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Advances in biotechnology look to deliver promising new treatment options against breast cancer.

Independent researchers have found that Genprex Inc.’s (NASDAQ: GNPX) (GNPX Profile) TUSC2 prevented tumor growth against triple-negative breast cancer. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) is focusing on those patients with the greatest need and, in the process, has developed a new breast-cancer treatment option. Roche Holding (OTCQX: RHHBY) is expanding the use of its biotech to both identify and treat patients with challenging breast cancers. AbbVie Inc. (NYSE: ABBV) has been rapidly increasing its research, targeting more than 15 different types of cancer. AstraZeneca (NYSE: AZN) has seen hopeful results against metastatic breast cancer as it works in collaboration with a Japanese firm.

Recent developments in gene therapy hold out hope for the treatment of a wide range of diseases, including fatal lung cancer.

Genprex Inc. (NASDAQ: GNPX) is focused on using gene therapy to tackle lung cancer, developing new drugs that can be used alongside existing treatments. Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) has created a state-of-the-art research center focused on gene therapy treatments, which it uses for illnesses including cancer. Gilead Sciences Inc. (NASDAQ: GILD) is using biotechnology to tackle a range of challenging diseases, including HIV and hepatitis. Sarepta Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: SRPT) is developing 20 different genetic treatments for a wide range of diseases. Merck & Company Inc. (NYSE: MRK) has treatments in development for both prostate and lung cancer, offering further hope for those battling potentially fatal diseases.

Drugs play an essential role in treating anything from a mild headache to life-threatening disease — and everything in between. While effectiveness of drugs is what most often captures the spotlight, that effectiveness is closely associated with the drug-delivery technology used, and innovation in this space may have a huge impact on how successful a drug can be.

Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE: LXX) (OTCQX: LXRP) has developed one of the most innovative drug-delivery systems seen in years, a system that can be used to deliver a wide range of drugs in a more palatable and effective way. Seattle Genetics Inc. (NASDAQ: SGEN) is developing anti-cancer drugs whose delivery systems deliver killer treatments directly to harmful cells. Cancer-treatment company Exelixis Inc. (NASDAQ: EXEL) has recently entered into a partnership specifically to develop innovative new drugs. Axsome Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: AXSM) uses a variety of delivery mechanisms to treat illnesses of the central nervous system, including narcolepsy, migraines and depression. Provention Bio Inc. (NASDAQ: PRVB) is focused on immune diseases and has recently seen significant progress in the development of lupus and diabetes drugs.

Biotech and biopharma industry leaders are posting record financials and hitting milestone markers in their research and growth, good indicators of a strong market with potential for robust returns on investment.

Genprex Inc. (NASDAQ: GNPX) has completed key steps in its overall strategy to expand its clinical development programs and bring Oncoprex(TM) immunogene therapy, its lead drug candidate, to commercialization. Over the past five years, Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ: AMGN) has invested nearly $19 billion in R&D and, as a result, is now advancing a record number of clinical assets. Biogen Inc. (NASDAQ: BIIB) has added four new programs to its pipeline this quarter alone as the company continues to diversify and build depth within neuroscience and pursue therapeutic adjacencies. Celgene Corporation (NASDAQ: CELG) announced recently that its stockholders voted to approve the company’s proposed combination with Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE: BMY). This key milestone brings the two complementary biopharmaceutical companies one step closer to combining their efforts on a shared mission of discovering, developing and delivering innovative medicines for patients with serious diseases.

production and economic change in Indonesia.

Nickel is an essential component in batteries, including those for cars and phones.
Demand for metals is growing, most importantly in China, a major battery manufacturer.
Indonesia is the world’s largest nickel producer.
The country is working to expand its manufacturing sector, attracting investment from multinational industry and mining giants.

Pacific Rim Cobalt Corporation (OTCQB: PCRCF) (CSE: BOLT) is making the most of Indonesian nickel through an aggressive exploration and development program there. VALE S.A. (NYSE: VALE), the world’s leading nickel producer, is also invested in Indonesia. Lundin Mining Corporation (TSX: LUN) (OTC: LUNMF), another leading nickel producer, relies on sources in America and Europe. Cobalt 27 Capital Corporation (TSX.V: KBLT) (OTCQX: CBLLF) has recently acquired access to a significant Pacific nickel resource in Papua New Guinea. One of the major drivers behind this demand for batteries is car production by companies such as Honda Motor Company Ltd. (NYSE: HMC), which is moving more of its work to China.

