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Mafia: The Old Country Delivers Thrilling First Look at The Game Awards

Start of an all-new crime saga for the acclaimed Mafia franchise coming Summer 2025, available to wishlist now


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 December 2024 – Today, 2K and Hangar 13 released a new trailer for Mafia: The Old Country, introducing the brutal criminal underworld of 1900s Sicily at The Game Awards. Marking the start of a new crime saga for the acclaimed Mafia franchise, Mafia: The Old Country is an all-new story set in the Mafia universe, harkening back to the roots of organized crime with a compelling new cast of characters.

As a linear, narrative-driven game, Mafia: The Old Country is a focused package perfect for fans looking to engross themselves in an unfamiliar world of danger and intrigue. The graphically stunning cinematic experience features a story grounded in the brutal world of organized crime that authentically immerses players with dangerous combat systems featuring high-stakes, grounded stealth and gunplay mechanics.

Mafia: The Old Country introduces a new, original protagonist for players to embody. Enzo’s story unfolds in a time when skill with a stiletto blade was a deadly asset, a lupara sawed-off shotgun was a go-to firearm, murderous vendettas raged for decades, and mafiosi patrolled their protection rackets on foot, horseback, or behind the wheel of turn-of-the-century motorcars.

Through grit and determination, Enzo has survived a childhood of indentured labor in Sicily’s hellish sulfur mines. Now, through a twist of fate, he has the opportunity to join Don Torrisi’s crime family, and will do whatever it takes to carve out a better life for himself. By swearing an oath, Enzo has committed himself to the Torrisi family’s code of honor, with all the power and hardship it entails. He must never forget this simple truth: Family Takes Sacrifice.

Mafia: The Old Country is a love letter to old-style, gritty Mafia stories where players can uncover the origins of organized crime,” said Nick Baynes, President of Hangar 13, “Everyone at Hangar 13 is committed to creating the most authentic and intense story of the franchise, and we can’t wait for players to experience the journey with Enzo.”

First established in 2002 with the launch of the landmark game Mafia, the franchise has sold-in more than 35 million copies across consoles and PC. Hangar 13 has spent 22 years immersing players in brutal Mafia worlds, and now these franchise veterans are focused on Mafia: The Old Country.

For the latest information on Mafia: The Old Country, wishlist the game, visit mafiagame.com, and follow the game across YouTube, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.

Mafia: The Old Country is currently rated RP – Mature by the ESRB.

Hangar 13 is a 2K studio. 2K is a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).
Hashtag: #2K

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

About 2K COMMUNICATIONS

Get to know your Asia team and what we do!

Founded in 2005, 2K develops and publishes interactive entertainment for video game consoles, personal computers and mobile devices, with product availability including physical retail and digital download. The Company is home to many talented development studios, including Visual Concepts, Firaxis Games, Hangar 13, Cat Daddy Games, 31st Union, Cloud Chamber and HB Studios. 2K’s portfolio currently includes several AAA, sports and entertainment brands, including global powerhouse NBA®️ 2K; renowned BioShock®️, Borderlands®️, Mafia, Sid Meier’s Civilization®️ and XCOM®️ brands; popular WWE®️ 2K and WWE®️ SuperCard franchises; as well as the critically and commercially acclaimed PGA TOUR®️ 2K. Additional information about 2K and its products may be found at and on the Company’s official social media channels.

The Communications Team manages all public relations and influencer marketing for 2K titles. We are a team of talented storytellers, passionate video game players and communications professionals dedicated to raising awareness and driving purchase intent for our slate of fantastic games. We challenge ourselves to create fresh strategies and leverage our deep relationships with consumer media, enthusiast press and influencers to tell compelling brand stories.

