Tag: GlobeNewswire

Consolidation of Foss Cultivation and Pre-roll Production into Optimized Masson and Cayuga Facilities Expected to Generate Approximately US$10 Million in Annualized Cost Savings

Higher Cultivation Yields and Expected Reestablishment of EU-GMP Certification Strengthen Tilray’s Canadian Cannabis Platform and Position the Business for Continued Growth in Canada, International Markets, and Future U.S. Medical Cannabis Markets When Permissible

Tilray Raises Fiscal 2027 Adjusted EBITDA Guidance to $70 Million–$75 Million, Increasing the Lower End of the Range

NEW YORK and LONDON and LEAMINGTON, Ontario, Nov. 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tilray Brands, Inc. (“Tilray” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: TLRY; TSX: TLRY), a global lifestyle and consumer packaged goods company with leading positions across cannabis, beverage, hospitality and wellness, today announced plans to consolidate its Canadian cannabis operations, transitioning cultivation and pre-roll production from its Foss facility in Fenwick, Ontario to its Masson, Quebec and Cayuga, Ontario facilities. This strategic initiative is expected to generate approximately US$10 million in annualized cost savings by the end of fiscal 2028. The transition of cultivation to Masson, a state-of-the-art cannabis cultivation facility with higher yields and lower operating costs, is expected to further improve operating efficiency and increase profitability.

Irwin D. Simon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Tilray Brands, stated: “We have built one of the largest and most sophisticated cannabis operating platforms in Canada. Now, our focus is on unlocking its full value. These actions reflect our commitment to operating with greater efficiency, financial discipline and a clear focus on profitability. By leveraging the scale and infrastructure we have already established, we expect to lower our cost structure, expand margins and generate stronger cash flow, while maintaining the capacity and quality to serve the growing demand in Canada and international markets. We are making deliberate decisions to strengthen our competitive position, maximize returns on our investments and deliver sustainable long-term value for our shareholders.”

Blair MacNeil, President of Tilray Canada, stated: “We are taking decisive steps to build a more efficient, competitive and profitable Canadian cannabis business. Greater-than-expected yields at Masson, together with increased yields across the rest of our Canadian cultivation operations, give us greater flexibility to optimize production, reduce costs and invest behind the growth of our leading brands. This stronger operating platform positions us to respond to evolving consumer demand and capture growth opportunities in Canada and internationally where we expect to ship more than 8 metric tonnes of cannabis this fiscal year. The size of the Foss facility limited the number of strains we could efficiently manage. Transitioning cultivation to Masson gives us greater expected flexibility to expand our strain offerings and drive greater innovation across the Redecan portfolio.”

Mr. MacNeil continued, “Redecan remains an important part of our brand portfolio, and we are focused on driving its continued growth while maintaining the product quality and reliable supply that our consumers, retailers and provincial partners expect. We have also offered affected Foss employees opportunities at other Tilray facilities. This transition strengthens our business for the long term while supporting our brands, our customers and our people.”

Strengthening Tilray’s Canadian Cannabis Platform

Tilray continues to operate one of Canada’s largest and most advanced cannabis cultivation and manufacturing platforms, with increased yields across its Canadian operations driving greater asset utilization and operational efficiency while supporting domestic demand and international growth opportunities.

The Company’s extensive Canadian footprint spans 4.2 million square feet of cultivation capacity across its flagship Aphria One and Aphria Diamond facilities in Leamington, Ontario, outdoor cultivation operations in Cayuga, Ontario, its Masson facility in Quebec, and Broken Coast operations in British Columbia. Together, these facilities provide significant production scale, advanced cultivation capabilities and the flexibility to serve multiple markets.

Building on prior investments in cultivation capacity and infrastructure, Tilray will consolidate cultivation operations from Foss into Masson and pre-roll production into Cayuga. Through further optimization and greater than expected yields, Masson can increase annual cultivation capacity from approximately 32.5 to 50 metric tonnes, providing added flexibility to meet demand. Masson is expected to reestablish its prior EU-GMP certification in calendar 2027, expanding its ability to serve international medical cannabis markets. As regulatory frameworks evolve, the Masson facility’s increased capacity and capabilities also provide Tilray with the flexibility to serve potential future demand in the U.S. and other markets.

This consolidation is designed to eliminate redundant costs, improve capacity utilization and strengthen margins while preserving Tilray’s production capabilities, product quality and reliable supply. The initiative reinforces Tilray’s strategy of leveraging its established infrastructure to drive stronger financial performance and capitalize on opportunities across Canadian and international cannabis markets.

Pre-rolls represent approximately one-third of Tilray’s Canadian adult-use sales and grew 28% in fiscal 2026. Consolidating production at Cayuga will further leverage existing infrastructure, improve operating efficiencies and provide scalable capacity to support continued demand in this important category.

The transition will be implemented in phases to complete current cultivation and harvest cycles, with Foss operations expected to conclude by January 31, 2027. Tilray expects uninterrupted supply across its brand portfolio throughout the transition, including continued availability of Redecan products, while evaluating opportunities to maximize the value of the Foss asset.

Raising Fiscal 2027 Adjusted EBITDA Guidance

Tilray is raising the lower end of its fiscal 2027 Adjusted EBITDA guidance and now expects Adjusted EBITDA of $70 million to $75 million, compared to its previous guidance of $68 million to $75 million. The increased outlook reflects the Company’s continued focus on operational efficiency and profitability, including anticipated benefits from cost-reduction initiatives currently underway. The Company expects to achieve the full US$10 million annualized savings run rate from its Canadian cannabis consolidation initiative beginning in fiscal 2028.

About Tilray Brands

Tilray Brands, Inc. (“Tilray”) (Nasdaq: TLRY; TSX: TLRY), is a leading global lifestyle and consumer packaged goods company with operations in Canada, the United States, Europe, Australia and Latin America that is leading as a transformative force at the nexus of cannabis, beverage, wellness, and entertainment elevating lives through moments of connection. Tilray’s mission is to be a leading premium lifestyle company with a house of brands and innovative products that inspire joy and create memorable experiences. Tilray’s unprecedented platform supports over 40 brands in over 20 countries, including comprehensive cannabis offerings, hemp-based foods, and craft beverages.

For more information on how we are elevating lives through moments of connection, visit Tilray.com and follow @Tilray on all social platforms.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking information or forward-looking statements (together, “forward-looking statements”) under Canadian securities laws and 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, that are intended to be subject to the “safe harbor” created by those sections and other applicable laws. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “forecast,” “future,” “should,” “could,” “enable,” “potential,” “contemplate,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “plan,” “expect,” “intend,” “position,” “may,” “project,” “will,” “would” and the negative of these terms or similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Certain material factors, estimates, goals, projections, or assumptions were used in drawing the conclusions contained in the forward-looking statements throughout this communication.

Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our intentions, beliefs, projections, outlook, analyses or current expectations concerning, among other things: the Company’s plans to consolidate its Canadian cannabis operations, including the transfer of cultivation operations from Foss to Masson and pre-roll production from Foss to Cayuga; the expected operational and financial benefits of the consolidation, including the elimination of redundant costs, improved capacity utilization, production and supply chain efficiencies, a lower cost structure, margin improvement, stronger cash flow and approximately US$10 million in annualized cost savings by the end of fiscal 2028, with the full annualized savings run rate expected beginning in fiscal 2028; the Company’s ability to maintain product quality and reliable, uninterrupted supply across its brand portfolio during and after the transition, preserve sufficient production capacity and operational flexibility, respond to evolving consumer demand and capitalize on growth opportunities in Canadian and international cannabis markets; the Company’s revised fiscal 2027 financial guidance, including the increase in the lower end of its expected Adjusted EBITDA range to $70 million to $75 million, and the Company’s ability to achieve such guidance; and the Company’s ability to realize the anticipated benefits of cost-reduction initiatives currently underway.

Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievement to be materially different from any forward-looking statements, and other risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Company or that the Company deems immaterial could also cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements contained herein. For a more detailed discussion of these risks and other factors, see the most recently filed annual information form of the Company and the Annual Report on Form 10-K (and other periodic reports filed with the SEC) of the Company made with the SEC and available on EDGAR. The forward-looking statements included in this communication are made as of the date of this communication and the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise unless required by applicable securities laws.

For further information, please contact:

Media: news@tilray.com

Investors: investors@tilray.com

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Nov. 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Board of Directors of The Macerich Company (NYSE: MAC) declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.17 per share of common stock. The dividend is payable on December 28, 2026, to stockholders of record at the close of business on December 14, 2026.

About Macerich

Macerich (NYSE: MAC) is a fully integrated, self-managed, self-administered real estate investment trust (REIT). As a leading owner, operator, and developer of high-quality retail real estate in densely populated and attractive U.S. markets, Macerich’s portfolio is concentrated in California, the Pacific Northwest, Phoenix/Scottsdale, and the Metro New York to Washington, D.C. corridor. Developing and managing properties that serve as community cornerstones, Macerich currently owns approximately 39 million square feet of real estate, consisting primarily of interests in 37 retail centers.
 
Macerich uses, and intends to continue to use, its Investor Relations website, which can be found at investing.macerich.com, as a means of disclosing material nonpublic information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Additional information about Macerich can be found through social media platforms such as LinkedIn. Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures, including NOI and FFO, to the most directly comparable GAAP measures are included in the earnings release and supplemental filed on Form 8-K with the SEC, which are posted on the Investor Relations website at investing.macerich.com.

INVESTOR CONTACT: Investor Relations, IR@macerich.com

TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FLUENT Corp. (CSE: FNT.U) (OTCQB: CNTMF) (“FLUENT” or the “Company”), a vertically-integrated, multi-state cannabis company, announces that it has entered into a credit conversion agreement (the “Conversion Agreement”) with certain creditors (the “Lenders”) to its existing senior secured credit agreement, dated November 26, 2024, as amended on March 17, 2026 and April 17, 2026 by and among FLUENT, its Canadian and US subsidiaries, the lenders party thereto and Chicago Atlantic Financial Services, LLC, as successor administrative agent (the “Credit Agreement”). Pursuant to the terms of the Conversion Agreement, an aggregate of approximately US$5.7 million of outstanding indebtedness owing under the Credit Agreement will be settled through the issuance of 310,194,363 common shares in the capital of the Company (the “Common Shares”) to the Lenders, at a deemed price of US$0.0182 per Common Share (the “Debt Settlement”), representing 11.8% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a non-diluted basis immediately following the Debt Settlement. The issue price per Common Share is based upon the volume-weighted average trading price of the Common Shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the “CSE”) for the 20 consecutive trading days beginning on, and including, October 2, 2026.

The Debt Settlement is subject to the approval of the CSE. The Company intends to close the Debt Settlement immediately prior to the completion of the Company’s previously announced plan of arrangement with Vireo Growth Inc. (the “Arrangement”). All Common Shares to be issued pursuant to the Debt Settlement will be subject to a statutory hold period in accordance with applicable securities laws.

About FLUENT Corp.

FLUENT, a national cannabis consumer packaged goods company and retailer, is dedicated to being one of the highest quality cannabis companies for the communities it serves. This is driven by FLUENT’s unrelenting commitment to operational excellence in cultivation, production, distribution, and retail experience. FLUENT produces an assortment of cannabis products under a diverse portfolio of brands including MOODS, Knack, Wandr, Bag-O and Hyer Kind. FLUENT operates in Florida, New York, and Texas. 

Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, FLUENT employs approximately 550 employees across 6 cultivation and manufacturing facilities and 34 active retail locations.

The Common Shares trade on the CSE under the symbol “FNT.U” and on the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol “CNTMF”. For more information about the Company, please visit www.getFLUENT.com and investors.getFLUENT.com/.

Forward-Looking Information

Certain information in this news release may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws and may also contain statements that may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, but not necessarily in all cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “targets”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “an opportunity exists”, “is positioned”, “estimates”, “intends”, “assumes”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate” or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might”, “will” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved” or similar expressions and includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the Debt Settlement; the number of Common Shares issuable pursuant to the Debt Settlement; the occurrence and completion of the Company’s previously announced debt equitization with its Lenders, the receipt of approval from the CSE and the anticipated closing date of the Debt Settlement; the timing of the Arrangement, including the anticipated timing of the closing of the Arrangement; the satisfaction or waiver of the closing conditions set out in the arrangement agreement in respect of the Arrangement, including receipt of all regulatory approvals; and the expectation that the Common Shares will be delisted from the CSE and OTCQB Venture Market and that the Company will cease to be a reporting issuer under applicable Canadian securities laws. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections, or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts but instead represent the Company’s expectations, estimates, and projections regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company’s control.

Forward-looking information is necessarily based on many opinions, assumptions, and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company as of the date of this news release, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to the ability of the parties to receive, in a timely manner and on satisfactory terms, the necessary regulatory approvals; the ability of the parties to satisfy, in a timely manner, the other conditions to the completion of the Arrangement; and the factors described in the public documents of the Company available on its SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect the Company; however, these factors should be considered carefully. There can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct.

Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information except as otherwise required by applicable law.

