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HERO ESPORTS Asian Champions League Honor of Kings Tournament Announces $200,000 Prize Pool, Champions will Secure Spot at Esports World Cup

  • Champion of the HERO ESPORTS Asian Champions League Honor of Kings tournament will secure a spot at the Esports World Cup
  • The Tournament is set to take place from May 5 to May 18 2025

SHANGHAI, Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The HERO ESPORTS Asian Champions League (ACL), Asia’s premier multi-title esports tournament hosted by Asia’s leading Esports company Hero Esports, has unveiled comprehensive details about the Honor of Kings tournament. This includes information on tournament format, schedule, prize pool, and available entry slots for the prestigious Esports World Cup.

The confirmed collaboration between the King Pro League (KPL), the most prestigious Honor of Kings league in China, ACL and the Esports World Cup marks a significant milestone in the Esports realm. The champion of the KPL Spring 2025 will secure a direct qualification at the Esports World Cup 2025, while the runner-up will earn a spot at the ACL Honor of Kings 2025 Finals.

The champion of ACL Honor of Kings will also gain direct entry to the Esports World Cup 2025, representing Asia’s top esports talents on the global stage and competing against top players from around the world.


ACL Honor of Kings will kick off on May 5, with the finals set for May 18, featuring a total of 12 competing teams. The prize pool amounts to $200,000, taking up one-tenth of the ACL total prize pool of $2 million.

The event will be divided into three stages: the Qualifiers, the Knockout stage and the Finals, all to be hosted in Shanghai.

According to the rankings of the regular season of KPL Spring 2025, teams ranked A5 and A6 along with all teams from Group B will compete in the qualifiers on May 5, 6 and 13, with only one team advancing. The format of the first round, second round and the last round will feature best-of-three (BO3) single elimination, best-of-five (BO5) single elimination and best-of-seven (BO7) respectively.

In the Knockout stage from May 14 to 16, the advancing team from the Qualifiers will face off the teams ranked from the 3rd to 5th in the playoff of KPL Spring 2025 (In the event of a tie, the team with the higher ranking in the stage 3 of the KPL Spring 2025 will secure the qualification). The four teams will compete in the format of best-of-seven (BO7) single elimination.

Ultimately, one team will reach the finals and compete for the championship of ACL Honor of Kings against the KPL Spring 2025 runner-up. The Final will also follow a best-of-seven (BO7) format.

As a long-time partner of Honor of Kings, Hero Esports consistently leverages its extensive industry experience to deliver outstanding esports events. This time, the inclusion of 12 top KPL teams adds excitement, elevating the competition to new heights.

ACL has already revealed six exciting game titles, including Dota 2, Counter-Strike 2, Honor of Kings, Teamfight Tactics, Delta Force, and Crossfire, with more popular titles expected to be announced soon.

About Hero Esports

Founded in 2016, Hero Esports is the biggest esports company in Asia, producing more than 7,000 matches every year that captivate an online fan base of over 800 million. With a global presence encompassing 12 office locations and eight top-tier esports arenas, Hero Esports offers a comprehensive suite of esports services, including tournament organization, marketing solutions, community development, and more. As a private company, Hero Esports counts Savvy Games Group and Tencent, among others, as investors, with Kuaishou and Huya as strategic partners.

Headquartered in Shanghai and employing more than 1,100 employees, Hero Esports is a fully integrated operator of esports tournaments and creator of esports content with global reach. The company has helped produce many prestigious tournaments including the Olympic Esports Week, the Esports World Cup as well as the esports series featured at both the Jakarta Asian Games 2018 and the Hangzhou Asian Games 2023. Hero Esports also worked with the world’s top-tier game publishers such as Tencent and Krafton in organizing popular esports leagues such as the Honor of Kings’ KPL series and PUBG’s PGC series, among many others. In 2024, Hero Esports launched Esports Asian Champions League (ACL), Asia’s premier international, multi-title esports tournament. Hero Esports is a member of the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC).

