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Antisense’s Moment: How Rational Design Is Rewriting Drug Development Economics

  • Industry data shows small molecules achieve 5–10% approval rates over 15–20 years; antisense oligonucleotides (“ASOs”) are shifting the odds through rational design.
  • Six new antisense drugs gained FDA approval in 2023–2024, bringing total approvals above 20; evidence of accelerating regulatory momentum.
  • Oncotelic Therapeutics’ OT-101 (Trabedersen) is the only TGF-β2-specific antisense in Phase 3 trials, targeting pancreatic cancer and other resistant malignancies.

The pharmaceutical industry has long faced sobering odds: about 90% of drug candidates fail before reaching market. For small molecules, approval rates hover at very low odds, often requiring up to two decades of development. In oncology, success rates fall to just 3%. These economics have created a bottleneck that leaves patients waiting years for new treatments that rarely arrive.

Antisense oligonucleotides, short synthetic strands of DNA or RNA that silence disease-causing genes, are beginning to rewrite those odds. With six new FDA approvals since 2023 and more than 50 candidates in active trials, ASOs are experiencing a long-anticipated breakout. Oncotelic Therapeutics Inc. (OTCQB: OTLC) aims to be at the forefront with OT-101 (Trabedersen), the only TGF-β2-specific antisense therapy in Phase 3 development, an important distinction after several high-profile failures from larger pharmaceutical peers targeting the same pathway.

The Rational Design Advantage

Unlike traditional drug discovery, which relies on screening millions of compounds, antisense therapeutics are rationally designed. Scientists identify a specific genetic sequence responsible for disease, then engineer a complementary molecule to silence it. This precision reduces much of the trial-and-error that slows and inflates the cost of small-molecule programs.

ASOs occupy a unique middle ground: small enough to penetrate tissues (roughly 5,000–7,000 daltons) but large enough for precise gene targeting. Between 2016 and 2024, the FDA approved 18 new antisense or siRNA therapies, compared to just two in the prior 18 years, underscoring the acceleration of RNA-based innovation.

Manufacturing is also more predictable. ASOs are produced using standardized solid-phase synthesis, bypassing the complex bioreactors required for biologics. This simplifies quality control, shortens timelines, and reduces regulatory risk.

Why TGF-β2 Matters

OT-101 (Trabedersen) is an 18-mer phosphorothioate antisense oligonucleotide designed to suppress TGF-β2, an immunosuppressive cytokine linked to tumor progression and treatment resistance. While TGF-β exists in three isoforms, only TGF-β2 consistently correlates with poor survival. In pancreatic cancer, patients with high TGF-β2 expression survive a median of just 15 months, less than half that of those with low expression.

Earlier industry attempts to block the broader TGF-β pathway have failed. Novartis’s NIS793 and Merck’s bintrafusp alfa were both discontinued after missing survival endpoints or poor performance relative to the benefit and risk. Both targeted all three isoforms indiscriminately, blunting immune response. OT-101, by contrast, isolates TGF-β2, the specific driver that converts tumor-fighting M1 macrophages into tumor-promoting M2 macrophages.

Clinical Validation and Phase 3 Pathway

Across seven completed studies involving more than 200 patients, OT-101 has demonstrated encouraging results. In a Phase 2b glioblastoma trial, the therapy achieved a 22% objective response rate, with responders living more than three times longer than non-responders. In pancreatic cancer, OT-101 produced disease control in 55% of patients, and those who subsequently received chemotherapy doubled median survival compared to immediate progressors.

These data underpin Oncotelic’s ongoing Phase 3 trial (NCT06079346) combining OT-101 with mFOLFIRINOX in metastatic pancreatic cancer. Preclinical work showed TGF-β2 inhibition synergizes with irinotecan, a key FOLFIRINOX component, but not with gemcitabine, the backbone of failed prior trials. With pancreatic cancer projected to become the second-leading cause of U.S. cancer death by 2030, even modest efficacy could represent a multibillion-dollar opportunity.

Platform Potential and Strategic Positioning

Beyond pancreatic cancer, OT-101 has received Rare Pediatric Disease Designation for diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (“DIPG”), qualifying Oncotelic for a potential Priority Review Voucher worth $100–350 million. The company is also studying OT-101 in combination with PD-1 inhibitors. Bioinformatic analyses show that patients with low TGF-β2 expression experience median survival of 32.6 months on checkpoint inhibitors versus 14.5 months for those with high expression, suggesting OT-101 could enhance response to immunotherapy.

A Phase 1/2 trial pairing OT-101 with pembrolizumab in non-small-cell lung cancer is also in the works. Unlike most antisense companies focused on rare genetic disorders, Oncotelic is applying the platform to immuno-oncology, potentially unlocking far broader markets.

Regulatory Tailwinds and Economic Leverage

Regulators are increasingly receptive to RNA-based drugs. Six ASOs approved since 2023, including Qalsody for ALS and Izervay for geographic atrophy, demonstrate comfort with the modality across diverse diseases. Accelerated approval pathways and Orphan Drug incentives further de-risk development, granting up to seven years of market exclusivity and significant tax credits.

For Oncotelic, this convergence of science, regulation, and economics represents a rare alignment. OT-101’s late-stage status, selective mechanism, and combination potential position the company at the leading edge of antisense oncology. With a market capitalization below $50 million and an addressable market measured in billions, the asymmetry between valuation and opportunity is striking.

