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Payment Options Singapore Secures In-Principle Approval from MAS for Major Payment Institution Licence


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 December 2025 – Payment Options Pte Ltd, a Singapore-based payment solutions provider, is pleased to announce that it has received In-Principle Approval (IPA) from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) for a Major Payment Institution (MPI) licence under the Payment Services Act 2019.

Payment Options Pte Ltd office in Singapore
Payment Options Pte Ltd office in Singapore

This milestone underscores Payment Options’ commitment to supporting Singapore’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with simple, secure, and accessible digital payment solutions.

If granted the licence, Payment Options Pte Ltd will be authorised to provide three regulated payment services: Merchant Acquisition, Domestic Money Transfer, and Cross-Border Money Transfer. Through these services, the company aims to empower SMEs with a full suite of payment capabilities — from online payment gateways and QR code payments to the upcoming SoftPOS payments technology — enabling merchants to accept digital payments easily and securely.

“We remain deeply committed to supporting Singapore’s SMEs as they grow and compete in an increasingly digital-first economy. Our vision is to position digital payments as a growth enabler — not a challenge — for small businesses”, said Aaron Yip, Director of Payment Options Pte Ltd. “Our goal is to make digital transactions seamless, secure, and accessible for every business, regardless of size.”

Building on this vision, if the licence is granted, Payment Options will continue to work closely with local merchants, financial institutions, and technology partners to enhance payment accessibility and drive innovation across Singapore’s SME ecosystem.

“We reaffirm our commitment to regulatory compliance and innovation, as we contribute to Singapore’s ongoing journey toward a secure, inclusive, and cash-lite economy.”

The IPA granted by the MAS indicates that a licence may be issued upon the fulfilment of specified conditions and provided there are no material adverse developments affecting the applicant. The IPA does not constitute a licence to provide payment services at this stage, and MAS reserves the right to rescind the approval if it deems appropriate.
Hashtag: #PaymentOptions




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

About Payment Options Pte Ltd

Payment Options Pte Ltd is a Singapore-based financial technology company providing innovative and secure payment solutions designed to help SMEs and merchants simplify digital transactions. With a focus on compliance, technology, and customer experience, the company aims to make digital payments accessible for every business.

Median PFS Trending Beyond One Year: Leads Biolabs’ LBL-034 Showcases Breakthrough Clinical Data in Oral Presentation at the 2025 ASH Annual Meeting

NANJING, China, Dec. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — From December 6 to 9, 2025, the 67th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (“ASH”) was held in Orlando, Florida, USA. Nanjing Leads Biolabs Co., Ltd. (“Leads Biolabs” or the “Company”, Stock Code: 9887.HK) delivered an oral presentation on the opening day of the conference featuring the Phase I/II clinical results of LBL-034, a GPRC5D/CD3 bispecific antibody with a unique 2:1 structure and conditional activation, independently developed using the proprietary LeadsBody platform, for the treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM).

The study, led by Professor Jin Lu of Peking University People’s Hospital and conducted across 17 centers in China, demonstrated that LBL-034 achieved favorable safety and highly encouraging anti-tumor activity, including in high-risk refractory subgroups, highlighting its potential as a best-in-class therapeutic candidate.

The key clinical highlights of LBL-034

  • Safe escalation to 1200 μg/kg with no DLTs or MTD reached.
    Adverse events impacting quality of life were predominantly Grade 1–2 and occurred mainly during Cycle 1, with markedly lower incidence thereafter. Taste, skin, and nail toxicities were infrequent and generally self-resolving.
  • Strong efficacy across dose levels 400–1200 μg/kg (n=40).
    ORR reached 82.5%, with ≥CR at 52.5%, ≥VGPR at 72.5%, and MRD negativity at 80.0%.
    At 800 μg/kg, ORR and ≥CR were 90.9% and 63.6%, respectively.
  • Robust activity in difficult-to-treat RRMM subgroups.
    • Extramedullary disease (EMD): ORR 75.0%, including two sCRs. At 1200 μg/kg, ORR in EMD patients reached 100%, with rapid EMD lesion regression observed.
    • Prior BCMA-treated patients: ORR 85.7%, with CR/sCR 57.1%.
  • Durable clinical benefit.
    Across the 400–1200 μg/kg range, the 12-month PFS rate was 61.2% (median follow-up: 9.6 months). At 400 μg/kg (n=11), median follow-up reached 13.1 months, with a 12-month PFS rate of 56.8%.

