–  Denifanstat (ASC40), a once-daily oral fatty acid synthase (FASN) inhibitor, demonstrated favorable safety and tolerability in a Phase III open-label study

–  The exceptional efficacy of denifanstat (ASC40) observed in the Company’s previously reported placebo-controlled Phase III trial coupled with a favorable safety profile in two Phase III trials provide a potential major break-through for the treatment of acne

–  New Drug Application for denifanstat (ASC40) for acne was recently accepted by the China National Medical Products Administration

HONG KONG, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ —  Ascletis Pharma Inc. (HKEX: 1672, “Ascletis”) today announced positive topline results from the Phase III open-label study (NCT06248008) evaluating denifanstat (ASC40), a first-in-class, once-daily oral small molecule fatty acid synthase (FASN) inhibitor, in patients with moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris.

This recently completed second Phase III study was an open-label, multicenter study in China designed to evaluate the long-term safety of denifanstat (ASC40) in 240 patients with moderate to severe acne vulgaris. All the 240 patients, previously treated with denifanstat (ASC40) or placebo for 12 weeks, received denifanstat (ASC40) once daily for 40 weeks. The primary endpoints included: (1) incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs); (2) incidence of serious adverse events (SAEs); and (3) incidence of discontinuation due to adverse events (AEs). Denifanstat (ASC40) demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability profile. Most TEAEs were mild (grade 1) and moderate (grade 2). There were no denifanstat (ASC40)-related grade 3 or 4 AEs and no denifanstat (ASC40)-related SAEs. No deaths were reported.

In June 2025, Ascletis announced that denifanstat (ASC40) met all primary, key secondary, and secondary endpoints in the 480-patient randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase III clinical trial (NCT06192264) for the treatment of moderate to severe acne vulgaris (Press Release).

The mechanisms of action of denifanstat (ASC40) for the treatment of acne are (1) direct inhibition of sebum production, through inhibition of de novo lipogenesis (DNL) in human sebocytes; and (2) inhibition of inflammation, through decreasing cytokine secretion and Th17 differentiation. Denifanstat (ASC40)’s unique mechanism of action directly reduces one of the main underlying causes of acne which is the overproduction of sebum. This sets denifanstat (ASC40) apart as most other acne treatments do not treat the underlying cause of the condition.

Denifanstat (ASC40) is licensed from Sagimet Biosciences Inc. (Nasdaq: SGMT) for exclusive rights in Greater China.

About Ascletis Pharma Inc.

Ascletis Pharma Inc. is a fully integrated biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of potential best-in-class and first-in-class therapeutics to treat metabolic diseases. Utilizing its proprietary Artificial Intelligence-assisted Structure-Based Drug Discovery (AISBDD) and Ultra-Long-Acting Platform (ULAP) technologies as well as Peptide Oral Transport ENhancement Technology (POTENT), Ascletis has developed multiple drug candidates in-house, including both small molecules and peptides, such as its lead program, ASC30, a small molecule GLP-1R agonist designed to be administered once daily orally and once monthly to once quarterly subcutaneously as a treatment therapy and a maintenance therapy for chronic weight management; ASC36, a once-monthly subcutaneously administered amylin receptor peptide agonist, ASC35, a once-monthly subcutaneously administered GLP-1R/GIPR dual peptide agonist and ASC37, a GLP-1R/GIPR/GCGR triple peptide agonist for chronic weight management. Ascletis is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (1672.HK). For more information, please visit www.ascletis.com.

Contact：

Peter Vozzo
ICR Healthcare
443-231-0505 (U.S.)
Peter.vozzo@icrhealthcare.com

Ascletis Pharma Inc. PR and IR teams
+86-181-0650-9129 (China)
pr@ascletis.com
ir@ascletis.com 

LISHUI, China, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CN Energy Group Inc. (NASDAQ: CNEY) (“CNEY” or the “Company”) today announced that, on January 25, 2026, it entered into a framework agreement (the “Framework Agreement”) with the shareholders of Blessing Logistics Ltd. (“Blessing Logistics”), an oil trading company incorporated in Alberta, Canada, regarding a potential acquisition transaction.

