The MiningNewsWire Podcast

Lithium demand has soared with the advent of electric vehicles, as severe supply shortages pose a serious threat to the long-term sustainability of the Battery Electric Vehicle (“BEV”) transportation sector. However, another viable option for cleaner, cheaper and more sustainable transportation exists. Instead of battery-powered electric cars, vehicles powered with hydrogen, the most abundant resource in the universe, may be the key to truly disrupting the auto industry. The world is rapidly shifting away from the dwindling resource of fossil fuels, and hydrogen is expected to play a crucial role in slashing emissions and finally achieving sustainability. Hydrogen-powered electric vehicles are already commercially available with a multitude of cars, trucks and buses  planned and in production. This tsunami of hydrogen-powered vehicles could turn the tide on dangerous emissions and usher in a new era of transportation — if they can be fueled. While there’s an abundance of hydrogen in the universe, there is a massive lack of hydrogen fueling stations, with less than 70 stations spread throughout the United States. The lack of hydrogen fueling stations is the primary impediment to rapid adaptation and presents an enormous opportunity. Recent developments at Clean Power Capital Corp. (CSE: MOVE) (FWB: 2K6A) (OTC: MOTNF) (Profile) could rectify this shortfall and may create a powerful force in facilitating the rollout of hydrogen vehicles across the nation. Clean Power Capital is an investment holding company that recently acquired a 90% equity stake in PowerTap Hydrogen Fueling Corp., a patented on-site hydrogen fueling intellectual property and technology that already has 14 installations around the country in private and public facilities. Plug Power Inc. (NASDAQ: PLUG) is credited for creating the first commercially market for hydrogen fuel cell technology and is building the hydrogen economy as a leading provider of comprehensive hydrogen fuel cell turnkey solutions and recently raised $1 billion for hydrogen investments. Ballard Power Systems Inc. (NASDAQ: BLDP) intends to deliver fuel cell power for a sustainable planet with its zero-emission PEM fuel cells that are enabling electrification of mobility, including buses, commercial trucks, trains, marine vessels, passenger cars and forklift trucks. Nikola Corporation (NASDAQ: NKLA) designs and will manufacture zero-emission battery-electric and hydrogen-electric vehicles, electric vehicle drivetrains, vehicle components, energy storage systems, and hydrogen station infrastructure. Hydrogen power goes beyond just transportation. FuelCell Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: FCEL) develops turnkey distributed power generation solutions, and operates and provides comprehensive services for the life of power plants for utilities and industry.

Lithium demand has soared with the advent of electric vehicles, as severe supply shortages pose a serious threat to the long-term sustainability of the Battery Electric Vehicle (“BEV”) transportation sector. However, another viable option for cleaner, cheaper and more sustainable transportation exists. Instead of battery-powered electric cars, vehicles powered with hydrogen, the most abundant resource in the universe, may be the key to truly disrupting the auto industry. The world is rapidly shifting away from the dwindling resource of fossil fuels, and hydrogen is expected to play a crucial role in slashing emissions and finally achieving sustainability. Hydrogen-powered electric vehicles are already commercially available with a multitude of cars, trucks and buses  planned and in production. This tsunami of hydrogen-powered vehicles could turn the tide on dangerous emissions and usher in a new era of transportation — if they can be fueled. While there’s an abundance of hydrogen in the universe, there is a massive lack of hydrogen fueling stations, with less than 70 stations spread throughout the United States. The lack of hydrogen fueling stations is the primary impediment to rapid adaptation and presents an enormous opportunity. Recent developments at Clean Power Capital Corp. (CSE: MOVE) (FWB: 2K6A) (OTC: MOTNF) (Profile) could rectify this shortfall and may create a powerful force in facilitating the rollout of hydrogen vehicles across the nation. Clean Power Capital is an investment holding company that recently acquired a 90% equity stake in PowerTap Hydrogen Fueling Corp., a patented on-site hydrogen fueling intellectual property and technology that already has 14 installations around the country in private and public facilities. Plug Power Inc. (NASDAQ: PLUG) is credited for creating the first commercially market for hydrogen fuel cell technology and is building the hydrogen economy as a leading provider of comprehensive hydrogen fuel cell turnkey solutions and recently raised $1 billion for hydrogen investments. Ballard Power Systems Inc. (NASDAQ: BLDP) intends to deliver fuel cell power for a sustainable planet with its zero-emission PEM fuel cells that are enabling electrification of mobility, including buses, commercial trucks, trains, marine vessels, passenger cars and forklift trucks. Nikola Corporation (NASDAQ: NKLA) designs and will manufacture zero-emission battery-electric and hydrogen-electric vehicles, electric vehicle drivetrains, vehicle components, energy storage systems, and hydrogen station infrastructure. Hydrogen power goes beyond just transportation. FuelCell Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: FCEL) develops turnkey distributed power generation solutions, and operates and provides comprehensive services for the life of power plants for utilities and industry.

