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Ginkgo Bioworks and SaponiQx Awarded MCDC Contract to Discover and Manufacture Next-Generation Vaccine Adjuvants Using Generative Molecular Design

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BOSTON and LEXINGTON, Mass., Feb. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Defense Threat Reduction Agency’s (DTRA) Joint Science and Technology Office (JSTO) for the Chemical and Biological Defense (CBD) Program has awarded, through the Medical CBRN [Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear] Defense Consortium (MCDC) requirement 22-05, “Adjuvant Activity to Vaccines Prototype,” a 5-year contract totaling up to $31 million including program options to the team of Ginkgo Bioworks, Inc. (NYSE: DNA) and SaponiQx, Inc. (a subsidiary of Agenus Inc., NASDAQ:AGEN) to discover and develop next-generation vaccine adjuvants. Partners in adjuvant discovery and development since 2021, Ginkgo, which is building the leading platform for cell programming and biosecurity, and SaponiQx, developing a visionary adjuvant development platform, will use a combination of high-throughput empirical and artificial intelligence/machine learning approaches, including Generative Molecular Design (GMD), to develop superior novel saponin-based adjuvants.

Adjuvants are components of vaccines that help to enhance the magnitude, breadth, and duration of the immune response to vaccination. Currently, only a handful of adjuvants are available for human use in licensed vaccines. SaponiQx’s STIMULON™ QS-21 is a key adjuvant component in market-leading vaccines for shingles, malaria, and respiratory syncytial virus. Novel adjuvants with enhanced properties, including tailored humoral and cellular immune responses, could pave the way for a new wave of innovative vaccines against existing and emerging pathogens.

“The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the critical need for safe, effective, and accessible vaccines against emerging biothreat agents,” said Jennifer Wipf, SVP, Head of Commercial Cell Engineering at Ginkgo Bioworks. “Imagine a future where vaccines are not only more affordable but also provide consistent protection in fewer doses, without causing discomfort or requiring refrigeration. We’re very excited by this opportunity to strengthen and expand the SaponiQx–Ginkgo partnership and to work with DTRA to make that future a reality.”

“Building on our achievements with STIMULON QS-21, SaponiQx is excited to realize our company’s founding vision of harnessing the potential of Generative Molecular Design to dramatically increase access to lifesaving vaccines around the world,” said Rebecca Kurnat, Head of Operations at SaponiQx.

The partners aim to demonstrate in the laboratory and in animal studies the ability of these novel adjuvants to protect against challenges from biothreat agents, such as the plague, and to provide lower cost, sustainable and scalable manufacturing processes by leveraging Ginkgo’s leading platform for cell programming. The partners intend to design candidate adjuvants using SaponiQx’s leading platform for adjuvant generation, and to identify additional candidates by screening natural extracts for previously uncharacterized saponins and creating non-natural saponins with enzyme-based techniques. Harnessing a first-of-its-kind “data lake” for adjuvants, they plan to use iterative GMD to propose and optimize adjuvant structures against eight functional parameters. Adjuvant candidates will be put through in-depth testing, first in the laboratory for immune and toxicity responses, and then in studies of their effectiveness in protecting vaccinated animals from pathogens; QS-21 and the related QS-7 will serve as benchmarks.

By leveraging Ginkgo’s leading platform for cell programming, the partners also intend to develop more affordable, sustainable, and scalable adjuvant manufacturing processes. Ginkgo will develop a first-generation Adjuvant Development Candidate (ADC) production method, using a heterologous production strain such as brewers’ yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Ginkgo’s platform powers iterative Design–Build–Test–Learn-driven cell engineering to enable the rapid prototyping, optimization, and development of proteins, enzymes, metabolic pathways, and whole organisms under commercial-scale manufacturing conditions. Development of a first-generation ADC production method could facilitate further development of a sustainable mass-production manufacturing process for these complex adjuvants.

