Author: Ravi Shankar

PALM BEACH, Florida, Oct. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gabelli is hosting the 8th Annual Healthcare Symposium in conjunction with Columbia Business School on Friday, November 13, 2026, at the Paley Center in New York. The symposium brings together leading companies and organizations from across the healthcare ecosystem, with an emphasis on industry dynamics, current trends, and business fundamentals.

This year’s program will cover the pace of oncology innovation, drug access in the specialty and GLP-1 era, and the role of artificial intelligence in care delivery.

For additional information and to register, please visit our website. Space is limited, so please register as soon as possible. For those who cannot attend in person, the symposium will also be available via live webcast.

Program:
Opening Remarks & Welcome Address (8:45 – 8:50 AM)

Cancer’s Breakthrough Year: Can Care Keep Pace? (8:50 – 9:50 AM)
Moderated by Rebecca Stern, PhD, SVP, Gabelli
Richard Barakat, MD, MBA (CBS ’14), Physician-in-Chief & Executive Director, Northwell Cancer Institute
Alan Bash, MBA (CBS ’99), President of CARVYKTI®, Legend Biotech (NASDAQ: LEGN)
Christophe Griolet, PharmD, MBA, VP & General Manager, US Commercial Organization, Kite, a Gilead Company (NASDAQ: GILD)
Mohit Manrao, MBA, SVP, Head of US Oncology, AstraZeneca (NYSE: AZN)

Drug Access in the Specialty and GLP-1 Era (10:05 – 11:05 AM)
Moderated by Daniel Barasa, MBA, Portfolio Manager, Gabelli
Natalie Bedford, SVP, US Pharmaceutical Distribution Services, McKesson (NYSE: MCK)
Marko Blagojevic, PharmD, SVP, Pharmacy, Gravie
Leonard Glass, MD, FACE, SVP, Cardiometabolic Health, Global Medical Affairs, Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY)
David Senior, MPH, President & SVP, Strategic Global Sourcing and Policy Economics, Cencora (NYSE: COR)

Leveraging AI to Improve Care Delivery (11:20 AM – 12:20 PM)
Moderated by Carri Chan, PhD, Cain Brothers and Company Professor of Healthcare Management and Faculty Director, Columbia Business School
Anil Jain, MD, Chief Innovation Officer, Provider Digital Transformation, Innovaccer
Kevin Larsen, MD, SVP, Clinical Innovation, Optum (NYSE: UNH)
Dave Ross, Chief Technology Officer, Teladoc Health (NYSE: TDOC)
Paul Taheri, MD, MBA, Chief Medical Officer, InnovAge (NASDAQ: INNV)

Closing Remarks (12:20 – 12:30 PM)
Breakfast and networking begin at 8:00 AM. Participants are subject to change.

Click here to register for the 8^th Annual Healthcare Symposium or scan the QR code.

Contact

Patricio Salem P: 914-921-5117 E: PSalem@gabelli.com

Gabelli Funds, LLC is a registered investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is a wholly owned subsidiary of GAMCO Investors, Inc.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/226ab686-f6e1-4cef-8a44-50c82b754e9a

Companies to combine OPT’s PowerBuoy® platforms and patent portfolio with Stratum’s GPU infrastructure to advance edge AI inference powered by wave, wind, and solar energy

MONROE TOWNSHIP, NJ and CELEBRATION, FL, Oct. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ocean Power Technologies, Inc. (NYSE American: OPTT) (“OPT”) and Stratum Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ: SRTM) (“Stratum”) today announced that they have entered into a non-binding letter of intent (the “LOI”) for a proposed strategic collaboration to demonstrate offshore data center assets powered by renewable wave, wind, and solar energy.

The LOI contemplates that OPT and Stratum negotiate definitive agreements pursuant to which OPT would grant Stratum a limited, non-exclusive license to certain of its PowerBuoy® patents for use in the demonstration program and make available certain prototype PowerBuoy® assets currently on hand, and Stratum would make available certain GPU assets, including its latest generation NVIDIA B300 GPUs, and related integration expertise. Stratum would also pay OPT a monthly retainer under the terms of the definitive agreements. The proposed strategic collaboration would focus on integrating OPT’s PowerBuoy® platforms with Stratum’s high-performance compute hardware to validate the technical feasibility of hosting edge AI inference and related workloads on systems powered primarily by onboard renewable generation, without a power umbilical to shore.

OPT holds more than 60 issued patents worldwide relating to its PowerBuoy® technology, including  more than 15 in the U.S., covering buoy architecture, energy conversion, power take-off, control systems, mooring and anchoring, autonomous charging interfaces, communications, and related systems. These patents form the foundation of the PowerBuoy® platform, which is designed to deliver persistent, renewable power and real-time communications in remote marine environments.

Cooling accounts for a significant portion of power consumption in conventional data centers. OPT and Stratum believe that positioning PowerBuoy®-based systems in cooler regions of the ocean could reduce this cooling-related power demand, although this has not yet been demonstrated and will be among the matters tested in the proposed demonstration program.

“This proposed strategic collaboration aligns with OPT’s mission to deliver persistent renewable power and technology integration for critical offshore applications,” said Tracy Pagliara, Acting President and Chief Executive Officer of Ocean Power Technologies. “By combining our patented PowerBuoy® technology with Stratum’s GPU assets, we aim to demonstrate a practical path toward self-powered edge AI infrastructure that operates independently of shore-based power.”

“Stratum is focused on expanding high-performance compute capacity in new environments,” said Nicholas H. Adler, Chief Executive Officer of Stratum Holdings. “Partnering with OPT allows us to explore the potential of renewable-powered offshore platforms combined with our GPU assets for edge AI inference, where local processing can reduce bandwidth requirements and leverage the natural cooling advantages of the marine environment.”