Contact Us:

Borderlands® 4 Reveals Mayhem-Fueled First Look at The Game Awards

Trailer highlights new villains and themes for the most ambitious Borderlands game to-date, available to wishlist now


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 December 2024 – Today, 2K and Gearbox Software released the first look at Borderlands® 4 showcasing new details from one of the most highly anticipated games coming in 2025. Revealed at The Game Awards, a new trailer introduces The Timekeeper, a ruthless dictator who dominates the masses from on high. A world-altering catastrophe threatens his perfect Order, unleashing mayhem across Kairos, the most dangerous planet discovered so far in the Borderlands universe.

Borderlands 4 is the most ambitious Borderlands to date, lovingly hand-crafted by the development studio that first forged the looter shooter genre. The title evolves the series’ gameplay and storytelling in new ways while delivering on the quintessential Borderlands experience fans know and love, including:

  • Intense action, badass Vault Hunters, and billions of wild and deadly weapons on an all-new planet ruled by a ruthless tyrant.
  • The deepest and most diverse Vault Hunter skill trees of any Borderlands title yet, giving players an unprecedented level of expression through their builds. Paired with the most expansive loot chase yet, players will have all the tools they need to seek out and perfect the build that best matches their style.
  • Players will be able to seamlessly travel between zones and become immersed in a more dynamic world featuring events and discoverable side missions that encourage and reward exploration.
  • New traversal mechanics add to the exploration for loot and add new dimensions to combat. A vehicle that can be summoned almost anywhere will have players racing across the beautiful vistas of Kairos in style.
  • Fight solo or in co-op with up to three other players in this immense sci-fi adventure, packed with free-form combat and exploration, pulse-pounding boss fights, infinitely varied loot drops, and an eclectic cast of unforgettable characters new and old.

“Borderlands 4 is about freedom and being badass,” said Gearbox boss Randy Pitchford. “This is by far the biggest and most insane world we’ve ever made – it’s overloaded with jerkface ratnozzle scrote monsters that need to be put down with the most over-the-top hardcore nuts op guns and loot in any game ever. Oh, and the story also seriously kicks ass!”

Borderlands 4 will launch in 2025 on PlayStation®5 (PS5®), Xbox Series X|S and PC through Steam and the Epic Games Store. It is available to wishlist now.

The Borderlands franchise has sold-in more than 87 million copies to-date, receiving critical acclaim from reviewers and fans alike. With unforgettable characters, deep world building, and more unique guns than can be counted, the franchise has cemented itself as a must-play series.

For the latest information on Borderlands 4, wishlist the game, visit www.borderlands.2k.com and follow the game across YouTube, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

Borderlands 4 is currently rated RP for Rating Pending by the ESRB.

Gearbox Software is a 2K studio. 2K is a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).
Hashtag: #Borderlands®4

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

About 2K COMMUNICATIONS

Get to know your Asia team and what we do!

Founded in 2005, 2K develops and publishes interactive entertainment for video game consoles, personal computers and mobile devices, with product availability including physical retail and digital download. The Company is home to many talented development studios, including Visual Concepts, Firaxis Games, Hangar 13, Cat Daddy Games, 31st Union, Cloud Chamber and HB Studios. 2K’s portfolio currently includes several AAA, sports and entertainment brands, including global powerhouse NBA®️ 2K; renowned BioShock®️, Borderlands®️, Mafia, Sid Meier’s Civilization®️ and XCOM®️ brands; popular WWE®️ 2K and WWE®️ SuperCard franchises; as well as the critically and commercially acclaimed PGA TOUR®️ 2K. Additional information about 2K and its products may be found at and on the Company’s official social media channels.

The Communications Team manages all public relations and influencer marketing for 2K titles. We are a team of talented storytellers, passionate video game players and communications professionals dedicated to raising awareness and driving purchase intent for our slate of fantastic games. We challenge ourselves to create fresh strategies and leverage our deep relationships with consumer media, enthusiast press and influencers to tell compelling brand stories.

Contact Us:

Vietnam to Ban E-Cigarettes, Heated Tobacco Products in 2025

Two Young Guys Smoking E-cigarettes (Photo: Tuoi Tre News)

Vietnam will ban e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products starting in 2025, the National Assembly announced on 30 November.