Oncotelic’s bet is clear: rational design is not just redefining how drugs are discovered; it’s reshaping what’s economically possible in cancer therapy.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.Oncotelic.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to OTLC are available in the company’s newsroom at ibn.fm/OTLC

Xeriant Inc. (XERI) Is ‘One to Watch’

  • Xeriant offers diversified exposure to next-generation aerospace, advanced materials, and sustainability-focused technologies through its strategic holding-company model.
  • The company’s NEXBOARD product line targets rapidly expanding markets in green construction and fire-resistant materials, supported by ongoing certification efforts and strong early interest from industry partners.
  • Factor X, Xeriant’s innovation division, provides a structured pathway to accelerate commercialization across high-growth sectors through coordinated, interdisciplinary development.
  • Strategic interests in aerospace technologies, including Halo and XTI Aircraft, position the company to participate in long-term shifts toward urban air mobility, VTOL platforms, and advanced aircraft systems.
  • Xeriant’s leadership team brings decades of experience in finance, aerospace, materials science, technology integration, and operational execution, strengthening the company’s ability to evaluate, acquire, and develop breakthrough innovations.

Xeriant (OTCQB: XERI) is dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of emergent, transformative technologies, focusing on eco-friendly advanced materials with applications across multiple industries.

The company builds its technology portfolio through strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and internal development programs, emphasizing diversification and synergy, and is supported by its innovation platform called Factor X Research Group. Xeriant’s affiliated entities maintain operational focus and expertise while becoming part of a collaborative interdisciplinary innovation hub aimed at enhancing capabilities and accelerating technology development and deployment.

Xeriant’s advanced materials line is marketed under the DUREVER(TM) brand and includes NEXBOARD(TM), a patent-pending composite construction panel made from recycled plastic and fiber waste, designed to replace drywall, plywood, OSB, MDF, MgO board and other construction panels.

The company is headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida.

Portfolio

NEXBOARD(TM)

Xeriant’s primary commercial focus is NEXBOARD(TM), an eco-friendly composite construction panel made from recycled plastic and fiber waste and enhanced with the company’s proprietary nanotechnology-based fire retardant, marketed under the DUREVER(TM) brand. Internal tests have demonstrated exceptional fire resistance, including a five-minute torch test reaching up to 2,500ºF and an 80-minute high-heat evaluation exceeding 2,000ºF.

The company has completed multiple limited production runs and internal tests to support certification, with accredited agencies documenting materials, processes, and quality controls. Upcoming certification testing includes NFPA 286 and ASTM E84, along with structural and durability testing.

Factor X Research Group

Factor X is Xeriant’s advanced innovation division, established to accelerate high-impact technologies from concept to commercial deployment. Modeled after Lockheed’s Skunk Works(TM), the group brings together experts across advanced materials, aerospace, artificial intelligence, critical infrastructure, and related disciplines to streamline development and strengthen cross-functional collaboration.

Its expanded mandate includes identifying acquisition opportunities; targeting disruptive technologies in areas such as AI, quantum computing, and data science; and supporting products like NEXBOARD(TM) as they move through the company’s commercialization pipeline.

Under the leadership of Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Blaine D. Holt, Factor X provides a coordinated environment designed to unify technical teams, reduce development barriers, and advance innovations with near-term market potential.

Market Opportunity

Xeriant operates at the intersection of several rapidly expanding sectors, including advanced aerospace systems, sustainable construction materials, and next-generation industrial technologies. Demand for eco-friendly building materials continues to accelerate, with the green construction market projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2030, according to a World Economic Forum report, supported by rising global standards for safety, sustainability, and carbon reduction. NEXBOARD also participates in the broader fire-protection materials market, which is projected to grow from $37.69 billion in 2025 to $59.9 billion by 2034, according to Market Research Future, driven by stricter building codes and increasing awareness of fire-resistant alternatives.

Xeriant plans to capitalize on opportunities emerging from green construction, modular homebuilding, advanced composites engineering, nanotechnology, thermal-management innovations, and cross-disciplinary integration for new product development. Each prospective technology undergoes rigorous due diligence, including market forecasting, management evaluation, competitive assessment, and financial analysis, allowing Xeriant to pursue selective, strategically aligned acquisitions and partnerships.

Leadership Team

Keith F. Duffy, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, has more than 30 years of experience across investment banking, finance, strategic planning, and operations, and has served as a principal in multiple start-ups spanning aviation, software, banking, and biotech. He arranged the merger that created Xeriant, established the company’s partnership with Florida Atlantic University, and previously held roles ranging from securities broker to controller of an aviation FBO. He is a licensed real estate and mortgage professional and holds a B.A. in Business Administration and Mathematics from Rollins College.

Scott M. Duffy, Executive Director of Corporate Operations, has built a career of over 30 years in management, operations, strategic planning, IT, marketing, and distribution, including oversight of a $545 million retail sales division at American Media. He has collaborated on business development efforts for several start-ups, including Xeriant, and has held senior roles supporting large-scale operational and administrative functions. He earned a B.A. in Business Administration and Mathematics from Rollins College.

Pablo Lavigna, Chief Information Officer, has more than 20 years of experience in information technology and software engineering, supporting Xeriant through technology sourcing, internal systems management, and the development of security and software solutions. His background includes directing IT operations for private firms and implementing network security and specialized software tools across multiple industries. He holds Microsoft and CompTIA certifications and graduated magna cum laude from Florida International University with a degree in Information Technology and Business.

Brian Carey, Chief Financial Officer, has spent over 30 years in accounting, tax, financial management, and business development, having founded and operated a long-standing accounting and advisory firm serving start-ups and established companies. His experience includes business planning, financial oversight, and operational support for partner organizations. He holds a Bachelor of Accounting degree from Penn State University.

Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Blaine D. Holt, President of Factor X Research Group, has a distinguished background in multinational operations, aerospace leadership, and technology-driven enterprise, including service as Deputy U.S. Military Representative to NATO and as a command pilot with more than 3,900 flight hours. His experience spans advanced manufacturing, AI-enabled logistics, large-scale aviation turnarounds, and advisory work supporting emerging technologies, strengthening Xeriant’s ability to evaluate and advance high-impact innovations.

For company information, visit the company’s website at www.Xeriant.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to XERI are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/XERI

Where Geology Creates Advantage: Inside Search Minerals Inc.’s (TSX.V: SMY) (OTC: SHCMF) Development Across Labrador’s Rare Earth Districts

Disseminated on behalf of Search Minerals Inc. (TSX.V: SMY) (OTC: SHCMF) and may include paid advertising.

  • Search Minerals Inc. controls two district-scale rare earth land packages in Labrador, including the Port Hope Simpson – St. Lewis CREE District and the Red Wine CREE District
  • Each district features many prospects and deposits that the company has explored, sampled, surveyed, and drilled to learn what resides there
  • The districts are home to a range of rare earth elements (“REE”) including Nd (Neodymium), Pr (Praseodymium), Tb (Terbium), Dy (Dysprosium), and other elements and metals that are crucial to the future of the world

Search Minerals (TSX.V: SMY) (OTC: SHCMF), a mine exploration and development company, is working hard to advance Canada’s strategically positioned rare earth portfolio.

 The company controls two districts: the Port Hope Simpson – St. Lewis CREE District and the Red Wine CREE District. These properties are both located in Labrador, a mining-friendly province on the eastern edge of Canada, where Search Minerals has operated since 2009.

This section of the country is part of the eastern Canadian Shield, which is home to some of the planets oldest rocks, which have gone through intense deformation, metamorphism, and glacial scouring over the years. This creates a suitable environment for mineral deposits, and the area is full of diverse types of rocks and deposits, as well.

Port Hope Simpson – St. Lewis CREE District

In 2009, Search Minerals acquired a regional land position and started exploring Labrador in search of rare earth elements (“REE”) around communities like Port Hope Simpson, St. Lewis, and Mary’s Harbour.

By taking a systemic approach to exploration, the company was able to identify the 64 km (just shy of 40 miles) long Fox Harbour volcanic belt. The area contained not only REE but also had the potential of hosting critical rare earth elements (“CREE”) deposits, as well. This district eventually became the Port Hope Simpson – St. Lewis CREE District.

Various exploration programs have taken place in the district through the years, with the first major discovery being the Foxtrot deposit in 2010. Plenty of work has been completed at Foxtrot including 1,484 channel samples, 14,322 core samples, and 72 drill holes.

As a result of this work, the mineral context and composition of the area is very well understood, and surface sampling results are consistent with deeper analysis. The total indicated mineral resource estimate for Foxtrot is over 10 million tonnes, and the deposit is estimated to have 366 parts per million (“ppm”) of Pr, 1,368 ppm of Nd, 176 ppm of Dy, and 30 ppm of Tb.

The second major discovery in the Port Hope Simpson – St. Lewis CREE District was the Deep Fox deposit. This deposit consists of highly strained peralkaline gneiss rock, called pantellerite, which is enriched in high field strength elements.

The exploration of Deep Fox has included diamond drilling, surveys, surface mapping, and surface channel samples. In total, the company has completed 44 surface channels, 137 drill holes, and analyzed nearly 15,500 samples.

Deep Fox has a total indicated mineral resource estimate of over 5 million tons, and it is estimated to have 394 ppm of Pr, 1,469 ppm of Nd, 202 ppm of Dy, and 34 ppm of Tb. Due to Deep Fox having 15% higher CREE values than Foxtrot, it has become Search Minerals’ leading resource.

Finally, there’s the Fox Meadow deposit, which has a larger surficial extent than both Deep Fox and Foxtrot. The mineralization of this deposit is associated with a magnetic anomaly, which shows the area is prospective for a large REE deposit. Results from channel samples reveal that the grade is lower than Deep Fox and Foxtrot, but the sheer size, as well as the low thorium and uranium levels, are a plus for Fox Meadow.

The geology of this deposit is complex, as several phases of deformation can be identified in the rocks. A drill program and channel sampling program were completed in 2022, but the results are pending.

In Fall 2025, the company also announced a CREE channel program taking place in the Fox Harbour volcanic belt. This exploration campaign will focus on four key prospects: Fox Lady, Fox Run, Krazy Fox, and Silver Fox. The work will include prospecting, mapping, channeling, and trenching.

Red Wine CREE District

Search Minerals also controls 17 licenses, which is a total of 427 claims, in the Red Wine CREE District. The district has a northern area with potential for light rare earth elements (“LREE”), while the southern part of the area has potential for heavy rare earth elements (“HREE”).

The north includes prospects like Two Tom Lakes and Mann #1, while the south has prospects such as Merlot, Dory Pond, Cabernet, Barbera, and Narnia Hill.

These two main districts, and the many prospects they host, provide a source of many critical rare earth elements that have the potential to shape our future. With vast exposure to a variety of rare earth elements, and a project pipeline that’s progressing, Search Minerals not only has exploration potential, but also a practical pathway to future development.