The proposed strategic collaboration’s initial efforts are expected to center on system integration, performance validation, and data collection from demonstration deployments. Results from the program, if any, may inform potential future commercial applications in maritime domain awareness, offshore energy monitoring, scientific sensing, and other remote edge-compute use cases.

About Ocean Power Technologies

Ocean Power Technologies, Inc. (NYSE American: OPTT) provides intelligent maritime systems and services for defense and security, offshore energy, science and research, and offshore wind. Its PowerBuoy® platforms deliver clean, renewable power and real-time data communications for remote maritime and subsea applications. The company also offers the WAM-V® autonomous surface vehicle and Merrows™ software for multi-domain awareness. For more information, visit www.oceanpowertechnologies.com.

About Stratum Holdings

Stratum Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ: SRTM) is an AI infrastructure company focused on GPU leasing and high-performance compute capacity. The company is transitioning from legacy real estate operations to provide scalable compute solutions supporting artificial intelligence workloads. For more information, visit www.stratumholdingscorp.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, including the risk that the parties do not negotiate or execute definitive agreements on the terms described or at all; the non-binding nature of the LOI and the ability of either party to terminate discussions; the failure to obtain required board, regulatory, or stockholder approvals; the potential dilution to Stratum stockholders from any issuance of shares as payment of the retainer; the value and liquidity of potential Stratum common stock received by OPT, including restrictions on resale pending registration; the parties’ ability to fund and complete the demonstration program on the anticipated timeline or at all; risks related to the successful integration of technologies, technical performance of demonstration systems, regulatory approvals, and market adoption; and other factors described in the companies’ filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including their most recent Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Neither company undertakes any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

Media Contacts

Ocean Power Technologies
Investors: 609-730-0400 x401
InvestorRelations@oceanpowertech.com 

Media: 609-730-0400 x402 
MediaRelations@oceanpowertech.com 

Stratum Holdings
Crescendo Communications, LLC
(212) 671-1020
srtm@crescendo-ir.com 

BOSTON, Oct. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Amwell^® (NYSE: AMWL a leading provider of technology-enabled care, will report third quarter 2026 operating results after stock market trading hours on Tuesday, November 3.

Following the distribution of the earnings release via wire services, the Amwell management team will host a live conference call and webcast at 5 p.m. ET to review the company’s operating results and provide a general business update.

The live audio webcast can be accessed by visiting the Investors section of the company’s website. A webcast replay of the call will be available at investors.amwell.com for approximately 90 days.

About Amwell  
Amwell offers health plans and healthcare organizations a single, comprehensive, technology-enabled care platform. We use technology to provide consumers with better access to more convenient, affordable, and effective care. The Amwell Platform includes software and services that power many clinical programs from Amwell and our growing number of partners. Our platform allows consumers to experience unified, personalized, and simple access to diversified clinical programs across the care continuum. As more people seek care online and more clinical programs become available, we offer integrated, future-ready, consistent solutions. The Amwell Platform is proven, operating at a large scale, enabling care for millions while delivering dependable outcomes. For two decades, Amwell has proudly served some of the largest and most sophisticated healthcare organizations in the U.S. and worldwide. For more information, visit business.amwell.com or LinkedIn.

Investors:

Asher Dewhurst

amwell@icrhealthcare.com

Media:

press@amwell.com

Genius Group Board approves the incorporation of GENIUSpark to build, own and operate community-first AI data centers through joint ventures with AI companies, data center operators and power partners worldwide.

GENIUSpark intends to deliver fully integrated AI data center locations including powered land, colocation, AI compute, community reskilling and a local AI treasury, with an initial target of 100 MW and a long-term goal of 1 GW.

Each 9.9 MW GENIUSpark site is designed with the goal to generate more than $100 million in annual revenue at a 35% net profit margin, with 10% of net profit returned to its host community through Genius Group’s Genius City model.

The first GENIUSpark joint ventures are in advanced discussions, with binding agreements expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Launch comes as AI demand for power outruns grid supply and the neocloud market is forecast to grow from $25 billion in 2025 to nearly $400 billion by 2031^[1].

SINGAPORE, Oct. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Genius Group Limited (NYSE American: GNS) (“Genius Group”, “GNS” or the “Company”), a leading AI-powered education group, today announced the launch of GENIUSpark, its community-first AI power company. Following approval by its Board of Directors, the Company is incorporating GENIUSpark as a wholly owned subsidiary to build, own and operate AI data centers together with the communities that host them, through joint ventures with AI companies, data center operators and power partners worldwide.

GENIUSpark: The Community Solution to the AI Revolution

GENIUSpark evolves Genius Group’s Genius City model into AI infrastructure. Each GENIUSpark site combines five layers in one project: low-cost power, powered land and colocation, high-performance AI compute sold as compute and inference capacity to enterprise, platform and education customers, community reskilling, and a local AI treasury. Sites are sized at up to 9.9 MW: small enough to be approved and powered in months rather than years, and large enough to potentially generate more than $100 million in annual revenue.

Every GENIUSpark site is designed around its host community. Genius Group will deliver local schooling, AI and entrepreneurship programs and reskilling into the jobs each site creates, based on its Genius City model, and 10% of each site’s net profit will be paid into a locally governed Community Fund. Over time, each fund is designed to build its own local AI treasury, making residents stakeholders in the AI infrastructure they host.

GENIUSpark targets an initial 100 MW of AI compute, representing a target of $1 billion of annual revenue under its intended model, and a long-term goal of 1 GW.

The Company is currently focused on launching GENIUSpark in countries that have low cost, accessible power together with high market demand and government support, commencing with Canada, Australia and Indonesia. In each region, GENIUSpark plans to partner with power producers, data center developers and AI companies, with each site held and funded in its own local project company.

The Company is in advanced discussions on the first GENIUSpark locations, and anticipates the first binding agreements to be announced in the coming weeks.

