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Top 3 Small-cap Medical Device Stocks (Updated January 2026)

The growing prevalence of chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes is driving increasing innovation in medical device technology. In 2024 alone, 30 new devices were approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Wearable medical devices and the use of artificial intelligence in medical technology are two key trends in this sector.

Investors who want exposure to this wave of growth may want to consider NASDAQ small-cap medical device stocks. Below is a list of the top NASDAQ medical device companies based on year-on-year gains.

All data was compiled on December 31, 2025, using TradingView’s stock screener, and the medical device makers listed below had market caps between US$50 million and US$500 million at that time.

1. MDxHealth (NASDAQ:MDXH)

Year-on-year gain: 50.86 percent
Market cap: US$173.24 million
Share price: US$3.50

MDxHealth is a commercial-stage precision diagnostics company specializing in molecular tests for urologic cancers, particularly prostate cancer, using genomic, epigenetic and exosomal technologies. Its US headquarters and operations are located in Irvine, California.

The company offers non-invasive and tissue-based diagnostic assays that run on standard PCR platforms.

In September, MDxHealth acquired Exosome Diagnostics from Bio-Techne (NASDAQ:TECH) for US$15 million, adding the ExoDx Prostate urine test to its portfolio. The deal also includes a CLIA-certified clinical laboratory and related assets. The deal is expected to generate over US$20 million in revenue in 2026.

2. KORU Medical Systems (NASDAQ:KRMD)

Year-on-year gain: 50.13 percent
Market cap: US$269.6 million
Share price: US$5.82

KORU Medical Systems develops and manufactures medical devices and supplies in the US and internationally, with a focus on mechanical infusion products. Its Freedom Syringe Infusion System first received FDA clearance in 1994.

Based on this system, its primary products include the Freedom60 and FreedomEdge syringe infusion systems, Precision Flow Rate Tubing and High-Flo Subcutaneous Safety Needle Sets.

KORU Medical Systems submitted a 510(k) premarket notification to the FDA on December 30, 2025, seeking clearance for its FreedomEdge system to deliver Phesgo — a HER2+ breast cancer targeted biologic — subcutaneously, targeting infusion centers to cut chair time and boost efficiency.

The company stated this is part of its strategy to expand the indications of FreedomEdge to the wider oncology infusion center market.

3. Vivani Medical (NASDAQ:VANI)

Year-on-year gain: 1.71 percent
Market cap: US$86.81 million
Share price: US$1.19

Vivani Medical is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing miniature, long-term subdermal drug implants using its proprietary NanoPortal technology to treat chronic conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Headquartered in Alameda, California, Vivani focuses on GLP-1 implants that provide steady drug release over six months to improve adherence and tolerability compared to daily pills or weekly injections.

In August, Vivani Medical reported positive Phase 1 results from its LIBERATE-1 trial of the NPM-115 exenatide implant, confirming safety and steady drug release for obesity treatment without major side effects.

The company plans to rapidly advance its NPM-139 semaglutide implant after it achieved preclinical results of sustained 20 percent weight loss. It is planning a Phase 1 clinical study in the first half of 2026.

Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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Cannabis Market 2025 Year-End Review

2025 marked a turning point for investment in the cannabis sector, shifting the focus toward operational resilience and consolidation after a sluggish 2024.

Key market drivers included an upswing in merger and acquisition (M&A) activity as stronger multi-state operators (MSOs) acquired distressed assets, alongside pivotal regulatory developments.

The central theme for the year was the expected US federal shift to Schedule III, a policy rollercoaster that culminated in an executive order to expedite rescheduling, focusing investor flows into scaled, cashflow-positive MSOs.

Internationally, incremental legalization in Europe, particularly the momentum in Germany, broadened the global footprint and provided new export channels for North American producers.

Within market trends, profitability pivoted away from bulk flower to high-margin consumables, with infused pre-rolls and edibles driving category growth and supporting a rerating of resilient operators.

US cannabis rescheduling a core shift

After 2024’s punishing drawdowns, cannabis navigated a high-stakes policy rollercoaster in 2025.

The sector bottomed in Q1 as anticipated US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) rescheduling hearings were delayed, but ignited in late Q3 and Q4 as the narrative shifted toward a decisive executive-led reclassification.

This momentum culminated in US President Donald Trump’s December 18 executive order, which expedites rescheduling and CBD access. It triggered a parabolic surge followed by a violent ‘sell the news’ correction.

“Cannabis is not just a volatile sector or industry. It is the most volatile place,” said Dan Ahrens, managing director and portfolio manager of the AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF (ARCA:MSOS). “It just proves the point, once again, that we really, really need this federal reform to be officially completed.”

Indeed, 2025 brought plenty of ups and downs. The year opened with Schedule III buzz, which came after prior Department of Health and Human Services recommendations and initial DEA scheduling proposals from late 2024; however, proceedings ground to a halt after the DEA postponed a key January hearing by over 180 days due to administrative turnover, bias claims and leadership gaps post-election. These disruptiosn kept Section 280E tax penalties in place and banking access frozen, keeping margins for MSOs compressed.

Meanwhile, House spending bills included language prohibiting the Department of Justice (DoJ) from spending any funds on rescheduling efforts, while Senate Farm Bill revisions redefined hemp to exclude intoxicating derivatives like delta-8 THC, capping them at trace levels and effectively imposing a nationwide hemp ban on high-potency alternatives.