The Company, through several of its subsidiaries, is directly involved in the manufacture, possession, use, sale, and distribution of cannabis in the adult-use and medical cannabis marketplace in the United States. Local state laws where the Company operates permit such activities; however, investors should note that there are significant legal restrictions and regulations that govern the cannabis industry under federal law in the United States. Cannabis remains a scheduled drug under the United States Controlled Substances Act and, subject to certain exceptions in relation to medical cannabis, illegal under federal law in the United States to, among other things, cultivate, distribute, or possess cannabis in the United States. Financial transactions involving proceeds generated by, or intended to promote, cannabis-related business activities in the United States may form the basis for prosecution under applicable United States federal money laundering legislation.

While the approach to enforcement of such laws by the federal government in the United States has trended toward nonenforcement against individuals and businesses that comply with adult-use and medical cannabis programs in states where such programs are legal, strict compliance with state laws with respect to cannabis will neither absolve the Company of liability under United States federal law, nor will it provide a defense to any federal proceeding which may be brought against the Company. The enforcement of federal laws in the United States is a significant risk to the business of the Company and any proceedings brought against the Company thereunder may adversely affect operations and financial performance.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements containing any forward-looking information, or the factors or assumptions underlying them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

For further information visit: https://getfluent.com/ and https://investors.getFLUENT.com/

Investor Relations Contact:
investors@getFLUENT.com

Media Contact:
press@getFLUENT.com

Officer Contact:
Matt Mundy, Chief Legal Officer
(850) 972-8077

Presentations at AHA to highlight Lexeo’s cardiovascular gene therapy pipeline, including preclinical programs in desmoplakin and TNNI3 cardiomyopathies

New LX2006 data to be presented at ICAR demonstrating cardiac and neurologic benefit up to 36 months, showing sustained or deepening improvement in mFARS outcomes over time

NEW YORK, Nov. 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lexeo Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: LXEO), a clinical stage company focused on reshaping the path of genetic diseases with high unmet need, today announced multiple presentations at the American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions 2026 and the International Congress for Ataxia Research (ICAR) 2026 both taking place in November.

“We are pleased to have multiple presentations at both AHA and ICAR, reflecting continued momentum across our cardiovascular and neurological genetic disease programs,” said Narinder Bhalla, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Lexeo Therapeutics. “We are particularly excited about the new mFARS data that will be presented at ICAR, which demonstrate durable neurologic benefit following LX2006 treatment and continued improvement over time. These findings build upon the encouraging cardiac benefits previously observed and further strengthen our belief that LX2006 has the potential to address the multisystem manifestations of Friedreich ataxia.”

LX2006 Clinical Data Update

New phase I/II interim clinical data continue to show sustained or deepening improvements across cardiac and neurologic measures of FA, including statistically significant improvement in mean mFARS scores for LX2006-treated participants compared to a propensity-matched control cohort from the UNIFAI natural history study.

• Among all participants with 24 months of follow-up (n=11), treatment with LX2006 resulted in a mean improvement of 2.13 points per year, or 4.26 points over two years, on the mFARS scale compared to propensity-matched control.
• Among a subset of participants with 36 months of follow-up (n=7), treatment with LX2006 resulted in further improvement, with a mean change of over 4 points relative to baseline
• Both neurologic and cardiac measures, including mFARS, left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and troponin, demonstrate durable benefit and continued improvement over time.

AHA Scientific Sessions 2026, November 6-9 in Chicago, Illinois

Abstract Title: LX2021, an AAV-Based Gene Therapy Improves Cardiomyopathy Phenotype and Lifespan in a Severe Desmoplakin Cardiomyopathy Mouse Model
Session Title: Late-breaking Basic Science: Frontiers in Cardiac Disease Mechanisms and Therapeutic Innovation
Format: Oral Presentation (27427)
Presenter: Jing Zhang, PhD
Date/Time: Saturday, November 7; 3:15 – 4:30 PM (session start/end); 3:30 – 3:45 PM CT (presentation start/end)
Location: S102D

Abstract Title: Mechanistic Insights and Gene Therapy Rescue in a Porcine Model of TNNI3 Cardiomyopathy​
Session Title: Melvin L. Marcus Early Career Investigator Award in Cardiovascular Sciences Competition
Format: Oral Presentation (6873)
Presenter: Elizabeth Silver, MD
Date/Time: Saturday, November 7; 3:15 – 4:30 PM (session start/end); 4:00 – 4:15 PM CT (presentation start/end)
Location: S102BC

The full abstracts can be found on the AHA website.

ICAR 2026, November 10-13 in Atlanta, Georgia 

Abstract Title: Safety and Preliminary Efficacy of AAVrh.10hFXN (LX2006) Gene Therapy in Friedreich Ataxia Cardiomyopathy
Session Title: Emerging and Existing Therapeutics
Format: Oral Presentation (EC9)
Presenter: Theresa Zesiewicz, MD, FAAN
Date/Time: Wednesday, November 11; 2:30 – 4:00 PM (session start/end); 3:06 – 3:24 PM (presentation start/end)
Location: Grand Ballroom

Abstract Title: Intravenous AAVrh.10hFXN (LX2006) Gene Therapy in Friedreich Ataxia: An Externally Controlled Open Label Study of Neurological Progression
Format: Poster Presentation (EC8)
Presenter: Christian Rummey, PhD
Date/Time: Wednesday, November 11; 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Location: Poster and Exhibitor Hall (D) – Cobb Convention Center

Abstract Title: Route of Administration and Systemic Immunity Differentially Influence Cerebellar Transduction by AAVrh.10hFXN
Format: Poster Presentation (EP26)
Presenter: Dolan Sondhi, PhD
Date/Time: Wednesday, November 11; 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Location: Poster and Exhibitor Hall (D) – Cobb Convention Center

Abstract Title: Amplifying the Patient Voice: Impact of a Friedreich Ataxia Cardiac Advisory Council in Its First Year
Format: Poster Presentation (C115)
Presenters: Joslyn Crowe & Hayden Howard
Date/Time: Thursday, November 12; 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Location: Poster and Exhibitor Hall (D) – Cobb Convention Center

The full abstracts can be found on the ICAR website.