Solving the Two Challenges of the AI Build-Out: AI Power and Community Empowerment

TrendForce forecasts global data center power demand to rise 31% this year to 161 GW, and to reach 490.7 GW by 2030, leaving a projected 268 GW gap against available grid capacity^[2]. In Alberta, large-load connection requests climbed above 16 GW, against an interim limit of 1,200 MW for new loads of 75 MW or more through 2027 and 2028^[3]. GENIUSpark sites are sized below 10 MW and can bring their own behind-the-meter power, allowing them to move in months rather than waiting years in the grid queue.

The second challenge is community support and benefits. Nearly $200 billion of U.S. data center projects, across about 120 projects, were blocked or delayed in the first half of 2026, and a Gallup survey found that seven in ten Americans oppose an AI data center in their local area^[4]. Communities are asking who pays for the power, how much water is used, and whether local people will share in the benefits.

Roger James Hamilton, Founder and CEO of Genius Group, said “Every AI data center needs two things: AI power and community empowerment. Power can be solved with access and capital. We believe community empowerment is solved with our GENIUSpark model of local reskilling, education and a local AI treasury that makes every community member a stakeholder. GENIUSpark is the community solution for the AI revolution: every site we build trains local students and workers for the jobs AI creates, and returns 10% of its profits to the town that hosts it.”

“Our first milestone is 100 MW, starting with our pilot in the coming months, and our long-term target is a gigawatt of community-first AI within the next decade. We are building GENIUSpark to be the partner of choice for AI companies and data center operators that want to grow with the support of the communities they serve.”

Suraj Naik, Head of AI at Genius Group, said “AI is moving from training to inference, and inference needs to run close to the people and businesses that use it. Data residency rules and the need for low latency are pushing compute out of a handful of mega campuses and into local sites. That is where GENIUSpark is built: smaller, faster to power, closer to users, and run with the communities around them. Our own Genius OS platform will be one of the first customers on GENIUSpark compute.”

Unit Economics of the GENIUSpark Model

Under the GENIUSpark model, each full 9.9 MW site is targeted to generate more than $100 million in annual revenue and approximately $35 million in annual net profit, a 35% net profit margin, with a target of $3.5 million a year paid to the local Community Fund and more than 1,000 students, entrepreneurs and skilled workers trained each year.

GENIUSpark targets a build cost of under $10 million per MW of compute, using refurbished accelerators bought in bulk, modular halls and on-site power.

Gaurav Dama, Chief Financial Officer of Genius Group, said “GENIUSpark is designed to fund its own growth. Our intention is for each site to be financed at the project level, with a combination of debt and equity financing shared with our joint venture partners, so we can scale without straining our balance sheet. While final pro forma financials will be on a site-by-site basis, our model targets a 35% net margin with 10% of net profit returned to the local community. This gives a benefit to each community and to our Genius Group investors. Our plan is for GENIUSpark to add a significant cash-generating AI infrastructure business to our education operations and our Bitcoin and AI treasury.”

Sources

[1] Synergy Research Group, “Neocloud Market Forecast to Approach $400B by 2031, Driven by Surging AI Infrastructure Demand,” April 2, 2026. https://srgresearch.com/articles/neocloud-market-forecast-to-approach-400b-by-2031-driven-by-surging-ai-infrastructure-demand

[2] TrendForce, “Data Center Power Demand to Rise 31% in 2026; Grid Gap to Widen from 2028,” September 16, 2026.
https://www.trendforce.com/presscenter/news/20260916-13237.html

[3] McCarthy Tétrault, “Alberta faces a surge in AI data centre power demand: AESO responds with phased connection plan,” June 6, 2025.
https://www.mccarthy.ca/en/insights/blogs/canadian-energy-perspectives/alberta-faces-a-surge-in-ai-data-centre-power-demand-aeso-responds-with-phased-connection-plan

[4] Gizmodo, citing Data Center Watch and Gallup, “Nearly $200 billion worth of data center projects have been blocked or delayed this year,” September 21, 2026.
https://gizmodo.com/nearly-200-billion-worth-of-data-center-projects-have-been-blocked-or-delayed-this-year-2000815054

About Genius Group

Genius Group (NYSE: GNS) is a global education group delivering AI powered, education and acceleration solutions for the future of work. Genius Group serves 6 million users in over 100 countries through its Genius City model and online digital marketplace of AI training, AI tools and AI talent. It provides personalized, entrepreneurial AI pathways combining human talent with AI skills and AI solutions at the individual, enterprise and government level. To learn more, please visit geniusgroup.ai

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements made in this press release include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements regarding GENIUSpark’s intended model, targets, capacity, costs, timing, revenue, net profit, return on equity, community benefits and proposed joint ventures. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “will”, “plan,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “target,” “continue,” or comparable terminology. The intended model and targets are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended as binding projections or forecasts or guarantees and depend on assumptions including compute pricing, utilization, power and construction costs, and the availability of project financing and customer contracts, which are not yet in place. No definitive agreement for any GENIUSpark joint venture or site has been signed, and there is no assurance that any will be signed on the terms described or at all. Such forward-looking statements are inherently subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties, many of which the Company cannot predict with accuracy and some of which the Company might not even anticipate, and may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or suggested. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and are advised to consider the additional factors under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Reports on Form 20-F, as may be supplemented or amended by the Company’s Reports of a Foreign Private Issuer on Form 6-K. The Company assumes no obligation to update or supplement forward-looking statements that become untrue because of subsequent events, new information or otherwise. No information in this press release should be construed as any indication whatsoever of the Company’s future revenues, results of operations, or stock price.