SIBUR Unveils Proprietary Catalyst


MOSCOW, RUSSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 December 2024 – SIBUR, Russia’s largest producer of polymers and rubbers, has introduced a proprietary catalyst technology for propylene production.

The innovation aims to ensure technological independence in the production chain for polypropylene, one of the most in-demand synthetic materials in the market today. SIBUR currently produces approximately 2 million tonnes of polypropylene annually, supplying both the domestic and international markets. The company is now building a new production complex that will position Russia as one of the biggest global producers of polypropylene.

The catalyst, named Nobel, is used in the propane dehydrogenation process to produce propylene, which is then converted into polypropylene – a crucial polymer for various industries. Polypropylene is widely used in manufacturing packaging materials, medical devices, polymer pipes for water supply and heating systems, as well as automotive components.

The main challenge in developing the catalyst was creating a stable and efficient support system in the form of alumina oxide spheres. Previously, this support material was imported from Europe, with only three countries worldwide possessing the necessary production technology. Through a combination of laboratory research and production testing, SIBUR successfully developed a catalyst comparable to leading imported alternatives within a short time frame

Hashtag: #SIBUR

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

IGC Allots and Issues 110,000,000 Subscription Shares

Raising Over HK$300 Million for Strategic Development


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 December 2024 – International Genius Company (“IGC“, stock code: 0033.HK) is pleased to announce that, has successfully signed Subscription Agreement with independent third parties after trading hours on 12 December 2024. IGC has conditionally agreed to allot and issue 110,000,000 Subscription Shares at the Subscription Price of HK$2.75 per Subscription Share (same to the closing price as quoted on the Stock Exchange on the Subscription Agreement), estimated funding of approximately HK$302 million is intended to be used to support the Company’s strategic development and to replenish general operational funds.

If the Subscription Shares are fully subscribed, the Subscriber and its ultimate beneficial owner, Ms. Han Jia, will become Substantial Shareholder of IGC, holding approximately 16.46% of the issued share capital of the Company as enlarged by the allotment and issue of the Subscription Shares and thus a Connected Person. The Subscription Price was negotiated on an arm’s length basis between the Company and the Subscriber and was determined with reference to the latest business performance and financial position of the Company etc., the Subscription price is same to closing price as quoted on the Stock Exchange on the Subscription Agreement, also a premium of approximately 9.56% to the average of the closing prices of approximately HK$2.51 per Share as quoted on the Stock Exchange for the last five consecutive trading days, indicates that the Subscribers have complete confidence in IGC.

To address the increasingly complex international environment and fluctuations in the capital markets, IGC believes it is necessary to collaborate with Shareholders who can provided stable and long-term companionship as the Company grows. Through equity financing, we aim to supply the Company’s operations with a more stable source of funding. Since the beginning of this year, IGC has been undergoing strategic transformation and is steadily moving forward towards becoming a provider of AI trading technology solutions. It has successfully acquired Deep Neural Computing Company Limited, a leading R&D and application company specializing in artificial intelligence, deep neural networks, distributed computing, and quantitative trading algorithms. IGC has since expanded its technology-driven investment management business. The Subscription would raise additional funds for the business development of the Company, strengthen the financial position, broaden the shareholder and capital base of the Company so as to facilitate its future development.
Hashtag: #IGC #SubscriptionShares #AI

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

About International Genius Company

The International Genius Company (IGC, stock code: 0033. HK) is a Chinese-led AI trading technology solution provider. With top AI R&D capabilities and quantitative trading experience, IGC strives to combine advanced technology with market insights, and is working to redefine financial asset trading through AI. Based on cutting-edge technologies such as neural networks and distributed computing and massive data analysis capabilities, IGC provides customized one-stop scalable AI trading technology solutions for investment institutions, asset management companies, family offices, etc.

