Nick Kyrgios says positive tests for duo are ‘disgusting’ and ‘a horrible look’

The controversial Australian has played only one match in more than two years because of injury but that has not stopped him being an outspoken presence on social media during a difficult few months for the sport. First it was announced in August that Sinner had failed two doping tests in March but was cleared of fault, while in November Swiatek was handed a one-month ban for a failed test caused by contaminated medication. Feels good getting these consecutive days training in the bank man.... Wrist re construction and back out here... blessed..................Without failing any drug tests 🙂‍↕️🙏🏽 be proud kygs doing it the right way 😩😂 pic.twitter.com/J8l21lnTdI — Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) December 5, 2024 Kyrgios has been particularly vociferous in his criticism of Sinner, who could yet face a ban after the World Anti-Doping Agency appealed the finding of no fault or negligence in his case. At a press conference ahead of the Brisbane International, Kyrgios told reporters: “I have to be outspoken about it because I don’t think there’s enough people that are speaking about it. I think people are trying to sweep it under the rug. “I just think that it’s been handled horrifically in our sport. Two world number ones both getting done for doping is disgusting for our sport. It’s a horrible look. “The tennis integrity right now – and everyone knows it, but no one wants to speak about it – it’s awful. It’s actually awful. And it’s not OK.” Kyrgios initially underwent knee surgery in January 2023, returning to action in June of that year, but he played only one match before pulling out of Wimbledon due to a torn ligament in his right wrist. He has not played a competitive match since, and it appeared doubtful that he would be able to return, but the 29-year-old will make his comeback in Brisbane this week. Kyrgios will take on France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in singles, while he will also team up with Novak Djokovic in a blockbuster doubles pairing. “It’s good to be back,” said Kyrgios. “I honestly never thought I’d be back playing at this level. Even entering an event like this, preparing, doing all the right things. A post shared by Nick Kyrgios (@k1ngkyrg1os) “I’m really excited to just go out there and play, just play tennis. I saw Novak in the gym, playing doubles with him, a lot to be excited about that I’m able to get out there and compete again.” Asked whether he could get back to the same level that saw him reach the Wimbledon final in 2022, Kyrgios said: “I still believe I can, whether or not that’s factual or not. There was another player who was like, ‘You have to be realistic’. That’s not how I am. I always back my ability.” The new tennis season is already under way, with the United Cup team event beginning on Friday. Great Britain, who are weakened by the absence of Jack Draper through injury, begin their campaign against Argentina in Sydney on Monday before facing hosts Australia on Wednesday. That could pit Katie Boulter against fiance Alex De Minaur, with the pair having announced their engagement last week. A post shared by Katie Boulter (@katiecboulter) “Obviously some incredible news from our side, but I think we kind of wanted it to die down a little bit before matches started,” said Boulter of the timing. “My private life is out in the public a little bit at the moment. But, in terms of the stuff that I’m doing on the court, I’ll be doing the best I can every single day to stay in my own little bubble.” Billy Harris has taken Draper’s place, with the British number one facing a race against time to be fit for the Australian Open because of a hip problem. Emma Raducanu is the sixth seed at the ASB Classic in Auckland and will begin her season with a match against Robin Montgomery, while Cameron Norrie takes on another American, Learner Tien, at the Hong Kong Open.AP News Summary at 5:07 p.m. EST

Winners, losers as Eagles rout Rams 37-20 on Sunday Night FootballDaily Post Nigeria Niger Govt partners Chinese agro firms to reduce post-harvest losses Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport News Niger Govt partners Chinese agro firms to reduce post-harvest losses Published on November 25, 2024 By Priscilla Dennis The Secretary to the Niger State Government, Abubakar Usman, has disclosed that measures have been adopted by the state to reduce post-harvest losses to enhance food security in the state. Usman, who stated this in Minna, said to reduce losses, the state entered into a collaboration with Chinese Special Agro-industrial Processing Zone facilities in Chendgu, Mlian Uang, and De Yang City, all within Sichuan Province, to acquire more knowledge to improve the quality of agricultural products. According to him: “The arrangements can enhance food security, reduce poverty, and improve the livelihoods of our citizens.” Usman, who led the state’s delegation to the agro-industrial processing zone facilities, explained that the visit aims to facilitate knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and investment opportunities. Usman noted: “By learning from China’s successful experiences in agro-industrial processing, as a state, we can enhance our own capabilities, create jobs, stimulate economic growth and increase the state’s competitiveness in the global market. “The state can increase its agricultural productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve the quality of agricultural products.” Also, the state commissioner for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Aminu Suleiman Takuma, said the move by the state