From the coronavirus pandemic to nationwide public unrest, 2020 has been a year that has inspired re-imagining public safety as the country has poignantly witnessed the challenges faced by law enforcement and security services across all verticals. The answers to some of society’s greatest problems today are not to be found simply in man power; rather, many of the answers lie in technology, like that of Knightscope Inc. (Profile), which is designed to augment and improve existing security infrastructure. Silicon Valley-based Knightscope, with its lineup of fully autonomous security robots, aligns with companies such as Palantir Technologies Inc. Class A (NYSE: PLTR), Axon Enterprise Inc. (NASDAQ: AAXN), L3Harris Technologies Inc. (NYSE: LHX) and Velodyne Lidar Inc. (NASDAQ: VLDR), which all share a passion for solving an array of security and safety problems, as well as protecting life and data with next-generation technology.

CNS Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: CNSP) (“CNS” or the “Company”), a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development of novel treatments for primary and metastatic cancers of the brain and central nervous system, today announced that it has submitted an Investigational New Drug (“IND”) application, which has been accepted for review, to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) for Berubicin in the treatment of Glioblastoma Multiforme (“GBM”). The Company plans to evaluate the efficacy of Berubicin in a Phase 2 Trial for adults with GBM who have failed first-line therapy and commence the trial within the first quarter of 2021, pending the FDA’s acceptance of the Company’s filing.

To view the original press release, visit https://nnw.fm/1Qib1

CNS Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: CNSP) (“CNS” or the “Company”), a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development of novel treatments for primary and metastatic cancers of the brain and central nervous system, today announced that it has submitted an Investigational New Drug (“IND”) application, which has been accepted for review, to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) for Berubicin in the treatment of Glioblastoma Multiforme (“GBM”). The Company plans to evaluate the efficacy of Berubicin in a Phase 2 Trial for adults with GBM who have failed first-line therapy and commence the trial within the first quarter of 2021, pending the FDA’s acceptance of the Company’s filing.

To view the original press release, visit https://nnw.fm/1Qib1

Investors are flocking to gold, silver and other precious metals in record numbers. One firm, BullionVault, reports that in the past six months demand to invest in gold, silver and platinum has reached almost half a billion dollars. “Net of client selling, investing in physical bullion on our peer-to-peer platform — first opened in 2005 — has now topped $442 million since the pandemic reached Europe and North America in March,” the company said. Mining companies around the world are benefitting from this rising investment tide, as they work to strengthen their positions, increase their holdings and ultimately provide more raw material for investors looking for more stable options. One of those companies, GoldHaven Resources Corp. (CSE: GOH) (OTCQB: ATUMF) (GOH Profile), has secured options on some of the most promising properties in the highly productive Maricunga Gold Belt of Chile, including one yielding rock chip sample assays of 764 grams per tonne gold and 719 grams per tonne silver. GoldHaven plans to commence a drilling program in January 2021. Yamana Gold Inc. (NYSE: AUY) is expanding its footprint with its recent acquisition of Monarch properties in the Abitibi Region in Quebec, Canada. Other companies are releasing impressive reports regarding their current operations. Fosterville South Exploration Ltd (OTC: FSXLF) has provided high-grade assays of up to 152 grams per tonne gold in rock chip samples at the Star of the Glen target on the Golden Mountain project. Kinross Gold Corporation (NYSE: KGC) (TSX: K) announced the results of a prefeasibility study on its Lobo-Marte project, which indicates the potential of a cornerstone asset with attractive all-in sustaining costs to enhance the company’s long-term production profile. Gold Fields Limited American Depositary Shares (NYSE: GFI) is considering a number of automation projects at its South Deep gold mine in Gauteng, southwest of Johannesburg.