Shaping a Sustainable Future: Asia’s Visionary Business Leaders and Corporations Redefine Excellence at ACES Awards 2024


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 December 2024 – The ACES Awards, organised by MORS, spotlight a dynamic spectrum of leaders and enterprises across Asia that exemplify the power of strategic innovation, sustainability, and community engagement. With a diverse array of honourees—from satellite communications in Brunei and financial services in Hong Kong, to renewable energy in the Maldives and coffee craftsmanship in Vietnam—this year’s recognitions affirm that placing sustainability and responsible growth at the heart of business drives new capabilities, stronger communities, and long-term resilience.

Honouring Excellence in Sustainability: 34 visionary companies and businesses were celebrated for their remarkable commitment to championing sustainability, driving meaningful impact across Asia at the ACES Awards 2024.
Honouring Excellence in Sustainability: 34 visionary companies and businesses were celebrated for their remarkable commitment to championing sustainability, driving meaningful impact across Asia at the ACES Awards 2024.

In Brunei, two leaders in sustainability and innovation underscore the country’s steady ascent on the regional stage. Network Integrity Assurance Technologies (NIAT) Sdn. Bhd., a 100% locally owned company, has distinguished itself through cutting-edge satellite communications and geospatial solutions, coupled with IoT and AI integration that strengthen essential sectors like oil, gas, and government services. Similarly, Heidelberg Materials Butra Sdn Bhd, part of a global industry group, has been named one of Asia’s Most Influential Companies for its forward-looking sustainability commitments, successfully blending financial performance with environmental stewardship and employee well-being—an example that resonates throughout the building materials industry.

Recognising Leadership Excellence: 59 outstanding business leaders and enterprises were awarded for their exemplary leadership, at the ACES Awards 2024, setting new benchmarks in innovation, governance, and corporate responsibility.
Recognising Leadership Excellence: 59 outstanding business leaders and enterprises were awarded for their exemplary leadership, at the ACES Awards 2024, setting new benchmarks in innovation, governance, and corporate responsibility.

Hong Kong’s honourees illustrate how visionary leadership can transform entire markets. Paul Lui, CEO of United Asia Finance Limited (UA), named an Outstanding Leader in Asia, has guided the company’s remarkable evolution into a trusted financial service provider, expanding its accessibility, convenience, and market reach through first-to-market online loan solutions. Joining him in recognition, Mr. Luk Hok Keung of Town Ray Holdings, awarded as one of Asia’s Most Inspiring Executives, has harnessed two decades of expertise to drive global innovation in electrothermic household appliances. Under his guidance, Town Ray’s robust patent portfolio, talent development, and ethical practices have secured its leadership position in a competitive international arena.

Across the Indian Ocean in the Maldives, State Electric Company Limited PLC (STELCO)—lauded as Industry Champions of the Year—highlights how sustainable energy solutions can power both national progress and environmental responsibility. Its ambitious renewable energy targets, extensive grid network, and integration of advanced technologies such as Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage Systems exemplify how bold commitments to green innovation can shape a nation’s future.

Vietnam’s honourees present a vibrant tapestry of brand excellence and workplace innovation. Highlands Coffee Joint Stock Company, celebrated as one of Asia’s Most Influential Companies, has built a strong regional presence through unwavering quality, authenticity, and a forward-looking approach to healthier, sustainable offerings. Meanwhile, Binh Tien Consumer Goods Manufacturing Limited Company (BITIS), earning the Inspiring Workplaces in Asia accolade, sets a benchmark for employee-centric innovation. Its “Happy BITIS” initiative not only fosters personal growth and well-being within the organisation, but also anchors the company’s success and longevity in the global footwear market.

In Nepal, Tim Gocher OBE of Dolma Impact Fund, recognised as one of Asia’s Most Inspiring Executives, demonstrates how directing capital and expertise into strategic sectors—technology, renewable energy, healthcare, and manufacturing—can yield significant social and environmental returns. His approach creates jobs, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and nurtures local business ecosystems, showing that impact investing is both a growth strategy and a catalyst for meaningful change.