Three Lao Nationals Arrested in Cross-Border Drug Bust in Thailand

Three Lao Nationals Arrested in Cross-Border Drug Bust in Thailand
Three Lao Nationals Arrested in Cross-Border Drug Bust in Thailand

On 11 February, Thai authorities arrested three Lao nationals during a cross-border drug smuggling operation along the Mekong River in Ban Phaeng district, Nakhon Phanom Province. 

Thai police intercepted the shipment and arrested three suspects, including two teenagers and one adult. 

The suspects are a 16-year-old male from Khammouane Province, a 17-year-old male from Bolikhamxay Province, and a 30-year-old male, also from Bolikhamxay Province.

During the operation, authorities seized 16 sacks of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as “ice,” weighing a total of 658 kilograms. In addition, 58 bundles of methamphetamine tablets were confiscated, amounting to approximately 116,000 pills.

The suspects, along with the seized drugs, were immediately taken to Ban Phaeng Police Station for further investigation and legal proceedings. They remain in police custody and are facing prosecution under Thai law.

The operation was carried out following intelligence reports about an imminent drug shipment from Laos into Thailand’s interior through this border area.

This is not the first case in 2025 involving Lao nationals getting arrested for crimes in Thailand. 

On 5 February, Thai authorities also arrested eight Lao nationals in a raid on an illegal online gambling operation in Nong Khai Province. The arrested suspects are set to face charges for organizing illegal gambling and promoting it through electronic media, as well as violating immigration laws.

CHINASHOP 2025: Record 120,000 sqm to Open in Shenzhen, China, May 9-11

SHENZHEN, China, Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CHINASHOP, Asia’s premier retail industry exhibition, will host its 25th edition at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center from May 9-11, spanning a record-breaking 120,000 sqm.

2025CHINASHOP
2025CHINASHOP

Marking its 25th anniversary, the event will showcase China’s retail innovations ——from technologies, infrastructure, to commercial design, supply chain solutions, merchandising strategies, logistics, loss prevention, and asset protection solutions, alongside concurrent forums including the Consumer Goods Channel Selection Conference, Consumer Goods Channel Marketing Innovation Summit, China Supermarket Conference, and the debut of the All-Retail AI Spark Conference. The flagship CHINASHOP Golden Wings Awards will also spotlight industry excellence.

Why Shenzhen?

As China’s technology and manufacturing powerhouse, Shenzhen offers unparalleled insights into AI applications and smart supply chains. Its strategic proximity to Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia positions, the city as an ideal hub for global retail collaboration. CHINASHOP 2025 will emphasize AI integration, digital retail transformation, and supply chain optimization, aligning with Shenzhen’s role as a leader in tech-driven industry advancements.

Expanded Focus for 2025

  • Product Innovation Hub: A 20,000-sqm dedicated pavilion will showcase trending goods—from private-label products and health-focused items to regional specialties and coffee—catering to China’s booming discount stores, membership clubs, and convenience chains.
  • AI-Driven Retail: An AI Zone will debut live demonstrations of AI-powered tools, while the All-Retail AI Spark conference convenes 100+ tech leaders to share AI implementation strategies.

CHINASHOP 2025 expects over 900 exhibitors, 200+ industry experts, and 70,000+ attendees worldwide. Join us in Shenzhen from May 9-11 to explore the future of retail and source tomorrow’s best-selling products. CHINASHOP 2025 will redefine retail innovation.

Dorsett by Agora Osaka Sakai Set to Open its Doors this March

Experience Sakai’s vibrancy at Japan’s First Dorsett Hotel overlooking the stunning Sakai harbour


OSAKA, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 February 2025 – Following the success of the G7 summit at Hotel Agora Regency Osaka Sakai in October 2023, Agora Hospitalities looks forward to welcoming Osaka’s World Expo 2025 on Yumeshima from April to October 2025. With the debut of our latest venture and the first Dorsett Hotel in Japan, Dorsett by Agora Osaka Sakai, opening on March 25, 2025, the hotel will offer ticket sales for a direct ferry service running four times daily, conveniently connecting guests from the pier just outside the hotel to the Expo within 30 minutes.