About Lexeo Therapeutics
Lexeo Therapeutics is a New York City-based, clinical stage company dedicated to reshaping the path of genetic disease. By advancing pioneering science, Lexeo seeks to set a new standard in the treatment of cardiovascular and neurological genetic diseases, charting the path to patient outcomes once thought out of reach. The Company is advancing a portfolio of therapeutic candidates designed to address the underlying genetic causes of disease, including LX2006 for Friedreich ataxia (FA), LX2020 for plakophilin-2 (PKP2) arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, and others in devastating diseases with high unmet need.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including, but not limited to, Lexeo’s expectations and plans regarding its current product candidates and programs. Words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “objective,” “intend,” “should,” “could,” “can,” “would,” “expect,” “believe,” “design,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “develop,” “plan” or the negative of these terms, and similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. While Lexeo believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon current information available to the company as well as certain estimates and assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties (including, without limitation, those set forth in Lexeo’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)), many of which are beyond the company’s control and subject to change. Actual results could be materially different from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including but not limited to: risks and uncertainties related to global macroeconomic conditions and related volatility; expectations regarding the initiation, progress, and expected results of Lexeo’s preclinical studies, clinical trials and research and development programs; the unpredictable relationship between preclinical study results and clinical study results; delays in submission of regulatory filings or failure to receive regulatory approval; liquidity and capital resources; and other risks and uncertainties identified in Lexeo’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2026, filed with the SEC on August 12, 2026 and subsequent future filings Lexeo may make with the SEC. New risks and uncertainties may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all risks and uncertainties. Lexeo claims the protection of the Safe Harbor contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for forward-looking statements. Lexeo expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter any statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Media Response:
Media@lexeotx.com

Investor Response:
Ashley Kaplowitz
akaplowitz@lexeotx.com

TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FLUENT Corp. (CSE: FNT.U) (OTCQB: CNTMF) (“FLUENT” or the “Company”), a vertically-integrated, multi-state cannabis company, announces that it has entered into a credit conversion agreement (the “Conversion Agreement”) with certain creditors (the “Lenders”) to its existing senior secured credit agreement, dated November 26, 2024, as amended on March 17, 2026 and April 17, 2026 by and among FLUENT, its Canadian and US subsidiaries, the lenders party thereto and Chicago Atlantic Financial Services, LLC, as successor administrative agent (the “Credit Agreement”). Pursuant to the terms of the Conversion Agreement, an aggregate of approximately US$5.7 million of outstanding indebtedness owing under the Credit Agreement will be settled through the issuance of 310,194,363 common shares in the capital of the Company (the “Common Shares”) to the Lenders, at a deemed price of US$0.0182 per Common Share (the “Debt Settlement”), representing 11.8% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a non-diluted basis immediately following the Debt Settlement. The issue price per Common Share is based upon the volume-weighted average trading price of the Common Shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the “CSE”) for the 20 consecutive trading days beginning on, and including, October 2, 2026.

The Debt Settlement is subject to the approval of the CSE. The Company intends to close the Debt Settlement immediately prior to the completion of the Company’s previously announced plan of arrangement with Vireo Growth Inc. (the “Arrangement”). All Common Shares to be issued pursuant to the Debt Settlement will be subject to a statutory hold period in accordance with applicable securities laws.

About FLUENT Corp.

FLUENT, a national cannabis consumer packaged goods company and retailer, is dedicated to being one of the highest quality cannabis companies for the communities it serves. This is driven by FLUENT’s unrelenting commitment to operational excellence in cultivation, production, distribution, and retail experience. FLUENT produces an assortment of cannabis products under a diverse portfolio of brands including MOODS, Knack, Wandr, Bag-O and Hyer Kind. FLUENT operates in Florida, New York, and Texas. 

Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, FLUENT employs approximately 550 employees across 6 cultivation and manufacturing facilities and 34 active retail locations.

The Common Shares trade on the CSE under the symbol “FNT.U” and on the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol “CNTMF”. For more information about the Company, please visit www.getFLUENT.com and investors.getFLUENT.com/.

Forward-Looking Information

Certain information in this news release may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws and may also contain statements that may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, but not necessarily in all cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “targets”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “an opportunity exists”, “is positioned”, “estimates”, “intends”, “assumes”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate” or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might”, “will” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved” or similar expressions and includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the Debt Settlement; the number of Common Shares issuable pursuant to the Debt Settlement; the occurrence and completion of the Company’s previously announced debt equitization with its Lenders, the receipt of approval from the CSE and the anticipated closing date of the Debt Settlement; the timing of the Arrangement, including the anticipated timing of the closing of the Arrangement; the satisfaction or waiver of the closing conditions set out in the arrangement agreement in respect of the Arrangement, including receipt of all regulatory approvals; and the expectation that the Common Shares will be delisted from the CSE and OTCQB Venture Market and that the Company will cease to be a reporting issuer under applicable Canadian securities laws. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections, or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts but instead represent the Company’s expectations, estimates, and projections regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company’s control.

Forward-looking information is necessarily based on many opinions, assumptions, and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company as of the date of this news release, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to the ability of the parties to receive, in a timely manner and on satisfactory terms, the necessary regulatory approvals; the ability of the parties to satisfy, in a timely manner, the other conditions to the completion of the Arrangement; and the factors described in the public documents of the Company available on its SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect the Company; however, these factors should be considered carefully. There can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct.

Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information except as otherwise required by applicable law.

The Company, through several of its subsidiaries, is directly involved in the manufacture, possession, use, sale, and distribution of cannabis in the adult-use and medical cannabis marketplace in the United States. Local state laws where the Company operates permit such activities; however, investors should note that there are significant legal restrictions and regulations that govern the cannabis industry under federal law in the United States. Cannabis remains a scheduled drug under the United States Controlled Substances Act and, subject to certain exceptions in relation to medical cannabis, illegal under federal law in the United States to, among other things, cultivate, distribute, or possess cannabis in the United States. Financial transactions involving proceeds generated by, or intended to promote, cannabis-related business activities in the United States may form the basis for prosecution under applicable United States federal money laundering legislation.

While the approach to enforcement of such laws by the federal government in the United States has trended toward nonenforcement against individuals and businesses that comply with adult-use and medical cannabis programs in states where such programs are legal, strict compliance with state laws with respect to cannabis will neither absolve the Company of liability under United States federal law, nor will it provide a defense to any federal proceeding which may be brought against the Company. The enforcement of federal laws in the United States is a significant risk to the business of the Company and any proceedings brought against the Company thereunder may adversely affect operations and financial performance.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements containing any forward-looking information, or the factors or assumptions underlying them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

For further information visit: https://getfluent.com/ and https://investors.getFLUENT.com/

Investor Relations Contact:
investors@getFLUENT.com

Media Contact:
press@getFLUENT.com

Officer Contact:
Matt Mundy, Chief Legal Officer
(850) 972-8077

Thirty-year finance veteran succeeds Thomas Mika; POET to begin quarterly earnings conference calls with fourth-quarter 2026 results

TORONTO, Nov. 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — POET Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: POET) today appointed Giovanni M. Pacelli as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective November 2, 2026. He succeeds Thomas Mika, who has served as CFO for the past ten years. Pacelli comes to POET from Silicon Labs (NASDAQ: SLAB), where he was Senior Director of Finance, and brings three decades of financial leadership at public and private companies, including global chipmakers Freescale Semiconductor and NXP.