government to develop an agro-industrial sector was to promote economic diversification. “It will also reduce the dependence on oil revenues, promote economic diversification, and increase our resilience to external shocks. I assure you that Niger State can enhance food security, reduce poverty, and improve the livelihoods of our citizens,” he stated. Related Topics: niger Don't Miss ‘Releasing Nnamdi Kanu will make you hero’ – Ohanaeze chieftain writes Tinubu You may like Hemp smokers blamed as fire razes classrooms in Niger school ICPC tracks N13.9bn FG projects in Niger Niger CAN commiserates with govt, Muslims over chief imam’s death Niger Gov Bago mourns death of Minna Chief Imam, Malam Isah Fari Plans complete for implementation of N80,000 new minimum wage in November- Niger NLC Police parade three for theft, receiving stolen property, recover 35 cattle in Niger Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media LtdTakeaways from Trump’s victories over special counsel Jack Smith

Photo credit: Vinitaa Jayson for Fernwayer SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fernwayer announced the launch of its new marketplace designed to connect discerning travelers with meticulously curated, high-end private tours, addressing a growing need in the travel market. The company debuts with a carefully selected collection of experiences across five countries: Italy, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and Croatia, with more countries to follow rapidly. Founded by San Francisco-based entrepreneurs Vinitaa Jayson and Alok Singh, Fernwayer aims to redefine luxury in travel by emphasizing authentic connection, exclusive access, and immersive storytelling. "We aim to flip the itinerary: adventures first, logistics later," explains Jayson. "Most travelers secure accommodation and flights months in advance but often leave booking experiences until the last minute. By then, the best experiences are sold out, and they end up settling for the ordinary. We're changing that by offering highly differentiated experiences, available for booking months in advance, easily and instantly." "We choose to partner with Experience Makers based on their storytelling skills, cultural insight, and welcomingness-our goal is to offer experiences where the expertise of a professional truly makes the difference," adds Jayson. Imagine stepping into Venice's Carnevale with an expert, capturing the elegance of timeless masks and costumes through your lens. Or watching sunrise from the slopes of Mount Etna , followed by a homemade Sicilian lunch with locals. In Porto , feel the thrill of negotiating the day's catch with fishermen. Hike through Toubkal National Park with a mountain guide who has deep connections with the Berber community, or dance through Seville's Feria de Abril , complete with a Sevillana masterclass and a horse-drawn carriage ride. "Uncurated platforms overwhelm travelers with endless, lookalike options, reducing experiences to bare-bones offerings and turning tours into transactions,” says Singh. "Travel agencies inflate prices with opaque, marked-up packages, while layers of intermediaries drive up costs and force weeks of email back-and-forth-only to push generic options from the agent's playbook in the end, instead of the differentiation that travelers crave. At Fernwayer, we cut through the noise with curated, one-of-a-kind experiences, transparent pricing, instant booking, and a commitment to equitable practices." Fernwayer's experiences span arts and crafts, design and architecture, cultural immersion, gastronomy, photography, social impact initiatives, and outdoor adventures. Most experiences are private and limited to two to eight participants, ensuring intimate and meaningful connections. "We've learned that true luxury is about the richness of experience rather than traditional comforts. It isn't defined by 'stars'-not a 5-star hotel, not a first-class flight,” says Jayson. "It's about unrateable moments: being welcomed like a friend in places typically inaccessible to tourists, engaging in heartfelt conversations that reveal new perspectives, or capturing the perfect photo with guidance from a local expert. Travel should be more than just a journey from point A to point B. It should touch the heart, inspire curiosity, create empathy and foster real human connection.” Travelers can now book experiences through the Fernwayer website ( fernwayer.com ) or with a companion mobile app , available for iOS devices, that includes unique planning features such as Travel Goals , Dreamboards for saving favorite experiences, and an itinerary builder called Journeys . About Fernwayer Fernwayer is a marketplace connecting discerning travelers with carefully crafted, authentic, locally-sourced experiences. Founded by entrepreneurs with a vision for sustainable luxury tourism, the company champions travel experiences that enrich both visitors and local communities. The name "Fernwayer," inspired by the German word "fernweh" (an aching for unfamiliar places), reflects the company's commitment to meaningful travel that sustains and enriches destinations for generations to come. Contact Info: Fernwayer fernwayer.com [email protected] A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0ca78885-e562-4225-be1c-1fe34a5b927e

Successful pilot stimulates circularity in Rotterdam port areaHow drones, search dogs and advanced software helped a missing dog find his way homeEVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) — Stephen Olowoniyi scored 18 points as Southern Indiana beat Shawnee State 91-56 on Sunday. Olowoniyi also contributed five rebounds for the Screaming Eagles (5-5). Damoni Harrison scored 17 points and added five rebounds. Braxton Jones shot 4 for 11 (1 for 6 from 3-point range) and 4 of 5 from the free-throw line to finish with 13 points. Donovan Lovelace led the way for the Bears with 12 points and seven rebounds. AJ Belton and Cory Gardner added nine points apiece. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