Finally, Sri Lanka’s Pee Bee Management Services (Pvt) Ltd., known for its “Flora Tissues” brand and celebrated as one of Asia’s Best Performing Companies, exemplifies how a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and consumer satisfaction can elevate a homegrown enterprise to industry leadership. By introducing eco-friendly products and expanding its portfolio with smart, responsible growth initiatives, Pee Bee embodies the spirit of continuous improvement that the ACES Awards champion.

Collectively, these winners reflect the breadth and depth of Asia’s thriving business ecosystem and its capacity to redefine what success means in a rapidly changing world. Their strategies—ranging from clean energy integration and advanced technology deployment to inclusive workforce development and ethical resource management—demonstrate that sustainable practices are not a constraint, but a springboard to new forms of innovation and expanded capabilities.

Hashtag: #ACESAwards2024 #RegionalRecognition #leadershipexcellence #Sustainability #SustainableCompanies #responsibleleaders #outstandingentrepreneurs

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

About ACES Awards

The ACES Awards, organized by MORS Group, recognize and celebrate the region’s most exemplary leaders, companies, and initiatives. By spotlighting transformative approaches to leadership and corporate excellence, the awards inspire continued innovation, promote sustainable practices, and encourage inclusive growth throughout Asia’s diverse and dynamic business ecosystem.

CHKLC Announced Winners of Hong Kong Corporate Governance & ESG Excellence Awards 2024

Hong Kong Listed Companies with Increasing Focus on ESG Practices


Top Performing Companies Adopted Robust Governance Structure

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 December 2024 – Catherine Leung, Chairperson of the Chamber of Hong Kong Listed Companies (CHKLC) said at the Hong Kong Corporate Governance & ESG Excellence Awards 2024 (Awards) Gala Dinner tonight, “Hong Kong is at the stage of transition faced with most ever uncertainties. Opportunities still lie ahead for the city’s market capital, trade and logistics businesses, if we play it well.” Many local listed companies took no time to showcase their readiness. The 2024 Awards have received the highest number of entries with more companies making voluntary compliance with the best practices of Global Climate Change-related protocol and standards.

CHKLC’s General Committee members joined to congratulate the awardees with officiating guests, Mr Joseph Chan, Acting Secretary for the Financial Services and the Treasury (left 6, front row), and Dr Kelvin Wong, Chairman of the Securities and Futures Commission (left 5, front row)
CHKLC’s General Committee members joined to congratulate the awardees with officiating guests, Mr Joseph Chan, Acting Secretary for the Financial Services and the Treasury (left 6, front row), and Dr Kelvin Wong, Chairman of the Securities and Futures Commission (left 5, front row)

The Awards 2024 include six-sub-groups – Hang Seng Index Constituent Companies (HSI), Hang Seng Composite Index Constituent Companies, Hang Seng China (Hong Kong-listed) 100 Index Constituent Companies, Weighted Voting Rights and Pre-revenue Companies, Others & GEM Companies, and Newly-listed Companies. Companies excelling in the areas of corporate governance or the ESG practices (environmental, social and governance) will be recognized.

It is interesting to note that the entries for the ESG Award Category this year have surpassed those for the Corporate Governance Award Category, underlying the rising prominence of ESG as a key corporate performance yardstick for local listed companies.

This year’s Awards have also witnessed entries from more diverse businesses – not only from the traditional industries such as real estate, financial services and manufacturers but also from the digital industries such as the artificial intelligence and social media as well as the advanced technology companies, highlighting the changing landscape of listed companies in Hong Kong.

Lenovo Group Ltd and Budweiser Brewing Company APAC Limited 1876 took away awards in both Corporate Governance and the ESG streams under the HSI category. Sino Land Company Limited 83 and China Resources Pharmaceutical Group Limited 3320 are winners in both awards under the Hang Seng China (Hong Kong-listed) 100 Index Constituent Companies category. This is a testament that local listed companies are putting emphasis on not only their corporate governance performance but also their ESG standards, at a time that sustainable business and green commitment will bring investment value to them (See Appendix 1 for full list of winners).

