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Apple Becomes Latest Giant To Adopt AI, But Risks Persist – Brand Engagement Network May Have The Solution To Ensure Security In The Age Of AI

Benzinga

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga OpenAI, the brains behind ChatGPT, is taking off as companies like Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT), Shutterstock Inc. (NYSE: SSTK) and Bain & Company adopt this game-changing technology. Even Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL), which has been relatively slower to embrace AI, seems to be going all in, recently announcing a partnership with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT into Siri and other areas of its operating system. That will undoubtedly bring more convenience and assistance to Apple’s millions of users, but this technology is not without risks. In the wrong hands, AI can be used to create fake videos and content, spread incorrect news and information, enable plagiarism and provide biased results. High-profile lawsuits lodged by celebrities and artists have highlighted AI's negative aspects and are raising awareness about the dark side of AI. A survey conducted in August by Pew Research shined a light on this. It found that 52% of Americans are more concerned than excited about the increased use of AI. That wariness is up from 2022 and coincides with an uptick in awareness about AI. Pew found individuals who heard a lot about artificial intelligence are 51% more likely to express more concern than excitement about AI. Among those most aware, concern outweighs excitement by 47% to 15%. On the topic of privacy, 53% of Americans polled said AI is doing more to harm than help keep people’s personal data private. “Americans’ concerns about AI include a desire to maintain human control over these technologies, doubts that AI will improve the way things are now, and caution over the pace of AI adoption in fields like health and medicine,” wrote the researchers. In The Right Hands, AI Can Improve Life In the right hands, however, AI isn’t as scary as it seems to many. Companies using it responsibly and securely can transform industries with AI. Take Brand Engagement Network Inc. (NASDAQ: BNAI) – or BEN – the developer of generative AI and AI avatars, for one example. With its human-like AI assistants, BEN enhances customer service, productivity and overall performance for businesses, targeting markets facing significant workforce gaps and presenting an opportunity to transform how consumers engage with networks, providers and brands. The company’s secret sauce is a broad portfolio of conversational AI applications that drive better customer experience, increased automation and operational efficiencies. BEN uses much smaller data parameters than larger models like ChatGPT – enabling it to offer companies AI that is scalable and can be tailored to specific use cases. At the heart of its business model is a security-first approach. Unlike many of the unsecured AI systems that rely on unknown data sources and unverified information, BEN trains its AI on client-provided data and follows clients' internal client data management and privacy protocols. It’s also HIPAA and SOC 2 Type 1 compliant, and its AI platform is deployed and secured in an Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) Web Service environment, enabling BEN to support multiple companies securely. BEN Has To Be Secure Focusing on security is particularly important to BEN, given that its AI solutions are quickly finding their way into many data-sensitive areas like healthcare and finance. In healthcare, BEN says its conversational AI can improve patient experiences and medication understanding, leading to better outcomes. BEN takes the importance of security very seriously. Take Skye, BEN’s AI assistant that can assist patients taking Metformin, the diabetes drug, for another example. The assistant doesn’t claim to know everything, nor does it “hallucinate,” which occurs when generative AI gives incorrect answers. A big reason for that is that Skye is loaded with very specific pharmaceutical data provided by the drug maker, results from clinical trials and data from accredited medical groups like the American Diabetes Association. One of the biggest risks posed by generative AI in industries like healthcare is the risk of “hallucinations,” where the AI gives misleading or outright false answers because it is built on unknown data sources and designed to generate a response no matter what. This is where BEN may have the solution to the AI reliability and safety problem. BEN’s AI assistants won’t answer a question if it doesn’t know the answer. It is not connected to unverified information sources like the web, so when a patient asks a question, BEN’s AI, using what is known as RAG, draws from carefully selected and validated data sets. “More than generative AI, we like to call it retrieval AI,” said Paul Chang, BEN's Co-CEO, in a recent interview. The approach BEN is taking with Skye could be replicated over and over for the tens of thousands of drugs on the market. Healthcare is a big opportunity for BEN, given the company reports 145,000 organizations can benefit from BEN’s AI. In the financial market where security and data protection are top of mind all the time, BEN says its addressable market is over 227,000 organizations, while in automotive, there are over 450,000 companies that can leverage BEN’s platform. Businesses Are Taking Notice BEN’s focus on security and reliability seems to be proving to be a differentiator. It is why MedAdvisor Solutions (ASX: MDR), a global leader in pharmacy-driven patient engagement solutions, is partnering with BEN to bring BEN’s AI assistants to certain pharmacies to help enhance patient outcomes. Or why Provana, a highly specialized knowledge process management provider, is integrating BEN’s AI assistants into its contact center solutions. The list goes on, with all of BEN’s customers having one thing in common: a need for secure, reliable and responsible AI. AI is clearly taking off and will only get bigger as more companies embrace it. The ones who do it responsibly and securely like BEN will not only improve the quality of life for the masses but do it without infringing on their privacy and or compromising their data. Can the same be said about some of the other players in the AI marketplace? Featured photo by BoliviaInteligente on Unsplash. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