The surge in the price of gold has been well documented this year. The precious metal closed above $2,000 an ounce earlier this year, leading experts to forecast future prices from $2,300 (Goldman Sachs) to as high as $3,000 (Bank of America) in the coming months. In addition, copper prices have also risen to their highest levels in more than two years, climbing to more than $6,800 a ton. These numbers bode well for companies in the precious metals space, especially companies such as Josemaria Resources Inc. (TSX: JOSE) (OTCQB: JOSMF) (JOSE Profile), which has interests in both copper and gold. Earlier this month, JOSE released a feasibility study regarding its 100% owned Josemaria Copper-Gold Project in San Juan Province, Argentina. Other companies that are making moves in the base and precious metals sectors include Rio Tinto Plc (NYSE: RIO), which just announced that its Kennecott site in Utah is the first producer to be awarded the Copper Mark, the copper industry’s new independently assessed responsible production program. Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE: FCX) has commenced the Copper Mark process for six of its operating sites and has future plans to validate all of its operating sites against the program’s requirements. Southern Copper Corporation (NYSE: SCCO) recently released its Q3 2020 financial report, noting that its net sales totaled $2,129 million, up 14.5% compared to Q3 2019. Franco-Nevada Corporation (NYSE: FNV) also reported record revenue, EBITDA and net earnings in the third quarter with all material mining assets having returned to normal operations through the quarter.

The surge in the price of gold has been well documented this year. The precious metal closed above $2,000 an ounce earlier this year, leading experts to forecast future prices from $2,300 (Goldman Sachs) to as high as $3,000 (Bank of America) in the coming months. In addition, copper prices have also risen to their highest levels in more than two years, climbing to more than $6,800 a ton. These numbers bode well for companies in the precious metals space, especially companies such as Josemaria Resources Inc. (TSX: JOSE) (OTCQB: JOSMF) (JOSE Profile), which has interests in both copper and gold. Earlier this month, JOSE released a feasibility study regarding its 100% owned Josemaria Copper-Gold Project in San Juan Province, Argentina. Other companies that are making moves in the base and precious metals sectors include Rio Tinto Plc (NYSE: RIO), which just announced that its Kennecott site in Utah is the first producer to be awarded the Copper Mark, the copper industry’s new independently assessed responsible production program. Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE: FCX) has commenced the Copper Mark process for six of its operating sites and has future plans to validate all of its operating sites against the program’s requirements. Southern Copper Corporation (NYSE: SCCO) recently released its Q3 2020 financial report, noting that its net sales totaled $2,129 million, up 14.5% compared to Q3 2019. Franco-Nevada Corporation (NYSE: FNV) also reported record revenue, EBITDA and net earnings in the third quarter with all material mining assets having returned to normal operations through the quarter.

Investors are flocking to gold, silver and other precious metals in record numbers. One firm, BullionVault, reports that in the past six months demand to invest in gold, silver and platinum has reached almost half a billion dollars. “Net of client selling, investing in physical bullion on our peer-to-peer platform — first opened in 2005 — has now topped $442 million since the pandemic reached Europe and North America in March,” the company said. Mining companies around the world are benefitting from this rising investment tide, as they work to strengthen their positions, increase their holdings and ultimately provide more raw material for investors looking for more stable options. One of those companies, GoldHaven Resources Corp. (CSE: GOH) (OTCQB: ATUMF) (GOH Profile), has secured options on some of the most promising properties in the highly productive Maricunga Gold Belt of Chile, including one yielding rock chip sample assays of 764 grams per tonne gold and 719 grams per tonne silver. GoldHaven plans to commence a drilling program in January 2021. Yamana Gold Inc. (NYSE: AUY) is expanding its footprint with its recent acquisition of Monarch properties in the Abitibi Region in Quebec, Canada. Other companies are releasing impressive reports regarding their current operations. Fosterville South Exploration Ltd (OTC: FSXLF) has provided high-grade assays of up to 152 grams per tonne gold in rock chip samples at the Star of the Glen target on the Golden Mountain project. Kinross Gold Corporation (NYSE: KGC) (TSX: K) announced the results of a prefeasibility study on its Lobo-Marte project, which indicates the potential of a cornerstone asset with attractive all-in sustaining costs to enhance the company’s long-term production profile. Gold Fields Limited American Depositary Shares (NYSE: GFI) is considering a number of automation projects at its South Deep gold mine in Gauteng, southwest of Johannesburg.

