New campaign connects AI-powered performance insights linking advanced molecular intelligence to help detect cancer in earlier stages

IRVING, Texas, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Caris Life Sciences® (NASDAQ: CAI), a leading TechBio company, today announced the launch of the second commercial in a series promoting Caris Detect™, Caris' multi-cancer early detection (MCED) test, featuring three-time major champion professional golfer, Jordan Spieth.

The campaign emphasizes that while modern technology can measure nearly every aspect of athletic performance, the same level of intelligence can be applied to helping people find early stage cancer – when treatment is most effective. The new commercial explores how artificial intelligence has transformed golf, analyzing millions of swings and countless data points to help players improve performance. The commercial highlights how Caris is applying decades of expertise in molecular science and artificial intelligence to help identify cancer-associated molecular signals through a simple blood draw.

"Artificial intelligence is transforming nearly every aspect of our lives, from how we work and communicate to how athletes refine their performance," said David Dean Halbert, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Caris Life Sciences. "At Caris, we believe one of the most important applications of AI is helping advance early stage cancer detection. Caris Detect combines comprehensive molecular analysis with advanced artificial intelligence to help create a future where cancer may be detected in early stage, when there is the best chance for cure."

"Every golfer is looking for an edge. We use technology to measure everything from ball speed to spin rate because better information leads to better decisions. That's what resonated with me about Caris Detect. If advanced artificial intelligence can help us understand our golf game, it should also help us better understand our health. Raising awareness about the importance of early detection is something I'm proud to support," said Jordan Spieth, three-time major champion professional golfer.

Unlike approaches that evaluate only a limited subset of biomarkers, Caris Detect™ leverages ultra-deep leverages Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) for all 23,000 genes, Whole Transcriptome Sequencing (WTS) and advanced artificial intelligence to analyze the full breadth of cancer-associated molecular signals in both DNA and RNA. This comprehensive approach is designed to provide a more complete picture of early stage cancer biology, enabling the identification of molecular patterns associated with cancer through a single blood draw and helping support earlier stage detection when cancers are most treatable.

Individuals interested in learning more about Caris Detect may visit CarisDetect.com.

About Caris Detect

Caris Detect™ is a multi-cancer early detection blood test designed to identify cancer-associated molecular signals using ultra-deep Whole Genome Sequencing, Whole Transcriptome Sequencing and advanced artificial intelligence. The test analyzes a broad range of molecular information to help detect cancer-associated signals at the earliest stage of disease, when it is most curable.

About Caris Life Sciences 

Caris Life Sciences® (Caris) is a leading TechBio company actively developing and commercializing innovative solutions to transform healthcare. Through comprehensive molecular profiling (Whole Genome, Whole Exome and Whole Transcriptome Sequencing), advanced AI and machine learning, Caris has created the large-scale, multimodal clinico-genomic database and computing capability needed to analyze and further unravel the molecular complexity of disease. This convergence of next-generation sequencing, AI and machine learning technologies and high-performance computing provides a differentiated platform for developing the latest generation of advanced precision medicine diagnostic solutions for early detection, diagnosis, monitoring, therapy selection and drug development.  

Caris was founded with a vision to realize the potential of precision medicine to improve the human condition. Headquartered in Irving, Texas, Caris has offices in Phoenix, New York, Cambridge (MA), Tokyo, Japan and Basel, Switzerland. Caris or its distributor partners provide services in the U.S. and other international markets.  

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release are forward-looking statements, including statements regarding our business, solutions, plans, objectives, goals, industry trends, financial outlook and guidance. In some cases forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "may," "will," "should," "would," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "could," "intend," "target," "project," "potential," "contemplate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," or "continue" or similar expressions.