POET Technologies Inc. (“POET” or the “Company”) offers high-speed optical engines, light source products and optical modules to the artificial intelligence (AI) systems market and to hyperscale data centers. As Senior Vice President and CFO, Pacelli will oversee the Company’s financial operations and strategy, working with the executive leadership team and the Board of Directors on business performance, capital allocation and long-term value creation. Mika will remain with the Company through December 2, 2026 to support the transition.

At Silicon Labs, Pacelli spent more than eight years in financial analysis, strategic planning and investor relations. He led the planning for the company’s last two Analyst Day events, managed and expanded the company’s sell-side coverage, and represented Silicon Labs at major investor conferences, including the Wells Fargo TMT Summit and the UBS Global Technology and AI Conference. Earlier, at Freescale and NXP, he supported finance workstreams on major transactions, including the Freescale–NXP merger.

Pacelli is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in Texas and holds a Master in Professional Accounting and a BBA in Business Honors and Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin.

“Over the past decade, Tom has worked closely with me to transform POET from a small company operating on a lean budget into a well-funded commercial enterprise that has raised more than $800 million in capital. His leadership and accomplishments have helped position us for the next phase of growth,” said Dr. Suresh Venkatesan, POET’s Chairman and CEO. “Giovanni brings the semiconductor industry depth, public-company capital markets experience and operating discipline we need as we move into volume production. He has run the earnings process and led investor engagement at a larger public semiconductor company, and he will play a central role as we broaden our engagement with the investment community.”

“I am excited to join POET at this important stage,” Pacelli said. “The POET Optical Interposer™ platform addresses some of the most pressing bandwidth and power challenges in AI infrastructure. My focus will be on disciplined financial execution and clear, consistent communication with our shareholders as we scale.”

POET will report its third-quarter 2026 financial results on Monday, November 16, 2026. Beginning with its fourth-quarter and full-year 2026 results, the Company intends to host an earnings conference call each quarter, with Pacelli participating alongside members of the executive leadership team.

RSU Grant

In connection with his appointment as Chief Financial Officer, Pacelli was awarded a total of 384,615 restricted share units (“RSUs”) that will vest at the rate of one-third of the total on the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant. The RSUs were granted subject to the provisions of the Company’s 2025 Omnibus Incentive Plan and related agreements between Pacelli and the Company.

About POET Technologies Inc.

POET is a design and development company offering high-speed optical engines, light source products and custom optical modules to the artificial intelligence systems market and to hyperscale data centers. POET’s photonic integration solutions are based on the POET Optical Interposer™, a novel, patented platform that allows the seamless integration of electronic and photonic devices into a single chip using advanced wafer-level semiconductor manufacturing techniques. POET’s Optical Interposer-based products are lower cost, consume less power than comparable products, are smaller in size and are readily scalable to high production volumes. In addition to providing high-speed (800G, 1.6T and above) optical engines and optical modules for AI clusters and hyperscale data centers, POET has designed and produced novel light source products for chip-to-chip data communication within and between AI servers, the next frontier for solving bandwidth and latency problems in AI systems. POET’s Optical Interposer platform also solves device integration challenges across a broad range of communication, computing and sensing applications. POET is headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with operations in Singapore, Penang, Malaysia and Shenzhen, China. More information about POET is available on its website at www.poet-technologies.com.

Media Relations Contact: Adrian Brijbassi Adrian.brijbassi@poet.tech

Company Contact: Giovanni Pacelli, CFO gmp@poet.tech

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking information” (within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws) and “forward-looking statements” (within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Such statements or information are identified with words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “potential”, “estimate”, “propose”, “project”, “outlook”, “foresee” or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding any potential outcome. Such statements include, without limitation, the timing of the release of the Company’s third quarter 2026 financial results, the Company’s intention to host quarterly earnings conference calls beginning with its fourth-quarter and full-year 2026 results, the expected timing of the Company’s CFO transition, the Company’s expectations with respect to its ability to advance customer and prospective customer relationships, its intention to ramp production, its deployment of capital, its ability to secure supply chain partnerships, its ability to increase sales and recruit new staff, and the Company’s ability overall to advance its business objectives. Such forward-looking information or statements are based on a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions which may cause actual results or other expectations to differ materially from those anticipated and which may prove to be incorrect. Actual results could differ materially due to a number of factors, including, without limitation, potential changes in the Company’s capital needs, changes in the technological or macroeconomic environment that result in demand for the Company’s products being less than expected, changes in production requirements, inability to source and install capital equipment, inability to find and recruit new staff or to qualify and deliver its products on time, and risks that the Company will not be able to identify or consummate suitable acquisitions and/or partnerships and risks relating to the integration and success of any acquisitions and/or partnerships that are consummated.

For further information concerning these and other risks and uncertainties, refer to the Company’s filings on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov. Prospective investors in the Company’s securities should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because the Company can provide no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information and statements contained in this news release are as of the date of this news release and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking information and statements except as required by applicable securities laws.

120 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 1107, Toronto, ON M4P 1E2 – Tel: 416-368-9411 – Fax: 416-322-5075

Thirty-year finance veteran succeeds Thomas Mika; POET to begin quarterly earnings conference calls with fourth-quarter 2026 results

TORONTO, Nov. 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — POET Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: POET) today appointed Giovanni M. Pacelli as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective November 2, 2026. He succeeds Thomas Mika, who has served as CFO for the past ten years. Pacelli comes to POET from Silicon Labs (NASDAQ: SLAB), where he was Senior Director of Finance, and brings three decades of financial leadership at public and private companies, including global chipmakers Freescale Semiconductor and NXP.

POET Technologies Inc. (“POET” or the “Company”) offers high-speed optical engines, light source products and optical modules to the artificial intelligence (AI) systems market and to hyperscale data centers. As Senior Vice President and CFO, Pacelli will oversee the Company’s financial operations and strategy, working with the executive leadership team and the Board of Directors on business performance, capital allocation and long-term value creation. Mika will remain with the Company through December 2, 2026 to support the transition.

At Silicon Labs, Pacelli spent more than eight years in financial analysis, strategic planning and investor relations. He led the planning for the company’s last two Analyst Day events, managed and expanded the company’s sell-side coverage, and represented Silicon Labs at major investor conferences, including the Wells Fargo TMT Summit and the UBS Global Technology and AI Conference. Earlier, at Freescale and NXP, he supported finance workstreams on major transactions, including the Freescale–NXP merger.

Pacelli is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in Texas and holds a Master in Professional Accounting and a BBA in Business Honors and Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin.