For more information, visit the company’s website at https://searchminerals.ca.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to SHCMF are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/SHCMF

GlobalTech Corp. (GLTK) Acquiring, Building, and Collaborating with Scalable Tech Platforms, Obtaining Interest in a Premium UK Footwear Brand

  • GlobalTech Corp. is a tech holding company focusing on companies and platforms across AI, big data, and the overall digital infrastructure
  • The company is committed to not only acquiring tech-centric assets with strong growth potential, but also helping them succeed with access to capital, better technology, and more
  • The GLTK portfolio spans a variety of industries, such as digital lending, e-commerce, HR, sports management, and others
  • The company recently announced of a 51% interest in Moda in Pelle (“MIP”), a premium UK footwear brand

GlobalTech (OTC: GLTK), a technology holding company focused on acquiring, developing, and scaling AI, big data, and digital infrastructure platforms, is committed to supporting high-potential assets and accelerating their growth through access to capital markets and emerging technologies.

This vision goes hand-in-hand with GLTK’s mission to leverage the company’s expertise and a strong network to invest in companies with high business potential and robust operations already in place.

The company’s diverse portfolio currently includes platforms like:

  • CADNZ, a comprehensive lending platform
  • ThrivoAI, an AI-powered e-commerce platform
  • Baseball Blitz, an end-to-end platform for sports league and player management
  • TalinaAI, a reinventive AI recruiting assistant
  • ProtoEd, a project-based learning platform, and many other platforms across a variety of industries

The company also recently entered into a definitive purchase agreement to acquire 51% interest in Moda in Pelle (“MIP”), which is a premium UK footwear brand established in 1975. It has a strong presence in the UK market, generated net revenues of $37 million in the last fiscal year, and has remained at the cutting edge of tech deployment throughout the company’s operations.

The move not only gives GLTK an additional revenue stream but also strengthens the company’s operational footprint in the UK. Also, it significantly enhances ecommerce capabilities through activating and deploying ThrivoAI within the MIP ecosystem. GLTK expects this acquisition to close within the next 30 days, subject to closing conditions.

In addition to the company’s assets, GLTK also focuses on internal innovation and sees this innovation as a major cornerstone of success. GlobalTech is always seeking new ways to create value, while also ensuring the company always conducts business with not only high ethical standards, but also transparency and integrity.

The company places strong emphasis on collaboration and partnership, leveraging shared resources and expertise to achieve common goals. GlobalTech is equally focused on key strategic priorities that drive sustainable, high-impact growth, including acquiring scalable assets, maximizing investor value, advancing responsible and ethical innovation, cultivating a strong talent pipeline, and forging strategic partnerships to support global expansion. With the addition of the AI and Big Data Center of Excellence (“COE”) that helps organizations in a variety of ways, including consulting, digitally transforming, upskilling, and more. The COE partners with industry leaders to shape the future of AI-powered ecosystems.

GLTK recently released the company’s Q3 2025 financial results, and some highlights from the release include:

  • A 10% increase in net revenue compared to Q3 2024 ($5.5 million vs. $5 million)
  • An operating loss of $516,000 vs. a $1.1 million loss in the year-ago period
  • Cash and cash equivalents of $3.8 million as of the end of Q3 2025, including $2.8 million in restricted cash

The company also stated that the Technology Services and Products segments continue to expand, thanks to factors including growing software revenues and strong client delivery. The release mentions that several platforms are reaching (or nearing) commercial launch in global markets, as well.

About GlobalTech Corp. (OTC: GLTK)

Based in the U.S., GlobalTech Corporation is a tech holding company that acquires and partners with a diverse portfolio of companies across industries like AI, big data, digital infrastructure. It helps to accelerate these platforms by offering access to cutting-edge technology and capital.

For more information, visit www.GlobalTechCorporation.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to GLTK are available in the company’s newsroom at ibn.fm/GLTK

LaFleur Minerals Inc. (CSE: LFLR) (OTCQB: LFLRF) (FSE: 3WK0) Forecasting Strong 2026 with PEA Completion Aimed for Early 2026 Driving Near-Term Gold Production at Its Beacon Gold Mill

This article has been disseminated on behalf of LaFleur Minerals Inc. (CSE: LFLR) (OTCQB: LFLRF) (FSE: 3WK0) and may include paid advertising.

  • LaFleur Minerals Inc., a Canadian exploration and near-term gold producer, anticipates 2026 to be biggest year yet, beginning with the restart of gold production at its wholly owned Beacon Gold Mill
  • The company has doubled down on its near-term gold production strategy that involves exploration on its own promising properties, while offering the mill’s capacity to other actively productive miners in the area
  • With gold having rocketed in value to above the $4,000 per ounce mark this year, and demand only rising, LaFleur is set to capitalize on this booming market

LaFleur Minerals (CSE: LFLR) (OTCQB: LFLRF) (FSE: 3WK0), a Canadian exploration and near-term gold producer advancing the district-scale Swanson Gold Project in Québec’s prolific Abitibi Gold Belt and progressing towards the restart of gold production at its wholly owned Beacon Gold Mill, is proving to be an excellent investment vehicle for individuals looking to make it big in the not-so-distant future. Having doubled down on its vertically integrated, near-term gold production strategy, which involves exploration and eventual bulk sampling at its Swanson Gold property to provide source of mineralized material for its nearby Beacon Gold Mill, the next factor is the availability of offering its milling capacity to the many surrounding productive miners who can use it, a rare combination that differentiates LaFleur from other junior miners.

