–  PADCEV™ (enfortumab vedotin) plus pembrolizumab data highlight durable survival benefit in advanced bladder cancer –

– VYLOY™ (zolbetuximab) research reinforces the role of CLDN18.2 in shaping gastric cancer treatment decisions –

TOKYO, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Astellas Pharma Inc. (TSE: 4503, President and CEO: Naoki Okamura, "Astellas") today announced that 21 abstracts from its oncology portfolio will be presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology Congress 2026 (ESMO 2026), taking place October 23–27 in Madrid, Spain. The presentations span prostate, urothelial, gastric/gastroesophageal junction (GEJ), lung and pancreatic cancers, reflecting Astellas' commitment to advancing standards of care and pursuing new scientific approaches designed for cancers where significant unmet need remains.

Moitreyee Chatterjee-Kishore, Ph.D., MBA, Executive Vice President and Head of Oncology Development, Astellas:

"Standards of care do not change by accident. The data being presented at ESMO 2026 demonstrate how a deep understanding of disease biology and differentiated modalities is helping advance care for patients with bladder, gastric, and prostate cancers, including through approaches such as PADCEV™ (enfortumab vedotin) plus pembrolizumab, VYLOY™ (zolbetuximab), and XTANDI™ (enzalutamide). We are building upon this knowledge to develop the next generation of therapeutic options for cancers where unmet needs remain and look forward to engaging in discussions about this work at the congress."

Highlights from Astellas' ESMO 2026 presentations include:

- Enfortumab vedotin plus pembrolizumab presentations include the longest follow-up reported to date in locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer, along with analyses across patient subgroups and treatment settings. Additional presentations include trials in progress exploring bladder preservation in muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

- Zolbetuximab presentations examine CLDN18.2 assessment, patient identification and real-world use, reinforcing the growing body of evidence supporting CLDN18.2-guided treatment decisions in gastric and GEJ cancers.

- Pipeline presentations feature trials-in-progress across Astellas' investigational programs, including Phase 3 trials of setidegrasib in KRAS G12D-mutated pancreatic and non-small cell lung cancers, a Phase 1 trial of ASP5834 in KRAS-mutated or amplified solid tumors, and a Phase 1b/2 trial of ASP546C in CLDN18.2-expressing solid tumors. Together, these investigational studies illustrate Astellas' continued investment in advancing new approaches aimed at overcoming challenges that have limited progress in hard-to-treat cancers.

Additional details on Astellas' presentations at ESMO 2026 are included below.

About Astellas

Astellas is a global life sciences company committed to turning innovative science into value for patients. We provide transformative therapies in disease areas that include oncology, ophthalmology, urology, immunology and women's health. Through our research and development programs, we are pioneering new healthcare solutions for diseases with high unmet medical need. Learn more at www.astellas.com.

About PADCEV and the Pfizer, Astellas and MSD Collaboration

Seagen and Astellas previously entered a clinical collaboration agreement with MSD to evaluate the combination of Seagen's and Astellas' PADCEVTM (enfortumab vedotin) and MSD's KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) in patients with urothelial cancer. Pfizer Inc. successfully completed its acquisition of Seagen on December 14, 2023. KEYTRUDA is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA (known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada).

About XTANDI and the Pfizer/Astellas Collaboration

In October 2009, Medivation, Inc., which is now part of Pfizer (NYSE:PFE), and Astellas (TSE: 4503) entered into a commercial agreement to jointly develop and commercialize XTANDI® (enzalutamide) in the United States, while Astellas has responsibility for manufacturing and all additional regulatory filings globally, as well as commercializing the product outside the United States. Pfizer receives alliance revenues as a share of U.S. profits and receives royalties on sales outside the U.S.

Cautionary Notes

In this press release, statements made with respect to current plans, estimates, strategies and beliefs and other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements about the future performance of Astellas. These statements are based on management's current assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to it and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: (i) changes in general economic conditions, and in laws and regulations, relating to pharmaceutical markets, (ii) currency exchange rate fluctuations, (iii) delays in new product launches, (iv) the inability of Astellas to market existing and new products effectively, (v) the inability of Astellas to continue to effectively research and develop products accepted by customers in highly competitive markets, and (vi) infringements of Astellas' intellectual property rights by third parties. Information about pharmaceutical products (including products currently in development) which is included in this press release is not intended to constitute an advertisement or medical advice.

SOURCE Astellas Pharma Inc.

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The Inner Circle acknowledges Denise McCormick, as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence

CORALVILLE, Iowa, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Denise McCormick is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence for her contributions to Personal Development and Educational Empowerment.

Denise McCormick has built a distinguished career in personal development, education, and mentorship, recognized for her commitment to empowering individuals through mindset coaching, literacy advocacy, and motivational speaking. As an associate producer and speaker with Success Mindset Mentorship LLC, she inspires audiences worldwide with messages centered on growth mindset, faith over fear, and overcoming adversity.

Ms. McCormick specializes in personal development and educational mentorship, combining decades of experience in K through 12 literacy instruction with transformational coaching and public speaking. Her work supports educators, students, and communities through workshops, presentations, and mentorship programs designed to foster confidence, resilience, and lifelong learning.