Contacts

Genius Group: investor@geniusgroup.ai

– Obtaining Orphan designation from the European Commission reflects Solid’s commitment to the global development of SGT-212 for individuals living with Friedreich’s ataxia –

– SGT-212 is a first-in-class dual route FA gene therapy designed to combine direct, MRI-guided delivery to the dentate nuclei with systemic delivery to reach cardiac and other systemic tissues –

– Five participants have been dosed in the ongoing Phase 1b FALCON clinical trial and SGT-212 has been well tolerated as of October 5, 2026 –

– Solid expects to report initial FALCON clinical data in Q1 2027 –

CHARLESTOWN, Mass., Oct. 26, 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 the European Commission (EC), acting upon the positive opinion of the European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Orphan Medicinal Products, has granted Orphan designation to SGT-212 for the treatment of Friedreich’s ataxia (FA). Solid also announced that five participants have received SGT-212 in the Phase 1b FALCON clinical trial, with no treatment-related serious adverse events observed as of October 5, 2026.

SGT-212 is a novel investigational gene therapy specifically designed to address the multisystem biological impact of FA. Its dual-route administration combines precise, MRI-guided delivery directly to the cerebellar dentate nuclei with systemic intravenous delivery intended to reach the heart and other affected systemic tissues. Degeneration of the dentate nuclei, key sites of neurologic pathology in FA, disrupts coordinated movement and contributes to progressive loss of balance, limb control and oculomotor function as well as to bulbar dysfunction, including declines in speech and swallowing. Through this dual-route approach, SGT-212 is designed with the expectation of delivering the full-length frataxin gene to the tissues known to drive disease-specific morbidity and mortality, with the intent to restore mitochondrial health for patients living with FA.

“For families affected by Friedreich’s ataxia, the need for new treatment options remains significant, and this designation supports the continued development of SGT-212 globally as we advance a therapy intentionally designed for the unique challenges of FA,” said Jessie Hanrahan, Ph.D., Chief Regulatory & Preclinical Operations Officer at Solid Biosciences. “With five participants now dosed in the FALCON trial, we continue to build clinical experience with this first-in-class, dual-route approach and look forward to reporting initial clinical data in the first quarter of 2027.”

In addition to the EC orphan designation, SGT-212 has been awarded Fast Track, Orphan Drug and Rare Pediatric Disease designations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

About Orphan Designation in the European Union
The EC grants orphan designation for medicinal products intended to treat a life-threatening or chronically debilitating disease that affects no more than five people in 10,000 in the EU, provided there is no other satisfactory treatment option or the medicine can be of significant benefit to those affected by a specific condition. Designated drugs are granted certain incentives including reduced regulatory fees, scientific and protocol assistance and market exclusivity for 10 years in the EU, if approved.

About Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA)
FA is an inherited, life-threatening, degenerative multisystem disease caused by variants in the frataxin gene that disrupt production of the frataxin protein, a mitochondrial iron-binding protein involved in essential cellular processes, including energy production. FA is known to cause progressive nervous system damage, movement problems and cardiac dysfunction, with cardiac complications identified as the primary cause of death. FA impacts approximately 5,000 people in the United States and 25,000 globally. There are currently no treatments that provide a cure or halt disease progression.

About SGT-212
SGT-212 is a recombinant AAV-based gene replacement therapy for Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) designed to deliver full-length human frataxin (FXN) via a dual route of administration: intradentate nucleus (IDN) infusion, using an FDA-approved neurosurgical device in a stereotactic, precision MRI-guided technique, followed by an intravenous (IV) infusion, with the intent to increase therapeutic FXN levels in the cerebellar dentate nuclei, cardiomyocytes and other systemic tissues. Targeted delivery to the dentate nuclei will be confirmed in real time via MRI. Restoration of FXN levels is expected to repair the underlying mitochondrial dysfunction in neurons and cardiomyocytes to address neurologic, cardiac and systemic manifestations of the disease.

About the FALCON Clinical Trial
FALCON is a first-in-human, open-label, multi-center Phase 1b clinical trial designed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of SGT-212 in participants aged 18 to 40 who have been diagnosed with FA. FALCON is being conducted in the United States.

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-212 and other clinical and preclinical programs and technologies; strategies and expectations for the company’s SGT-212 and other clinical and preclinical programs and technologies; expectations for planned site activation, planned enrollment, planned regulatory interactions and the potential approval pathways for SGT-212 and other clinical programs; 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

Seasoned public company CFO with deep autoimmune disease experience has helped raise more than $1 billion over a 20+ year biotech career

Will lead the Company’s finance organization and capital strategy as it transitions to Azora Therapeutics and advances AT177 toward the clinic

GLEN ALLEN, Va., Oct. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Adial Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADIL) (“Adial” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing treatments for serious inflammatory diseases, today announced that Celia Economides, the Company’s current Executive Vice President of Finance, is expected to be appointed Chief Financial Officer effective promptly after the Company’s reconvened 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, if certain of the proposals being presented to stockholders are approved. Ms. Economides will succeed Vinay Shah.

“Celia has raised capital in strong and challenging markets, built finance and investor relations functions from the ground up, and knows the autoimmune space well from her work at Aurinia and Kezar,” said Matt Davidson, Ph.D., Adial’s Chief Development Officer, who is expected to be appointed President and Chief Executive Officer at the same time as Ms. Economides’ appointment. “We believe that combination is exactly what we need as we rapidly advance AT177 toward the clinic and build the organization for its next stage of growth.”

Chief Financial Officer Appointment

Ms. Economides brings more than two decades of experience in biotech finance, corporate development and capital markets. Over her career, she has helped execute more than $1 billion in equity financings, non-dilutive financings, and other strategic transactions. She joined Adial as Executive Vice President of Finance in August 2026.

Prior to joining Adial, Ms. Economides served as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Business Officer of CellCentric, a clinical-stage oncology company. Prior to that, she served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Gritstone bio, Inc. and later as interim Chief Executive Officer. Earlier in her career, she held senior roles at Kezar Life Sciences and Aurinia Pharmaceuticals, where she contributed to the development of small molecule drugs for autoimmune diseases. Ms. Economides also previously served as a director of global medical affairs at BioMarin Pharmaceutical, led investor relations at the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), and worked at a healthcare-focused hedge fund and in biotech-focused financial services. Ms. Economides holds a B.A. from McGill University and an M.P.H. in Health Policy and Management from Columbia University.

