BEIJING, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CGTN published an article on the post-disaster rescue and reconstruction efforts following a devastating fire in Tai Po in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), highlighting the collective efforts by the central government and the HKSAR government, Hong Kong residents, volunteers from the mainland, and different sectors of society.

At Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, residents have quietly returned to homes they’ll never be able to live in again – some for the first time since the devastating fire on November 26. Many came only to retrieve what little they could carry. But they were not alone.

Clusters of volunteers stood ready to help them pack up belongings and guide families to the waiting vans. Nearby, an unattended truck sat with its back doors open, stocked with bottled drinks, cardboard boxes and plastic bags – free for anyone who needed them.

Among those offering help was Wong Chi-chuen, 58-year-old taxi driver. For five straight days, Wong and several fellow drivers had been shuttling residents for free. “We start at eight and don’t stop until late,” he said. “Yes, it hurts our incomes, but helping people matters more.”

From long lines of volunteers to steady donations from across society, Hong Kong has mobilized on a remarkable scale, coming together to support families hit by the tragedy.

Government steps up support

In the wake of the fire, Chinese President Xi Jinping immediately urged all-out efforts to extinguish the blaze and minimize casualties and losses. He also extended his deep condolences, as well as his sympathies to the victims’ families and all those affected by the fire.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, within hours of the disaster, launched a citywide rescue and resettlement operation. Temporary shelters opened across Tai Po the same night, and emergency payments were issued immediately.

As of December 5, 1,369 residents had been placed in youth hostels, camps and hotel rooms. Another 2,499 people had moved into transitional housing. Chief Executive John Lee pledged that “no affected family will be left behind” and said the accommodation will be free throughout the reconstruction period.

One day after the fire, each affected household was given an emergency payment of HK$10,000. The government later announced HK$200,000 in condolence payments to the families of victims. It also provided HK$50,000 in living allowances for affected households – an amount later increased to HK$100,000.

The Social Welfare Department has reached out to over 4,900 residents from over 1,900 households as part of its “one social worker per household” support scheme, providing counseling, coordinating supplies and offering day-to-day help. Each household is also paired with two civil servants to assist with medical visits, packing, transport and other practical needs.

Lion Rock spirit

The tragedy has prompted a strong wave of compassion from across Hong Kong and beyond.

On the day of the fire, residents brought clothing, food and water to shelters, while long queues formed at blood donation centers. A shipment of urgently needed blankets was transported overnight from the mainland’s Dongguan to Tai Po.

Volunteers have been working around the clock at shelters and transitional housing sites to ensure residents can get help whenever they need. Once a request is made, volunteers coordinate and deliver supplies quickly.

“Hong Kong people have the Lion Rock spirit. When one suffers, everyone supports,” said Mei Siu-fung, head of the Tai Po District Care Team, adding about 400 local volunteers responded within hours after the fire. The Lion Rock spirit, often described as the spirit of Hong Kong, reflects the city’s collective resilience and determination to overcome hardship and strive for a better life.

Support has also flowed in from the mainland and Macao. Shenzhen residents organized supply trucks. Children and elder villagers from Guizhou donated what they could. Mainland organizations–large and small –mobilized medical gear, relief materials and millions in funding. The Macao Foundation sent HK$30 million.

Public donations to the support fund for Wang Fuk Court have now reached around HK$3 billion. Together with HK$300 million in seed funding from the HKSAR government, the fund totals roughly HK$3.3 billion and will support rebuilding and long-term assistance.

“Disasters are merciless, but people have love,” Lee said. “The care and donations from Guangdong, Macao and many others reflect compassion, solidarity and hope. The government will ensure every dollar goes toward helping residents rebuild their lives.”

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-12-08/In-the-wake-of-tragedy-Hong-Kong-comes-together-to-rebuild-1IWyRq86a6k/p.html

SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Agricultural Corporation Geumsan Insamju announced that it is strengthening its cultural and experiential marketing strategy in Hong Kong, aiming to position its flagship product Geumseol not merely as an alcoholic beverage but as a “cultural experience.” With growing interest in K-pop, K-dramas, and Korean cuisine, curiosity toward Korean traditional liquor is also rising in Hong Kong SAR—making Geumseol a timely fit for the expanding Korean cultural wave.