She earned a master's degree from Viterbo University and a bachelor's degree from Iowa Wesleyan College. In addition, she is a licensed Worldwide WomanSpeak Circle Leader and a certified Canfield Trainer in The Success Principles through The Canfield Training Group, where she has been affiliated since 2019.

Throughout her career, Ms. McCormick has served in a variety of educational and leadership roles, including elementary teacher within the Mount Pleasant Community School District, lecturer in reading and K through 12 reading specialist at Iowa Wesleyan University, and graduate instructor with the Iowa Writing Project at the University of Northern Iowa. Since 2021, she has continued her mission through Success Mindset Mentorship LLC as an associate producer and speaker.

She is also recognized as an international bestselling author and associate producer of the PBS documentary Authentic Conversations, created alongside Dr. Angela Sadler Williamson. In addition, she is developing a children's book focused on empowerment and literacy.

Ms. McCormick's contributions to her community and the field of education have earned her multiple awards recognizing her impact and dedication to service. Her affiliations include Worldwide WomanSpeak, The Canfield Training Group, World Class Speaker Society, and collaborative work with Links Across Borders, reflecting her commitment to educational outreach and global advocacy.

Outside of her professional work, she enjoys swimming, writing music, playing piano, singing, yoga, fitness training, traveling, and community and church involvement.

Looking ahead, Ms. McCormick plans to organize an international event supporting educators and promoting literacy initiatives worldwide in partnership with nonprofit organizations. She also intends to continue advocating for personal development strategies that help combat teacher burnout while supporting the creation of libraries and educational opportunities around the world.

Guided by a philosophy rooted in spirituality, service, and personal growth, Ms. McCormick remains committed to empowering others through education, mentorship, and mindset development.

Contact:

Katherine Green

516-825-5634

[email protected]

SOURCE The Inner Circle

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Scage Future Announces Plan to Implement ADS Ratio Change

NANJING, China, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Scage Future ("Scage Future" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: SCAG), a zero-emission solution provider of new energy heavy-duty commercial vehicles and e-fuel solutions, today announced that it plans to change the ratio of its American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") to its ordinary shares (the "ADS Ratio"), from the current ADS Ratio of one (1) ADS to one (1) ordinary share to a new ADS Ratio of one (1) ADS to fifteen (15) ordinary shares (the "ADS Ratio Change"). The Company anticipates that the ADS Ratio Change will be effective on or about October 30, 2026 (the "Effective Date").

For Scage Future's ADS holders, the change in the ADS Ratio will have the same effect as a one-for-fifteen reverse ADS split. On the Effective Date, holders of ADSs as of the Effective Date will be entitled to receive one (1) new ADS for every fifteen (15) existing ADSs then held, and the exchange will occur automatically, with the then-held ADSs being cancelled and new ADSs being issued by Citibank, N.A., as the depositary bank for the Company's ADS program ("Depositary Bank"). Holders of ADSs will not be required to take any action in connection with the ADS Ratio Change.

No fractional new ADSs will be issued in connection with the change in the ADS Ratio. Instead, fractional entitlements to new ADSs will be aggregated and sold by the Depositary Bank, and the net cash proceeds from the sale of the fractional ADS entitlements (after deduction of fees, taxes and expenses) will be distributed to the applicable ADS holders by the Depositary Bank.

The change in the ADS Ratio will have no impact on Scage Future's underlying ordinary shares, and no ordinary shares will be issued or cancelled in connection with the change in the ADS Ratio. Scage Future's ADSs will continue to be traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol "SCAG." In connection with the ADS Ratio Change, the CUSIP number for the ADSs will also change from 80590A105 to a new CUSIP number to be announced.

As a result of the change in the ADS Ratio, the ADS trading price is expected to increase proportionally, although the Company can give no assurance that the ADS trading price after the change in the ADS Ratio will be equal to or greater than fifteen times the ADS trading price before the change.

About Scage Future

Scage Future is a leading zero-emission technology provider in China, dedicated to decarbonizing global commercial transportation through its portfolio of advanced heavy-duty NEV trucks and innovative e-fuel systems. Through strategic partnerships with top-tier vehicle manufacturers and a strong quality control framework, the Company delivers intelligent, high-performance NEVs addressing the transport needs across logistics, mining and port operations. The Company has a proven track record in the design, production, and testing of next-generation heavy-duty NEVs, including the Dragon II plug-in hybrid dump truck, Galaxy II plug-in hybrid truck, and Q-Truck autonomous tractor trailer.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the timing and completion of the ADS Ratio Change, the expected Effective Date of the ADS Ratio Change, the anticipated effects of the ADS Ratio Change on the trading price of the Company's ADSs, and the Company's expectations regarding the treatment of fractional ADS entitlements and the exchange of existing ADSs for new ADSs. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company's current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as "approximates," "assesses," "believes," "hopes," "expects," "anticipates," "estimates," "projects," "intends," "plans," "will," "would," "should," "could," "may" or similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company's registration statement and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

For more information, please contact:

Scage Future

Investor Relations

Emily Wang

Head of Investor Relations

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Scage Future

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vivo X500 Series Debuts with Advanced ZEISS Telephoto Lens System and Cinematic Video Capabilities

SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- vivo today unveiled the new X500 Series globally, comprising three flagship models: the X500 Pro Max, X500 Pro, and X500. The series introduces an advanced ZEISS Telephoto Lens System, with powerful telephoto cameras and extenders to deliver exceptional long-range imaging. Leading the lineup, the X500 Pro Max features a 200 MP ZEISS APO Telephoto Camera, paired with the 400 mm Equivalent vivo ZEISS Telephoto Extender Gen 2 Ultra for outstanding telephoto performance. Powered by the smoother, smarter experience of OriginOS 7 and the largest battery capacity ever offered in the X Series, the new lineup elevates the flagship smartphone experience to new heights, delivering effortless versatility and professional-grade creative capabilities.

