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On Tuesday, Intelligent Bio Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ:INBS) provided a status update on the FDA clearance process for its Intelligent Fingerprint Drug Screening System, which remains on track for launch in the U.S. in 2025, targeting its opiate test system for codeine.
In December 2024, the company submitted its 510(k) premarket notification to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for review and clearance of its Intelligent Fingerprinting Drug Screening System.
The FDA has reviewed and issued an Additional Information request. If additional data is required, the FDA clearance process may take three to six months or longer.
The company's 510(k) submission included performance data and validation studies, including a method comparison study that demonstrated the system's 94.1% accuracy and a PK study that showed fingerprint sweat provides a reliable sample matrix for drug detection, with quantitative PK data closely aligned to blood, based on statistical comparisons made at the 95% confidence level.
As Intelligent Bio Solutions awaits FDA clearance, it continues to develop its plans to enter the multi-billion-dollar U.S. market in 2025 and pursue FDA clearance for additional drug classes on its panel.
The company's full panel test is already widely adopted, with a presence in 19 countries and over 400 accounts globally.
"As we await FDA clearance, we remain confident in the strength of our data, which demonstrates the accuracy, reliability, and usability of our technology. We are actively preparing for our planned U.S. launch in 2025, where we see significant opportunities to revolutionize drug screening with our non-invasive, rapid testing solution," said Harry Simeonidis, President and CEO at INBS.
Last week, Intelligent Bio Solutions announced that it expects to receive its sixth patent in the United States, which will strengthen the protection of the lateral flow technology core to its Intelligent Fingerprinting Drug Testing Solution.
Price Action: At the last check on Tuesday, INBS stock was up 4.74% at $2.21 during the premarket session.
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On Tuesday, Beeline Holdings (NASDAQ:BLNE) announced that CEO and Co-Founder Nick Liuzza invested an additional $900,000 in its Series G convertible equity round at $5.10 per share – a 205% premium to the company's closing price of $1.67 on March 24.
As part of the deal, Mr. Liuzza received warrants exercisable at $6.50, which he donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, underscoring both his philanthropic commitment and belief in the long-term value of Beeline's business, the company said.
The investment follows Mr. Liuzza's recent open market purchases of 43,150 shares, totaling $109,784, during the week of March 17. Since December 2024, he has invested $4,045,802 in the Series G round, excluding prior contributions.
Also Read: FinTech Mortgage Lender Beeline's Stock Surges On AI Sales Agent Launch
"Beeline is focused on driving revenue growth through mortgage origination and monetizing our proprietary lending technology," said Nick Liuzza. "We are committed to building long-term value and bringing innovation to an industry in need of modernization."
Beeline believes its technology-driven strategy will continue to set it apart amid a challenging mortgage market.
In February, Beeline Holdings closed a $5 million private placement, with CEO Nick Liuzza contributing $2.9 million. The funds will support AI-driven mortgage growth, debt reduction, and expansion of Beeline's SaaS subsidiary, Beeline Labs.
Price Action: BLNE shares closed 15.23% lower at $1.67 on Monday.
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Photo by PopTika on Shutterstock
On Tuesday, Anixa Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:ANIX) entered into a letter of intent with VERDI Solutions GmbH to develop personalized and off-the-shelf peptide vaccines for cancer patients.
VERDI Solutions, headquartered in Vienna, Austria, is developing personalized cancer treatment by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced cloud computing to accelerate the development and implementation of personalized cancer vaccines.
VERDI's cloud-computing platform enables the rapid development of personalized peptide vaccines tailored to individual cancer patients. Additionally, the company is developing off-the-shelf cancer vaccines paired with companion diagnostics.
Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Anixa Biosciences Poised To Receive US Patent For Ovarian Cancer Vaccine
In some European countries, oncologists may administer personalized cancer vaccines under Individueller Heilversuch (Individual Healing Attempt), which allows physicians to prescribe individualized treatments.
Unlike clinical trials, where only a limited number of eligible patients can be enrolled, Heilversuch offers treatment options for any cancer patient, potentially providing valuable insights into the efficacy and safety of personalized vaccines in real-world settings.
VERDI has developed personalized vaccines using sequence data from the primary tumors for three patients with bone metastases, which their oncologists administered under Heilversuch.
Under the letter of intent, VERDI has granted Anixa a six-month exclusive right to negotiate a transaction for the research, development, and commercialization of VERDI's cancer vaccines.
While VERDI continues to develop personalized vaccines for individual treatment attempts in Europe, VERDI and Anixa plan to initiate clinical trials in the United States.
On Monday, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issued a Notice of Allowance for a key patent application covering Anixa Biosciences' ovarian cancer vaccine technology.