Executive Commentary

Dr. Charles Cai, Chief Medical Officer of Leads Biolabs, stated:

“We are delighted that the strong efficacy and clinical potential of LBL-034 have been recognized by the international scientific community. A Phase II trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of LBL-034 with a RP2D at 1200 μg/kg in 4 populations, including 4L+RRMM, 2L+RRMM with EMD, 4L+RRMM with prior BCMA therapy, and R/R Plasma Cell Leukopenia (PCL) is currently ongoing. With our focused and efficient clinical development strategy, we aim to deliver new treatment options to patients with multiple myeloma, particularly those who are refractory or have extramedullary disease, as quickly as possible.”

About LBL-034

LBL-034 is a bispecific T-cell engager (TCE) that targets both GPRC5D and CD3, developed using the Company’s proprietary LeadsBody platform. Designed with a 2:1 binding format—two sites for GPRC5D and one for CD3—LBL-034 can selectively target GPRC5D+ cancer cells, conditionally activate T cells, reduce the risk of cytokine release, minimize the risk of systemic toxicity, and lower the risk of T cell exhaustion, thereby exerting anti-tumor effects in an efficient, low-toxic, and long-term stable manner.

In preclinical studies, LBL-034 has demonstrated strong efficacy signals, comparable to or exceeding those of leading competitors. The molecule is currently being evaluated in a Phase I/II clinical trial for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) in China. According to Frost & Sullivan, as of November 2024, LBL-034 is the second most clinically advanced GPRC5D-targeted CD3 T-cell engager globally. In October 2024, LBL-034 received Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) from the U.S. FDA for the treatment of multiple myeloma.

About Leads Biolabs

Founded in 2012, Leads Biolabs is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative therapies to address underserved medical needs in oncology, autoimmune, and other severe diseases both in China and globally.

We are a front-runner in next-generation immuno-oncology treatments with a differentiated pipeline of 14 innovative drug candidates, including six clinical-stage drug candidates, of which four lead products are among the top-tier clinically advanced candidates globally.

We adopt a science-driven R&D approach and have successfully established comprehensive R&D capabilities spanning antibody discovery and engineering, in vivo and in vitro efficacy evaluation, as well as druggability assessment. We have also developed multiple proprietary technology platforms, including LeadsBody platform (a CD3 T-cell engager platform), X-body platform (a 4-1BB engager platform), TOPiKinectics (ADC platform), which serve as the cornerstone for our continued innovation and have been validated by the clinical outcomes of our bispecific antibody portfolios.

We have established integrated capabilities across early discovery, translational medicine, clinical development, CMC and business development. The innovative nature and competitive strengths of our drug candidates, coupled with our global perspectives, proactive strategy, and efficient clinical validation, have made us an attractive partner for leading industry players and investment institutions. For more information, please visit https://en.leadsbiolabs.com/

Inspur Showcases Modular Construction Capability in Brisbane as Demand for Faster, Scalable Delivery Grows

Industry Leaders Examine Compliance Pathways, AI-Enabled Delivery Models, and Practical Strategies for Deploying Modular Projects Across Australia

BRISBANE, Australia, Dec. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On December 5, 2025, Shandong Inspur Intelligent Building Technology Co., Ltd. (“Inspur Intelligent Building”), a leading provider of smart building solutions, hosted its Smart Construction and Next-Generation Productivity Showcase at the BTP Conference & Exhibition Centre in Brisbane. The gathering brought together a range of Queensland-based builders, developers, design firms, and engineering consultancies for an in-depth exchange on offshore modular manufacturing, pathways for executing modular projects in Australia, and the role of AI technologies across the construction lifecycle. This was Inspur Intelligent Building’s first comprehensive introduction of its modular delivery framework and collaborative engagement model to the Australian market, generating strong interest and positive feedback from industry stakeholders.