You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable based on information currently available to us, we cannot guarantee that the future results, discoveries, levels of activity, performance or events and circumstances reflected in forward-looking statements will be achieved or occur. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control. Risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated or implied by the forward-looking statements in this press release include, among other things: continued development, performance and commercialization of Caris Detect; developments in the precision medicine industry; our future financial performance, results of operations or other operational results or metrics; development, analytical and clinical validation, timing and performance of future solutions by us and our competitors; commercial market acceptance for our solutions, including acceptance of preventive as well as diagnostic testing paradigms, and our ability to meet resulting demand; the rapidly evolving competitive environment in which we operate; third-party payer reimbursement and coverage decisions related to our solutions; the impact on our future volumes of the continued execution of our strategy to re-align and expand our sales organization; risks related to data management, storage, and processing capabilities and our ability to integrate and deploy artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics technologies; our ability to protect and enhance our intellectual property; regulatory requirements, decisions or approvals (including the timing and conditions thereof) related to our solutions, including our application for New York State Department of Health approval for Caris Assure; reliance on third-party suppliers; risks related to data security, patient privacy, and compliance with healthcare data protection regulations as well as potential cybersecurity threats to our data platforms; our compliance with laws and regulations; the outcome of government investigations and litigation; risks related to our indebtedness; and our ability to hire and retain key personnel as well as risks, uncertainties; and other factors described in the section titled "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 3, 2026, and in our other filings we make with the SEC from time to time. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect changes in events, circumstances or our beliefs after the date of this press release, except as required by law.

Caris Life Sciences Media:  

Corporate Communications

[email protected]

214.294.5606 

SOURCE Caris Life Sciences

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KAILAS Becomes Title Sponsor of the FWT China Series, Opening a New Freeride Season Through BEYOND THE GATE

GUANGZHOU, China, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- On October 14, 2026, KAILAS hosted BEYOND THE GATE | KAILAS SNOW SEASON OPENING NIGHT in Guangzhou, marking the opening of the 2026/27 ski season. At the event, KAILAS founder Zhong Sir announced that the brand will become the title sponsor of the Freeride World Tour (FWT) China Series for the 2026/27 season, upgrading its partnership with the series from the previous season.

Unlike resort skiing on groomed slopes, freeride skiing takes place on natural, ungroomed terrain, where athletes assess snow conditions, select their lines and navigate the mountain according to their skills and risk awareness. The FWT China Series is scheduled to feature four FWT Qualifier events at Jikepulin Ski Resort in Hemu, Altay, Xinjiang, during two competition windows: December 9–15, 2026, and February 26–March 3, 2027. The series aims to connect Chinese riders with the international freeride competition pathway.

Beyond competition, KAILAS is building a broader skiing community through BEYOND THE GATE, connecting skiers with mountain culture, professional guidance and shared experiences. The initiative brings together coaches, guides and mountain skiers through ski lessons, backcountry safety education, experience sharing and destination services, encouraging more people to explore the mountains with knowledge, preparation and respect for the terrain.

KAILAS continues to support equipment development and real-world testing. Last season, the brand brought its BM45 freeride collection to Hemu for on-snow testing. At the event, KAILAS also showcased its TAIGA ski apparel, designed for extreme cold. The collection combines weather protection and thermal insulation with zoned breathability, a helmet-compatible hood, a powder skirt and RECCO® technology, which helps make wearers searchable by organized rescue teams in the event of an avalanche or when lost outdoors.

To help skiers navigate mountain environments with greater confidence, KAILAS plans to work with professional coaches and specialists in avalanche safety to provide ski lessons, backcountry safety education and experience-sharing opportunities. The brand is also expanding its destination services in locations such as Songhua Lake and Hemu, connecting skiers with local guides, equipment advice, courses, safety sessions and community activities.

Through competition partnerships, technical equipment and on-the-ground services, KAILAS seeks to support the growth of freeride skiing in China and help more skiers explore the mountains with knowledge, preparation and respect for the terrain.

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Innovative tunnel design supports O'Hare modernization while maintaining active airfield

operations

CHICAGO, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The HNTB-designed South Conveyance Storm Sewer Project at O'Hare International Airport has received the American Society of Civil Engineers Illinois Section's 2026 Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Award in the more than $100 million category. The award recognizes the project's innovative tunnel solution constructed beneath active runways and taxiways while maintaining uninterrupted airport operations.

Delivered for the Chicago Department of Aviation, the project provides critical stormwater infrastructure to support O'Hare's continued modernization and future development. HNTB served as engineer of record for the project, working closely with the department and project partners to develop and implement the tunnel solution beneath active airfield infrastructure.

"The South Conveyance Storm Sewer Project is a critical investment in O'Hare's future," said CDA Managing Deputy Commissioner Zach Baughman, the ORDNext program chief. "Completed without interrupting airport operations, it strengthens our ability to provide the safe, reliable experience passengers and airlines depend on while advancing our long-term vision for O'Hare."