“Over the past decade, Tom has worked closely with me to transform POET from a small company operating on a lean budget into a well-funded commercial enterprise that has raised more than $800 million in capital. His leadership and accomplishments have helped position us for the next phase of growth,” said Dr. Suresh Venkatesan, POET’s Chairman and CEO. “Giovanni brings the semiconductor industry depth, public-company capital markets experience and operating discipline we need as we move into volume production. He has run the earnings process and led investor engagement at a larger public semiconductor company, and he will play a central role as we broaden our engagement with the investment community.”

“I am excited to join POET at this important stage,” Pacelli said. “The POET Optical Interposer™ platform addresses some of the most pressing bandwidth and power challenges in AI infrastructure. My focus will be on disciplined financial execution and clear, consistent communication with our shareholders as we scale.”

POET will report its third-quarter 2026 financial results on Monday, November 16, 2026. Beginning with its fourth-quarter and full-year 2026 results, the Company intends to host an earnings conference call each quarter, with Pacelli participating alongside members of the executive leadership team.

RSU Grant

In connection with his appointment as Chief Financial Officer, Pacelli was awarded a total of 384,615 restricted share units (“RSUs”) that will vest at the rate of one-third of the total on the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant. The RSUs were granted subject to the provisions of the Company’s 2025 Omnibus Incentive Plan and related agreements between Pacelli and the Company.

About POET Technologies Inc.

POET is a design and development company offering high-speed optical engines, light source products and custom optical modules to the artificial intelligence systems market and to hyperscale data centers. POET’s photonic integration solutions are based on the POET Optical Interposer™, a novel, patented platform that allows the seamless integration of electronic and photonic devices into a single chip using advanced wafer-level semiconductor manufacturing techniques. POET’s Optical Interposer-based products are lower cost, consume less power than comparable products, are smaller in size and are readily scalable to high production volumes. In addition to providing high-speed (800G, 1.6T and above) optical engines and optical modules for AI clusters and hyperscale data centers, POET has designed and produced novel light source products for chip-to-chip data communication within and between AI servers, the next frontier for solving bandwidth and latency problems in AI systems. POET’s Optical Interposer platform also solves device integration challenges across a broad range of communication, computing and sensing applications. POET is headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with operations in Singapore, Penang, Malaysia and Shenzhen, China. More information about POET is available on its website at www.poet-technologies.com.

Media Relations Contact: Adrian Brijbassi Adrian.brijbassi@poet.tech

Company Contact: Giovanni Pacelli, CFO gmp@poet.tech

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking information” (within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws) and “forward-looking statements” (within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Such statements or information are identified with words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “potential”, “estimate”, “propose”, “project”, “outlook”, “foresee” or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding any potential outcome. Such statements include, without limitation, the timing of the release of the Company’s third quarter 2026 financial results, the Company’s intention to host quarterly earnings conference calls beginning with its fourth-quarter and full-year 2026 results, the expected timing of the Company’s CFO transition, the Company’s expectations with respect to its ability to advance customer and prospective customer relationships, its intention to ramp production, its deployment of capital, its ability to secure supply chain partnerships, its ability to increase sales and recruit new staff, and the Company’s ability overall to advance its business objectives. Such forward-looking information or statements are based on a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions which may cause actual results or other expectations to differ materially from those anticipated and which may prove to be incorrect. Actual results could differ materially due to a number of factors, including, without limitation, potential changes in the Company’s capital needs, changes in the technological or macroeconomic environment that result in demand for the Company’s products being less than expected, changes in production requirements, inability to source and install capital equipment, inability to find and recruit new staff or to qualify and deliver its products on time, and risks that the Company will not be able to identify or consummate suitable acquisitions and/or partnerships and risks relating to the integration and success of any acquisitions and/or partnerships that are consummated.

For further information concerning these and other risks and uncertainties, refer to the Company’s filings on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov. Prospective investors in the Company’s securities should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because the Company can provide no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information and statements contained in this news release are as of the date of this news release and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking information and statements except as required by applicable securities laws.

120 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 1107, Toronto, ON M4P 1E2 – Tel: 416-368-9411 – Fax: 416-322-5075

• Rocket Doctor Inc. officially launches its digital health platform and marketplace into Florida, expanding access to care across urban, rural, and underserved communities.
• The expansion builds upon the approximate 24 million covered lives who already have in-network access to Board Certified Physicians using Rocket Doctor’s platform across California, New York, and Maryland.
• More than a dozen Florida-licensed physicians are already onboarded to Rocket Doctor.

Vancouver, BC, Nov. 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rocket Doctor AI Inc. (CSE: AIDR, OTC: AIRDF, Frankfurt: 939) (“Rocket Doctor AI” or the “Company”), a physician-built, AI-powered healthcare technology company focused on empowering doctors and expanding access to high-quality care, is pleased to announce the official launch of Rocket Doctor Inc.’s digital health platform and marketplace in the State of Florida.

Building on the foundations of exponential growth in patient volume and in-network contracts across our first three U.S. states (California, New York and Maryland), Rocket Doctor is excited to announce that its digital health platform and marketplace is officially live in Florida, the third largest state in the country.

Florida represents an incredibly dynamic healthcare market with substantial demand for accessible primary and urgent care, including approximately 9 million Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. The Company is deeply committed to building out and strengthening the digital healthcare infrastructure across the state, with an initial cohort of more than a dozen Florida-licensed physicians already onboarded and ready to care for patients on day one.

This strategic launch marks a major milestone in Rocket Doctor’s further expansion across the United States. Across its active U.S. markets, Rocket Doctor’s platform enables access to high-quality healthcare for over 24 million insured patients and plan members.

To tie in with this milestone announcement, Rocket Doctor Inc. will be on-site in Miami on November 8th supporting the No. 51 car at the NASCAR Straight Talk Wireless 400 Homestead-Miami Speedway race, where team members will engage directly with attendees to share more about the Company, how it differentiates itself for both physicians and patients, and the services provided.

The expansion allows licensed board-certified physicians in Florida to leverage Rocket Doctor’s proprietary digital health software, comprehensive billing infrastructure, and clinical workflow tools. The platform enables physicians to launch and manage independent virtual or hybrid care practices, improving administrative efficiency while restoring professional autonomy.

“We are thrilled to officially expand Rocket Doctor into Florida as we continue scaling our footprint across the United States,” said Dr. William Cherniak, Founder and CEO of Rocket Doctor Inc. “Florida represents an incredible opportunity to expand access to care for the millions of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries who need fast, convenient and high-quality primary and urgent care. Building on the foundation we have established across our existing payer partnerships Coast to Coast, we are eager to empower Florida physicians to be able to serve millions of patients across urban, rural, and underserved communities statewide.”

