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Anchoring the 15th Five-Year Plan: China’s High-quality Development is Strengthening Foreign Investors’ Confidence

BEIJING, Nov. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from China.org.cn on the 8th CIIE and China’s high-quality development:


Anchoring the 15th Five-Year Plan: China’s High-quality Development is Strengthening Foreign Investors’ Confidence

Recently, China released the “Recommendations of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development,” which highlights the goal of building a modernized industrial system and a robust domestic market, placing emphasis on promoting high-standard opening-up, with specific measures to expand foreign trade and attract investment.

The China International Import Expo offers an important window into how these objectives are being put into practice. This year’s CIIE has attracted 4,108 international companies, a record high. Among them, many have been loyal participants for eight consecutive years, including Theland, a New Zealand-based dairy brand. When this company first entered the Chinese market, it was frustrated that fresh dairy products struggled with a short shelf life, as fresh milk often reached Chinese retailers already close to expiry. Thanks to facilitative policies introduced via the CIIE, these products enjoyed a “ranch-to-table in 72 hours” supply chain, solving the dilemma once and for all. Via the CIIE, Theland’s sales in China have spiked, and new products debuted at the CIIE quickly reached consumers across cities and towns of all tiers nationwide. Today, these dairy products from the southern hemisphere have become a familiar sight in the fridges of Chinese households.

The growth trajectory of foreign-funded companies represented by Theland epitomizes the powerful adaptability of the Chinese market. It also serves as a looking glass through which to envision China’s future development and opening-up. There are multiple pillars that will consolidate the foundation for China’s high-quality development in the next five years, while providing steady momentum for international companies’ growth in China.

The first pillar lies in the effective support of sound policies and institutional frameworks. From trade facilitation measures such as the single-window system for international trade, to efforts under various frameworks to align domestic market rules with international standards, opening-up at the institutional level has enabled China to dismantle barriers to development. Meanwhile, reforms to streamline administration and delegate power, improve regulation and optimize services, as well as policies promoting fair competition have steadily cut down institutional transaction costs of foreign-invested companies, making their expected returns more stable. The recommendations for the 15th Five-Year Plan identify high-quality development as the primary objective for the period, and provide clear guidance on high-standard opening-up. These will no doubt set up a stable and forward-looking framework for the next stage of development and international collaboration.

The second pillar lies in the twin engines of market and industry. China boasts a population of over 1.4 billion and a middle-income group of 400 million people-a market of such unparalleled scale can fuel consumption upgrading and catalyze the emergence of new business forms, attracting foreign-invested enterprises in terms of current purchasing power and long-term potential. On the other hand, such a giant market serves as a testing ground for the iteration of various industries. The Recommendations for the 15th Five-Year Plan have proposed to accelerate the development of industrial clusters in strategic emerging sectors, which are expected to generate markets worth trillions of yuan or beyond. This also means brand-new cooperation space for foreign investment.

The third pillar is the new vitality unleashed by innovation and coordination. China continues to expand investment in research and development, improving its fundamental R&D capacity, leveraging innovation to open new frontiers for growth. Meanwhile, China’s coordinated regional development strategy will unlock the potential of Central and Western China and that of lower-tier markets, further broadening the reach of high-quality development. Backed by the high-quality performance of the Chinese economy, foreign-invested companies will also enjoy the bonus of both market opportunities and new growth tracks.

With these pillars and driving forces in place, China has continued to deliver impressive results in high-quality development, while its opening-up initiatives, exemplified by the CIIE, have borne fruitful results in international cooperation. The world has every reason to believe that guided by the objectives of the 15th Five-Year Plan, China will further lead the trend in high-quality development, while cultivating a fertile ground for foreign-invested companies in China, so that a prosperous future can be shared by all.