The tunnel was constructed through challenging subsurface conditions using a 17-foot-diameter earth pressure balance tunnel boring machine. During excavation, the machine advanced beneath two active runways and several taxiways while airport operations continued above. Real-time instrumentation and monitoring helped protect critical airfield infrastructure throughout excavation.

"Constructing a tunnel of this scale beneath an active airfield required careful planning, close coordination and precise control throughout excavation," said Mark Stephani, HNTB principal engineer of geotechnical and tunneling. "The team developed an innovative solution that managed complex ground conditions, reduced risk at critical runway crossings and delivered the stormwater capacity needed to support O'Hare's future."

The project was delivered using the construction manager at risk method, allowing early contractor involvement and collaboration. The approach helped the team evaluate construction alternatives, improve constructability and successfully advance the tunnel boring machine solution.

The project team received the award during the ASCE Illinois Section's Annual Awards Banquet in Chicago.

About HNTB

For more than a century, HNTB Corporation has been at the forefront of designing and advancing transportation infrastructure that enhances mobility and improves local communities. With client relationships spanning decades, we understand infrastructure life cycles and have perspective and experience to solve the most complex technical, financial and operational challenges with vision and imagination. As employee owners committed to excellence, we prioritize client success while delivering a full spectrum of infrastructure-related services. Discover HNTB's Spark at www.hntb.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook or Instagram.

SOURCE HNTB

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Complete Comfort Heating, Air and Plumbing provides steps to prepare for winter

The Indianapolis-area home service company recommends homeowners act now to ensure pipes are ready for cold temperatures

INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Complete Comfort Heating, Air and Plumbing, a family-owned HVAC and plumbing service provider serving the Indianapolis area, recommends that homeowners take steps to ensure that pipes are winter-ready before frigid temperatures arrive.

According to State Farm's latest statistics on winter insurance claims for frozen pipe and water damage, the average payout was more than $30,000 when including flooring, drywall and personal property claims.

"A pre-winter plumbing inspection can help prevent frozen pipes when temperatures drop," said Kenneth Hale, owner of Complete Comfort Heating, Air and Plumbing. "Finding small cracks or corrosion early before the stress of cold temperatures gives homeowners the opportunity to schedule repairs and avoid an unexpected winter emergency."

In addition to a professional inspection, Hale recommends some proactive measures that homeowners can take to prepare for freezing weather:

- Insulate pipes in unheated spaces and along outside walls in kitchens and bathrooms.

- Drain outside garden hoses and pipes and cover or insulate faucets.

- Caulk and seal gaps in areas prone to drafts.

Hale adds that when temperatures reach freezing, opening cabinet doors to promote warm air circulation and streaming a small stream from faucets can help prevent ice from forming inside pipes.

"In addition to expensive insurance claims, repairing structural damage to walls, flooring and foundations often takes weeks or months," said Hale. "Investing in a routine plumbing inspection ahead of time helps ensure your home remains safe, comfortable and problem-free throughout the winter holidays."

For information about Complete Comfort Heating, Air and Plumbing, visit https://completecomfortgo.com/.

About Complete Comfort Heating, Air and Plumbing

Complete Comfort Heating, Air and Plumbing is a trusted provider of HVAC and plumbing services in the greater Indianapolis area. Owned by local businessman Kenneth Hale, the company is known for its commitment to quality workmanship and customer satisfaction. It offers comprehensive heating, cooling and plumbing solutions for residential and commercial customers. With a focus on integrity, reliability and community involvement, Complete Comfort strives to deliver comfort and peace of mind to every customer it serves. For more information, visit completecomfortgo.com/.

SOURCE Complete Comfort Heating, Air and Plumbing

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15 products, including pre-workout, creatine, and protein, now in the sporting goods aisle at 1,800+ Target stores.

OREM, Utah, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Pre-workout. Creatine. Protein. One Target run. Bucked Up®, the #1 pre-workout in the U.S.**, and one of the fastest-growing health and wellness brands in the U.S., is launching at Target for the first time with 15 products in approximately 1,848 stores nationwide and on Target.com. Find it in the sporting goods section, right next to the gear.

Ten Years In. Now at Target.

Bucked Up® started in 2016 with a transparency-first label that showed every ingredient and every dose. Ten years later, it's a $450 million brand in 100,000+ retail locations, and Target is the next stop. Same formulas. Same fully disclosed labels. Now part of the weekly Target run.