The patent includes broad claims related to methods of eliciting an immune response targeting the Anti-Mullerian Hormone Receptor, Type II (AMHR2), a target for ovarian cancer prevention and treatment.
Price Action: ANIX stock closed at $3.20 on Monday.
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Mango Cannabis is opening its first retail dispensary in New Mexico. The 9,000-square-foot superstore — the largest in the state — is located in Sunland Park along the border with El Paso, Texas, which continues to uphold some of the strictest anti-cannabis laws in the country.
"We opened in Sunland Park to meet the rising demand for premium cannabis in southern New Mexico, and the response has been phenomenal," COO Mike Khemmoro told Benzinga. "As the largest dispensary in the state at over 9,000 square feet, Mango Cannabis is here to set a new standard, serving the community with trusted products, knowledgeable staff and a commitment to consistency and care."
The Tulsa-based company, which plans to expand throughout New Mexico, will carry over 3,000 SKUs, including the top 100 most popular brands in the state.
"There won’t be anything that’s worth stocking that won’t be in the store," adds Khemmoro. "We are committed to providing the people of this community the best possible shopping experience there is, with the best possible products there are, at the most competitive pricing that can be."
The new store can process 2,000 to 3,000 orders a day. Customers can shop at their own pace with access to more than 50 knowledgeable employees and budtenders, educated to answer a myriad of questions and recommend the right products for specific needs and desired effects.
Among the store's features are more than 20 checkout stations, 30 75-inch TVs displaying ads, promotions, and the newest offerings, and a drive-thru window. Customers can pick up after ordering online via the Mango Cannabis app, WM Tech (NASDAQ:MAPSW) WeedMaps portal or by ordering directly at the window.
With 10 other locations, Mango Cannabis is known for negotiating the best prices and deals with its vendors and brand partners in the industry.
"A lot of them have toured the store and have been amazed by it," said Kevin Pattah, CEO and co-founder. "They see our vision and are inspired to co-brand and collaborate with us so that we can offer our customers the best of all worlds — flowers and edibles, recreational and medical."
New Mexico’s Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the bill in 2021 to legalize adult use, the Cannabis Regulation Act. The state had a medical marijuana program since 2007 under tight restrictions.
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Photo: Courtesy of Mango Cannabis
On Monday, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issued a Notice of Allowance for a key patent application covering Anixa Biosciences, Inc.’s (NASDAQ:ANIX) ovarian cancer vaccine technology.
The patent includes broad claims related to methods of eliciting an immune response targeting the Anti-Mullerian Hormone Receptor, Type II (AMHR2), a target for ovarian cancer prevention and treatment.
Anixa’s ovarian cancer vaccine is being developed in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic and the National Cancer Institute.
The allowed claims include methods of administering an immunogenic composition comprising a nucleic acid encoding the AMHR2 polypeptide, specifically the extracellular domain of human AMHR2, to elicit an AMHR2-specific immune response.
Dr. Amit Kumar, Chairman and CEO of Anixa Biosciences, commented, “Receiving this Notice of Allowance from the USPTO is a significant milestone in our mission to develop a preventative and therapeutic ovarian cancer vaccine. The allowed claims provide broad protection for the various components and delivery mechanisms of our vaccine technology. This strengthens our intellectual property position and supports the continued advancement of our program.”
In February, Anixa Biosciences dosed its final patient in the third cohort of its ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating its novel chimeric antigen receptor-T cell (CAR-T) therapy for recurrent ovarian cancer.
The study is being conducted through a research partnership with Moffitt Cancer Center.
The fourth cohort is expected to commence after a 30-day verification that there continue to be no adverse effects experienced by the third cohort.
Price Action: ANIX stock closed at $3.16 on Friday.
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On Monday, MIRA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:MIRA) signed a binding letter of intent (LOI) to acquire SKNY Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
The transaction includes a $5 million capital infusion of cash or equivalent consideration into MIRA, reinforcing its financial position and supporting the advancement of SKNY-1, a preclinical-stage oral drug candidate for weight loss and smoking cessation.
Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: MIRA Pharmaceuticals Kick Starts Human Trial In Israel For Ketamir-2 For Neuropathic Pain
Under the terms, MIRA will acquire SKNY through a stock exchange, whereby SKNY shareholders will receive shares of MIRA common stock at a valuation determined by an independent third-party firm.
Additionally, SKNY will contribute $5 million in cash or assets to MIRA at closing. Upon completion, SKNY-1 and all related intellectual property assets will be fully integrated into MIRA.
The acquisition of SKNY Pharmaceuticals strategically positions MIRA to enter two high-growth pharmaceutical markets with a differentiated, next-generation oral therapy.
