Small cap wrap: Protalix Biotherapeutics, Delivra Health, HIVE Digital, U.S. Global Investors...

Alvopetro Energy Ltd (TSX-V:ALV, OTC:ALVOF) earlier this week discussed strong Q1 2025 performance, driven by gains in Brazil and early success in a new Canadian venture.

The company told investors it produced 2,446 barrels of oil equivalent per day during the quarter. This marked a 41% increase from Q4 2024. It said the realized gas price reached US$10.44 per MCF, which contributed to over US$9 million in funds flow from operations.

The shelves at major U.S. retailers may look full for now, but a dramatic slowdown in trade between the U.S. and China is quietly building into what could become a full-blown supply shock. In this guest article, Frank Holmes, CEO of U.S. Global Investors (NASDAQ:GROW), breaks down how President Trump’s sweeping new tariffs—some as high as 145%—are already reshaping shipping patterns, threatening retail inventory, and prompting layoffs in freight and logistics.

With economists warning of a potential recession as early as this summer, Holmes argues that while short-term pain may be inevitable, long-term industrial renewal could be on the horizon. For investors navigating this volatile environment, he says, one asset stands out as a time-tested haven: gold.

Tiziana Life Sciences Ltd (NASDAQ:TLSA) said on Friday that a patient with moderate Alzheimer’s disease showed a marked reduction in brain inflammation after three months of treatment with its lead drug candidate, intranasal foralumab, under an expanded access program.

A PET scan revealed a significant decrease in microglial activation, an indicator of neuroinflammation linked to Alzheimer’s progression, according to data presented by Dr Howard Weiner at the 2025 AD/PD Conference in Vienna.

Delivra Health Brands Inc. (TSX-V:DHB) said that its Kuwait-based distributor for the Dream Water brand will launch the company’s new 60-count Sleep Gummies in the Middle East, with product availability expected by July 2025.

The move marks an expansion of the company's presence in international markets after Dream Water’s success in Canada and the US.

Standard Uranium Ltd (TSX-V:STND, OTCQB:STTDF) said on Friday it has signed a definitive option agreement with Vital Battery Metals Inc, granting the latter the right to earn a 75% interest in the Corvo uranium project in Canada's eastern Athabasca Basin.

Under the terms of the agreement, Vital Battery Metals can acquire the interest by making $225,000 in cash payments, issuing $725,000 worth of shares, and funding $4.5 million in exploration over three years.

Challenger Energy Group PLC (AIM:CEG, OTCQB:BSHPF) this week updated investors on its exploration assets in Uruguay, where work is advancing ahead of seismic.

The company is fully funded through the end of 2026, following a cash payment received from partner Chevron.

Protalix Biotherapeutics Inc (NYSE-A:PLX) said it is on track to launch a Phase II clinical trial of its experimental gout treatment PRX-115 later this year, as the company builds on momentum from positive early-stage results and rising product sales.

The Israeli biopharmaceutical firm reported first-quarter revenues from product sales of $10 million, up 170% from a year earlier, driven largely by higher sales to Pfizer and Brazil’s Fiocruz.

U.S. Global Investors (NASDAQ:GROW) told shareholders it plans to expand its exposure to digital assets, ramp up its gold strategy, and build momentum behind its defense-focused ETF in the coming quarters.

The firm’s GO GOLD and Precious Metal Miners ETF (NYSE: GOAU) is one of several vehicles for investors to tap into demand for real assets.

Zephyr Energy PLC (AIM:ZPHR, OTCQB:ZPHRF) earlier this week reported strong production test results from its latest well in the Paradox Basin, Utah.

The company said the test delivered flow rates of up to 3,000 barrels per day, significantly outperforming comparable onshore U.S. wells, despite not undergoing fracking.

Genflow Biosciences PLC (LSE:GENF, OTCQB:GENFF) has topped up its coffers with a £500,000 share subscription to support its proof-of-concept trial.

It is issuing 62.5 million new shares, priced at 0.8p per share.

Orthocell Ltd has achieved a major milestone in its US commercialisation push, securing 12 distributors for its flagship nerve repair product Remplir, well ahead of its initial midyear target of 10.

The regenerative medicine company said its US distribution network now spans 21 states after recently increasing its American distributors' stable by eight. The growth represents a key part of Orthocell’s US market strategy, which received 501(k) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration on April 3.