Dorsett Facade v3

Dorsett by Agora Osaka Sakai is ideally located just three train stops from the shopping district of Namba and a 30-minute ride from the airport, perfect for both leisure and business travellers.

Guests will be welcomed by 321 stylish rooms and suites, a meeting room for up to 42 seated guests, and an all-day dining restaurant with an outdoor harbourfront terrace for 120 guests. Half of the guestrooms, ranging from 22 to 44 sq.m, offer stunning views of Sakai harbour. Each room features compact minibars, window-side seating, and sofa beds.

Sustainability and local culture inspire the design with ‘Greenery, Earth and Sea’ elements. Eco-friendly materials such as ceramic tiles, bricks and upcycled denim cushions sourced from Japanese brand Rekrow, ensure a comfortable and an eco-conscious stay for our visitors.

Guests booking directly with the hotel will enjoy the brand’s signature Dorsett 26 Hours – offering a flexible check-in or out time and a full 26-hour stay. Dorsett Discoveries, a curated insider guide will provide guests with unique access to experiences around Sakai and Osaka.

“This debut, in partnership with Dorsett Hospitality International, marks Agora’s 10th, and introduces the first Dorsett Hotel in Japan. Dorsett by Agora Osaka Sakai reflects our commitment to exceptional hospitality and showcasing the best of Japan,” said Michael Xian, CEO and President of Agora Hospitality Group.

BOOK NOW to celebrate the hotel’s opening with the Soft Opening Special 38% discount for stays from March 25th to December 31st, 2025, available for booking until April 30th, 2025. Be among the first to experience Japan’s first Dorsett by Agora!

For details, please visit www.agoradorsett-sakai.com/en/.
Hashtag: #DorsettHospitalityInternational #Osaka

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Bitcoin and Beyond: Navigating the 2025 Crypto Bull Run with Global Broker Octa


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 February 2025 – Coming into 2025, the cryptocurrency market is on the upswing. Bitcoin has reached another all-time high (ATH), surpassing $109,000 on 20 January 2025, ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration. The overall market growth is driven by institutional investors‘ crypto adoption, a change in regulatory sentiments, and general interest in digital assets, retail investors included. Considering this, many believe the crypto market is on a bullish run, which refers to the period of high demand for assets and their rising prices. Financial market analyst at Octa Broker, Kar Yong Ang, shares potential crypto market development and driving factors to consider.

Octa

Bitcoin Projections for 2025
Bitcoin’s (BTC) price increase to $100,000 and beyond has been anticipated for many years. Some factors contributing to such growth are increased institutional adoption, favourable regulatory changes, and retail traders’ overall interest in the crypto market. Experts are optimistic about the future BTC price increase.

For example, according to an opinion published by Forbes, Bitcoin can ‘blow past’ $150,000 in the first half of 2025 and may go up to $185,000 by the end of this year. It could also rise to $200,000 before the year closes, citing a surge in retail and institutional demand and a constricted supply.

Many believe that such an increase is also driven by Bitcoin’s halving, which took place in April 2024. Some see further upside ahead with limited supply and rising demand, while growing participation by institutional investors cements Bitcoin as a long-term store of value.

Positive changes in regulation also set Bitcoin’s future. In the U.S., the amicable approach toward cryptocurrencies in the Trump administration created a very friendly environment for investment in digital assets. The European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets, or MiCA, regulation is expected to further boost investor confidence with the standardisation of a legal framework across the union.

Other Cryptocurrencies to Watch in 2025
Ethereum (ETH), which has surpassed $4,100 in Q4 2024 for the first time in a long time, is the cornerstone of the DeFi ecosystem. Since the successful transition to Ethereum 2.0 in 2022, the network has continued to usher in the most important upgrades that help to scale better and improve user experience.