Last week, MIRA Pharmaceuticals announced the formulation of Ketamir-2 as a topical treatment for localized neuropathic and inflammatory pain.
The advancement expands the company’s pain management portfolio beyond its ongoing Ketamir-2 oral treatment for neuropathic pain.
Price Action: MIRA stock is trading lower by 3.12% to $1.24 premarket at the last check on Monday.
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Each week, Benzinga's Stock Whisper Index uses a combination of proprietary data and pattern recognition to showcase five stocks that are just under the surface and deserve attention.
Investors are constantly on the hunt for undervalued, under-followed and emerging stocks. With countless methods available to retail traders, the challenge often lies in sifting through the abundance of information to uncover new opportunities and understand why certain stocks should be of interest.
Here’s a look at the Benzinga Stock Whisper Index for the week ending March 21:
Lululemon Athletica (NASDAQ:LULU): The apparel company saw strong interest from readers, which comes before the company's fourth-quarter financial results on Thursday March 27. Analysts expect the company to report revenue of $3.57 billion, up from $3.21 billion in last year's fourth quarter. Lululemon has beaten revenue estimates in nine of the last 10 quarters. Analysts expect the company to report fourth-quarter earnings per share of $5.84, up from $5.29 in last year's fourth quarter. The company has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in nine of the last 10 quarters overall. Analysts have cut price targets ahead of the quarter and investors remain cautious on the Canadian company with concerns about tariffs. Analysts and investors will be watching the earnings report closely to see if there are comments on tariffs and also if the company's international sales continue to grow. International revenue was up 33% year-over-year in the third quarter.
GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE): The aerospace company saw shares trade higher on the week, helped possibly by some recent contract awards. GE Aerospace recently announced a US Air Force contract worth up to $5 billion for engines used on the F-15 and F-16 fighter jets. The company also recently announced plans to invest $1 billion in its U.S. manufacturing facilities to strengthen production, which could signal increased orders and growth opportunities.
Monolithic Power Systems (NASDAQ:MPWR): The chipmaker saw strong interest during the week, which comes after the company hosted its analyst day and updated its guidance on Thursday. The company is guiding for first-quarter revenue to be in a range of $630 million to $640 million, up from a prior range of $610 million to $630 million. Analysts expect the company to post first-quarter revenue of $578.1 million. Analysts recently remained bullish on the company with Buy ratings maintained. Shares were down on the week with a sharp drop during the week, before moving back up on Thursday and Friday.
AppLovin Corporation (NASDAQ:APP): The advertising tech company was one of the top-performing stocks in 2024 and shares are up over 300% in the last year. Readers showed strong interest in the stock, which gained on the week and in recent weeks has posted gains after several short reports sent shares lower. Strong fourth-quarter results helped the stock in February before shares dropped from the short reports. Needham analyst Bernie McTernan reiterated a Hold rating on the stock recently. McTernan researched APP's expansion beyond mobile gaming ads into other industries like ecommerce, apparel, and furniture.
Howmet Aerospace (NYSE:HWM): The aerospace company returns to the Stock Whisper Index for the week. The company presented at a Bank of America conference where the CEO said they expect to see F-35 production static or increasing in the second half of the decade. The CEO also said they expect to see service volumes increase year-over-year over the next five to eight years. Howmet reported fourth-quarter financial results that topped analyst estimates in February and saw analysts raise their price targets on the stock.
Stay tuned for next week's report, and follow Benzinga Pro for all the latest headlines and top market-moving stories here.
Read the latest Stock Whisper Index reports here:
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As President Donald Trump‘s tariffs shake up domestic industries and rip up longstanding trade agreements with countries near and far, a certain billion-dollar industry might ultimately find itself in the green.
If you guessed the cannabis industry, go to the head of the class.
Derek Chase, CEO of Los Angeles-based FLORA+BAST, contends that the unintended consequences of tariffs could push businesses toward more eco-conscious, locally sourced solutions. Chase quite likes the idea of developing home-grown solutions.
"Having more domestic options is a positive consequence of this extra tax layer and makes our USA-made goods more price competitive since our competition will likely want to raise prices to maintain profitability," he told Benzinga.
"But yes, since we love our Mexican suppliers and only aim to grow that part of the business, the 25% does pose higher costs for us. That said, the cost of packaging v. the price of our goods is a much smaller ratio than someone selling, say, peanuts," Chase said.
Trump's 25% across-the-board tariffs on Mexico and Canada were enacted on March 4, though they were paused two days later until April 2. Then, on March 12, Canada retaliated to Trump's steel and aluminum duties by imposing 25% tariffs on over $20 billion worth of U.S. goods.
