Torr Metals Inc. (TSX.V: TMET)

The QualityStocks Daily Newsletter would like to spotlightFathom Torr Metals Inc. (TSX.V: TMET) .

Ontario is renowned for world-class mining infrastructure and gold and copper deposits, with the world-class Timmins Gold Camp region hosting $400+ billion in gold resources

Torr Metals is developing its 100% owned 261km2 Filion Gold Project, ideally located adjacent to the Trans-Canada Highway 11 and northwest of Timmins, with all requisite mining infrastructure

Late last year Torr conducted the first large-scale systematic soil program ever conducted in the project area, with39 of 318 humus samples returning highly anomalous values greater than 10 parts per billion (ppb) gold and13 exceeding 20 ppb Au, reaching a maximum of 1,320 ppb Au The largest undrilled soil anomaly measures 1200 meters in strike-length with a 250-meter width along-trend of historical channel sampling in limited outcrop that yielded 91.4 g/t Au over 0.3 meters

Torr this month received a 3-year drill permit from the Ontario government, positioning the company for the first-ever drill program at Filion

Ontario's mining history is practically synonymous with gold and copper. The Timmins gold rush and the Sudbury nickel irruptions are legendary, shaping the province's economic landscape for over a century. But could Ontario's best finds be yet to come? Torr Metals (TSX.V: TMET) thinks so.

Torr Metals Inc. (TSX.V: TMET) operates as a mineral exploration company focusing on the identification, acquisition, and advancement of mineral properties. With full 100% ownership of over 1,000 square kilometers of gold and copper projects strategically positioned in premier low-cost mining jurisdictions, Torr is poised for substantial returns across various promising regions.

The company’s extensive portfolio encompasses multiple district-scale projects, including the Filion Gold Project in northern Ontario, the Kolos Copper-Gold Project in south-central British Columbia, and the Latham Copper-Gold Project in northern British Columbia. These projects are all located in prolific mining regions with paved highway access, robust support infrastructure, and favorable geological conditions offering significant potential for new discoveries.

Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Torr Metals is ideally situated to leverage its expertise and resources for continued exploration and growth.

Projects

Kolos Copper-Gold Project

Situated within British Columbia’s prime copper-producing belt, the 140-square-kilometer Kolos Copper-Gold Project exhibits Nicola Belt geology similar to notable porphyry mines, including Copper Mountain and Highland Valley, respectively situated 106 kilometers to the south and 30 kilometers to the northwest.

With field operations based in the nearby city of Merritt and year-round access provided via Highway 5, the Kolos Project showcases substantial discovery upside potential with five defined large-scale copper-gold-molybdenum anomalies untested by drilling.

Torr Metals’ primary focus lies in unlocking the potential for major new discoveries at the Kolos Copper-Gold Project, with recent surface geochemical results marking a significant milestone positioning the company as a new key player in the region.

Filion Gold Project

The 261-square-kilometer Filion Project is situated within a largely unexplored greenstone belt where gold was initially discovered in the 1930s. With a comparable geological setting to regional orogenic gold deposits and multiple newly identified and undrilled gold trends in surficial geochemistry, the Filion Project holds significant district-scale exploration promise.

The Filion Project benefits from unparalleled infrastructure access, with direct drive-on access from the Trans-Canada Highway, as well as a regional railway and power grid four kilometers to the south. Additionally, the nearby town of Kapuskasing, with a population of 8,300, provides essential support services.

This strategic positioning ensures the Filion Project’s viability for cost-effective, year-round operations in an area poised for untapped discovery potential.

Latham Copper-Gold Project

Situated in British Columbia’s renowned Golden Triangle, the Latham Project spans a vast 689-square-kilometer district, offering immense potential for multiple major discoveries. Accessible year-round via Highway 37, just 20 kilometers south of the town of Dease Lake, the site is strategically located amidst established mining infrastructure, including the active Red Chris mine to the southeast and upcoming major porphyry projects at Schaft Creek and Galore Creek along-trend to the southwest.

Highlighted by the Gnat Pass copper-gold porphyry deposit dating back to the 1960s, the Latham Project presents a compelling opportunity for significant expansion and potential discovery. A non-compliant indicated resource at the Gnat Pass deposit includes 33 million tonnes at 0.39% copper, open beyond 200 meters vertical depth, alongside six drill-ready kilometer-scale copper-gold exploration targets.

Moreover, the Latham Project’s appeal corresponds to the region being an attractive destination for major asset acquisitions and takeovers. Recent transactions within a 40-kilometer radius include Newmont’s 2021 acquisition of the Saddle North copper-gold porphyry deposit for $311 million and Newcrest’s investment in the Red Chris copper-gold porphyry deposit in 2019 for $804 million, underscoring industry acknowledgment of the region’s potential.

Market Opportunity

The World Gold Council, the industry association for the world’s gold producers, estimated in 2023 that the physical financial gold market, which is made up of bars, coins, gold ETFs and central bank reserves, is worth nearly $5 trillion.

The council reports that gold mine production adds approximately 3,500 tons of the precious metal to the world’s supply annually, equivalent to about 2% growth. This historical scarcity and relatively slow production of new supply, as compared to other commodities, is a primary reason gold has retained its value for millennia, according to the council.

Likewise, a report from Acumen Research and Consulting, a global provider of market intelligence and consulting services, valued the global copper market at $304.1 billion in 2022 and forecast that it will reach a market size of $496.8 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.1% over the forecast period.

The report identifies a growing demand for copper in the electronics industry, as well as an expanding copper supply due to increasing production from existing mines and the rising number of mine development projects in developing nations, as driving factors in the rising value of the copper market.

Management Team

Malcolm Dorsey, P.Geo., is President, CEO and Director of Torr Metals. He brings over a decade of expertise as a seasoned exploration geologist and project developer, having been pivotal in driving the success of numerous diverse projects across North, Central, and South America. His comprehensive background spans early-stage exploration through to resource development and project acquisitions. His academic credentials include an M.Sc. in Geology and Geophysics from the University of Calgary, where his research characterized the district-scale structural influences affecting copper and gold mineralizing events in western British Columbia. Prior to his current role, he served as Senior Geologist for Benchmark Metals, where his contributions were instrumental in advancing the company’s gold equivalent resource from approximately 80,000 ounces to a maiden resource estimate of 2.92 million ounces.

John Williamson, P. Geol., is Chairman and Director of Torr Metals. He is a mining executive and investor with more than 30 years of experience as a founder, promoter and leader in the formation, financing and operation of private and public companies with exploration and mining interests worldwide. On more than one occasion his team’s efforts have been recognized for excellence by being named to the TSX Venture 50. He holds a B.Sc. in Geology and is a registered Professional Geologist (P.Geol.) with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists (APEGA) and the Geological Association of Canada.

Torr Metals Inc. (TSX.V: TMET), closed Wednesday's trading session at $28.3218, off by 1.3521%, on 142 volume. The average volume for the last 3 months is and the stock's 52-week low/high is $24.01/$31.90.

Recent News

• Torr Metals Inc. (TSX.V: TMET) - Torr Metals Inc. (TSX.V: TMET): Ontario's Golden Past Hints at a Glittering Future
• Copper Crunch Looms: Torr Metals Inc. (TSX.V: TMET) Makes Discoveries as Demand Outpaces Supply
• InvestorNewsBreaks - Torr Metals Inc. (TSX.V: TMET) Featured in Syndicated Broadcast

Annovis Bio Inc. (NYSE: ANVS)

The QualityStocks Daily Newsletter would like to spotlight Annovis Bio Inc. (NYSE: ANVS).

Annovis has filed a new composition of matter patent with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office covering novel solid forms of buntanetap, selecting the best crystal, and building upon the provisional patent filed in June 2023

The company's research focuses on inhibiting the production of multiple neurotoxic proteins that contribute to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases

Annovis continues to expand its position in an ongoing fight against neurodegenerative diseases

Annovis Bio (NYSE: ANVS), a pioneering biotechnology company, committed to addressing unmet medical needs through innovative research and development efforts, particularly in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other neurodegenerative conditions, is continuing to make significant strides in the field of neurodegenerative diseases with its latest patent filings. The recent announcement is the filing of a new composition of matter patent with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office covering novel solid forms of buntanetap, selecting the best crystal, and building upon the provisional patent filed in June 2023.

Annovis Bio Inc. (NYSE: ANVS) is a late-stage clinical drug platform company pioneering transformative therapies for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Annovis Bio stands out by developing a drug that targets multiple neurotoxic proteins simultaneously, aiming to restore axonal and synaptic activity. This innovative approach aims to treat memory loss and dementia associated with AD and body and brain dysfunction associated with PD, making Annovis a unique player in the neurodegeneration space.

Lead Drug Candidate: Buntanetap

Buntanetap (formerly Posiphen) targets neurodegeneration by inhibiting the formation of multiple neurotoxic proteins, including amyloid beta, tau, alpha-synuclein, and TDP43. This multifaceted inhibition improves synaptic transmission and axonal transport, reduces neuroinflammation, and protects nerve cells from dying. Unlike monoclonal antibody therapies, Buntanetap is an orally available small molecule capable of inhibiting multiple neurotoxic proteins at once, positioning it as a comprehensive solution for neurodegenerative diseases.