Hong Kong maintains consistent demand for giftable liquor at duty-free shops and retail stores, and alcohol purchases by tourists remain strong. This presents Geumseol with an opportunity to appeal simultaneously as both a premium liqueur and a memorable souvenir. “Hong Kong consumers are already familiar with Korean dining culture, and traditional liquor holds strong potential as a cultural product,” a company spokesperson said.

To engage local consumers, Geumsan Insamju is planning pop-up events and tasting sessions at popular K-culture stores, lifestyle select shops, and stylish bars across Hong Kong. The unique LED lighting at the base of the Geumseol bottle will be highlighted through visually appealing photos and videos, which the company will distribute via social media platforms and live-commerce channels to deliver its brand story directly to Hong Kong audiences.

Geumsan Insamju is also considering expanding its product lineup. Beyond Geumseol, the company is exploring new ginseng-based low-alcohol beverages, powdered distilled spirits, and fruit- or herb-infused liqueurs to cater to a wider range of consumer tastes.

A representative from Agricultural Corporation Geumsan Insamju said, “We are not simply selling alcohol—we are exporting Korean tradition and sentiment. We hope Geumseol becomes recognized in Hong Kong SAR as a representative cultural spirit of Korea.”

HONG KONG, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — From November 23 to 25, the Seventh World Hakka Entrepreneurs Convention was held in Meizhou, Guangdong. The conference, with the theme of “Gather Global Hakka Entrepreneurs • Facilitate High-Quality Development,” upheld the principles of “openness, innovation, cooperation, and mutual benefit,” and explored new opportunities for the development of Hakka culture and industrial development. At this grand, globally watched event, Guangdong Jiaying Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. showcased its star products, including “Shuangliao Houfeng San” (Double-ingredient Throat Wind Relief Powder), “Gujing Shenrong Wan” (Solid Essence Ginseng and Antler Pill), and “Longnao Gao” (Borneol Ointment), presenting the unique charm of Hakka medicine to the world.

When discussing Hakka medicine, one cannot avoid mentioning traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Global health demands have been continuously increasing, and TCM, with its unique theoretical system and clinical efficacy, is gaining broad international recognition. As one of the unique treasures in the repository of TCM, Hakka medicine, relying on its characteristic fusion of northern and southern traditions, profound historical heritage, and distinctive therapeutic effects, is advancing alongside TCM onto the international stage. Hakka medicine is integrating the medical wisdom carried by the southward-migrating Hakka people into the wave of TCM going abroad.

Inheritance: The Connotation and Relationship Between Hakka Medicine and TCM

Both Hakka medicine and TCM are important components of the Chinese medical system, sharing lineage while possessing distinct characteristics. TCM, as a prominent and excellent representative of TCM, adheres to philosophical principles such as yin-yang, the Five Elements, and the unity of man and nature, establishing a unique and systematic theory of syndrome differentiation and treatment.

Hakka medicine is a medical culture gradually formed by the Hakka community over long historical migrations and development, featuring strong regional characteristics. It not only inherits the core theories and essence of early classical medicine from the Central Plains of China but also combines TCM theory with the natural environment and climatic conditions of southern China. It actively integrates practical herbal medicine experience from southern regions and certain minority medicinal practices, forming a TCM system that is theoretically diverse, methodologically unique, practical, and efficient. Its core concept emphasizes “treating the symptoms in acute cases and addressing the root cause in chronic ones”, demonstrating strong adaptability and innovation.

In general, the relationship between Hakka medicine and TCM can be described as “combining inheritance and innovation, emphasizing integration and complementarity.” Hakka medicine represents a deepening and development of TCM in specific regional and practical contexts, and its theoretical system and clinical practice further enrich the connotation of TCM. Meanwhile, TCM provides a solid theoretical foundation and methodological guidance for Hakka medicine, laying the basic framework for its development. Together, they enrich the treasure trove of Chinese medicine.