"The short-term costs for a lot of businesses will be greatly impacted, but we believe this will bring more manufacturing back to the states and provide more options for eco-conscious businesses, especially those using glass," Chase said in an interview.
George Sadler, CEO of Gelato Canna Co., says the tariffs will not negatively affect his business any more than any other business.
"Everyone will be affected so we will be on a level playing field. Most of our manufacturing products and final packaging are made in the United States. It will be the end user, the consumer that will feel the increase. We can only absorb so much in this volatile cannabis market."
JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:JPM) CEO Jamie Dimon, who recently indicated that the largest bank in the U.S. "probably would" provide banking services to marijuana businesses if/when federal laws permit, said this week that the economy is in a “soft landing” phase, "but there's a lot of turbulence out there."
Despite the turbulence, Derek Chase remains optimistic. "All in all, it's a good thing — short-term price pressure should force businesses to look at domestic options and for businesses to sprout up in categories where they could not compete historically."
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Photo: Shutterstock
Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH), the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, has charted a diametrically opposite trajectory when compared to its older sibling, Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC), over the past year.
Consider this. Bitcoin has jumped 32% in a year, reaching an all-time high of $109,000. Its share in the overall cryptocurrency market has expanded from 52% to 60%.
Ethereum, on the other hand, contracted 39% during the same time, reducing its market share from 16% to 8%.
The widening gap has sparked discussions about Ethereum's role in the cryptocurrency hierarchy and its future course Benzinga spoke to a few analysts to understand the factors contributing to the ecosystem's ongoing downturn.
Jeffrey Hu, Head of Investment Research at digital asset manager HashKey Capital, believed the fault lies in Ethereum's economic model.
"The activation of EIP-1559 allows more Ether to be burned for deflation when Ether activity is high on Ethereum; however, in order to further support on-chain applications, Ethereum must scale," Hu stated.
The Ethereum London Hard fork, dubbed EIP-1559, introduced a token burn mechanism for the network. Under this mechanism, the base fee, i.e., the minimum fee per transaction, is removed to add deflationary pressure to ETH and boost its value.
So, what exactly is the problem?
See Also: Bitcoin’s Crisis Paradox Decoded: Bitwise CIO Explains ‘Dip Then Rip’ Phenomenon
Hu asserted that the rise of Layer-2 blockchains and the Dencun Upgrade, which slashed fees on L2s by orders of magnitude, diverted on-chain activity away from the base Ethereum chain, resulting in inflation.
According to Ultrasound Money, ETH's deflation rate started slowing down in May 2024, and since early February, the coin's supply has been net increasing.
Trever Koverko, Web3 investor and co-founder of Sapien, echoed these observations.
"Ethereum is struggling to establish a narrative around how L2’s are accretive and not extractive to the main chain," he added.
However, L2s were not the only competition that Ethereum encountered.
"Ethereum is also not doing well in terms of community culture. In contrast, Solana clearly places more emphasis on meme coin community culture, which has attracted more application development and on-chain transactions," Hu said.
Over the past year, Solana (CRYPTO: SOL) has indeed become a meme coin hotspot, helped by its user-friendly meme coin generator Pump.fun. In fact, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump also chose Solana to launch their Official Trump (CRYPTO: TRUMP) and Official Melania (CRYPTO: MELANIA) coins, respectively.
It’s worth remembering that Ethereum remains the only cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin to have its spot exchange-traded fund on Wall Street, however, inflows have been relatively subdued.
Himanshu Maradiya, Founder & Chairman, CIFDAQ Global, stated this is due to a lack of a clear consensus on Ethereum's narrative.
“Lacking a pure store-of-value proposition and often perceived as the "middle child" of the crypto ecosystem, Ethereum struggles to capture the same institutional confidence,” Maradiya argued.
He also noted that the absence of staking rewards has made Ethereum ETFs less appealing, which may be remedied given that fresh applications have been filed to allow them.
A spokesperson for the Ethereum Foundation—a non-profit dedicated to promoting and developing Ethereum-related technologies—declined to comment on ETH's shrinking market share but said that their focus remained on ecosystem development and research.
Price Action: At the time of writing, Ethereum was exchanging hands at $1,978.99, down 2.17% in the last 24 hours, according to data from Benzinga Pro. Year-to-date, the coin has slipped 41%.
Image via Shutterstock
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The future of telecommunications is now and investors are paying attention. With NVIDIA’s recent foray into AI-native 6G networks, the world is changing fast and there are huge opportunities for telecom, AI, and semiconductor ETFs.