Next-Level Flagship Imaging, From Pro Telephoto to Everyday Moments

Co-engineered with ZEISS, the X500 series combines vivo's innovation with ZEISS's expertise in imaging to deliver a comprehensive flagship imaging experience, from professional telephoto to everyday creation. X500 Pro Max features a 200 MP ZEISS APO Telephoto Camera with a 1/1.4-inch Ultra-Sensing Sensor HP0 and an 85 mm equivalent focal length. It incorporates CIPA 7.0 Professional Stabilization, enabling longer handheld exposure times in low-light conditions while reducing motion blur.

Powered by the X-Track Engine, the X500 Pro Max and X500 Pro deliver professional-grade subject tracking across both snapshot and video modes. Lock-On Subject Tracking[1] keeps subjects sharply in focus, even when they briefly move out of the frame or become temporarily obstructed. The X500 Pro Max supports AF Tracking at up to 60 fps in Snapshot Mode, delivering smooth and responsive tracking performance. The Super Snapshot Engine enhances long-range shooting capabilities, with 30x Long-Range Motion Snapshot on X500 Pro Max and 20x on X500 Pro. This makes it easier to capture fast-moving subjects from a distance with clarity and consistency. For video creation, 4K 120 fps Pro AF Tracking Video and Auto Framing Video further support precise subject tracking and framing. Together, these advanced capabilities enhance the motion photography experience when capturing fast-moving subjects in dynamic scenarios such as sports, wildlife, and concerts.

For creators demanding even greater reach, X500 Pro Max supports the 400 mm Equivalent vivo ZEISS Telephoto Extender Gen 2 Ultra, delivering powerful super-telephoto capabilities for effortless long-range creation. Supporting more than 10 shooting modes, including Stage, Snapshot, and Pro, it gives creators greater flexibility to capture distant subjects across a range of shooting conditions.

X500 Pro, another flagship model in the X500 series, shares some of the imaging DNA of X500 Pro Max, while distinguishing itself with an 85 mm equivalent ZEISS APO Telephoto Camera equipped with a 64 MP vivo x Sony LYTIA 610 sensor. Certified to ZEISS APO standards for chromatic aberration control and featuring ZEISS T* Coating, the camera delivers accurate color reproduction and exceptional clarity, even at high zoom levels. The camera supports 20x Long-Range Motion Snapshot and is compatible with the 200 mm Equivalent vivo ZEISS Telephoto Extender Gen 2.

The third model in the series, X500, is designed as an everyday creative companion, combining a 72 mm equivalent ZEISS APO Telephoto Camera with a ZEISS Pro-Level Ultra-Sensing Camera featuring a 50 MP 1/1.28-inch sensor like the one used in the X300 Pro. For portrait enthusiasts, the all-new Cinematic Portrait intelligently optimizes portrait lighting across daylight, dusk, and indoor environments, applying film-inspired styles to make it easy to capture natural-looking portraits anytime, anywhere. Taking portraiture a step further, vivo Color Palette offers granular control over tone, glow, and grain, helping users achieve a more distinctive and personalized portrait color expression.

Cinematic Excellence, Mastered from Dynamic Action to Portraits

X500 Pro Max and X500 Pro feature imaging systems centered around a ZEISS TrueDynamic Main Camera, empowering professional creators to produce exceptional video content with rich details and dynamic range in challenging lighting conditions.

The ZEISS TrueDynamic Main Camera supports Cinematic Pro Log Video, capturing greater detail across highlights and shadows for cinematic visual latitude comparable to professional cinema cameras. A dedicated Log curve, specifically tuned to the camera's 17 EV ultra-high dynamic range[2], preserves rich detail and tonal gradation while providing professional creators with greater flexibility in post-production. From backlit portrait videos to sunrise and sunset scenes, creators can maintain greater control throughout the entire video workflow, from capture to final edit.

The main camera also debuts groundbreaking 4K Cinematic Portrait Video, bringing cinematic image quality and intelligent portrait enhancement to video. It preserves rich tonal depth and natural skin tones across complex lighting conditions, making it easy to capture stunning portrait videos against the backdrop of a breathtaking sunset. The new 4K Cinematic Portrait Video mode offers a range of cinematic color styles, including the Sunny Day and Vibrant styles co-developed by vivo and ZEISS. Combined with ultra-high dynamic range, these styles deliver a classic cinematic look straight out of the camera.

For high-speed video capture, the ZEISS TrueDynamic Main Camera supports native 4K 240 fps High Frame Rate Video with extended recording time. Available in Video, Pro Video, and Slo-mo modes, it offers greater flexibility for slow-motion shooting and post-production, preserving fine detail and fluid motion even when capturing fast-moving subjects. Complementing this high-speed capture capability, X500 Pro Max features 3° Gimbal-Grade OIS, helping keep footage stable and smooth.

