NA Proactive news snapshot: The Valens Company, Mawson Gold, Endeavour Mining, FansUnite Entertainment ...

The Valens Company Inc (TSE:VLNS) (OTCQX:VLNCF) says it has reached a further strategic milestone with the receipt of a Cannabis Research Licence from Health Canada, which will allow it to carry out human trials to assess how its cannabis extracts, concentrates and oils are perceived by the senses. It means the cannabinoid-based products specialist will be able to assess how its potential offerings are perceived and differentiated between each other, the firm said. "This exciting and strategic milestone gives us the competitive advantage to further innovate and differentiate our leading oil-based product offerings," Tyler Robson, CEO at The Valens Company said in a statement. Mawson Gold Ltd (TSE:MAW) (OTCPINK:MWSNF) told investors that diamond drilling has now begun at its ground in the historic Victoria goldfields of Australia, firing the starting pistol on the group's exploration of the area set to continue for the rest of this year. An initial 500 metre drill program is planned at the firm's Sunday Creek property, after which the rig will immediately move to the Redcastle project, Mawson said. A total of 5,000 metres (m) is planned for the rest of 2020 in Victoria, with a second rig planned to be added within the next four to six weeks. Endeavour Mining Corp. (TSX:EDV) (OTCQX:EDVMF) has announced that Joanna Pearson will be joining the company in the coming months to assume the role of executive vice president and chief financial officer effective early 2021.  In the interim, the group said, Henri de Joux will continue to act as its interim chief financial officer and executive vice president for People and IT. Pearson joins Endeavour after a successful career at Deloitte LLP (Canada) with more than ten years’ experience as an audit partner, including six years as the audit partner responsible for Endeavour, and over 20 years’ experience serving clients in public practice, with a focus on multinational mining clients. FansUnite Entertainment Inc (CSE:FANS) (OTCPINK:FUNFF) said Thursday it has named gambling industry expert Chris Grove to its board of directors. Grove is a partner at Eilers & Krejcik Gaming of California, where he heads the firm's Sports & Emerging Verticals division. He is also a nationally recognized expert focused on market and policy forecasting for the legal US sports betting and online gambling sectors. FansUnite said his insights are regularly cited by lawmakers, analysts, and mainstream media including ESPN, Bloomberg, The New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal. Grove has testified before policymakers in multiple states on sports betting and related issues, including California, Illinois, New York, Nevada, and Washington State. Loop Insights Inc (CVE:MTRX) said it has signed a pilot agreement with Sunflora Inc, one of America’s largest cannabidiol (CBD) retailers, to implement its analytics platform into 20 of Sunflora’s Your CBD Store retail locations. The company said upon successful completion of the pilot, the intention of both parties is to implement Loop’s artificial intelligence (AI) driven analytics platform across the entire Your CBD Store estate, which numbers over 550 branches across 41 US states. The deal is the second agreement made in 10 days through Loop’s reseller partnership with Vend, a global point-of-sale company, which Loop said “bodes well for the future of the partnership and further demonstrates the efficacy of the company's artificial intelligence-driven marketing solution to the brick and mortar space”. Thoughtful Brands Inc (CSE:TBI) (OTCQB:PEMTF) has closed the acquisitions of two ecommerce brands that will boost its portfolio in the nutraceutical and hemp-based CBD product sector. The Vancouver-based firm, formerly known as Mota Ventures, said Thursday it has completed the deals to acquire Golden Path LLC and Wild Mariposa LLC, both of which sell natural health products directly to US consumers. Golden Path and Wild Mariposa join a growing portfolio of names under the Thoughtful Brands umbrella, including Nature’s Exclusive in North America and Sativida in Spain and Mexico. In June, Thoughtful Brands inked a deal to acquire the ecommerce platform of Unified Funding LLC, of which both Golden Path and Wild Mariposa are current clients. Matinas BioPharma Holdings Inc (NYSEAMERICAN:MTNB) announced Thursday the publication of data from its Phase 1 EnACT study for MAT2203, a novel oral formulation of amphotericin B to treat cryptococcal meningitis. The data - which showed the drug to be safe and tolerable - were published online in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, a journal of the American Society of Microbiology, the company said. “We were pleased with the safety and tolerability of MAT2203 as demonstrated in the Phase 1 trial. Moreover, we are excited about the Phase 2 trial currently underway,” said Dr David Boulware, professor of medicine at the University of Minnesota and principal investigator for the trial in a statement. Co-Diagnostics Inc (NASDAQ:CODX) announced Thursday the US Patent and Trademark Office has granted increased patent protection for the company’s novel CoPrimer technology used in its coronavirus (COVID-19) test kit and other molecular diagnostic tests. The Salt Lake City-based company said the new patent further validates the uniqueness of the CoPrimer molecule and provides even more comprehensive protection for all of its potential applications. The original patent covered certain applications of the CoPrimer molecule - which has been shown to enhance the output of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) molecular diagnostic tests by dramatically minimizing false-positive test results - and its use in PCR, but not the molecule itself. The additional patent covers the physical structure of the CoPrimer molecule, with more broad claims and including all configurations of a molecule with