Communication platforms are ubiquitous, yet first responders still have difficulty communicating in emergencies.

To meet the vital communication needs of first responders, Siyata Mobile Inc. (TSX.V: SIM) (OTCQX: SYATF) leveraged its strong commercial experience in mission-critical communications systems and launched its FirstNet Ready Uniden® UV350, the first-to-market, in-vehicle device of its kind. FirstNet is being built in a public-private partnership with AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) and the First Responder Network Authority, an independent authority within the U.S. Department of Commerce. FirstNet is continuously expanding coverage, capacity and capability of the platform while first responders currently on the system receive fast, reliable broadband connectivity that consistently outperforms other networks. Motorola Solutions Inc. (NYSE: MSI) recently bought Kodiak Solutions, a Push-To-Talk software that is FirstNet enabled. Also in recent news, Sierra Wireless Inc. (NASDAQ: SWIR) introduced its AirLink MG90 High-Performance Multi-Network Vehicle Router now certified and approved for use on FirstNet, and in April Sonim Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: SONM) released the Sonim XP3, a rugged handset on the FirstNet communications platform.

Gene therapy is hot on the trail of killing cancer, and companies that deliver cures could see blockbuster returns.

Pioneering a new paradigm in cancer therapeutics, Genprex Inc. (NASDAQ: GNPX) is leveraging its patented technology platform to deliver powerful tumor-suppressing genes directly into cancer cells. Calithera Biosciences Inc. (NASDAQ: CALA) is looking for cures for cancer and other life-threatening diseases by discovering, developing and commercializing novel, small-molecule drugs that target tumor and immune cell metabolism. Adaptimmune Therapeutics plc (NASDAQ: ADAP) is developing novel cancer immunotherapy products for cancer patients by engineering T-cells to target and destroy cancer. Agenus Inc. (NASDAQ: AGEN) is working on the discovery and development of therapies that engage the body’s immune system to fight cancer by pursuing combination approaches that leverage a broad range of antibody therapeutics, proprietary cancer vaccine platforms and adoptive cell therapies. G1 Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: GTHX) is advancing three clinical-stage programs designed to enable more effective combination treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes across multiple oncology indications.

Gene therapies are gaining growing attention within the medical sector.

• Gene therapies help restore or replace the body’s damaged or missing genes.
• Groundbreaking treatments can stop the spread of cancer cells, cause cancer cells to die.
• Gene therapies are also being developed for ailments such as migraines, skin conditions and hemophilia.

Genprex Inc. (NASDAQ: GNPX) is developing gene therapies for the treatment of cancer, including its initial drug candidate, Oncoprex(TM) immunogene therapy. Spark Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: ONCE) is tackling hereditary diseases through treatments that augment, suppress or replace mutated genes. Dyadic International Inc. (OTCQX: DYAI) uses a fungus-based technology to deliver treatments, initially to humans, and now to animals. TrovaGene Inc. (NASDAQ: TROV) limits the growth of cancer through treatments that limit cell division. Novartis AG (NYSE: NVS) uses adeno-associated viruses as carriers for a range of treatments which are proving safe and effective in clinical trials.

Several revolutionary gene therapies appear to be on the verge of delivering remarkable remedies for diseases that have previously been viewed as untreatable.

• Gene therapy is the next great leap forward in medicine, with several noteworthy programs underway looking to cure the incurable
• FDA expects 200 new gene and cell therapy INDs in next two years
• Genprex — and its initial product candidate Oncoprex — is pioneering a new approach to treating cancer.