Meanwhile, the X500 series is an ideal companion for everyday content creation, offering versatile and effortless video capabilities. It supports Multi-Focal 4K 120 fps High-Spec Video and 4K Cinematic Color Video. With Film Style mode, it delivers a 2.4:1 aspect ratio and industry-leading film effects, including motion blur, halation, and grain, to faithfully recreate the distinctive look of film—enabling cinematic, atmospheric footage to be captured with a single tap. Stage Mode 3.0 features Auto Framing Fancam Video, 4K Dual-View Stage Video, 4K Stage All-in-One Recording, and Super Telephoto Stage Snapshot, making it easy to capture memorable concert moments—whether recording themselves, their favorite artist, or both together.

To further enable cinematic storytelling, the X500 series features enhanced 4K Cinematic Color Video, offering classic film-inspired color styles including Paris Afterglow, Golden Hour, and Pastel, along with support for 4K recording.

Beyond color and image effects, additional creative tools in Movie Workshop on the X500 series bring greater versatility and creative possibilities to video creation. Auto Framing intelligently tracks subjects to keep them centered in the frame, while Vortex Shot enables ultra-steady 360° rotating shots with just one tap.

OriginOS 7: Smoother, More Connected, and Smarter

X500 Series runs on OriginOS 7, delivering a fresh smartphone experience that combines lasting smoothness, seamless cross-device connectivity, and AI-powered productivity.

For a smoother experience, Origin Workbench enables seamless task switching with floating windows and drag-and-drop file transfers across apps, making complex workflows feel effortless. Origin Smooth Engine delivers fluid animations with interruptible interactions, making every swipe and tap feel instantly responsive. Powered by the Ultra-Core Computing, Memory Fusion, and Dual Rendering, it is designed to maintain a consistently smooth experience over time.

One of the key highlights of OriginOS 7 is its enhanced cross-ecosystem connectivity, enabling seamless interoperability with Apple devices, including AirPods and Apple Watch, as well as connectivity with iCloud. For everyday sharing, Quick Share[3] simplifies file transfers across devices, supporting interoperability with AirDrop, while Seamless Device Switch supports one-tap migration by transferring only essential information and excluding unnecessary cached data. For productivity and entertainment, vivo Office Kit facilitates collaboration between vivo smartphones and Mac computers through tools such as Jovi PC and Camera Sharing. It enhances productivity by providing convenient access to content and seamless continuity across devices. Together, these capabilities enable a more seamless cross-device workflow across multiple ecosystems, helping content creators stay connected and productive.

On the design front, OriginOS 7 offers a rich range of personalization features. Dynamic Translucent Material adds a distinctive visual aesthetic, while Wiggle (Boing) transforms static images into dynamic visuals. System-level StickIt extracts subjects from photos, allowing subjects to be placed anywhere for greater creative expression.

AI-powered productivity tools further simplify everyday tasks. Snap & Go intelligently recognizes information in screenshots, while AI Next Up turns recognized schedules into automatic reminders on the home screen. AI Recorder enhances recording with intelligent features, including speaker recognition, transcript outlining, transcript refinement, and smart summaries. Supporting six templates, such as Meeting Summary, Lecture Notes, and Interview Summary, it helps turn recorded conversations and content into clear, structured insights.

Alaska fishermen caught 30 million wild sockeye salmon in Bristol Bay this summer.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- This October is National Seafood Month, and Alaska's Bristol Bay is giving seafood lovers 30 million reasons to celebrate. Americans already have a strong appetite for salmon; it is the nation's second-most consumed seafood. Bristol Bay in western Alaska is the world's largest source of wild sockeye. The fishery supports roughly 8,000 commercial fishermen and generates economic activity for rural Alaska communities throughout the region.

[Bristol Bay Sockeye Salmon: Wild Taste, Amazing Place]

FIND WILD SOCKEYE NEAR YOU

Consumers nationwide can use Bristol Bay's online Fish Finder to buy this year's wild sockeye catch directly from fishermen who ship across the U.S. or find retailers carrying Bristol Bay sockeye nearby.

"These fish make a pretty amazing journey back to Bristol Bay every summer" said Doug Morgan, longtime Bristol Bay fisherman and president of the Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association. "We get to be there to catch them, but the story doesn't stop with us. When you buy Bristol Bay sockeye and bring it home, or order it on a menu, you become part of that journey too. You're helping keep this fishery and the communities around it going strong."

VERIFIED NUTRITIONAL POWERHOUSE

An independent analysis conducted earlier this year puts numbers behind the nutritional value of this abundant wild protein. Testing of Bristol Bay sockeye found a single 113-gram serving contains:

- 23 grams of protein

- 163% of the daily value for vitamin D

- 56% of the daily value for selenium

Compared with USDA reference data for farmed Atlantic salmon, Bristol Bay sockeye contained 40% more EPA omega-3, 2.6 times more vitamin D and 4.3 times more calcium. The analysis also found no detectable microplastics in any Bristol Bay sockeye samples tested.

"Bristol Bay sockeye is a true product of place, shaped by one of the most pristine ecosystems on Earth," said Lilani Dunn, BBRSDA Executive Director. "These findings put numbers behind what Bristol Bay fishermen have known for generations: this salmon is exceptional. It is nature's perfect protein."

Visit https://bristolbaysockeye.org/ for wild Bristol Bay sockeye salmon recipes, cooking tips, fishermen profiles and more.