LaFleur looks to fire up its flagship operation in the renowned Abitibi Gold Belt of Québec in early 2026. It will source material from its district-scale Swanson Gold Project and produce it through its de-risked 750-ton capacity, fully permitted and refurbished Beacon Gold Mill (https://ibn.fm/OYz5V). The company has already finalized a comprehensive restart plan for this mill, budgeting between C$5 and C$6 million to facilitate its completion during a six-to-eight-month recommissioning process. This is a testament to LaFleur’s bullishness about the industry’s opportunities and the role such an initiative will play in advancing its operations in the country and beyond (https://ibn.fm/HsNyI).

This, coupled with market factors, is favoring LaFleur and its operations. Gold has already rocketed to above $4,000 per ounce this year, up from $1,600 in 2022 (https://ibn.fm/fQ6GB). Demand for the product continues to climb, and industry experts note that the trend is expected to persist given underlying worldwide economic developments. Seeing that the location of both the Swanson and Beacon properties in Val-d’Or, they benefit from being in one of the most prolific and lowest-risk mining jurisdictions globally. The region, specifically the Abitibi Gold Belt of Québec, is known for its gold production, having delivered over 190 million ounces in the past century. LaFleur looks to capitalize heavily on that.

As a means to edge closer to production, the company was set to release its Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEA”) results this month. LaFleur is also running metallurgical testing of the historical drill core in tandem with drilling twin holes and additional holes at its Swanson deposit.

“We’re looking at having (the PEA) results out in December,” noted Paul Ténière, LaFleur’s CEO. “We have lots of side projects on the go as part of the PEA. We’re also going to be doing some metallurgical testing of the historical drill core, and also some drilling that we’re doing now at Swanson. The purpose of that is to verify the historical drilling but also looking at infill as well. So we’ll have all those results back in the next few weeks, and that will all be part of the PEA,” he added (https://ibn.fm/aPjw8).

All these developments mean that LaFleur will enter 2026 strong, and its management is extremely optimistic, now believing that 2026 will be its biggest year yet.

For company information, visit the company’s website at www.LaFleurMinerals.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to LFLRF are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/LFLRF

Qualified Person Statement:

All scientific and technical information contained in this article has been reviewed and approved by Louis Martin, P.Geo. (OGQ), Exploration Manager and Technical Advisor of the company, and considered a Qualified Person for the purposes of NI 43-101.

SPARC AI Inc. (CSE: SPAI) (OTCQB: SPAIF) Accelerates Next-Gen Autonomy Through Sensor-Free Targeting, Advanced Navigation Software

Disseminated on behalf of  SPARC AI Inc. (CSE: SPAI) (OTCQB: SPAIF) and may include paid advertising.

  • By reimagining how machines perceive surroundings, Sparc AI is helping create a new class of flexible, lightweight and stealth-oriented navigation and intelligence tools
  • Sparc AI’s core platform, Overwatch, is built on an in-house mathematical and AI framework known as SPARC, which enables sensor-free targeting and geolocation
  • Newest system can now determine precise latitude/longitude (and even object-height) from any single image, enabling GPS-free geolocation from just a photo
  • The company recently introduced a universal API and software development kit designed to integrate SPARC capabilities into almost any drone or robotic system

The next wave of autonomous technology is being defined by systems that can think, navigate and interpret the world without relying on traditional signals or bulky hardware. As drones, robots and mobile devices increasingly operate in complex or contested environments, the ability to extract precise location intelligence from nothing more than visual data is becoming one of the most transformative capabilities in the field. It is into this rapidly shifting landscape that SPARC AI (CSE: SPAI) (OTCQB: SPAIF) is emerging as a notable innovator, developing software that enables unmanned platforms to identify, map and navigate toward targets using only image or video inputs.

By reimagining how machines perceive their surroundings, Sparc AI is helping create a new class of flexible, lightweight and stealth-oriented navigation and intelligence tools suited to modern operational demands. The company is emerging as one of the most intriguing innovators in the rapidly evolving field of autonomous navigation and image-based geolocation. Its technology is designed for a world where machines must operate reliably even when traditional tools such as GPS, radar, lidar or satellite signals are unavailable.

By transforming simple video or image inputs into precise location intelligence, the company is creating a new class of capability for drones, robots, cameras and mobile devices. Sparc AI is developing software that allows unmanned systems to identify, map and navigate toward targets using only visual data, offering a level of flexibility and stealth that aligns with some of the most pressing technological needs in modern environments.

Sparc AI’s core platform, Overwatch, is built on an in-house mathematical and AI framework known as SPARC, which enables sensor-free targeting and geolocation. Unlike conventional navigation or targeting systems that rely on GPS or active sensors, SPARC processes pixels within images to determine precise coordinates for distant or near-field objects. Overwatch allows a user to extract pinpoint location information from any still image or video feed by clicking on any pixel in an image to generate latitude and longitude or other coordinate formats.

This software-only approach is significant because it removes the need for heavy, power-intensive or detectable hardware. Systems that rely on radar, lidar or high-bandwidth sensors can be expensive, bulky or easily traced. Sparc AI’s model turns existing hardware into intelligent platforms without modifying the physical payload. 

A standard drone, ground robot, surveillance camera or rugged mobile device can be enhanced with capabilities typically restricted to high-end defense technology. That approach represents a shift in how autonomy and reconnaissance systems can be deployed, potentially making advanced navigation more accessible across both commercial and government sectors.

In addition, the company recently introduced a universal API and software development kit designed to integrate SPARC capabilities into almost any drone or robotic system. This means manufacturers or developers can embed autonomous mapping, targeting and navigation into new or existing devices without designing custom hardware. For industries adopting robotics at scale, such as infrastructure inspection, agriculture, energy, construction and emergency response, flexible software-based autonomy may reduce costs and accelerate deployment.

