HELSINKI, Dec. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In 2026, Helsinki invites international visitors to experience a city where design icons, Nordic wellbeing, and a dynamic food and culture scene come together. From major Alvar Aalto milestones and renewed landmarks to beloved sauna traditions, seasonal flavours and standout new openings, the Finnish capital offers fresh reasons to visit throughout the year.

Aalto 2026: Design milestones and a UNESCO decision ahead

The year 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark Alvar Aalto anniversary year. It marks 90 years since the creation of the avant-garde Aalto vase and 50 years since the death of the master himself. In addition, a decision is expected on the proposed inscription of 13 Aalto-designed buildings on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Five of the nominated sites are located in Helsinki: the Aalto House, Studio Aalto, Finlandia Hall, the House of Culture, and the headquarters of the National Pensions Institute.

Following extensive renovations, Finlandia Hall reopened in early 2025. The Grand Exhibition inside the building offers an excellent starting point for discovering the work of Alvar Aalto and his wives and collaborators, Aino and Elissa Aalto.

At the Architecture & Design Museum Helsinki, a brand-new exhibition, Aalto Design – Shapes of Wellbeing, will open in June 2026. The exhibition explores how Aalto’s design philosophy fostered wellbeing, a sense of connection to the natural world, and harmony between people and nature.

Seurasaari welcomes its first new site in 40 years

For visitors interested in exploring Finnish architecture and culture more deeply, a new destination will open in summer 2026: a traditional Finnish summer cottage relocated to the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum. It is the first entirely new site introduced to the museum in 40 years. Completed in 1953 and designed by architect Erkki Koiso-Kanttila for his family, the cottage has remained in the family’s summer use until now. The 41-square-metre interior includes a living room, a kitchenette, and a sleeping alcove. Illustrating the simplicity and functionality of Finnish summer homes, the cottage offers everything essential—and nothing excessive.

A Nordic classic returns: Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall reopens

In the heart of Helsinki, a true hidden gem is set to reopen in renewed splendour after an extensive renovation. Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall is the oldest still-operating public swimming hall in the Nordics, built in 1928. Designed by architect Väinö Vähäkallio, the building represents Nordic Classicism, while its interiors also feature Art Deco influences. The swimming hall and its saunas will reopen to the public in February 2026. The upper floor offers a spa-like experience, with several different types of saunas, a private relaxation cabin, and delicious refreshments from Café Yrjö. The long-standing tradition of separate swimming hours for women and men will continue, and visitors may still choose to swim without a swimsuit.

From fine dining to Helsinki’s kiosk cafés

Helsinki’s food culture is rooted in the innovative use of local ingredients and seasonal flavours. Beyond Michelin-starred restaurants, high-quality food can be found in cafés and lunch spots—and, increasingly, at Helsinki’s kiosk cafés, which have spread across the city, many of them along tram routes. To the delight of residents and visitors alike, some remain open even in winter. In the run-up to Christmas, enjoy warm drinks from Helsinki Distilling Company and rice porridge in Esplanadi Park. Vinolippa in Kruununhaka offers Mediterranean flavours, while Piirakkaleipomo Räty’s kiosks by Pitkäsilta Bridge and in Ruskeasuo sell a range of baked goods throughout the winter. In summer, when all kiosks are open, the selection widens—from Käpylä’s bohemian café atmosphere to drinks at Café Brera in Eira and frozen yogurt in Johanneksenpuisto Park. Read more from MyHelsinki.

New Visitor Experiences at Helsinki Central Railway Station

Helsinki’s tourism offering will see major highlights in 2026. At Helsinki Central Railway Station, the restored Kellotorni (clock tower) —originally designed by Eliel Saarinen in 1919—now serves as a unique venue for dining, tower tours, brewery visits, and curated experiences that celebrate the building’s historic character. In the station’s historic dining hall, also a new restaurant called Taulu (painting in English) has opened. It combines a café, bar and restaurant into a relaxed yet stylish whole, putting Eero Järnefelt’s national romantic painting in the well-deserved spotlight.

Light art, Moomins and new noir: culture in 2026

Early in the year, Helsinki’s cultural calendar offers a rich selection of events across art, literature, and light. Lux Helsinki, the city’s annual light art festival, expands to six days and takes place on 6–11 January, with installations across the city centre from Kansalaistori to Hietalahdentori, Vanha Kirkkopuisto, and the Espa Stage. Under the theme Stop Time!, works will also appear at Kanneltalo and in ten central art galleries.