June 24, 2024 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Outdoorplay Launches High-Performance Inflatable Kayak for Adventurers

Rev Up Marketers

Outdoorplay, a premier provider of outdoor adventure gear, is excited to unveil its latest product, a cutting-edge inflatable kayak designed to elevate the kayaking experience for enthusiasts of all skill levels. This innovative kayak is a valuable addition to Outdoorplay's renowned lineup, offering exceptional options for adventurers everywhere. This new inflatable kayak blends durability, portability, and high performance, making it an excellent choice for both experienced paddlers and newcomers. Constructed with premium materials, this kayak ensures resilience in rough waters while delivering a smooth and stable ride. Its lightweight and compact design allows for easy transport and storage, enabling adventurers to access remote locations without the usual logistical challenges of traditional kayaks. "We are delighted to launch our new inflatable kayak," said Erika Pacini, Customer Service Representative at Outdoorplay. "Our team has dedicated immense effort to develop a product that surpasses customer expectations. Whether you're paddling on a tranquil lake or navigating challenging rapids, our inflatable kayak offers exceptional performance and reliability." Key features of the Outdoorplay Inflatable Kayak include robust construction from durable, puncture-resistant materials to endure tough conditions. It comes with a high-pressure pump for rapid inflation and deflation. The kayak's lightweight design folds into a compact size for effortless transport and storage, making it adaptable for various water environments, from serene lakes to moderate whitewater rapids. Outdoorplay invites all adventure seekers to explore the new inflatable kayak, now available on their website. To celebrate the launch, the company is offering a special introductory discount for a limited period. For more details about the inflatable kayak and to place an order, visit Outdoorplay's website or contact their customer service at 1-800-994-4327 or via email at customerservice@outdoorplay.com. About Outdoorplay Founded in Hood River, Oregon, Outdoorplay is committed to providing high-quality outdoor gear and apparel. With a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction and a passion for adventure, Outdoorplay offers a wide range of products to support various outdoor activities, including kayaking, rafting, camping, and hiking. Contact Details Outdoorplay Erika Pacini +1 800-994-4327 customerservice@outdoorplay.com Company Website https://www.outdoorplay.com/

June 24, 2024 08:22 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Madanes implements Novidea’s insurance management platform, completing an end-to-end digital transformation