About Rocket Doctor AI Inc.

Rocket Doctor AI Inc. delivers physician-built, AI-powered solutions designed to make high-quality healthcare accessible throughout the entire patient journey. A cornerstone of the company’s proprietary technology is the Global Library of Medicine (GLM), a clinically validated decision support system developed with input from hundreds of physicians worldwide.

Alongside the GLM is Rocket Doctor Inc. and its AI-powered digital health platform and marketplace. Having helped empower over 350 MDs to provide care across more than 800,000 patient visits, our proprietary technology software and systems enable doctors to independently launch and manage their own virtual or hybrid in-person practices, improving efficiency, restoring autonomy to MDs, and expanding patient access to care.

By reducing administrative burdens and ensuring greater consistency in care, our technology creates more time for meaningful physician-patient interactions. We are committed to reaching underserved, rural, and remote communities in Canada who often lack access to family doctors and supporting patients on Medicaid and Medicare in the United States. With advanced AI, large language models, and connected medical devices, Rocket Doctor AI is redefining modern healthcare, making it more scalable, equitable, and patient-centered.

To learn more about Rocket Doctor AI Inc.’s products and services, visit www.rocketdoctor.ai or email info@rocketdoctor.ai.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Dr. Essam Hamza, CEO, Rocket Doctor AI
Email: essam.hamza@rocketdoctor.ai

Dr. William Cherniak, CEO, Rocket Doctor Inc.
Email: bill@rocketdoctor.io

For media inquiries, contact:
Email: media@rocketdoctor.ai

Call: +1 (778) 819 8321

Cautionary Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the future operations of the Company and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as “will”, “may”, “should”, “anticipate”, “expects” and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s continued expansion into and within Florida, the onboarding of additional Florida-licensed physicians, future growth in patient volumes, geographic expansion into additional U.S. states, platform capabilities, the Company’s planned participation in the NASCAR Straight Talk Wireless 400 event in Miami, and future plans and objectives of Rocket Doctor AI Inc.the Company, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Rocket Doctor AI Inc.’s the Company’s expectations include other risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by Rocket Doctor AI Inc. the Company with securities regulators.

The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and Rocket Doctor AI Inc. the Company will only update or revise publicly the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by Canadian securities law.

• Rocket Doctor Inc. officially launches its digital health platform and marketplace into Florida, expanding access to care across urban, rural, and underserved communities.
• The expansion builds upon the approximate 24 million covered lives who already have in-network access to Board Certified Physicians using Rocket Doctor’s platform across California, New York, and Maryland.
• More than a dozen Florida-licensed physicians are already onboarded to Rocket Doctor.

Vancouver, BC, Nov. 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rocket Doctor AI Inc. (CSE: AIDR, OTC: AIRDF, Frankfurt: 939) (“Rocket Doctor AI” or the “Company”), a physician-built, AI-powered healthcare technology company focused on empowering doctors and expanding access to high-quality care, is pleased to announce the official launch of Rocket Doctor Inc.’s digital health platform and marketplace in the State of Florida.

Building on the foundations of exponential growth in patient volume and in-network contracts across our first three U.S. states (California, New York and Maryland), Rocket Doctor is excited to announce that its digital health platform and marketplace is officially live in Florida, the third largest state in the country.

Florida represents an incredibly dynamic healthcare market with substantial demand for accessible primary and urgent care, including approximately 9 million Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. The Company is deeply committed to building out and strengthening the digital healthcare infrastructure across the state, with an initial cohort of more than a dozen Florida-licensed physicians already onboarded and ready to care for patients on day one.

This strategic launch marks a major milestone in Rocket Doctor’s further expansion across the United States. Across its active U.S. markets, Rocket Doctor’s platform enables access to high-quality healthcare for over 24 million insured patients and plan members.

To tie in with this milestone announcement, Rocket Doctor Inc. will be on-site in Miami on November 8th supporting the No. 51 car at the NASCAR Straight Talk Wireless 400 Homestead-Miami Speedway race, where team members will engage directly with attendees to share more about the Company, how it differentiates itself for both physicians and patients, and the services provided.

The expansion allows licensed board-certified physicians in Florida to leverage Rocket Doctor’s proprietary digital health software, comprehensive billing infrastructure, and clinical workflow tools. The platform enables physicians to launch and manage independent virtual or hybrid care practices, improving administrative efficiency while restoring professional autonomy.

“We are thrilled to officially expand Rocket Doctor into Florida as we continue scaling our footprint across the United States,” said Dr. William Cherniak, Founder and CEO of Rocket Doctor Inc. “Florida represents an incredible opportunity to expand access to care for the millions of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries who need fast, convenient and high-quality primary and urgent care. Building on the foundation we have established across our existing payer partnerships Coast to Coast, we are eager to empower Florida physicians to be able to serve millions of patients across urban, rural, and underserved communities statewide.”

About Rocket Doctor AI Inc.

Rocket Doctor AI Inc. delivers physician-built, AI-powered solutions designed to make high-quality healthcare accessible throughout the entire patient journey. A cornerstone of the company’s proprietary technology is the Global Library of Medicine (GLM), a clinically validated decision support system developed with input from hundreds of physicians worldwide.

Alongside the GLM is Rocket Doctor Inc. and its AI-powered digital health platform and marketplace. Having helped empower over 350 MDs to provide care across more than 800,000 patient visits, our proprietary technology software and systems enable doctors to independently launch and manage their own virtual or hybrid in-person practices, improving efficiency, restoring autonomy to MDs, and expanding patient access to care.

By reducing administrative burdens and ensuring greater consistency in care, our technology creates more time for meaningful physician-patient interactions. We are committed to reaching underserved, rural, and remote communities in Canada who often lack access to family doctors and supporting patients on Medicaid and Medicare in the United States. With advanced AI, large language models, and connected medical devices, Rocket Doctor AI is redefining modern healthcare, making it more scalable, equitable, and patient-centered.

To learn more about Rocket Doctor AI Inc.’s products and services, visit www.rocketdoctor.ai or email info@rocketdoctor.ai.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Dr. Essam Hamza, CEO, Rocket Doctor AI
Email: essam.hamza@rocketdoctor.ai

Dr. William Cherniak, CEO, Rocket Doctor Inc.
Email: bill@rocketdoctor.io

For media inquiries, contact:
Email: media@rocketdoctor.ai

Call: +1 (778) 819 8321

Cautionary Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the future operations of the Company and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as “will”, “may”, “should”, “anticipate”, “expects” and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s continued expansion into and within Florida, the onboarding of additional Florida-licensed physicians, future growth in patient volumes, geographic expansion into additional U.S. states, platform capabilities, the Company’s planned participation in the NASCAR Straight Talk Wireless 400 event in Miami, and future plans and objectives of Rocket Doctor AI Inc.the Company, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Rocket Doctor AI Inc.’s the Company’s expectations include other risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by Rocket Doctor AI Inc. the Company with securities regulators.