About Ginkgo Bioworks

Ginkgo Bioworks is the leading horizontal platform for cell programming, providing flexible, end-to-end services that solve challenges for organizations across diverse markets, from food and agriculture to pharmaceuticals to industrial and specialty chemicals. Ginkgo’s biosecurity and public health unit, Concentric by Ginkgo, is building global infrastructure for biosecurity to empower governments, communities, and public health leaders to prevent, detect and respond to a wide variety of biological threats. For more information, visit ginkgobioworks.com and concentricbyginkgo.com, read our blog, or follow us on social media channels such as X (formerly known as Twitter) (@Ginkgo and @ConcentricByGBW), Instagram (@GinkgoBioworks and @ConcentricByGinkgo), Threads (@GinkgoBioworks) or LinkedIn.

About SaponiQx

Founded in 2021, SaponiQx, a subsidiary of Agenus Inc., stands at the forefront of saponin-based adjuvant discovery and manufacturing. Its mission is to provide scalable and affordable vaccine adjuvants to enhance global health. Its proprietary adjuvant, STIMULON QS-21, forms an integral part of the AS01 adjuvant used in several leading vaccines. STIMULON is a trademark of Agenus Inc., the parent company of SaponiQx Inc.

Forward-Looking Statements of Ginkgo Bioworks

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including statements regarding the capabilities and potential success of Ginkgo’s cell programming platform. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “can,” “project,” “potential,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: (i) volatility in the price of Ginkgo’s securities due to a variety of factors, including changes in the competitive and highly regulated industries in which Ginkgo operates and plans to operate, variations in performance across competitors, and changes in laws and regulations affecting Ginkgo’s business, (ii) the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations, and to identify and realize additional business opportunities, (iii) the risk of downturns in demand for products using synthetic biology, (iv) the uncertainty regarding the demand for passive monitoring programs and biosecurity services, (v) changes to the biosecurity industry, including due to advancements in technology, emerging competition and evolution in industry demands, standards and regulations, (vi) our ability to realize the expected benefits of merger and acquisition transactions, (vii) the outcome of any legal proceedings against Ginkgo, including as a result of recent acquisitions, (viii) our ability to realize the expected benefits from and the success of our Foundry platform programs, (ix) our ability to successfully develop engineered cells, bioprocesses, data packages or other deliverables, and (x) the product development or commercialization success of our customers. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of Ginkgo’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on November 8, 2023 and other documents filed by Ginkgo from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Ginkgo assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Ginkgo does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations.

GINKGO BIOWORKS INVESTOR CONTACT:

investors@ginkgobioworks.com 

GINKGO BIOWORKS MEDIA CONTACT:

press@ginkgobioworks.com 

Forward-Looking Statements of SaponiQx

This press release includes forward-looking statements, subject to risks and uncertainties, concerning the development of vaccines and adjuvants. Refer to the Risk Factors in Agenus’ latest Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC for a detailed discussion of these risks.

SAPONIQX MEDIA CONTACT:

communications@saponiqx.com

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SOURCE Ginkgo Bioworks

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LAZARD GLOBAL TOTAL RETURN AND INCOME FUND DECLARES MONTHLY DISTRIBUTION AND ISSUES ESTIMATED SOURCES OF THE DISTRIBUTION ANNOUNCED IN SEPTEMBER

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NEW YORK, Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Lazard Global Total Return and Income Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) (NYSE:LGI) is confirming today, pursuant to its Managed Distribution Policy, as previously authorized by its Board of Directors, a monthly distribution of $0.15340 per share on the Fund’s outstanding common stock. The distribution is payable on November 24, 2026, to shareholders of record on November 10, 2026. The ex-dividend date is November 10, 2026.

The Fund will pay a previously declared distribution today, October 22, 2026. The following table sets forth the estimated amounts of the current distribution and the cumulative distributions paid, including today’s distribution, from the following sources: net investment income, net realized capital gains (short-term and long-term), and return of capital. All amounts are expressed per share of common stock and are based on accounting principles generally accepted in the US, which may differ from federal income tax regulations.