Inspur Intelligent Building Australia Business Manager Qiu Yu delivers the opening remarks
Inspur Intelligent Building Australia Business Manager Qiu Yu delivers the opening remarks

At the event, Haitao Huang, Chairman of TAUCO Australia Pty Ltd, delivered a detailed presentation on the compliance pathways for offshore modular construction in Australia. He outlined the regulatory environment in full, addressing the national building code structure, applicable Australian Standards, certification requirements for materials and components, documentation and traceability procedures, and both planning and construction approval workflows, as well as key considerations in production quality oversight. Huang stressed that to enter the Australian market, overseas-manufactured modules must be supported by a verifiable, traceable, and archivable set of technical documents and certifications to ensure smooth progression through regulatory reviews and ultimate issuance of occupancy permits.

Following this, Martin Morrow-Woods, Director of Cre8ive Building Concepts Pty Ltd, highlighted the essential steps required to execute modular construction in Australia, drawing on established local construction and design-management practices. He detailed the key elements of on-site implementation, including crane-lift coordination, alignment of structural and mechanical-electrical interfaces, third-party review processes, preparation of final compliance documentation, and the setup of staged inspection milestones. Based on his extensive experience across both residential and medium-density developments, he shared insights into construction compliance, risk control, and final project delivery, providing attendees with a clear, practical roadmap for effective modular implementation.

TAUCO Australia Pty Ltd Chairman Haitao Huang delivers a keynote presentation
TAUCO Australia Pty Ltd Chairman Haitao Huang delivers a keynote presentation

Cre8ive Building Concepts Pty Ltd Director Martin Morrow-Woods gives a keynote speech
Cre8ive Building Concepts Pty Ltd Director Martin Morrow-Woods gives a keynote speech

As the event concluded and transitioned into an open networking session, representatives from numerous participating companies actively engaged with the Inspur Intelligent Building team to explore potential collaboration opportunities tailored to their business needs, sparking multiple active conversations across the venue. Several prospective partners expressed clear interest in collaboration, indicating plans to promptly initiate feasibility studies for modular projects and move forward with pilot projects for on-site validation. Additionally, several builders, in collaboration with the Inspur Intelligent Building team, explored customised, standardised modular solutions for student housing and residential developments based on their land reserves, aiming for deeper integration of technical expertise and resources. Attendees noted that the event not only clarified the feasibility and practical implementation pathways for modular construction in Australia, but also showcased efficient, cost-effective solutions for critical community projects, including student accommodation and affordable housing, providing innovative approaches to easing housing shortages and accelerating project delivery.

Networking session with clients
Networking session with clients

Looking ahead, Inspur Intelligent Building will continue to expand China–Australia cooperation in modular-construction technologies, accelerate the implementation of demonstration projects, and strengthen partnerships with local firms through the integration of AI technologies and industrialised building capabilities. By developing practical, innovation-driven collaboration models, the company aims to facilitate Australia’s housing programmes and support the construction sector’s sustainable growth.

Traveloka and Singapore Tourism Board launch regional campaign to inspire spontaneous weekend getaways to Singapore

SINGAPORE, Dec. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Traveloka, Southeast Asia’s leading travel platform, and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) strengthen their partnership with the launch of a new regional marketing campaign targeting young travellers titled ‘A World of Experiences Await’. The initiative aims to position Singapore as a preferred short-haul destination for travellers and repeat visitors seeking spontaneous and convenient getaways from key Southeast Asian markets.


