GLOBAL FIGHT LEAGUE SIGNS SEVEN-FIGURE LOI FOR FIRST INDEPENDENTLY OWNED FRANCHISE
Image File
Original HTML

GLOBAL FIGHT LEAGUE SIGNS SEVEN-FIGURE LOI FOR FIRST INDEPENDENTLY OWNED FRANCHISE

Non-Refundable Initial Payment Helps Support Planned Q4 Proof-of-Concept Event in Argentina and GFL's Staged League Launch

LAS VEGAS, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Fight League (OTC: GFLE) ("GFL" or the "Company"), the international team-based mixed martial arts league, today announced the signing of a seven-figure binding Letter of Intent ("LOI") with investor and entrepreneur Ryan Brockbank for the rights to own and operate the first independently owned GFL franchise.

Under the signed LOI, Brockbank has agreed to acquire the franchise rights for a seven-figure purchase price. GFL has received and deposited a non-refundable initial payment toward the transaction, with the remaining balance payable in 2027.

The funding will help support an international proof-of-concept event in Argentina during the fourth quarter of 2026 and the league's preparations for its first full season of competition in 2027. Additional details regarding the Argentina event will be announced in the coming week.

GFL's four founding teams—in New York, Los Angeles, Miami and London—are currently owned and operated by GFL. Brockbank's independently owned franchise is targeted to begin competition in 2028, with its home market, team name and identity to be announced.

As GFL's first third-party franchise commitment, the agreement expands the ownership and capital base supporting the league's launch and long-term growth. GFL is also engaged in discussions with other prospective ownership groups regarding additional team franchises in other markets. While there can be no assurance that these discussions will result in completed transactions, the Company views third-party franchise ownership as an important component of its growth strategy.

"This is a significant milestone for Global Fight League," said Vince Hesser, Executive Chairman of GFL. "A notable, seven figure commitment has been made to acquire the rights to own and operate a GFL team franchise, and GFL has received a non-refundable initial payment toward that purchase. We believe this demonstrates meaningful commercial interest in the franchise model we are building for the benefit of MMA athletes, fans and GFLE shareholders."

"From the beginning, our vision for GFL has extended beyond producing individual fight events," said Darren Owen, Commissioner of GFL. "We are building a global, team-based sports property where franchise owners can represent major markets, develop their own rosters and fan bases, and participate in the league's broader economics. Ryan's commitment helps establish that ownership foundation, supports the league's launch and advances preparations for our first full season of competition."

Under the contemplated transaction, Brockbank would receive territorial rights in a market to be subsequently announced, together with the right to own and operate a GFL team and participate in revenues available to member franchises, subject to the execution and terms of definitive agreements.

Ryan Brockbank is an entrepreneur and business executive with more than 28 years of experience building and operating companies across construction and property development. His background includes founding and leading multimillion-dollar businesses and investing in substantial development projects.

"I see tremendous potential in what GFL is building," said Brockbank. "The opportunity to establish a team from the ground up and participate in the growth of a new team-based model for professional MMA is extremely compelling to me. This is a long-term investment, and we plan to build a first-class team that its community can rally behind. Not many opportunities arise to become a sports team owner, and I am excited to make this exceptional investment."

Additional information regarding Brockbank's franchise, including its home market, team name, branding, management and eventual roster, will be announced as GFL prepares for team expansion of the league in the 2028 season.

About Global Fight League

Global Fight League (OTC: GFLE) is an international sports entertainment company developing a professional team-based mixed martial arts league built around city- and market-based franchises. GFL's model is designed to combine professional MMA competition with team identity, localized fan engagement, live events, media distribution, sponsorship, licensing and franchise ownership.

For more information, visit www.mmagfl.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable federal securities laws. Statements other than statements of historical fact—including statements regarding the anticipated completion of the franchise transaction, payment of the remaining purchase price, execution of definitive franchise documentation, the planned proof-of-concept event in Argentina, GFL's planned first full season of league competition, the franchise's anticipated participation in the 2028 GFL season, discussions with prospective franchise owners, potential additional franchise transactions, future market and team announcements, league development and future commercial opportunities—are forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations, estimates, assumptions and beliefs and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, events or performance to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. There can be no assurance that the contemplated franchise transaction will be completed on the anticipated terms or timeline, that discussions with other prospective franchise owners will result in completed transactions, that the planned Argentina event or first full season will occur as anticipated, that the franchise will commence competition in 2028, or that the Company's development and commercial objectives will be achieved.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. Except as required by applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Media & Investor Relations Contact

Global Fight League (OTC: GFLE)

Communications Department

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.mmagfl.com

SOURCE Global Fight League

Share this article

Class (B2B/B2C)
B2B
Ingest Status
Rewritten
Dedupe hash
prn_302888380
Press Eligible
Yes
Press Eligible Reason
Company announces a seven-figure franchise investment and league expansion plans, making this relevant business and sports-industry news.
Source Name
Unknown Company
Original Summary

<p>Non-Refundable Initial Payment Helps Support Planned Q4 Proof-of-Concept Event in Argentina and GFL's Staged League Launch LAS VEGAS, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Fight League (OTC: GFLE) ("GFL" or the "Company"), the international team-based mixed martial arts league, today...</p>

Image URL
https://mmx.prnewswire.com/media/MS1995314/Global-Fight-League-GLOBAL-FIGHT-LEAGUE-SIGNS-SEVEN-FIGURE-LOI-F.jpg?id=OA2968100&p=facebook
Content Hash (SHA-256, erste 32 hex)
b86cc57c4acae9a15c529fe0a43b415f
GoPro MISSION 1 Series Earns 11 Top Industry Awards for Image Quality, Performance and Innovation
Image File
Original HTML

MISSION 1, MISSION 1 PRO and MISSION 1 PRO ILS Earn Top Honors from WIRED, SlashGear, PCMag, Tom's Guide, Gizmodo, TechRadar, Mashable, Digital Camera World, The Shortcut, and SURFER

SAN MATEO, Calif., Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, GoPro, Inc. (NASDAQ: GPRO) announced that its MISSION 1 Series of compact cinema cameras has earned 11 top industry awards from 10 leading consumer technology, photography, and outdoor publications. The honors include Best Camera and Best Action Camera on SlashGear's Hot List 2026, Best Overall Action Camera from WIRED, editor's choice awards from PCMag, Tom's Guide, Gizmodo, and The Shortcut, recommendation awards from TechRadar and Digital Camera World, a Mashable Choice Award, and Best Waterproof Camera in the 2026 SURFER Awards. The recognition spans the core three-camera lineup: MISSION 1, MISSION 1 PRO, and MISSION 1 PRO ILS, GoPro's first camera with an interchangeable lens mount.