such a structure. Klondike Gold Corp (CVE:KG) (OTCPINK:KDKGF) has said it plans to start drilling at the Lone Star Zone at its giant Klondike District property in early September. Preparation for the drill sites is underway in Yukon for the phase four work ahead of a potential maiden resource, the explorer said. "The objective of drilling at the Lone Star Zone is to attempt to outline a potential open-pit gold resource. As we continue to drill in this area, we are steadily delivering the results needed to bring the Klondike District Property to that stage," Peter Tallman, CEO said in a statement. Orgenesis Inc (NASDAQ:ORGS) has signed a services agreement with contract research organization (CRO), Therapeutics Inc to develop the topical formation of its drug Ranpirnase for the treatment of external genital warts (EGW) caused by human papilloma virus (HPV). The plan is to seek guidance for an early 2021 Phase 2 study from the US Food and Drug Administration. The study will build on existing safety and efficacy data from a placebo-controlled phase 1/2 clinical study of 75 subjects with EGW. In that study, topical Ranpirnase applied twice daily for 8 weeks showed a significant reduction in the lesion area compared to placebo and was shown to be generally safe and well-tolerated. “EGW is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases with approximately 400,000 new cases annually in the US alone,” Orgenesis CEO Vared Caplan said in a statement. Esports Entertainment Group Inc (NASDAQ:GMBL) has entered into a multi-year partnership with casino owner Twin River Worldwide Holdings Inc (NYSE:TRWH) to launch its mobile sports betting product in the US state of New Jersey. The launch will follow Twin River obtaining permission to acquire the Bally’s Atlantic City Hotel & Casino in the state, through which it will also acquire the right to three online sports betting skins. “We are excited to partner with Twin River as we bring mobile sports betting to the New Jersey market. When we completed our IPO on Nasdaq earlier this year, it was with the intention of expanding our operations in the US. With this partnership, we’re delivering on that goal”, Esports Entertainment chief executive Grant Johnson said in a statement. CytoDyn Inc (OTCQB:CYDY) has announced a pair of regulatory advancements for its drug leronlimab as a treatment for HIV and the coronavirus (COVID-19) both in the US and across the pond.  The company said it will submit questions regarding its Biologics License Application (BLA) for leronlimab to the US Food and Drug Administration in writing instead of holding a virtual Type A meeting. The FDA has agreed to respond to said questions by September 4. In the UK, the clinical trials unit of the country’s Medicines & Healthcare product Regulatory Agency (MHRA) authorized CytoDyn to enroll patients in its ongoing Phase 3 trial of leronlimab in severe-to-critical coronavirus patients. EuroLife Brands Inc (CSE:EURO) is entering the growing health and wellness sector thanks to the acquisition of private Canadian company, Plant & Co Marche. The all-share transaction sees Toronto-based EuroLife acquiring the hybrid health and wellness brand with a downtown retail location that offers niche products for consumers with a focus on plant-based, vegan, vegetarian, hemp and specialty immune-boosting products. Plant & Co’s downtown Toronto storefront in the bustling Little Italy neighbourhood boasts 2,200-square feet of retail space as well as a fully-licenced outdoor patio. EuroLife and Plant & Co are collaborating on a new design concept for the store to reflect a “modern European” aesthetic, according to the firm. Internet of Things Inc (CVE:ITT) (OTCMKTS:INOTF), the firm behind the ThermalPass fever detection system, announced an alliance, which will provide workplaces with an end-to-end infection prevention and control (IPAC) solution in the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The tech group is joining forces with Get Ready www.getreadyglobal.com and Protect Your Office www.protectyouroffice.com to create a so-called Safe Site Global Association so businesses can reopen offices and other spaces safely, ITT said. It integrates ThermalPass with Get Ready proprietary, cloud-based, infectious disease outbreak management programs, along with Protect Your Office personal protective equipment, safety products and workplace screen and dividers. Orogen Royalties Inc. (CVE:OGN) shares commenced trading on Thursday on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol OGN after the merger of Evrim Resources Corp. (CVEEVM) and Renaissance Gold Corp. (CVE:REN) completed on August 18, 2020. Underpinning Orogen's strategic royalty focus are two organically created cornerstone assets: a 2% net smelter return royalty (NSR) on the Ermitaño West gold-silver deposit in Sonora, Mexico where production by First Majestic Silver Corp. is slated to begin in 2021, and a 1% NSR on the Silicon gold property in the Bare Mountain district of Nevada, USA, that is currently being explored by AngloGold Ashanti, NA. In addition, the company has eight early stage royalty assets in Mexico, Nevada, and Argentina and a broad portfolio of exploration projects in Canada, USA, and Mexico. Global Energy Metals Corporation(CVE:GEMC) (OTCQB:GBLEF) (FSE:5GE1) has said implementation of the previously announced consolidation of all the issued and outstanding share capital on a 10 old for 1 new basis will be effective on August 25, 2020. The post-consolidation common shares will commence trading on the TSX Venture Exchange under same name and ticker symbol (GEMC). The firm believes that the consolidation will be beneficial to the company in that it is expected to, among other things, provide it with greater flexibility in attracting financing, strategic partners and ongoing investment, and as such, is in the best interest of the company. OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX:OTCM), the operator of financial markets for over 