When travelling, making the most out of every moment with loved ones is essential. In Singapore, this is made remarkably easy. Thanks to the city’s compact layout, visitors can experience a wide variety of activities in a single day. Whether it’s exploring cultural landmarks, enjoying world-class attractions or discovering local neighbourhoods, everything is conveniently located and easily accessible.

Singapore’s efficient public transport system further enhances the experience, allowing travellers to move seamlessly from one activity to the next. This means visitors spend less time planning and more time immersing themselves in what the city has to offer.

‘A World of Experiences Await’ marks Traveloka and STB’s second Southeast Asia campaign this year, reaffirming their commitment to inspiring spontaneous escapes to Singapore. Focused on Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand, the campaign highlights reimagined or lesser-known attractions and local experiences that reveal a fresh and distinctive side of the city-state. The partnership also extends to families, offering best travel deals for travelling in a group that transform Singapore into the perfect multigenerational playground.

Terrence Voon, STB Executive Director of Southeast Asia, said “Traveloka has been an invaluable partner in highlighting the different sides of Singapore, a city that allows both families and friends to discover new experiences together. We look forward to continuing this strong collaboration to showcase a more intimate, inspiring perspective of the city—one that encourages visitors to explore Singapore in new and unexpected ways.”

Traveloka’s partnership with STB leverages its destination expertise in shaping recommendations for off-the-beaten path experiences, and lesser-known activities that complement the overall Singapore visitor experience such as sports-cations and musical performances.

During the campaign period from November 2025 to March 2026, travellers can log onto the Traveloka app to collect stackable discount coupons that can be redeemed for special rates on flights, hotels and travel activities in Singapore.

Albert, Co-Founder of Traveloka, said, “Beyond the success of our first collaboration, the partnership with STB is rooted in a long-term commitment to authentic experiences and deeper emotional connections. Singapore remains one of the most popular destinations for our travellers and together, we will continue co-creating initiatives that celebrate local culture and strengthen the communities that make travel meaningful.”

Discover Singapore in Unexpected Ways: New Activities and Hidden Gems to Explore

Hidden Gems

  1. Littered with Books: While a quiet afternoon away in an independent bookstore housed in a conservation shophouse. Littered with Books offers a range of carefully curated books, from sci-fi and fantasy to thrillers and non-fiction.
  2. Née Vintage: A collector of vintage luxury? Don’t miss out on Née Vintage, a lesser-known treasure trove of vintage secondhand luxury goods that are in excellent condition.
  3. New Bahru: Step away from the shopping malls and enter New Bahru, a conceptual retail and dining destination that transformed a heritage school building into a lifestyle hub. Discover the creative side of Singapore through more than 40 independent, homegrown brands.

New Family-Fun Attractions

  1. Singapore Oceanarium: A bold new ocean experience surfaces at the newly reopened Singapore Oceanarium, a world of wonder filled with thrilling activities. Step into immersive exhibits and experience up-close marine encounters that will spark curiosity and excitement for the whole family.
  2. Bird Paradise: Immerse in the vibrant world of Singapore’s Bird Paradise, where every visit is an adventure. See endangered bills, Asian songbirds, and iconic and colorful birds alongside shows that display the majesty and agility of a variety of bird species.
  3. Rainforest Wild ASIA: Engage with nature like never before at Asia’s first adventure-based zoological park. Roam through lush rainforest trails, towering karst formations, and mysterious caverns while encountering 36 fascinating species in open-concept habitats.

Off-the-Beaten Path Experiences

  1. Kayaking at Punggol Waterway: Witness the harmonious blend of nature and local urban life as you journey through one of Singapore’s most vibrant waterways in the residential North East.
  2. The Make Pleat Bag Experience by Ginlee: A workshop that introduces you to the age-old craft of pleating and circularity through a unique in-store experience.
  3. DIY Bar Making Workshop with Mr Bucket Chocolaterie: Explore the craft of chocolate-making with Mr Bucket, a locally-inspired chocolaterie on the beautiful Dempsey Hill. Learn the bean-to-bar process and decorate, fill and customise your own chocolate bar mould with seasonal toppings.