Built around a new 50MP 1" sensor and GoPro's ultra-efficient GP3 processor, the MISSION 1 Series delivers powerful 8K60 video, impressive low-light performance, dramatic slow motion, and category-leading runtimes for everything from local adventures and tropical vacations to vlogging and even commercial productions. The series comprises MISSION 1, MISSION 1 PRO, MISSION 1 PRO Grip Edition, MISSION 1 PRO Creator Edition, MISSION 1 PRO Ultimate Creator Edition, and MISSION 1 PRO ILS. All are available now at GoPro.com and at retailers globally, alongside the new MISSION Monitor app for iPhone® and iPad®.1

"We built the MISSION 1 Series because our customers kept asking us for more performance from their GoPros, and you don't have to be a pro to see the difference. It shows up in the early-morning waves, the sunset hikes, and the weekend bike rides," said Pablo Lema, GoPro's Senior Vice President of Product Management. "Eleven awards from the reviewers who test everything in this category tell us we got it right."

AWARDS SUMMARY

- WIRED: Named MISSION 1 PRO the Best Overall Action Camera in its 2026 action camera buying guide and scored the camera 9 out of 10, citing its 1" sensor, 8K video, slow-motion range and more cinematic look than any other action camera tested.

- SlashGear: Named MISSION 1 PRO Best Action Camera and MISSION 1 PRO ILS Best Camera on SlashGear's Hot List 2026, the publication's annual selection of the most innovative and impactful products of the year.

- PCMag: Awarded MISSION 1 its Editors' Choice with a 4.5 out of 5 Outstanding rating, crediting exceptional image quality, battery life, durability, features, and value.

- Tom's Guide: Selected MISSION 1 PRO as an Editor's Choice with a 4.5 out of 5 rating, highlighting 8K30 Open Gate and 8K60 capture, pro features, internal audio and best-in-class battery life and thermal performance.

- Gizmodo: Awarded MISSION 1 PRO its Editor's Choice 2026 with a 4 out of 5 rating, calling out the best footage of any action camera currently available, its range of slow-motion modes and easy Open Gate shooting.

- TechRadar: Gave MISSION 1 PRO ILS its TechRadar Recommends award with a 4.5 out of 5 rating, crediting the creative flexibility the Micro Four Thirds™ mount unlocks in GoPro's first interchangeable-lens camera.

- Mashable: Named the MISSION 1 Series a Mashable Choice Award winner with a 4.6 out of 5 score in its roundup of the best new gadgets of 2026, noting the line closes the gap between action cameras and true cinema-grade cameras.

- Digital Camera World: Gave MISSION 1 PRO its Digital Camera World Recommended award with a 4.5 out of 5 rating, crediting 8K60 recording, 10-bit log color, high-speed slow motion and a much faster user experience than previous GoPro cameras.

- The Shortcut: Awarded MISSION 1 PRO its Editor's Choice with a 4 out of 5 score, praising flexible Open Gate 8K30 and 4K120 capture, 32x slow motion, GP-Log2 recording and the four-microphone array.

- SURFER: Named MISSION 1 PRO Best Waterproof Camera in the 2026 SURFER Awards, citing durability, image quality, HyperSmooth stabilization and battery life for surf creators.

Additional Recognition

- Engadget: Scored MISSION 1 PRO 8.7 out of 10 and identified it as delivering the best action camera video quality on the market.

- NBC Select: Included MISSION 1 PRO in its Best New Products in May 2026 roundup, describing it as a significant step up from GoPro's other cameras in image quality and capability.

Availability

Every MISSION 1 Series camera is available now at GoPro.com and at retailers globally:

- MISSION 1: $599.99 MSRP, or $499.99 for existing GoPro subscribers.2

- MISSION 1 PRO: $699.99 MSRP, or $599.99 for existing GoPro subscribers.2

- MISSION 1 PRO Grip Edition: $779.99 MSRP, or $679.99 for existing GoPro subscribers.2

- MISSION 1 PRO ILS: $699.99 MSRP, or $599.99 for existing GoPro subscribers.2, 3

- MISSION 1 PRO Creator Edition: $1,099.99 MSRP, or $949.99 for existing GoPro subscribers.2

- MISSION 1 PRO Ultimate Creator Edition: $1,199.99 MSRP, or $1,049.99 for existing GoPro subscribers.2

The full suite of MISSION 1 Series mounts and accessories, including the MISSION 1 Series Media Mod, Wireless Mic System, Volta 2 Battery Grip, Protective Housing, and Point-and-Shoot Grip, is also available now at GoPro.com and at retailers globally.

The GoPro MISSION Monitor app is free and available on the Apple App Store® for devices running iOS 18 or later. Made for MISSION 1 Series cameras, it turns an iPhone® or iPad® into a professional monitor with Focus Peaking, Focus Assist, Zebra Pattern, real-time LUT preview, shot overlays and integrated camera controls.1

About GoPro, Inc. (NASDAQ: GPRO)

GoPro helps the world capture and share itself in immersive and exciting ways.

Connect with GoPro on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and GoPro's blog, The Current. Members of the press can access official logos and imagery on our press portal. For more information, visit https://gopro.com/en/us.

GoPro, HERO, MAX, MISSION and their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of GoPro, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Note on Forward-looking Statements

This press release may contain projections or other forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "should," "will," "may," "plan" and variations of these terms or the negative of these terms and words of similar meaning are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release may include, but are not limited to, statements related to the Company's MISSION 1 Series camera and accessory availability, global retail availability, product performance and specifications, pricing and subscriber pricing, third-party lens and accessory compatibility, mobile application features and availability, and the Company's positioning in the premium and professional camera categories. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current expectations and assumptions and inherently involve significant risks, uncertainties, and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. The Company's actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation, risks related to product launch timing and execution, supply chain and manufacturing disruptions, consumer demand and market acceptance, competition, the ability to manage product introductions, transitions, and pricing, and the ability to successfully enter and compete in professional and premium camera segments. A further description of the risks and uncertainties relating to the business of the Company is contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on March 12, 2026 as updated in filings with the SEC, including the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2026. Unlisted factors may present significant additional obstacles to the realization of forward-looking statements. Accordingly, for the foregoing reasons, the Company cautions the reader against relying on any forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof or as of the date otherwise stated herein. The Company undertakes no duty or obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events, changes in its expectations or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

SOURCE GoPro, Inc.