In a recent Phase II/III Alzheimer’s study, Buntanetap demonstrated statistically significant efficacy. Patients with early AD showed a significantly higher rate of improvement in ADAS-Cog 11 scores across all treatment doses compared to placebo, with a -3.3 point improvement compared to -0.3 for placebo (p < 0.01). Plasma Tau protein levels also reduced, consistent with previous Phase II biomarker data, further validating Buntanetap’s mechanism of action.

Similarly, in the Phase III study of Buntanetap in patients with early Parkinson’s disease, significant advancements were observed. Topline data results are anticipated in June 2024. Preliminary findings indicate promising results in improving cognitive and motor function, underscoring Buntanetap’s potential as a transformative therapy for Parkinson’s disease.

Market Opportunity

The aging population presents a significant market opportunity, with nearly 7 million Americans currently suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), a figure projected to rise to almost 13 million by 2050 (Alzheimer’s Association) (Republican Policy Committee). Additionally, approximately 1.2 million people in the U.S. have Parkinson’s Disease (SingleCare).

The economic burden of Alzheimer’s is immense, with care costs expected to reach $360 billion in 2024 and escalate to nearly $1 trillion annually by 2050. The need for effective, comprehensive treatments like Buntanetap is more critical than ever.

Company Highlights

• Innovative Therapeutic Approach: Annovis Bio uniquely targets multiple neurotoxic proteins, aiming to restore nerve cell health and improve cognitive and motor function in AD and PD patients.
• Robust Clinical Data: Phase II/III studies show significant improvements in cognitive function and biomarker levels in early AD patients.
• Groundbreaking Clinical Insights: Preliminary results from Phase II studies indicate significant improvements in motor functions and speed in patients with Parkinson’s Disease (PD).
• Upcoming Phase III Trials: Plans are underway for an 18-month Phase III trial focusing on biomarker-positive early AD patients, designed to further validate Buntanetap’s disease-modifying potential.
• Capital Efficiency: Annovis Bio is capital-efficient, with zero debt and multiple global patents extending into the 2040s.

Management Team

Maria L. Maccecchini, Ph.D., Founder, President, CEO, and Executive Board Member, founded Annovis Bio in May 2008 with the mission to develop better therapeutics for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other neurodegenerative diseases. She has previously been a partner and director at two angel groups, Robin Hood Ventures and MidAtlantic Angel Group, and founded Symphony Pharmaceuticals/Annovis, which was sold to Transgenomic in 2001. Her extensive experience includes roles such as General Manager at Bachem Bioscience and Head of Molecular Biology at Mallinckrodt. Dr. Maccecchini holds a Ph.D. in biochemistry from the Biocenter of Basel, with postdoctoral work at Caltech and the Roche Institute of Immunology.

Cheng Fang, Ph.D., Senior VP of Research and Development, is an accomplished neuroscientist with two decades of experience in neurodegenerative diseases. She has a successful track record of scientific publications and contributions, coupled with extensive pre-clinical and clinical development experience. Dr. Fang has been instrumental in advancing the understanding of neurodegenerative disease mechanisms and developing therapeutic strategies.

Michael Christie, Ph.D., VP of Process Chemistry, has over 40 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on process chemistry R&D, pilot plant production, and GMP operations. He has held senior management positions at companies such as SmithKline, Rhodia, Teva, and Cephalon, and founded a contract process R&D service company, which was later acquired by ChiRex. Dr. Christie is co-author or co-inventor on several publications and patents. He earned his BS in chemistry from the University of Michigan and his doctorate from MIT.

Melissa Gaines, Senior VP of Clinical Operations, is an accomplished clinical research professional with over 20 years of experience across academia, contract research organizations, and pharmaceutical companies. She has proven abilities in monitoring and managing Phase I to IV clinical trials, specializing in CNS disorders and extending to a broad range of therapeutic indications. Her CNS experience spans from small Phase I and II studies to large global Phase III trials in Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, sleep disorders, and various psychiatric diseases in both adult and pediatric populations. In her current role, she oversees and supports all clinical project activities, driving operational success and ensuring high-quality clinical outcomes.

Learn more about the Annovis Bio team on LinkedIn.

Annovis Bio Inc. (NYSE: ANVS), closed Wednesday's trading session at $12.46, off by 0.3996803%, on 602,059 volume. The average volume for the last 3 months is and the stock's 52-week low/high is $4.53/$22.49.

Recent News

• Annovis Bio Inc. (NYSE: ANVS) - Annovis Bio Inc. (NYSE: ANVS) Files New Composition of Matter Patent for Buntanetap
• InvestorNewsBreaks - Annovis Bio Inc. (NYSE: ANVS) Secures FDA Approval for New Form of Buntanetap
• InvestorNewsBreaks - Annovis Bio Inc. (NYSE: ANVS) Names Four New Members to Executive Team

Clene Inc. (NASDAQ: CLNN)

The QualityStocks Daily Newsletter would like to spotlight Clene Inc. (NASDAQ: CLNN).

Clene (NASDAQ: CLNN) (along with its subsidiaries, "Clene") and its wholly owned subsidiary Clene Nanomedicine Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on improving mitochondrial health and protecting neuronal function to treat neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ("ALS") and multiple sclerosis ("MS"). The company is presenting at the 73rd Emerging Growth Conference, scheduled for July 17-18, 2024. Clene's presentation is slated to begin at 4:45 p.m. EDT on July 18, with Rob Etherington, Clene's President and CEO, and Morgan Brown, Clene's CFO, giving the presentation.

To view the full press release, visit https://ibn.fm/oVz7Y

Clene Inc. (NASDAQ: CLNN) is a late clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on improving mitochondrial health and protecting neuronal function to treat neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis (MS).

Its lead drug candidate is CNM-Au8®, an oral suspension developed to restore neuronal health and function by increasing energy production and utilization by driving critical cellular energy producing reactions that enable neuroprotection and remyelination to increase neuronal and glial resilience to disease-relevant stressors. CNM-Au8 is being studied in various clinical trials, including the Harvard/MGH Healey ALS Platform clinical trial for patients with ALS; RESCUE-ALS, a completed proof-of-concept clinical trial in patients with early symptomatic ALS; the REPAIR trials, completed target engagement clinical trials showing brain energy metabolite change with CNM-Au8; and a completed MS clinical trial for the treatment of visual pathway deficits in chronic optic neuropathy for remyelination in stable relapsing MS. The company also has a nanotherapeutic platform of drug discovery.

CNM-Au8

CNM-Au8, Clene’s lead asset, is a highly concentrated aqueous suspension of catalytically active, clean-surfaced, faceted gold nanocrystals. Multiple pathogenic insults contribute to neuronal death. Mitochondrial dysfunction and NAD+ decline is a common final pathway in neurodegeneration, with NAD+ as a critical determinant of cell survival and function. CNM-Au8’s catalytic mechanisms target the energetic deficits, oxidative stress and accumulation of misfolded proteins that are common to many neurodegenerative diseases.

The unique catalytic mechanism of action of CNM-Au8 is hypothesized to act as a neuroprotective and remyelinating therapy in neurodegenerative disease states in order to: (1) drive, support and maintain beneficial metabolic and energetic cellular reactions within diseased, stressed and/or damaged cells, (2) directly catalyze the reduction of harmful, reactive oxygen species (“ROS”) and (3) promote protein homeostasis via activation of the heat shock factor-1 pathway, recognized to dampen the cytotoxicity caused by misfolded and denatured proteins, which are known to occur ubiquitously in neurodegenerative diseases.

CNM-Au8 is used in combination with other agents, has no known drug-drug interactions, and is designed to improve function and survival. The clinical effects of both function and survival were seen in its clinical ALS trials, as earlier announced.

More than 500 estimated years of collective exposure across ALS, MS, and Parkinson’s disease participants in CNM-Au8 clinical trials and Expanded Access Protocol (compassionate use) programs have been recorded without any observed safety signals.

CNM-Au8 is a federally registered trademark of Clene Inc. Clene, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, with R&D and manufacturing operations in Maryland, began in 2013.

Market Opportunity

ALS is the most prevalent adult-onset progressive motor neuron disease, affecting approximately 30,000 people in the U.S. and an estimated 500,000 people worldwide, with a life expectancy of typically three to five years. Clene estimates that global ALS treatment sales will be greater than $1 billion annually within the coming few years. Additional treatments affecting daily function and survival remain the market need.

Additionally, there are more than 2 million MS patients globally, and Clene estimates the market size to be worth more than $23 billion annually. While the MS community has been successful at limiting relapses, non-relapsing MS patients continue to clinically deteriorate even while receiving effective immunomodulatory disease-modifying therapies (“DMTs”). A critical unmet medical need remains for therapeutic interventions that protect neuronal function and myelin health independent of immunomodulation to address progression independent of relapse activity.

Management Team

Robert Etherington is President, Director and CEO of Clene. He has more than 30 years of sales, marketing and leadership experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Prior to joining Clene, he worked at Actelion Pharmaceuticals, the largest biopharma company in the European Union prior to its acquisition by Johnson & Johnson in 2017, where he led that company’s U.S. commercial operations. He began his pharmaceutical sales and marketing career at Parke-Davis, a division of Pfizer, where he rose to the position of Team Leader overseeing the drug Lipitor.