Recent developments on the chain include proposals to scale both Layer 1 and Layer 2 solutions to improve transaction efficiency at lowered costs. However, Ethereum is increasingly contested by emerging blockchains such as Solana (SOL), which boast faster transaction times and lower fees. This rivalry has been ever-growing as projects and investors seek more efficient blockchain solutions.

BNB, the native coin of the Binance Smart Chain, has almost reached $800, representing its integral value within the greater Binance ecosystem. The token’s price relies highly on the performances and growth that Binance achieves through its core exchange business and foray into DeFi. The more innovative tools and expanded offerings from Binance, the greater the utility and demand for BNB, thereby driving up its valuations.

Expectations During Crypto Bull Run
As cryptocurrencies rally, the broader market implications are becoming increasingly evident. For example, traders should expect higher volatility, with rapid price swings creating opportunities and amplifying risks. This is especially relevant for new crypto projects or meme tokens.

Bull runs typically attract new investors, bringing fresh liquidity into the market. However, heightened speculation also raises the risk of price corrections, making risk management crucial for traders. The increasing mainstream adoption of Bitcoin ETFs has further fueled market expansion as retail and institutional investors gain more seamless access to digital assets.

Beyond Bitcoin and the top 50 cryptocurrencies by market capitalisation, decentralised finance (DeFi) presents new investment avenues. DeFi platforms continue to offer lending, borrowing, and yield farming opportunities. For those looking for passive income strategies, staking and yield farming are becoming increasingly popular. By participating in network validation or providing liquidity to DeFi platforms, investors can earn returns while contributing to the stability of blockchain ecosystems.

The 2025 crypto bull run has gotten underway, setting the stage for never-before-seen market activity. Surging beyond $100,000, Bitcoin is but one indicator of an industry in rapid evolution: institutional adoption, regulatory clarity, and shifting macroeconomic conditions.

While this current rally does offer a lucrative opportunity, traders should be cautious. Market volatility needs to be tackled strategically by balancing risk versus informed decisions. The next few months are expected to prove critical for the long-term course of digital assets as projected regulations further unfold and major financial players further indulge in the crypto sector.
Hashtag: #Octa

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Octa

is an international CFD broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools.

The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities.

In the APAC region, Octa received the ‘Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024’ and the ‘Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023’ awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively.

This article is for informational purposes only and highlights general insights about the financial markets. It is not intended as financial advice or a solicitation of financial services in jurisdictions where such activities are prohibited, including the United Arab Emirates. Readers should seek independent advice and fully understand the risks involved before making any financial decisions.

Open for Registration: The 3rd China-ASEAN Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition (CAIEC-3) 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — 2025 China – ASEAN Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition is now calling for applications.

Open for Registration: The 3rd China-ASEAN Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition (CAIEC-3) 2025
Open for Registration: The 3rd China-ASEAN Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition (CAIEC-3) 2025

Please find more information below.

CAIEC is an innovation platform and mechanism that welcomes innovators and entrepreneurs from China and ASEAN universities, institutes, start-ups and other social organizations. Based on the existing projects, the best projects will be selected and awarded according to the unified scoring criteria. Thus continuous efforts will be made to promote China-ASEAN innovation and entrepreneurship and foster a closer STI China-ASEAN community with a shared future. In collaboration with the ASEAN Secretariat, TusStar Malaysia and the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China will host the 3rd China-ASEAN Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition.

Theme: Innovation Cooperation for a Shared Dream

Enterprises and teams that meet the participating requirements can log on to the official website of the Competition (www.caiec.cattc.org.cn) to download the registration form and commitment letter. The completed registration form, commitment letter, and all relevant registration documents should be sent to the email: caiec2022@vip.163.com

The email subject should be “CAIEC Registration-Project Name-Contact Person”.