Share this article

Class (B2B/B2C)
B2C
Ingest Status
Rewritten
Dedupe hash
prn_302888785
Press Eligible
Yes
Press Eligible Reason
GoPro product and technology announcement highlighting industry awards, features, pricing, and availability of its new camera series.
Source Name
Unknown Company
Original Summary

<p>MISSION 1, MISSION 1 PRO and MISSION 1 PRO ILS Earn Top Honors from WIRED, SlashGear, PCMag, Tom's Guide, Gizmodo, TechRadar, Mashable, Digital Camera World, The Shortcut, and SURFER SAN MATEO, Calif., Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, GoPro, Inc. (NASDAQ: GPRO) announced that its...</p>

Image URL
https://mmx.prnewswire.com/media/MS1995648/GOPRO-INC-MISSION-1-Series.jpg?id=OA2968833&p=facebook
Content Hash (SHA-256, erste 32 hex)
58ae88ed4f6141f7947ea7bb0a175525
The New Luxury Marketplace: E-Commerce Is Unlocking Billions in Premium Apparel Sales
Image File
Original HTML

NEW YORK, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Platinum Trade Alerts News Commentary - The opportunity is expanding across both luxury e-commerce and premium sports apparel, as consumers increasingly shop for high-end brands, performance clothing and fashion-driven athletic wear online. The global luxury apparel market is projected to reach $89.7 billion in 2026 and $106.1 billion by 2030, while the broader global luxury-goods market is estimated at $416 billion in 2026, with a projection of nearly $579 billion by 2030. At the same time, premium sportswear is becoming a major growth engine, with Grand View Research estimating a $126 billion global premium sportswear market in 2026 that could reach $174.3 billion by 2030. Companies on the move in the luxury and lifestyle apparel brands industries include Digital Brands Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: DBGI), NIKE, Inc. (NYSE: NKE), lululemon athletica inc. (NASDAQ: LULU), On Holding AG (NYSE: ONON), Under Armour, Inc. (NYSE: UAA).

For e-commerce platforms positioned around luxury, premium fashion and sports apparel, the opportunity is much bigger than simply putting clothing online. Consumers are increasingly comfortable discovering, comparing and purchasing premium products digitally, while brands are using direct-to-consumer platforms to control presentation, pricing, customer data and repeat purchases. Global sportswear sales are projected by Euromonitor to exceed $500 billion by 2030, while other current forecasts put the broader sports-apparel market as high as $400.8 billion by 2031. That creates a huge addressable market for platforms capable of combining premium brands, compelling digital experiences, personalization and direct online sales.

Key growth catalysts:

- $416 billion: Estimated global luxury-goods market in 2026, projected toward $579 billion by 2030.

- $89.7 billion: Global luxury-apparel market projected for 2026, rising to $106.1 billion by 2030.

- $126 billion: Estimated global premium-sportswear market in 2026, potentially reaching $174.3 billion by 2030.

- $500+ billion: Euromonitor projects global sportswear sales will exceed this level by 2030.

- Digital advantage: E-commerce gives luxury and sportswear brands a direct channel for customer acquisition, personalization, product launches and repeat purchases—creating opportunities for platforms that can connect premium brands with increasingly digital consumers.

Digital Brands Group (NASDAQ: DBGI) Delivers 221% Revenue Growth While Cutting Marketing Spend by 78% - Collegiate Athletic Brand Achieves 3.65x ROAS as Weekly Net Revenue Rises 442% - Digital Brands Group, Inc. ("DBG" or the "Company"), a publicly traded company specializing in apparel and e-commerce, today announced significant growth and improved marketing efficiency across its collegiate licensing brand, AVO (https://shopavo.la/).

From August 1 through September 11, 2026, AVO generated a 221% year-over-year increase in revenue while reducing digital marketing expenditures by 78% compared with the same period last year. During the period, AVO also achieved a 3.65x return on ad spend (ROAS). The results reflect accelerating revenue growth alongside significantly improved capital efficiency.

Key Performance Highlights

- 221% year-over-year revenue growth from August 1 through September 11, 2026

- 78% reduction in digital marketing spend compared with the same period in 2025

- 3.65x ROAS, demonstrating improved efficiency of marketing investment

- 442% increase in weekly net revenue from Week 1 to Week 6 among universities launched in 2026

- For universities launched during 2026, weekly net revenue increased 442% from Week 1, representing the week of August 1, through Week 6, representing the week of September 5.

Building on this momentum, AVO plans to launch a completely redesigned e-commerce platform during the first week of October. The new platform is being developed by newly appointed board member David, who previously served as the growth architect at Vuori during a period in which the company experienced a 2400% revenue expansion. The redesigned platform is intended to improve key e-commerce performance metrics, including conversion rates, average order value, and customer engagement.

"We are encouraged by the combination of strong revenue growth and substantially lower marketing expenditures," said Hil Davis, CEO of Digital Brands Group. "The performance we are seeing across AVO demonstrates increasing efficiency in how we are acquiring and monetizing customers. With the launch of the redesigned e-commerce platform in October, we believe there is an opportunity to further improve conversion and marketing efficiency. Our target is to achieve a 5x ROAS, which would provide a foundation to scale digital advertising investment alongside revenue."

AVO's recent performance demonstrates the potential for revenue growth without a corresponding increase in marketing expenditure. The combination of higher revenue, lower customer-acquisition spending, and improving ROAS provides DBG with an opportunity to increase marketing investment as the business demonstrates additional operating leverage. The Company believes the October e-commerce platform launch represents another potential catalyst for improving conversion, average order value, and customer engagement. Find out more about DBGI by CLICKING HERE

In other industry recent and current news of note:

NIKE, Inc. (NYSE: NKE) recently announced Alexandre Arnault has been appointed to the Company's Board of Directors. Arnault is Deputy CEO of Moët Hennessy, LVMH's wines and spirits division, a role he's held since February 2025.

"Alexandre has earned a reputation for helping iconic global brands evolve, innovate and grow in a changing, complex marketplace," said Mark Parker, Executive Chairman, NIKE, Inc. "As part of our commitment to strong governance and thoughtful board succession, we look for leaders with distinctive experiences, fresh perspectives and a proven ability to create long-term value. Alexandre's leadership across some of the world's most respected brands will make him a strong addition to our Board."

lululemon athletica inc. (NASDAQ: LULU) recently announced financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2026, which ended on August 2, 2026.

Meghan Frank, Interim Co-CEO and Chief Financial Officer, stated, "While we continue to navigate some challenging dynamics, we are taking a prudent approach with our revised full-year outlook. Our teams remain focused on accelerating growth by strengthening our product offerings, increasing our marketing investments, and maintaining disciplined expense management. Looking ahead, we have confidence in the strength of the lululemon brand, the deep connection we have with our guests and ambassadors, and the significant opportunities we see to drive long-term growth."

On Holding AG (NYSE: ONON), the Swiss premium sportswear brand, hosts its 2026 Investor Day this week at On Labs in Zurich. As its current three-year horizon draws to a close, the Leadership Team presents the Company's strategy and mid-term financial targets for the 2026–2029 period, detailing its vision to redefine what a sportswear brand can be. This includes further details on the entry into new sports categories Football and Golf, as On continues to establish itself as the most premium global sportswear brand.

To anchor its next era of profitable expansion through fiscal year 2029, On is setting new financial targets guided by the On Premium Playbook, built on three drivers of premium growth: multi-dimensional top-line growth across verticals, regions, and channels; an industry-leading gross profit margin; and operating cost leverage and productivity gains from a business at greater scale.

Under Armour, Inc. (NYSE: UAA) recently announced actor François Arnaud as a global brand ambassador, adding a powerful new voice at the intersection of performance, culture and authenticity.