"For ten years, we've built Bucked Up® on one promise: no shortcuts, no secrets, no compromises. Target gives us the chance to bring that standard to millions right where they shop for the rest of their fitness routine," said Erin Bettner, Chief Marketing Officer of Bucked Up®.

15 Products. Three Ways to Get Bucked Up.

Pre-Workout: Energy that gets you in the door.

- Bucked Up® Pre-Workout: Blood Raz (Raspberry), Blue Raz (Blue Raspberry), 25 servings

- Big Bucks™: Maxed Out Mango, Rocket Pop, 20 servings

- Babe™ Pre-Workout: Lavender Lemonade, made for women by women, 25 servings

Creatine: Strength, built daily, however you take it.

- Bucked Up® Essentials™ Creatine Monohydrate: Unflavored (NSF Certified for Sport®), Fruit Punch, 50 servings

- Bucked Up® Creatine Candy™: Variety Pack (Blue Raz, Green Apple, Watermelon, Tropical Blast), 24 servings

- Bucked Up® Creatine Gummy Bucks: Variety Pack, 25 servings

Ready-to-drink Lightly Carbonated Protein: Clear, crisp protein that fuels recovery.

- Bucked Up® Lightly Carbonated Protein, 16oz: Orange Cream, Rainbow Candy, Peach Mango, Banana Pineapple, Cherry Limeade, Green Apple

Scoop It, Chew It, or Crack It Open.

Creatine builds lean muscle, improves recovery, and supports brain function.* Bucked Up® makes it in whatever format fits the routine.

Scoop it. Full label transparency has been the Bucked Up® standard since 2016. NSF Certified for Sport® holds it to that standard from the outside. Bucked Up® Essentials™ Creatine Monohydrate (Unflavored) is independently tested by NSF to confirm that what's on the label is exactly what's in the tub, screened for substances banned in sport, and made in an NSF-audited facility, the same standard trusted by professional and collegiate athletes. Inside: one ingredient, 5g of micronized creatine monohydrate. Zero fillers. Zero extras. Creatine helps muscles regenerate ATP, the energy your cells burn through during heavy lifts and sprints.* Take it daily and you may feel more explosive on heavy sets, push out more reps at a given weight, and recover faster between sessions.* Micronized means it mixes smoother and dissolves more completely, with no grit and no residue. And 5g is the standard daily maintenance dose, so there's no guesswork and no underdosing.*

Chew it. No shaker. No water. No mixing. Creatine Candy™ packs the same 5,000mg of micronized creatine monohydrate into five chewable tablets a day, in Blue Raz, Green Apple, Watermelon, and Tropical Blast. Toss it in a gym bag, desk drawer, or car console, so the daily habit never gets skipped. It's third-party tested, non-GMO, and gluten-free, with 24 servings per tub. Rather have a gummy? Creatine Gummy Bucks delivers the same 5,000mg of creatine per serving in a 25-serving variety pack.

Crack it open. The Bucked Up® Lightly Carbonated Protein drink goes the other way from a thick, creamy shake. It's clear, lightly carbonated, and refreshing, with 25g of protein per can in six flavors built for after the workout.*

Find It at Target.

Bucked Up® is available now at Target stores nationwide and on Target.com. Assortment varies by store. See the full Bucked Up® lineup at www.buckedup.com.

About Bucked Up®

Founded in 2016 in Salt Lake City, Utah, Bucked Up® is one of the nation's fastest-growing health and wellness brands. Backed by science and a bold motivational mission, the lineup spans pre-workout, energy drinks, protein, creatine, and more. Available at www.buckedup.com and 100,000+ retail locations, including Target, GNC, Vitamin Shoppe, and Walmart, united by one belief: everyone deserves to Feel Like a Million Bucks™.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

**According to yearly SPINS data ending September 2026.

SOURCE Bucked Up

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—BRINSUPRI, a First-in-Disease and First-in-Class Treatment for Patients With Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis (NCFB), Is Now Available by Prescription in Japan—

BRIDGEWATER, N.J., Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Insmed Incorporated (Nasdaq: INSM), a people-first global biopharmaceutical company striving to deliver first- and best-in-class therapies to transform the lives of patients facing serious diseases, today announced the commercial launch in Japan of BRINSUPRI® Tablets 25 mg (brensocatib hydrate), an oral, once-daily treatment for non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB) in adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older.