The registration should be submitted via email only. No registration fee is charged for the Competition.

Registration Period: December 31st, 2024 to March 1st, 2025.

Deadline for submission: March 1st, 2025

Participating Groups and Requirements

The Competition is open to universities, research institutes, enterprises, and other social organizations from China and ASEAN Member States. The participants are divided into Enterprise Group and Team Group.

  1. Enterprise Group
  • Legally registered in China or ASEAN Member States. The intellectual property rights of participating projects shall be dispute-free.Registered and established after January 1st, 2019 (inclusive).
  • The registered capital does not exceed USD 4.5 million.The operating income of the enterprise in 2023 does not exceed USD 30 million.
  • Non-listed enterprises that comply with local rules and have an excellent social reputation without bad records (enterprises listed on the NEEQ or the Regional Equities Exchange and Quotations are allowed to participate in the Competition).

2. Team Group

  • Teams with technological innovation achievements and entrepreneurial plans that have not been registered as enterprises currently, such as entrepreneurs, excellent start-ups in the field of S&T, start-up groups from universities, etc.
  • The products, technologies, and related intellectual property shall belong to the core members and be free from property rights disputes.

Field

The Competition is registered and competed in the field of green and low-carbon technologies, including but not limited to: energy conservation and environmental protection, new energy, new energy vehicles, new materials, carbon neutrality technologies and circular economy, etc.

Participation Requirements

a. All participating groups will be divided into Enterprise Group and Team Group. Each participating group should consist of at least three core members (including three), no more than 6 members in principle. Joint groups consisting of members from China, ASEAN  Member States and other countries are strongly encouraged. Among the core members, the proportion of Chinese or ASEAN team members should be no less than 50%.

b. Participants must strictly abide by the laws and regulations of the People’s Republic of China and AMS and follow both sides’ public order and good customs. (The Association of Southeast Asian Nations includes 10 countries, including Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam)

c. Projects that have won awards in previous China-ASEAN Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competitions are not eligible to participate in this Competition.

Language

The official language of the Competition is English. All registration documents, including the registration form, commitment letter, business plans, and presentation materials (like Pitch Deck) must be submitted in English. The presentation and Q&A of the Final will also be conducted in English.

Competition Sessions

The Competition consists of three sessions: Registration and Eligibility Check, Initial Selection and the Final, with evaluations conducted separately for the Enterprise Group and Team Group.

The more detailed information is available here: www.caiec.cattc.org.cn

 

 

Bitdefender Acquires BitShield Division to Expand Presence in Asia-Pacific

Acquisition strengthens Bitdefender’s position in Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, and surrounding countries to deliver advanced cybersecurity solutions for business and government customers


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 February 2025 – Bitdefender, a global leader in cybersecurity, today announced the acquisition of a key division of BitShield, responsible for distributing Bitdefender solutions in Malaysia and Brunei as a trusted Country Partner. The acquisition underscores Bitdefender’s continued investment in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, one of cybersecurity’s fastest-growing markets.

This acquisition aligns with Bitdefender’s broader strategy to expand its presence in the APAC region through both organic growth and strategic partnerships. It builds on the successful acquisition of Singapore-based Horangi Cyber Security, a company specialising in cloud security, consulting, and offensive services. By leveraging its deepened regional presence and broader capabilities, Bitdefender is better positioned to address critical cybersecurity challenges organisations face as they navigate a growing attack surface and complexity of securing multi-cloud environments.

“Our long-standing collaboration with Bitdefender has enabled us to deliver leading-edge cybersecurity solutions to hundreds of partners and thousands of customers across Malaysia and Brunei,” said Susan Lulla, CEO at BitShield. “By combining our deep understanding of the local market around security and data regulation challenges with Bitdefender’s global operations, we are well-positioned to deliver tailored security solutions and exceptional outcomes for organisations as the threat landscape evolves.”