As part of the partnership, Arnaud will headline "For When It's Hot," a new campaign celebrating Under Armour's iconic HeatGear® franchise and the performance ecosystem surrounding it. Featuring HeatGear®, UA Vanish Elite, UA Icon Fleece, UA Sola, and UA Reign XT, the campaign showcases products that define Under Armour and serve athletes wherever they train, compete and perform.

DISCLAIMER: PlatinumTradeAlerts.com (PTA) is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. PTA is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. PTA and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. PTA'S market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. PTA is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed PTA was compensated forty six hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by Digital Brands Group, Inc. by the company. PTA HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

Class (B2B/B2C)
B2B
Ingest Status
Rewritten
Dedupe hash
prn_302889235
Press Eligible
Yes
Press Eligible Reason
Business and e-commerce industry commentary with company performance, market data, and corporate updates.
Source Name
The New Luxury Marketplace
Original Summary

<p>NEW YORK, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Platinum Trade Alerts News Commentary - The opportunity is expanding across both luxury e-commerce and premium sports apparel, as consumers increasingly shop for high-end brands, performance clothing and fashion-driven athletic wear online. The...</p>

Image URL
https://mmx.prnewswire.com/media/MS1993104/PTA-logo.jpg?id=OA2969587&p=facebook
Content Hash (SHA-256, erste 32 hex)
1a37981aa5b176b8eac6a3e6930071aa
Bridgestone Named Official Tire Partner of Sports Car Club of America
Image File
Original HTML

- Three-year agreement names Bridgestone Official Tire of SCCA and sole tire supplier for SCCA Club Spec.

- Championship-winning Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RZ tire will serve as the designated tire across SCCA Club Spec competition.

- Partnership advances Bridgestone's commitment to grassroots motorsports through increased accessibility, participant development and community engagement, helping grow the next generation of competitors and enthusiasts.

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Bridgestone Americas (Bridgestone) today announced a landmark three-year partnership with the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), becoming the Official Tire of the SCCA and the sole tire supplier of the SCCA Club Spec program. The strategic agreement reinforces Bridgestone's commitment to grassroots motorsports, enhancing its involvement in autocross, track days and time trials.

As the Official Tire of SCCA, Bridgestone will equip key vehicle platforms designed to lower the technical and financial barriers of entry in motorsports. Bridgestone's championship-winning Potenza RE-71RZ tire will support established classes, including Solo Spec Coupe, Club Spec MX-5 and Club Spec Mustang. Additionally, the Potenza RE-71RZ will serve as the official spec tire for the highly anticipated Club Spec Cayman class launching in 2027.

"Bridgestone and the SCCA share a core commitment to making motorsports accessible, educational and fun," said David Colletti, President of Consumer Original Equipment Tires, North America, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations. "Partnering as the Official Tire of the SCCA and SCCA Club Spec furthers our investment in the heart of the racing community while enabling us to deliver peak Potenza performance every single weekend."

Central to the partnership is the Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RZ, an extreme 200TW summer performance tire, engineered specifically for grassroots racing. The tire is designed for blistering fast lap times and responsive control to help drivers push the pace and stay ahead of the competition. Driven by the new Potenza RE-71RZ and its proven predecessor, the Potenza RE-71RS tire, Bridgestone's performance tires have achieved tremendous results across the 2026 season:

SCCA x Bridgestone Potenza 2026 Results

- Captured 75% of class wins (350+), 70% of class podiums and top index honors at 21 of 24 national events across the 2026 SCCA Solo season.

- Accounted for 70% of eligible entries (3,300+ competitors) throughout the full season.

- Earned 55% of total event entries (732 entries) and 80% of the field in eligible street tire classes (729 of 908 drivers) at the SCCA Solo National Championships, which is the largest grassroots motorsports event in the world.

- Won 36 of 41 classes (88%), earned 103 trophies (85%) and set the event's top overall index time by 0.7 seconds at Solo Nationals.

- Extended dominance into SCCA time trials, capturing 97% of podium finishes (38 class wins) and setting 19 class lap records during the 2026 National Tour season.

"SCCA is honored to partner with Bridgestone and welcome the brand back into our community," said Heyward Wagner, Vice President of Rally, Solo and Experiential Programs. "Bridgestone was a tremendous supporter of SCCA Solo competitors 20 years ago, and many of our members still remember the impact the brand made. That history has paved the way for genuine excitement across SCCA to reunite with Bridgestone, celebrate that shared history and build on it through programs that support accessible, competitive and fun motorsports experiences for drivers at every level."

Bridgestone's commitment to grassroots motorsports is to balance peak functional performance with deep community engagement. By helping deliver the precision and speed current competitors demand on track, the partnership lowers barriers to entry for aspiring racers—fueling the passion of today's enthusiasts while inspiring the next generation of motorsports talent.

Looking ahead, Bridgestone and the SCCA aim to continue collaborating on joint educational programs, trackside support and exclusive member experiences. The partnership will actively support key SCCA initiatives, including Track Night in America, which makes track time accessible to drivers of all skill levels, and SCCA Women on Track, which empowers broader female participation across all facets of grassroots motorsports. Together, these efforts underscore Bridgestone's dedication to empowering accessible, high-performance driving while delivering innovative tire technology to drivers at every level of competition.

About Bridgestone Americas, Inc.:

Bridgestone Americas, Inc. is the U.S.-based subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, a global leader in tires and rubber, building on its expertise to provide solutions for safe and sustainable mobility. Headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., Bridgestone Americas employs more than 45,000 people across its worldwide operations. Bridgestone offers a diverse product portfolio of premium tires and advanced solutions backed by innovative technologies, improving the way people around the world move, live, work and play.

About Sports Car Club of America:

The Sports Car Club of America, Inc., founded in 1944, is a 67,500-member motorsports organization that incorporates all facets of autocross, rally and road racing at both Club and professional levels. With headquarters in Topeka, Kansas, the SCCA annually sanctions over 2,000 events through its 116 Regions and subsidiary divisions.

SOURCE Bridgestone Americas, Inc.

Share this article

Class (B2B/B2C)
B2B
Ingest Status
Rewritten
Dedupe hash
prn_302888400
Press Eligible
Yes
Press Eligible Reason
Bridgestone announces a strategic corporate partnership and tire supply agreement with SCCA, representing relevant company and industry news.
Source Name
Unknown Company
Original Summary

<p>Three-year agreement names Bridgestone Official Tire of SCCA and sole tire supplier for SCCA Club Spec. Championship-winning Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RZ tire will serve as the designated tire across SCCA Club Spec competition. Partnership advances Bridgestone's commitment to grassroots...</p>

Image URL
https://mmx.prnewswire.com/media/MS1995139/Bridgestone-Americas-Inc-Image.jpg?id=OA2967480&p=facebook
Content Hash (SHA-256, erste 32 hex)
38c32dd1f6dd714ecea4863ea62dfbb5
Prime Minute Emerges From Stealth With $15 Million Pre-Seed Round to Strengthen Infrastructure Resilience Against Natural Disasters
Image File
Original HTML

Backed by Eclipse and 8VC, the company is building a new approach to natural disaster response, integrating AI, software, hardware, and operations into mission-critical systems, beginning with wildfire suppression.