The MSOS ETF’s portfolio construction exemplified the broader trend of investor flows concentrating into scaled, cash-flow-positive MSOs amid reform volatility. The fund’s top three holdings — Curaleaf Holdings (CSE:CURA,OTCQX:CURLF), Trulieve Cannabis (CSE:TRUL,OTCQX:TCNNF) and Green Thumb Industries (CSE:GTII,OTCQX:GTBIF) — accounted for over 68 percent of its total holdings as of December 31, underscoring confidence in these operators as resilient proxies for US cannabis maturation while smaller single-state players face dilution.

MSOS managers reinforced the shift in the year’s third quarter by trimming three underperformers from the ETF: 4Front Ventures (CSE:FFNT), Lowell Farms (CSE:LOWL) and Gold Flora.

Despite stalls in momentum, Trump kept hope alive in the cannabis sector throughout the year.

In September, he called cannabis reform an “80-20 issue” with broad public backing, and posted a Truth Social video promoting CBD for seniors and suggesting Medicaid coverage.

Those moves, alongside Representative Greg Steube’s (R-FL) Marijuana 1-to-3 Act, aimed at legislatively shifting cannabis to Schedule III, drove a surge in Q3 without any underlying procedural progress.

As mentioned, the December 18 executive order injected fresh life into the sector, directing the DoJ and DEA to expedite cannabis rescheduling to Schedule III, while launching a CMS Innovation Center pilot for federal health programs to cover hemp-derived CBD as early as April 2026, with up to US$500 annual reimbursement for eligible patients.

CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz previously endorsed Medicare reimbursement for CBD therapies during his confirmation hearings, framing them as “low-risk, high-impact” options for age-related ailments.

European cannabis legalization and international growth

2025 brought incremental legalization or medical frameworks in multiple jurisdictions, including Czechia, Malta, Poland, Switzerland and Luxembourg, broadening the investable global footprint.

This continental momentum has directly boosted North American producers through export ramps and licensing deals, with Canadian licensed producers capturing 43 percent of Germany’s Q2 imports alone.

The country’s CanG framework and adult‑use reform, which came into effect in April 2024, have made it Europe’s most important legal market, with 2025 medical sales expected to see explosive year-on-year growth.

Cannabis company trends in 2025

In 2025, cannabis companies pivoted toward operational resilience and product innovation amid persistent commoditization pressures. After 2024’s wholesale flower price declines, down roughly 32 percent since 2021 by some estimates, stronger MSOs like Tilray Brands (TSX:TLRY,NASDAQ:TLRY) are demonstrating pricing power through branded products and category expansion into edibles, vapes and infused pre-rolls.

Deal flow rebounded from 2024’s US$1.17 billion trough, with US transactions reaching US$2.1 billion.

Against that backdrop, cash-rich MSOs pursued distressed roll-ups in oversupplied states like California and New York, with Vireo Growth’s (CSE:VREO,OTCQX:VREOF) acquisitions in Minnesota and New York exemplifying the trend, achieving critical mass with premium valuations amid hemp restrictions.

Private equity and creative deal structures dominated in the cannabis market, preparing operators for federal reform, while consolidating fragmented retail.

Investor takeaway

2025 marked a transformative year for cannabis, with regulatory breakthroughs and market maturation set against the backdrop of volatility. Trump’s execuctive order has brought new life into the sector in the US with the promise of not only banking and tax relief, but also bipartisan momentum for normalization; however, investors remain cautious.

“Everybody is waiting for it to be real and for it to be completed. Because even though we think the executive order was huge … nothing’s complete yet. Nothing’s official yet,” explained Ahrens.

Looking to 2026, he emphasized that the path forward for cannabis isn’t a straight line, but rather a series of volatile ‘waves’ tied to incremental regulatory milestones. Ahrens anticipates that while the finalization of Schedule III should trigger an initial move, it is merely the first domino; subsequent upside depends on the DoJ providing clear guidance for state-legal adult-use programs and the eventual passage of banking reform.

While he does foresee cannabis stocks uplisting to major exchanges, and Big Pharma companies beginning to make acquisitions in the space, Ahrens remains cautious about timing, noting that even with a signed order, large institutional banks will likely keep the ‘blockade’ in place until the legal ink is truly dry.

Ultimately, while 2025’s executive action has established a concrete foundation for federal reform in the US, the cannabis sector remains poised in a state of high-stakes volatility, with its full maturation dependent on official completion of milestones in 2026 and beyond.

Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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QB Bryce Underwood announces he’ll return to Michigan in 2026

Bryce Underwood is returning to Michigan for his sophomore season, he announced via social media on Jan. 5.

Underwood never entered the transfer portal, but his status was in question due to the Wolverines’ coaching change. Michigan hired former Utah coach Kyle Whittingham to replace Sherrone Moore, and Whittingham brought offensive coordinator Jason Beck with him.

Underwood said during Michigan’s bowl preparations for the Citrus Bowl against Texas he would decide on his future after the game. His decision comes five days after Michigan’s 41-27 loss on Dec. 31.

Whittingham said early Jan. 5 he was expecting a decision soon from Underwood, and he expected the signal caller to return to Michigan.

‘He seems to really enjoy his time here, has enjoyed his time here,’ Whittingham said on ‘Wake Up Barstool.’ ‘He’s one of the team leaders. He’s a young guy, but he’s one of the team leaders, obviously, by virtue of the position. And so, he is a guy that we think is going to be a part of what we’re doing going forward.’

Underwood struggled in his final start of the 2025 season in Michigan’s loss to Texas. He completed 23-of-42 passes for 199 yards with two touchdowns but threw three interceptions. He also rushed for 69 yards and another touchdown.