For more information on ‘A World of Experiences’ deals and promotions, please visit: https://www.traveloka.com

About Traveloka

Traveloka is Southeast Asia’s leading all-in-one travel platform connecting millions globally with trusted, world-class experiences. Founded in 2012, Traveloka has operations in Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. With over 140 million app downloads and more than 40 million monthly active users, Traveloka stands as one of the most popular travel apps in the region.

Traveloka’s mission is to revolutionise the travel and lifestyle industry by providing seamless, user-friendly solutions for booking flights, hotels, and experiences. We want to empower travellers with a comprehensive platform that simplifies trip planning and enhances the overall travel experience. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and a customer-centric approach, Traveloka aims to redefine the way people explore and connect with the world, making travel more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

About Singapore Tourism Board

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is the lead development agency for tourism, one of Singapore’s key economic sectors. Together with industry partners and the community, we shape a dynamic Singapore tourism landscape. We bring the Passion Made Possible brand to life by differentiating Singapore as a vibrant destination that inspires people to share and deepen their passions.

For more information, please visit www.stb.gov.sg or www.visitsingapore.com | Follow us: STB Facebook or STB Instagram

Cebu Pacific Rolls Out an Early Christmas Surprise with 12.12 Seat Sale

Fares as Low as TWD 1

MANILA, Philippines, Dec. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, spreads holiday cheer early as it unwraps its 12.12 Super Seat Fest, giving travelers the chance to treat themselves to a well-deserved vacation that they can look forward to next year.

From December 8 to 13, guests from Taiwan can book flights to Manila for as low as TWD 1 one-way base fare, exclusive of fees and surcharges. The travel period runs from June 1 to November 30, 2026, letting travelers plan itineraries and secure better deals as early as this year.

Once in the Philippines, travelers can fly to Boracay, a popular beach destination known for its beaches and island activities.

They can also visit Bohol, which offers countryside attractions, heritage locations, and well-known sites such as Chocolate Hills.

With the airline’s widest domestic reach, travelers can start their own journey to happiness in the Philippine capital or connect to the airline’s other key regional hubs such as Clark, Cebu, Iloilo and Davao, for faster inter-island access within the country.

CEB operates in 37 domestic and 26 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

CEB offers various payment options, including credit or debit cards and e-wallets, to book flights and buy add-ons.

Book your flights now at www.cebupacificair.com.

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Our social media handles:

Facebook: Cebu Pacific Air
X: @CebuPacificAir
Instagram: cebupacificair

@CebuPacificAir #LetsFlyEveryone #CEBSuperSeatFest

 

Cebu Pacific Rolls Out an Early Christmas Surprise with 12.12 Seat Sale

Fares as Low as HKD 1

MANILA, Philippines, Dec. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, spreads holiday cheer early as it unwraps its 12.12 Super Seat Fest, giving travelers the chance to treat themselves to a well-deserved vacation that they can look forward to next year.

From December 8 to 13, guests from Hong Kong can book flights to Manila, Clark, Cebu, Iloilo, or Davao for as low as HKD 1 one-way base fare, exclusive of fees and surcharges. The travel period runs from June 1 to November 30, 2026, letting travelers plan itineraries and secure better deals as early as this year.

CEB currently flies from Hong Kong to Manila, Clark, Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao—making Hong Kong one of the airline’s most connected international gateways into the country. This makes it easier for travelers to choose their preferred entry point and map out trips that include both city stops and island destinations.

Once in the Philippines, travelers can fly to Boracay, a popular beach destination known for its beaches and island activities.

They can also visit Bohol, which offers countryside attractions, heritage locations, and well-known sites such as Chocolate Hills.