Sparc AI’s timing is notable given the global demand for systems that can operate in contested or degraded signal environments. Civilian, industrial and defense organizations increasingly face situations where GPS is unavailable, unreliable or intentionally disrupted. High-end sensors are not always practical in field conditions, particularly when weight, battery life, cost or detectability are concerns. A software-driven, zero-signature method of geolocation is well aligned with these evolving constraints. As the number of autonomous and semi-autonomous systems continues to grow worldwide, demand for solutions that offer silent, precise and resilient navigation is accelerating.

Sparc AI is positioning itself at the intersection of autonomy, computer vision, geospatial intelligence and next-generation robotics. Its technology responds to a clear market need for navigation and targeting systems that operate dependably in environments where traditional tools are compromised.

By providing a flexible, software-first solution, the company is creating opportunities for a new class of unmanned operations capable of meeting the challenges of modern deployment conditions. As adoption grows across civilian, industrial and defense markets, Sparc AI may become one of the defining contributors to the future of autonomous navigation and image-based intelligence.

For more information, visit the company’s website at https://sparcai.co.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to SPAIF are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/SPAIF

SuperCom Ltd. (NASDAQ: SPCB) Extends U.S. Reach with Texas Juvenile Probation Contract

  • The new agreement marks the company’s entry into Texas, while expanding its U.S. footprint to 14 states.
  • The Texas agency selected SuperCom to replace a long-standing incumbent vendor, underscoring rising demand for more advanced EM technologies.
  • More than 30 U.S. EM contracts have been awarded to the company since mid-2024, reflecting a steady displacement of incumbent providers.
  • SuperCom’s PureSecurity(TM) platform integrates modular GPS, RFID, and cloud tools suited for home detention, offender supervision, and domestic violence prevention.
  • With deployments across EMEA and North America, SuperCom continues to expand its presence in high-value public safety markets.

SuperCom (NASDAQ: SPCB), a global provider of secured e-Government, IoT, and cybersecurity solutions, has added another state to its growing U.S. footprint with a new contract in Texas. The agreement, announced early this month, introduces the company’s PureSecurity(TM) platform to a juvenile probation agency seeking to modernize its monitoring program and transition away from an incumbent provider (https://ibn.fm/BziW6).

The Texas award marks SuperCom’s first entry into the state and extends the company’s U.S. presence to 14 states. Since mid-2024, more than 30 U.S. agencies have selected SuperCom for new or replacement EM programs, a trend that highlights the company’s increasing ability to displace long-entrenched vendors.

SuperCom says the contract will follow a recurring revenue model based on active daily units, aligning with the subscription-based structure widely used in the EM industry. President and CEO Ordan Trabelsi described the Texas win as part of a broader national momentum. Agencies, he noted, are increasingly looking for “reliable, effective, and modern alternatives,” particularly systems that can be deployed quickly and provide real-time data to support youth and adult supervision programs.

“Our field-proven technology, scalable platform, and rapid deployment capabilities are driving real results in both juvenile and adult supervision programs,” Trabelsi said. “We believe our entry into Texas will be no different, as agencies across the state seek reliable, effective, and modern alternatives.”

The company’s core EM offering is the PureSecurity platform, a modular suite that integrates GPS, RF, and cloud-based monitoring tools. According to SuperCom’s solutions overview, the system can be configured for a range of environments, from juvenile probation and parole monitoring to house arrest, inmate management, and domestic violence prevention. Devices and tools within the suite include the PureOne one-piece GPS bracelet, PureCom RF base station for house arrest, PureTag RF bracelet, and smartphone-based PureTrack(TM) system. The platform’s PureShield(TM) and PureProtect(TM) mobile apps allow domestic violence victims to receive proximity alerts when an offender approaches restricted zones.

The flexibility of the PureSecurity system has been central to SuperCom’s competitive positioning. Agencies adopting the technology often report that legacy systems lack the integration, reliability, or remote-management capabilities now considered essential for community supervision programs. The company’s recent string of contract wins suggests that these system-upgrade needs are widespread.

Electronic monitoring itself continues to expand as states and counties search for alternatives to overcrowded correctional facilities and rising detention costs. Multiple studies have found that EM can reduce recidivism when paired with adequate supervision and support services. Research shows reductions in reoffending ranging from 10% in France to nearly 50% in Argentina, with Australia reporting a 28% decrease in two-year recidivism rates for monitored individuals. While these results vary by jurisdiction, they have helped reinforce the role of EM as a tool for rehabilitation rather than simply surveillance.

In the U.S., demand for EM is influenced by multiple factors: rising juvenile caseloads, pressure to reduce jail populations, and state-level shifts toward evidence-based supervision. Many agencies also face internal technology challenges, ranging from outdated hardware to fragmented software systems, that affect their ability to track compliance and manage caseloads efficiently. These conditions create openings for vendors capable of integrating field devices with cloud-based platforms and offering analytics to support officer decision-making.

SuperCom’s activity offers an example of how smaller EM providers are carving out market share from long-established vendors. The company has positioned its offerings as both cost-efficient and adaptable, qualities that resonate in environments where budgets are pressured and legislative demands are evolving. With its entry into Texas and a growing roster of state contracts, SuperCom appears intent on positioning itself as a scalable alternative to incumbent EM providers. 