Judges commended the winning companies under the Corporate Governance Awards Category have adopted robust governance practices and structure fuelling their business growth and share prices. They have demonstrated their risk management and internal control system are in place and have shown readiness for board diversity, improved communication with shareholders and a clear dividend policy.

Winning companies under the ESG Award Category have also won the judges’ applause. All of them have adopted comprehensive ESG strategies. Some companies have even made voluntary compliance with the best practices of Global Climate Change-related protocol and standards and are committed to creating a roadmap for decarbonisation.

The Gala Dinner was graced by Dr Dennis Lo, the Vice-Chancellor Designate of the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the pioneer of the groundbreaking non-invasive prenatal testing, to deliver a speech. He spoke on his very own journey in life sciences and his vision for Hong Kong as a science and innovation hub. His sharing has truly inspired Hongkongers to create and seize opportunities in this challenging time.

The annual Awards Programme aims to establish a benchmark for the highest level of corporate governance and ESG of listed companies in Hong Kong. It encourages companies to come forward and showcase their policies, strategies and best practices in corporate governance and ESG, celebrate success and set an example for other companies to follow.

Vistra is the title sponsor of the Awards 2024 Gala Dinner. Mr Hailiang Zhang, Business Head and Regional Managing Director, Greater China of Vistra, said the company was pleased with the sponsorship, which aligns with the company’s focus on enhancing companies’ corporate governance, encouraging robust and effective decision-making through processes, practices, and policies, and promoting ESG practices that help businesses create value and achieve growth.

Appendix 1

Hong Kong Corporate Governance and ESG Excellence Awards 2024 Winners

Award of Excellence in Corporate Governance
Hang Seng Index Constituent Companies

« Budweiser Brewing Company APAC Limited (Stock Code: 1876)

« China Life Insurance Company Limited (Stock Code: 2628)

« Lenovo Group Limited (Stock Code: 992)

Hang Seng Composite Index Constituent Companies

« China Resources Pharmaceutical Group Limited (Stock Code: 3320)

« Sino Land Company Limited (Stock Code: 83)

Others & GEM Companies

« Blue Moon Group Holdings Limited (Stock Code: 6993)

Honourable Mention

« SF Real Estate Investment Trust (Stock Code: 2191)

Newly-listed Companies

« Hangzhou SF Intra-city Industrial Co., Ltd. (Stock Code: 9699)

Award of Excellence in ESG
Hang Seng Index Constituent Companies

« Budweiser Brewing Company APAC Limited (Stock Code: 1876)

« China Overseas Land & Investment Ltd. (Stock Code: 688)

« China Resources Beer (Holdings) Company Limited (Stock Code: 291)

« Henderson Land Development Company Limited (Stock Code: 12)

« Lenovo Group Limited (Stock Code: 992)

« Link Real Estate Investment Trust (Stock Code: 823)

Honourable Mention

« China Resources Power Holdings Company Limited (Stock Code: 836)

Hang Seng Composite Index Constituent Companies

« China Resources Pharmaceutical Group Limited (Stock Code: 3320)

« Sino Land Company Limited (Stock Code: 83)

« Yuexiu Property Company Limited (Stock Code: 123)

Honourable Mention

« Luk Fook Holdings (International) Limited (Stock Code: 590)

« NWS Holdings Limited (Stock Code: 659)

« Sinopec Kantons Holdings Limited (Stock Code: 934)

« Xtep International Holdings Limited (Stock Code: 1368)

Weighted Voting Rights and Pre-profit Companies

Honourable Mention

« XtalPi Holdings Limited (Stock Code: 2228)

Others & GEM Companies

« Allied Sustainability and Environmental Consultants Group Limited (Stock Code: 8320)

« Champion Real Estate Investment Trust (Stock Code: 2778)

« Hutchison Telecommunications Hong Kong Holdings Limited (Stock Code: 215)