ABOUT BBRSDA

The Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association (BBRSDA) is a fishermen-funded group working to increase the value of the Bristol Bay fishery through education, quality outreach and marketing.

MEDIA CONTACT

Christine Fanning, Brand Partnerships & Retail

Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association

[email protected], 907.321.5129

SOURCE BRISTOL BAY REGIONAL SEAFOOD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

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Prohibition Partners pairs a decade of cannabis market infrastructure with the international network of PPX's new Managing Director.

LONDON, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Prohibition Partners is pleased to announce that Heidi Whitman has joined the company as Managing Director of PPX, a new strategic pillar from the organisation that has tracked, analysed and shaped the global cannabis industry for a decade.

PPX will bring Prohibition Partners' existing clients, some of whom it has worked with since 2017, together with Whitman's extensive international network of regulators, financiers and formulators.

In turn, the clients she brings across from her own practice gain the reach of the largest cannabis B2B network in the world from across Prohibition Partners' portfolio, including flagship industry events and agenda-setting publications like Cannabis Europa, Cannabis Health, Mind Forward, and Business of Cannabis.

"PPX is an advisory and media pillar under Prohibition Partners," Whitman said. "With this combination, clients will have access to the full suite of Prohibition Partners' brands and services, the intelligence, the data, the media, the journalism, and the events, alongside my trusted international curated network of decision makers. The scope and quality of what we're now able to offer clients simply cannot be found anywhere else in the industry."

The PPX pillar will provide expanded holistic services for operators, spanning proprietary market intelligence, direct introductions to investors and operators, visibility through its expansive media network, and strategic guidance informed by regulatory insight across every major market.

Whitman has spent more than a decade in the global cannabis industry, cultivating a network of trusted and influential industry figures spread across the UK, the EU and Latin America. Across three independent business ventures, a company exit, and years of independent advisory work, this network has evolved into an invaluable platform, one that will now be coming to Prohibition Partners.

People 'who have already been speaking to me and engaged with me' will continue with her inside PPX, she emphasised. "Nothing has changed…. If my name's attached to it, it needs to be good people, my good people network, trying to do the right thing."

The Trust Business

With Prohibition Partners' team of some of the industry's most respected and talented individuals under her leadership at PPX, Whitman aims to bring an unrivalled suite of services to her clientele.

The teams' expertise will not only be able to identify the brightest opportunities the sector has to offer for each individual business, but the relationships built over decades of combined industry presence can open the door for them to walk through.

Whitman's vision is simple: grow the value of our clientele, and the value of the company follows. "Our clients access within PPX advisory, a network of some of the most respected and talented individuals in the space, plus full access to the Prohibition Partners pillars across advisory and media," she says.

"That means validating their strategic growth plans and staying on the leading edge of where the industry is going. It's a combination no other advisory can match, and we do it with equality built in throughout."

Underpinning this network is a focus on compliance and trust. Whitman names Cannavigia, a client of PPX and a cannabis traceability and compliance software provider, as one of her existing clients and says the same discipline runs through everything she plans to bring to PPX.

"Compliance is going to be key to everything I do. Ethics, compliance, honesty and trust, those are all the things we absolutely need."

For Whitmann, who has enjoyed a long and varied career in the cannabis industry, the move also marks a shift from operating alone.

"There's a team behind me now. I've been on my own for some time. Now I have in-house all the intelligence and all the other media opportunities and branding and marketing tools. That's something I would have had to outsource before, but it can be all wrapped up into one package now."

Based between the UK and continental Europe, with an active network in Latin America and North America, she believes PPX is perfectly positioned to capitalise on the anticipated interest in the UK as a European base as the US moves through federal rescheduling.

"Being on the leading edge means you're able to pivot," she says. "You're able to understand the importance of having an adviser on the ground if you're not in this country."

Her framing of the opportunity is unapologetically ambitious: "It's time to raise standards in business and operations. We have to look at this as a renaissance. Business models are shifting, and those who are the loudest do not always harness best practices. We are here to shine a light on excellence in practice and bring those to the forefront at whatever stage their business is currently sitting. Everyone deserves to participate when ethics, morals and practice in operations support the industry and community which it serves."

"PPX opens the door to the full power of the Prohibition Partners pillars, connecting global clients with the resources and momentum they need for their next phase of growth."

She is equally insistent that the offer isn't only for the largest operators: "I'm here for all stages of business, for all opportunities, working with everyone based on their budgets and their growth plans."

Heidi's appointment closes a gap in our offering," said Stephen Murphy, Founder and CEO of Prohibition Partners. "Since 2017, we have built the intelligence, the media reach and the events infrastructure that operators rely on. What Heidi brings is the relationships that turn that infrastructure into outcomes: introductions to regulators, investors and formulators, built over more than a decade in the market.

"Prohibition Partners' unique network and knowledge means clients no longer need to assemble data, advisory, media and access separately. It is now one service, with one point of contact."

Two Networks, One Platform

Whitman's advisory career has run alongside a second, more personal project. In 2023, on the sidelines of Prohibition Partners' own Cannabis Europa conference, she co-founded EmpowHer Cannabis Society with Rebecca Allan-Tapp after finding herself one of few women in the room.