Big pharma and life science companies are making big news these days. The drug-development space is seeing strong investor interest as these companies make breakthrough advancements that address vast unmet medical needs. Strategic M&A moves are adding spice to the gumbo for investors as pioneering research remains focused on providing life-changing treatments for those suffering from a myriad of disorders. One of the largest and trickiest medical disorders of mankind may be on the cusp of more effective treatment. Depression is often kept in the dark and not talked about, but it is estimated that more than 17 million adults in the United States experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2019 alone, while one out of every four people in the world struggle with a diagnosable mental disorder. Life sciences company Cybin Inc. (Cybin Profile) is at the vanguard of new therapeutic protocols that target these disorders. Cybin is intent on developing psychedelic therapeutics along with unique delivery mechanisms that target depression as well as other psychiatric and neurological conditions. The company could benefit from two game-changing announcements made in the past few days: the company just completed its previously announced reverse takeover and a groundbreaking study published in JAMA Psychiatry reports that in a recent study a treatment featuring psilocybin actually worked better than typical antidepressant medications. Other drug-development companies are experiencing similar milestone moments. Last month Praxis Precision Medicines Inc. (NASDAQ: PRAX) closed on its upsized initial public offering of 11,500,000 shares of common stock, resulting in aggregate gross proceeds to Praxis of $218.5 million. Earlier this year, AbbVie Inc. (NYSE: ABBV) completed a transformative acquisition of Allergan. Less than a year ago, Axsome Therapeutics (NASDAQ: AXSM) realized more than $200 million when it closed on its public offering. And this summer Relmada Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: RLMD) uplisted to trade on the Nasdaq Global Select Market.

Big pharma and life science companies are making big news these days. The drug-development space is seeing strong investor interest as these companies make breakthrough advancements that address vast unmet medical needs. Strategic M&A moves are adding spice to the gumbo for investors as pioneering research remains focused on providing life-changing treatments for those suffering from a myriad of disorders. One of the largest and trickiest medical disorders of mankind may be on the cusp of more effective treatment. Depression is often kept in the dark and not talked about, but it is estimated that more than 17 million adults in the United States experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2019 alone, while one out of every four people in the world struggle with a diagnosable mental disorder. Life sciences company Cybin Inc. (Cybin Profile) is at the vanguard of new therapeutic protocols that target these disorders. Cybin is intent on developing psychedelic therapeutics along with unique delivery mechanisms that target depression as well as other psychiatric and neurological conditions. The company could benefit from two game-changing announcements made in the past few days: the company just completed its previously announced reverse takeover and a groundbreaking study published in JAMA Psychiatry reports that in a recent study a treatment featuring psilocybin actually worked better than typical antidepressant medications. Other drug-development companies are experiencing similar milestone moments. Last month Praxis Precision Medicines Inc. (NASDAQ: PRAX) closed on its upsized initial public offering of 11,500,000 shares of common stock, resulting in aggregate gross proceeds to Praxis of $218.5 million. Earlier this year, AbbVie Inc. (NYSE: ABBV) completed a transformative acquisition of Allergan. Less than a year ago, Axsome Therapeutics (NASDAQ: AXSM) realized more than $200 million when it closed on its public offering. And this summer Relmada Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: RLMD) uplisted to trade on the Nasdaq Global Select Market.