PALO ALTO, Calif., Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Prime Minute, the first company to build a global resilience prime, emerged from stealth today with $15 million in pre-seed funding led by Eclipse, with participation from 8VC. The company's first offering addresses one of the most urgent challenges facing emergency responders today: rapid initial attack against wildfires, in all conditions, before they escalate out of control.

Natural disasters are becoming more frequent, costly, and operationally complex, placing increasing strain on the systems responsible for protecting our communities and critical infrastructure. Wildfires alone contribute an estimated $424 billion in annual damages across the United States, and the earliest moments of an incident often determine whether a fire is quickly contained or grows into a major disaster. Yet, critical gaps remain in integrating detection, coordination, and wildfire suppression capabilities.

Drawing on technologies and operational approaches historically reserved for national security missions, Prime Minute's system combines real-time intelligence, AI-assisted mission analysis, and precision aerial suppression capabilities to help responders assess conditions, coordinate resources, and take action earlier, no matter the condition. The technology is designed to enable response when traditional suppression methods are unavailable: During high winds, nighttime incidents, degraded visual environments, and when ground crews cannot access the scene.

"Natural disasters are among the most urgent national security challenges we face today," said Gabe Sganga, Chief Growth Officer and Prime Minute co-founder. "Yet, we still mobilize most resources after the damage is done. The first hour of an incident often determines its ultimate impact. Prime Minute was built to close that gap, giving responders the tools to detect threats sooner, assess them faster, and act when every second counts."

Founded by leaders with experience across public service, aerospace, and national security, the team includes former operators and technology leaders from organizations including Palantir, Forterra, and Datorios. Their experience building and deploying systems in complex operational environments requiring rapid decision-making, coordination, and execution shaped Prime Minute's approach to disaster response. The company focuses on identifying critical operational gaps, building technologies around real-world mission capability gaps, and helping responders act more effectively when minutes determine outcomes.

"Natural disasters are among the greatest threats to our communities, economy, and critical infrastructure," said Lior Susan, founder and CEO of Eclipse. "Meeting that challenge requires more than another point solution. Prime Minute is building an end-to-end system that brings together technology and operations to help responders act faster and more effectively. Starting with wildfire response, the team is laying the foundation for the future of infrastructure resilience."

The funding will support continued technology development, building out local manufacturing, team expansion, testing and validation activities, and the advancement of Prime Minute's broader resilience efforts. The company is working with the State of Colorado to deploy prototypes for field evaluation of its wildfire suppression capability later this year.

To learn more about Prime Minute, visit www.prime-minute.com.

About Prime Minute

Prime Minute is a team of operators and engineers on a mission to help protect humanity by building the global Prime for Public Resilience. We draw from decades of collective experience across science, technology, logistics and defense to deliver creative solutions for complex problems with immediate, real-world consequences. We identify systemic failure points, orchestrate the ecosystem, and deliver uncompromising solutions. Because Public Resilience is a matter of national security.

About Eclipse

With over $12 billion in regulatory assets under management, Eclipse invests in entrepreneurs building the next generation of companies in the physical economy. With deep operating experience across company-building at every stage from idea to growth, Eclipse partners closely with founders to build and scale enduring companies in the industries that drive resilience, competitiveness, and security. For more information, visit www.eclipse.capital.

Press Contact

[email protected]

SOURCE Prime Minute

Share this article

Class (B2B/B2C)
B2B
Ingest Status
Rewritten
Dedupe hash
prn_302888421
Press Eligible
Yes
Press Eligible Reason
Company funding and technology launch focused on AI-enabled wildfire response and infrastructure resilience for emergency services.
Source Name
Unknown Company
Original Summary

<p>Backed by Eclipse and 8VC, the company is building a new approach to natural disaster response, integrating AI, software, hardware, and operations into mission-critical systems, beginning with wildfire suppression. PALO ALTO, Calif., Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Prime Minute, the first...</p>

Image URL
https://mmx.prnewswire.com/media/MS1995483/Prime-Minute-Logo.jpg?id=OA2968499&p=facebook
Content Hash (SHA-256, erste 32 hex)
1e403f07a61ee83802fd980068f13641
Paxos Labs Launches PAXGy, a PAXG-Backed Token that Grows in Gold Terms
Image File
Original HTML

PAXGy holdings grow in Troy ounce terms. Reserve assets are deployed in the multi-billion dollar institutional gold leasing market that has set bullion lending rates for decades. Powered by our cohort of launch partners OKX, X Layer, 0x, Uniswap, Ether.Fi, and Chainlink.

NEW YORK, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Paxos Labs, the enterprise-grade digital asset infrastructure provider, today announced the launch of PAXGy, a gold-backed token that accrues in gold terms built on PAX Gold (PAXG). PAXG is the only federally regulated tokenized gold asset, fully backed by investment grade gold held in LBMA vaults and independently attested by KPMG. Holders deposit PAXG, or swap accepted stablecoins and receive PAXGy, which accrues value to an exchange rate denominated in gold terms. PAXGy is live on OKX as the only centralized exchange listing at launch and across onchain platforms including X Layer, 0x, Uniswap and Ether.Fi. Chainlink's CCIP is the exclusive cross-chain messaging provider, so holders can move a PAXGy position across chains without unwinding it first.

"Gold has been lent for thousands of years, and institutions have earned on their bullion reserves for decades. That market has never been accessible to ordinary holders of gold globally. PAXGy brings its economics to a token anyone can hold, with the assets in the reserve growing in ounce terms, redeemable for PAXG at any time." said Bhau Kotecha, Co-Founder of Paxos Labs.

Lending metal for a return predates money itself, and its institutional form has set daily lease rates for four decades. Refiners, jewelry manufacturers, miners and bullion banks still borrow gold today rather than buy it outright, paying a lease rate quoted in gold. Central banks hold close to a fifth of all the gold ever mined, and in the World Gold Council's 2026 survey, 37 percent said they actively manage those reserves through lending and swaps. That market has always run on institutional rails, with minimum sizes, bilateral bank relationships and settlements built for a few hundred participants. Meanwhile, roughly $530 billion of gold sits in ETFs whose investors pay an annual fee of up to 40 basis points to hold a metal that earns them nothing in return.

Tokenization has changed what is possible. Tokenized gold now exceeds $5 billion in value and traded $90.7 billion in the first quarter of 2026, surpassing all of 2025 combined. Turning an ounce into a token makes it divisible, transferable and programmable, pooling those fractions into an institutional-size position is what brings the lending market within reach of a holder of any size.

The gold behind each token is deployed to a network of vetted institutional borrowers through the same leasing market that has set bullion lease rates for decades. As the reserves underlying PAXGy are deployed, value accrues to the PAXGy exchange rate so each PAXGy comes to be worth more PAXG over time. PAXGy is designed so that holders can exit positions with more notional ounces of gold than their principal amount, unlocking direct onchain access to the world's oldest store of value.