The Belleville, Michigan native made headlines when he flipped his longtime commitment from LSU to Michigan just a few days before the early signing period opened on Dec. 4, 2024. Underwood committed to LSU in January 2024 before flipping his commitment in November of that year.

Whittingham and Michigan’s new coaching staff now look to build around Underwood, as the talented young quarterbacks looks to build on his true freshman season.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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Bears vs Packers early odds, predictions for wild-card round matchup

The Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers rivalry dates back to the earliest days of the NFL, and yet they’ve only ever met in the playoffs two times.

A new chapter will be added in the storied history of these teams in the wild-card round of this year’s postseason, when the Bears host the Packers for a third matchup this year. Chicago and Green Bay each won its home game in the two divisional clashes during the regular season, so this meeting in the playoffs will serve as something of a high-stakes rubber match for the season series.

It’s also a rubber match for the all-time postseason series. The Bears won the first playoff matchup between the two teams in 1941. It took over 60 years for the next postseason meeting in 2010, when the Packers won the NFC championship en route to a Super Bowl 45 victory.

Here’s what to know ahead of Chicago’s first home playoff game in seven years:

Bears vs. Packers wild card game odds

The Bears hold a very slight edge over the Packers in the wild-card matchup, according to the BetMGM NFL odds as of Jan. 5. Not interested in this game? Check out expert picks and best bets for every NFL game this week.

  • Spread: Bears (-1)
  • Moneyline: Bears (-110); Packers (-110)
  • Over/under: 46

Our guide to NFL betting odds, picks and spreads has you covered.

New to sports betting? USA TODAY readers can claim exclusive promos and bonus codes with the best online sportsbooks and sports betting sites.

Bears vs. Packers matchups to watch

Ben Johnson vs. Matt LaFleur

Two of the game’s best offensive minds are set to meet in another head-to-head matchup. We’ve seen plenty of this before, when Johnson was the Lions’ offensive coordinator playing the Packers twice per year. But we’ve only seen the two face off as head coaches twice – earlier this year – and never with the stakes so high. Expect to see both of these young masterminds reach deep in their bag to pull out any and everything they can to put more points on the board and move on to the divisional round.

Jordan Love and Packers WRs vs. Bears passing defense

Love was knocked out of the latter matchup between these two teams earlier this year with a head injury, but he put on a show against the Bears in the earlier regular season meeting, throwing for 234 yards and three touchdowns. Chicago’s defense led the NFL in takeaways during the regular season, boosted by a league-leading 23 interceptions as a defense – including one against Love.

The Bears’ takeaway-focused defensive strategy had major boom-or-bust potential all year – Chicago still had the 10th-worst scoring defense despite the turnovers – and they’ll need to figure out how to stop Love and the Packers’ young wideouts without relying so heavily on interceptions.

Packers’ Micah Parsons-less pass-rush vs. Bears O-line and Caleb Williams

In the first 15 weeks of the season, when Green Bay had their prized offseason acquisition healthy, the Packers ranked seventh in dropback success rate allowed (43.9%) and had 34 sacks as a team with 61 tackles for a loss. Since Parsons’ injury in Week 15, Green Bay is allowing the sixth-highest success rate on dropbacks (53.2%) and had two sacks as a team – both by third-stringers against Max Brosmer in Week 18 – with 11 TFLs.

The Bears’ re-tooled offensive line has been one of its biggest strengths this year, and Williams evades sacks better than almost any other starting quarterback. His 10.8% pressure-to-sack rate is third-lowest of quarterbacks with nine or more starts this year. The Packers are going to have a hard time getting to the quarterback in this matchup and are still looking for their first win without Parsons active.

Early prediction for Bears vs. Packers

  • Bears 24, Packers 23

It’s a division game in the playoffs. If the first two games these two teams played in the regular season were any indication, this one is also coming down to the wire.

Ultimately, the Packers have looked like a different (read: weaker) team since Parsons suffered his season-ending ACL tear. Quarterback Jordan Love’s absence with a concussion did nothing to help their outlook as they lost four straight to end the season, but at least they’re getting him back for this game.

Week 18 weirdness aside, the Bears have looked resurgent in their first season under Johnson, particularly on offense. Williams has taken a step forward in his second season as a pro, and the offensive line is suddenly among the league’s best, opening up more possibilities in the run and passing games.

Green Bay has won three playoff games since LaFleur took over as head coach in 2019 and only one in the last four years. The injury to Parsons and lack of home-field advantage thanks to their four-game slide down the stretch may be enough to keep LaFleur and the Packers from a fourth playoff win since 2019 and first in two years.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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Steve Kerr ejected in Warriors’ loss to Clippers

The Golden State Warriors lost a close game to the Los Angeles Clippers, 103-102, at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, on Jan. 5.

The contest was officially decided on a missed potential game-winning baseline fade away from Warriors forward Jimmy Butler, who ended the game with 24 points and four steals.

There was a controversial missed goaltend call with 7:57 left in the fourth quarter that led to a furious Warriors head coach Steve Kerr being ejected when the team was gaining momentum after trailing most of the game.

With just around eight minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the Warriors were down 81-74, and looked to cut into the Clippers lead after starting the period down by 10. Draymond Green found Gary Payton II on a backdoor cut, who then went for a layup off the backboard.

Clippers forward John Collins was credited with a block on Payton but replays showed the Payton had the ball on the glass before Collins made contact and should have been called a goaltend, according the 2025-26 NBA Rulebook. The score would have been 81-76, but instead it was 81-74.