Built on decades of scientific research and innovation, gene therapy is the next frontier of medicine, determined to provide remedies for previously untreatable diseases and unmet medical needs. At the forefront of this gene therapy revolution, Genprex Inc. (NASDAQ: GNPX) is pioneering a new paradigm in cancer therapeutics. The company’s first target is non-small cell lung cancer, and research indicates that Genprex’s novel technology might also deliver other cancer-fighting genes to combat a variety of different cancers. Sangamo Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: SGMO) is conducting landmark studies to treat hemophilia, inherited metabolic disorders and other serious diseases at the genomic level. uniQure N.V. (NASDAQ: QURE) is leveraging its technology platform to advance a pipeline of proprietary and partnered gene therapies to treat patients with hemophilia, Huntington’s disease and other severe genetic diseases. bluebird bio Inc. (NASDAQ: BLUE) is developing potentially transformative gene therapies for severe genetic diseases and T cell-based immunotherapies. And Leap Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: LPTX) is focused on developing targeted and immuno-oncology therapeutics.

Technology is transforming the automotive industry.

• Data is changing vehicle manufacturing and the way customers buy.
• Connectivity is transforming the relationships between customers and their vehicles.
• New technology such as blockchain provides alternative approaches to existing issues.
• The change affects the whole sector, from manufacturing and maintenance to sales.

Some of the innovation feeds off ideas from other industries, such as the vehicle repair app created by SinglePoint Inc. (OTCQB: SING). Some of it is focused on sales, as is the case for CDK Global Inc. (NASDAQ: CDK) and its dashboard to help with sales. There are innovations for specific market sectors, such as the truck data-gathering work headed by IHS Markit Ltd. (NASDAQ: INFO). Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) may be working on some of the highest profile changes, with its work on electric cars leading to record-breaking sales, but it’s the quieter work of companies such as AutoWeb Inc. (NASDAQ: AUTO) that is reaching into every corner of the market, as technology transforms the auto sales environment.

Pharmaceutical companies are now employing advanced medical breakthroughs and new technologies, including gene therapies and nanoparticle engineering, to fight every type of cancer.

• Gene therapies are being developed to more effectively target the treatment of cancer.
• Non-small cell lung cancer (NCSLC) is the leading cause of cancer death.
• Genprex Inc. is advancing Oncoprex, shown to benefit lung cancer patients in early trials.

A multiplicity of potential breakthrough treatments to fight cancer are in varying stages of clinical development, and many are focused on the promise of advanced gene therapies. Genprex Inc. (NASDAQ: GNPX) is working to bring its potentially life-changing immunogene therapy, Oncoprex, to market. Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) just gained Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for TRAZIMERA(TM), and Tocagen Inc. (NASDAQ: TOCA) is studying Toca 511. Novartis AG (NYSE: NVS) scientists are exploring immunotherapy matchmaking. Other biotechnology companies such Audentes Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: BOLD) are developing innovative gene therapy products for patients living with life-threatening rare diseases.

Payment processing companies are seeing impressive growth and may present attractive investment options by providing diverse services.

• Changing technology and spending habits are forcing payment systems to change.
• New providers are emerging to challenge banks and old providers.
• By providing diverse services, these providers cater to a range of specific markets.
• Adaptable technology helps to future proof these innovations.

Net Element (NASDAQ: NETE) is capitalizing on this growing space by providing an integrated payment solution that includes online, mobile and smart point-of-sale payments solutions for merchants in diverse industries. Square Inc. (NYSE: SQ) is working with trends such as bitcoin and in-app payment. PayPal Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: PYPL), the big name in the sector, processes over $155 billion a year in mobile payments. The process is still connected to the cash economy through systems such as the ATMs of Euronet Worldwide Inc. (NASDAQ: EEFT). Services being developed include shopping without a checkout and online fundraising, areas Global Payments Inc. (NYSE: GPN) is working on.

After thirty years of development, gene therapy is seeing a surge of progress and profitability.

• Gene therapies tackle diseases by altering the genetic makeup of patients’ cells.
• Recent mergers and research developments make this a promising time to invest in the sector.
• Gene therapy companies are developing treatments for everything from cancer and HIV to skin diseases.

Genprex Inc. (NASDAQ: GNPX) is developing treatments to tackle lung cancer. Spark Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: ONCE), which recently entered a merger agreement with the Roche Group, targets ailments such as retinal and neurodegenerative diseases. Dyadic International Inc. (OTCQX: DYAI) is focused on finding uses for a fungal-based technology that could bring treatments to market faster. TrovaGene Inc. (NASDAQ: TROV) uses cell-level treatments to tackle cancer through inhibiting a specific enzyme. The technology developed by Novartis AG (NYSE: NVS) uses specific viruses to deliver treatment for a range of illnesses.