EmpowHer has since grown into a WhatsApp network spanning more than 40 countries and a formally registered association in Berlin. In November 2024, Whitman won the Cannabis Industry Council's Contribution to Social Impact award for the initiative at the body's inaugural awards dinner.

"For 2027, my goal is to lead PPX clients into their next phase across regional, emerging and international markets, and to convene a female health symposium that fills an economically game-changing gap for our industry."

For companies, entrepreneurs or even the cannabis industry curious, PPX's offering is simple – Whitman's relationships provide the access; the Prohibition Partners platform provides the scale. Whitman's relationships provide the access, Prohibition Partners platform provides the scale.

Shawna Seldon, 1-917-971-7852, [email protected]

SOURCE Heidi Whitman; Prohibition Partners

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LOWELL, Mass., Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Draper held a groundbreaking ceremony today for a new microelectronics building in Lowell, Massachusetts. The building will house Draper's Integrated Microelectronics Production & Advanced Chip Technology (IMPACT) Center.

An integral part of the Lowell Innovation Network Corridor (LINC), the IMPACT Center will be a 111,000 square foot building with advanced microelectronic design, production, and packaging facilities to deliver cutting-edge technology to Draper's customers. The Center will create more than 100 new highly skilled jobs, including technicians, advanced degree engineers, and business executives.

Construction is being supported, in part, by state and local funding in partnership with the city of Lowell to strengthen the defense ecosystem in the Commonwealth.

"Microelectronics are a critical component in nearly every system used to safeguard our nation's interests. To ensure the integrity of these systems, we must build and maintain a domestic microelectronics supply chain – one that is free from foreign influence and disruption," said Jerry M. Wohletz, Ph.D., Draper's president and CEO. "The IMPACT Center will expand our onshore capacity to create and deploy the systems our nation depends on. At the same time, the IMPACT Center will drive the local economy by creating new jobs for Lowell residents and UMass Lowell graduates and strengthen Massachusetts' position in the defense industrial base."

"The groundbreaking of the IMPACT Center reflects the continued growth of LINC and UMass Lowell's relationship with Draper," said UMass Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen. "By bringing industry and academia together in close proximity, LINC creates an innovation ecosystem where researchers can exchange ideas, students can gain career-connected experiences, and companies can tap into the university's resources and expertise. The IMPACT Center will deepen those connections, leading to innovations in microelectronics while helping develop the future workforce."

"Today's groundbreaking represents an exciting investment in Lowell's future and strengthens our city's growing innovation and technology economy," said Lowell Mayor Erik Gitschier. "Draper's new IMPACT Center will bring more skilled jobs, expand opportunities for our residents, and strengthen the partnership between the City of Lowell, UMass Lowell, and the Commonwealth. This project is another important step in positioning Lowell as a center for advanced manufacturing, research, and workforce development. On behalf of the City Council, we welcome this investment and look forward to the opportunities it will create for our Lowell community."

Upon completion in 2029, the IMPACT Center will offer manufacturing services spanning design to field-ready systems that meet the specific needs of Draper's customers. The Center will enable high-mix, low-volume production supporting domains ranging from microelectronics to advanced precision navigation and timing systems.

"Advanced chip packaging, which bundles multiple chips into a single assembly for placement onto a circuit board, is a critical part of building complex, high-performance systems," said Colleen Anderson, Electronic Systems program director at Draper. "But only 3 percent of chip packaging is performed in the United States today. The IMPACT Center will help to fill this void by providing a reliable domestic source for some of the most sophisticated systems our country produces."

The IMPACT Center will be located in the Hamilton Canal Innovation District and is part of the Lowell Innovation Network Corridor (LINC). LINC is an innovation ecosystem that stretches from the UMass Lowell campus into downtown Lowell that drives research, workforce development and economic growth while creating opportunities for students, faculty, companies and the community. Draper is an anchor tenant in LINC and currently has a corporate campus established within the corridor.

Draper is pleased to be teaming with Wexford Science & Technology as the real estate developer for the project alongside GMH Communities and First Atlantic. In support of the development team is Shawmut Design and Construction and Burns & McDonnell.

Distinguished guests attending the ceremony included Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, U.S. Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), University of Massachusetts President Marty Meehan, University of Massachusetts Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen, and Lowell Mayor Erik R. Gitschier. Draper President and CEO Jerry Wohletz hosted the event. He was joined by Chief Investment Officer and Senior Vice President of Development at Wexford Science & Technology, John Grady.

About Draper

Draper is a non-profit research, development, and manufacturing company that solves some of the nation's most important challenges. With more than 2,800 employees working in collaboration across 12 locations, Draper delivers transformative, mission-driven solutions that successfully meet our customers' requirements. These efforts focus on four critical mission areas: Strategic Systems, Space Systems, Electronic Systems, and Biotechnology Systems. To extend our legacy into the future, the Draper Scholars program engages with the next generation of innovators while DraperSPARX™ seeks to partner with startups and small businesses that can further our mission. To learn more about Draper, visit www.draper.com. Follow Draper on Linked In and Instagram.

SOURCE Draper Laboratory

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NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ --

Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of securities of Celsius Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: CELH) between February 21, 2025 and June 3, 2026, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"). A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than November 3, 2026.