For several years, BitShield has sold and supported Bitdefender solutions in Malaysia and Brunei, including endpoint protection and other offerings, to organisations across several key sectors, including government entities, financial institutions, multinational corporations, and technology companies.

Central to these offerings is the Bitdefender GravityZone Platform, a unified security and risk analytics solution that offers organisations options for advanced endpoint protection, including endpoint detection and response (EDR), extended detection and response (XDR), and cloud security for physical, virtual, and multi-cloud environments. GravityZone delivers deep security context for detections and seamlessly integrates with Bitdefender MDR services.

“We are pleased to announce this strategic acquisition as part of our ongoing commitment to expanding our APAC presence,” said Florin Talpes, co-founder and CEO of Bitdefender. “Building on our initial success in Singapore and Malaysia, this marks another step in our journey to grow our business there by working with more partners, reaching more customers, and expanding our team significantly. This investment also reflects our relentless dedication to being a trusted cybersecurity partner for businesses and government organisations worldwide.”

Transaction Details
The terms of the transaction are not being disclosed. The acquired BitShield division will be fully integrated into Bitdefender’s global operations, transitioning to the Bitdefender brand. BitShield will retain its identity and operations outside the Bitdefender portfolio. As of January 1, 2025, Twdor Sdn Bhd, became an official and newest distributor of Bitdefender business security solutions in Malaysia.
Hashtag: #Bitdefender

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About BitShield

BitShield Data Defense Sdn. Bhd. is a premier provider of cybersecurity technologies and services, headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. BitShield is committed to delivering exceptional cybersecurity solutions to protect businesses from a wide array of cyber threats. BitShield’s comprehensive suite of products and services includes Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM), Automated Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT) solutions, advanced cybercrime investigation, and IT security audits and assessments. For more information, please visit .

About Bitdefender

Bitdefender is a cybersecurity leader delivering best-in-class threat prevention, detection, and response solutions worldwide. Guardian over millions of consumer, enterprise, and government environments, Bitdefender is one of the industry’s most trusted experts for eliminating threats, protecting privacy, digital identity, and data, and enabling cyber resilience. With deep investments in research and development, Bitdefender Labs discovers hundreds of new threats each minute and validates billions of threat queries daily. The company has pioneered breakthrough innovations in antimalware, IoT security, behavioral analytics, and artificial intelligence, and its technology is licensed by more than 180 of the world’s most recognised technology brands. Founded in 2001, Bitdefender has customers in 170+ countries with offices around the world. For more information, visit .

Lion TCR’s Liocyx-M004 Receives FDA Clearance to Launch Global Multicenter Phase 2 Clinical Trial in HBV-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma

SINGAPORE, Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On 12 Feb 2025, Lion TCR announced that its mRNA-encoded T-cell receptor (TCR)-T cell therapy product Liocyx-M004 has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to initiate an international multicenter Phase 2 clinical trial. This significant progress further solidifies Lion TCR’s leading position in the mRNA-based TCR-T field and brings new hope to patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

U.S. Food and Drug Administration
U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Hepatitis B and liver cancer are significant global public health challenges. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a leading risk factor for liver cancer, particularly HCC. Globally, an estimated 296 million people live with chronic HBV infection. Liver cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide. In 2020 alone, there were approximately 905,000 new cases and 830,000 deaths from liver cancer globally. Liocyx-M004 is the world’s first mRNA-encoded TCR-T cell therapy targeting HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma. The FDA-approved international multicenter Phase 2 clinical trial will evaluate the efficacy of Liocyx-M004 as a monotherapy and in combination with lenvatinib. Lenvatinib, a well-established first-line treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, demonstrates the ability to reprogram the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment into an immune-supportive state, thereby enhancing tumour-killing efficacy. When combined with Liocyx-M004, this therapy is anticipated to create synergistic effects, further amplifying its anti-tumour potential and improving patient outcomes.