« Yau Lee Holdings Limited (Stock Code: 406)

« Yuexiu Services Group Limited (Stock Code: 6626)

Honourable Mention

« Phoenix Media Investment (Holdings) Limited (Stock Code: 2008)

Newly-listed Companies

« Global New Material International Holdings Limited (Stock Code: 6616)

« Hangzhou SF Intra-city Industrial Co., Ltd. (Stock Code: 9699)

« Kuaishou Technology (Stock Code: 1024)

« ZJLD Group Inc (Stock Code: 6979)

*Note: Alphabetical listing by Company Name

Hashtag: #CHKLC

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

About the Chamber of Hong Kong Listed Companies (CHKLC)

Incorporated in September 2002, CHKLC is a non-profit organisation serving listed companies and other industry bodies in Hong Kong. The Chamber strives to promote sound corporate governance; function as an effective communication channel between listed companies and regulatory authorities; strengthen the linkage and foster cooperation among listed companies from Hong Kong and China and uphold Hong Kong’s position as an international financial and capital formation centre. Since 2007, the Chamber organises the annual “Hong Kong Corporate Governance and ESG Excellence Awards” jointly with the Hong Kong Baptist University to advocate best practices of corporate governance, ESG and recognize excellence ().

About the Centre for Corporate Governance & Financial Policy of Hong Kong Baptist University

The Centre aspires to be a “Centre of Excellence” on corporate governance in the region. It promotes quality policy and academic research on corporate governance and related financial policy issues covering Hong Kong, China and the Asia-Pacific economies, with the aim to improve the quality of corporate governance practices. Additionally, the Centre provides professional executive education activities to disseminate knowledge and advance the highest ideals of responsible business leadership. Through consultancy projects, the Centre also assists organizations to design, improve and assess their corporate governance systems and structures.

About the Hong Kong Corporate Governance and ESG Excellence Awards

The “Hong Kong Corporate Governance and ESG Excellence Awards” (formerly known as the “Hong Kong Corporate Governance Excellence Awards”) is conferred annually since 2007 by the Chamber of Hong Kong Listed Companies and the Centre for Corporate Governance and Financial Policy, Hong Kong Baptist University.

The Awards aim to foster the highest standards in corporate governance and ESG, business ethics and board leadership in Hong Kong, recognize excellence, showcase best practices and accomplishments, and thereby promote a strong culture in corporate governance and ESG.

The Hong Kong Corporate Governance and ESG Excellence Awards 2024 is sponsored by BDO Limited as ESG Awards cum Bronze Advisor. The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, Securities and Futures Commission, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, Hong Kong Institute of Chartered Public Accountants, and The Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Association are the Supporting Organisations of the Awards. In addition, SWCS Group is Knowledge Partner, Hong Kong Economic Times is the Sole Chinese Media Sponsor; Metro Finance as the Exclusive Radio Partner; whereas irasia.com, CORPHUB, Quamnet and Wisdom Investor Relations are Online Media Partners.

For details of the Awards Programme, please visit

Medicus Pharma Ltd. Announces Minor Use (MUMS) Designation from the FDA for Doxorubicin-Containing Microneedle Array (D-MNA) Patch

Company to Submit Product Development Plan to Treat External Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) in Horses

Toronto, Ontario and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Newsfile Corp. – December 12, 2024 – Medicus Pharma Ltd. (NASDAQ: MDCX) (TSXV: MDCX) (“Medicus” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that its Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD File No.013880) has received Minor Use in Major Species Designation (“MUMS”) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) for its dissolvable Doxorubin-containing microneedle array (D-MNA) to treat external squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in horses. The company received a notification from the FDA on December 9th 2024.

MUMS is a status similar to Orphan Drug status for human drugs. It entitles the company to an extended 7-year period of exclusive marketing following approval or conditional approval, provided that the company meets all requirements for maintaining the designation.