10,000 US and global securities, has announced that Grayscale Bitcoin Cash Trust (OTCQX:BCHG), an investment vehicle that enables investors to gain access and exposure to the price movement of Bitcoin Cash, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX Best Market and today upgraded from the OTC Pink market. The OTCQX Market provides investors with a premium US public market to research and trade the shares of investor-focused companies. Graduating to the OTCQX Market marks an important milestone for companies, enabling them to demonstrate their qualifications and build visibility among US investors. To qualify for OTCQX, companies must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance, and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws. OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX:OTCM), the operator of financial markets for 10,000 U.S. and global securities, has announced that Eloro Resources Ltd. (CVE:ELO) (OTCQX:ELRRF), an exploration and mine development company, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX Best Market and has today upgraded from the OTC Pink market. To qualify for OTCQX, companies must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws. "This is a significant milestone for Eloro and its shareholders," stated Thomas Larsen, Eloro's Chief Executive Officer. "We are very pleased to begin trading on the OTCQX as it will increase our visibility and profile in the capital markets and in the mining industry. It will also offer enhanced exposure and accessibility to an expanded US market of precious metals investors which will positively impact our shareholder base." Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (OTCQX:LXRP) (CSE:LXX), a global innovator in drug delivery platforms, has announced that it will be presenting at the 12th annual LD 500 Conference on Tuesday, September 1, 2020, at 12.00pm ET. Chris Bunka, Chairman and CEO of Lexaria, will deliver a virtual presentation to an online audience giving an overview of the company and discuss its product development pipeline centered around its proprietary drug delivery technology. DehydraTECH, which improves the way active pharmaceutical ingredients enter the bloodstream while masking unwanted tastes, and can be applied to various ingestible product formats. "We have been waiting for this moment all year long. Due to COVID, it has been nearly impossible for physical conferences to even take place. I want to show the world that you can still learn, have a great time, and see some of the most unique companies in the capital markets today. All without having to step foot outside. For the first time, LD Micro is accessible to everyone, and we are honored to welcome you to one of the most trusted platforms in the space," stated Chris Lahiji, Founder of LD. Investors can register for the LD 500 Register here: https://ld-micro-conference.events.issuerdirect.com/; with the webcast: https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/2019/36097 Marrone Bio Innovations, Inc. (NASDAQ:MBII), an international leader in providing growers with sustainable bioprotection and plant health solutions to support global agricultural needs, has announced that its management will present at the LD 500 virtual investor conference, hosted by LD Micro and taking place virtually September 1-4, 2020. Jim Boyd, the chief financial officer of Marrone Bio, is scheduled to host a virtual presentation during the conference 1.20pm Eastern time (10.20am Pacific time) and will participate in one-on-one meetings with chief executive officer Kevin Helash throughout the day. A live audio webcast and archive of the conference presentation will be available using the following webcast link: https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/2019/36186 IEC Electronics (NASDAQ:IEC) a provider of electronic manufacturing services to advanced technology companies, has announced that it will be presenting at the LD 500 investor conference on Wednesday, September 2, 2020, at 7.40am PST /10.40am EST. it said Jeffrey T. Schlarbaum, president & CEO of IEC Electronics will be presenting to a live audience and a webcast of his presentation will be available using the following link: https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/2019/36155. Schlarbaum will also conduct virtual 1x1 meetings throughout the day and interested investors may register for a meeting at: https://ld-micro-conference.events.issuerdirect.com/ KULR Technology Group, Inc. (OTCQB:KULR), a leading developer of thermal management technologies for batteries and electronics, announced today that it will be presenting at the 12th Annual LD 500 Conference on Wednesday, September 2, 2020, at 4.20pm ET. The group said Michael Mo, CEO of KULR, will present virtually to an online audience giving an overview of the company and discussing key milestones including being recently awarded a patent for its Thermal Runaway Shield (TRS), a passive propagation resistant solution designed and successfully tested to reduce the hazardous risks associated with thermal runaway in lithium-ion battery packs. Register here: https://ld-micro-conference.events.issuerdirect.com/. Webcast link: https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/2019/36694 KULR Technology also said it has made its second-quarter 2020 shareholder update and management's discussion of the recently filed financial results, conducted at 4:30pm EDT on August 18, 2020, available for replay at https://kulrtechnology.com/category/presentations. Regarding the first shareholder conference call conducted by the company, KULR CEO Michael Mo commented: “I would like to thank our investors who joined the call and sent in their questions. The purpose of this call and others like it moving forward is to allow for a greater degree of transparency between KULR and its investors. We would like to encourage interested parties to continue to send in questions and communicate with our entire investor relations team.”