"The commercial availability of BRINSUPRI in Japan is a meaningful step forward for the bronchiectasis community and a proud moment for our team," said Samuele Butera, Senior Vice President, General Manager, Global Respiratory for Insmed. "As the first approved therapy specifically designed to address the underlying inflammatory process of NCFB, we are pleased that BRINSUPRI can be made widely available to appropriate patients in Japan who have long needed a treatment option that addresses an unmet driver of their disease."

BRINSUPRI is the first and only approved and commercially available treatment for patients diagnosed with NCFB in Japan. The Japan Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare (MHLW) approved BRINSUPRI in August 2026 based on results from the Phase 3 ASPEN study.

"In patients living with bronchiectasis, recurrent exacerbations represent a substantial disease burden, making daily life harder to manage and affecting long-term clinical outcomes," said Makoto Nakamura, Senior Vice President, General Manager, Japan for Insmed. "By offering BRINSUPRI as a new treatment option for appropriate patients in Japan, we hope to contribute to better disease management for eligible patients. Insmed remains committed to supporting the bronchiectasis community through appropriate information provision to healthcare professionals and advancing the proper use of this therapy."

About Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is a serious, chronic lung disease in which the bronchi become permanently dilated due to a cycle of infection, inflammation, and lung tissue damage. The condition is marked by frequent pulmonary exacerbations requiring antibiotic therapy and/or hospitalizations. Symptoms include chronic cough, excessive sputum production, shortness of breath, and repeated respiratory infections, which can worsen the underlying condition. Most bronchiectasis cases in adults are non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB).

About BRINSUPRI

BRINSUPRI® (brensocatib) is a small molecule, once-daily, oral, reversible inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase 1 (DPP1), designed to inhibit the activation of enzymes (neutrophil serine proteases) in neutrophils that are key drivers of chronic airway inflammation in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB). The therapy is approved in the United States as BRINSUPRI (brensocatib 10 mg and 25 mg tablets) and indicated for the treatment of NCFB in adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age or older. In the European Union and United Kingdom, BRINSUPRI (brensocatib 25 mg tablets) is approved for the treatment of NCFB in patients 12 years of age and older with two or more exacerbations in the prior 12 months. In Japan, BRINSUPRI Tablets 25 mg (brensocatib hydrate) is approved for the treatment of NCFB in adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older.

INDICATION AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR BRINSUPRI IN THE U.S.

U.S. Indication

BRINSUPRI is indicated for the treatment of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB) in adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older.

Important Safety Information

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Dermatologic Adverse Reactions

Treatment with BRINSUPRI is associated with an increase in dermatologic adverse reactions, including rash, dry skin, and hyperkeratosis. Monitor patients for development of new rashes or skin conditions and refer patients to a dermatologist for evaluation of new dermatologic findings. 

Gingival and Periodontal Adverse Reactions

Treatment with BRINSUPRI is associated with an increase in gingival and periodontal adverse reactions. Refer patients to dental care services for regular dental checkups while taking BRINSUPRI. Advise patients to perform routine dental hygiene. 

Live Attenuated Vaccines

It is unknown whether administration of live attenuated vaccines during BRINSUPRI treatment will affect the safety or effectiveness of these vaccines. The use of live attenuated vaccines should be avoided in patients receiving BRINSUPRI. 

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common adverse reactions ≥2% in the ASPEN trial included upper respiratory tract infection, headache, rash, dry skin, hyperkeratosis, and hypertension. The safety profile for adult patients with NCFB in WILLOW was generally similar to ASPEN, except for a higher incidence of gingival and periodontal adverse reactions. 

Less Common Adverse Reactions

Liver Function Test Elevations

In ASPEN, there was an increase from baseline in average ALT, AST, and alkaline phosphatase levels at all time points from Week 4 through Week 56 in both BRINSUPRI 10 mg and 25 mg arms compared to placebo. The incidence of ALT >3X upper limit of normal (ULN) was 0%, 1.2%, and 0.9%; the incidence of AST >3X ULN was 0.2%, 0.3%, and 0.5%; and the incidence of alkaline phosphatase >1.5X ULN was 2.5%, 4.1%, and 4.0% in patients treated with placebo and BRINSUPRI 10 mg and 25 mg, respectively. 

Skin Cancers

In ASPEN, the incidence of skin cancers among patients treated with BRINSUPRI 10 mg and 25 mg was 0.5% and 1.9%, respectively, compared to 1.1% in placebo-treated patients. 