Novidea

Novidea, creator of the cloud-based, data-driven enterprise insurance management platform for insurance agencies, brokers, carriers, and MGAs/MGUs, announced that Madanes Insurance Agency, a leading insurance broker specializing in large and complex insurance schemes in the property, liability and health sectors, as well risk management and claims management, has gone live with its insurance management platform. Madanes has a large and diverse customer base and responds to thousands of inquiries daily. Given Novidea's experience with global insurance organizations and its end-to-end support for the insurance distribution lifecycle, Madanes selected the Novidea platform, which is now fully operational and serves hundreds of the agency’s employees. The transition to the Novidea platform enabled the full digitization of all operational and business processes at Madanes Insurance Agency. This transformation integrates all external data sources, such as insurance companies, with internal data from Madanes’ departments and divisions, creating a single source of information and a 360-degree customer view. These customer profiles include all of the customer’s insurance products, payments, claims, referrals, and more, which enables agents to upsell risk products that precisely meet the needs of each customer at the most cost-effective prices. Madanes’ customer journey will improve with ease, speed, and precision, while ensuring customer data is kept private and secure. Madanes’ customers now have access to a multi-channel communication system (WhatsApp, SMS, email, phone center) that allows them to conveniently contact the company, receive quick responses on any matter, and perform a variety of actions independently. Boaz Rubin, CEO of Madanes Insurance Agency, said, “With the implementation of Novidea's platform, we have completed an end-to-end digital transformation that is expected to yield unprecedented operational efficiency, and the provision of efficient, fast and high-quality service to our policyholders, with 80,000 insurance claims submitted each year. The integration of multiple data sources and the insights presented by the Novidea platform enable us to conduct in-depth analysis and map the risks to which the business and insureds are exposed. We are then able to adjust our solutions offering, reduce expenses for our insureds and enhance customer experience and satisfaction. As insurance experts, we know how to maximize the benefits from Novidea's platform, which is among the most advanced and successful in the world, and we heavily rely on the knowledge and experience of the company's people.” Roi Agababa, CEO and Founder of Novidea, stated, “Insurance organizations worldwide are dealing with outdated and disparate technologies that do not meet today’s needs. Against the backdrop of increasing competition, and with the aim of enhancing customer experience and providing an advanced digital experience, they are looking to replace their traditional systems with new generation systems. This growing demand for innovative technological solutions seeks to improve data quality and access, provide a smooth digital customer experience, and streamline processes. We are excited that Madanes has stepped into the technological forefront of the insurance industry, which will help it maintain its leadership in the market, both in terms of service and customer experience and in operational efficiency metrics.” About Novidea Novidea is the leading Insurtech provider of a cloud-native, data-driven insurance management system. With its open API architecture, Novidea enables brokers, agents, MGAs, and carriers to modernize and manage the customer journey end-to-end and drive growth across the entire insurance distribution lifecycle. Novidea's streamlined and automated platform fully integrates front, middle, and back offices. The Novidea platform boosts operational efficiency while providing a seamless digital experience for team members and customers alike. Insurance businesses benefit from a 360-degree view of customers and policies and can access data and actionable insights anytime, anywhere, and on any device. Novidea supports more than 100 customers across 22 countries. Contact Details Michelle Barry +1 603-809-2748 Michelle.barry@chameleon.co Next Gen Communications Simon Hayes +44 7771 516544 simon@nextgencomms.com Company Website https://novidea.com/

June 24, 2024 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

FX Veteran John Bogue Joins ATFX as Director of Institutional Operation

500NewsWire

London, UK, June 24, 2024 - ( 500NewsWire ) -- ATFX, a leading global online trading broker, is pleased to announce the appointment of John Bogue as the Director of Institutional Operation. With over 30 years of experience in the FX market, John brings invaluable expertise in trading, prime brokerage, and e-brokerage to ATFX. John’s extensive background includes significant roles at NatWest Markets Plc and Euronext FX Inc., formerly FastMatch. His deep understanding and seasoned oversight have been honed through his exposure to all facets of the FX asset class, including operations, risk management, and sales functions. John’s prior position was as Director for EMEA FX at TraderTools. He was instrumental in rolling out their PriceOn™ algo offering across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. His work significantly enhanced the technology's penetration among banks and brokers within these regions. "We are thrilled to welcome John Bogue to our team," said Joe Li, Chairman at ATFX. "John’s relentless focus on accuracy, clarity, and prioritization of clients and team will be immensely beneficial as we continue expanding our capabilities and services." This recruitment is a strategic step for ATFX after their recent integration of PriceOn™ from TraderTools. With AI technology and algorithms, ATFX can optimize liquidity flow and provide top-notch services for institutional and retail clients. Competitive pricing accelerates global business growth and meets clients' dynamic needs worldwide. With the addition of John Bogue and ATFX's recent hires of FX industry masters Drew Niv as the Chief Strategic Officer, Siju Daniel as the Chief Commercial Officer, Hormoz Faryar as Managing Director of Institutional, and Aditya Singh as Business Development Director International, this reaffirms ATFX’s commitment to long-term success and solidifies its position as a dominant player in the global financial marketplace. About ATFX ATFX is a leading global fintech broker with a local presence in 23 locations and licenses from regulatory authorities, including the UK's FCA, Cypriot CySEC, UAE's SCA, Australian ASIC, and South African FSCA. With a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, innovative technology, and strict regulatory compliance, ATFX provides exceptional trading experiences to clients worldwide. For further information on ATFX, please visit the ATFX website: https://www.atfx.com. Contact Details ATFX sales.uk@atfx.com Company Website https://www.atfx.com/