Pursuant to the Framework Agreement, the parties have agreed to negotiate in good faith toward a definitive share purchase agreement to which CNEY would acquire approximately 82% of the equity interests in Blessing Logistics, representing equity with voting rights, in consideration for the issuance of the Company’s Class A ordinary shares. The aggregate value of consideration is currently expected to be approximately US$2.0 million, based on assumptions to be agreed by the parties, and is subject to change based on, among other things, due diligence results, final valuation, market conditions, and the terms of the definitive agreement. If the parties do not enter into a definitive share purchase agreement within 60 days following the execution date of the Framework Agreement, either party may terminate the Framework Agreement upon written notice.

Founded in 2015, Blessing Logistics is an oil trading company registered with the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER). According to information provided by Blessing Logistics, it holds a Canadian crude oil export license and is a qualified trader within the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) system. Blessing Logistics is primarily engaged in oil trading and the export of crude oil and bitumen in Canada.

The Company believes that if completed, this proposed transaction could represent an important step in CNEY’s expansion into the energy sector, and its business development in the North American market. In recent years, the Company has promoted its activated carbon products for use in oilfield-related applications, and through these commercial activities, the Company identified the value and potential underlying oilfield and related energy trading opportunities. If the proposed transaction is consummated, CNEY currently plans to use Blessing Logistics as a platform to pursue oil trading and related upstream investment opportunities. The completion of the proposed transaction is subject to, among other things, the negotiation and execution of a definitive acquisition agreement, the satisfactions of customary closing conditions, and applicable regulatory and corporate approvals. There can be no assurance that these conditions will be satisfied or that the proposed transaction will be completed.

Wenhua Liu, the interim CEO of CNEY, commented: “If the proposed transaction is completed, we believe it could represent an important step in CNEY’s global strategic expansion. Blessing Logistics’ comprehensive compliance structure, export licenses, and trading qualifications could provide a foundation for our entry into the energy market. If the transaction closes, we plan to leverage this platform to pursue opportunities in energy trading and upstream investment, with the objective of building long-term value for our shareholders.”

About CN Energy Group. Inc.

CN Energy Group. Inc. is currently listed on NASDAQ under the symbol “CNEY.” CNEY has pioneered and specialized in producing high-quality recyclable activated carbon from raw carbon materials, converting harmful wastes into invaluable wealth and delivering significant financial, economic, environmental and ecologic benefits. CNEY’s products and services have been widely used by food and beverage producers, industrial and pharmaceutical manufacturers, as well as environmental protection enterprises. CNEY also develops and provides customizable robotics products, automation tools, and related software solutions for small and medium-sized industrial, logistics, and service businesses in North America. For more information, please visit the Company’s website at www.cneny.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements can generally be identified by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “will,” “would,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions and are not guarantees of future performance.

Forward-looking statements in this press release include, among other things, statements regarding the proposed acquisition of Blessing Logistics Ltd., the ability of the parties to enter into a definitive agreement, the timing and likelihood of completing the proposed transaction, the issuance and value of any shares to be issued as consideration, and the Company’s expectations regarding its future business development. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those described under “Risk Factors” in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and actual results may differ materially, including if the parties do not enter into definitive agreements, required approvals are not obtained, or the Company is unable to integrate the business or realize the anticipated benefits of the transaction.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update them, except as required by law. Information on the Company’s website or social media is not incorporated by reference into this press release.

LONDON, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Oxford International Digital Institute  (OIDI) has launched a Oxford ELLT Skill Retake option for Oxford ELLT, its English language level test. Uncommon in English language testing, it offers learners a more flexible way to demonstrate English language proficiency, while maintaining the academic integrity trusted by universities worldwide.

The Oxford ELLT Skill Retake allows learners to retake one skill section – Reading, Listening, or Writing & Speaking – instead of resitting the full test when only one component falls short. Leading the way in English language testing, this approach reflects growing global demand from learners for fairer, more targeted assessment options that better reflect real-world language development.