Current Distribution

% of the Current Distribution

Total Cumulative Distributions for the Fiscal Year to Date

% of the Total Cumulative Distributions for the Fiscal Year to Date

Net Income

$0.02003

13 %

$0.20541

13 %

Net Realized Short-Term Capital Gains

$0.00000

0 %

$0.00000

0 %

Net Realized Long-Term Capital Gains

$0.13337

87 %

$0.80950

53 %

Return of Capital

$0.00000

0 %

$0.51909

34 %

Total

$0.15340

100 %

$1.53400

100 %

Average annual total return (in relation to NAV) for the 5-year period ending on September 30, 2026

6.36 %

Annualized current distribution rate expressed as a percentage of NAV as of September 30, 2026

10.22 %

Cumulative total return (in relation to NAV) for the fiscal year through September 30, 2026

5.81 %

Cumulative fiscal year distributions as a percentage of NAV as of September 30, 2026

7.66 %

You should not draw any conclusions about the Fund’s investment performance from the amount of this distribution or from the terms of the Fund’s Managed Distribution Policy.

The Fund estimates that it has distributed more than its net investment income and net realized capital gains; therefore, a portion of your distribution may be return of capital. A return of capital may occur, for example, when some or all of the money that you invested in the Fund is paid back to you. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect the Fund’s investment performance and should not be confused with “yield” or “income”.

The amounts and sources of distributions reported above are only estimates and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund’s investment experience during the remainder of its fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. The Fund provides financial intermediary firms the information necessary to produce the Form 1099-DIV, and then the relevant financial intermediary firm will send you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes. If you have any questions, or need additional information, please call us at 1-800-823-6300.

Portfolio data as of September 30, 2026, including performance, asset allocation, top 10 holdings, sector weightings, regional exposure, and other Fund characteristics have been posted on Lazard Asset Management’s (“LAM”) website, www.LazardAssetManagement.com.

The Fund’s investment objective is total return, consisting of capital appreciation and current income. The Fund’s net assets are invested in a portfolio of approximately 60 to 80 US and non-US equity securities, including American Depository Receipts, generally of companies with market capitalizations greater than $2 billion, and may include investments in emerging markets. The Fund also invests in emerging market currencies (primarily by entry into forward currency contracts), or instruments whose value is derived from the performance of an underlying emerging market currency, and also may invest in debt obligations, including government, government agency and corporate obligations and structured notes denominated in emerging market currencies.

An indirect subsidiary of Lazard, Inc. (NYSE: LAZ), LAM, the Fund’s investment manager, offers a range of equity, fixed-income, and alternative investment products worldwide. As of September 30, 2026, LAM and affiliated asset management companies in the Lazard Group managed $284.0 billion worth of client assets. For more information about LAM, please go to www.LazardAssetManagement.com.

Media contact:

Investor contact:

Aziz Nayani, +1 212 632 6042

Ben Wulfsohn, +1 800 823 6300

aziz.nayani@lazard.com

ben.wulfsohn@lazard.com 

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SOURCE Lazard Global Total Return and Income Fund, Inc.

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Norton LifeLock Benefit Solutions Introduces Norton Money Workplace

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New offering combines financial visibility and protection with personalized guidance, planning and earned-wage access for life’s most important financial moments

TEMPE, Ariz., Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Norton LifeLock Benefit Solutions, the employee benefits division of Gen (NASDAQ: GEN), has announced the launch of Norton Money Workplace, a new financial wellness benefit employers can offer employees to help them better understand, protect and grow their financial lives through one connected experience.

As employees navigate an increasingly complex financial landscape — from managing everyday expenses and debt to planning for retirement, education, and major life events — they’re also facing growing exposure to scams, fraud and identity threats. At the same time, employers are looking for benefits that deliver meaningful everyday value while helping reduce the financial stress that impacts employee wellbeing. Norton Money Workplace is designed to meet both needs by bringing together financial visibility, protection, personalized guidance, and planning into one experience. It helps employees manage debt, plan for education expenses, prepare for retirement, and navigate major financial decisions at every stage of life.

“Most financial wellness benefits solve one problem or serve one moment in an employee’s life. We saw an opportunity to do something different,” said Tim Hong, Global Head of Financial Wellness Technology at Gen. “Employees need support that’s just as relevant when they’re building financial habits as when they’re buying a home, navigating student loans or preparing for retirement. Our goal is to give employers a benefit that grows with their workforce and helps employees feel more confident navigating whatever life brings. That’s the future we’re building toward.”