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.SuperCom.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to SPCB are available in the company’s newsroom at http://ibn.fm/SPCB

Lahontan Gold Corp. (TSX.V: LG) (OTCQB: LGCXF) Announces BLM approval, Update on the Progress of the Company’s Santa Fe Mining Project

Disseminated on behalf of  Lahontan Gold Corp. (TSX.V: LG) (OTCQB: LGCXF) and may include paid advertising.

  • Lahontan Gold Corp. recently announced that it received BLM approval for the drill program at the company’s West Santa Fe project, which sits only a short distance from Lahontan’s flagship Santa Fe Mine project
  • The company’s drilling program focuses on both validating historic drilling and testing extensions to the known gold and silver system at West Santa Fe
  • The CEO and President of Lahontan Gold Corp., Kimberly Ann, recently sat down for an interview where she spoke on the company’s progress with the Santa Fe project

Lahontan Gold (TSX.V: LG) (OTCQB: LGCXF), a mine development and exploration company, recently announced that it has received approval from the Federal Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”) for the company’s maiden drill program at the West Santa Fe project, which is only a short distance from the flagship Santa Fe project.

The BLM approved Lahontan’s Notice of Intent for drill sites on unpatented lode mining claims that are located on BLM administered Federal lands. This drilling program will focus on both testing expansions to the known gold and silver mineralized system at West Santa Fe, as well as validating historic drilling.

Currently, Lahontan has an active drill rig at the Sante Fe project and will move it to West Santa Fe when the current drill program is complete.

Speaking about this approval, Lahontan Gold Corp. CEO and President, Kimberly Ann, said that “The Company is excited to receive approval of the West Santa Fe NOI from the BLM. We appreciate the efficiency of the BLM in processing the permit. We can now focus on confirming the positive results from historic drilling at West Santa Fe which outlined a very shallow, oxidized, gold and silver system. Our geologic work at West Santa Fe shows that the gold and silver mineralization identified by historic drilling extends for several kilometres to the east along strike as well as down-dip to the north. The company expects the drilling program to commence in December”.

In addition to this news, Ann sat down for an interview at the recent 121 Mining Investment London event. She began the interview by providing a quick overview of the company, highlighting that it currently has two million ounces on paper in the Walker Lane region of Nevada, which is among the best mining jurisdictions in the world. She then moved onto talking about the aforementioned BLM approval, which is a major step in getting back to production.

Throughout the short interview she also covered several other topics such as the company’s NEPA approval, raising funds, the share performance recently, and the fact that the company acquired the York claims, which expands the footprint of the Santa Fe project.

About Lahontan Gold Corp. 

Lahontan Gold Corp. is a mining and development company with a portfolio of gold and silver assets in Walker Lane region of Nevada, one of the most productive and mining-friendly locations in the world. The company has the mission of responsibly developing and expanding resources and maximizing economic returns, while also minimizing capital intensity.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.LahontanGoldCorp.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to LGCXF are available in the company’s newsroom at ibn.fm/LGCXF

Ucore Rare Metals Inc. (TSX.V: UCU) (OTCQX: UURAF) Moves to Counter China’s Rare Earth Dominance

Disseminated on behalf of  Ucore Rare Metals Inc. (TSX.V: UCU) (OTCQX: UURAF) and may include paid advertising.

  • China controls roughly 70% of global rare-earth mining and as much as 90% of rare-earth magnet production.
  • This threat has placed renewed urgency on domestic companies, such as Ucore, that aim to rebuild processing infrastructure the U.S. allowed to atrophy over several decades.
  • Ucore’s competitive edge lies in RapidSX, a solvent-extraction-based separation platform designed as a technological improvement over conventional SX systems.

The escalating tug-of-war over critical mineral supply chains has taken another sharp turn, as a recent Wall Street Journal report reveals China’s plans to tighten control over high-performance rare-earth magnets essential for U.S. military systems. The article outlines how Beijing may take steps to limit access to advanced magnet technologies used in fighter jets, missile-guidance components and other defense hardware, potentially deepening U.S. vulnerability in a market it already depends on almost entirely. With this in mind, Ucore Rare Metals (TSX.V: UCU) (OTCQX: UURAF) is positioning itself as a critical part of the solution, developing a North American supply chain for rare-earth separation using its proprietary RapidSX technology and advancing plans for a commercial facility designed to reduce reliance on Chinese processing.

China controls roughly 70% of global rare-earth mining and as much as 90% of rare-earth magnet production. A 2023 USGS report confirms that the United States imported 74% of its rare-earth compounds and metals from China between 2018 and 2021, underscoring the imbalance that policymakers have warned about for years. The WSJ notes that China’s new proposals, if implemented, would further restrict Western access to the most sophisticated magnet technologies, which are essential for permanent-magnet motors in military aircraft, guided missiles, drones, radar and numerous classified systems. This strategic vulnerability is part of why the U.S. Department of Defense has increasingly emphasized “mine-to-magnet” reshoring efforts.

The concern is not hypothetical. A 2022 study by the Congressional Research Service confirmed that a single F-35 fighter jet requires approximately 920 pounds of rare-earth materials, many of which must undergo separation and magnet-manufacturing processes that currently occur almost entirely in China. New Chinese restrictions could widen this gap by cutting off access to advanced magnet manufacturing know-how, potentially affecting everything from precision-guided munitions to next-generation naval and air-defense platforms. This threat has placed renewed urgency on domestic companies, such as Ucore, that aim to rebuild processing infrastructure the U.S. allowed to atrophy over several decades.