Michael Shaw, Head of Digital Assessment and Product Strategy, said: “Language learning is not linear, and uneven performance across skills is common. Many students demonstrate strong overall ability but underperform in a single area due to test conditions, timing, or confidence. The Oxford ELLT Skill Retake addresses this reality, giving students the opportunity to focus on what matters most to their progression.”

OIDI has built the Oxford ELLT Skill Retake around a core principle: greater flexibility should not come at the expense of academic standards. All retakes continue to be assessed by trained human examiners and verified through its secure systems. Updated certificates clearly show the skill section retaken, revised score and completion date, ensuring transparency for admissions teams and agents.

Accepted by over 250 universities globally, Oxford ELLT supports institutions in accessing a broader pool of qualified applicants without compromising entry criteria or admissions policies. The Oxford ELLT Skill Retake provides institutions with additional flexibility, while preserving confidence in the reliability and comparability of results.

For students, it reduces the need for unnecessary re-testing, provides clearer feedback, and a more focused route to meeting language requirements. For institutions, it supports fairer admissions decisions while maintaining control, consistency, and confidence in outcomes.

Available now, the Oxford ELLT Skill Retake strengthens Oxford ELLT’s position as a student-centred, academically grounded English language test designed for modern international recruitment.

About Oxford International Digital Institute (OIDI)

We are part of the Oxford International Education Group. We support students and institutions through online and hybrid academic and language programmes, teacher training qualifications, and the Oxford ELLT, our English language test taken by more than 100,000 students worldwide.

New global study explores how boards in emerging markets are strengthening governance, resilience, and decision-making amid mounting uncertainty and complexity

LONDON, Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Boston Consulting Group (BCG) has teamed with Heidrick & Struggles, a premier provider of global leadership advisory and on-demand talent solutions, and the INSEAD Corporate Governance Centre to publish a new report examining how boards in emerging markets are governing in an era of sustained uncertainty. Governing Under High Uncertainty: Opportunities for Emerging-Market Boards explores how directors are responding to the growing interaction of geopolitical volatility, economic disruption, technological change, climate-related risks, and evolving societal expectations. Individually and collectively, these forces are reshaping agendas, governance practices, and the role of the board itself.

Based on a series of roundtables and interviews with over 100 senior directors from emerging markets worldwide, the report highlights how uncertainty today differs from traditional risk. Rather than being episodic or predictable, uncertainty is broader in scope, faster moving, and increasingly driven by “unknown unknowns” that defy conventional forecasting and risk-management approaches.

The report finds that boards in emerging markets experience a compounding effect of global and local pressures. International shocks such as geopolitical tensions, trade disruption, and technological change do not replace domestic challenges but intensify them, placing additional strain on governance systems that are often still maturing.

Despite these challenges, the report identifies opportunities for improvement. Many boards are reinforcing foundational governance disciplines, such as role clarity, risk oversight, and contingency planning, while also paying greater attention to trust, culture, and collective behavior. Together, these “hard” and “soft” levers are enabling boards to remain composed, cohesive, and forward-looking when uncertainty peaks.

The study also points to the distinctive role that boards in emerging markets can play beyond the company itself. By engaging constructively with regulators, policymakers, and industry peers, boards can help strengthen governance standards across their markets, contribute to institutional resilience, and build trust with stakeholders. In doing so, governance becomes not only a corporate responsibility but a broader contribution to economic and societal stability.

Burak Tansan, Managing Director and Senior Partner at BCG and Chair of the firm’s Türkiye office, said: “In an era of ‘sustained uncertainty’, effective corporate governance depends not only on formal processes, but on board composition and the quality of debate in the boardroom. Boards that combine diversity, independence, and balanced strategic and sector expertise, and are supported by timely, high-quality information, are better positioned to anticipate emerging risks and opportunities. Regularly refreshing board composition in line with strategic priorities is therefore critical to sustaining strong governance.”