Innovation: Similarities and Differences Between Hakka Medicine and TCM

Hakka medicine and TCM share commonalities and differences in their theoretical foundations. Their commonality lies in the emphasis on yin-yang, the Five Elements, the unity of man and nature, syndrome differentiation and treatment, and a holistic perspective. Their differences lie in Hakka medicine’s greater focus on local environmental adaptation, regional adaptation of TCM, and innovation in certain theoretical applications.

Regarding its theoretical foundations, Hakka medicine possesses three major characteristics: first, it embodies a fusion of northern and southern wisdom, preserving the essence of Central Plains medicine while integrating the medical wisdom of southern ethnic minorities; second, it combines the theory of the I Ching with medical practice, as reflected in the advocacy of “using the I Ching as the source of medicine”; and third, it emphasizes the principle of “treating diseases before they arise,” placing prevention at the forefront.

In terms of treatment methods, Hakka medicine shows distinct features. It not only inherits external therapies such as acupuncture and tui na from TCM but also develops treatment methods with Hakka characteristics.

Concerning medicinal characteristics, Hakka medicine places greater emphasis on herbs that clear heat, detoxify, and eliminate dampness. These herbs are primarily used to address diseases caused by the humid and hot southern environment, such as glabrous greenbrier rhizome and Bidens biternata for alleviating body heat caused by damp-heat, and honeysuckle and cinnamon for treating gastrointestinal stagnation caused by damp-heat pathogens.

Development: The Metamorphosis from Tradition to Modernity

The development of Hakka medicine and TCM has transformed from traditional to modern times. In traditional periods, Hakka medicine was primarily passed down through family inheritance and master-apprentice teaching, forming a relatively complete and transmissible TCM system. For example, Double-ingredient Throat Wind Relief Powder was developed by Zheng Lanpu during the Qing Dynasty and later promoted and inherited by his fifth-generation descendant Zheng Shilong. From the mid-Qing Dynasty to the Republic of China, over nearly 200 years, this formula has been preserved to the present day.

In recent years, with China’s increasing emphasis on TCM, Hakka medicine has received renewed protection and transmission. In April 2025, the Guangdong Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Training Program was held in Meizhou, providing professional support for the inheritance of Hakka medicine culture. In September 2025, Professor Lan Wenjian from the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Sun Yat-sen University, after investigating Jiaying Pharmaceutical, proposed injecting scientific research and talent momentum into Hakka medicine enterprises through jointly established student practice bases, applying for enterprise postdoctoral workstations, and jointly building provincial key laboratories.

In recent years, Chinese culture has increasingly demonstrated its value worldwide, and cultural confidence has been further strengthened. The globalization of TCM is not only about promoting the advantages of TCM to the world and serving humanity, but also about learning from the world. TCM can truly integrate into the international medical system through cultural adaptation and standardization.

History shows that Hakka medicine, as an important component of TCM, has already demonstrated its unique charm on the international stage. Jiaying Pharmaceutical, as a key inheritor of Hakka medicine culture, is actively exploring the internationalization of Hakka medicine, enabling more people to understand and recognize Hakka medicine.

SAN FRANCISCO and SUZHOU, China, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Innovent Biologics, Inc. (“Innovent”) (HKEX: 01801), a world-class biopharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures and commercializes high-quality medicines for the treatment of oncologic, autoimmune, cardiovascular and metabolic, ophthalmologic and other major diseases, announces that that PECONDLE® (picankibart injection, R&D code: IBI112), its self-developed recombinant anti-interleukin-23p19 subunit monoclonal antibody, achieved both primary and key secondary efficacy endpoints in the Phase 3 CLEAR-2 study – a randomized withdrawal and retreatment clinical trial in Chinese participants with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. As the first China-developed IL-23p19 monoclonal antibody, PECONDLE® received market approval from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in November 2025 for the treatment of adult patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy.