Norton Money Workplace delivers that support for employees through four core capabilities. Together, they help employees understand where they stand financially, identify the steps they can take next, and build greater financial confidence over time:

Financial Visibility: Securely connect accounts to understand spending, cash flow, net worth, and credit in one place so employees have a clearer picture of their overall financial position.Financial Protection: Helps catch potential issues earlier and guides employees to take action before they become a larger issue.Guidance & Education: Employees receive personalized financial insights and expert-created education so they can better understand their options and determine appropriate next steps.Planning & Action – Employees can build personalized financial and retirement plans, navigate education costs and student debt, connect with Certified Financial Professional coaching, and receive actionable direction for important financial decisions.

Gen has spent decades helping people stay safer in an increasingly connected world through Cyber Safety, online privacy and identity protection. Today, its solutions also support people’s financial lives, from understanding spending and credit to planning for major decisions. Norton Money Workplace builds on that foundation, bringing Cyber Safety, identity protection and financial wellness together in a single benefit. Rather than employers and their payroll partners stitching together separate point solutions, they get one connected experience, and employees get support that protects their finances, identity and safety online, all in one place. 

“Employees are managing more of their financial lives online than ever before, and they need benefits that reflect that reality,” said Casey Cullinan, Head of Norton LifeLock Benefit Solutions at Gen. “By bringing together trusted cyber protection with proven financial technology, we’re helping employers deliver support that’s more relevant, more useful and built for the way people live today. It’s another example of how we’re delivering more value by connecting Gen’s strengths across our portfolio.”

Norton Money Workplace marks the next chapter in Gen’s journey to protect and empower people’s digital and financial lives. For decades, Norton and LifeLock have helped people stay safer online through Cyber Safety and identity protection — and more recently, through tools that help them understand and manage their money. Norton Money Workplace builds on that foundation, bringing these capabilities together in a single employee benefit, with more to come as Gen’s employee benefits division works toward an even more connected, all-in-one solution for employees’ digital and financial lives. Norton Money Workplace will be available beginning in December 2026. Learn more here.

About Norton LifeLock Benefit Solutions, part of Gen 

Norton LifeLock Benefit Solutions helps employers equip their employees with digital and financial protection through comprehensive benefits that combine award-winning technology with expert restoration support. Norton LifeLock Benefit Solutions is part of Gen (NASDAQ: GEN), a global company dedicated to powering Digital Freedom with a family of trusted consumer brands including Norton, LifeLock and MoneyLion. Gen empowers nearly 500 million users in more than 150 countries through its products and services that span cybersecurity, online privacy, identity protection and financial wellness. Through Norton LifeLock Benefit Solutions, Gen brings that protection into the workplace, partnering with more than 12,000 employers to help employees safeguard their identities, navigate digital risks and take greater control of their financial lives. Learn more at GenDigital.com. 

Media Contact

Audra Proctor
Gen
Press@GenDigital.com 

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SOURCE Gen Digital Inc.

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Quantinuum to Report Third Quarter Financial Results on November 5, 2026

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BROOMFIELD, Colo., Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Quantinuum Inc. (NASDAQ: QNT) (“Quantinuum”) today announced it will release its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2026, on November 5, 2026, after market close.

Quantinuum will host a conference call at 5:00 PM Eastern time that same day to discuss its financial results. The call will be available through a live webcast available here.

An archive replay of the webcast will be made available on the Quantinuum Investor Relations website following the call and will remain available for one year.

About Quantinuum

Quantinuum is a leading quantum computing company offering a full-stack platform designed to make quantum computing deployable in real-world environments. The company has commercially deployed multiple generations of quantum systems built on the well-established QCCD architecture, which it has implemented with novel designs and capabilities to achieve the industry’s highest accuracy levels based on average two-qubit gate fidelity as of December 31, 2025. Quantinuum has active engagements with market leaders across pharmaceuticals, material science, financial services, and government and industrial markets. Quantinuum’s headquarters is in Broomfield, Colorado, with additional facilities across the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Qatar and Singapore.

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