June 24, 2024 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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BGS Issues Comprehensive Analysis of Tellurian’s $260 Million Deal with Aethon

Tellurian Inc.

Best Growth Stocks, a leading independent equity research and corporate access firm focused on finding and reporting on the best growth stocks utilizing exclusive ai-assisted research recently issued a comprehensive analysis on Tellurian Inc. a developer of natural gas production, LNG marketing and trading, and infrastructure. Tellurian Inc. (NYSE-American: TELL) has garnered significant investor attention following an announced $260 million deal with Aethon. Best Growth Stock's full report breaks through the noise and offers a comprehensive breakdown of the deal with Aethon, Tellurian's potential catalysts following closing, deal summary, strategy, and much more. Access this full Analysis: https://bestgrowthstocks.com/access-tellurian-deal-analysis/ About Tellurian Inc. Tellurian intends to create value for shareholders by building a low-cost, global natural gas business, profitably delivering natural gas to customers worldwide. Tellurian is developing a portfolio of natural gas production, LNG marketing and trading, and infrastructure that includes an ~ 27.6 mtpa LNG export facility and an associated pipeline. Tellurian is based in Houston, Texas, and its common stock is listed on the NYSE American under the symbol “TELL”. For more information, please visit www.tellurianinc.com. Follow Tellurian on Twitter at twitter.com/TellurianLNG About Best Growth Stocks Best Growth Stocks is a leading independent equity research and corporate access firm focused on finding and reporting on the best growth stocks utilizing our exclusive ai-assisted research. BGS is also a financial news provider, focused on giving investors direct access to CEOs of promising, publicly-traded companies, and market experts. Our CEO interviews aim to answer the questions that rest on the minds of current and future shareholders. This is not to be construed as financial advice. Please consult with a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Media Contact Best Growth Stocks Senior Editor: Steve Macalbry Editor@BestGrowthStocks.com SOURCE: BestGrowthStocks.Com Contact Details Best Growth Stocks Steve Macalbry Editor@bestgrowthstocks.com

June 24, 2024 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Latest News On Meme Coin Rivals: PEPE, Raboo and Shiba Inu

