amir.khan@syneoshealth.com

Expanded Dutch public-sector mandate combines IT expertise sourcing with managed service delivery; contract begins January 1, 2027

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., Oct. 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Circle8 Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: CIRC) (“Circle8” or the “Company”), an international technology, workforce and business transformation platform, today announced that its Dutch operating company, Circle8 Netherlands, has been awarded a combined broker and managed services contract with CAK, the Dutch public body responsible for administering healthcare contributions and long-term care payments. The contract is valued at $68 million in annual revenue and is scheduled to commence on January 1, 2027.

The award expands Circle8 Netherlands’ existing relationship with CAK and broadens its role from supplying IT expertise to overseeing a more comprehensive service mandate. Under the contract, Circle8 Netherlands will be responsible for sourcing, contracting and delivery oversight, bringing these activities together within an integrated managed services framework.

Contract Highlights

• $68 million in annual contract revenue, with services scheduled to begin January 1, 2027.
• Expanded scope covering IT expertise supply, sourcing, contracting and managed service delivery oversight.
• Builds on an existing CAK relationship and strengthens Circle8’s position in the Dutch public sector.
• Advances the Company’s strategic focus on broader service mandates and deeper client integration.

“This award is an important step in expanding Circle8’s role as a strategic service partner to public-sector organizations,” said Guus Franke, CEO and Chairman of Circle8 Group. “By combining access to specialized IT talent with responsibility for sourcing, contracting and delivery oversight, we can support more of our clients’ operational needs and build deeper, more durable relationships. The expanded CAK mandate reflects the direction of our platform: broader service capabilities, greater client integration and a disciplined focus on long-term value creation.”

The CAK award continues the evolution of Circle8’s Dutch public-sector portfolio from expertise supply arrangements toward managed service mandates. These engagements expand the Company’s involvement in client operations and support its strategy of building a scalable platform with recurring revenue and higher-value technology services.

“CAK is expanding our role from providing expertise to overseeing service delivery,” said Patrick Schuijt, Chief Revenue Officer of Circle8. “Bringing sourcing, contracting and delivery oversight together allows us to support CAK through a more coordinated service model.”

About Circle8
Circle8 Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: CIRC) is an international technology, workforce and business transformation platform operating across North America and Europe.

Through its portfolio of specialist operating companies, Circle8 delivers technology consulting, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud, software engineering, engineering, managed services and workforce solutions to enterprise and public-sector organizations. The Company supports clients in designing, building, securing and operating mission-critical technology environments while helping organizations execute complex business and digital transformation programs.

With annualized revenue exceeding US$1.2 billion, more than 16,000 specialists, and operations across North America and Europe, Circle8 is building a scalable platform focused on recurring revenue, higher-value technology services, disciplined acquisitions and long-term shareholder value.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the anticipated commencement, annual revenue and delivery of services under the CAK contract; the expansion of customer relationships and managed service capabilities; recurring revenue; future growth; strategic initiatives; acquisitions; and long-term value creation. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, including the timing and implementation of the contract, actual client demand and utilization, the Company’s ability to source and retain qualified professionals and fulfill its delivery obligations, changes in public-sector budgets and procurement priorities, economic and market conditions, and the risks described in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The stated annual contract value is not a guarantee of recognized revenue in any particular period. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required by law.

Investor Contact
Kevin Murphy

Chief Financial Officer

kmurphy@atlantic-international.com