Pharmaceutical companies invest enormous amounts of time and money on the research and development of new drugs, typically years in the making and costing millions of dollars. Only occasionally is a new drug developed that’s approved and generates more than $1 billion per year in sales, a benchmark in the industry commonly called a “blockbuster.” Blockbusters are scarce, but the proverbial quest for blockbuster drugs continues unabated because of vast unmet medical needs and because blockbuster therapeutics can be worth tens of billions of dollars during their patent-protected lives. Little wonder that pharmaceutical giants often buy up promising new drugs, some even in their infancy, not just to fill their pipeline or mesh with current R&D projects but also to bank on a bonanza of prospective revenues that could exceed $100 billion. With so much at stake, it only makes sense to pay special attention to scientists who have previously developed and delivered these blockbusters. With this in mind, expectations are high for 180 Life Sciences Corp. (180 Profile) since the founders have significant expertise in developing new therapeutics that were sold to big pharma for billions. They are renowned for development of some of the largest-selling drugs to ever come to market. Now they aim to do it again with a pipeline of drug candidates in sequential stages of development that address large untapped markets. The founding scientists at 180 Life Sciences discovered the anti-TNF drug class that led to Remicade, the fourth all-time best-selling drug in the world.

Pharmaceutical companies invest enormous amounts of time and money on the research and development of new drugs, typically years in the making and costing millions of dollars. Only occasionally is a new drug developed that’s approved and generates more than $1 billion per year in sales, a benchmark in the industry commonly called a “blockbuster.” Blockbusters are scarce, but the proverbial quest for blockbuster drugs continues unabated because of vast unmet medical needs and because blockbuster therapeutics can be worth tens of billions of dollars during their patent-protected lives. Little wonder that pharmaceutical giants often buy up promising new drugs, some even in their infancy, not just to fill their pipeline or mesh with current R&D projects but also to bank on a bonanza of prospective revenues that could exceed $100 billion. With so much at stake, it only makes sense to pay special attention to scientists who have previously developed and delivered these blockbusters. With this in mind, expectations are high for 180 Life Sciences Corp. (180 Profile) since the founders have significant expertise in developing new therapeutics that were sold to big pharma for billions. They are renowned for development of some of the largest-selling drugs to ever come to market. Now they aim to do it again with a pipeline of drug candidates in sequential stages of development that address large untapped markets. The founding scientists at 180 Life Sciences discovered the anti-TNF drug class that led to Remicade, the fourth all-time best-selling drug in the world.

Compelling evidence of the therapeutic benefits of psychedelic drugs appears in multiple scientific studies. Several clinical trials are underway in the United States and worldwide to investigate the therapeutic effects of psilocybin, the active component in the fungi known colloquially as "magic mushrooms." There is new hope for treating such debilitating disorders as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, anorexia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and addiction. With more than $6.8 billion on the line by 2027, companies at the vanguard of the psychedelic therapeutic drug market could reap enormous benefits in the coming years. Some of these companies, such as Cybin Corp. (Cybin Profile), which focuses on drug development and unique delivery mechanisms, are targeting areas that have been particularly underserved in the past decade. Those areas encompass life-disrupting psychiatric and neurological conditions such as major depressive disorder (MDD), addictions, and other mental illnesses. A pioneer in the psychedelic sector, CYBIN is working toward becoming the first life sciences company to bring a psilocybin drug targeting MDD to market. A successful outcome could completely upend treatment protocols. The psychedelic space’s promise is perhaps best illustrated by the sector’s largest-ever private financing round of $80 million for Compass Pathways (NASDAQ: CMPS), the first psychedelic company to IPO on the NASDAQ. Not to be outdone, Mind Medicine Inc. (OTC: MMEDF) is following suit; the company applied for NASDAQ uplisting last month. In addition, Field Trip Health Ltd. (CSE: FTRP) started trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) earlier this month.