“In a relatively short period of time, we have made remarkable progress with the FDA in advancing the clinical development program of the veterinary application of our novel D-MNA patch in treating SCC in horses,” stated Dr. Raza Bokhari, Executive Chairman & CEO. “Developing a non-invasive treatment for equine SCC represents an untapped market opportunity that we are excited to pursue. The MUMS designation is an important catalyst to provide us a first mover advantage and also position us to possibly have a commercially viable product as early as 2026.”

Doxorubicin-containing microneedle array (D-MNA) is a patent protected dissovable transdermal patch with cellulose based microneedle arrays that are tip-loaded with doxorubicin. After application, the microneedles function by penetrating the strateum corneum layer of the skin, create a temporary microchannel, penetrate the tumor, dissolve and release doxorubicin into the target tumor, and eradicate the cancer cells.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) in Horses

SCC is a mucocutaneous skin tumor in horses, primarily affecting adult or aged horses with white or partially white coats. Breeds like Appaloosa, Belgian, American Paint, and Pinto are particularly susceptible. SCC often develops in areas with minimal pigmentation and sparse hair, notably around mucous membranes. More specifically, tumors are mainly seen around the eyes, lips, nose, anus, and external genitalia. The overall incidence of SCC is 2-3% and recent estimates of the US horse population range from 6.6 to 7.25 million horses.

Current treatment includes surgery to remove the largest mass, cryotherapy of the smaller mass, and local injection of a chemotherapy drug. In some cases, a topical chemotherapeutic drug will be prescribed in the form of drops (tumors near the eye) or cream (tumors in other parts of body). Additionally, some horses are put on an oral drug called piroxicam that may slow the return of the cancerous cells.

For further information contact:
Carolyn Bonner, President
(610) 636-0184
cbonner@medicuspharma.com

Jeremy Feffer
LifeSci Advisors
(212) 915-2568
jfeffer@lifesciadvisors.com

About Medicus Pharma Ltd:
Medicus Pharma Ltd. (NASDAQ: MDCX) (TSXV: MDCX) is a biotech/life sciences company focused on accelerating the clinical development programs of novel and disruptive therapeutics assets.

SkinJect Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of Medicus Pharma Ltd, is a development stage, life sciences company focused on commercializing novel, non-invasive treatment for basal cell skin cancer using patented dissolvable microneedle patch to deliver chemotherapeutic agent to eradicate tumors cells. The Company has completed a phase 1 safety & tolerability study (SKNJCT-001) in March of 2021, which met its primary objective of safety and tolerability; the study also describes the efficacy of the investigational product D-MNA, with six (6) participants experiencing complete response on histological examination of the resected lesion. The Company submitted a Phase 2 IND clinical protocol to the FDA in January 2024 for a randomized, controlled, double-blind, multicenter clinical study (SKNJCT-003) that is expected to randomize up to 60 patients. The study is designed to evaluate the efficacy of two dose of two dose levels (100 and 200 ug) of D-MNA compared to placebo (P-MNA) in subjects with nodular BCC. Patient recruitment is currently underway in nine sites across the United States.

Cautionary Notice on Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information in this news release constitutes “forward-looking information” under applicable securities laws. “Forward-looking information” is defined as disclosure regarding possible events, conditions or financial performance that is based on assumptions about future economic conditions and courses of action and includes, without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s plans and expectations concerning, and future outcomes relating to, its product development plans and clinical development programs, including improvements thereto and the timing thereof, and approval from the FDA and the timing thereof. Forward-looking statements are often but not always, identified by the use of such terms as “may”, “might”, “will”, “will likely result”, “would”, “should”, “estimate”, “plan”, “project”, “forecast”, “intend”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “seek”, “continue”, “target” or the negative and/or inverse of such terms or other similar expressions.

These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including those risk factors described in the Company’s public filings on SEDAR+ and on EDGAR, which may impact, among other things, the trading price and liquidity of the Company’s common shares. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and reflect our expectations as of the date hereof, and thus are subject to change thereafter. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive and readers are encouraged to review the Company’s long form prospectus accessible on the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

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