“I am excited to step into the Chief Financial Officer role during this important moment for the company,” said Ms. Economides. “AT177’s targeted approach to AhR activation has the potential to address significant unmet needs for patients with ulcerative colitis, and I look forward to working with the team to support its continued development.”

As previously disclosed, if the conversion of the Company’s Series A preferred stock, together with other related required Company stockholder matters, are each approved by stockholders and the Company’s Initial Listing Application is approved by Nasdaq, Adial expects to change its name to Azora Therapeutics, Inc., and its common stock is expected to begin trading on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “AZR” promptly after such approvals are obtained.

About Adial Pharmaceuticals

Adial Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing treatments for serious inflammatory diseases. Following its June 2026 acquisition of Azora Therapeutics, the Company’s lead program is AT177, an oral, colon-targeted aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist designed to activate AhR locally in the colon while limiting systemic exposure, in development for ulcerative colitis. AT177 is currently in IND-enabling studies, with a Phase 1 clinical trial planned for the first half of 2027. AT177 is investigational and has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or any other regulatory authority. For more information, visit www.adial.com.

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 appointment of Ms. Economides as Chief Financial Officer and its timing, the expected contribution of Ms. Economides, rapidly advancing AT177 toward the clinic, building the organization for its next stage of growth, the proposed corporate name change and its timing, approval and effects, the anticipated ticker symbol change, and the Company’s development plans and the potential of its product candidates. Words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “potential,” “will” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, including the timing and completion of the CFO transition, the Company’s ability to pursue its regulatory strategy, the Company’s ability to obtain regulatory approvals for commercialization of product candidates or to comply with ongoing regulatory requirements, the Company’s ability to obtain the capital necessary to fund its research and development, the Company’s ability to complete preclinical and clinical studies on time and with desired results, acceptance of the Company’s product candidates in the marketplace and the successful development, marketing or sale of its products, the Company’s ability to obtain stockholder approval of the conversion of its Series A preferred stock, without which it could be required to make significant cash payments to holders of that stock, Nasdaq’s approval of the Company’s initial listing application, the continued maintenance and growth of the Company’s patent estate and the Company’s ability to retain its key employees. These risks should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read together with the cautionary statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and amendments thereto, and Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it was initially made. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise, unless required by law.

Contacts

Media Contact:
Ashley Biladeau
Inizio Evoke Comms
Ashley.Biladeau@inizioevoke.com

Investor Contact:
Mike Moyer
LifeSci Advisors, LLC
mmoyer@lifesciadvisors.com

Presentation will introduce ART26.12, the first selective FABP5 inhibitor to enter human clinical studies, to the world’s largest gathering of pain professionals

Growing body of data supports ART26.12’s potential as a novel, non-opioid treatment for pain as the Company advances toward a multiple ascending dose (MAD) study

SOLANA BEACH, Calif., Oct. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Artelo Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: ARTL) (“Artelo” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on modulating lipid-signaling pathways to develop treatments for people living with obesity, cancer, pain, dermatologic and neurological conditions, today announced that Professor Saoirse O’Sullivan is scheduled to present data on the ART26.12 program at the IASP 2026 World Congress on Pain, taking place October 26–30, 2026, in Bangkok, Thailand.

Organized by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP), the World Congress on Pain is the largest global gathering of pain professionals, bringing together thousands of scientists, clinicians and healthcare providers from around the world. Professor Saoirse O’Sullivan, Vice President of Translational Sciences at Artelo, plans to present data from Artelo’s lead Fatty Acid Binding Protein 5 (FABP5) inhibitor program entitled “ART26.12; a Peripherally Acting, Non-Opioid, Non-Steroidal Analgesic for Peripheral Neuropathy” on October 29, 2026. During the congress, Professor O’Sullivan is also scheduled to meet with leaders in the pain field to discuss ART26.12’s potential as a novel non-opioid therapeutic approach for pain.

“With the urgent need for effective alternatives to opioids, we believe ART26.12 represents a promising new approach to pain management as the first selective FABP5 inhibitor to advance into human clinical trials,” said Professor O’Sullivan. “Presenting our growing body of data at the prestigious World Congress on Pain provides an important opportunity to engage directly with leading clinicians, researchers and key opinion leaders in the field, share our progress and explore the potential of this novel mechanism to address significant unmet needs in pain treatment.”

ART26.12 – A Novel Approach to Non-Opioid Pain Treatment

• Novel mechanism: ART26.12 is a potential first-in-class, orally administered, peripherally acting, selective FABP5 inhibitor being developed as a non-opioid, non-steroidal analgesic, initially targeting chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).

• Chemotherapy and diabetic neuropathy: Across multiple nonclinical studies, ART26.12 demonstrated potential to treat painful neuropathies associated with diabetes or chemotherapy and to prevent chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy when administered alongside paclitaxel or oxaliplatin.

• Broader pain applications: Nonclinical research has also demonstrated analgesic activity in models of cancer-induced bone pain and spinal cord injury, supporting investigation across multiple chronic pain conditions.

• Osteoarthritis findings: In a four-week nonclinical osteoarthritis study, oral ART26.12 reduced pain comparably to naproxen, while treated animals exhibited significantly less stomach tissue damage.

• Positive first-in-human data: The Phase 1 single ascending dose study reported a favorable safety profile with no serious adverse events attributed to ART26.12, a predictable dose-proportional pharmacokinetics, and a wide estimated safety margin. Preliminary food-effect results supported the potential for administration in fed or fasted conditions.

• Next clinical milestone: Artelo is preparing to initiate a Phase 1 multiple ascending dose (MAD) study in the fourth quarter of 2026.