"Gold is the oldest reserve asset in the world, and holding it has always incurred a cost. As the issuer of PAXG, we made gold move at the speed and transparency of the blockchain. PAXGy makes it work like capital," said Walter Hessert, Head of Strategy at Paxos.

"Gold is often the first asset people reach for when they want to preserve value, and one of the few that crosses between traditional finance and crypto without needing explanation. What it has never done is earn. We wanted our customers to have that on day one, through X Layer on day one & eventually the exchange, whichever way they prefer to hold it," said Jason Lau, Chief Innovation Officer at OKX.

PAXGy is available today through OKX Gold Earn and X Layer, and onchain across Uniswap, 0x and Ether.fi, with additional venues expected to follow.

For additional information, please visit paxgy.com

ABOUT PAXOS LABS

Paxos Labs is the enterprise-grade digital asset infrastructure provider that gives platforms the tools to mint, move and monetize digital assets. Transit, is a single integration for routing, settlement and liquidity across stablecoins. Paxos Labs recently launched PAXGy, a PAXG-backed gold asset that grows in gold terms. Incubated within Paxos and built on its $230B+ track record in tokenization and more than a decade of regulatory expertise, Paxos Labs brings institutional trust and rigor to the integration layer that makes digital assets composable and accessible for the platforms building on them.

This document is for informational purposes only and is not an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any asset. A purchase of PAXGy involves credit, liquidity, and market risks. The asset accrues value by deploying its reserves into external strategies, but growth is not guaranteed; if these strategies suffer losses or borrower defaults, the exchange rate may be adjusted downward, potentially resulting in losses. Because PAXG and PAXGy are gold-tracking instruments, the fiat value of PAXGy holdings is exposed to the market volatility of physical gold.. This document is not directed at any person in any jurisdiction where its publication or availability is prohibited or would be unlawful.

For more information visit paxoslabs.com

Media Contact

[email protected] 

SOURCE Paxos Labs

Share this article

Class (B2B/B2C)
B2B
Ingest Status
Rewritten
Dedupe hash
prn_302888407
Press Eligible
Yes
Press Eligible Reason
Company product launch and digital asset infrastructure news with substantial business and market context.
Source Name
Unknown Company
Original Summary

<p>PAXGy holdings grow in Troy ounce terms. Reserve assets are deployed in the multi-billion dollar institutional gold leasing market that has set bullion lending rates for decades. Powered by our cohort of launch partners OKX, X Layer, 0x, Uniswap, Ether.Fi, and Chainlink. NEW YORK, Sept....</p>

Image URL
https://mmx.prnewswire.com/media/MS1882273/Paxos-Labs-Logo-Green.jpg?id=OA2968308&p=facebook
Content Hash (SHA-256, erste 32 hex)
bdeed07449b8f1fcba785f14ecc5c1f0
ADVANCION RECOGNIZED WITH 2026 ECOVADIS GOLD MEDAL FOR SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE
Image File
Original HTML

BUFFALO GROVE, Ill., Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Advancion Corporation ("Advancion" or "Company"), a global leader in specialty ingredients serving the life sciences, home and personal care, and broader consumer and industrial markets, announced today it was awarded a 2026 EcoVadis Gold Medal for its sustainability performance. The recognition reflects Advancion's continued commitment to responsible business practices, environmental stewardship and continuous improvement across its global operations.

Advancion achieved an overall score of 84 out of 100, compared with 81 out of 100 in 2025. The Company's performance reflects its ongoing efforts across the four categories evaluated by EcoVadis: Environment, Labor and Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement. This year marks Advancion's sixth consecutive—and eighth overall—Gold Medal recognition since the Company began participating in the independent EcoVadis assessment in 2017.

"Meaningful sustainability progress requires more than setting ambitious goals. It requires integrating responsible practices into everyday decisions and delivering measurable results," said Katie Davis, Global Environmental Sustainability Program Manager at Advancion. "This recognition reflects the dedication of our global teams to continuously improving how we operate, reducing our environmental impact and supporting the sustainability objectives of our customers and other stakeholders."

Advancion's sustainability initiatives include improving energy and resource efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and waste, strengthening supplier engagement, and advancing innovative ingredients that help customers address evolving environmental and regulatory requirements.

EcoVadis is a global sustainability ratings platform that evaluates companies' environmental, social and ethical performance across international supply chains. Its assessment methodology provides a framework for measuring performance, identifying opportunities for improvement and promoting transparency.

"EcoVadis provides an important independent benchmark for evaluating our progress and identifying where we can continue to improve," said Tina Murray, Senior Vice President, Regulatory, Product Stewardship, and Quality. "Our improved score demonstrates the progress we are making as we embed sustainability more deeply into how we operate, innovate and engage with our customers, suppliers and employees."

Advancion invites its commercial partners to request direct access to its 2026 EcoVadis assessment as part of their supplier evaluation process.

ABOUT ADVANCION

Advancion is a leading global producer of specialty ingredients and consumables for biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, home and personal care, and other consumer-oriented and industrial markets. The Company is one of the world's largest producers of life sciences buffers and other proprietary ingredients, providing high-performance products, best-in-class quality and guaranteed supply security for more than 80 years. Through Expression Systems, an Advancion company, the Company produces innovative cell culture media formulations, cell lines, molecular tools and reagents used in the development and commercial manufacturing of advanced therapies. Advancion operates three manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and Germany and serves its global customers through six regional Customer Application Centers located in Chicago, Illinois; Paris, France; São Paulo, Brazil; Singapore; Shanghai, China; and Mumbai, India. The Company is privately owned by Ardian and Golden Gate Capital, and is headquartered in Buffalo Grove, Illinois. For more information, visit advancionsciences.com.

Follow Advancion on LinkedIn.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Advancion Media Relations

Scott C. Johnson

+1 847-808-3769

[email protected]

SOURCE Advancion Corporation

Share this article

Class (B2B/B2C)
B2B
Ingest Status
Rewritten
Dedupe hash
prn_302887947
Press Eligible
Yes
Press Eligible Reason
QA FAIL (need review): Final paragraph is a generic corporate description of Advancion's operations and locations, providing no news context and resembling an 'About the Company' boilerplate.
Source Name
Unknown Company
Original Summary

<p>BUFFALO GROVE, Ill., Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Advancion Corporation ("Advancion" or "Company"), a global leader in specialty ingredients serving the life sciences, home and personal care, and broader consumer and industrial markets, announced today it was awarded a 2026 EcoVadis...</p>

Image URL
https://mmx.prnewswire.com/media/MS1038425/Advancion-Logo.jpg?id=OA2967137&p=facebook
Content Hash (SHA-256, erste 32 hex)
ab75df4a05c499267767f5404e788e6f
Olive Oils From Spain Calls for a Spanish Flavor Renaissance of the American Mediterranean Diet
Image File
Original HTML

Honoring National Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day, Sept. 30

NEW YORK, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- For 10 years, National Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day (Sept. 30) has celebrated the health benefits and versatility of genuine extra virgin olive oil. This year, Olive Oils From Spain is going further, declaring a Spanish Flavor Renaissance to elevate the everyday recipes at the heart of the American Mediterranean Diet.