So what: If you purchased Celsius securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

What to do next: To join the Celsius class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/cases/celsius-holdings-inc-2/join or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than November 3, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered billions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

Details of the case: According to the lawsuit, throughout the Class Period, defendants made materially false and misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) defendants' products failed to adequately disclose the cardiac risks of consuming Alani Nutrition LLC ("Alani Nu") products; (2) by marketing Alani Nu drinks to consumers under the age of 18, Celsius was marketing its products to individuals who were particularly susceptible to known health risks posed by those products; (3) the foregoing created a non-speculative risk that Alani Nu consumers would suffer potentially fatal adverse health events; (4) the foregoing, once revealed, was likely to have a significant negative impact on Celsius' business and reputation; and (5) as a result, defendants' public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Celsius class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/cases/celsius-holdings-inc-2/join or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact Information:

     Laurence Rosen, Esq.

Phillip Kim, Esq.

The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

[email protected]

www.rosenlegal.com

SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A.

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Get Together. Give Together. will rally Life Time communities to support worthy organizations close to home. Unite the Night will benefit the Life Time Foundation and its work in youth nutrition, youth movement and a healthy planet

Key Highlights:

- Life Time's first-ever Community Week will take place October 11-17, mobilizing members and team members at clubs across the country through local service, movement and giving.

- Each participating club will identify and support causes meaningful to its community, extending Life Time's impact beyond the walls of the club through volunteer projects and nonprofits.

- Unite the Night on October 15 is a complimentary community-building group workout experience benefiting the Life Time Foundation, with high-energy classes, music, glow lights and post-workout social.

- Life Time will match donations (up to $100,000) made directly to the Life Time Foundation through October 17, doubling support for healthier school meals, youth movement and a healthier planet.

CHANHASSEN, Minn., Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Life Time (NYSE: LTH), the nation's premier healthy way of life brand, today announced its first-ever Get Together. Give Together. Life Time Community Week, a national initiative gathering members and team members across its athletic country clubs for a week of service, movement and giving.

Taking place October 11-17, Community Week will provide two ways to make an impact. Participating club teams will identify and support worthy organizations in their own communities through locally organized service opportunities. Members and team members can also support the Life Time Foundation, Life Time's public 501(c)(3) nonprofit, including through Unite the Night. Life Time will match donations made directly to the Life Time Foundation, up to $100,000, through October 17, doubling the impact of each gift.

"Life Time clubs have always been deeply connected to the communities they serve, and Community Week gives our members and team members new ways to turn that connection into meaningful local action," said Eric Buss, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at Life Time. "By matching donations to the Life Time Foundation and empowering our clubs to rally behind local causes, we're putting the full strength of our company behind that commitment, both close to home and nationwide."

By putting local Life Time club teams at the center of the initiative, Community Week extends Life Time's impact beyond the walls of its locations. Planned activities reflect the needs and interests of each community. Examples include:

- Life Time Winter Park in the Orlando area will support All Kids Bike while also hosting a local food drive, junior-member nutrition seminar and botanical garden cleanup.

- Life Time Fort Washington in the Philadelphia area of Pennsylvania will partner with Girls on the Run for a wellness adventure day featuring movement, nutrition, recovery and strength experiences for girls.

- Life Time Shenandoah in the Houston area of Texas will support Kids' Meals by inviting members to decorate and donate lunch bags and contribute food items for local children.

Community Week will also feature Unite the Night, a complimentary community-building fitness experience on Thursday, October 15 benefiting the Life Time Foundation. Participating clubs will transform studio spaces with glow lights, neon colors, high-energy music and popular group classes, creating a dedicated moment for members to connect and move together. Members will have the opportunity to support the Life Time Foundation during the event, with donations made directly to the Foundation matched by Life Time through October 17. Members can check their club events and the Life Time app for details and to reserve a spot.

Donations made through Unite the Night and directly to the Life Time Foundation throughout Community Week will support the Foundation's work with organizations and programs nationwide through grants and direct partnerships. These donations will advance the Foundation's three mission areas:

- Youth Nutrition: Helping schools remove ingredients of concern, improve menus and serve nourishing meals so children can learn, grow and thrive.

- Youth Movement: Expanding access to physical activity and programs that help kids build confidence, resilience and a lifelong love of movement.

- Healthy Planet: Funding urban and schoolyard tree planting, restoration and reforestation efforts that clean the air and protect nature for future generations.

Life Time covers the Foundation's operational costs, allowing 100% of every donated dollar to directly support programs and grantmaking.

To learn more about Life Time Community Week, discover local club activities or support the Life Time Foundation, visit the Life Time app and ltfoundation.org.

For more information about Life Time, visit LifeTime.life, explore the Life Time Newsroom or follow LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram, or download the complimentary Life Time App.

About the Life Time Foundation

The Life Time Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit created by Life Time, Inc. (NYSE: LTH), is dedicated to inspiring Healthy People, a Healthy Planet, and a Healthy Way of Life. Through financial grants and direct action, we support Youth Nutrition by helping schools serve wholesome, nourishing, minimally processed food to students; Youth Movement by championing physical movement programs that get children active and excited to move for life; and a Healthy Planet by supporting forestation and conservation initiatives, so everyone can live healthy, happy lives. For more information or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit www.ltfoundation.org.