“ART26.12 has demonstrated promising analgesic activity across multiple nonclinical models of pain, including chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, while our Phase 1 results have provided encouraging safety and pharmacokinetic data in humans,” said Professor O’Sullivan. “Together, these findings strengthen our confidence in the potential of FABP5 inhibition as a differentiated, non-opioid approach to pain management with a promising safety profile. We have initiated steps to begin enrollment to our multiple ascending dose study, the next clinical development step planned for ART26.12.”

About ART26.12

ART26.12, Artelo’s lead Fatty Acid Binding Protein 5 (FABP5) inhibitor, is under development as a novel, peripherally acting, non-opioid, non-steroidal analgesic, initially for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Human studies with ART26.12 have demonstrated a favorable safety profile with no serious adverse events, as well as predictable, linear pharmacokinetics and dosing flexibility in both fed and fasted states. Fatty Acid Binding Proteins (FABPs) are a family of intracellular proteins that chaperone lipids important to normal cellular function. In addition to ART26.12, Artelo’s extensive library of small molecule inhibitors of FABPs has shown therapeutic promise for the treatment of certain cancers, neuropathic and nociceptive pain, psoriasis, and anxiety disorders.

About Artelo Biosciences

Artelo Biosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to the development and commercialization of proprietary therapeutics that modulate lipid-signaling pathways, with a diversified pipeline addressing significant unmet needs in obesity, anorexia, cancer, anxiety, dermatologic conditions, pain, and inflammation. Led by an experienced executive team collaborating with world-class researchers and technology partners, Artelo applies rigorous scientific, regulatory, and commercial expertise to maximize stakeholder value. More information is available at www.artelobio.com and X: @ArteloBio.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, including those relating to the Company’s product development, clinical and regulatory timelines, market opportunity, competitive position, possible or assumed future results of operations, business strategies, potential growth or partnering opportunities and other statements that are predictive in nature. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the industry and markets in which we operate and management’s current beliefs and assumptions. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking expressions, including, but not limited to, “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions and the negatives of those terms. These statements relate to future events or our financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include those set forth in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to: our ability to raise additional capital in the future; the inherent uncertainties of preclinical and clinical research, including the possibility that results observed in nonclinical animal models may not be predictive of, or replicated in, human clinical trials; the uncertainty of patent protection and the potential for intellectual property challenges; the highly competitive nature of the pharmaceutical industry, including the market for pain therapeutics; the risk that third-party market projections may not materialize or that the Company may not be able to participate in projected market opportunities; the timing, content and availability of the Company’s presentation at the IASP 2026 World Congress on Pain; and our ability to enter into partnering or licensing arrangements on acceptable terms, or at all. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable securities laws.

Investor Relations Contact:

Crescendo Communications, LLC

Tel: 212-671-1020

Email: ARTL@crescendo-ir.com

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, Oct. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HI-VIEW RESOURCES INC. (“Hi-View” or the “Company”) (CSE: GXLD; OTCQB: GXLDF; FSE: B630) announces preliminary results from its 2026 exploration program at the Black Pearl target, part of its 100%-owned property in the Toodoggone District of north-central British Columbia (the “Property”).
Preliminary results from the induced polarization (“IP”) survey, supported by geological mapping and field observations, have identified compelling exploration targets consistent with the potential for a concealed porphyry system at depth. Geological observations suggest a possible vertical transition from higher-elevation, shallower low- to intermediate-sulphidation (“LS–IS”) epithermal alteration and mineralization at the Har showing to deeper-level pyrite-rich stringers that cut an intermediate to felsic dyke recently discovered near the Gord Davies West showing in the valley bottom.

This interpreted geological transition, together with coincident chargeability, resistivity, and magnetic anomalies identified during the 2026 exploration program, provides a strong basis for further investigation of a potentially buried porphyry system.

Exploration targeting in this area was further supported by a large, high-priority copper-silver-gold target identified in spring 2026 through Windfall Geotek Inc.’s artificial intelligence (“AI”)-driven machine learning system.

IP Survey Highlights

• The company completed 16 line-km of IP at Black Pearl. The survey tested an abrupt high magnetic anomaly flanking an E-W trending magnetic destruction anomaly, on the south side of the cliff face at Black Pearl.

• Target 1: Preliminary IP results outline a high chargeability anomaly (>30 mV/V) 1,000 m long (E-W) and 800 m wide (N-S). The anomaly begins at 200 to 300 m depth, extends to at least 400 m depth, and remains open at depth and towards the south. A narrow, north-northwest trending resistivity high anomaly coincides with the chargeability and magnetic anomalies (Figure 1 & 2).

• Target 2: A secondary chargeability high (>40 mV/V) and associated north-northeast trending resistivity high anomaly target is emerging to the east-northeast. The target extends beyond the Property boundary into TDG GOLD CORP. and continues back into Hi-View Property where BR 574 and McClair showings occur.

• Program Completed: 16 line-km of IP, 428 soil samples, and field mapping and rock sampling. Soil and rock assay results are pending.

R Nick Horsley, Chief Executive Officer of Hi-View, commented: “I believe the Toodoggone District will one day be recognized as one of the richest mineral belts in North America, and Black Pearl is emerging as one of its best porphyry targets. Our first 16 line-kilometres of IP have outlined a chargeability anomaly 1,000 metres long and 800 metres wide that remains open at depth and to the south. An anomaly of this size and strike has the potential to host a world-class discovery. It aligns with the magnetic and resistivity data, as well as surface geology that transitions from epithermal veins into breccia-hosted sulphides, the classic vectors we look for above a buried porphyry. Assays from 428 soil samples and our rock samples are pending and will help finalize target prioritization.”

Figure 1. Black Pearl property with coinciding magnetic (2025 aeromagnetic survey), chargeability, and resistivity anomalies. IP line Section 1 shown in Figure 2 below. Samples A and B locations on map and described below.
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Figure 2. North-south IP line shows high chargeability anomaly associated to Target 1 at depth.
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Preliminary Mapping and Rock Sampling

At the Har showing, LS-IS epithermal-style calcite-barite-sulphide-bearing veins (Sample A; Figure 3) are predominantly shallowly south-dipping and subparallel to volcanic layering within porphyritic andesite of the Toodoggone Formation. Locally, steeply dipping to subvertical veins crosscut both the volcanic host rocks and intrusions of the Black Lake intrusive suite.