Mark Mortenson is Chief Science Officer at Clene. He is co-inventor of the technology platform developed to produce the company’s therapeutics. He is the inventor or co-inventor on 32 other U.S. patents and hundreds of corresponding international patents. He is a former chief patent counsel responsible for 5,500 U.S. and international patents and patent applications. He holds bachelor’s degrees in physics and ceramic engineering from Alfred University, a master’s degree in materials science from Penn State University and a J.D. from George Washington University.

Benjamin Greenberg, M.D., MHS, FAAN, is Head of Medical at Clene. He is an internationally recognized expert in disorders of the central nervous system. He is currently professor of neurology and Vice Chair of Clinical and Translational Research in the department of Neurology at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Johns Hopkins, a master’s degree in molecular microbiology and immunology from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health and graduated from Baylor College of Medicine. He served residency in neurology at The Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Morgan R. Brown is CFO at Clene. He has more than 30 years of finance and accounting experience, with 23 years at biotech, pharmaceutical and medical device companies. He has served in similar roles at Lipocine Inc., Innovus Pharmaceuticals, World Heart Corp., Lifetree Clinical Research and NPS Pharmaceuticals Inc. He previously worked at accounting firm KPMG. He is a CPA with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Utah State University and an M.S. in business administration from the University of Utah.

Clene Inc. (NASDAQ: CLNN), closed Wednesday's trading session at $4.79, off by 2.2449%, on 36,068 volume. The average volume for the last 3 months is and the stock's 52-week low/high is $4.59/$16.998.

Recent News

• Clene Inc. (NASDAQ: CLNN) - InvestorNewsBreaks - Clene Inc. (NASDAQ: CLNN) to Present at the 73rd Emerging Growth Conference
• InvestorNewsBreaks - Clene Inc. (NASDAQ: CLNN) Management Slated to Participate in Upcoming Emerging Growth Conference
• InvestorNewsBreaks - Clene Inc. (NASDAQ: CLNN) Prepares to Submit Briefing Book to FDA, Looks to Obtain Key Feedback Regarding NDA for CNM-Au8 in ALS

Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (NASDAQ: LEXX)

The QualityStocks Daily Newsletter would like to spotlight Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (NASDAQ: LEXX).

Lexaria Bioscience (NASDAQ: LEXX, LEXXW), a global innovator in drug delivery platforms, today announced the receipt of interim results from the first four weeks of dosing in its ongoing diabetes animal study WEIGHT-A24-1. The company noted that the results have already produced several noteworthy findings. According to the announcement, unlimited food and water have been provided to the animals for the entire duration of the study. During the initial acclimation phase, which spanned 34 days before the beginning of dosing, the animals gained 10.9% body weight on average. During the subsequent 28 days of DehydraTECH-processed drug therapy dosing, all test articles showed either a stark decrease in the rate of body weight gain or, in select cases, the beginning of body weight reduction. Lexaria noted that DehydraTECH-CBD formulation 3 ("CBD3") and DehydraTECH-liraglutide produced the largest weight loss results thus far -1.50% and -1.58% body weight reduction, respectively. This is the first time the company has applied DehydraTECH processing to the GLP-1 drug liraglutide. Lexaria is encouraged to witness its relative outperformance, which suggests that DehydraTECH appears to work with a second GLP-1 drug after semaglutide. In addition, DehydraTECH appears to be working with semaglutide both with and without the sodium salcaprozate ("SNAC") technology. The announcement noted that only in study arms A, B, C, and E did any individual animals lose 5.0% or more body weight during the first 28 days of treatment. An additional 56 days of dosing remains across all treatment groups. According to the announcement, dosing in the final four study arms that constitute Cohort 2 of the study has begun and is expected to be completed in mid-October. Cohort 2 includes the best performers from Cohort 1 of the study, which comprises the first eight study arms.

To view the full press release, visit https://ibn.fm/QY9Kd

Considered intangible assets, patents offer a significant competitive advantage and value for companies

Lexaria Bioscience views its growing patent portfolio as a solid foundation upon which to build future commercial partnerships

The company recently announced the receipt of three new patents in the E.U., Canada, and the U.S.

The issuance of the latest three patents grows Lexaria's patent portfolio to 46 granted patents worldwide

Lexaria's multi-patented DehydraTECH(TM) "drug delivery platform technology" offers proven increased bioavailability, enhancing the way active pharmaceutical ingredients ("APIs") enter the bloodstream by promoting more effective oral delivery, helping with speed of onset, and brain absorption of APIs. Strong patents covering this important technology are a critical factor for Lexaria. A robust patent portfolio has always been a metric that investors use to judge a biotechnology or biopharmaceutical company. "A strong patent position is not only an important goal for a successful biotechnology business but also the primary asset by which a company will be valued during all stages of its development. Therefore, a patent portfolio must be as well designed and solidly constructed from the outset as all other aspects of the business," a 2001 article conveyed (https://cnw.fm/1mIaw). Not much has changed since the article's publication, with a recent Forbes write-up observing that intangible assets, which include trade secrets, proficiency and expertise, trademarks, copyrights, and patents, accounted for 90% of the S&P 500's total assets in 2020. This is a substantial increase from 1975's figures, when intangible assets only accounted for 17% of the total assets, while tangible assets comprised the balance. The article noted that the explosion of intangible assets shows "that there is value to companies' intellectual property ("IP")," with patents holding the potential to be "far more valuable than physical assets" because they can offer businesses a competitive advantage (https://cnw.fm/vd9Au). For its part, Lexaria Bioscience (NASDAQ: LEXX), a global innovator of drug delivery platforms, looks at the value of its growing patent portfolio not only from a commercialization perspective but also from an IP protection standpoint. As CEO Chris Bunka put it in his 2024 letter to shareholders, "Those patents, when granted, can form the foundation upon which future commercial relationships are built" (https://cnw.fm/uBi8c).

Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (NASDAQ: LEXX) is a global innovator in drug delivery platforms. The company’s patented technology, DehydraTECH™, improves the way active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) enter the bloodstream by promoting healthier oral ingestion methods and increasing the effectiveness of fat-soluble active molecules. DehydraTECH promotes fast-acting, less expensive and more effective oral drug delivery and has been thoroughly evaluated through in vivo, in vitro and human clinical testing.

DehydraTECH is covered by 21 issued and more than 50 pending patents in over 40 countries around the world. Lexaria’s first patent was issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in October 2016 (US 9,474,725 B1), providing 20 years of patent protection expiring June 2034. Multiple patents have been awarded since then and are expected in the future.

Lexaria has also collaborated with the National Research Council (NRC), the Canadian government’s premier research and technology organization. The company has been granted patent protection for specific delivery of nicotine, vitamins, NSAIDs, antiviral drugs, cannabinoids and more.

Lexaria began developing DehydraTECH in 2014 and has since continued to strengthen and broaden the technology. The company has no plans to create or sell Lexaria-branded products containing controlled substances. Instead, Lexaria licenses its technology to other companies around the world to offer consumers the best possible performance across an array of ingestible product formats.

The company’s technology is best thought of as an additional layer that providers of consumer supplements, prescription and non-prescription drugs, nicotine and CBD products can utilize to improve the effectiveness of their own existing or planned new offerings. Lexaria has licensed DehydraTECH to multiple companies, including a world-leading tobacco producer for the research and development of smokeless, oral-based nicotine products, and for use in industries that produce cannabinoid beverages, edibles and oral products.

DehydraTECH is suitable for use with a wide range of product formats including pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, consumer packaged goods and over-the-counter capsules, pills, tablets and oral suspensions.

DehydraTECH Technology

Lexaria’s DehydraTECH is designed specifically for formulating and delivering lipophilic (fat-soluble) drugs and active ingredients. DehydraTECH increases their effectiveness and improves the way active pharmaceutical ingredients enter the bloodstream. The major benefits to a subject ingesting a DehydraTECH-enabled drug or consumer product can be summarized by the following:

• Speeds up delivery – the effects of the product are felt by the subject in just minutes.
• Increases bioavailability – the technology is much more effective at delivering a drug or product into the bloodstream.
• Increases brain absorption – animal testing suggests significant improvement in the quantity of drug delivered across the blood-brain barrier.
• Improves drug potency – more of the ingested product is made available to the body, so lower doses are required to achieve the desired effect.
• Reduces drug administration cost – lower doses mean lower overall drug costs.
• Masks unwanted taste – the technology eliminates or reduces the need for sweeteners.

Lexaria has demonstrated in animal studies a propensity for DehydraTECH technology to elevate the quantity of drug delivered across the blood-brain barrier by as much as 1,900 percent, initiating additional new patent applications and opening possibilities for improved drug delivery.

Since 2016, DehydraTECH has repeatedly demonstrated, with cannabinoids and nicotine, the ability to increase bio-absorption by up to five to 10 times, reduce time of onset from one to two hours to just minutes, and mask unwanted tastes. The technology is to be further evaluated for additional orally administered bioactive molecules, including antivirals, cannabinoids, vitamins, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and nicotine.