Ucore Rare Metals is central to this reshoring effort through its planned Strategic Metal Complex in Alexandria, Louisiana, where the company intends to separate mixed rare-earth concentrates into individual oxides needed for high-performance magnets. The facility is designed with a nameplate capacity of 7,500 metric tons per year of total rare-earth oxides, including up to 2,000 metric tons of neodymium-praseodymium (“NdPr”) oxide, the primary feedstock for permanent magnets.

Ucore’s competitive edge lies in RapidSX, a solvent-extraction-based separation platform designed as a technological improvement over conventional SX systems. Independent third-party testing commissioned during Ucore’s demonstration program showed that RapidSX can achieve comparable or superior separation performance while reducing processing time and equipment footprint relative to legacy systems.

This matters because China’s dominance stems not only from resource access but from decades of investment in downstream processing, an area where North America has lagged. By focusing specifically on separation, the most difficult and capital-intensive part of the supply chain, Ucore is addressing the bottleneck that prevents rare-earth mines in North America from supplying magnet-grade materials to the defense sector and to emerging industries such as electric vehicles and wind turbines.

Ucore’s strategy aligns with U.S. policy directives, including the Defense Production Act Title III investments allocated to expand domestic rare-earth processing. The Pentagon has repeatedly stated that dependency on China poses a national-security threat, particularly as demand for NdFeB magnets accelerates. An International Energy Agency report projected that demand for rare-earth magnet materials could triple by 2040 due to electric mobility and renewable energy growth. Ucore’s ability to supply separated oxides to North American magnet manufacturers therefore supports multiple priorities: defense readiness, clean-energy expansion and industrial resiliency.

These efforts are essential. China’s tightening grip on downstream processing and magnet manufacturing is not merely an economic maneuver; it is a geopolitical strategy aimed at maintaining leverage over industries central to the 21st century. As the U.S. accelerates efforts to rebuild a complete rare-earth supply chain, Ucore Rare Metals stands out as a company building the technical and commercial capacity required to shift this balance. The company’s RapidSX technology, Louisiana processing complex and integration plans with North American magnet manufacturers position it as a vital player in reducing dependence on foreign supply chains and ensuring that critical materials essential for national security are available when they are needed most.

For more information, visit www.Ucore.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to UURAF are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/UURAF

ESGold Corp. (CSE: ESAU) (OTCQB: ESAUF) to Raise C$4.5 Million in Flow-through Share Private Placement; Proceeds to Fund Montauban Exploration

Disseminated on behalf of  ESGold Corp. (CSE: ESAU) (OTCQB: ESAUF) and may include paid advertising.

  • ESGold Corp., an exploration-stage company committed to the acquisition, exploration, and development of high-quality mineral properties worldwide, has announced its intention to proceed with a non-brokered private placement of up to 5.3 million flow-through common shares of the company at a price of 85 cents per FT share, for C$4.5 million
  • Due to strong investor demand, the offering was increased to C$4.5 million from the C$2.9 million previously announced
  • ESGold looks to channel these proceeds to the exploration of its Montauban Property in Quebec, marking a significant step for the company as it looks to unlock the property’s full gold potential

ESGold (CSE: ESAU) (OTCQB: ESAUF), an exploration-stage company committed to acquiring, exploring, and developing high-quality mineral properties worldwide, just announced its intention to proceed with a non-brokered private placement of up to 5.3 million flow-through common shares of the company. The initiative will raise up to C$4.5 million, with each share selling at $0.85. Red Cloud Securities Inc. will serve as a finder in connection with this offering (https://ibn.fm/3KZWH).

ESGold plans to channel proceeds from the offering into exploration of its Montauban Property in Quebec. The company recognizes the opportunity and the value that the property holds, hence its focus on further exploring it and bringing it even closer to monetization. Just last month, the company marked a significant milestone with the partial completion and interpretation of a comprehensive three-dimensional geological model of the property. Results from this undertaking demonstrated that the property is not just a reclamation or redevelopment story, but rather the nucleus of a potentially much larger gold, silver, and base-metal district (https://ibn.fm/3Dywr).

“What was once seen as a series of small, isolated deposits now seems to emerge as a continuous multilayered mineral system with dimensions not previously recognized at Montauban,” noted ESGold’s CEO and Director, Gordon Robb (https://ibn.fm/3Dywr).

Further exploration of the property will reveal the extent of the deposits. It will also paint a more detailed picture of the property’s actual value and what lies beneath, even as it seeks to create shareholder value.

Proceeds from the offering will be used for Canadian exploration expenses as defined in paragraph (f) of the definition of “Canadian exploration expense.” The offering is set to close on or about December 8, 2025, subject to various conditions, including, but not limited to, receipt of all necessary corporate and regulatory approvals, such as the Canadian Securities Exchange (https://ibn.fm/3KZWH).

So far, ESGold’s near-term cash flow from tailings reprocessing has demonstrated the company’s ability to finance exploration internally. This has been shown to minimize dilution while maximizing discovery leverage. However, the offering offers a faster way to unlock Montauban’s true potential, bringing the company closer to establishing its position as a leader in its space. 

With an investment of C$15 million in infrastructure, including power access, roads, and a 20,000 sq. ft. processing facility, ESGold is seen as demonstrating its confidence in the facility as well as highlighting its economic potential. 

For company information, visit the company’s website at www.ESGold.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to ESAUF are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/ESAUF

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The pharmaceutical industry has long faced sobering odds: about 90% of drug candidates fail before reaching market. For small molecules, approval rates hover at very low odds, often requiring up to two decades of development. In oncology, success rates fall to just 3%. These economics have created a bottleneck that leaves patients waiting years for […]

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