Dr. Tina Wang, Chief Medical Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Lion TCR, explained: “In patients with HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma, HBV-specific T cells are often functionally exhausted, leading to a significant impairment in their ability to eliminate liver cancer cells and HBV-infected liver cells with HBV-DNA integration. Our research has shown that HBV-specific TCR-T cells can effectively target and destroy these cancerous cells. This makes the adoptive transfer and supplementation of autologous HBV-specific TCR-T cells a promising therapeutic strategy, with the potential to restore the HBV-specific T cell pool in patients. This approach enables targeted killing of liver cancer cells and infected liver cells expressing HBV antigens, providing a novel treatment option for HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma. While systemic therapies for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma have made significant strides in recent years, including the development of targeted combination immunotherapies, precision treatments for HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma remain limited. By investigating the combination of Liocyx-M004 with lenvatinib, we aim to further improve response rates and survival outcomes for these patients. The FDA’s approval of this international multicenter Phase 2 clinical trial is a major milestone that strengthens our confidence and commitment to advancing mRNA-encoded TCR-T therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma. Moving forward, we will accelerate the trial’s progress and gather clinical data to bring this innovative treatment to patients as soon as possible.”

Dr. Xiaoming Peng, CEO of Lion TCR, remarked: “Liocyx-M004 is the first TCR-T therapy targeting HBV viral antigens to receive IND approval from the U.S. FDA and the first of its kind to be granted Fast Track designation. This approval for Liocyx-M004 to proceed with international multicenter Phase 2 clinical trials underscores its significance as an innovative therapy for liver cancer and represents a major milestone for Lion TCR. It also signifies a critical step in Lion TCR’s transition from the clinical stage to commercialization. While advancing our lead product through these critical trials, we are simultaneously accelerating the development of an ‘off-the-shelf’ (or ‘universal’) in vivo TCR-T product platform, leveraging mRNA-LNP delivery technology to significantly reduce production costs. In parallel, we are enhancing our AI-powered TCR discovery platform to expand our pipeline into treatments for various solid tumors with high unmet needs, including lung cancer, breast cancer, and gastrointestinal cancers.”

Liocyx-M004 has already demonstrated promising outcomes in earlier clinical trials, achieving a median overall survival of 33.1 months in patients with HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma.

About Lion TCR

Lion TCR is a clinical-stage biotechnology company, originally spun off from Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), and a pioneer in mRNA-encoded TCR-T cell therapies for the treatment of solid tumors and infectious diseases. Its flagship product, Liocyx-M004, is the world’s first FDA-approved TCR-T cell therapy targeting HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to enter international multicenter Phase 2 clinical trials. The therapy has also been granted FDA Fast Track and Orphan Drug designations. In November 2024, Lion TCR achieved another milestone with IND approval from China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), marking significant progress in advancing TCR-T cell therapy.

By leveraging cutting-edge mRNA technology and an AI-driven TCR discovery platform, Lion TCR is expanding its pipeline to target various solid tumors and infectious diseases, including lung cancer, breast cancer, and gastrointestinal cancer. The company is also developing both autologous cell therapies and ‘off-the-shelf’ therapies using mRNA-LNP delivery technology to significantly reduce production costs while ensuring scalability in manufacturing.

Lion TCR has successfully raised over 300 million yuan in funding, led by Guangzhou Industrial Investment Fund, alongside Guangzhou Guoju Investment Fund (a private equity subsidiary of Guangzhou Hi-Tech Investment Group Co., Ltd.) and CSPC NARD Capital Fund. The company has established its China headquarters in Guangzhou Sino-Singapore Knowledge City and is constructing a GMP-compliant innovative drug facility. This facility complements its GMP base in Singapore, creating a comprehensive global platform that integrates research, clinical operations, and production. Through its ChinaSingapore collaboration, Lion TCR aims to establish itself as a global leader in mRNA-encoded TCR-T cell therapies.