About Life Time

Life Time (NYSE: LTH) empowers people to live healthy, happy lives through its more than 195 athletic country clubs across the U.S. and Canada, the complimentary and comprehensive Life Time app featuring its L•AI•C™ AI-powered health companion, and more than 30 iconic athletic events. Serving people ages 90 days to 90+ years, the Life Time ecosystem uniquely delivers healthy living, healthy aging, and healthy entertainment experiences, a range of unique healthy way of life programs, highly trusted LTH nutritional supplements and more. Recognized as a Great Place to Work®, the company is committed to upholding an exceptional culture for its nearly 50,000 team members.

SOURCE Life Time, Inc.

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From quiet mornings to festive gatherings, two seasonal coffees add flavor to the moments that make the holidays special

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Don Francisco's® Coffee, the flagship premium brand of Gaviña Coffee Company, today announced its 2026 Holiday Collection, featuring the limited-time Maple Pecan and Holiday Blend coffees.

Beginning in October, Maple Pecan and Holiday Blend will be available at donfranciscos.com and select grocery retailers in 12-ounce ground coffee bags and 12-count single-serve coffee pods compatible with Keurig® brewers. The collection will also be available on Amazon in 20-ounce bags and 24-count single-serve pods. Availability and formats may vary by retailer.

Both coffees are made with 100% Arabica beans. Don Francisco's Maple Pecan is a smooth, medium roast that combines sweet maple and toasted pecans with smooth caramel undertones for a cozy, indulgent cup. Don Francisco's Holiday Blend is a warm, festive medium-dark roast with a nutty aroma, creamy chocolate notes, and a delicate caramelized finish.

"The moments we cherish most often begin with the small, thoughtful things we do for one another," said Lisette Gaviña Lopez, fourth-generation coffee roaster at Gaviña Coffee Company. "A welcoming cup of coffee, a favorite family recipe, or a handmade touch can make an everyday moment feel special. We hope this collection inspires people to make the season their own and create beautiful memories along the way."

To offer more ways to enjoy the collection, Don Francisco's Coffee has created two holiday recipes, one featuring Maple Pecan and the other Holiday Blend. From a creamy iced coffee topped with salted maple foam and toasted pecans to a festive coffee cocktail finished with nutmeg, the recipes offer flavorful options for holiday brunches, entertaining, and after-dinner gatherings.

Salted Maple Pecan Coffee

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Mix Time: 5 minutes

Serves: 2 

Ingredients: 

1 cup brewed Don Francisco's Maple Pecan Coffee (2 pods), chilled

1½ cups whole milk

2 tablespoons maple syrup

Ice

Salted Maple Foam: 

½ cup heavy whipping cream

2 tablespoons milk

1 tablespoon maple syrup

⅛ teaspoon flaky sea salt

Chopped toasted pecans, for garnish

Instructions:

- Brew the Don Francisco's Maple Pecan Coffee and let cool completely.

- To make the salted maple foam, whisk together the heavy cream, milk, maple syrup, and sea salt using a handheld frother until thick but pourable.

- Fill two glasses with ice. Divide the maple syrup between the glasses, then pour in the milk and chilled coffee. Stir gently to combine.

- Spoon the salted maple foam over each drink and garnish with chopped toasted pecans before serving.

Little Lebowski* 

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Mix Time: 4 minutes

Serves: 1 

Ingredients: 

1 cup water

2 tablespoons Don Francisco's Holiday Blend Coffee

1½ oz vodka

1 oz coffee liqueur

2 tablespoons half-and-half

Ice

Freshly grated nutmeg or ground nutmeg, for garnish 

Instructions:

- Brew the Don Francisco's Holiday Blend Coffee in a French press by combining the coffee grounds and hot water. Let it steep for 4 minutes, then slowly press the plunger. Allow the coffee to cool slightly.

- Fill a rocks glass with a large ice cube. Add the vodka and coffee liqueur.

- Pour in 2 ounces of the freshly brewed coffee and stir gently to combine.

- Top with the half-and-half and give it a gentle swirl. Finish with nutmeg and serve immediately.

Visit donfranciscos.com for these and other Don Francisco's Coffee recipes. When the last cup is poured, consumers can recycle Don Francisco's Coffee packaging and pods for free through TerraCycle at www.terracycle.com.

*Recipe intended solely for adults 21 and older. Drink responsibly. Never drink and drive.

About Don Francisco's Coffee 

Don Francisco's Coffee® is the flagship premium brand of Gaviña Coffee Company. A leading California retail brand, Don Francisco's Coffee is also available nationally via fine grocery retailers, donfranciscos.com, and Amazon. Don Francisco's includes a wide array of coffees and roast styles made for a variety of brewing methods, including single-serve coffee pods and espresso capsules. To learn more about Don Francisco's Coffee, please visit www.donfranciscos.com.

About Gaviña Coffee Company

Established in Vernon, California in 1967, Gaviña Coffee Company is one of the largest family-owned coffee companies in America and the nation's largest privately held minority-owned coffee roaster. The family's unmatched coffee experience, as coffee growers and roasters, dates back more than 150 years to their beginnings in the rich coffee-bearing soil of Cuba. Today Gaviña Coffee Company has a strong presence in wholesale and retail accounts across the country.

The company makes the highest-quality, family-crafted coffee™, including flagship premium brand Don Francisco's Coffee®; popular Latin-style espresso Café La Llave®; Jose's Gourmet Coffee® available exclusively at Costco; and Gaviña Gourmet Coffee® for foodservice and vending.

SOURCE Don Francisco's Coffee

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