Commenting on the findings of the report, Jeremy Hanson, partner in Heidrick & Struggles’ Chicago office and a member of the global CEO & Board of Directors Practice, said: “Boards today are operating in an environment where uncertainty is no longer an exception but a defining condition. This research underscores the growing importance of governance that combines discipline, foresight, and constructive challenges. Creating arenas for constructive debate and decision making has never been more important. Boards and companies are learning to harness the power of colliding boundaries and views. This is the new reality, and for boards in emerging markets in particular, the ability to remain composed, aligned, and forward-looking amid complexity is becoming a critical source of resilience and long-term value.”

Annet Aris, Senior Affiliate Professor of Strategy and Academic Director of the INSEAD Corporate Governance Centre, added: “Governing under high uncertainty and complexity requires boards to move beyond reactive oversight toward deeper learning, dialogue, and engagement. By anchoring decisions in purpose and values, while remaining open to diverse perspectives, boards can build the resilience needed to thrive in unpredictable environments.”

The report concludes with a practical framework designed to help boards assess their readiness for high uncertainty. The framework invites boards to evaluate their governance across three dimensions: hard levers of structure and process, soft levers of trust and behavior, and ecosystem stewardship beyond the firm. Together, these elements provide a roadmap for boards seeking to govern more effectively in an increasingly complex and uncertain world.

Media Inquiries:  
BCG: media2@bcg.com

Heidrick & Struggles: bwilson@heidrick.com

INSEAD: news@insead.edu

About BCG
Boston Consulting Group partners with leaders in business and society to tackle their most important challenges and capture their greatest opportunities. BCG was the pioneer in business strategy when it was founded in 1963. Today, we work closely with clients to embrace a transformational approach aimed at benefiting all stakeholders—empowering organizations to grow, build sustainable competitive advantage, and drive positive societal impact.

Our diverse, global teams bring deep industry and functional expertise and a range of perspectives that question the status quo and spark change. BCG delivers solutions through leading-edge management consulting, technology and design, and corporate and digital ventures. We work in a uniquely collaborative model across the firm and throughout all levels of the client organization, fueled by the goal of helping our clients thrive and enabling them to make the world a better place.

For more information, visit www.bcg.com

About Heidrick & Struggles
Heidrick & Struggles is the world’s foremost advisor on executive leadership, driving superior client performance through premier human capital leadership advisory services. For more than 70 years, we have delivered value for our clients by leveraging unrivaled expertise to help organizations’ discover and enable outstanding leaders and teams. Learn more at www.heidrick.com

About INSEAD, The Business School for the World
As one of the world’s leading and largest graduate business schools, INSEAD brings together people, cultures, and ideas to develop responsible leaders who transform business and society. Our research, teaching and partnerships reflect this global perspective and cultural diversity. Our global perspective and unparalleled cultural diversity are reflected in our research, teaching, partnerships as well as in our alumni network of over 71,000 members spanning 172 nationalities.

With locations in Europe (France), Asia (Singapore), the Middle East (Abu Dhabi), and North America (San Francisco), INSEAD’s business education and research spans four regions. Our 160 renowned Faculty members from 38 countries inspire more than 1,500-degree participants annually in our Master in Management, MBA, Global Executive MBA, Specialised Master’s degrees (Executive Master in Finance and Executive Master in Change) and PhD programmes. In addition, more than 18,000 executives participate in INSEAD Executive Education programmes each year.

INSEAD continues to conduct cutting-edge research and innovate across all our programmes. We provide business leaders with the knowledge and awareness to operate anywhere. Our core values drive academic excellence and serve the global community as The Business School for the World.

For more information, visit www.insead.edu 

About INSEAD Corporate Governance Centre:  
The INSEAD Corporate Governance Centre (ICGC) has been actively engaged in making a distinctive contribution to the knowledge and practice of corporate governance globally. Its vision is to be the leading center for research, innovation, and impact in corporate governance. Through its educational portfolio and advocacy, the ICGC seeks to build greater trust within the public and stakeholder communities, so that businesses are a powerful force for improvement, not only of economic markets but also for the global societal environment. For more, visit www.insead.edu/centres/corporate-governance