Market Outlook

Lexaria’s ongoing research and development efforts are mainly focused on development of product candidates across several key segments:

• Oral Cannabinoids – a market estimated to be worth $18.4 billion in 2021 and expected to reach $46.2 billion by 2025.
• Antivirals – an estimated $52.1 billion market in 2021 that’s expected to grow to $66.7 billion by 2025.
• Oral Mucosal Nicotine – smokeless tobacco products, a $13.6 billion market in 2018, is forecast to grow at 7.2 percent annually through 2025.
• Human Hormones – estrogen and testosterone replacement therapies represented a $21.9 billion market in 2019, with a forecast CAGR of 7.7 percent through 2027.
• Ibuprofen and Naproxen – NSAID sales totaled $15.6 billion globally in 2019 and are projected to reach $24.4 billion by 2027.
• Vitamin D3 – the global market size was $1.1 billion in 2021, growing at 7 percent per year and expected to reach $1.7 billion in 2026.

Management Team

Chris Bunka is Chairman and CEO of Lexaria Bioscience Corp. He is a serial entrepreneur who has been involved in several private and public companies since the late 1980s. He has extensive experience in the capital markets, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, as well as corporate finance. He is named as an inventor on multiple patent innovations.

John Docherty, M.Sc., is the President of Lexaria. He is a pharmacologist and toxicologist, and a specialist in the development of drug delivery technologies. He is the former president and COO of Helix BioPharma Corp. (TSX: HBP). He is named as an inventor on multiple issued and pending patents.

Greg Downey is Lexaria’s CFO. He has more than 35 years of diverse financial experience in the mining, oil and gas, manufacturing, and construction industries, and in the public sector. He served for eight years as CFO for several public companies and has provided business advisory and financial accounting services to many large organizations.

Gregg Smith is a strategic advisor to Lexaria. He is a founder and private investor with Evolution VC Partners. He is a member of the Sand Hill Angels and held previous investment banking roles with Cowen and Company and Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

Dr. Philip Ainslie serves as a scientific and medical advisor to Lexaria. He is co-director for the Centre for Heart, Lung and Vascular Health, Canada. He is also Research Chair in Cerebrovascular Physiology and Professor at the School of Health and Exercise Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Development at the University of British Columbia.

Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (LEXX), closed Wednesday's trading session at $2.88, off by 3.0303%, on 308,119 volume. The average volume for the last 3 months is and the stock's 52-week low/high is $0.72/$6.85.

Recent News

• Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (NASDAQ: LEXX) - InvestorNewsBreaks - Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (NASDAQ: LEXX) Announces Noteworthy Findings from Interim Results of Ongoing Diabetes Animal Study
• InvestorNewsBreaks - Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (NASDAQ: LEXX) Makes Management Announcement, Plans for Strategic Growth
• Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (NASDAQ: LEXX) Looking to Replicate Results from First GLP-1 Study Following CRO Contract Award for 12-Week Chronic Human Study

Mullen Automotive Inc. (NASDAQ: MULN)

The QualityStocks Daily Newsletter would like to spotlight Mullen Automotive Inc. (MULN).

A recent report from WindEurope has revealed Europe's transition to green energy has run headlong into a significant barrier: wind energy projects are waiting up to several years to gain access to energy grids. The report found that hundreds of such projects across the continent have been forced to wait years to obtain a grid connection. Furthermore, this backlog of projects is moving so slowly, it has created a bottleneck that is slowing the green-energy transition in Europe. According to the WindEurope report, gaining access to Europe's energy grid represents the foremost barrier to the deployment of renewables such as wind and solar at scale in Europe. Even though the continent has made significant strides in deploying green-energy infrastructure, long wait times mean many of these projects aren't impactful for quite a long time. The second factor behind limited access to the grid is "curtailment," the report notes, with grid congestion making it impossible for wind farms that are already connected to the grid to export their capacity. These two factors are largely responsible for the limited grid access wind farms in Europe are experiencing, the report said. European nations will have to streamline their grid-permitting processes to fast-track mature projects and connect them to the grid to help achieve the regional bloc's green-energy goals. As these bottlenecks are addressed and more clean energy finds its way onto the grid, the ecobenefits of electric vehicles from manufacturers such as Mullen Automotive Inc. (NASDAQ: MULN) could be ramped up once green energy is used to charge the zero-emissions vehicles.

Mullen Automotive (NASDAQ: MULN), an emerging electric vehicle ("EV") manufacturer, is announcing that the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs' Department of Energy Resources ("DOER") has approved the company's 2024 Mullen ONE, an all-electric Class 1 cargo van, for up to $3,500 cash voucher under its MOR-EV program. Managed by DOER and administered statewide by the Center for Sustainable Energy ("CSE"), MOR-EV is committed to making electric vehicles more affordable for Massachusetts residents, businesses and non-profit organizations to help achieve clean transportation goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide more equitable access to EVs. The announcement noted that under MOR-EV, the 2024 Mullen ONE EV cargo van, with a suggested MSRP of $34,500, now qualifies for up to $3,500 cash voucher. In addition, when this rebate is combined with the available $7,500 federal tax credit, the net effective cost of the Mullen ONE would be approximately $23,500. "Both the Mullen ONE and THREE are now eligible for the MOR-EV rebate, making our Commercial EVs even more affordable for Massachusetts businesses," commented David Michery, CEO and Chairman of Mullen Automotive. "We're committed to making Mullen Commercial EVs accessible nationwide and securing state-level incentives like the MOR-EV program is a key part of this strategy." To view the full press release, visit https://ibn.fm/DjGWO

Mullen Automotive Inc. (NASDAQ: MULN) is a Southern California-based automotive company that owns and partners with several synergistic businesses working toward the unified goal of creating clean and scalable energy solutions. Mullen has evolved over the past decade in sync with consumers and technology trends. Today, the company is working diligently to provide exciting EV options built entirely in the United States and made to fit perfectly into the American consumer’s life. Mullen strives to make EVs more accessible than ever by building an end-to-end ecosystem that takes care of all aspects of EV ownership.

Commencement of Trading on Nasdaq

On November 5, 2021, Mullen announced its commencement of trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market.

“Today is a monumental day for Mullen Automotive. I am especially proud of our team, investors and all who have believed in Mullen and taken us to this point as a publicly traded company on the Nasdaq Capital Market,” David Michery, CEO and Chairman of Mullen Automotive, stated in the news release. “Trading on Nasdaq now opens us up to new investors, both institutional and retail shareholders, and broadens our awareness and company profile, while increasing awareness of Mullen and our technology platform and opening new opportunities in EV and beyond. The road ahead has never been brighter for Mullen, and I am proud to lead us into the future.”

The milestone came in the wake of the company’s stock-for-stock merger with Net Element Inc.

The Mullen FIVE

The Mullen FIVE EV Crossover, debuting at the Los Angeles International Auto Show (LAIAS) on November 17, 2021, embodies Mullen’s Southern California roots with an inspired design focused on two complementary Golden State themes – California landscape and California urban.

The FIVE is built on an EV Crossover skateboard platform that offers multiple powertrain configurations and trim levels in a svelte design that is Strikingly Different™ and exciting to experience in person.

Prior to the start of LAIAS, the Mullen FIVE was selected as a finalist by the LA Auto Show for Top EV SUV in the ZEVA “People’s Choice” Awards.

LAIAS provides Mullen an opportunity to display multiple variants of the FIVE model while also showcasing its powertrain, battery and charging technology. The company intends to bring the FIVE to market in 2024, and reservations are currently open here.

Mullen’s development portfolio also includes EV Fleet Vans, which it intends to bring to market in Q2 2022, and the pure electric, high performance Mullen DragonFLY.

Expansion of Manufacturing Capacity

On November 2, 2021, Mullen announced plans to expand its facility in Robinsonville, Mississippi.

Mullen’s Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Facility (AMEC) currently occupies 124,000 square feet of manufacturing space. The total available land on the property is over 100 acres, and Mullen is moving ahead with plans to build out another 1.2 million square feet of manufacturing space to support class 1 and class 2 EV cargo vans and the Mullen FIVE EV Crossover.

On the expanded site, Mullen plans to build a body shop, a fully automated paint shop and a general assembly shop.

EV Market Outlook

The global EV market was reported to consist of 3,269,671 units in 2019, a figure that is expected to grow at a CAGR of 21.1% through 2030 to a total of 26,951,318 units worldwide. This market’s monetary value was estimated at $162.34 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 22.6%, resulting in an approximate value of $802.81 billion by 2027. The primary driver for this exponential growth is a worldwide increase in vehicle emissions regulations.

Management Team

David Michery is the CEO and Founder of Mullen and has been leading the company and its divisions since inception in 2014. With over 25 years of executive management, marketing, distressed assets, and business restructuring experience, Mr. Michery brings a wealth of relevant knowledge and expertise to the Mullen brand. He has notably created 12 trademarks so far to develop the company brand and vision.

Mr. Michery is working toward a sustainable future accessible to all by creating a suite of clean-energy electric vehicles at varied price points. With entirely U.S.-based manufacturing and operations, he is also determined to have Mullen Technologies play a role in shaping a self-sustaining local economy by creating more jobs in America.

Mr. Michery manages risks and company expectations as a pathway to success and has personally overseen several businesses that totaled over $1 billion in transactions. His key strength is the ability to be fiscally responsible and lead teams to complete projects on time and within budget. As a seasoned professional in this space, Mr. Michery has demonstrated skill in building businesses from the ground up and into successful entities that subsequently sold for hundreds of millions of dollars.