Defiance ETFs CEO Sylvia Jablonski thinks this revolution is only just starting. “Telecom companies that want to stay competitive will need to invest in AI-powered networks, partner with AI tech leaders and upgrade to cutting-edge semiconductor technology. That's exactly why we built the Defiance Connective Technologies ETF (NASDAQ:SIXG) to capture this AI-driven telecom revolution,” she told Benzinga.
Nvidia Corp.’s (NASDAQ:NVDA) new deals with T-Mobile Us Inc (NASDAQ:TMUS), MITRE, Cisco Systems Inc (NASDAQ:CSCO), ODC, and Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp. (NYSE:BAH) that were announced in the GTC 2025 are a significant step forward in AI-powered telecommunications. Nvidia is taking the lead in the deployment of AI in wireless network hardware, software and infrastructure, paving the way for new-gen connectivity.
For investors, this transition offers attractive opportunities. The need for AI-driven networking chips, cloud computing infrastructure, telecom software and cybersecurity is likely going to boom. Broadcom Inc (NASDAQ:AVGO), Marvell Technology Inc (NASDAQ:MRVL), Qualcomm Inc (NASDAQ:QCOM), Amazon.com Inc.’s (NASDAQ:AMZN) AWS, Alphabet Inc.’s (NASDAQ:GOOG)(NASDAQ:GOOGL) Google Cloud, Oracle Corp (NASDAQ:ORCL), Cisco Systems, Ericsson and Nokia Oyj (NYSE:NOK) are likely to gain. Naturally, ETFs holding stocks of these companies are seeing an upside potential, too.
Also Read: Is Nvidia Sitting On The AI Goldmine No One Sees Yet?
Jablonski points out that ETFs such as Defiance Connective Technologies provide exposure to these leaders, enabling investors to be part of the revolution in telecom networks.
Outside of that ETF, a number of other ETFs stand to gain from Nvidia’s and the telecom sector’s AI-led transformation:
• Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (NASDAQ:AIQ) targets AI-led innovation across sectors, such as cloud computing and telecommunications.
• VanEck Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:SMH) contains top semiconductor players such as Nvidia, Broadcom and Qualcomm that form the backbone of AI-driven networking.
• iShares U.S. Telecommunications ETF (BATS:IYZ) offers exposure to large telecom companies such as Verizon Communications Inc (NYSE:VZ) and T-Mobile.
• ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (BATS:ARKQ) contains firms utilizing AI-based connectivity for automation and future mobility.
• First Trust Nasdaq Cybersecurity ETF (NASDAQ:CIBR) also covers cybersecurity companies such as Palo Alto Networks Inc (NASDAQ:PANW) and CrowdStrike Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:CRWD), which will be instrumental in protecting AI-native 6G networks.
The actual impact of AI-enabled 6G is much greater than the telecommunications sector. From health and finance to manufacturing and self-driving cars, AI-enhanced networks will bring efficiency, security and performance to many different industries.
Jablonski noted, “AI-integrated telecom networks will boost productivity and connectivity across several industries: healthcare – enabling remote surgeries, real-time diagnostics and telemedicine; finance, strengthening cybersecurity for transactions and real-time market analysis; manufacturing, enhancing automation and predictive maintenance and autonomous vehicles, powering AI-native Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication.”
The financial benefit won’t directly touch consumers’ wallets. “In the short term, telecom companies will likely use AI-driven efficiency to increase their profits as they recover infrastructure investment costs. Over time, as AI optimizes network operations, consumers could see more competitive pricing and improved services — similar to how cloud services have evolved.”
In the long run, with AI optimizing network operations, customers may experience more competitive rates and better services.
But, AI-driven networks may create a divide between telecom and tech giants. “Companies like AWS, Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure are expanding into telecom with AI-driven cloud services. Traditional telecom providers that fail to adapt may struggle to compete with these tech-driven companies,” she noted.
Nvidia’s AI-native 6G project is a game-changer and the investment environment is changing rapidly. With partnerships that range from telecom behemoths to cloud and cybersecurity companies, the argument for ETFs such as Defiance Connective Technologies ETF and Defiance Quantum ETF (NASDAQ:QTUM) has never been more compelling. As AI-powered networks redefine connectivity, investors can seize the opportunity to ride the future of telecommunications technology.
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• Alphabet Bets Big On Cybersecurity: 3 ETFs Poised For A Jackpot
Photo: Shutterstock
Restaurant company Steak ‘n Shake received praised from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as he pushed forward his Make America Healthy Again mantra.
A new survey shows people may be more interested in trying the cooking method that the restaurant chain is embracing.
What Happened: Kennedy recently traveled to a Steak ‘n Shake restaurant to try their french fries, which are cooked in beef tallow, a food item he has encouraged restaurants to switch to.