Alopecia

In ASPEN, the incidence of alopecia among patients treated with BRINSUPRI 10 mg and 25 mg was 1.5% and 1.6%, respectively, compared to 0.4% in placebo-treated patients.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Pregnancy: There are no clinical data on the use of BRINSUPRI in pregnant women. 

Lactation: There is no information regarding the presence of BRINSUPRI and/or its metabolite(s) in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for BRINSUPRI and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from BRINSUPRI or from the underlying maternal condition.

Pediatric use: The safety and effectiveness of BRINSUPRI for the treatment of NCFB have been established in pediatric patients aged 12 years and older. Common adverse reactions in pediatric patients aged 12 years and older enrolled in ASPEN were consistent with those in adults. The safety and effectiveness of BRINSUPRI have not been established in pediatric patients younger than 12 years of age.

Please see full US Prescribing Information.

About Insmed

Insmed Incorporated is a people-first global biopharmaceutical company striving to deliver first- and best-in-class therapies to transform the lives of patients facing serious diseases. The Company is advancing a diverse portfolio of approved and mid- to late-stage investigational medicines — including two approved therapies to treat chronic, debilitating lung diseases — as well as cutting-edge drug discovery focused on serving patient communities where the need is greatest. Insmed's commercial portfolio and clinical pipeline are organized around three therapeutic areas: Respiratory, Immunology & Inflammation, and Neuro & Other Rare. The Company's research engine is advancing a wide range of technologies and modalities, including gene therapy, AI-driven protein engineering, RNA end-joining, and synthetic rescue, in the pursuit of future pipeline candidates.

Headquartered in Bridgewater, New Jersey, Insmed has offices and research locations throughout the United States, Europe, and Japan. Visit www.insmed.com to learn more or follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and X.

Forward-looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. "Forward-looking statements," as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, are statements that are not historical facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Words herein such as "may," "will," "should," "could," "would," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "projects," "predicts," "intends," "potential," "continues," and similar expressions (as well as other words or expressions referencing future events, conditions or circumstances), may identify forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking statements in this press release are based upon the Company's current expectations and beliefs, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the Company's actual results, performance and achievements and the timing of certain events, to differ materially from the results, performance, achievements or timings discussed, projected, anticipated or indicated in any forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others, the following: failure to successfully commercialize BRINSUPRI in the U.S., Europe, or Japan, or to maintain U.S.

- Clearance enables initiation of SHIELD-AL, a pivotal study in newly diagnosed patients with lambda AL amyloidosis

- Investigational oral light chain stabilizer to be evaluated as an add-on to standard-of-care plasma cell-directed therapy

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Protego Biopharma, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing small molecule therapies for protein misfolding diseases, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared its Investigational New Drug (IND) application for PROT-001, enabling the company to initiate SHIELD-AL, its global pivotal Phase 2/3 study, in newly diagnosed light chain (AL) amyloidosis patients. PROT-001 is an oral investigational first-in-class lambda light chain stabilizer for the treatment of AL amyloidosis.

"Improving organ outcomes, particularly cardiac, in AL amyloidosis remains an urgent need, and studies in newly diagnosed patients with cardiac involvement have demonstrated that rapid depletion of amyloidogenic light chains closely correlates to improvements in survival," said Brent J. Warner, MBA, Chief Executive Officer of Protego Biopharma. "This highlights a therapeutic opportunity for PROT-001, which acts directly on amyloidogenic lambda light chains to stabilize and neutralize their toxicity, as a complement to plasma cell-directed therapies that reduce light chain production. SHIELD-AL will evaluate whether this complementary approach with PROT-001 can help patients achieve deeper and faster organ responses while reducing cardiovascular complications beyond standard of care alone."

SHIELD-AL is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of PROT-001 in newly diagnosed lambda AL amyloidosis patients, with Part A consisting of an initial safety and dose confirmation study and Part B a pivotal safety and efficacy study.

Protego will be sharing data from its completed Phase 1 study evaluating PROT-001 in healthy volunteers at a medical meeting later this year.

About Protego Biopharma

Protego Biopharma is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing first-in-class small molecule therapies for AL amyloidosis and other protein misfolding diseases. Protego aims to translate advances in protein stabilization into medicines that address the misfolding and toxicity responsible for progressive organ damage. Its therapies are designed to intervene in this disease process, with the goal of preserving organ function and improving patients' lives. For more information, visit www.protegobio.com.