Total Media

The meme coin sector continues to be a battleground for attention and investor dollars. Three big names dominate the headlines: the veteran Shiba Inu (SHIB), the cult classic Pepe (PEPE), and the rising star Raboo. Raboo, however, has been dominating the headlines with its early 2024 token presale and potential 100x increase after launch. Let's look at their recent performance and what analysts predict for their futures. Shiba Inu: The OG Struggles to Maintain Momentum Shiba Inu has become a significant participant in the meme currency market. Its price movement, nevertheless, hasn't been great lately. According to some analysts, this may be the result of investors growing weary of well-known meme currencies. At the moment, Shiba Inu is selling at about $0.00001689. There have been some encouraging developments for Shiba Inu notwithstanding the price decline. A recent whale transaction generated over $120 million in profit. This kind of activity can sometimes inject confidence into the market and lead to price increase. But Shiba Inu's overall trajectory still suggests a struggle to maintain momentum. Through projects like the Shibarium blockchain and the connection with decentralized finance (DeFi) systems, the project's developers are looking for methods to increase the usefulness of SHIB beyond its current status as a meme coin. Pepe Continues to Fight for Relevance PEPE has already struggled with staying relevant during a period where top meme coins aren 't as enticing as they once were. While PEPE has experienced some price gains, there have also been significant losses. The coin had initially reached a triumphant all-time high of $0.00001718 on May 27, 2024. This peak marked a culmination of a meteoric rise, fueled by factors like the approval of key Ethereum-based ETF filings and a surge in "whale activity" – large investors making significant purchases. Analysts predicted a bright future, with some even forecasting a tenfold increase in price within the year. However, weeks following the all-time high have been a story of descent for PEPE coin. As of June 24, 2024, the price sits around $0.00001065, a concerning drop of nearly 36% from its peak. This decline comes amidst a broader market correction within the meme coin sector, but the disparity between PEPE's performance and its surging rivals paints a worrying picture. Adding fuel to the fire of uncertainty is the rise of Angry Pepe Fork ($APORK), a new Solana-based meme coin capitalizing on the same iconic Pepe meme. This competitor boasts a growing ecosystem and unique features, potentially threatening PEPE's dominance, especially among die-hard Pepe fans. Raboo Grabs the Headlines with Exciting Presale Opportunity Raboo ($RABT) has emerged as the dark horse in this meme coin race. This newcomer boasts an AI-driven meme generation technology called "Rabooscan," aiming to curate the highest quality meme content and maximize virality. Raboo's presale event has raised over $1.7 million so far, and analysts are predicting astronomical surges – some as high as 10,000% – once it hits major exchanges. This potential for explosive growth has Raboo stealing the spotlight from its established rivals. So far, the platform’s early 2024 token presale has been nothing short of impressive. In just the opening weeks, the price of the token has skyrocketed by over 60%, currently sitting at $0.0048 from an entry price of $0.003. This rapid increase highlights the strong investor interest surrounding the project. Analysts attribute this to Raboo's unique features, particularly its focus on social interaction and community engagement. Conclusion Raboo's strong presale performance and innovative features have some speculating it could challenge top-tier meme coins like Shiba Inu and Pepe. While this is ambitious, Raboo's potential shouldn't be dismissed. With the presale still ongoing, investors have a chance to buy some tokens and make significant profits. You can participate in the Raboo presale here: Telegram: https://t.me/RabootokenPortal Twitter: https://twitter.com/Raboo_Official Contact Details Total Media Solutions media@Totalsolutionspr.io

June 24, 2024 06:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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News Release

Athleisure and Luxury Fuse to Lead Consumer Trends

RazorPitch AXIL, LULU, NKE, YETi

Modern consumer fashion trends have been highlighted by growth in a space where athleisure meets luxury. Nowhere has this trend been more pronounced than in Lululemon ’s (NASDAQ: LULU) decade long surge to leadership amongst multi-generational consumers seeking an active casual lifestyle, while clearly stating, “this look didn’t come cheap.” Despite brand maturity, this movement has allowed Lululemon to post double digit growth in revenue and earnings, whereas competitor Nike (NYSE:NKE) failed to post single digit revenue growth and saw a slight reduction in their earnings YOY, yet maintained strong positive cash flow and profitability. Recently athleisure or the ideology that a successful trendsetter balancing career, family and health goals isn’t confined to just fashion apparel and has spilled over into the consumer’s personal electronics choices and outdoor recreation equipment and apparel. On the personal electronics front, AXIL Brands Inc. (NYSE American: AXIL) has leveraged their approach to multi-functional fashionable Bluetooth ear buds with built in hearing protection and enhancement to complement the athleisure trend, making their way into the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games, NASCAR stadiums, personal fitness routines, and concert venues, among other indoor and outdoor leisure activities, and recently posting triple digit earnings growth last quarter and high double digit revenue growth for the last two years. YETI Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: YETI) has entered the athleisure space by defining high quality luxury coolers and utilizing their branding success to pivot into high quality apparel, among other offerings complimentary to the freedom offered by outdoor healthy living activities. YETI’s pivot has kept them on trend with Lululemon’s double digit revenue and earnings growth, and all of these companies have built on the common theme that quality offerings designed to enhance quality of life lead to a healthier bottom line and a healthier consumer. Disclaimers: RazorPitch Inc. "RazorPitch" is not operated by a licensed broker, a dealer, or a registered investment adviser. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investment advice. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides investors a safe harbor in regard to forward-looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, goals, assumptions, or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact may be forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are based on expectations, estimates, and projections at the time the statements are made that involve a number of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those presently anticipated. Forward looking statements in this action may be identified through use of words such as projects, foresee, expects, will, anticipates, estimates, believes, understands, or that by statements indicating certain actions & quote; may, could, or might occur. Understand there is no guarantee past performance will be indicative of future results. Investing in micro-cap and growth securities is highly speculative and carries an extremely high degree of risk. It is possible that an investors investment may be lost or impaired due to the speculative nature of the companies profiled. RazorPitch has been retained and compensated by ITMM Consulting to distribute this content related to AXIL. RazorPitch is not responsible for the production of this content. It should be expressly understood that under no circumstances does any information published herein represent a recommendation to buy or sell a security. This content is for informational purposes only, you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained in this article constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer by RazorPitch or any third party service provider to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments. All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in this article constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information in the article constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. RazorPitch is not a fiduciary by virtue of any persons use of or access to this content. Contact Details RazorPitch Inc Mark McKelvie +1 585-301-7700 mark@razorpitch.com Company Website http://razorpitch.com