Kennedy told Fox News host Sean Hannity that consumers were "raving" about the french fries during an in-person interview at one of the chain's restaurants.
“Steak ‘n Shake just switched out, and people are raving about these french fries,” Kennedy said.
The comments come after Steak ‘n Shake, owned by Biglari Holdings (NYSE:BH), switched from seed oils to beef tallow at all locations.
Benzinga recently surveyed readers to see if they have tried this cooking method or would consider trying after Kennedy's recent blessing.
"Steak ‘n Shake switched to frying with beef tallow, a cooking method supported by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.. What's your reaction?" Benzinga asked.
The results were:
The poll found that around one-third of people were interested in trying the beef tallow cooking method. Another one-third said they don't care what method is used to cook their fries. Only 22% said they were less likely to try this food cooking method, which might show opposition to Kennedy.
In the poll, 11% of readers said they have already tried the beef tallow cooking method. When taking out these readers, the poll found the following results:
The poll shows that Steak ‘n Shake's move and Kennedy's praise has people talking.
Why It's Important: The restaurant chain's switch has drawn praise from Kennedy and members of Congress. Steak ‘n Shake embraced the strong reception. On its social media platforms, the company posted images with the phrase "Make America Healthy Again" as well as a photo of a customer holding fries in a Tesla vehicle — a potential reference to the EV company that is led by Donald Trump-ally Elon Musk.
Musk previously supported Kennedy’s praise for beef tallow by saying “the fries taste way better” with this cooking method.
Steak ‘n Shake’s current social media strategy and the attention it’s receiving from Kennedy appears to be paying off.
Google trends data shows searches for Steak ‘n Shake at a 12-month high. Searches for “steak n shake beef tallow fries” and “steak n shake beef tallow” increased.
Biglari’s future financials will show whether the new cooking method and social media strategy paid off for shareholders.
Kennedy says he prefers to “incentivize” companies to transition away from processed seed oils, instead of an outright ban.
“People should be able to make their own choice. If you want to eat a donut, or seed oils, you should be able to,” he said.
Kennedy said people should know what’s in their food and the potential health impacts to make an “informed choice.”
During the interview, Kennedy mentioned several other restaurants that have switched from seed oils or are in the process of switching. They include Sweetgreen (NYSE:SG), Buffalo Wild Wings, Bloomin’ Brands-owned Outback Steakhouse and Restaurant Brands International-owned (NYSE:QSR) Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen.
“We want to do everything that we can to incentivize these companies to be transparent, to switch over from ultra-processed food, and to be part of this movement to make America healthier,” Kennedy said.
Popeyes shared with Benzinga that they are not new to the beef tallow cooking method.
"While most other brands are just entering into the beef tallow conversation, Popeyes has been utilizing beef tallow for over 50 years to fry its chicken to perfection. This classic cooking method is one of the reasons Popeyes chicken has such a signature shatter crunch texture and bold, crave-worthy flavor – and it's all thanks to tried-and-true cooking techniques. While others maybe catching on to the benefits of cooking with beef tallow, Popeyes has been serving up crispy perfection since day one," Popeyes said.
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The study was conducted by Benzinga from March 13, 2025, through March 14, 2025. It included the responses of a diverse population of adults 18 or older. Opting into the survey was completely voluntary, with no incentives offered to potential respondents. The study reflects results from 105 adults.
On Wednesday, Telomir Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:TELO) revealed preclinical findings demonstrating that Telomir-1 reduces tumor size by approximately 50% in a prostate cancer animal model with aggressive cancer cells.
The company says that Telomir-1 actively suppresses cancer growth and protects against chemotherapy-induced toxicity and mortality when combined with Paclitaxel—a widely used chemotherapy but often associated with severe toxicity and side effects.
Paclitaxel and other chemotherapy agents induce toxicity largely through oxidative stress, which results in excessive damage to healthy cells and contributes to severe side effects.
The company says that Telomir-1 can reverse oxidative stress through its metal ion-regulatory activities, which may be responsible for eliminating chemotherapy-induced toxicity in this study.
"There has long been a debate about whether telomere elongation could fuel cancer growth, but our findings provide compelling evidence that Telomir-1 does more than just lengthen telomeres—it actively suppresses tumor development…We are seeing a drug that extends cellular health while simultaneously protecting against the very toxicity that often limits treatment success," said Dr. Angel, Chief Scientific Advisor at Telomir.
In addition to oncology, ongoing studies are evaluating Telomir-1 in age-related diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and Wilson's disease, a rare orphan disorder affecting copper metabolism.
The company is prioritizing the fastest pathway to clinical trials and aims to submit its Investigational New Drug (IND) application by year-end.