At lower elevations, the Gord Davies West showing is characterized by silicified breccia containing cubic galena and pyrite, with minor chalcopyrite. A few metres from the showing, a newly identified intermediate- to felsic-composition dyke is crosscut by sulphide-rich hydrothermal veins and exhibits mosaic brecciation (Sample B; Figure 3).

Sample A: A shallowly south-dipping barite-calcite ± sphalerite ± galena vein with pyrite-chalcopyrite in vein selvages. The vein cuts porphyritic andesite at higher elevations on the southern flank of the cliffs.

Sample B: K-feldspar-porphyritic intermediate to felsic dyke is strongly gossanous and silicified, with dark pyrite-rich alteration stringers locally producing a mosaic breccia. The dyke contains approximately 15% rounded, millimetre- to 0.5 cm-scale voids filled predominantly with barite and minor calcite. Barite appears to postdate the pyrite ± chalcopyrite stringers, locally infilling and crosscutting them. The pyrite ± chalcopyrite stringers define two principal orientations, E–W and N–S, and generally dip at moderate to steep angles.

Figure 3. Sample A: barite-sulphide vein collected at 1855 m.a.s.l from Har showing; and Sample B: intermediate-felsic dyke cut by hydrothermal and pyrite ± chalcopyrite rich stringers and breccia near Gord Davies West, collected at 1718 m.a.s.l.
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About Black Pearl

Black Pearl is a 973 ha block of four claims in the northern part of the Toodoggone belt. It lies north of Thesis Gold’s Lawyers-Ranch property, adjoins its Ranch and Ranch East porphyry targets, and is contiguous to the Porphyry Pearl project.

The Takla-Toodoggone contact crosses the claims as a faulted, west-northwest-trending break. A Black Lake suite hornblende syenite forms the western cliffs. Jurassic felsic to intermediate bodies cut Asitka limestone at Breccia-Claw. The 2025 airborne magnetic survey shows a west-northwest linear low along the faulted contact through the centre of the block, and a ring-shaped magnetic high anomaly in the south.

Known occurrences include the HAR vein corridor, the Gord Davies East and West showings, Breccia-Claw and BR057¹. Mineralization occupies several levels of an epithermal system. Gord Davies East carries vuggy quartz with sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite and pyrite. HAR carries massive sulphide seams and brecciated quartz-sulphide veins. Breccia-Claw is a garnet-diopside skarn where the intrusions meet the limestone.

The style and distribution of mineralization has been interpreted as skarn and epithermal phases developed outward from a porphyry copper-gold centre concealed at depth.

Figure 4. Black Pearl property amongst other Hi-View properties in the Toodoggone metallogenic district.
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Qualified Person’s Statement

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Nader Mostaghimi, M.Sc., P.Geo. (EGBC #53441), Vice President of Exploration for the Company and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

About Hi-View Resources Inc.

Hi-View Resources Inc. is a mineral exploration company listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange. The Company holds a 100% interest in more than 30,635 hectares in the Toodoggone region of northern British Columbia, with no further option payments outstanding on any property. The land package is prospective for gold, silver and copper. Borealis, Lawyers East and Black Pearl are the Company’s priority targets, each with existing anomalies. Additional properties include Golden Stranger, Saunders, Oxide Summit, Nub, Ursus, Garnet, Junkers and Harmon Peak. For more information, visit Hi-View’s website or review the Company’s filings on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

“R. Nick Horsley”
R. Nick Horsley, CEO

For further information, please contact:

Hi-View Resources Inc.
R. Nick Horsley – CEO
Email: info@hiviewresources.com
Telephone: (604) 343-4337
Website: www.hiviewgold.com

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS:

This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed “forward-looking statements”. All statements in this new release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words “expects”, “plans”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “intends”, “estimates”, “projects”, “potential” and similar expressions, or that events or conditions “will”, “would”, “may”, “could” or “should” occur.  Forward-looking statements in this news release includes statements related to the Incentive Program and the anticipated use of proceed therefrom. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company’s management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management’s beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

WE SEEK SAFE HARBOUR

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¹ BC MINFILE 094E 053, 198, 199 and 290. British Columbia Geological Survey, Provincial Mineral Inventory Database.

Vancouver, British Columbia, Oct. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NevGold Corp. (“NevGold” or the “Company”) (TSXV:NAU) (OTCQX:NAUFF) (Frankfurt:5E50) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Sean I. Waller., M.Sc. Eng., FCIM, to its Board of Directors, effective immediately. Mr. Waller adds key project development experience to the NevGold Board of Directors at a time when the Company is entering the Engineering Phase.

NevGold CEO, Brandon Bonifacio, comments: “We are pleased to welcome Sean to the NevGold Board at this critical juncture as we enter into the next phase of project development including the Engineering Phase. Sean’s expertise and track record will be critical as we continue to rapidly advance our efforts around our Western U.S., oxide, heap-leach projects including Limo Butte (gold-antimony) and Nutmeg Mountain (gold). Sean is a valuable addition of experience and skill in both project development and mineral processing, and he will be able to strategically guide the Company’s next phases of project development.”

Mr. Waller is a mineral processing engineer with over 40 years of international experience in executive management, project management, detailed technical and financial evaluations, design, construction and operation, permitting, government liaison, marketing and capital raising. He was a Professional Engineer registered in British Columbia for 38 years until retirement from the Association in 2025.

Mr. Waller has served as an executive, director and advisor to a number of mineral development companies including Alta Copper Corp., which was recently purchased by the Fortescue Group of Australia for C$140 million.