An irate Kerr who was upset with the missed goaltend call, went screaming after an official, and had to be restrained by Payton and assistant coach Terry Stotts. Kerr received back-to-back technical fouls at 7:57 in the fourth quarter and was ejected from the game. Stotts took over as coach for the remainder of the game.

Stotts spoke to reporters after the game in place of Kerr and explained he was answering questions instead of Kerr ‘because I’m saving Steve some money.’

‘What particularly? I think it was that goaltending call that was missed. There were probably some other things, but that was the last straw, probably. I don’t want to speak for Steve,’ Stotts said after the game. ‘I didn’t see a replay but it seemed at the time that it was obvious that it was a goaltend.’

After a Collins made technical free throw and Kris Dunn adding two more free ones after getting fouled, the Clippers led by 10.

Their lead grew to 13 with under five minutes in the game, but one last push from Golden State got them to within a one-possession game.

Warriors guard Stephen Curry scored 27 points and had three steals, his night ended early when he fouled out the game with 42.7 seconds left in the game and his team down, 101-100.

Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 24 points, while rookie guard and Southern California native Kobe Sanders scored a career-high 20 points and added seven rebounds.

Los Angeles is now 13-22 and is 11th in the Western Conference standings, while Golden State is 19-18 at the No. 8 spot.

Warriors vs. Clippers highlights 

Clippers vs. Warriors game notes

It was all Clippers in the first period as they led the Warriors, 31-19. 

In the second quarter, Warriors outscored the clippers 32-24, but still Golden State trailed Los Angeles, 55-51 at the half. Curry had 12 points in the second quarter, 14 in the half. Leonard had 14 points in the half for the Clippers. 

The Clippers’ lead grew to double-digits by the end of the third quarter but the Warriors wouldn’t go away.

Green sparked a 4th quarter run with his defensive presence which turned to easy offense for Payton and Gui Santos when it wasn’t it was all eyes on Curry.

A controversial no-call on what was believed to be a goaltend led to Kerr’s ejection. The Warriors would have been down by five but instead found themselves back at a 10-point deficit, which grew to 13.

Butler scored timely baskets, as did Curry but that stopped when he fouled out with 42 seconds in the game. Green scored to give them one more chance. Butler missed the game-winner.

‘I haven’t seen the replay but live it looked like a goaltend,’ Green said to reporters after the game. ‘Our group kept fighting. That’s what gotta do in that situation and we did. It’s just unfortunate we couldn’t come out with the win.’

Green added: ‘I thought we played well. We couldn’t hit shots. We missed a lot of shots, shots that normally make or can make. We took care of the ball. We defended without fouling. I thought we did a lot of good things. We forced turnovers. We just didn’t capitalize enough.’

Warriors’ keys to the game

Unselfish play, spread the ball around: When the Warriors are at their best, they are playing a well-rounded version of team basketball. Everyone is in motion, getting good looks whether at the rim or open shots. The key will be to knock down those looks when the opportunity arises. Warriors just missed shots, going 38% on 92 field goals including 24% on 41 three-point attempts.

Who’s the answer for Kawhi: Warriors will have to throw multiple defenders at Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard to try and stop him. Expect heightened defensive focus from everyone, especially De’Anthony Melton, Gary Payton Jr., Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler. It was a good job, defensively, on Kawhi. He scored 27 but shot 10-of-25 and had five turnovers.

Productivity from bench: Bench production is key for the Warriors. When they’re playing together and get going, they can compliment Golden State’s stars well. Last game they outscored Utah’s bench, 46-30. Warriors bench outscored the Clippers’ bench 36-15.

Warriors’ next five games

  • Jan. 7 vs. Milwaukee Bucks
  • Jan. 9 vs. Sacramento Kings
  • Jan. 11 vs. Atlanta Hawks
  • Jan. 13 vs. Portland Trail Blazers
  • Jan. 15 vs. New York Knicks
This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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Rams vs. Panthers in NFL playoffs: Early predictions, odds, key matchups

The Los Angeles Rams travel to Charlotte for the second time this season to take on the Carolina Panthers. This time around, the winner goes home.

The Rams enter the playoffs as the NFC’s No. 5 seed after finishing second in the NFC West. The Panthers are the No. 4 seed in the conference after winning a tiebreaker in the NFC South.

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford had three turnovers during the team’s 31-28 Week 13 loss to the Panthers. The Rams have lost two of their past three games as they enter the postseason but are a dangerous team. The Panthers have lost three of the last four games and are the only sub.-500 team to qualify for the playoffs.

How will the Rams vs. Panthers wild-card matchup go? Here’s what to expect ahead of their Jan. 10 playoff battle:

Rams vs. Panthers wild-card game odds

The Rams are a big road favorite in this contest, according to the BetMGM NFL odds.

  • Spread: Rams (-10)
  • Moneyline: Rams (-625); Panthers (+450)
  • Over/under: 46.5

Our guide to NFL betting odds, picks and spreads has you covered.

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Rams vs. Panthers matchups to watch

Led by MVP candidate Matthew Stafford, the Rams have one of the best offenses in the NFL. The upstart Panthers won the NFC South and have the confidence that they defeated Los Angeles earlier this season. Here’s a look at some of the most notable matchups to watch.

Panthers pass defense vs. Rams aerial attack

Matthew Stafford tossed two interceptions in the previous meeting against the Panthers. Puka Nacua and Davante Adams combined for 10 catches for 130 yards. Adams also had two touchdown receptions.