In December, Telomir Pharmaceuticals announced preclinical findings highlighting the copper-binding potential of Telomir-1 as a potential treatment for Wilson's disease and related disorders.
The compound exhibits a binding affinity for copper ions, enabling precise regulation of copper metabolism and interacting with essential ions such as copper, iron, and zinc.
Price Action: TELO stock closed at $4.12 on Tuesday.
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With market concentration concerns rising, investors are hunting for "diversification without sacrificing growth." Enter gold – the precious metal that has already smashed past $3,000 per ounce and could be heading even higher.
Gold's 2024 run has been nothing short of spectacular. The gold-tracking SPDR Gold Trust (NYSE:GLD) is up about 40% over the past year.
During an exclusive interview with Benzinga, Violeta Todorova, senior research analyst at Leverage Shares, said that the momentum is not slowing down anytime soon. "With a confluence of favourable factors such as monetary easing, central bank buying, geopolitical tensions, inflationary pressures, and strong physical demand—the outlook for gold remains strong."
Read Also: Gold ETFs Shine As Spot Price Tops $3,000 During Safe-Haven Demand
While equity markets remain volatile, gold's safe-haven appeal continues to strengthen. Todorova sees multiple catalysts for further gains. "Amid the uncertainties of 2025, gold is likely to remain a cornerstone of wealth preservation and portfolio diversification."
And just how high can it go? "The precious metal is likely to extend its rally to $3,500 per ounce; however, it could reach higher levels by the end of the year," she told Benzinga.
Meanwhile, gold ETFs are set to benefit as investors seek protection from ongoing market swings. Todorova expects "increased inflows" into gold funds as more investors turn to safety plays. The GLD, the iShares Gold Trust (NYSE:IAU) and the SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust (NYSE:GLDM) offer exposure to gold.
With uncertainty gripping the market, investors are reevaluating their portfolios. While tech stocks have driven past bull markets, gold's latest surge suggests a shift in sentiment. The GLD is already up 13.82% YTD, the IAU has gained 13.85% and the GLDM has gained 13.87% so far this year.
As 2025 unfolds, the question isn't just whether gold will hit $3,500 – it's whether investors will pivot in time to ride the wave.
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Photo: Shutterstock
Rising geopolitical tensions have investors interested in defense stocks.
The iShares US Aerospace & Defense ETF (BATS:ITA) has gained 5.43% YTD and the Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF (NYSE:PPA) is up 2.20% YTD.
As NATO ramps up spending and global conflicts remain unresolved, companies in the defense sector are seeing strong demand.
In an exclusive interview with Benzinga, Violeta Todorova, Senior Research Analyst at Leverage Shares, said she sees this trend continuing. She highlighted RTX Corp (NYSE:RTX) as a standout pick. "RTX is our preferred pick in the sector, and we see levels to $170 as achievable before year-end," she states.
Read Also: RTX’s Collins Aerospace Secures $80 Million Black Hawk Avionics Upgrade Contract
RTX has solidified its leadership in missile defense and aerospace, benefiting from increased government spending on advanced military technology. Todorova notes that while European defense contractors are seeing the biggest gains as the region boosts domestic defense production, U.S. firms like RTX remain well-positioned to capitalize on sustained demand.
Its strong backlog and exposure to critical defense programs support long-term growth, and with continued geopolitical uncertainty, the company remains a key player. She sees further upside for RTX stock, with $170 as a potential target by year-end.
It's not just RTX benefiting from the global shift toward defense, “several defense stocks could benefit from Trump's shift towards NATO,” she said. Lockheed Martin Corp (NYSE:LMT), General Dynamics Corp (NYSE:GD), L3Harris Technologies Inc (NYSE:LHX) and Northrop Grumman Corp (NYSE:NOC) are also enjoying a strong tailwind.
NATO's commitment to increased defense budgets means the sector could be in for a multi-year uptrend.
For investors looking beyond traditional tech plays, the defense sector presents a compelling case. With national security taking priority and military modernization efforts ramping up, Todorova believes defense stocks are no longer just cyclical—they are becoming a core holding for many investors.
If RTX does indeed hit $170 by year-end, it will only reinforce that shift.
RTX Price Action: RTX stock closed the trading day, Monday, at $132.05 a share, up 1.58%.
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President Donald Trump's proposal for a 200% tariff on European alcohol imports has sent shockwaves through the beverage industry, raising fears that champagne, cognac and high-end wines could soon be unaffordable for U.S. consumers and disappear from the market entirely.
In an exclusive interview with Benzinga on Monday, Marten Lodewijks, President of IWRS America, a global leader in data and analytics for the beverage alcohol industry, said there is no scenario where a tariff of this magnitude does not inflict serious damage on European alcohol sales in the U.S.