June 24, 2024 06:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Select Sector SPDR ETFs: A Focused Approach for Sector-Specific Portfolio Management

Select Sector SPDR

In the ever-changing landscape of the financial markets, Select Sector SPDR ETFs present a method for investors looking to engage in sector-specific investments. By breaking down the S&P 500 into distinct sectors, these ETFs provide a pathway for both individual and institutional investors to craft more targeted and strategic investment portfolios. The Select Sector SPDR ETFs encompass a range of sectors, each represented by a dedicated ETF. This structure allows investors to focus their investments on specific areas of the economy, depending on their investment objectives, risk tolerance, and market outlook. Overview of Select Sector SPDR ETFs: Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC): Focuses on telecommunications and media companies. Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLY): Targets companies focused on non-essential goods and services such as luxury items, travel, and leisure. Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLP): Concentrates on essential consumer goods and services like food, clothing, and personal products. Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE): Dedicated to the energy sector, focused on oil and natural gas. Financials Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLF): Encompasses banking, investment, and insurance industries. Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV): Focuses on pharmaceuticals, healthcare equipment, and services. Industrials Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLI): Includes manufacturing, construction, and logistics firms. Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLB): Covers the chemicals, construction materials, and packaging industries. Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE): Targets commercial real estate services and REITs. Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK): Concentrates on the information technology, semiconductor, and electronics sectors. Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLU): Dedicated to electric and gas utility companies. By offering a straightforward and transparent approach to investing in specific sectors, Select Sector SPDR ETFs enable investors to adapt their investment strategies in response to changing market conditions. The Select Sector SPDR ETFs offer a focused approach to investment, allowing for detailed sector analysis and strategic portfolio management. As the financial landscape continues to evolve, these ETFs provide a valuable tool for investors looking to refine their investment strategies through sector-specific allocations. DISCLAIMER: This is a work of research and should not be taken as investment or financial advice. Therefore, Select Sector SPDRs or the publisher is not liable for any decision made based on the publication. About the Company: Select Sector SPDR ETFs offer flexibility and customization opportunities. Many investors have similar outlooks, but no two are exactly alike. Select Sector SPDR ETFs let investors select the sectors that best meet their investment goals. DISCLOSURES The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index of 500 common stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. stock market. The index is heavily weighted toward stocks with large market capitalizations and represents approximately two-thirds of the total market value of all domestic common stocks. The S&P 500 Index figures do not reflect any fees, expenses or taxes. An investor should consider investment objectives, risks, fees and expenses before investing. One may not invest directly in an index. Transparent ETFs provide daily disclosure of portfolio holdings and weightings All ETFs are subject to risk, including loss of principal. Sector ETF products are also subject to sector risk and nondiversification risk, which generally will result in greater price fluctuations than the overall market. Diversification does not eliminate risk. An investor should consider investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. To obtain a prospectus, which contains this and other information, call 1-866-SECTOR-ETF (732-8673) or visit www.sectorspdrs.com. Read the prospectus carefully before investing. ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a registered broker-dealer, is distributor for the Select Sector SPDR Trust. Media Contact: Company: Select Sector SPDRs Contact: Dan Dolan* Address: 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, CO 80203 Country: United States Email: dan.dolan@sectorspdrs.com Website: https://www.sectorspdrs.com/ *Dan Dolan is a Registered Representative of ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc. ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a registered broker-dealer, is the distributor for the Select Sector SPDR Trust. SEL007597 EXP 8/31/24 Contact Details Dan Dolan +1 203-935-8103 dan.dolan@sectorspdrs.com Company Website https://www.sectorspdrs.com/