With the airline’s widest domestic reach, travelers can start their own journey to happiness in the Philippine capital or connect to the airline’s other key regional hubs such as Clark, Cebu, Iloilo and Davao, for faster inter-island access within the country.

CEB operates in 37 domestic and 26 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

CEB offers various payment options, including credit or debit cards and e-wallets, to book flights and buy add-ons.

Book your flights now at www.cebupacificair.com.

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Our social media handles:

Facebook: Cebu Pacific Air
X: @CebuPacificAir
Instagram: cebupacificair

@CebuPacificAir #LetsFlyEveryone #CEBSuperSeatFest

 

Agoda Unveils 2026 Travel Outlook Report: Key Trends for Industry Partners to Capitalize on the Year Ahead

With interest in secondary destinations on the rise, expanding infrastructure and growing access to technology, opportunities await the industry in 2026

SINGAPORE, Dec. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda unveils its 2026 Travel Outlook Report, highlighting data-driven trends set to influence travel across Asia in the next year. Drawing on a survey of Agoda customers in key Asia-Pacific markets, the report spotlights shifts such as the rising popularity of secondary destinations, the increasing demand for experiential travel and growing expectations for seamless, technology-driven journeys. The findings offer strategic insights and guidance for hotels, destination marketing organizations (DMOs), and travel industry partners.

2026 Travel Outlook Report - Key Trends for Industry Partners to Capitalize On
2026 Travel Outlook Report – Key Trends for Industry Partners to Capitalize On

A rising middle-class, streamlined visa processes, and expanding flight networks are influencing travel choices across Asia, with travelers increasingly looking beyond familiar hotspots. Recent Agoda data shows that accommodation searches in secondary cities across Asia have grown 15% faster than in traditional tourism hubs over the last two years. Driven by the momentum, secondary destinations accounted for 34% of total accommodation searches on Agoda in the first half of 2025. This growth reflects travelers’ strong desire for value, with 43% citing lower costs as their top reason to explore these destinations. Unique local culture, special promotions, and outdoor activities also rank highly among travelers’ motivations.

“Secondary cities are no longer hidden gems. They’re becoming the engine of travel growth across Asia. Travelers want authenticity, value and a sense of discovery that the major hotspots cannot always deliver. This shift unlocks real opportunity for local communities and for the partners who move early. At Agoda, our focus is straightforward – we equip our partners with the data, insights and digital tools they need to capture this demand and win in these emerging markets”, said Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply, Agoda.

The report finds that ease of access is a key factor for travelers considering new destinations, with the sentiment especially strong in India (91%), the Philippines (89%), and Indonesia (80%). Governments in markets, including Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, and India, are actively expanding access to more destinations through targeted campaigns and infrastructure improvements. Agoda partners with respective DMOs, leveraging data insights and marketing channels to highlight hidden gems, and enable rural properties to increase their visibility through digital platforms.

With growing demand for secondary destinations, diversifying accommodation supply is increasingly important to meet traveler preferences and unlock new economic opportunities. On Agoda, travelers can find non-hotel accommodations, including villas, apartments, and boutique guesthouses, increased steadily year-on-year from 2022 to 2025. This expanding supply landscape seeks to meet the demand for authentic, immersive stays but also empowers local property owners to enter the digital economy.

The latest report delves into several emerging trends that present new avenues for industry partners to capture demand and elevate traveler experiences in 2026:

  • Enhance digital visibility and online presence with updated listings, engaging content, and guest reviews to attract travelers interested in discovering new destinations
  • Leverage Agoda’s data insights to design targeted marketing campaigns that highlight local experiences and increase destination appeal.
  • Expand offerings to include authentic cultural, culinary, and outdoor activities that align with traveler motivations for immersive journeys.

By embracing these opportunities and partnering with Agoda, accommodations and local experience providers, DMOs, and travel brands can diversify revenue streams, strengthen resilience, and deliver high-value experiences to the next wave of travelers.