The campaign spotlights Spain's best-kept culinary secret: more than 200 different olive varieties to produce extra virgin olive oil, perfected over 3,000 years. Flavors range from delicate green apple and almond notes to bold, peppery finishes — a spectrum most American kitchens have never explored.

For three decades, Americans have embraced the Mediterranean Diet for healthier eating. But many have missed the range of Spanish flavors that fit the diet, produced by Spain's 360 million olive trees in the world's largest man-made forest.

Spain is the world's No. 1 olive oil producer, responsible for nearly half the global supply. Its signature varieties include the bold, peppery Picual; the sweet, fruity Arbequina; the balanced, grassy Hojiblanca; and the herbaceous and complex Cornicabra — each shaped by its own terroir.

International judges agree. Seven of the top 10 selections in last season's World's Best Olive Oils rankings were Spanish. Spain has led the rankings for more than 15 years.

"Many Americans following the Mediterranean Diet use just one type of EVOO for every dish," said Teresa Pérez Millán, general manager of the Spanish Olive Oil Interprofessional. "But once they learn that a peppery Picual or a delicate Arbequina can upgrade their healthy dishes, they'll cook with a lot more freedom. We're giving U.S. home cooks easy ways to taste the difference for themselves."

The timing is fitting: National Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day falls within Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. A Spanish twist on the Mediterranean Diet lets home cooks mark both occasions — one drizzle at a time.

The moment also arrives as New York deepens its recognition of Spanish culture. On September 21, 2026, a corner of West 14th Street and Eighth Avenue in Manhattan was co-named "Little Spain–La Nacional Way," honoring the Spanish immigrant community that transformed this stretch of downtown Manhattan throughout the 20th century.

New York is celebrating Spain's heritage. Now home cooks across the country can taste it. Olive Oils From Spain is offering four early-fall recipes at oliveoilsfromspain.org that introduce different Spanish EVOO varieties to enliven the American Mediterranean Diet:

- Virgin Mary with Picual EVOO: A zesty, non-alcoholic take on the classic. Picual's bold, peppery character adds depth to every sip.

- Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Hojiblanca EVOO: Its bright, herbaceous notes turn a fall vegetable into the dish everyone remembers.

- Crockpot Chicken with Cornicabra EVOO: A hands-off dinner. Cornicabra's balance of spice and richness adds comforting warmth on a cool night.

- Pumpkin Pie with Arbequina EVOO: An autumn classic, made Spanish. Arbequina replaces butter in the crust and filling for a lighter, fruitier dessert.

For more information, visit www.oliveoilsfromspain.org/allinadrop or follow @OliveOilsFromSpain on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

About Olive Oils From Spain

Olive Oils From Spain is the global promotional brand of the Spanish Olive Oil Interprofessional Organization. It is a nonprofit organization made up of all the representative entities of the Spanish olive oil sector, including olive growers, cooperatives, olive mills, bottlers and exporters. Its main objective is to promote the image of the product and the industry worldwide. It has been developing promotional campaigns for the product for over seventeen years in about thirty countries across five continents.

SOURCE Olive Oils from Spain

Share this article

Class (B2B/B2C)
B2C
Ingest Status
Rewritten
Dedupe hash
prn_302889159
Press Eligible
Yes
Press Eligible Reason
Consumer-focused food industry campaign promoting Spanish extra virgin olive oil, its varieties, and recipes.
Source Name
Unknown Company
Original Summary

<p>Honoring National Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day, Sept. 30 NEW YORK, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- For 10 years, National Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day (Sept. 30) has celebrated the health benefits and versatility of genuine extra virgin olive oil. This year, Olive Oils From Spain is going...</p>

Image URL
https://mmx.prnewswire.com/media/MS1995337/Olive-Oils-from-Spain-Virgin-Olive-Oil-Day-image.jpg?id=OA2968149&p=facebook
Content Hash (SHA-256, erste 32 hex)
fbb55eb85b5ddcab49e007178270a63d
Aqua Medical Secures Series B Funding to Advance U.S. Pivotal Trial for Novel Through-the-Scope Type 2 Diabetes Procedure
Image File
Original HTML

Led by Relevance Ventures, the funding will support the completion of Aqua Medical's ongoing U.S. RESTORE-1 pilot study evaluating its investigational PIMA procedure for Type 2 diabetes while funding operational preparations to initiate a planned U.S. pivotal trial.

PLEASANTON, Calif., Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Aqua Medical, Inc., a clinical-stage medical technology company advancing Endoscopic Metabolic Restoration for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, today announced the closing of a Series B financing led by Nashville, TN-based Relevance Ventures. Capital from the financing will support the completion of Aqua Medical's ongoing U.S. RESTORE-1 pilot study and fund operational preparations to initiate a planned U.S. pivotal trial evaluating its investigational Proximal Intestinal Mucosal Ablation (PIMA) procedure for Type 2 diabetes, subject to regulatory authorization.

For decades, Type 2 diabetes care has centered almost exclusively on daily pharmaceutical management and invasive surgery. However, with diabetes affecting 589 million people globally and driving over $1 trillion in annual healthcare expenditures, including $327 billion in the United States alone, the mounting clinical and financial burden is driving demand for new therapeutic approaches. Endoscopic Metabolic Restoration has emerged to fill this critical gap, offering a minimally invasive, through-the-working-channel-of-the-endoscope alternative designed to target metabolic pathways directly.

The Aqua Medical Radiofrequency Vapor Ablation System is FDA-cleared for ablation in the gastrointestinal tract, including Barrett's esophagus. The PIMA procedure for type 2 diabetes is investigational and is currently being evaluated under an FDA-approved IDE clinical study. PIMA is delivered seamlessly through the working channel of a standard endoscope to treat targeted mucosa in the proximal small intestine. Aqua Medical is now actively working to advance this technology to benefit patients with Type 2 diabetes. Outside the U.S., Aqua Medical has already treated 66 patients, with prior studies showing that patients may become insulin-free following PIMA treatment. Building on this international success, four patients have already undergone the procedure under an active FDA Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) in the U.S., and this Series B funding will support operationalization and patient recruitment for the company's larger U.S. RESTORE-1 clinical trial.

"We are pleased to welcome Relevance Ventures as the lead investor in this financing and Dean Newton to our Board of Directors," said Bob Haggerty, President and CEO of Aqua Medical. "This support will help advance our U.S. clinical program and build the evidence needed for the next stage of Endoscopic Metabolic Restoration for Type 2 Diabetes."

"Type 2 diabetes remains a massive global health challenge," said Dean Newton, Chairman, General Partner, and General Counsel of Relevance Ventures. "We are pleased to support Aqua Medical as it evaluates an investigational endoscopic approach that has the potential to transform how this disease is treated."