Mullen Automotive Inc. (MULN), closed Wednesday's trading session at $1.72, off by 7.027%, on 3,924,328 volume. The average volume for the last 3 months is and the stock's 52-week low/high is $1.66/$155.70.

Recent News

• Mullen Automotive Inc. (NASDAQ: MULN) - InvestorNewsBreaks - Mullen Automotive Inc.'s (NASDAQ: MULN) 2024 Mullen ONE EV Cargo Van Qualifies for up to $3,500 Rebate under Massachusetts' MOR-EV Program
• European Wind Energy Projects Face Lengthy Delays Before Coming Online
• InvestorNewsBreaks - Mullen Automotive Inc. (NASDAQ: MULN) Subsidiary Announces Key Management Appointments

SuperCom Ltd. (NASDAQ: SPCB)

The QualityStocks Daily Newsletter would like to spotlight SuperCom Ltd. (NASDAQ: SPCB) .

SuperCom Ltd. (NASDAQ: SPCB), an identification and digital monitoring solutions company, recently secured a new contract for monitoring juveniles transitioning through California's justice system. "The case management services will be provided for the California client through SuperCom's fully owned subsidiary, Leaders in Community Alternatives ("LCA"), which provides evidence-based, community-focused services and electronic monitoring programs as a private contractor to government agencies. The California contract reflects a trend worldwide for court and law enforcement advocates to seek privately contracted rehabilitative service and electronic monitoring (‘EM') solutions providers that allow teen suspects to enjoy a measure of freedom and community integration while under court supervision, with the hope of reducing recidivism," a recent article reads. "This new contract allows us to expand our reach and offer our services to a new community," SuperCom President and CEO Ordan Trabelsi is quoted as saying. "With this new project, SuperCom continues to strengthen its position as a leader in providing rehabilitative services and secure solutions."

To view the full article, visit https://ibn.fm/IShqG

SuperCom Ltd. (NASDAQ: SPCB) provides secured solutions for the e-government, IoT and cybersecurity sectors. Since 1988, the company has been a trusted global provider of traditional and digital identity offerings, providing cutting-edge electronic and digital security solutions to governments and organizations, both private and public, around the world.

SuperCom’s mission is to revolutionize the public safety sector worldwide through proprietary electronic monitoring technology, data intelligence, and complementary services.

The company is headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel, with offices in California and other regions in the U.S.

Business Units

IoT and Connectivity

SuperCom IoT products and solutions provide advanced electronic monitoring solutions and services to criminal justice agencies, enabling customers to detect unauthorized movement of people, vehicles, and other monitored objects. The company provides an all-in-one, field-proven PureSecurity offender monitoring suite, accompanied by services such as GPS monitoring, home detention, domestic violence prevention, and more. The company’s services are specifically tailored to meet each client’s needs.

SuperCom’s proprietary Puresecurity suite of hardware, connectivity, and software components is the foundation for its criminal justice services and offerings. SuperCom is leveraging its extensive technology expertise to implement groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into various parts of its core offerings. By leveraging the power of AI, SuperCom’s PureSecurity platform can offer new abilities, such as amplified data analysis, predictive modeling, and streamlined automation – all geared toward optimizing decision-making and operational efficiency.

Competitive advantages of SuperCom’s technology include:

• Long Battery Life (No Tag Charging Required)
• Ultra Lightweight Form Factor
• Next-Gen Location Tech
• Protection of Domestic Violence Victims
• And More

 

Cybersecurity

In 2015, SuperCom identified the cybersecurity market as a fast-growing space with significant advantages due to synergistic technologies and a shared customer base with its e-Gov and IoT business units. Consequently, SuperCom strategically acquired Prevision Ltd., a company with a strong presence in the market and a broad range of competitive cybersecurity services.

During the first quarter of 2016, SuperCom acquired Safend Ltd., an international provider of cutting-edge endpoint data protection guarding against corporate data loss and theft through content discovery and inspection, encryption methodologies, and comprehensive device and port control.

Both acquisitions significantly expanded the breadth of the company’s global cybersecurity capabilities.

e-Gov

Through proprietary e-government platforms and innovative solutions for traditional and biometrics enrollment, personalization, issuance, and border control services, SuperCom has helped governments, and national agencies design and issue secured multi-identification, or Multi-ID, documents and robust digital identity solutions to their citizens, visitors, and lands.

The company has focused on expanding its activities in the traditional identification, or ID, and electronic identification, or e-Gov, markets, including the design, development, and marketing of identification technologies and solutions to governments in Europe, Asia, America, and Africa using SuperCom’s e-Government platforms.

Market Opportunity

Data from Berg Insight estimates the market for electronic monitoring solutions will grow from $1.2 billion in 2021 to $2.1 billion in 2026, marking a CAGR of 10.8% for the forecast period.

High recidivism rates, prison overcrowding, and soaring incarceration costs are some factors that are driving the electronic monitoring of offenders’ market growth.

An analysis by ReportLinker forecasts that the global cybersecurity market will grow from an estimated value of $173.5 billion in 2022 to $266.2 billion by 2027, achieving a CAGR of 8.9% for the period.

The increased number of data breaches worldwide, the ability of malicious actors to operate from anywhere in the world, the links between cyberspace and physical systems, and the difficulty of reducing vulnerabilities and consequences in complex cyber networks are some factors driving the cybersecurity market growth.

Management Team

Ordan Trabelsi is President and CEO of SuperCom. He has over 15 years of experience as CEO, growing high-tech companies globally. He also has experience in research and development and product innovation, as well as hands-on experience in cybersecurity, encryption, advanced mathematics, and mobile and internet network technologies. Prior to joining SuperCom, he served as co-founder and CEO of Klikot Inc., a global social networking company. He holds an MBA from Columbia University and a B.Sc. in Computer Engineering from The Technion: Israel Institute of Technology.

Barak Trabelsi is COO of SuperCom. He has expertise in big data, cyber, mobile, and internet network technologies, as well as extensive experience in product development and strategies. Prior to joining SuperCom, he served as Senior Product Manager at Equinox Ltd. Before that, he served for four years as VP of R&D at Sigma Wave, a wireless, security, and internet-focused company. He holds a B.Sc. in Computer Science and Business, as well as an MBA from Tel Aviv University.

Gil Alfi is VP of Sales at Safend Ltd., SuperCom’s cybersecurity subsidiary. He joined SuperCom in 2016 as VP of Business Development for Safend. He has more than 18 years of experience in technology companies. He served as an R&D team technology lead for more than seven years and as Director of Product Management for various telecom and wireless companies for more than 10 years. Prior to joining SuperCom, he served as Regional Sales Director at Safend, managing sales regions in Europe and Africa. He holds a B.Sc. in Computer Science and Mathematics and an M.Sc. in Computer Science from Bar-Ilan University.

SuperCom Ltd. (NASDAQ: SPCB), closed Wednesday's trading session at $0.1793, off by 1.0486%, on 668,852 volume. The average volume for the last 3 months is and the stock's 52-week low/high is $0.1524/$1.19.

Recent News

• SuperCom Ltd. (NASDAQ: SPCB) - TechMediaBreaks - SuperCom Ltd. (NASDAQ: SPCB) Secures Contract for Juvenile Monitoring, Strengthening Leadership in EM Solutions
• Wearable, Unobtrusive, High-performing Technology Gives SuperCom Ltd. (NASDAQ: SPCB) Key Advantages in EM Offender Tracking Market
• InvestorNewsBreaks - SuperCom Ltd. (NASDAQ: SPCB) Continues 'Strong Collaboration' with New $2.9M Orders from European Governments

First Tellurium Corp. (CSE: FTEL) (OTCQB: FSTTF)

The QualityStocks Daily Newsletter would like to spotlight First Tellurium Corp. (CSE: FTEL) (OTCQB: FSTTF) .

KPMG International Ltd is a multinational professional services network, operating as one of the Big 4 accounting firms globally. The company recently launched its reporting hub, which provides insights and guidance that will assist organizations and their shareholders in better understanding climate transparency in corporate reporting. This comes as climate change continues to increase scrutiny in financial reporting, with many stakeholders demanding clarity on how companies report on matters related to climate. He then noted that investors were looking for a picture of performance that demonstrated the financial implications of sustainability actions and plans. On sustainability, the tool highlighted the need to have all disclosures be derived from data and information with that used to prepare financial statements. As more companies introduce innovative solutions geared at bringing clarity to environmental, social and governance (ESG) financial reporting, enterprises such as First Tellurium Corp. (CSE: FTEL) (OTCQB: FSTTF) will have a variety of models from which to take pointers from as they fine-tune their own in-house reporting metrics.

First Tellurium Corp. (CSE: FTEL) (OTCQB: FSTTF) is committed to exploring for and providing essential and critical metals, including tellurium, gold, silver, copper and tungsten, for North American markets. This objective is anchored by the company’s Deer Horn tellurium-gold-silver-copper project in British Columbia, Canada, and further enhanced by its property option on the Klondike tellurium-gold prospect located in Colorado, USA.

First Tellurium’s unique business model is to generate revenue and value through mineral discovery, project development, project generation and cooperative access to untapped mineral regions in indigenous territory with sustainable exploration potential.