Lions’ Jameson Williams fined for unsportsmanlike conduct in Week 16 win

By Victor Edozie, Port Harcourt The Rivers State Governor, Sir Similanayi Fubara, says he is getting stronger daily with the support of the people amid the political crisis in the state. He said it was delightful to see true leaders of the state and well-meaning people standing on the right side of history despite the pressure to surrender to tyranny and oppression. Fubara and his predecessor, former Governor Nyesom Wike, have been at loggerheads over the political leadership of the state. Governor Fubara, in a press statement issued in Port Harcourt on Saturday by his Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, vowed to continue to do what is right. He was quoted as speaking during Christmas Ballad hosted by former Rivers State Governor, Sir Peter Odili for him and his family. Governor Siminalayi Fubara said that God has proved Himself worthy as the Ultimate Liberator of the State and its people because God ensured total triumph over the political crisis and those behind it. Blackout in Abuja as TCN announces repairs South Korean team installs rice mills in Bayelsa The governor stated that while the political antagonism lasted, God gave him a new perspective to leadership, adding that with the support from Rivers people, he stopped seeing the crisis as a problem but as a necessary enabler in governance. He said, “And not just because I want to accept it, I get stronger in this course every day when I look at the support I am getting from the true Rivers people. “So, it is not me being strong. My strength is drawn from everyone of you that is here. You gave me the encouragement; you do the work for me; you make the calls for me. So, why won’t I stand up for you. “But we also believe strongly that the ultimate game changer, the ultimate liberator, and the ultimate fighter still remains God Almighty. And because we have Him on our side, victory is assured.” Governor Fubara said God is in control of the affairs of the state, assuring the people that 2025 would be better than what they had experienced. He promised that his administration would make every succeeding year in the state better with remarkable records of progress, stressing that the excitement experienced among Rivers people during Christmas celebrations was indicative of a brighter future ahead. Former Governor Odili in his speech said governor Fubara confronted the political challenge, prevented the quest by one man to capture the state as a private estate, emancipated Rivers people, steadied governance and made civil servants and Rivers people happier as they used to be until he (Odili) left office in 2007. Odili explained that it was over 12 months, since October 25, 2023, when a fierce existential fight, though unnecessary, was waged against Fubara over the soul of Rivers State. He stated that he, his wife and children, decided to host Fubara in appreciation of the fortitude and sterling leadership qualities he had demonstrated. Also speaking, Justice Mary Odili, who presented gifts to Fubara, his wife, Lady Valerie, and children, said God knew long ago the need for an emancipator and gave Governor Fubara to Rivers State. She stated that Fubara had played the role satisfactorily, and pledged the continuous support of her family to the success of his administration. Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You. despite pressure Gov Fubara right side Rivers peopleRays will play 13 of first 16 games at home and 47 of 59, then have 69 of last 103 on road

Guest column: Why I voted for Harris

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) — Stephen Olowoniyi scored 18 points as Southern Indiana beat Shawnee State 91-56 on Sunday. Olowoniyi also contributed five rebounds for the Screaming Eagles (5-5). Damoni Harrison scored 17 points and added five rebounds. Braxton Jones shot 4 for 11 (1 for 6 from 3-point range) and 4 of 5 from the free-throw line to finish with 13 points. Donovan Lovelace led the way for the Bears with 12 points and seven rebounds. AJ Belton and Cory Gardner added nine points apiece. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Mumbai, Dec 28 (IANS): Veteran Marathi films and television actress Prajakta Mali slammed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Suresh R. Dhas for making certain scurrilous remarks against her, demanding a public apology, here on Saturday. Speaking to media persons, Mali, 35, also said that she had complained to the Maharashtra State Commission for Women (MSCW) and plans to write and meet Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the Deputy CMs on the issue. The actress – who started her film career at the age of 15 with a bit role in Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Swades’ (2004) – took strong umbrage at the ruling BJP MLA Dhas (from Ashti in Beed district) for his insinuating remarks targeting her character and reputation. Breaking down several times during the media meet, she cautioned Dhas and other politicians from “involving the names of film personalities who are soft targets” for their personal political aims. “All this has been going on for over a month-and-half, but I did not react... Just because I was silent doesn’t imply my tacit consent to whatever is said about me,” said Mali. Her ire was especially