The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and Rocket Doctor AI Inc. the Company will only update or revise publicly the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by Canadian securities law.

Former NYPD Deputy Commissioner Edward Delatorre Jr. brings 46 years of law enforcement leadership and proven experience turning lifesaving interventions into department-wide operational capabilities

MIAMI, Nov. 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Wrap Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: WRAP) (“WRAP” or the “Company”), a provider of non-lethal response technologies and public safety solutions, today announced the appointment of former New York City Police Department Deputy Commissioner Edward Delatorre Jr. to its Board of Directors, effective October 20, 2026.

Delatorre brings more than four decades of law enforcement leadership and a particularly relevant achievement: helping introduce Narcan into NYPD patrol operations, demonstrating how a lifesaving intervention could move from a local pilot to citywide adoption.

Now, WRAP is looking to apply lessons from that experience to a new challenge: operationalizing de-escalation.

From Emergency Medical Intervention to Proactive De-Escalation

While commanding NYPD Patrol Borough Staten Island, Delatorre worked alongside community organizations, elected officials, and public safety stakeholders to develop and launch a program training and equipping police officers with Narcan, a medication capable of reversing opioid overdoses.

The initiative was subsequently adopted citywide, helping establish Narcan as an additional emergency response capability for NYPD officers.

The significance extended beyond the medication itself. Its implementation required agency leadership, standardized training, operational policy, and institutional acceptance.

“Under my command, Ed Delatorre demonstrated the kind of leadership it takes to turn a promising idea into meaningful, lasting change. He helped take the NYPD’s Narcan program from a local pilot to citywide implementation, and I later sent him to the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) to help other departments adopt similar programs. What began locally became a model shared nationally and internationally, reflecting Ed’s ability to bring people together, turn ideas into practice, and share lessons that could benefit communities far beyond New York,” said William J. Bratton, Former NYPD Police Commissioner.

WRAP sees an important parallel in its mission to make non-lethal response technologies, including BolaWrap®, practical and sustainable capabilities for law enforcement agencies.

Just as Narcan expanded what officers could do when encountering a life-threatening medical emergency, BolaWrap is designed to provide officers with an additional intervention option during certain encounters, potentially reducing the need for more injurious force.

The common principle is early intervention: equipping officers with additional tools, training, and clearly defined procedures to protect lives before emergencies escalate.

Operationalizing De-Escalation: Beyond the Device

WRAP’s strategy extends beyond equipment sales to an integrated approach combining non-lethal technology, constitutional policing principles, agency policy, instructor development, digital learning, and operational readiness.

Delatorre’s experience provides a valuable perspective on how agencies evaluate, introduce, train on, and ultimately institutionalize new response capabilities.

“With the launch of our operationalized de-escalation program, WRAP is finally in a position to support major cities with an integrated approach that brings together policy, training, and non-lethal technology,” said Scot Cohen, Chief Executive Officer of WRAP. “Ed understands what it takes to put new capabilities into practice at scale. His experience will be invaluable as we help departments give officers more options to resolve difficult encounters while protecting the people on both sides of the badge.”

A Career Built on Turning Innovation into Operational Practice

During his 46-year NYPD career, Delatorre served as Deputy Commissioner of Labor Relations, Chief of Transit, Commanding Officer of Patrol Borough Staten Island, and Commanding Officer of the NYPD Police Academy.

As Chief of Transit, he oversaw approximately 2,600 uniformed officers, secured nearly $40 million in federal counterterrorism grants, and helped establish an agreement with federal authorities to use the New York City transit system as a testing environment for emerging security technologies.

His experience leading the Police Academy provides additional expertise in the institutional requirements of training, certification, instructor development, and sustained readiness.

“Throughout my career, I’ve seen how much preparation goes into giving officers an option they can confidently use in the field,” said Delatorre. “Equipment, policy, training, and leadership all have to work together. I look forward to bringing that perspective to WRAP’s Board and supporting the Company’s work to help agencies prepare their officers for difficult encounters.”

The Next Chapter in First Responder Readiness

WRAP believes the historical adoption of Narcan offers a valuable lesson for the future of law enforcement innovation: a new technology achieves its greatest potential when it becomes part of an agency’s established operational framework.

Through its BolaWrap technology, Non-Lethal Response™ strategy, and expanding training infrastructure, WRAP is working to provide agencies with additional options intended to support earlier intervention, better decision-making, and improved public safety outcomes.

Delatorre’s appointment brings experience navigating the institutional challenges of introducing new capabilities into one of the world’s largest police departments.

The opportunity is not simply to introduce another device into policing. It is to help make lawful, proactive de-escalation a trained, repeatable, and operationally supported capability.

About Wrap Technologies, Inc.

Wrap Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: WRAP) is a public safety technology company focused on non-lethal response solutions, training, and integrated technologies designed to support law enforcement and security professionals. Through its BolaWrap® family of remote restraint devices, training programs, and expanding technology portfolio, WRAP seeks to provide officers and agencies with additional options to manage encounters, support de-escalation, and improve public safety outcomes. For more information, visit www.wrap.com.

Trademark Information

WRAP, the Wrap logo, BolaWrap®, Non-Lethal Response™, WrapReality™, and Wrap Training Academy are trademarks of WRAP Technologies, Inc., some of which are registered in the U.S. and abroad. All other trade names used herein are either trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “should,” “believe,” “target,” “project,” “goals,” “estimate,” “potential,” “predict,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “intend,” and variations of these terms or the negative of these terms and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, among others, statements regarding the expected contributions, perspective, and value that Mr. Delatorre’s experience and appointment may bring to the Company’s Board of Directors; the Company’s Non-Lethal Response™ strategy and its approach of combining policy, training, and technology to support officer judgment and expand response options; the Company’s ability to make its capabilities practical for agencies to adopt and sustain; and the anticipated adoption of WRAP’s products, training, and technologies by law enforcement and public safety agencies. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to the pace of customer and agency adoption; changes in law enforcement budgets, policies, procurement practices, and use-of-force standards; the availability and terms of technology and training partnerships; regulatory developments; competitive conditions; the Company’s ability to attract and retain qualified personnel and directors; and the Company’s ability to develop, manufacture, sell, and support its products and training solutions. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied. WRAP undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, and investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on them.

Investor Relations Contact
(800) 583-2652 | ir@wrap.com