The Panthers defense allowed 203.9 passing yards per game during the regular season.

It’ll be interesting to see if Panthers standout cornerback Jaycee Horn travels with either Nacua or Adams. Adams has typically drawn the opposing team’s top corner while defenses shade an extra defender to Nacua.

Stafford is the third player in NFL history with at least 45 touchdown passes and fewer than 10 interceptions in a season, per NFL Research.

Panthers pass rush versus Rams offensive line

The Panthers defense sacked Stafford twice and pressured him four times in their Week 13 victory. Derrick Brown had a strip sack. Brown had a team-best 35 pressures and his five sacks were tied for a team-high during the regular season. Brown and Carolina’s ability to get after Stafford will be key if the Panthers want to pull off the upset.

Jared Verse, Byron Young and Rams front seven against Panthers offense

The Rams have one of the best defensive fronts in football. Verse and Young combined for 19.5 sacks this season. The Rams defense ranked near the top of the league in both pass rush win rate and run stop win rate during the regular season.

Los Angeles had 10 pressures and sacked Bryce Young twice in Week 13. But the Panthers rushed for 164 yards and averaged a little more than four yards per carry. Carolina was the more physical team in the trenches previously. The Rams have to change that if they want to be victorious on Saturday.

Early prediction for Rams vs. Panthers

Rams 27, Panthers 20

Week 13 was probably the worst game of Matthew Stafford’s MVP-caliber season. Stafford committed three turnovers in the loss in which hardly anything went the Rams way. I predict the Rams take better care of the football and send the Panthers packing this time. Los Angeles is the more talented team. However, the Panthers have a lot of bulletin-board material because they are a big home underdog.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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Sweden tops Czechia for world juniors gold: Highlights

Sweden finished a perfect 7-0 at the world junior hockey championship and played a nearly perfect final to take home a gold medal for the first time since 2012.

Sweden scored short-handed and on the power play, set up by great plays from Flyers prospect Jack Berglund. Then draft-eligible Ivar Stenberg took over in the third with a tremendous skating display before a Sascha Boumedienne goal. He added an empty netter after Czechia pulled close on goals by Adam Jiricek and Matej Kubiesa.

The Swedes usually know heartbreak at the tournament with strong group play and disappointing playoffs. They had lost four of their previous five semifinals, but they got past Finland, 4-3 in a shootout, That set the stage for winning their third gold medal in the 50 years of the tournament.

Silver medalist Czechia gets its fourth consecutive medal and Vojtech Cihar was named tournament MVP. Swedish goalie Love Harenstam, Jiricek and Swedish forward Anton Frondell also received honors.

Sweden vs Czechia highlights

Tournament awards

Final score: Sweden 4, Czechia 2

Czechia made it close at the end, scoring two goals with their goalie pulled. But Sweden played a nearly perfect game for 57 minutes to make the difference. Sweden wins its first gold medal since 2012. Czechia gets silver.

Ivar Stenberg puts it away

The draft-eligible forward tucks in an empty-netter. Sweden 4, Czechia 2

Czechia scores again

Matej Kubiesa scores with 23 seconds left. Sweden 3, Czechia 2

2 minutes left

Czech goalie out. It’s 6-on-5 again.

Czechia breaks through

Adam Jiricek scores on a one-timer with 2:24 left. Sweden 3, Czechia 1.

Czechs pull goalie

It’s 6-on-5

5 minutes left

3-0 Sweden, which leads 35-20 in shots.

Czechia power play

Linus Eriksson is called for holding. Needless to say, Czechia needs to score here. They don’t. No shots. Several Sweden blocks. About 12 minutes left.

Sweden goes up 3-0

This is why Ivar Stenberg is getting so much draft attention. He stickhandles down the ice and around the Czech zone before feeding Sascha Boumedienne for a one-timer. Sweden 3, Czechia 0

Early third period

Still not a lot of space out there, but Czechia gets a couple shots.

Third period underway

Sweden controlling play so far.

End of second: Sweden 2, Czechia 0

Another special teams goal for Sweden. And they look good on the penalty kill, too. Sweden is limiting Czechia’s chances. Just 11 Czech shots so far. Twenty more minutes of this, and Sweden gets gold.

Czechia power play

Loke Krantz is called for interference. Sweden kills it off, blocking several shots.

Sweden scores on power play

Another nice assist by Jack Berglund. Victor Eklund capitalizes. Sweden 2, Czechia 0

Sweden power play

Vojtech Cihar is called for cross-checking.

Sweden pressuring

Ivar Stenberg hits the post.

Second period underway

1-0 Sweden.

End of first: Sweden 1, Czechia 0

Giving up a short-handed goal is never good and Czechia didn’t look good in its coverage. That mistake is the difference in this game. Shots are 10-6 Sweden.

Sweden scores short-handed

Jack Berglund puts on a stickhandling display and then feeds Casper Juustovaara for a short-handed goal. Sweden 1, Czechia 0

Czechia power play

Sascha Boumedienne is called for delay of game.

Czechia power play

Ivar Stenberg is called for holding the stick. It’s killed off. One shot.

Lucas Pettersson in Sweden lineup

He had missed Sunday’s game because he was ill.

Game underway

Sweden’s Love Harenstam vs. Czechia’s Michal Orsulak, Both played in Sunday’s semifinals.

What channel is Sweden vs Czechia world juniors hockey gold-medal game today?

TV channel: NHL Network

Livestream: Fubo, which offers a free trial to new subscribers, or Sling TV.