June 24, 2024 05:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

The World Prestigious Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami, Announces Kadimastem's Joint Project as Breakthrough Transplantation Approach for the Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes

Kadimastem

Kadimastem Ltd. (TASE: KDST), announces positive results of its leading diabetes product jointly developed with iTolerance Inc. The results were presented at the 84th scientific conference of the American Diabetes Association (ADA), in a late-breaking session. The product was evaluated by at the DRI, The Fast Track Center for Testing at the DRI Cell Transplant Center where it was designated to be a “novel combination of tolerance-inducing agent and human stem cell-derived islets demonstrates functional insulin release and disease reversal in a model of diabetes.” Link to quote. The recognition of the scientific progress of the treatment, which combines immune modulator microgel material (a substance that eliminates the need for chronic systemic immune suppression) and insulin-producing islet cells derived from human stem cells, as an innovative treatment intended for the treatment of type 1 diabetes, was given by the world's largest diabetes research institute at the University of Miami (Florida) School of Medicine (DRI). The experts at DRI presented product compatibility, safety and efficacy to the conference attendees, concluding that combination of the engineered iTOL-100 microgel material developed by iTolerance and the pancreatic cells - IsletRx developed by Kadimastem - can effectively restore normoglycemia (a state of glycemic balance like that of a healthy person) in a diabetes animal model. Dr. Giacomo Lanzoni, PhD, program leader at the DRI, stated, "Our observations highlight the transformative potential of combining stem cell-derived islets with an immunomodulatory microgel. This approach could enable transplantation across the allogeneic barrier, offering a scalable and sustainable solution for T1D, and could enhance the safety and long-term efficacy of islet cell transplantation.” Dr. Camillo Ricordi, MD, Director of the Cell Transplant Center and Director Emeritus at the Diabetes Research Institute, commented: “The Fast Track Center for Testing at the DRI Cell Transplant Center continues to serve as a key shared resource to validate emerging technologies towards a cure for diabetes. We hope to continue to be of assistance towards the identification of reliable and potentially unlimited stem cell-derived islet sources for transplantation, which may one day be able to replace the limited availability of pancreas-derived islets from multiorgan donors, when life-long recipient immunosuppression will no longer be required.” The study's key findings indicate that this combination therapy reverses diabetes and preserves the functional integrity of the transplanted stem cell-derived islets. Key Highlights: -IsletRx, a preparation of Human Stem Cell-Derived Islets developed by Kadimastem, Ltd., is a scalable and virtually unlimited source of insulin-producing cells, and could address the critical shortage of donor islets for transplantation. -iTOL-100, an immunomodulatory microgel developed by iTolerance, Inc., designed to eliminate the need for chronic systemic immunosuppression and shown to induce local immune acceptance of transplanted islets, was found to be compatible with stem cell-derived islets. -Implantation in a Retrievable Site: The transplantation procedure is performed in a retrievable site, ensuring the possibility of graft retrieval through a minimally invasive surgery, if needed. -Successful Reversal of Diabetes: The study reports reversal of disease in a chemically induced model of diabetes, with comparable efficacy of IsletRx in the presence or absence of iTOL-100, indicating a lack of toxicity from the microgel. Additional Comments: Prof. Michel Revel, Chief Scientist of Kadimastem: "Our collaboration with iTolerance opens an innovative and world-first avenue for transplanting pancreatic island cells into diabetics without the need for full suppression of the immune system, which is required today in organ transplants. Prof. Revel emphasized, "Our company produces high-quality pancreatic islet cells. The joint data collected by us prove the possibility of combining our cells with the material that locally prevents the rejection of the implant developed by our project partner iTolerance. The successfully completed an Interact meeting with the FDA, and the two companies are moving together to the pre-IND submission stage." Dr. Anthony Japour, CEO of iTolerance, Inc., commented, “iTolerance is pleased