The company is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Tellurium and the Green Energy Revolution

Tellurium has a key role to play in the ongoing green energy revolution. It is widely used in the manufacturing of photovoltaic cells for solar panels.

Despite this utility, ongoing trade tensions between China and the U.S. create implications for both tellurium and the production of cadmium-tellurium solar cells. Earlier this year, China announced plans to restrict exports of critical metals gallium and germanium, both essential for the production of semiconductors. For reference, China produces around 80% of the world’s gallium and approximately 60% of the world’s germanium.

China’s recent trade restrictions amplify the fragility of the North American tellurium supply, as the Asian nation currently produces about 60% of the world’s tellurium. This sustained supply vulnerability is why First Solar, the United States’ largest solar panel producer, set up a worldwide search for tellurium deposits in the mid-2000s.

“In North America alone, our understanding is that First Solar looked at over a hundred tellurium properties,” First Tellurium CEO Tyrone Docherty stated in a news release. “Their number one property by far, which they acquired, was the Colorado Klondike which we now control.”

The U.S. is now looking to secure safe, domestic sources of tellurium and many other critical metals to pre-empt potential shortages. The Biden administration has instituted a stream of policies, particularly the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, to source solar components from North America and other “friendly” jurisdictions.

As the only junior mining company in the world focused on tellurium exploration, First Tellurium is ahead of the curve in capitalizing on these initiatives to establish strategic, domestic supplies of key resources for solar panel manufacturers.

First Tellurium’s ESG Initiatives

Through its exploration and partnerships with Fenix Advanced Materials, Cheona Metals and IRMA, First Tellurium strives to generate a measurable, beneficial social or environmental impact alongside a financial return. The company conducts a diversified search for metals, working in alliance with indigenous peoples, NGOs, governments and leading metals buyers. First Tellurium believes this is the future of mineral exploration — generating revenue by exploring responsibly and leveraging diverse partnerships.

First Tellurium proudly adheres to, and supports, the principles and rights set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and, in particular, the fundamental proposition of free, prior and informed consent.

 

Projects

Deer Horn Tellurium-Gold-Silver-Copper Project

Deer Horn is located on 51.33 square kilometers (km) in west-central British Columbia, 36 km south of the prolific Huckleberry copper-molybdenum mine and 135 km southwest of the community of Burns Lake. It is one of few significant tellurium discoveries outside Asia and includes a 2.4 km-long vein system of high-grade gold, silver and tellurium, as well as broader zones of bulk-tonnage gold, silver and tellurium mineralization. The company completed a positive Preliminary Economic Estimate and has begun permitting for a 10,000-tonne bulk sample program to advance the project toward mine feasibility. It is North America’s only silver-gold-tellurium property with an NI 43-101 compliant tellurium resource, and it hosts a number of other mineralized targets and zone containing critical metals such as copper, tungsten and zinc.

First Tellurium owns 50% of the property, with an option to acquire up to a 75% interest. The company has engaged Dias Geophysical of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, to conduct induced polarization (IP) geophysics on the Deer Horn Project in summer 2023. The program is designed to help develop drill targets for a subsequent drilling program.

Klondike Gold-Tellurium Project

The Klondike property is located in Saguache County, Colorado, southwest of Buena Vista in the state’s historical mining district. The company reports it has engaged Burgex Mining Consultants of Sandy, Utah, to stake additional claims around the Klondike property. The claims have been filed with the Bureau of Land Management.

Klondike demonstrates exceptional tellurium grades. Tellurium, used in high-efficiency cadmium telluride (Cd-Te) solar panels, next-generation lithium-ion batteries and thermoelectric devices to change heat into energy, is an essential element for the world’s transition to green energy.

The Klondike property was a top tellurium prospect owned previously by First Solar Inc., one of the world’s largest solar panel producers. First Solar terminated its worldwide raw materials exploration program in 2012 and sold the property to Colorado Klondike LLC, which optioned the project to First Tellurium. Colorado Klondike, led by First Solar’s former Exploration Manager in North America, is managing the upcoming exploration program.

The Colorado Geological Survey (CGS), in partnership with the Colorado School of Mines, reported on First Solar’s exploration at Klondike in 2015, noting: “Surface sampling by First Solar, Inc. in 2006 found very high tellurium grades of up to 3.3% (33,000 ppm), along with locally high gold grades. Tellurium grades at Klondike were the highest encountered in the company’s nationwide exploration program.”

Market Outlook

First Tellurium in spring 2023 referenced recent forecasts by the International Energy Agency (IEA) pointing to rapid growth in solar photovoltaic (solar PV) deployment worldwide. According to the agency, solar PV installations will generate more power by 2027 than any other energy source, including coal, natural gas and hydro. To meet this demand, consumption of both silver and tellurium, key components of solar panels, is expected to surge in coming years.

Chen Lin, founder of Lin Asset Management, has written in his investment newsletter for clients that solar PV is now the largest industrial usage of silver. He said that in 2022 solar PV production used about 12% of total silver demand, or about 120 million ounces of silver. Lin expects this number to rise dramatically in the coming years, and that is likely to lead to silver supply deficits for decades to come.

Lin points out that solar power is now the cheapest source of energy in many parts of the world and that all forecasts point to dramatic expansion of solar PV in the coming two decades. Conservative estimates forecast 300 gigawatts of solar PV production by 2027, up from the current level of about 200 gigawatts.

Management Team

Tyrone Docherty is President, Director and CEO of First Tellurium Corp. He previously served as President and CEO of Quinto Mining Inc., taking over when it had a market cap of $4 million. With limited resources in a difficult market environment, he raised more than $30 million and advanced Quinto’s Quebec iron ore property to a viable project. Quinto later sold for $175 million, with Quinto management taking shares of the purchaser, Consolidated Thompson Iron Mines, amounting to approximately 20-21% of that company. Consolidated Thompson Iron Mines sold two years later for $4.9 billion, giving the former Quinto team an enterprise value of approximately $1 billion. From 2012 to 2018, Mr. Docherty was Director and Chairman of Mason Graphite Inc. He has worked in the financial and minerals markets for more than 30 years.

Tony Fogarassy, M.Sc. LL.M., is Chairman of First Tellurium Corp. He is a lawyer and a geologist. His extensive legal and technical expertise includes minerals, oil and gas, coal and renewable energy projects and environmental and aboriginal/indigenous law in North America, Africa and Asia. He graduated as gold medalist in geological sciences from the University of British Columbia and in law from the London School of Economics.

First Tellurium Corp. (OTCQB: FSTTF), closed Wednesday's trading session at $0.09, off by 9.955%, on 210,000 volume. The average volume for the last 3 months is and the stock's 52-week low/high is $0.047785/$0.1075.

Recent News

• First Tellurium Corp. (CSE: FTEL) (OTCQB: FSTTF) - KPMG Opens Reporting Hub to Clarify ESG Financial Reporting
• Concerns Grow Regarding Market Consolidation as Moody's Exits ESG Ratings Segment
• Denmark Becomes First to Levy CO2 Emissions Agriculture Tax

HealthLynked Corp. (OTCQB: HLYK)

The QualityStocks Daily Newsletter would like to spotlightFathom HealthLynked Corp. (OTCQB: HLYK) .

HealthLynked (OTCQB: HLYK), a trailblazer in healthcare technology, is announcing a strategic partnership with HC Smart, Inc., a national telemedicine provider. The partnership, set to go live within the next four weeks, is expected to extend HealthLynked's telemedicine services across the U.S. as well as significantly enhance the company's offerings and accessibility. The announcement stated that the collaboration will integrate HC Smart's advanced telemedicine capabilities into HealthLynked's existing platform, providing nationwide coverage to all HealthLynked members. This initiative will offer HealthLynked Network members access to high-quality healthcare from the comfort of their homes by enabling reduced-cost telemedicine consultations as part of HealthLynked's membership program. "The healthcare landscape is rapidly evolving as patients demand more affordable and convenient health solutions. Traditional methods of seeing a provider often involve numerous value-eroding steps, such as finding a doctor that is located nearby, making an appointment, gathering medical records, and ensuring the doctor accepts their insurance. HealthLynked has addressed these pain points by simplifying the process of finding a doctor, booking appointments, and managing medical records. With the expansion of our telemedicine service, we are increasing the value-capturing solutions that allow patients to see a healthcare provider more conveniently and at a lower cost. Unlike other telemedicine providers, HealthLynked connects in-office appointments with telemedicine visits, allowing patients to seamlessly share their care with local healthcare providers after a remote consultation," commented Dr. Michael Dent, CEO of HealthLynked.  

To view the full press release, visit https://ibn.fm/Y8EDK

HealthLynked Corp. (OTCQB: HLYK) is at the forefront of a transformative movement in healthcare, utilizing its extensive collection of health data to improve care for all. With a commitment to leveraging its advanced technology platforms, HealthLynked employs a sophisticated, cloud-based network that serves as a comprehensive repository for personal health data. This system not only simplifies the management and archiving of medical records but also enables the application of AI to deliver personalized healthcare insights. Through deep analysis of this data, HealthLynked’s AI capabilities help identify the root causes of diseases, tailor healthcare solutions to individual needs, and accelerate medical discoveries.