Watch world junior championships on Fubo

What time is Sweden vs Czechia world juniors hockey gold-medal game today?

Date: Monday, Jan. 5

Time: 8:30 p.m. ET (7:30 local time)

The Sweden-Czechia game is scheduled to start at 8:30 p.m. ET at the Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the home of the Minnesota Wild. The start time could be delayed if the bronze medal game runs long.

World juniors hockey gold-medal game: How to watch, stream

Time: 8:30 p.m. ET on Monday, Jan. 5

Location: Grand Casino Arena (Saint Paul, Minnesota)

TV: NHL Network

Streaming: Fubo and certain levels of Sling TV carry NHL Network.

World junior championships medal games today

Monday, Jan. 5

All times p.m. ET

Canada 6 Finland 3 (Canada wins bronze)

Sweden, Czechia lines

Sweden players to watch

Forward Anton Frondell is the No. 3 overall pick of the Blackhawks. He has five goals. Ivar Stenberg and Viggo Bjorck are eligible for the 2026 NHL draft.

Czechia players to watch

Vojtech Cihar entered the day tied for the tournament lead with 11 points, though Canadian players have passed him. He scored twice in the semifinals. Defenseman Tomas Galvas, passed over in the NHL draft, has nine points.

Sweden’s recent record in gold medal games

Sweden last won gold in 2012. More recently, it has lost four times in gold medal games: to the USA in 2024, Canada in 2018, Finland in 2014 and USA in 2013.

Czechia will win fourth consecutive medal

The Czechs are guaranteed at least a silver medal. In the three tournaments before this, they won bronzes in 2024 and 2025, plus silver in 2023.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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Altech Batteries LtdCERENERGY Project Secures German Grant Approval

Perth, Australia (ABN Newswire) – Altech Batteries Ltd (ASX:ATC,OTC:ALTHF) (FRA:A3Y) (OTCMKTS:ALTHF) announced that binding conditional funding approval in the amount of 46.11 million Euro has now been granted for the CERENERGY(R) Sodium-Chloride Solid-State battery project in Saxony, Germany. The grant approval materially derisks project funding and supports progression toward construction of the planned 120 MWh CERENERGY(R) battery manufacturing facility in Saxony, Germany.

Highlights

– Altech Batteries GmbH’s CERENERGY(R) battery project has received conditional binding funding approval under Germany’s federal ‘STARK’ economic development program.

– The approval relates to a grant covering approximately 30% of eligible project CAPEX, with funding of up to EUR46.11M.

– The funding commitment is conditional on achieving full project financial close by 30 June 2026 and parliamentary approval of funds under Germany’s 2026 Federal Budget.

Conditional Binding Funding Commitment

The funding is being provided as part of the federal STARK program, which is supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy in cooperation with the EU. The aim of this program is to lead regions undergoing structural change into an ecologically, economically and socially sustainable future.

With the approval of the funding, the project has successfully completed the second and decisive stage of the approval process. The funding covers approximately 30% of the eligible investment costs and represents a significant milestone for the construction of the planned 120 MWh CERENERGY(R) battery factory in Germany.

This decision underscores the importance of the innovative CERENERGY(R) technology, which is being developed in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Society. The Sodium-Chloride Solid-State battery offers a safe, sustainable and strategically independent alternative to lithium-ion batteries and is expected to play an important role in future stationary energy storage solutions – especially for the European market.

Mr Daniel Raihani, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, commented ‘Securing conditional binding funding approval of up to EUR46.11 million under Germany’s STARK program is a major milestone for the CERENERGY(R) project. The support reflects the strategic importance of establishing advanced, nonlithium energy storage manufacturing capability in Europe and recognises the technical progress achieved to date in collaboration with Fraunhofer IKTS.

‘Importantly, the grant materially de-risks the project’s capital structure by covering approximately 30% of eligible investment costs and provides a strong foundation as we progress toward full project financing and construction of the planned 120 MWh production facility in Saxony, Germany.

‘We remain focused on completing financial close by mid-2026 and advancing the CERENERGY(R) technology toward commercial deployment to support long-duration, safe and sustainable stationary energy storage solutions for the European market’.

As is customary for projects of this size, the funding commitment is subject to final financial close of the CERENERGY(R) battery project by June 2026 and budgetary approval of the funds in the 2026 federal budget.

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About Altech Batteries Ltd:

Altech Batteries Limited (ASX:ATC,OTC:ALTHF) (FRA:A3Y) is a specialty battery technology company that has a joint venture agreement with world leading German battery institute Fraunhofer IKTS (‘Fraunhofer’) to commercialise the revolutionary CERENERGY(R) Sodium Alumina Solid State (SAS) Battery. CERENERGY(R) batteries are the game-changing alternative to lithium-ion batteries. CERENERGY(R) batteries are fire and explosion-proof; have a life span of more than 15 years and operate in extreme cold and desert climates. The battery technology uses table salt and is lithium-free; cobalt-free; graphite-free; and copper-free, eliminating exposure to critical metal price rises and supply chain concerns.

The joint venture is commercialising its CERENERGY(R) battery, with plans to construct a 100MWh production facility on Altech’s land in Saxony, Germany. The facility intends to produce CERENERGY(R) battery modules to provide grid storage solutions to the market.

Source:
Altech Batteries Ltd

Contact:
Daniel Raihani
Managing Director
Altech Batteries Limited
Tel: +61-8-6168-1555
Email: info@altechgroup.com

Martin Stein
Chief Financial Officer
Altech Batteries Limited
Tel: +61-8-6168-1555
Email: info@altechgroup.com

News Provided by ABN Newswire via QuoteMedia

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5 Best-performing Canadian Pharma Stocks (Updated January 2026)

From established players to up-and-coming firms, Canada’s pharmaceutical landscape is diverse and dynamic.