About PROT-001

PROT-001 is Protego Biopharma's lead investigational small molecule pharmacological chaperone, being developed for the treatment of immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis. PROT-001 is designed to stabilize amyloidogenic lambda light chain proteins and prevent their misfolding and the formation of proteotoxic species. The goal of this therapy is limiting the toxic effects that contribute to organ injury, including direct damage to cardiomyocytes in AL patients. PROT-001 represents a complementary approach to plasma cell-directed therapies, which reduce light chain production. By targeting the amyloidogenic light chain protein itself before it can adopt a pathogenic conformation, PROT-001 has the potential to complement existing treatments and address an additional mechanism of disease.

About AL amyloidosis

Immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis is a rare, life-threatening disease affecting over 5,100 newly diagnosed patients annually and 28,000 US adults in which abnormal plasma cells produce light chain proteins that can misfold and aggregate. The direct toxicity of disease-related light chains and their accumulation as amyloid deposits in tissues both result in injury to organs, including the heart and kidneys. Cardiac injury is particularly serious, as toxic light chains can directly impair cardiomyocyte function, while amyloid deposits disrupt the structure and function of the heart. Current treatments focus on reducing light chain production with plasma cell-directed therapies and managing organ complications, leaving patients with a substantial need for complementary approaches that directly address light chain toxicity and improve organ outcomes.

SOURCE Protego Biopharma

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Julia Gillard joins Hakluyt's International Advisory Board

LONDON, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hakluyt, the global strategic advisory firm for businesses and investors, is delighted to announce the appointment of The Honourable Julia Gillard AC, former prime minister of Australia and current chair of Wellcome, to its international advisory board.

Julia Gillard is one of Australia's most prominent political leaders and an influential figure in global health. She began her career at the law firm Slater & Gordon, where she became a partner, before moving into politics as chief of staff to the premier of Victoria. Elected to the Australian House of Representatives in 1998, Julia served as deputy prime minister from 2007 to 2010, and then as prime minister of Australia from 2010 to 2013 – the first woman to hold the role.

Julia currently serves as chair of Wellcome, the UK-based global charitable foundation focused on improving health through science. She is also patron of the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED), the inaugural chair of the Global Institute for Women's Leadership at King's College London, and patron of Beyond Blue, a mental health charity in Australia.

Chaired by Lord William Hague, Hakluyt's international advisory board includes senior leaders from across business, government and academia, who support the firm's global connectivity and expertise.

Lord Hague said: "I am delighted to welcome Julia to Hakluyt's international advisory board. She brings first-hand experience of government decision-making that will be of great value to the firm, and her work at Wellcome gives her a global perspective on science, innovation and health, as well as the partnerships needed to tackle some of the world's most pressing challenges."

Julia Gillard commented: "I am excited to be joining Hakluyt's international advisory board. Having had the privilege of serving in public office at the highest level, I have seen how critical sound judgement is in periods of uncertainty and change. I look forward to working with William and my fellow advisory board members to support Hakluyt's clients and the firm's continued growth."

Thomas Ellis, Hakluyt's managing partner, added: "I am thrilled that Julia is joining Hakluyt's international advisory board. She combines exceptional government experience with a deep understanding of the forces shaping economies and societies around the world. As a highly respected voice on leadership questions and many global trends and issues, she brings a distinctive perspective that will strengthen the advice we provide to our clients."

This appointment is effective immediately.

Notes to editors:

Hakluyt is a strategic advisory firm that works with corporate leaders and investors around the world on their most important commercial issues. For more information on the firm, please visit www.hakluytandco.com

SOURCE Hakluyt

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CME Group Expands Dairy Business with New European Futures and Options

CHICAGO, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- CME Group, the world's leading derivatives marketplace, today announced plans to launch new European dairy futures and options contracts before the end of 2026, pending all regulatory reviews.

The company will introduce new futures and options contracts for European Skimmed Milk Powder, European Butter, European Whey Powder and European Liquid Milk as a first step toward regional expansion following an agreement with the European Energy Exchange earlier this year.

These products will position CME Group to expand on recent record activity within the Dairy complex, including reaching record monthly open interest of an average 420,922 contracts a day in September, a 42% increase year over year, and an all-time daily open interest record of 461,493 contracts on September 29.