For more information and to download the full 2026 Travel Outlook Report, visit https://ago-da.co/2026-report.

IASO Bio Presents Updated Results for Equecabtagene Autoleucel in High-Risk Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Patients at 2025 ASH

SHANGHAI and NANJING, China and PLEASANTON, Calif., Dec. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — IASO Biotechnology (“IASO Bio”), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of novel cell therapies and biologics for hematologic malignancies and autoimmune diseases, announced the oral presentation of updated clinical data for its independently developed, fully human BCMA-targeted CAR-T cell therapy product, Equecabtagene Autoleucel (Eque-cel), for the treatment of transplant-ineligible patients with high-risk newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) at the 2025 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting. The data demonstrate that Eque-cel can provide deep and durable responses while maintaining a manageable safety profile for this patient population.

Abstract Number: abs25-8596
Abstract Title: Efficacy and safety of a fully human BCMA CAR T-cell therapy for high-risk newly diagnosed transplant-ineligible multiple myeloma: Updated results from an open label, single-arm phase 1 study fumanba-2

The primary endpoints were the proportion of minimal residual disease (MRD)-negative and progression-free survival (PFS). As of May 13, 2025, a total of 16 patients had received Eque-cel infusion. Cytogenetics were detected in all pts with at least one high risk cytogenetic abnormalities (HRCA). 11 patients had double-hit, and 2 patients had triple-hit cytogenetics. 2 patients had R-ISS stage III with a double-hit, and 1 patient had R-ISS stage III with a triple-hit. 4 patients had extramedullary disease.

With a median follow-up of 27.04 months, the median PFS was not reached. The PFS rates at 12, 18 and 24 months were 87.5%, 80.2% and 74.5%, respectively. All patients achieved MRD negativity within 1 month, and 80% of patients maintained sustained MRD negativity beyond 24 months. The objective response rate (ORR) was 100%, with 93.8% achieving stringent complete response (sCR).

After infusion of Eque-cel, cytokine release syndrome (CRS) occurred in 11 patients (68.8%), all of which were grade 1-2. The median time to CRS onset was 7 days, with a median duration of 3 days. No neurotoxic effects or immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) were observed.

Professor Lijuan Chen from Jiangsu Province Hospital stated: “The updated data from the FUMANBA-2 study presented at the 2025 ASH Annual Meeting are encouraging. Among all enrolled high-risk patients, we observed an sCR rate of 93.8%, with 80% of patients maintaining sustained MRD negativity for over 24 months. In high-risk patient groups, including those with double-hit/triple-hit cytogenetics and R-ISS stage III with EMD, Eque-cel continued to demonstrate durable disease control, achieving a 24-month PFS rate of 74.5%. This suggests that this therapy could be a promising and effective treatment option as first line therapy following induction chemotherapy for high-risk NDMM.”

Dr. Jie Chen, Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President of IASO Bio, commented: “We are delighted to present the promising data for Eque-cel in the treatment of high-risk NDMM at the 2025 ASH Annual Meeting. The FUMANBA-2 study data presented confirm its deep and durable responses in this patient population, with no observed ICANS and all CRS events limited to grade 1-2. We will continue to advance the long-term follow-up of this study and look forward to bringing this innovative therapy to patients in need earlier.”

About Multiple Myeloma (MM)

Global annual incidence increased from 164,300 in 2019 to 197,200 in 2024, projected to reach 273,600 by 2040. In China, incidence rose from 28,100 in 2019 to 31,800 in 2024, with an estimated 30–40% progressing to third-line therapy.

About IASO Bio

Founded in 2017, IASO Bio is one of the few commercial-stage biopharmaceutical companies in the Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMP) sector bringing China’s breakthrough innovations to the global market. We specialize in developing cell therapies and biologics for hematological malignancies and autoimmune diseases. Our industry-leading, fully integrated platforms leverage cutting-edge technologies that span the entire product lifecycle—from discovery and development to manufacturing and commercialization.