The need for nickel for batteries is driving greater investment in mines in Indonesia.

• Batteries play vital role in modern society, powering everything from phones to EVs.
• Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp. releases assay results confirming strong nickel, cobalt mineralization in Cyclops Project.
• As the world’s leading source of nickel, Indonesia is seeing serious investments.

Bolt Metals Corp. (CSE: BOLT) (OTCQB: PCRCF) (XFRA: NXFE) just announced assay results from its ongoing 2019 drilling campaign at the Cyclops, Nickel/Cobalt Project in Indonesia. VALE S.A. (NYSE: VALE) has also invested heavily in Indonesian nickel production. Glencore (OTC: GLNCY) both mines nickel and recycles it from old batteries. Lundin Mining Corporation (TSX: LUN) (OTC: LUNMF) produces nickel and its byproducts in four countries. Cobalt 27 Capital Corporation (TSX.V: KBLT) (OTCQX: CBLLF) has invested in a nickel mine in Papua New Guinea that, like Indonesia, offers good access to customers in Chinese industry.

With climate change a hot topic and the Green New Deal providing a possible pathway for progress, solar power may be a more viable — and profitable — source of energy than ever before.

• Significant growth, ample resources point toward bright solar energy future
• SinglePoint acquisition provides phenomenal opportunity for company to establish industry foothold
• Experts predict solar could be main power source of choice in the coming

Recognizing a building interest in and support of renewable energy sources such as solar energy, smart companies are finding ways to establish a strong foothold in the sector. SinglePoint Inc. (OTCQB: SING) just signed an asset purchase agreement with Direct Solar and AI Live Transfers, providing what has been described as the Lending Tree model for solar business. First Solar Inc. (NASDAQ: FSLR) is working to complete construction and upgrades of its manufacturing facilities, enabling the company to produce its most advanced Series 6 solar panels. NextEra Energy Inc. (NYSE: NEE) was ranked by Forbes as No. 21 among the top 57 companies that globally change the world, in part because Florida Power & Light Company, one of NextEra Energy’s principal subsidiaries, is in the midst of one of the largest solar expansions in the world. NRG Energy Inc. (NYSE: NRG) was recently recognized at Smart Energy Decisions’ 2019 Innovative Summit for its landmark new sustainability product, Renewable Select. And in Virginia, Dominion Energy Inc. (NYSE: D) has launched a major bid to significantly increase its solar and wind energy generation under the state’s new Grid Transformation & Security Act.

In a country where the life-threatening risks of smoking are well-known and 22 million smokers want to quit, a milestone agreement between a drug delivery platform innovator and one of the world’s largest producers and marketers of tobacco and cigarettes may offer tobacco users an alternative method of satisfying their needs along with greatly reduced risk.

• The quest for other alternatives to cigarettes has brought Big Tobacco to the door of biotech company Lexaria.
• The bioscience potential for nicotine delivery cannot be ignored and may deliver myriad benefits.
• Lexaria’s proprietary DehydraTECH technology makes the company an ideal partner.

Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE: LXX) (OTCQX: LXRP) has announced that its wholly owned subsidiary Lexaria Nicotine LLC and one of the world’s largest tobacco companies have executed a definitive agreement to pursue innovation in oral, reduced-risk nicotine consumer products using Lexaria’s patented DehydraTECH™ technology. Other tobacco companies are also exploring alternative options for smokers. British American Tobacco Industries (NYSE: BTI) (OTC: BTAFF) is exploring vaping and using the move away from cigarettes to bolster its public image. Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE: PM) has been campaigning to get international support for alternatives to cigarettes as well as developing its own alternatives, including heating tobacco. And Imperial Brands PLC ADR (OTCQX: IMBBF) (OTCQX: IMBBY) has established a stake in a cannabis biotech company as it explores the options for this alternative drug.

In a country where the life-threatening risks of smoking are well-known and 22 million smokers want to quit, a milestone agreement between a drug delivery platform innovator and one of the world’s largest producers and marketers of tobacco and cigarettes may offer tobacco users an alternative method of satisfying their needs along with greatly reduced risk.