In addition to these capabilities, HealthLynked provides a user-friendly platform for booking healthcare appointments, similar to how OpenTable operates for restaurant reservations. This feature allows patients to conveniently book appointments with healthcare providers across the country, including options for telemedicine consultations, enhancing accessibility and efficiency in healthcare service delivery.

Strategically headquartered in Naples, Florida, HealthLynked operates through three primary divisions: Health Services, Digital Healthcare, and Medical Distribution. Each division supports the company’s mission to revolutionize patient care and health management. Positioned as a potential leader in healthcare AI, HealthLynked is dedicated to shaping the future of the industry over the next 20 years, driving significant advancements in healthcare accessibility and effectiveness through innovation and technology.

Strategic Initiatives and Operational Highlights

The company’s commitment to enhancing global health is evident in its dual goals: transforming healthcare through advanced technology and creating a patient-centric network that accelerates medical discoveries and the development of disease cures.

HealthLynked’s intellectual property portfolio is robust and strategically developed to enhance healthcare delivery and management. In March 2023, HealthLynked was granted a patent for a groundbreaking healthcare-specific wireless access point, known as the “Patient Access Hub.” This technology significantly improves the efficiency of healthcare practices by enabling real-time monitoring of patient flow within facilities. It intelligently determines patients waiting in exam rooms and calculates wait times, alongside other critical practice metrics. This system not only enhances patient experience by reducing unnecessary wait times but also optimizes resource allocation within healthcare settings.

Additionally, in October 2023, HealthLynked filed a patent application for its advanced AI program, ARI (Augmented Real-time Interface). ARI acts as a virtual doctor for patients, capable of performing medical intake, booking appointments, and providing personalized medical recommendations based on a patient’s medical history. By integrating these tasks, ARI streamlines the healthcare process, reducing the administrative burden on healthcare providers and ensuring that patients receive timely and tailored healthcare advice. This AI-driven interface enhances the accessibility and personalization of healthcare, embodying HealthLynked’s commitment to leveraging technology for better health outcomes. The company recently launched HealthLynked 3.2.0, an advanced version of its application, incorporating telemedicine, AI-driven personal healthcare guidance, and remote patient monitoring – setting a new standard in healthcare technology.

Market Position and Future Outlook

According to Facts and Figures Research, a research and consulting firm, the global market for patient-centric healthcare applications is projected to reach $41.6 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 18.77% from 2022. HealthLynked’s offerings align perfectly with this expansive market opportunity, especially with increasing demands for digital health solutions and data management in healthcare.

HealthLynked’s strategic direction, spearheaded by its seasoned management team, is designed to leverage these market dynamics, enhancing patient engagement and healthcare efficiency on a global scale.

Management Team

Michael T. Dent, M.D., Founder, CEO, and Chairman, brings extensive experience from his foundational role at NeoGenomics and leadership in various healthcare and technology sector companies.

David Rosal, CFO, with previous senior roles at Teradata and McDonald’s Corporation, brings a wealth of expertise in financial and business integration strategies essential for growth and operational efficiency.

Chris Hall, CTO, with a strong background in global technology development from his time at Siemens and several patents to his name, is instrumental in driving the innovation and technological advancement at HealthLynked.

Bill Crupi, Operations Manager, has a proven track record in streamlining operations and enhancing productivity across multiple sectors within the healthcare industry. His expertise is crucial in maintaining the operational excellence that HealthLynked is known for.

Michael Paisan, Director of Investor Relations, leverages his extensive experience in finance and communications to enhance HealthLynked’s relationships with investors and stakeholders, ensuring transparent and effective communication of the company’s value and growth strategy.

Gagan Babber, Manager of Software Development, oversees the HealthLynked development teams based in the U.S. and India. With a robust background in engineering and software development, he plays a critical role in guiding the technological direction of HealthLynked’s products. His expertise in developing scalable, innovative software solutions is essential for driving the company’s technical initiatives forward and ensuring that HealthLynked stays at the forefront of digital healthcare technology.

HealthLynked Corp. (OTCQB: HLYK), closed Wednesday's trading session at $0.07845, off by 0.6962025%, on 647 volume. The average volume for the last 3 months is 112,877 and the stock's 52-week low/high is $0.033/$0.0999.

Recent News

• HealthLynked Corp. (OTCQB: HLYK) - InvestorNewsBreaks - HealthLynked Corp. (HLYK) Enters Strategic Partnership to Support Rollout of Telemedicine Services across the US
• InvestorNewsBreaks - HealthLynked Corp. (HLYK) Announces New COO, Appoints Seasoned Veteran to Enhance Operations and Drive Initiatives
• HealthLynked Corp. (HLYK) Digitizes and Streamlines Process of Obtaining Medical Records with New Cutting-Edge Feature Integrated with DocuSign

Nightfood Holdings Inc. (OTCQB: NGTF)

The QualityStocks Daily Newsletter would like to spotlight Nightfood Holdings Inc. (OTCQB: NGTF).

Nightfood Holdings (OTCQB: NGTF), a forward-thinking acquisition and development holding company, has signed a letter of intent ("LOI") to acquire SWC Group Inc., doing business as Carryoutsupplies.com ("CarryOut"), through Nightfood's wholly owned subsidiary, Future Hospitality Ventures Holdings Inc. As outlined in the LOI, the acquisition will be an all-stock transaction. A leading wholesaler and distributor of custom takeout packaging for the foodservice industry, CarryOut specializes in traditional and ecofriendly custom-printed packaging solutions for food-service businesses. Its products include to-go hot food boxes, snacks bowls, sushi trays, soup cups, ice cream cups and lids, coffee cups and lids, utensils, and more. According to the announcement, Nightfood officials believe significant growth opportunities exist in obtaining preferred-vendor status with regional and national branded food-service companies with unique and future-focused ecofriendly solutions. "We are thrilled at the opportunity to acquire rapidly growing CarryOut Supplies and for the opportunity to restore it to its pre-COVID scale and beyond," said Nightfood Holdings CEO Lei Sonny Wang in the press release. "CarryOut is an exciting standalone business, and the strategic value of this acquisition is greatly enhanced by synergies with our existing subsidiaries and those we anticipate acquiring in the future. Nightfood is committed to ensuring a smooth transition for CarryOut's employees and customers. We look forward to leveraging the combined strengths of our portfolio of exciting subsidiaries."

To view the full press release, visit https://ibn.fm/uj50k

Nightfood Holdings Inc. (OTCQB: NGTF) is a visionary holding company focused on identifying and capitalizing on explosive market trends within hospitality, food services and consumer packaged goods. By leading newly emerging categories and seizing opportunities in markets undergoing transformational upheaval, the company’s mission is to create unparalleled upside potential in industries ripe for innovation and growth.

Subsidiaries

Nightfood Inc.

The company’s flagship subsidiary, Nightfood Inc., is changing the way the world snacks at night. Humans are biologically hard-wired to crave sweets and fats at night – a survival mechanism from our hunter-gatherer days. Modern consumers know bingeing excess calories before the long nightly fast is no longer necessary for survival, but exploding screen time and decreased willpower at night results in over 90% of American adults snacking between dinner and bed every week, contributing to an estimated one billion nighttime snack occasions weekly (according to SleepFoundation.org).

The most popular choices – ice cream, cookies, chips and candy – are not only unhealthy but also impair sleep quality due to their nutritional profiles. Nightfood snacks are uniquely formulated by sleep and nutrition experts to satisfy nighttime cravings AND support better sleep.

Market Opportunity

Euromonitor International projects the American snack market will grow from $150 billion in 2022 to $170 billion in 2027. Snacking between dinner and bed is estimated to account for over $60 billion annually, creating an opportunity for a multi-billion-dollar sub-category to emerge in the coming years: sleep-friendly snacking.

Nightfood is the brand pioneering that category.

Nightfood’s innovation has led to partnership overtures from global giants, including the largest food and beverage company in the world, Nestlé, with whom Nightfood completed a “test-and-learn” joint initiative in 2023.

Management believes that successfully scaling Nightfood’s 2024 direct-to-consumer launch of sleep-friendly cookies will bring the category to life, opening the door for partnerships with and potential acquisition by global snack giants seeking to lead this potential billion-dollar emerging sub-category.

Future Hospitality Ventures Holdings Inc. (d/b/a roboOp365)

Future Hospitality Ventures Holdings, operating under the brand roboOp365, is revolutionizing the hospitality industry with cutting-edge automation and robotic solutions.

roboOp365 enhances operational efficiency and guest experiences through innovative technologies, including automated culinary bot, server robots and AI-enhanced applications. roboOp365 helps hospitality providers reduce costs, streamline operations and deliver superior service by integrating these advancements.

Market Opportunity

The robots-as-a-service (RaaS) business model has gained significant traction, super-charged by the COVID-19 pandemic, which instantly catalyzed game-changing growth and application. According to Verified Market Research, the service robotics market is projected to reach $173.17 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.25%. Compared to Asia, the United States market is in the early stages of adopting these technologies, but acceptance is accelerating aggressively.

Several factors are driving this trend. Key industries such as hotels and restaurants are still struggling to rebound from the pandemic’s impact, hoping to return to pre-pandemic levels, if possible. Such recovery will largely be dependent upon service robots. In California specifically, factors such as rising labor costs, more rigorous labor laws and ongoing high turnover rates in labor-intensive sectors make it impossible for businesses to survive, thrive and compete without robotics.