against Dhas’ remarks naming her along with a couple of other Marathi actresses, while speaking on his political rival, ruling ally Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Minister Dhananjay Munde and the boiling row over the killing of Massajog Sarpanch, Santosh Pandit Deshmukh on December 9. Among other things, Dhas hinted that actresses like Prajaktta Mali keep coming to Parli, and certain other insinuations that left her livid, shocked the film fraternity and agonised her family. Strongly condemning Dhas’ baseless and tasteless remarks pointing fingers at her character, she said that he probably had no inkling of the damage caused to her dignity and reputation. “He was referring to just one brief meeting at a public function and a photograph. He made baseless statements. But the media and social media blew it out of proportion with thousands of videos going viral. We are all suffering, my mother couldn’t sleep the whole night, and my brother has blocked all his social media accounts,” she said, while tears welled up in her eyes several times during her media encounter. The actress said she came forward to demand a public apology from Dhas, not only to her personally but also to he womenfolk in general whom he has tainted with his utterances. “I want to tell Dhas. You are a politician, we are artists and entertainment is our profession. You indulge in your politics, but why do you have to drag us actors into it? Do only female artists come to Parli, have no male artists ever been there? Then why are we being singled out,” said Mali. She said that such behaviour does not behove politicians in the state, raising suspicions over the character of women artists or their achievements just to play out their personal politics, and the media blows it up for sensation and boosting TRPs. Mali said she has requested the Maharashtra State Commission for Women. (MSCW) to initiate action against all concerned within the legal framework, and urged the CM for measures to curb social media from sensationalising such baseless things without any evidence to back it up. To a question, she said that the entertainment industry is sympathetic to her and if needed she was ready to assume a leadership role to stop the assault on entertainers and celebrities by the politicians. “If such things continue, there are questions raised that in future, people may not encourage their children to become part of the entertainment industry. We entertain the masses, but some people misuse and abuse our name to create their own entertainment,” she said sharply. Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and certain other local politicians have expressed support for Mali’s cause.Small Caps Rally, Gold Poised For Best Week Since March 2023, Bitcoin Tops $99,000: What's Driving Markets Friday?

The Formula 1 grid is set to feature 11 teams for the first time since 2016 after the organisation reached an “agreement in principle” for General Motors to enter when regulations change ahead of the 2026 season. An impasse between the top level of motor racing and the inclusion of an 11th team was solved over the weekend at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where senior members of both General Motors and Formula 1 thrashed out their differences. GM will now likely enter a team alongside Cadillac to coincide with mass regulation changes in 2026. Fellow automotive giant Audi will also come in as a constructor. Formula 1 confirmed on Monday that an agreement was reached. The chief executive of the racing division’s parent company Liberty Media, Greg Maffei, said: “With Formula 1’s continued growth plans in the US, we have always believed that welcoming an impressive US brand like GM/Cadillac to the grid and GM as a future power unit supplier could bring additional value and interest to the sport. “We credit the leadership of General Motors and their partners with significant progress in their readiness to enter Formula 1. We are excited to move forward with the application process for the GM/Cadillac team to enter the Championship in 2026.” The move comes after failed attempts by Andretti Global to enter the sport, which prompted the US Department of Justice to investigate possible breaches of competition law. But that changed when Michael Andretti chose to step back from his organisation and GM insisted they could be ready with an American entry for 2026. Added General Motors president Mark Reuss: “As the pinnacle of motorsports, F1 demands boundary-pushing innovation and excellence. It’s an honour for General Motors and Cadillac to join the world’s premier racing series, and we’re committed to competing with passion and integrity to elevate the sport for race fans around the world. “This is a global stage for us to demonstrate GM’s engineering expertise and technology leadership at an entirely new level.” It is understood that there has been an expression of interest in purchasing a factory which Renault is giving up after the French manufacturer announced they would stop making engines for the sport. The project, with engines potentially not available until 2028, could see a similar situation to the last new team on the grid – fellow Americans Haas – whereby Ferrari provide engines and help in the short term.Rico Carty, who won the 1970 NL batting title when he hit a major league-best .366 for the Atlanta Braves, has died. He was 85. Major League Baseball , the players' association and the Braves paid tribute to Carty on social media on Sunday. No further details on Carty's death were provided. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information is making use of artificial intelligence (AI) to transform learning experiences, catering to the individual needs and learning styles of students. “We no longer have to imagine classrooms where technology empowers students, recognises their unique needs and adapts to their learning pace. These tools are here now, implemented and supported by the Ministry,” said Acting Chief Education Officer, Terry-Ann Thomas-Gayle. She was delivering the keynote address at the Caribbean Examinations Council’s (CXC) annual staff appreciation and awards luncheon on Friday (Dec. 13) at the ROK Hotel in downtown Kingston under the theme: ‘The Impact of AI on the Education System.’ Mrs. Thomas-Gayle highlighted the range of technology tools available in the classroom, which are reshaping the delivery, measurement and experience of education, “challenging us to rethink traditional approaches”. Among these are platforms like ALEKS and Knewton Alta, which tailor instruction to fit each student’s learning style and pace, while Lexia Core5 Reading and Google’s Read Along, engage students through interactive and personalised approaches. In addition, there are applications such as ASSISTments and Math AI that provide instant feedback, helping students master complex concepts, while AI writing assistants like NoRedInk enhance students’ writing skills with targeted feedback. Mrs. Thomas-Gayle further cited administrative tools such as Microsoft Copilot, which streamlines tasks, giving educators more time to focus on teaching. Noting that the integration of AI into education brings significant benefits, the Acting Chief Education Officer said the technology adapts to individual needs, allowing every learner to progress at their own pace. She said it prepares students for the future by building vital technological and problem-solving skills. “It provides educators with data-driven insights to refine teaching strategies and bridges gaps by expanding access to quality resources even in remote areas,” she added. Stating that access to AI tools in the classroom must be inclusive, Mrs. Thomas-Gayle said that measures must be taken to ensure that no child or school is left behind. She noted, however, that there are challenges that come with the use of technology and as such, protecting sensitive student information is critical. “Teachers need robust training and support to use these tools effectively,” she pointed out. Meanwhile, Mrs. Thomas-Gayle commended CXC on over four decades of shaping minds and transforming lives, creating opportunities and setting benchmarks for excellence in education across the region. “This legacy has opened doors for countless learners, equipping them with the tools they need to achieve their goals and contribute meaningfully to society,” she noted. “We celebrate this legacy and the contribution of every staff member. We are also looking ahead to an era where AI offers new possibilities to enhance and redefine education. I believe that your commitment to adaptability and leadership ensures that these technologies will be seamlessly integrated into the mission of fostering educational progress,” she said.(TNS) — Educators at San Rafael City Schools are forming a committee on artificial intelligence to explore its potential effects and benefits. Christy Novack, the district's technology director, told trustees on Monday that the panel's goal will be to develop recommendations for the best uses of the technology in the schools. Novack is recruiting 12 to 15 parents, employees and students to serve on the panel. "We feel the student voices are very important," she said. Novack said the committee will have four online meetings from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 22, Feb. 26, March 26 and May 14. Applications to join the panel are online at . Only teachers and staff have access to the district's ChatGPT and Google Gemini artificial intelligence programs, Novack said. Some students might use ChatGPT, which is publicly available, at home, but the Google program is embedded in the district's domain server and not accessible to students or the public, she said. The committee may seek to determine the point at which teachers will be able to share the AI tools in classes, for example, and teach children how to use them, Novack said. Trustees said they are excited about the AI exploration but want more details on the parameters. "This is growing so quickly and so fast," said Carolina Martin, vice president of the board. She told Novack she is curious how the district's digital literacy coaches would be involved. Novack said she is working with the coaches to establish safety and ethics guidelines for AI; determine how the technology can be used to increase efficiency and productivity for staff; and determine how to prevent bias and misinformation. Novack said she gave AI presentations to all the district's schools earlier this year. Laura Trahan, assistant superintendent at the Marin County Office of Education, said Novack is a "key part of our countywide AI work and leading and designing the community of practice." "The focus of the community of practice is to connect teachers and leaders with tools to increase efficiency," Trahan said. "Christy is particularly good at making the learning accessible and the use of AI approachable." Martin said that "integrating AI and computer science in schools isn't just about teaching technology." "It's about equipping students with the skills and mindset to thrive in a world driven by innovation and computational thinking," Martin said. "Technology is part of our lives. Whether students are going to make, create or use these technologies in the future, we have a responsibility to ensure they are responsible and prepared."