With enrollment actively advancing across all trial sites, Aqua Medical remains focused on generating robust clinical data to support its next regulatory milestones. By advancing PIMA through rigorous U.S. trials, the company aims to validate its platform and establish Endoscopic Metabolic Restoration as a practical, scalable option within interdisciplinary diabetes care.

About Aqua Medical

Aqua Medical is a clinical-stage medical technology company advancing a minimally invasive, through-the-working-channel-of-the-scope technology to address Type 2 diabetes. Using its proprietary radiofrequency vapor ablation (RFVA) system for the Proximal Intestinal Mucosal Ablation (PIMA) procedure, the company aims to deliver a scalable, device-based approach intended to address mechanisms associated with Type 2 diabetes and potentially improve metabolic outcomes.

The RFVA system is FDA-cleared for marketing for its indicated use in the gastrointestinal tract. Use of the RFVA system for the PIMA procedure is investigational. The safety and effectiveness of the RFVA system for the PIMA procedure have not yet been established.

Patients interested in learning more about Aqua Medical's technology and ongoing clinical efforts are encouraged to reach out to the company or consult with their physicians.

About Relevance Ventures

Relevance Ventures is the nation's first independently owned Native American venture capital firm, based in Nashville, TN. Operating with a prevention-first investment strategy, the firm targets early-growth stage companies across digital health, personal health, community health, and financial health, as well as scalable technologies that address systemic challenges. For more information, visit www.relevanceventures.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding Aqua Medical's investigational technology, clinical development activities, and future expectations. Actual results may differ materially.

Media Contact:

Dr. Aradhana Mariam Philips

[email protected]

SOURCE Aqua Medical Inc.

Share this article

Class (B2B/B2C)
B2B
Ingest Status
Rewritten
Dedupe hash
prn_302888777
Press Eligible
Yes
Press Eligible Reason
Medical technology company secures Series B funding to advance clinical trials for an investigational diabetes procedure.
Source Name
Unknown Company
Original Summary

<p>Led by Relevance Ventures, the funding will support the completion of Aqua Medical's ongoing U.S. RESTORE-1 pilot study evaluating its investigational PIMA procedure for Type 2 diabetes while funding operational preparations to initiate a planned U.S. pivotal trial. PLEASANTON, Calif.,...</p>

Image URL
https://mmx.prnewswire.com/media/MS1749518/Aqua-Medical-logo.jpg?id=OA2964764&p=facebook
Content Hash (SHA-256, erste 32 hex)
9962c24985d467300c503553a4ec6e9c
Everest Biolabs Awarded $2.1 Million NIH SBIR Grant to Advance Extracellular Vesicle Biomarker Discovery at Scale with High-Purity, High-Throughput Isolation
Image File
Original HTML

Direct-to-Phase II award from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences will fund development of automated, plate-based, next-generation EV isolation technology for clinical-scale plasma biomarker studies

WALTHAM, Mass., Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Everest Biolabs, a pioneering life sciences company dedicated to elevating extracellular vesicle (EV) research, today announced that it has been awarded a $2.1 million Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The Direct-to-Phase II award, an NIH mechanism for small businesses that have already demonstrated the feasibility of their technology, will support the development of next-generation, automated, plate-based EV isolation technology, aimed at a central problem in clinical proteomics: the proteins that carry the most diagnostic information in blood are buried beneath those that carry the least.

Protein concentrations in blood span more than 12 orders of magnitude, and a few dozen proteins account for most of the protein mass. Mass spectrometers therefore spend most of their measurement capacity on proteins that say little about disease, while the tissue-derived proteins that would signal what is happening in the brain, the heart, or a tumor sit at or below the limit of detection. EVs, nano-sized vesicles released by all cells, offer a way past this. They carry membrane and cytosolic proteins from the tissue that produced them, and because they are particles rather than free protein, they can be physically separated from the abundant plasma proteins that mask those signals. The barrier to EV-based biomarker discovery is the ability to isolate EVs cleanly and identically across the hundreds or thousands of samples that discovery and validation studies require.

The NIGMS-funded project will address this barrier on two fronts. Everest Biolabs will advance its automated, plate-based platform so that laboratories can process large sample cohorts in parallel with minimal hands-on time and the reproducibility required for clinical translation. At the same time, the company will develop next-generation Apex columns engineered to deliver higher-purity EVs from complex biofluids such as plasma, specifically addressing challenges in plasma-based deep proteomic and transcriptomic studies.

"The proteins that tell us the most about disease are the hardest to see in blood, and EVs are how we get to them," said Tal Gilboa, co-founder and Head of Research at Everest Biolabs and Principal Investigator on the award. "This award lets us take the plate-based approach our team first developed at the Wyss Institute and turn it into a platform any laboratory can run: high-purity EVs from hundreds of plasma samples a day, isolated the same way every time."

"Being selected for a Direct-to-Phase II award is a strong validation of our technology and the team we have built," said George Daaboul, CEO and co-founder of Everest Biolabs. "Scalable, standardized EV isolation is the foundation for everything downstream, from biomarker discovery to diagnostics and therapeutics. This funding accelerates our mission to remove the bottlenecks that stand between EV research and the clinic."

Since coming out of stealth in November 2024, Everest Biolabs has launched the Ascent and Summit instruments for automated EV isolation, the Apex family of SEC columns, and the Atlas ELISA kits for EV quantification and purity assessment. The company continues to equip researchers with precise, scalable, and reliable tools at every step, from foundational isolation to advanced analytics.

Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R44GM165165. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

About Everest Biolabs

Everest Biolabs, founded on technology from David Walt's laboratory at the Wyss Institute, is dedicated to excellence in EV research through a relentless focus on high-quality, easy-to-use tools for EV isolation and analytics. Our solutions enhance workflows, from foundational EV isolation to advanced analytics, enabling groundbreaking discoveries. With a vision to unlock the potential of EVs in clinical applications, we keep "science first" while fostering innovation and integrity in everything we do. Based near Boston, MA, we're here to elevate exosome research at every step.

Media Contact

David Freedman

[email protected]

everestbiolabs.com

SOURCE Everest Biolabs, Inc.

Share this article

Class (B2B/B2C)
B2B
Ingest Status
Rewritten
Dedupe hash
prn_302887806
Press Eligible
Yes
Press Eligible Reason
QA FAIL (need review): TARGET claims the company 'shipped four product lines,' but SOURCE only states it 'launched' Ascent and Summit instruments, the Apex family, and Atlas ELISA kits. 'Shipped' is not supported by the source, and 'four product lines' is an inaccurate count/grouping of the launched products.
Source Name
Unknown Company
Original Summary

<p>Direct-to-Phase II award from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences will fund development of automated, plate-based, next-generation EV isolation technology for clinical-scale plasma biomarker studies WALTHAM, Mass., Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Everest Biolabs, a...</p>

Image URL
https://mmx.prnewswire.com/media/MS1617506/EverestBiolabs-MainLogo-FullColorL-Logo.jpg?id=OA2944977&p=facebook
Content Hash (SHA-256, erste 32 hex)
757b68f46b6974f3532dbd40029c69f3