"We've long served the dairy community across the U.S., and now we're bringing that same commitment to Europe," said John Ricci, Global Head of Agricultural Products at CME Group. "By offering futures and options, we're giving participants a more complete toolkit to deploy capital efficiently and manage regional price risk - all on a single platform alongside our U.S. complex."

The new contracts will be financially settled and will initially track EEX indices before transitioning to CME Group indices. They will be listed on and subject to the rules of CME.

CME Group and EEX are also working to transition the EEX Weekly European Cheese Indices and the Pan European Butter Index to CME Group for continued benefit to the industry.

For more information on CME Group's dairy products, please visit here.

As the world's leading derivatives marketplace, CME Group (www.cmegroup.com) enables clients to trade futures, options, cash and OTC markets, optimize portfolios, and analyze data – empowering market participants worldwide to efficiently manage risk and capture opportunities. CME Group exchanges offer the widest range of global benchmark products across all major asset classes based on interest rates, equity indexes, foreign exchange, cryptocurrencies, energy, agricultural products and metals. The company offers futures and options on futures trading through the CME Globex platform, fixed income trading via BrokerTec and foreign exchange trading on the EBS platform. In addition, it operates one of the world's leading central counterparty clearing providers, CME Clearing.

CME Group, the Globe logo, CME, Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Globex, and E-mini are trademarks of Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. CBOT and Chicago Board of Trade are trademarks of Board of Trade of the City of Chicago, Inc. NYMEX, New York Mercantile Exchange and ClearPort are trademarks of New York Mercantile Exchange, Inc. COMEX is a trademark of Commodity Exchange, Inc. BrokerTec is a trademark of BrokerTec Americas LLC and EBS is a trademark of EBS Group LTD. The S&P 500 Index is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC ("S&P DJI"). "S&P®", "S&P 500®", "SPY®", "SPX®", US 500 and The 500 are trademarks of Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC; Dow Jones®, DJIA® and Dow Jones Industrial Average are service and/or trademarks of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC. These trademarks have been licensed for use by Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. Futures contracts based on the S&P 500 Index are not sponsored, endorsed, marketed, or promoted by S&P DJI, and S&P DJI makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in such products. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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SOURCE CME Group

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2026 Canton Fair Design Award Winners Showcase China's Innovation Strength

GUANGZHOU, China, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As the 140th Canton Fair opens, the winners of the 2026 Canton Fair Design Award (CF Award) have also been announced. Winning products are now on display in Area D of the Canton Fair Complex, offering visitors a closer look at some of the latest advances in Chinese manufacturing and industrial design.

Among this year's top honorees, a domestically developed high-performance sport motorcycle and an intelligent navigation capsule robot gastric endoscopy system received the Best of the Best Award, the competition's highest recognition.

The Canton Fair also enhanced the visitor experience with a themed showcase area within the award exhibition. Built around four application-oriented concepts, namely Outdoor Pleasure, Smart Living, Cozy Home and Kitchen Elegance, the immersive displays demonstrate how innovative designs can be integrated into everyday life, helping visitors better understand the practical value behind these award-winning products.

This year, 4,218 products from 2,112 companies competed for the award. Following multiple rounds of evaluation, 222 products from 174 companies were selected.

The award-winning products reflect several key trends shaping the next stage of Chinese manufacturing. Innovation remains a defining theme, with breakthrough technologies ranging from upper limb motor function assistance and enhancement system to exoskeleton robots, underscoring the growing momentum of high-end manufacturing.

Meanwhile, intelligent technologies continue to gain traction across industries. Smart products account for more than 30% of this year's winners, with AI-powered glasses, intelligent conference terminals and smart healthcare devices extending AI applications across home, office, medical and outdoor environments.

Sustainability is also becoming increasingly embedded throughout the product lifecycle. Green products represent over 40% of the winning entries, while innovations such as integrated energy-saving panels and sugarcane paper demonstrate how environmentally conscious practices are being incorporated into product design, materials selection and manufacturing processes.

Established in 2013, the Canton Fair Design Award is widely regarded as a benchmark for design innovation in China's foreign trade sector. The award recognizes products that combine design excellence with commercial value, promoting the transformation and upgrading of Chinese manufacturing and supporting high-quality trade development. Entries are evaluated across five dimensions: innovation, quality, functionality, aesthetics and sustainability.

For more convenient attendance, please click here for pre-registration:

https://buyer.cantonfair.org.cn/register/buyer/email?source_type=16

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