Although the Moomins’ 80th anniversary year has concluded, there is still plenty for fans to experience in Helsinki. The Architecture and Design Museum’s exhibition Escape to Moominvalley is open until 27 September 2026. At HAM Helsinki Art Museum, the newly expanded Tove Jansson Gallery opens in February 2026 with an inaugural exhibition focusing on Jansson’s artistic family and the theme of courage, inspired by Comet in Moominland.

Courage may also come in handy at the new Helsinki Noir festival (28 February–1 March 2026), a two-day crime literature event at the Aleksanteri Theatre, where leading Finnish and international authors explore crime fiction, thrillers, and true crime through panel discussions and conversations.

Find more events in MyHelsinki’s event calendar.

More information
Leena Karppinen
Senior Manager, Brand & PR
Helsinki Partners
leena.karppinen@helsinkipartners.com

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SHANGHAI and HANGZHOU, China, Dec. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Minghui Pharmaceutical, a late-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing transformative medicines in immunology and oncology, today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared its Investigational New Drug (IND) Application to initiate global Phase Ⅲ clinical trials of MHB018A for the treatment of thyroid eye disease (TED). The trials in both active and chronic TED are randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous MHB018A administered every four weeks (Q4W).

MHB018A, a novel VHH-based IGF-1R antibody, is emerging as a potential best-in-class therapy, supported by compelling Phase Ⅱ data:

• Active TED: At the 450 mg dose (n=32), MHB018A achieved an 81% proptosis response rate at Week 12, demonstrating stronger efficacy than reported for intravenous IGF-1R antibodies. The treatment was well tolerated, with a favorable safety profile. No unique toxicities or Grade≥3 hearing-related AEs were observed.
• Chronic TED: At the 450 mg dose (n=33), MHB018A achieved a 76% proptosis response rate at Week 24, exceeding historical results for intravenous IGF-1R antibodies. The 24-week treatment was well tolerated, with no TEAE leading to discontinuation, death, or premature withdrawal from the study. No SAEs and no severe hearing-related AEs were reported.

Detailed Phase Ⅱ results will be presented at upcoming medical conferences. The program was also highlighted at the 8^th Evercore Healthcare Conference in December 2025.

“FDA Clearance of our Phase Ⅲ IND marks an important milestone and brings us a step closer to delivering a best-in-class therapeutic option to the large and underserved TED community.” said Guoqing Cao, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Minghui Pharmaceutical. “We are eager to advance MHB018A, our next-generation subcutaneous IGF-1R antibody with a differentiated profile. In China, we initiated a Phase Ⅲ trial in active TED in July 2025 and expect topline data in Summer 2026. We plan to begin enrollment of the Phase Ⅲ trial in chronic TED in early 2026. In the U.S., we anticipate initiating Phase Ⅲ trials in the first half of 2026. As these global efforts progress, our focus remains on moving MHB018A efficiently toward registration and ultimately providing a meaningful treatment option for patients living with TED.”

About TED

Thyroid eye disease (TED) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation, expansion and remodeling of orbital tissues, most commonly in association with Graves’ disease. Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) is a key driver in the pathogenesis of TED and a validated therapeutic target. The global prevalence of TED was approximately 17.1 million people in 2024 and is projected to reach 20.3 million by 2035. China accounted for about 26% of global TED cases in 2024, representing a significant addressable population for target therapies.

About MHB018A

MHB018A is a novel subcutaneous IGF-1R VHH-based antibody with a differentiated profile: (i) innovative molecule design, potentially enabling improved tissue penetration and enhanced efficacy; (ii) superior biological activity, demonstrating two- to three-fold stronger ligand-blocking potency compared with existing IGF-1R antibodies; (iii) dual IGF-1/IGF-2 blockade, potentially suppressing the downstream growth and inflammatory pathways central to TED pathology; and (iv) low hearing loss risk, with clinical data from 98 TED patients showing no reports of severe hearing damage. These attributes position MHB018A as a well-differentiated, potentially best-in-class IGF-1R therapy for patients with TED.