The value of global music copyright surged to $45.5 billion in 2023, marking an 11% increase from the previous year. This reflects the growing economic strength of music rights, which were valued at $25 billion in 2014. If current trends continue, music copyright could double in value over a decade. Record Labels And Streaming: Key Drivers Of Growth According to economist Will Page ‘s annual industry report ( via Billboard), record labels accounted for the largest share of the music copyright market, generating $28.5 billion in 2023—a 21% year-over-year increase. See Also: Apple Music Launched A $450 Limited-Edition Coffee Table Book: ‘100 Best Albums’ Streaming continued to dominate revenue sources, with a 10.4% growth rate. Physical music sales also performed strongly, as vinyl sales rose 15.4%, outpacing CDs in many regions. Page predicted vinyl could become a $3 billion industry by 2028, driven by higher unit prices and global demand. Major publicly traded record labels such as Universal Music Group NV UMGNF , Warner Music Group Corp WMG , and Sony Group Corp ‘s SONY Sony Music Entertainment were among the primary beneficiaries of these trends. UMG, for instance, reported $3.2 billion in Q3 2024 revenue, showing strong performance fueled by streaming and physical sales. Shifting Dynamics In Songwriter Royalties Moreover, collective management organizations (CMOs), which collect royalties on behalf of songwriters and publishers, saw revenues rise by 11% to $12.9 billion in 2023. Digital collections from CMOs have now surpassed those from broadcast and radio, reflecting the dominance of streaming platforms over traditional media. However, publishers are increasingly turning to direct licensing agreements, bypassing CMOs to avoid administrative delays and fees. "A song that spikes in mid-March, for example, takes 201 days to pay the artist and 383 days to pay the songwriter," Page explained. These delays can erode a third of songwriter revenue due to transaction costs. Music Surpasses Cinema The music industry's recovery following the pandemic has enabled it to overtake cinema in terms of economic output. In 2023, music was 38% larger than cinema, a stark contrast to 2019 when cinema led by 33%. Music copyright figures reflect trade revenue that benefits rights holders, while cinema's $33.2 billion box office revenues are divided between distribution and production. Companies like Live Nation Entertainment LYV , which operate in recorded music and live performance sectors, have capitalized on this momentum. Streaming’s Global Trade Advantage Streaming platforms have created new opportunities for artists from regions with lower royalty rates. North America and Europe, which account for 80% of streaming revenue growth, provide significantly higher payouts compared to Latin America and Asia. For example, Colombian artists like J. Balvin and Shakira earned nearly $100 million from U.S. streams in 2023, six times what they would have generated in their home country. Publicly traded streaming platforms such as Spotify Technology SA SPOT and Tencent Music Entertainment TME play a crucial role in this dynamic. Spotify benefits from premium subscription revenues in high-value markets, while Tencent Music caters to large audiences in Asia with a range of streaming and social entertainment services. Read Next: Spotify Stock Climbs Despite Q3 EPS Miss, Revenue Beat (CORRECTED) Cover image made using artificial intelligence via Dall-E. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.After Trump's win, Black women are rethinking their role as America's reliable political organizersStockhead Don't miss out on the headlines from Stockhead. Followed categories will be added to My News. When we were kids eyeing an unobtainable treat or the not-so-imminent arrival of Santa, Mum used to tell us to be patient. Patience, indeed, is a virtue and an admirably quality to exhibit throughout one’s adult life. But there are circumstances when even a Job-like quotient of patience will not suffice – and one of them is waiting for the effect of erectile dysfunction tablets to kick in. According to LTR Pharma, oral drugs such as Viagra and Cialis can take more than an hour to have their desired effects. Yes, there’s such a thing as foreplay but in such a time span the amorous vibe is likely to be surpassed by the imperative of vacuuming the hall or emptying the dishwasher. LTR Pharma is developing a nasally-delivered variant of the same drug class which, on evidence to date, hits peak bloodstream levels within nine to 15 minutes. LTR founder and executive chair Lee Rodne says 50% of men stop taking the current tablets within a year, because of the timing problem and side effects. “A lot of guys don’t realise that Viagra is very variable as a tablet because of the delivery mechanism,” Rodne says. “It has to go through your gut and your liver; sometimes it is effective but sometimes it is not effective at all.” The rise and rise of LTR