The year 2020 has already seen 127 SPAC IPOs, which have collectively raised over $48.5 billion in proceeds — more than the past ten years combined. A special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) is essentially a blank-check company formed to raise capital through an IPO with the sole intent of buying or merging with another operating company. SPACs have evolved to become an expedited and cost-effective way of doing an M&A deal and have been utilized by multiple Wall Street heavyweights. Going public via a SPAC enables a company to get a deal done in weeks instead of months, and the approach is proving to be an especially attractive vehicle for biotech companies by providing ready access to capital and much greater public visibility. A successful biotech SPAC hinges on shrewd management and a target company that offers a strong risk/reward proposition, is focused on unmet medical needs, and has proven scientific and clinical leadership. After  evaluating over 50 companies to meet these criteria for success, KBL Merger Corp. IV (NASDAQ: KBLM) entered into a definitive merger agreement with 180 Life Sciences Corp. (180 Profile), which is expected to close within one month. 180 Life Sciences represents a new business model in biotech. The company is founded and run by four world-renowned scientists and entrepreneurs who invested their own money to start the company. Of considerable note: the founders own the majority of the equity in 180 Life Sciences and aren’t selling any in this transaction. Immatics N.V. (NASDAQ: IMTX) received proceeds of around $250 million in a biotech SPAC business combination. Immunovant Inc. (NASDAQ: IMVT), a biopharmaceutical company, went public via a SPAC business merger, and four months later, the company was able to raise $134 million in a new public offering. AdaptHealth Corp. (NASDAQ: AHCO), the third-largest distributor of home medical equipment in the United States, also went public via a SPAC business merger in July and has appreciated 50% since. After raising $1.1 billion, a business combination is expected this month between Churchill Capital Corp III (NYSE: CCXX) and MultiPlan Inc., a market leader in health-care cost-management solutions. It’s already been a heck of a year for SPACs, and some say the best is yet to come.

Compelling evidence of the therapeutic benefits of psychedelic drugs appears in multiple scientific studies. Several clinical trials are underway in the United States and worldwide to investigate the therapeutic effects of psilocybin, the active component in the fungi known colloquially as "magic mushrooms." There is new hope for treating such debilitating disorders as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, anorexia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and addiction. With more than $6.8 billion on the line by 2027, companies at the vanguard of the psychedelic therapeutic drug market could reap enormous benefits in the coming years. Some of these companies, such as Cybin Corp. (Cybin Profile), which focuses on drug development and unique delivery mechanisms, are targeting areas that have been particularly underserved in the past decade. Those areas encompass life-disrupting psychiatric and neurological conditions such as major depressive disorder (MDD), addictions, and other mental illnesses. A pioneer in the psychedelic sector, CYBIN is working toward becoming the first life sciences company to bring a psilocybin drug targeting MDD to market. A successful outcome could completely upend treatment protocols. The psychedelic space’s promise is perhaps best illustrated by the sector’s largest-ever private financing round of $80 million for Compass Pathways (NASDAQ: CMPS), the first psychedelic company to IPO on the NASDAQ. Not to be outdone, Mind Medicine Inc. (OTC: MMEDF) is following suit; the company applied for NASDAQ uplisting last month. In addition, Field Trip Health Ltd. (CSE: FTRP) started trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) earlier this month.

The year 2020 has already seen 127 SPAC IPOs, which have collectively raised over $48.5 billion in proceeds — more than the past ten years combined. A special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) is essentially a blank-check company formed to raise capital through an IPO with the sole intent of buying or merging with another operating company. SPACs have evolved to become an expedited and cost-effective way of doing an M&A deal and have been utilized by multiple Wall Street heavyweights. Going public via a SPAC enables a company to get a deal done in weeks instead of months, and the approach is proving to be an especially attractive vehicle for biotech companies by providing ready access to capital and much greater public visibility. A successful biotech SPAC hinges on shrewd management and a target company that offers a strong risk/reward proposition, is focused on unmet medical needs, and has proven scientific and clinical leadership. After  evaluating over 50 companies to meet these criteria for success, KBL Merger Corp. IV (NASDAQ: KBLM) entered into a definitive merger agreement with 180 Life Sciences Corp. (180 Profile), which is expected to close within one month. 180 Life Sciences represents a new business model in biotech. The company is founded and run by four world-renowned scientists and entrepreneurs who invested their own money to start the company. Of considerable note: the founders own the majority of the equity in 180 Life Sciences and aren’t selling any in this transaction. Immatics N.V. (NASDAQ: IMTX) received proceeds of around $250 million in a biotech SPAC business combination. Immunovant Inc. (NASDAQ: IMVT), a biopharmaceutical company, went public via a SPAC business merger, and four months later, the company was able to raise $134 million in a new public offering. AdaptHealth Corp. (NASDAQ: AHCO), the third-largest distributor of home medical equipment in the United States, also went public via a SPAC business merger in July and has appreciated 50% since. After raising $1.1 billion, a business combination is expected this month between Churchill Capital Corp III (NYSE: CCXX) and MultiPlan Inc., a market leader in health-care cost-management solutions. It’s already been a heck of a year for SPACs, and some say the best is yet to come.