About Minghui Pharmaceutical

Founded in 2018, Minghui Pharmaceutical is a near-commercial biotechnology innovator with two complementary growth engines: a robust clinical oncology portfolio built on its proprietary antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) platform and a novel PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody (bsAb), and late-stage autoimmune assets advancing toward commercialization. The Company’s pipeline includes 13 candidates, 10 of which are in clinical development. Autoimmune assets are positioned for near-term revenue, including a first-in-class topical prodrug of tofacitinib under NDA review and a novel subcutaneous IGF-1R antibody in Phase Ⅲ trials. Oncology programs are focused on advancing combination strategies of ADCs and PD-1/VEGF bsAb to transform front-line cancer treatment.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release provided by Minghui Pharmaceutical Inc. (the “Company”) contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which may be accompanied by such words as “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “possible,” “predict,” “should,” “will,” “would” or words of similar meaning. These statements are based on the Company’s current beliefs and expectations and subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the statements herein. Risks and uncertainties include but not limited to: general industry conditions and competition; changes in economic and financial conditions of the Company’s and the collaborators’ businesses; the risk that clinical trials are discontinued or delayed for any reasons, including for efficacy, safety, enrollment, or manufacturing; the risk that success in early stage clinical trials may not be predictive of results in later stage trials or trials of other potential indications; the risk that positive results in a clinical trial may not be replicated in subsequent or confirmatory trials; expectations for regulatory approvals; challenges to obtain, maintain and enforce patents and other intellectual property protection for the Company’s product(s) and product candidate(s). These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events, or circumstances, except as required by law.

HONG KONG, Dec. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — JCDecaux Transport is proud to announce the successful completion of a pioneering pilot for audience measurement. This first-of-its-kind initiative in Asia’s metro advertising industry leverages advanced AI analytics to transform outdoor advertising, delivering precise, data-driven insights and setting a new standard for the sector.

Leading Innovation in Metro Advertising

Leveraging its extensive digital advertising inventories across the MTR network, MTR* advertising spearheaded the deployment of SmartRetail’s advanced AI analytics in the Iconic Digital Zone at Tsim Sha Tsui Station. The pilot leveraged cutting-edge computer vision technology to analyze audience behavior in real time; capturing metrics such as footfall, movement direction, demographic estimates, and screen engagement. Images were analyzed in real-time without any image retained or uploaded, and the computer vision technology can also capture the metrics without retaining any Personally Identifiable Information (PII).

Transforming Data into Strategic Value

The pilot’s success demonstrates the significant potential of AI analytics, providing advertisers with actionable insights to optimize campaign performance. By streamlining data processes, this initiative sets a new benchmark for efficiency and precision. The success of this initiative paves the way for broader adoption of AI-driven measurement, reinforcing MTR* advertising as a definitive leader in advertising innovation, enabling smarter and more effective outdoor campaigns across the network.

Validated Results and Trusted Methodology

To ensure the data accuracy and the reliability of the findings, the pilot incorporated independent auditing protocols conducted by the global market research specialist, Ipsos. The results confirmed:

1. Effective Directional Analysis: The method for determining audience movement proved both effective and straightforward, using basic coordinate comparisons to accurately track flow.
2. Granular Audience Insights: The model excelled in demographic classification, achieving a high true positive rate for both male and female categories, ensuring reliable insights.
3. Accurate Age Estimation: With a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of approximately 4.5 years, the model’s age predictions closely aligned with manual assessments, demonstrating a high degree of precision.

Driving the Future of Outdoor Advertising

Shirley Chan, Managing Director at JCDecaux Transport said “This pilot transforms the outdoor advertising business into a dynamic media platform, providing the market with trusted, data-rich insights, empowering brands to engage audiences more effectively. The achievement signals a new era for metro advertising, where data-driven precision and accountability become the foundation for strategic decisions. By embracing AI-powered audience measurement, MTR* advertising is not only enhancing transparency but also unlocking smarter ways for brands to engage commuters in high-impact environments, paving the way for advertisers to move beyond assumptions and toward measurable, meaningful connections”.

– End –

For further details regarding the information of MTR* advertising, please reach out to media inquiries:

About JCDecaux Transport

JCDecaux Transport is the main subsidiary of the JCDecaux Group, the number one outdoor advertising company worldwide. Established since 1976, JCDecaux Transport is the No.1 outdoor advertising company in Hong Kong, the market leader and pioneer of the outdoor advertising industry. Currently managing the advertising sales concessions of MTR* advertising for up to 47 years. The company also operates the advertising concessions for Hong Kong International Airport, Macau International Airport and Pacific Place Passages.