Rodne founded LTR based on technology acquired from California’s Strategic Drug Solutions, with pharmacologist Prof Moses Chow credited as the inventor. Then an executive with iron-ore producer Fortescue Metals, Rodne was hand-picked by Fortescue founder Dr Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest to lead the company’s health spin-off Allied Medical. Rodne led Allied for 10 years, merging it with Biomd to become Allied Healthcare and then Admedus and now heart transcatheter play Anteris Technologies. Rodne’s Allied experience led him to a group of medical researchers and manufacturers who asked him for help with a project to make erectile dysfunction treatments more effective and consistent. Under the deal with Strategic Drug Solutions, LTR Pharma can use the technology in any way, but its current sole focus is on erectile dysfunction (ED). LTR Pharma listed on December 11 last year, having raised $7 million at 20 cents apiece. Rodne owns 34% of the company, with fellow director Dr Julian Chick accounting for 19.7%. Chick has been involved in no fewer than 16 start-ups and helmed the ASX-listed Avexa, which tried to develop an HIV drug but eventually went coal mining in Alabama instead. He is the chair of pot play Cann Group and is behind the impending ASX listing of a nerve-regeneration company called Renerve. About Spontan Spontan – as in spontaneous – is a drug and device combination to deliver vardenafil, the basis of Levitra and Staxyn. Vardenafil is a PDE5 inhibitor, which target receptors that relax muscles and increase blood flow to the penis. Other PDE5 inhibitors are behind Pfizer’s Viagra (sildenafil), the first to market in 1998, Cialis (tadalafil) and Stendra (avanafil). All these PDE5s are pretty much same-same, but vardenafil was deemed the most suitable for nasal reformulations. Rodne says current side-effects include heartburn and joint pain, which are all the result of the oral tablets going through the gastro-intestinal tract. Spontan, of course, goes straight to the blood stream. Why not earlier? Rodne says Spontan currently faces no competition, but the lingering question is why big pharma - notably trailblazer Pfizer with its ‘Pfizer riser’ - didn’t crack the nasal channel. Cialis, Viagra and Levitra, the three biggest-selling erectile dysfunction drugs are now off-patent and subject to generic competition. Stendra’s patent expires in April 2025. “Pfizer looked into it but it’s very hard to work because of the chemical structure,” he says. “It tends crystallise when in liquid form, so you can’t just crush up a chemical tablet, put it in a bottle and expect to be able to spray it.” The nub of LTR’s smarts is the ability to keep the drug soluble and enhance drug interaction. Where’s the evidence? LTR Pharma’s proof of efficacy to date is a small local trial and ‘real world’ usage evidence. On June 7 this year the company said an 18-man bio-availability trial showed Spontan hit peak bloodstream levels in nine to 15 minutes – an average of 12 minutes – compared with an average 56 minutes and as much as 150 minutes for oral vardenafil. The healthy adults were given two single 5.0mg doses of Spontan, as well as a 10mg dose of the oral version after a respectable crossover period. Given the drug is known to be effective once it reaches the bloodstream, that’s all the trial had to prove. In other words, the subjects weren’t being assessed on the quality of erections and lovemaking by a white-coated researcher at the end of the bed. Early in the piece, LTR became eligible for the local Therapeutics Goods Administration’s special access scheme and then the authorised prescriber scheme. These allow unapproved treatments to be administered. Initially, Spontan was prescribed by two men’s health doctors, but has spread to a broader cohort. A notable prescriber is urology expert Prof Eric Chung of the University of Queensland. Taking it slowly Rodne says the company won’t reveal current patient use – which is on the rise – because it doesn’t want investors to focus on sales for what is still a research and development-stage company transitioning to commercial phase. “Before we do that fully, we want specific feedback on patient use, such as whether they are using it in combination with other products,” he says. “We also want to produce education videos on how to use the product and we have some more packaging work to do and ensure patients can follow the instructions clearly.” That said, the company hopes the trial and the real-world data will support a marketing application to the TGA initially and the US Food and Drug Administration in early to mid-2025. The FDA filing is expected to be under the 505(b)(2) route, pertaining to a “change in route of administration for already approved drug”. “We expect to use the data packages for both agencies, but our home market is important for us,” Rodne says. While the requirement for further trials is unclear, the company expects more investigator-led