Inflammation typically occurs in the body as a natural response to threats such as infection or injury, but chronic inflammation can cause severe damage and even death. Inflammation is a well-known symptom of multiple infectious diseases. However, multidiscipline research strongly suggests that inflammation is also closely linked with a broad range of noninfectious diseases. The critical aspects of the interplay between inflammation and disease may well be the key to development of a new generation of drugs to treat previously untreatable diseases, sparking a flurry of biotech research and development in the field. At the vanguard of this new drug development, 180 Life Sciences Corp. (NASDAQ: KBLM) is driving groundbreaking studies in clinical programs aimed at developing novel therapeutics that address distinct areas of inflammation, finally offering hope for vast unmet medical needs in inflammatory diseases, fibrosis, pain and more. Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ: AMGN) acquired the anti-inflammatory drug Enbrel for $4.8 billion in 2018 and, in conjunction with AbbVie Inc. (NYSE: ABBV) and others, is testing anti-inflammatory drugs in a joint COVID-19 study. Actemra, an anti-inflammatory arthritis drug from Roche Holding Ltd. (OTCQX: RHHBY) previously failed to meet its primary endpoint in earlier COVID trials. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) now owns Remicade, which was developed by the current management of 180 Life Sciences, the first tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF) inhibitor and one of the top anti-inflammatory drugs in the world with over $5 billion in sales in 2019 alone.

Inflammation typically occurs in the body as a natural response to threats such as infection or injury, but chronic inflammation can cause severe damage and even death. Inflammation is a well-known symptom of multiple infectious diseases. However, multidiscipline research strongly suggests that inflammation is also closely linked with a broad range of noninfectious diseases. The critical aspects of the interplay between inflammation and disease may well be the key to development of a new generation of drugs to treat previously untreatable diseases, sparking a flurry of biotech research and development in the field. At the vanguard of this new drug development, 180 Life Sciences Corp. (NASDAQ: KBLM) is driving groundbreaking studies in clinical programs aimed at developing novel therapeutics that address distinct areas of inflammation, finally offering hope for vast unmet medical needs in inflammatory diseases, fibrosis, pain and more. Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ: AMGN) acquired the anti-inflammatory drug Enbrel for $4.8 billion in 2018 and, in conjunction with AbbVie Inc. (NYSE: ABBV) and others, is testing anti-inflammatory drugs in a joint COVID-19 study. Actemra, an anti-inflammatory arthritis drug from Roche Holding Ltd. (OTCQX: RHHBY) previously failed to meet its primary endpoint in earlier COVID trials. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) now owns Remicade, which was developed by the current management of 180 Life Sciences, the first tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF) inhibitor and one of the top anti-inflammatory drugs in the world with over $5 billion in sales in 2019 alone.

Approximately 1,300 people die every day as a result of smoking, and more than 16 million Americans are living with a disease caused by smoking. These alarming numbers aren’t going unnoticed, and companies with expertise in the space are seizing the opportunity to provide solutions designed to help smokers kick the habit. One of those companies, Kaival Brands Innovations Group Inc. (OTCQB: KAVL), has just acquired a patent covering the creation of all synthetic nicotine smoking cessation and synthetic nicotine addiction therapy products; the company is also creating a subsidiary that will own the patent and develop all related products. The maker of Nicorette(R), GlaxoSmithKline PLC (NYSE: GSK) creates innovative nicotine replacement therapies and smoking cessation products, including the Nicorette(R) product line. Perrigo Company PLC (NYSE: PRGO) offers a healthy lifestyle product portfolio that includes a full range of oral nicotine products designed to help smokers kick the habit or cut down on tobacco use. Altria Group (NYSE: MO) has created QuitAssist(R), an online resource to help smokers who are trying to quit be more successful. And Reynolds American Inc., owned by British American Tobacco Industries (NYSE: BTI), has a Tobacco Harm Reduction (“THR”) campaign designed to reduce the risks faced by adult tobacco smokers by providing them with accurate information tobacco and smoking.