to co-sponsor the project at the Diabetes Research Institute toward a functional cure of T1D through the combination of human stem cell-derived insulin producing islet cells together with our iTOL-100 proprietary immunomodulator. Removing the need for life-long toxic immunosuppressive agents in islet transplantation is a common goal among those working toward a cure for T1D through transplantation without immunosuppression.” About Kadimastem Kadimastem is a clinical stage cell therapy company, developing "off-the-shelf", allogeneic, proprietary cell products based on its technology platform for the expansion and differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells (hESCs) into functional cells. AstroRx®, is an astrocyte cell therapy in clinical development for the treatment for ALS and in pre-clinical studies for other neurodegenerative indications. IsletRx is the company's treatment for diabetes. IsletRx is comprised of functional pancreatic islet cells producing and releasing insulin and glucagon, intended to treat and potentially cure patients with insulin-dependent diabetes. Kadimastem was founded by Professor Michel Revel, CSO of the company and Professor Emeritus of Molecular Genetics at the Weizmann Institute of Science. Professor Revel received the Israel Prize for the invention and development of Rebif®, a multiple sclerosis blockbuster drug sold worldwide. Kadimastem is traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE: KDST). Social Media: LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook About iTolerance, Inc. iTolerance is an early-stage privately-held regenerative medicine company developing technologies to enable tissue, organoid or cell therapy without requiring life-long immunosuppression. Leveraging its proprietary biotechnology-derived Streptavidin-FasL fusion protein/biotin-PEG microgel (SA-FasL microgel) platform technology, iTOL-100, iTolerance is advancing a pipeline of programs using both allogenic pancreatic islets and stem cells that have the potential to cure diseases. Utilizing iTOL-100 to induce local immune tolerance, the Company is developing its lead indication as a potential cure for Type 1 Diabetes without the need for life-long immunosuppression. Additionally, the Company is developing iTOL-201 for treating liver failure by utilizing hepatocytes and iTOL-401 as a nanoparticle formulation for large organ transplants without the need for life-long immunosuppression. For more information, please visit itolerance.com. About the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI) The Diabetes Research Institute at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine is a recognized world leader in cure-focused research. The DRI is committed to developing and rapidly applying innovative strategies to restore natural insulin production and normalize blood sugar levels without imposing other risks. For more information, please visit https://diabetesresearch.org/ Kadimastem (TASE:KDST) is a clinical stage biotechnology company, with a unique platform for cell therapy that enables the production of off-the-shelf cell-based products for the treatment of unmet medical needs. Kadimastem was founded in 2009 based on patent protected technology that was developed at Prof. Michel Revel’s laboratory at the Weizmann Institute of Science. Forward Looking Statement This document may include forward-looking information as defined in the Securities Law, 5728 – 1968. Forward-looking information is uncertain and mostly is not under the Company's control and the realization or non-realization of forward-looking information will be affected, among other things, by the risk factors characterizing the Company's activity, as well as developments in the general environment and external factors affecting the Company's activity. The Company's results and achievements in the future may differ materially from any presented herein and the Company makes no undertaking to update or revise such projection or estimate and does not undertake to update this document. This document does not constitute a proposal to purchase the Company's securities or an invitation to receive such offers. Investment in securities in general and in the Company in particular bears risks. One should consider that past performance does not necessarily indicate performance in the future. Contact Details Kadimastem Ltd. Asaf Shiloni CEO +972 73-797-1613 s.bazak@kadimastem.com iTolerance Inc. Susan Roberts +1 202-779-0929 sr@roberts-communications.com Company Website https://www.kadimastem.com/

June 23, 2024 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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