Innovation Across Sectors

Nightfood Holdings Inc. is dedicated to driving innovation across its focus sectors of food services, automation and hospitality applications. In food services, the company leverages automation technology to drive operational efficiency for operators while meeting evolving consumer needs. In the hospitality industry, it’s deploying solutions that redefine guest experiences. Nightfood’s consumer-packaged goods initiatives are key to breakthrough trends in health and wellness.

Synergizing Food and Technology

The synergy of food and technology within Nightfood Holdings Inc. creates a holistic approach to innovation and automation. By integrating these areas, the company offers comprehensive solutions that address multiple facets of market needs. Its automation and artificial intelligence solutions in food service and hospitality create a seamless and enhanced consumer experience.

Through this integrated approach, Nightfood Holdings Inc. not only meets current market demands but also anticipates and influences future trends, positioning itself as a leader in innovation across these interconnected sectors. Synergies in these related and explosive categories result in operational efficiency and benefits for the company’s customers and partners and outsized upside and opportunity for its investors.

Management Team

Sean Folkson is the Chairman and President of Nightfood. He founded Nightfood when he couldn’t find a solution to his nighttime snacking problem. Recognizing the growing body of research linking nutritional intake with sleep quality, he launched the first snack brand specifically formulated to give consumers better, healthier and more sleep-friendly snacks for that peak-cravings slot between dinner and bed. He is a serial entrepreneur and problem-solver, having previously founded Specialty Equipment Direct, an online distributor of floor removal equipment, and AffiliatePros.com, a pioneering company in online affiliate marketing.

Lei Sonny Wang is the CEO of Nightfood Holdings. He is a strategist and business driver for early-stage and growth-stage companies. He is the founder and former CEO of Future Hospitality Ventures Holdings Inc., which was acquired by Nightfood Holdings Inc. At Future Hospitality, he leveraged his significant international business development experience into distribution relationships with leading global robotics manufacturers. At Nightfood, he is working to grow revenue and improve performance and profitability across all subsidiaries.

Nightfood Holdings Inc. (OTCQB: NGTF), closed Wednesday's trading session at $0.0225, off by 8.9806%, on 95,365 volume. The average volume for the last 3 months is 124,151 and the stock's 52-week low/high is $0.0075/$0.0425.

Recent News

• Nightfood Holdings Inc. (OTCQB: NGTF) - Service on the Rise: How Automation and Nightfood Holdings Inc. (NGTF) are Redefining Hospitality
• Nightfood Holdings Inc. (NGTF): Snacking Smarter, Sleeping Sounder, and Revolutionizing Service with Robots
• Nightfood Holdings Inc. (NGTF) Eyes Growth Through Robotics and Sleep-Friendly Snacks

Correlate Energy Corp. (OTCQB: CIPI)

The QualityStocks Daily Newsletter would like to spotlight Correlate Energy Corp. (OTCQB: CIPI).

Correlate Energy Corp. (OTCQB: CIPI) is a publicly-traded company strategically positioned to capitalize on America’s unstoppable trend toward decentralized energy generation.

The energy grid in the U.S. is insufficient for the booming clean energy trend, and current infrastructure is limiting green energy distribution. Constructing the needed infrastructure to address this demand imbalance will cost billions and be far too slow, positioning decentralized systems, like those on offer from Correlate, in a key position for heightened demand.

Correlate has identified several key economic drivers powering the decentralized energy trend, including:

1. Real Cost Savings – Customer pays zero money down and gets an instant electrical price discount to current rates.
2. Massive Project Investment Funding – The International Energy Agency estimates that over one billion dollars per day will be invested in solar energy in 2023.
3. Consistent Long-Term Incentives – The Inflation Reduction Act is a game-changer, supercharging renewables with $1.2 trillion in tax credits for 10 years of market support.
4. Robust Customer Demand – Wood Mackenzie expects the U.S. solar industry to nearly triple in size over the next five years.

Correlate’s team of multi-decade experts who have worked with renowned global brands are positioning the company to make the most of this opportunity while consolidating a fragmented industry. Collectively, the team has developed, financed and deployed over $2 billion in clean energy projects to date.

Three-Pronged Strategy

Correlate is leveraging a three-pronged strategy aimed at driving shareholder value:

1. Sell – Correlate seeks to finance, develop and profitably sell localized clean energy solutions and microgrids to industrial, commercial and residential customers.
2. Retain – Correlate plans to retain ownership of some of these energy systems and thereby realize ongoing, reliable cash flow.
3. Acquire – Correlate seeks to acquire proven renewable energy companies in order to exponentially grow earnings per share for investors.

This strategy is enhanced by current investment trends. Clean energy earnings are being sought after by investors. In Q4 2022, the median EBITDA multiple for green energy companies was 12.3x, according to Finerva.

Market Outlook

Over the next decade and beyond, renewable energy growth is expected to come primarily via decentralized systems like those offered by Correlate.
The Inflation Reduction Act enacted in late August 2022 is likewise expected to drive growth for the company by providing new tax incentives that reduce costs for clients and/or elevate returns to investors.

Commercial buildings consume more than 35% of the generated electricity in the U.S. and are underperforming in energy efficiency at every level. These buildings waste energy, emit too much carbon and are too costly for owners and occupants, but retrofits are not happening at the rate or scale needed.

In today’s real estate market, portfolio property owners own most commercial buildings, yet most building efficiency work is focused on single buildings, thereby missing the distinct needs of this owner class which are very different from traditional owner-occupiers. The diverse nature of commercial buildings, combined with technology and performance uncertainty, make simple energy optimization initiatives – which could greatly reduce energy use and improve building value – financially unattractive, resulting in slow adoption rates. CIPI’s financial instruments and software breakdown this issue, known as the ‘split incentive’, unlocking the majority of the addressable market.

A key portion of Correlate’s strategy relates to consolidation of what has been a fragmented industry. By uncovering opportunities to improve efficiencies through strategic M&A activities, the company intends to enhance profitability throughout its operations.

Management Team

Todd Michaels is President and CEO of CIPI and founder of Correlate. He formerly served as Vice President for Innovation at SunEdison and Senior Director Distributed Solar at NRG Energy. He founded Correlate in 2015 and has 16 years of experience in the energy industry. He graduated from Indiana University with a B.S. in Computer Information Systems.

Channing Chen is CFO at CIPI and Correlate Inc. and brings over 16 years of experience in the solar industry as a developer, financier, and business unit leader. He has held executive management roles at Solar Power Partners (acquired by NRG Energy), where he was a founding employee, SunEdison, and NRG Energy (NYSE: NRG). Most recently, Mr. Chen was founder and Managing Partner at Breakaway Energy Partners LLC – a distributed energy financing and market-making platform. To date, Mr. Chen and his teams have raised over $1.5 billion in financing across residential, commercial, and utility scale solar and energy storage projects representing over 400 MWs. He holds a B.A. in Environmental Chemistry from the University of California at San Diego and an MBA from the University of Southern California. He is also an advisor and early-stage investor to several startup companies in the renewable energy space.

Dave Bailey is Chief Revenue Officer of Correlate Inc. With over 15 years of executive sales, supply chain management, and energy efficiency experience, he is responsible for ensuring the success of the National Commercial Sales Unit across multiple regional project teams. Mr. Bailey created and launched the Transformation Services team while at Wesco for its multibillion-dollar Distributed Energy Resource division, formerly Westinghouse. His focus was on IoT-enabled efficiency and plant floor automation-based services. Before that, he spent several years in Global Account Sales Management, with GE Supply as a Program Manager, and is a Commercial Leadership Program graduate. Mr. Bailey received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Kentucky.

Jed Freedlander is the company’s Chief Development Officer. He has a background in infrastructure development and investment and a strong legal, commercial and finance acumen. Mr. Freedlander has a proven track record in leading complex public-private partnership (P3) and energy transactions and is instrumental in driving Correlate’s strategic development initiatives.

Roger Baum is Executive VP Operations at Correlate. With over 20 years of experience at Core Construction, he brings to the company a wealth of knowledge and a strong track record in delivering successful commercial construction projects.

Jason Loyet is Director of Solar Energy for Correlate Inc. He is a cleantech executive with over 20 years of experience leading high growth solar energy and software start-ups. Mr. Loyet is a U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Catalyst award winner for his work building the Solar Site Design technology platform. Before joining the solar energy industry in 2005, he founded and sold two software companies in the streaming media (GlobalStreams) and newspaper publishing (MyCapture) industries. Mr. Loyet currently serves as a Member of the Board of Directors for the Tennessee Solar Energy Industry Association (TenneSEIA).

Correlate Energy Corp. (OTCQB: CIPI), closed Wednesday's trading session at $0.44, even for the day. The average volume for the last 3 months is 6,894 and the stock's 52-week low/high is $0.05/$2.35.

Recent News

• Correlate Energy Corp. (OTCQB: CIPI) - New UK Government Cancels Onshore Wind Farms Ban
• GreenEnergyBreaks - Correlate Energy Corp. (CIPI) Expanding Solutions to Significant Untapped Market
• Correlate Energy Corp. (CIPI) Subsidiary Enters Key Partnership in Nation's First Microgrid Utility