For more information about JCDecaux Transport, visit www.jcdecaux-transport.com.hk.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jcdecaux-transport-hong-kong/ 

About SmartRetail

SmartRetail (www.smartretail.co) is a pioneer in AI Computer Vision Audience Measurement with its proprietary edge AI solution offering advanced traffic and gaze / engagement measurement for leading outdoor OOH platforms and retailers across Asia. SmartRetail operates in Hong Kong SAR, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Taiwan.

–  The elimination half-life of ASC50 after a single oral dose was 43, 89, 91, 87, 104, and 85 hours for 10 mg, 30 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg, 400 mg, and 600 mg, respectively, supporting once–daily or potentially once-weekly oral dosing.

–  ASC50 had strong target engagement after a single oral dose, indicated by elevated plasma interleukin-17A (IL-17A) levels, which continued until day 7 for higher doses of ASC50.

–  ASC50 demonstrated a dose-proportional pharmacokinetic profile from 10 mg to 600 mg in single ascending dose study in healthy participants.

–  ASC50 was safe and well tolerated at all dose levels.

–  The Company will host a conference call in Mandarin at 8:00 p.m. China Standard Time on December 15, 2025.

HONG KONG, Dec. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ascletis Pharma Inc. (HKEX:1672, “Ascletis”) announces positive topline results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase I clinical trial in the U.S., evaluating the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and peripherally circulating interleukin-17A (IL-17A) target engagement profile of ASC50 (NCT07024602) in a single ascending dose (SAD) study in healthy participants. Forty-six healthy participants received 10 mg, 30 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg, 400 mg, or 600 mg of ASC50 or matching placebo. The objectives of the study included safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and target engagement.

Key Findings

• The elimination half-life of ASC50 after a single oral dose was 43, 89, 91, 87, 104, and 85 hours for 10 mg, 30 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg, 400 mg, and 600 mg, respectively, supporting once-daily or potentially once-weekly oral dosing.
• ASC50 had strong target engagement after a single oral dose, indicated by elevated plasma IL-17A levels, which continued until day 7 for higher doses of ASC50.
• ASC50 demonstrated a dose-proportional pharmacokinetic profile from 10 mg to 600 mg.
• Following oral dosing in non-human primates (NHPs) in head-to-head studies, ASC50 demonstrated higher absolute oral bioavailability, higher drug exposure, longer half-life and lower clearance than LY4100511 (DC-853), an oral small molecule interleukin-17 (IL-17) inhibitor currently in clinical development.
• ASC50 was safe and well tolerated in the SAD study. All adverse events (AEs) were mild (Grade 1) and transient. No serious adverse events (SAEs) were reported. There was no discontinuation in the study. No hepatic safety signal was detected.

Based on the favorable safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and strong target engagement, ASC50 has progressed into the next phase clinical development (multiple ascending dose study) in participants with mild to moderate plaque psoriasis.

ASC50 is an in-house discovered and developed oral small molecule inhibitor targeting IL-17, an important biologically and commercially validated target for multiple autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including psoriasis. ASC50 is a new chemical entity (NCE), with U.S. and global patent protection through 2043 (excluding potential patent extensions).

“These data demonstrate a favorable safety profile as well as a dose-dependent and differentiated pharmacokinetic profile of ASC50,” said Jinzi Jason Wu, Ph.D., Founder, Chairman and CEO of Ascletis. “We are encouraged by these data as ASC50 is the first oral small molecule drug candidate in immunology developed from our Artificial Intelligence-assisted Structure-Based Drug Discovery (AISBDD) technology. These findings underscore ASC50’s potential as a best-in-class oral small molecule IL-17 inhibitor.”

Conference Call

Ascletis will host a conference call in Mandarin at 8:00 p.m. China Standard Time on December 15, 2025. A live webcast of the call will be available via Tencent Meeting/ VooV Meeting, with the Meeting ID: 889-752-167, or access links of:

Chinese Mainland: https://meeting.tencent.com/dm/eb7KovQX2hYD; or

International: https://voovmeeting.com/dm/eb7KovQX2hYD.

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, an oral 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