• The quest for other alternatives to cigarettes has brought Big Tobacco to the door of biotech company Lexaria.
• The bioscience potential for nicotine delivery cannot be ignored and may deliver myriad benefits.
• Lexaria’s proprietary DehydraTECH technology makes the company an ideal partner.

Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE: LXX) (OTCQX: LXRP) has announced that its wholly owned subsidiary Lexaria Nicotine LLC and one of the world’s largest tobacco companies have executed a definitive agreement to pursue innovation in oral, reduced-risk nicotine consumer products using Lexaria’s patented DehydraTECH™ technology. Other tobacco companies are also exploring alternative options for smokers. British American Tobacco Industries (NYSE: BTI) (OTC: BTAFF) is exploring vaping and using the move away from cigarettes to bolster its public image. Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE: PM) has been campaigning to get international support for alternatives to cigarettes as well as developing its own alternatives, including heating tobacco. And Imperial Brands PLC ADR (OTCQX: IMBBF) (OTCQX: IMBBY) has established a stake in a cannabis biotech company as it explores the options for this alternative drug.

With global electric vehicle (EV) demand growth creating the potential for tight supplies in battery metals such as cobalt, multinational companies and industrialized nations are working to secure these critical metals as prices are projected to rise.

• The growing market for electric vehicles has led to much higher demand for battery metals such as cobalt, lithium and nickel.
• As the largest producer of EVs and largest consumer of battery metals in the world, China is aggressively looking to secure additional supplies of these critical minerals.
• Savvy companies are looking to lock in long-term supplies of battery metals.

Driven by the technological advances and environmentally friendly advantages offered by electric vehicles, the long-awaited EV revolution seems to be taking hold. Numerous global corporations are competing for access to limited supplies of battery metals. Prospective cobalt producer Pacific Rim Cobalt Corp. (OTCQB: PCRCF) (CSE: BOLT), which just released a detailed corporate update, looks to be in an ideal position to supply those corporations with cobalt. Major miners such as BHP Group Limited (NYSE: BHP), Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE: FCX) and VALE S.A. (NYSE: VALE) could play a role in growing the global supply of nickel, cobalt and lithium. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) took the extraordinary step of looking for direct supplies of cobalt last year, which shows how heated the battery metals market has become.

Amazon’s food and beverage category has posted $4.75 billion in sales thus far in 2018 and is the online retailer’s fastest growing segment.

• Amazon’s food and beverage category is the online retailer’s fastest growing segment.
• Coffee is the most popular subset of the company’s category.
• Youngevity International is one of the savvy companies seizing the opportunity to establish itself as a leader in the space.

A growing number of companies are working to stake their claim in the online giant’s coffee marketplace, for good reason: coffee is the most popular subset of Amazon’s food and beverage category. Youngevity International, Inc. (NASDAQ: YGYI), a leading omni-direct lifestyle company with emerging holdings in the coffee industry, announced recently that it would be getting in on the action with its wholly owned coffee manufacturing subsidiary, CLR Roasters. Starbucks Corp. (NASDAQ: SBUX), Keurig Dr. Pepper, Inc. (NYSE: KDP), and Nestle (OTC: NSRGY) were the top three sellers of coffee on Amazon in 2018, with year-to-date sales totaling more than $16.8 million, $12.6 million, and $11.2 million, respectively. The J.M. Smucker Company (NYSE: SJM) has also been focusing on increasing its presence in the premium and single-serve coffee space.

The move towards the adoption of electric vehicles (EV’s) along with solar and wind power generation has sparked interest in what could become the next super metal: vanadium. The United States doesn’t currently produce vanadium; however, United Battery Metals (OTC: UBMCF) (CSE: UBM) (FWB: 0UL) is in development of a world-class vanadium resource in Colorado. The vanadium redox battery (VRB) is a potentially revolutionary way to store energy, and major miners such as Largo Resources (TSX: LGO) (OTC: LGORF) may not be able to react quickly enough to offset the potential spike in vanadium demand. The adoption of VRB technology could provide a catalyst for the vanadium industry, a positive for companies such as Prophecy Development Corp. (TSX: PCY) (OTC: PRPCF), Vanadium One Energy Corp. (TSX.V: VONE),and First Vanadium Corp. (TSX.V: FVAN) (OTC: CCCCF), which are eager to serve this growing marketplace.