Mr. Waller has provided consulting engineering services to numerous mining projects globally as he was previously a Vice President of AMEC Mining and Metals (now Wood), and prior to that a Senior Mining Project Engineer with SNC Lavalin. With AMEC, Mr. Waller managed the definitive feasibility study for Nevsun’s very successful Bisha gold mine in Eritrea, and the Front-End Engineering design for Teck Resources’ large scale Petaquilla Copper project in Panama, which was subsequently constructed by First Quantum as the Cobre de Panama mine. Earlier in his career Mr. Waller was Chief Metallurgist on-site at Freeport McMoran’s world class Grasberg mine in Indonesia.

Mr. Waller is also a long-standing member of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (“CIM”), and was previously President of the CIM in 2015. In addition he was a member of the CIM Audit and Risk Committee from 2017 to 2021 and a Member of the Board of Trustees of the CIM Foundation from 2014 to 2018.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

“Signed”

Brandon Bonifacio, President & CEO

For further information, please contact Brandon Bonifacio at bbonifacio@nev-gold.com, call 604-337-4997, or visit our website at www.nev-gold.com.

About the Company
NevGold is dedicated to discovering, de-risking, and rapidly advancing gold and critical metals projects across premier jurisdictions in Nevada and Idaho to drive shareholder value and strengthen US mineral security. The Company holds a 100% interest in the Limousine Butte (gold-antimony) and Cedar Wash (gold) projects in Nevada, and the Nutmeg Mountain (gold) and Zeus (copper) projects in Idaho. For more information, please visit www.nev-gold.com.

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

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the Company’s current expectations and estimates. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as “plan”, “expect”, “project”, “intend”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “suggest”, “indicate” and other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions “may” or “will” occur. Forward looking statements in this news release include statements with respect to future project development. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results implied or expressed in such forward-looking statements, which include the dangers inherent in exploration, development and mining activities; the uncertainty of mineral resource estimates; not achieving an updated MRE, a PEA and other exploration goals or estimates; actual exploration or development plans and costs differing materially from the Company’s estimates; obtaining additional financing from time-to-time to continue operations; compliance with government regulation; stock market volatility that may adversely affect the price of the Company’s securities; and the ability to obtain and maintain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required for mining activities. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein.

New 100’s Format Serves the Significant Portion of Adult Smokers Who Prefer the Larger Form Factor — Approximately Half of the U.S. Cigarette Market

Company targets additional revenue opportunities with an expanded lineup

MOCKSVILLE, N.C., Oct. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — 22nd Century Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: XXII), today announced the expansion of the Pinnacle Pure tobacco and water cigarette lineup with the addition of 100’s size and Menthol (green) varieties, joining Yellow and Blue to total 6 SKU’s in the market. Pinnacle Pure is made with just two ingredients — tobacco and water — and launched in the second quarter of 2026 at major U.S. retailers.

22^nd Century’s newly launched Pinnacle tobacco-and-water cigarette brand has caught the eye of smoking consumers and is currently growing rapidly in our launch partner’s approximately 1,500 retail outlets. The recent addition of Pinnacle Pure expands the Pinnacle portfolio and further helps meet the demand of adult smokers seeking a better alternative to their standard brands.

“Consumer response to Pinnacle Pure has been exceptional,” said Larry Firestone, Chief Executive Officer of 22nd Century Group. “In only a few months since launch, initial sales volumes have shown impressive and quick traction within the segment — and with the expanded number of SKU’s, we now serve an even more significant portion of adult smokers who prefer the 100mm form factor, and Menthol (Green) extends the tobacco-and-water choice to one of the category’s most loyal taste segments. This breadth is exactly what opens new retail doors as we execute our distribution expansion plans.”

Pinnacle Pure 100’s and Pinnacle Pure Menthol (Green) are expected to begin shipping in December 2026.

About 22nd Century Group, Inc.

22nd Century Group is pioneering the Tobacco Harm Reduction and Nicotine Reduction Movements by enabling smokers to take control of their nicotine consumption.   

Our Technology is Tobacco

Our proprietary non-GMO reduced nicotine tobacco plants were developed using our patented technologies that regulate alkaloid biosynthesis activities resulting in a tobacco plant that contains 95% less nicotine than traditional tobacco plants. Our extensive patent portfolio has been developed to ensure that our high-quality tobacco can be grown commercially at scale. We continue to develop our intellectual property to ensure our ongoing leadership in the tobacco harm reduction movement.   

Our Products

We created our flagship product, the VLN^® cigarette using our low nicotine tobacco, to give traditional cigarette smokers an authentic and familiar alternative in the form of a combustible cigarette that helps them take control of their nicotine consumption. VLN^® cigarettes have 95% less nicotine compared to traditional cigarettes and have been proven to allow consumers to greatly reduce their nicotine consumption.   

VLN^® and Helps You Smoke Less^® are registered trademarks of 22nd Century Limited LLC.

Learn more at xxiicentury.com, on X (formerly Twitter), on LinkedIn, and on YouTube. 

Learn more about Pinnacle VLN and VLN^® at tryvln.com and Pinnaclevln.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Except for historical information, all of the statements, expectations, and assumptions contained in this press release are forward-looking statements, including but not limited to our full year business outlook. Forward-looking statements typically contain terms such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “consider,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “explore,” “foresee,” “goal,” “guidance,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “preliminary,” “probable,” “project,” “promising,” “seek,” “should,” “will,” “would,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding (i) our expectations regarding regulatory enforcement, including our ability to receive authorization or approval for new products, and (ii) our financial and operating performance. Actual results might differ materially from those explicit or implicit in forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are set forth in “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 26, 2026 and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed May 7, 2026 and August 14, 2026. All information provided in this release is as of the date hereof, and the Company assumes no obligation to and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.   

Investor Relations & Media Contact
Daniel Otto  
Chief Financial Officer & Investor Relations   
22nd Century Group   
investorrelations@xxiicentury.com