Canadian drug companies are working to discover and develop major innovations amidst an increasingly competitive global landscape. Rising technologies such as artificial intelligence are playing a role in the landscape as well.

Read on to learn about what’s been driving the share prices of the best-performing Canadian pharma stocks.

1. HLS Therapeutics (TSX:HLS)

Year-on-year gain: 26.6 percent
Market cap: C$149.8 million
Share price: C$4.76

HLS Therapeutics focuses on drugs for cardiovascular and central nervous system problems, often through partnerships. The company specializes in acquiring and commercializing pharmaceuticals that address unmet needs, including Vascepa to reduce cardiovascular risk and Clozaril for treatment-resistant schizophrenia.

HLS in-licensed the exclusive rights to the treatments Nilemdo and Nexlizet, both of which are already approved in other countries, from Esperion (NASDAQ:ESPR) in May.

The November 2025 Health Canada approval of LDL-cholesterol lowering treatment Nilemdo represents the most significant catalyst for the company since the launch of Vascepa, positioning HLS as a dominant leader in the Canadian cardiovascular market. The company is targeting Nilemdo’s commercial launch in Q2 2026.

Along with the approval, Health Canada issued a notice of non-compliance for its Nexlizet cholesterol-reducing treatment. According to HLS, the decision was related to chemistry, manufacture and controls data, not clinical data or safety.

Additionally, the company generates revenue from a diversified portfolio of royalty interests on various products marketed by third parties.

2. Satellos Bioscience (TSXV:MSCL)

Year-on-year gain: 14.49 percent
Market cap: C$141.04 million
Share price: C$0.79

Satellos Bioscience is a Canadian pharmaceutical company expanding treatment options for muscle disorders. The company has focused specifically on Duchenne muscular dystrophy, developing therapies that target the specific biological pathways involved in regenerating and repairing muscle tissue.

Its lead candidate, SAT-3247, targets a protein called AAK1, which regulates the activity of stem cells that activate and differentiate new muscle fibers.

In Q4 2025, Satellos administered the first dose to a patient in its 11-month open-label follow-up study for adults who completed its initial Phase 1b trial. The study seeks to demonstrate the lasting impact of the significant functional improvements observed earlier in the year.

On December 9, the company received Investigational New Drug (IND) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and several other global regulators to initiate BASECAMP, a global Phase 2 randomized, placebo-controlled study to evaluate SAT-3247 in pediatric patients.

3. Knight Therapeutics (TSX:GUD)

Year-on-year gain: 14.29 percent
Market cap: C$592.59 million
Share price: C$6.00

Knight Therapeutics is a specialty pharmaceutical company headquartered in Montreal, Québec. It operates on an acquisition and in-licensing model, obtaining the rights to innovative medicines from global pharmaceutical companies and commercializing them across Canada and Latin America.

The company was originally founded by the former leaders of Paladin Labs, which was acquired by Endo International in 2014. In June 2025, Knight bought the Paladin business back from Endo for C$107 million, adding over 40 products to Knight’s Canadian roster.

The additions, helped drive 32 percent revenue growth year-over-year to a record C$122.55 million in Q3. The company projects its Knight Canada subsidiary will be the company’s top revenue-contributor within two years.

4. BioSyent (TSXV:RX)

Year-on-year gain: 10.07 percent
Market cap: C$146.89 million
Share price: C$12.90

BioSyent is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on in-licensing or acquiring established, high-margin healthcare products for the Canadian and international markets. Its growth is anchored by brands in iron health and women’s wellness. Its flagship brand, FeraMAX, has been Canada’s leading iron supplement for over a decade.

The company’s 2024 acquisition of Tibella, a treatment for menopausal symptoms, has been a major growth driver. According to its Q3 earnings report. BioSyent’s sales grew 19 percent year-over-year in Canada and 94 percent in the international market.

5. NurExone Biologic (TSXV:NRX)

Year-on-year gain: 6.45 percent
Market cap: C$47.54 million
Share price: C$0.66

NurExone Biologic is behind ExoTherapy, a drug-delivery platform that uses exosomes, which are nano-sized extracellular vesicles, to create treatments for central nervous system disorders, spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries. It is a less invasive alternative to cell transplantation, which requires surgery and carries the risk of rejection.

NurExone’s first nano-drug, ExoPTEN, uses a proprietary sIRNA sequence delivered with the ExoTherapy platform to treat spinal cord injuries. ExoPTEN received orphan drug designation from the US FDA in October 2023.

The company expects to initiate its Phase 1/2a first-in-human trial for acute spinal cord injury in the second half of 2026, targeting patients with traumatic injuries.

It continues to make significant progress, with recent preclinical studies demonstrating strong, dose-dependent vision recovery in glaucoma models and improved motor function in spinal cord injury models.

The company announced plans for a US exosome production facility in Indianapolis, Indiana, in September. According to the release, ‘The GMP compliant site would produce exosomes both for NurExone’s therapeutic pipeline and for a growing business-to-business opportunity in regenerative aesthetics.’

In December, the company began planning for small-scale production of ExoPTEN in Israel to support its clinical trial.

Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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Centurion Minerals

Investor Insight

Centurion Minerals offers investors an early-stage entry point into a strategically located gold exploration company positioned within one of North America’s most prolific and active mining districts. With a restructured corporate foundation, and a highly experienced geological and corporate finance team, the company is primed for value-creating discoveries.

investingnews.com

Overview

Centurion Minerals (TSXV:CTN) is a Canadian exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of precious metals projects in the Americas.

The company’s strategy is centered on advancing high-quality, early-stage gold assets through systematic exploration to define drill-ready targets and unlock the discovery potential inherent in its three-part claim package: the Newman, Noseworthy and Hepburn properties. Situated near major operations and new discoveries, these claims benefit from excellent infrastructure, year-round road access and proximity to proven mineralized structural corridors. Centurion intends to increase shareholder value through targeted geophysics, ground truthing and drilling programs designed to reveal new high-grade zones, as well as through potential future acquisitions of complementary gold assets across the Americas.

Backed by a leadership team with decades of exploration, geology, corporate finance and project development experience, Centurion is positioned to capitalize on strong gold market fundamentals and renewed investor interest in junior exploration companies. With a low current valuation and advancing work program, the company provides leverage to both exploration success and broader trends in the gold sector.

Company Highlights

  • Highly prospective gold project in a world-class district located in the central north Abitibi greenstone belt, adjacent to major deposits and producing mines including Hecla Mining’s (NYSE:HL) Casa Berardi mine and Agnico Eagle’s (TSX:AEM) Detour Lake operations.
  • Exceptional closeology advantage, with its Casa Berardi West project situated just 12 km from AMEX Exploration’s (TSXV:AMX) 1.6 Moz “Perron” discovery and along the same structural corridors that have produced multi-million-ounce deposits.
  • Significant historic drilling across the three claim groups, including results up to 38 g/t gold and multiple intervals indicating gold-bearing iron formations and shear zones.
  • Clear exploration strategy including historic data compilation, geophysical surveys, target generation and a planned program to define new mineralized zones.
  • Experienced management and technical team with decades of experience in mineral exploration, and international corporate finance, enhances the potential of uncovering additional exploration opportunities.
  • Low market capitalization and recently reactivated corporate structure, offering investors a low entry point ahead of meaningful upside catalysts.

Key Project

Casa Berardi West Gold Project

The Casa Berardi West project is Centurion’s flagship gold exploration asset, encompassing approximately 6,732 hectares across three contiguous claim groups – Newman, Noseworthy and Hepburn – located 66 km northeast of Cochrane, Ontario. The project sits along structural corridors that host some of the region’s most significant deposits, including Hecla Mining’s Casa Berardi mine (3 Moz past production, plus 4 Moz in reserves and resources), Agnico Eagle’s Detour Lake mine (15 Moz reserve, producing ~659,000 oz of gold per year ), and AMEX Exploration’s Perron discovery (1.6 Moz measured and indicated resource at 6.14 g/t gold).

Location of the three claim groups at Casa Berardi West

Geological Setting & Closeology Advantage

The project is situated within the central north Abitibi Subprovince, an Archean greenstone belt known globally for its prolific endowment of gold and base metals. The claims lie adjacent to geological features associated with multiple major deposits – iron formations, shear zones and VMS trends – creating strong analogues to high-grade gold mines such as the Musselwhite mine in Northern Ontario.

This “closeology” positioning significantly enhances the potential for Centurion’s ground to host similar mineralization.

Historic Results & Target Areas

Historic exploration across the Casa Berardi West project – spanning more than 70 RC and diamond drill holes – has already confirmed the presence of gold-bearing structures and favorable host rocks. Notably, previous work returned multiple samples above 1 g/t gold, including a standout result of 38 g/t gold, demonstrating strong mineralization potential across the claim area.

Significant historic drill results at Newman target

Across the three claim groups, drilling and geophysical surveys have identified key geological features associated with major deposits in the region, including iron formations, shear zones and sulphidized horizons. Several zones of interest remain untested or underexplored, particularly along structural trends that extend from nearby high-grade gold and VMS systems such as the Perron and Normetal areas.

These findings provide Centurion with multiple high-priority target areas for follow-up exploration, forming the foundation for its next phase of geophysical work and upcoming drill targeting.

Management Team

David Tafel – Director, President and CEO

David Tafel brings over 30 years of experience in corporate structuring, strategic planning, financing and executive management across multiple public and private resource companies. He has raised several hundred million dollars for ventures in mining, technology and life sciences, and previously managed private investment funds at Canada’s largest independent securities firm.

Jeremy Wright – Director and CFO

A seasoned financial executive with more than 20 years of experience, Jeremy Wright serves as president & CEO of Seatrend Strategy Group and has held CFO roles across numerous public companies in the resource and technology sectors. His background includes financial management, negotiations and environmental economics, supported by extensive board leadership experience.

Joseph Del Campo – Director

Joseph Del Campo has served as CFO and Interim CEO across several mining companies, including Unigold and First Nickel. With decades of corporate financial leadership and board experience, he contributes deep governance, audit and operational oversight expertise to Centurion’s board.

Mike Kilbourne – Geological Consultant

A veteran geologist with 40+ years of industry experience, Mike Kilbourne has managed over 100,000 metres of drilling across North America and Mexico, worked as a production geologist in multiple mining environments, and generated over 700 exploration targets for private and public companies.

Jamie Lavigne – Geological Consultant

Jamie Lavigne is a senior exploration geologist with more than 30 years of experience in base and precious metals. He has held senior technical roles with major mining companies and specializes in advanced exploration, resource delineation and geological modeling across global mineral belts.

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