studies here, with a standard requirement for an animal toxicology study. Take your partners In the meantime, LTR is in confidential licensing and partnering discussions with pharmaceutical companies. “We will run these discussions until 2025 and see what sort of value we can create,” Rodne says. “They would not waste their time if they were not interested.” In mid-August, LTR entered a co-development agreement with the New York-listed Aptar Pharma, a developer of nasal spray medicines used by drug companies including Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson. “They don’t partner with everyone: it needs to be a differentiated product with a big market and significant data.” As LTR’s device partner, Aptar will carry out market and regulatory readiness work, such as meeting with the agencies and formulation studies. “Aptar has more than 25 products approved with the FDA, so we don’t have to prove in the same way we don’t have to prove the drug works, because it has already been approved in oral form.” Indeed, the PDE5 tablets have been tested on hundreds of thousands – if not millions - of patients and cost more than US$1 billion to develop. Telehealth Earlier this month, LTR entered a joint venture with a West Australian men's health group, the Restorative Sexual Health Clinic, for an online healthcare platform. “The online platform will provide a discrete and convenient channel for men to access professional healthcare services and prescribed treatments,” Rodne says. The platform is expected to launch in the March quarter of next year. Finances and performance Shortly after the positive trial results, LTR bolstered its $7 million of IPO funds with a $10.5 million placement, struck at 73 cents apiece (a 19% discount). Rodne says LTR has sufficient cash – three years – beyond the likely timelines for regulatory approval and commercial partnering. The company intends to devote some of the funds to building an online sales channel, to avail of the rapid rise in digital prescriptions (in fact, the lion’s share of erectile dysfunction scripts is written remotely). LTR Pharma’s annual report shows a contingent liability of US$3 million, by way of potential milestone payments to Strategic Drug Solutions. LTR Pharma shares have always traded above their 20 cents listing price, bottoming at 27 cents two days after the IPO and peaking at $2.06 on October 10 this year. Dr Boreham’s diagnosis Rodne says that as a company focused on a single re-purposed drug, LTR Pharma is a simple story to understand. Spontan also addresses a high unmet need, with an estimated 322 million of the world’s blokes estimated to suffer erectile difficulties. Of these, close to half are in China, which might explain the nation’s sagging birth rate. Australian blokes can’t exactly stand proud, either, with the condition affecting more than 60% of over 45s. The value of the erectile dysfunction market is estimated at US$4.52 billion, with the US accounting for 30% despite having less than 10% of the sufferers. The market is expected to grow to US$6 billion by 2028, despite what Rodne describes as a complete lack of erectile dysfunction treatment innovation. While LTR Pharma is an easy-to-understand proposition, there’s no plan B if Spontan fails to gain market approval or flops at launch. An unexpected rival could also emerge, but Rodne believes the coast is clear. The endgame for LTR is unclear – it might go all the way to market on its own – but it would be stiff for the company to fail at this point. After all, Spontan would seem to be a great way for, say, Pfizer, to re-establish patent life on its famed blue pill. At a glance ASX code: LTP Share price: $1.205 Shares on issue: 153,901,979 Market cap: $102.17 million Executive chair: Lee Rodne Board: Rodne, Dr Julian Chick, Maja McGuire Financials (year to June 30, 2024): revenue nil, loss of $9.95 million ($1.45 million deficit previously), cash of $3.1 million (up 79%) ahead of $10.5 million capital raising Identifiable major shareholders: Rodne 34% interest, Strategic Drug Solutions 3.8%, Trexapharm 2.7%. Disclosure: Dr Boreham is not a qualified medical practitioner and does not possess a doctorate of any sort. He doesn’t have a Job-like quotient of patience, so will ensure the dishwasher stays off at the crucial moment. This column first appeared in Biotech Daily. At Stockhead we tell it like it is. While LTR Pharma is a Stockhead advertiser at the time of writing, it did not sponsor this article. Originally published as Dr Boreham’s Crucible: The rise and rise of LTR Pharma More related stories Stockhead Trump’s tariffs hits ASX, but EML jumps 24pc The ASX has dropped on Tuesday following Trump’s tariff announcement, but EML Payments surged after reporting strong Q1 results. Read more Stockhead Two biotech IPOs test strength of market Two new biotech companies – Vitrafy and Renerve – listed today, breaking an eight-month drought of life sciences IPOs on the ASX. Read more