This study (NCT06049810) is a prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 trial using a randomized withdrawal and retreatment design. It aims to evaluate the efficacy of subcutaneous picankibart in participants with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis during maintenance treatment and after withdrawal, following achievement of treatment targets. A total of 566 participants were enrolled and all received picankibart treatment through Week 32. Those who achieved ≥90% improvement in Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI 90) at Week 32 were re-randomized either to a maintenance group receiving picankibart 100 mg or 200 mg, or to a withdrawal group receiving placebo. The primary endpoint was the proportion of participants who maintained a PASI 90 response at Week 56. This endpoint objectively quantifies sustained high-level lesion clearance during long-term therapy, establishing a validated measure for efficacy durability and maintenance regimen superiority.

The primary endpoint was met, demonstrating that quarterly dosing of picankibart sustained long-term efficacy superiority

At Week 56, the proportions of participants maintaining PASI 90 response were 89.3% in the 100 mg group and 90.1% in the 200 mg group for picankibart maintenance treatment, both significantly higher than the corresponding withdrawal groups (37.7% and 51.7%, respectively; P < 0.0001 for both). These robust data demonstrate that quarterly dosing of picankibart provides sustained and reliable superior efficacy compared to treatment withdrawal.

All key secondary endpoints were met, with picankibart delivering comprehensive improvements in both skin clearance and quality of life

All secondary efficacy endpoints were successfully met, with significantly higher proportions of participants in the 100 mg and 200 mg picankibart maintenance groups versus the corresponding withdrawal groups achieving PASI 75, PASI 100 (complete skin clearance), sPGA score of 0 or 1, sPGA score of 0 (clear skin), and DLQI score 0/1 (dermatology life quality index) at Week 56 (P < 0.0001 for all comparisons). These results demonstrate that quarterly dosing of picankibart provides comprehensive and durable clinical benefits.

Picankibart demonstrates durable efficacy post-withdrawal and significantly reduces relapse risk with maintenance treatment

At Week 56, PASI 90 response was maintained in both 100 mg and 200 mg maintenance groups, whereas the corresponding withdrawal groups exhibited median efficacy durability of 20.4 weeks and 24.6 weeks (32.4 weeks and 36.6 weeks post-last dose of picankibart), respectively. Maintenance treatment with picankibart 100 mg and 200 mg significantly reduced the risk of losing PASI 90 response compared with the corresponding withdrawal groups (P < 0.0001). As indicated by the primary endpoint, nearly half of the participants in withdrawal groups still maintained skin clearance (PASI 90) even after 24 weeks of treatment discontinuation, confirming picankibart's disease-modifying effect in achieving deep skin clearance for moderate-to-severe psoriasis.

Picankibart demonstrated a favorable safety profile with no new safety signals identified

Throughout the study, picankibart maintained a consistent safety profile, with no new safety signals observed compared to previous clinical trials.

Professor Shi Yuling, the Principal Investigator of the Clinical Study, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, stated, “Existing evidence confirms that IL-23p19 antibodies offer sustained long-term efficacy and superior treatment convenience in psoriasis management. The CLEAR-2 study—China’s first randomized withdrawal and retreatment trial of a domestically developed IL-23p19 inhibitor (picankibart)—provides critical insight into the necessity of maintenance therapy, the durability of post-withdrawal, and effective retreatment strategies. We’re are greatly encouraged by its success in achieving both primary and secondary endpoints, which underscores picankibart’s exceptional long-term stability during maintenance therapy and its outstanding sustained response following treatment discontinuation. These results offer crucial assurance for chronic patients with chronic disease while empowering clinicians with evidence-based guidance to optimize long-term management.”

Dr. Lei Qian, the Chief R&D Officer of General Biomedicine from Innovent Biologics, stated, “PECONDLE®’s successful Phase 3 CLEAR-2 results validate its core advantages as a next-generation IL-23p19 inhibitor: achieving deep, durable remission through quarterly dosing, coupled with favorable safety and significant quality-of-life improvements. As China’s first self-developed IL-23p19 biologic, these breakthrough findings enable us to deliver convenient, patient-friendly treatment options with verified efficacy for moderate-to-severe cases. We’ll continue exploring indication expansion through comprehensive lifecycle management, maximizing clinical value while addressing unmet needs such as treatment resistance.”

About Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, recurrent, inflammatory and systemic disease induced by genetic and environmental factors, affecting individuals of all ages and genders. It typically presents as scaly erythema or plaques, with non-infections, localized or widespread distribution. As a life-long noninfectious condition, psoriasis is notoriously difficult to treat. The disease can be categorized into psoriasis vulgaris (including guttate psoriasis and plaque psoriasis), pustular psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis and arthropathic psoriasis. Approximately 80%~90% of patients have plaque psoriasis, with nearly 30% of the cases being moderate-to-severe. Global psoriasis prevalence varies significantly, with over 7 million patients in China alone. Current systemic treatments in China include methotrexate (MTX), cyclosporine A, retinoic acids, small molecule target agents and biological agents. Since 2019, biologics have become a central focus in psoriasis treatment, with IL-23 inhibitors standing out due to their rapid onset, robust efficacy, good safety, and long-lasting effects, which are more advantageous in comprehensive and deep lesion clearance and prolonging relapse-free periods. 

About PECONDLE® (Picankibart Injection)

PECONDLE® (picankibart injection) is a monoclonal antibody independently developed by Innovent with proprietary intellectual property rights. This product specifically targets the IL-23p19 subunit, preventing IL-23 from binding to cell surface receptors. Picankibart has the potential to offer a more effective treatment option for patients with psoriasis, ulcerative colitis or other autoimmune diseases.

PECONDLE® (picankibart injection) is approved by the NMPA of China for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adult patients who are candidates for systemic therapy.

Currently, multiple clinical studies of picankibart are underway, including:

• Phase 3 study conducted in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis (CLEAR-1);
• Phase 3 study conducted in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis with randomized withdrawal;
• Phase 3 study in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who were previously treated with biologics;
• Phase 2 study in patients with moderate-to-severe active ulcerative colitis;

Except for the ongoing CLEAR-3 study, all other studies have met their primary endpoints.

In addition, new clinical studies of picankibart in the treatment of adolescent psoriasis and adult psoriatic arthritis are initiated.

About Innovent

Innovent is a leading biopharmaceutical company founded in 2011 with the mission to empower patients worldwide with affordable, high-quality biopharmaceuticals. The company discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes innovative medicines that target some of the most intractable diseases. Its pioneering therapies treat cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic, autoimmune and eye diseases. Innovent has launched 17 products in the market. It has 1 new drug applications under regulatory review, 4 assets in Phase III or pivotal clinical trials and 15 more molecules in early clinical stage. Innovent partners with over 30 global healthcare companies, including Eli Lilly, Sanofi, Takeda, Incyte, Adimab, LG Chem and MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Guided by the motto, “Start with Integrity, Succeed through Action,” Innovent maintains the highest standard of industry practices and works collaboratively to advance the biopharmaceutical industry so that first-rate pharmaceutical drugs can become widely accessible. For more information, visit www.innoventbio.com, or follow Innovent on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Statement:Innovent does not recommend the use of any unapproved drug (s)/indication (s).

Forward-Looking Statement

This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements that are, by their nature, subject to significant risks and uncertainties. The words “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend” and similar expressions, as they relate to Innovent, are intended to identify certain of such forward-looking statements. Innovent does not intend to update these forward-looking statements regularly.

These forward-looking statements are based on the existing beliefs, assumptions, expectations, estimates, projections and understandings of the management of Innovent with respect to future events at the time these statements are made. These statements are not a guarantee of future developments and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond Innovent’s control and are difficult to predict. Consequently, actual results may differ materially from information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of future changes or developments in our business, Innovent’s competitive environment and political, economic, legal and social conditions.

Innovent, the Directors and the employees of Innovent assume (a) no obligation to correct or update the forward-looking statements contained in this site; and (b) no liability in the event that any of the forward-looking statements does not materialize or turn out to be incorrect.