“China imposed a 220% tariff on Australian wine, and exports to China collapsed by 96%. That effectively shut down the entire export market,” he said, pointing to a precedent for how devastating such a move could be.
Tariffs on alcohol are not new, and past data provides insight into their potential impact.
In 2019, a 25% tariff on U.S. whiskey exports to Europe resulted in a 20% decline in sales within a year. A similar 25% tariff on Scotch whisky imports to the U.S. led to a 17% drop in sales.
“This would significantly harm the European export market to the U.S., which remains one of the most valuable in the world,” Lodewijks said.
The U.S. is the largest market for European wines and spirits, accounting for nearly a fifth of their total product shipments.
In 2024, the U.S. imported $5.6 billion worth of wine and $5.5 billion in other alcoholic beverages from the European Union, according to data from the International Trade Centre.
The biggest losers would be high-end European producers, particularly those relying on U.S. demand. French champagne, Italian prosecco, Spanish wines, and Scotch whisky all risk seeing sharp sales declines.
American consumers, especially those accustomed to premium European wines and spirits, would also feel the impact through higher prices.
Surprisingly, some U.S. whiskey producers could also be hit, as Europe and the UK—two of the biggest markets for American whiskey—may retaliate with their own tariffs.
“The biggest market for U.S. whiskey is precisely the one facing tariffs,” Lodewijks said.
Not all companies will be on the losing end. American craft whiskey and bourbon producers could see an uptick in demand as European imports become too expensive.
Shares of Brown-Forman Inc. (NYSE:BF), the maker of Jack Daniel's, have gained nearly 5% since Trump's tweet threatening a 200% tariff on European alcohol unless Brussels reduces tariffs on U.S. whiskey.
U.S. wineries may also benefit if French and Italian wines are priced out of the market, pushing consumers toward Napa Valley or Oregon Pinot Noir.
Facing the looming tariff risk, some industry players are front-loading inventory, importing products in bulk before potential price spikes.
“Tequila producers, for example, are increasing shipments to the U.S. ahead of tariffs,” Lodewijks confirmed.
Yet, the U.S. alcohol market is already overstocked, limiting how much additional inventory can be absorbed.
“Distributors are sitting on historic levels of stock. There's only so much they can take before logistics and financing become a problem,” Lodewijks said.
Beyond the immediate impact on pricing and supply chains, the biggest issue remains uncertainty.
“The biggest problem with this trade war is the lack of clarity. It's changing every day,” Lodewijks said. This unpredictability makes it difficult for businesses to plan, creating a “paralysis” in decision-making.
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The Magnificent Seven have had an iron grip on the market, but cracks are starting to show. Their earnings advantage over the broader market is narrowing, raising questions about whether tech's dominance is finally losing steam.
In an exclusive interview with Benzinga, Violeta Todorova, senior research analyst at Leverage Shares, said she believes this could be the start of a more significant shift.
"We started seeing emerging signs of a more durable transition, as the earnings gap between the Magnificent Seven and the rest of the market is narrowing," she said.
Read Also: From ‘Magnificent 7’ To ‘Maleficent 7,’ Goldman Sachs Slashes Year-End S&P 500 Target
The NASDAQ-100 tracking Invesco QQQ ETF (NASDAQ:QQQ) is down 5.38% YTD while the broad technology sector tracking Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (NYSE:XLK) is down 7.13% YTD.
With Big Tech stocks no longer delivering eye-popping outperformances, investors are looking for fresh opportunities. Capital is flowing into financials, industrials and even energy—sectors that have played second fiddle to tech for years. The Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (NYSE:XLF) is up 1.18% YTD, the Industrial Select Sector SPDR ETF (NYSE:XLI) is up 1.25% YTD and the Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (NYSE:XLE) is up 5.23% YTD.
While Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:NVDA) and Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:MSFT) remain AI darlings, the rest of the pack is facing valuation fatigue.
The artificial intelligence revolution has powered tech stocks to new highs, but Todorova warns that AI alone is not enough to sustain growth across the board.
While companies like Microsoft, Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:AMZN) and Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) (NASDAQ:GOOG) are leveraging their strong balance sheets to turn AI from hype into real-world application, concerns are mounting over the long-term returns on these massive investments.
With AI adoption accelerating but stock market leadership shifting, the Magnificent Seven's dominance is being tested as earnings growth slows and broader economic uncertainties loom.
The key question is whether this is just a momentary cooldown or the start of a multi-year rotation. Tech has led for so long that many investors struggle to imagine a different market landscape.
But as earnings dispersion levels out and capital shifts elsewhere, the Magnificent Seven may no longer be a guaranteed one-way bet.
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