China Mosaic 
http://www.china.org.cn/video/node_7230027.htm
Anchoring the 15th Five-Year Plan: China’s High-quality Development is Strengthening Foreign Investors’ Confidence
http://www.china.org.cn/video/2025-11/07/content_118165061.shtml 

HanchorBio Presents Two Late-Breaking Abstracts at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer 2025 Demonstrating Best-in-Class Potential of HCB101 in Advanced Cancers

Late-breaking poster presentations show HCB101’s favorable safety, strong receptor occupancy, and promising monotherapy and combination activity in tumors historically unresponsive to immunotherapy

TAIPEI, SHANGHAI, and SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — HanchorBio Inc. (TPEx: 7827), a global clinical-stage biotechnology company advancing next-generation immunotherapies for oncology and autoimmune diseases, today announced the presentation of two late-breaking abstracts on its lead asset, HCB101, at the 40th Annual Meeting of the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC), held November 5-9, 2025, in National Harbor, Maryland. Both datasets were accepted for late-breaking poster presentations, highlighting the program’s potential impact on innate immune checkpoint blockade.

HCB101, a Next-Generation Fc-Engineered SIRPα-CD47 Fusion Protein, Demonstrates Favorable Safety and Early Antitumor Activity in Advanced Cancers
HCB101, a Next-Generation Fc-Engineered SIRPα-CD47 Fusion Protein, Demonstrates Favorable Safety and Early Antitumor Activity in Advanced Cancers

HCB101’s progress reflects its distinct engineering compared to earlier CD47-targeting approaches. First-generation CD47 antibodies, such as magrolimab and lemzoparlimab, demonstrated clinical activity but faced significant safety or efficacy challenges, leading to discontinuations or halted collaborations. Second-generation wild-type SIRPα fusions, such as maplirpacept (TTI-622), improved safety but did not deliver sufficient efficacy in solid tumors, limiting their adoption. IgG1-based fusions attempted to boost immune activation but triggered excessive Fcγ-mediated toxicity and poor tolerability, restricting their use mainly to hematologic malignancies. Third-generation engineered SIRPα fusions with inactivated IgG1 Fc improved safety in combinations but showed limited standalone efficacy. 

“The acceptance of two late-breaking abstracts at SITC for HCB101 monotherapy and combination therapy, along with our earlier preclinical abstract for HCB301, a tri-specific fusion targeting SIRPα/CD47, PD-1/PD-L1, and TGFβ, reinforces the scientific breadth of our platform across innate and adaptive immunity,” said Scott Liu, Ph.D., Founder, Chairman, and CEO of HanchorBio. “HCB101 was purposely engineered to overcome the cytopenias seen with first-generation anti-CD47 antibodies while maintaining potent immune activation. In second-line gastric cancer, the combination of HCB101 with standard-of-care therapy achieved a 100% confirmed response rate in the active-dose cohort, far exceeding the 28% ORR benchmark from the RAINBOW trial. These results position HCB101 not just as a safer SIRPα-CD47 backbone, but as a next-generation macrophage checkpoint immunotherapy with best-in-class potential.”

Late-Breaking Abstract Highlights (Data as of August 2025)

1. HCB101-101 Monotherapy Study (NCT05892718)

Title: HCB101, a Next-Generation Fc-Engineered SIRPα-CD47 Fusion Protein, Demonstrates Favorable Safety and Early Antitumor Activity in Advanced Cancers

  • In the ongoing Phase 1a dose-escalation, no dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) have been observed at doses up to 24 mg/kg.
  • CD47 receptor occupancy ≥99% achieved at doses ≥5 mg/kg, with dose-proportional pharmacokinetics.
  • Confirmed partial responses seen in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and marginal zone lymphoma (MZL).
  • Several patients achieved stable disease, with progression-free survival up to 32 weeks.

2. HCB101-201 Combination Therapy Study (NCT06771622)

Title: Phase 1b/2a Study of HCB101 Combined with Standard Therapies Demonstrates Manageable Safety and Dose-Dependent Antitumor Activity in Immunologically Cold Advanced Solid Tumors

  • In second-line gastric cancer (GC):
    • 100% confirmed partial response rate (6/6 evaluable patients) at active doses when combined with ramucirumab and paclitaxel.
    • Tumor shrinkage up to 78%, surpassing the ~26.5% ORR benchmark from RAINBOW.
  • In first-line triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC):
    • Confirmed partial response with 73% tumor reduction at the effective dose.
  • Safety was manageable and consistent with the cytopenia-sparing design, with only minimal hematologic effects observed.

Dr. Fangling Ning, Investigator from the Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, commented, “What’s unique about HCB101 is that it avoids the cytopenias that plagued anti-CD47 antibodies by minimizing red blood cell binding, while still engaging CD47 strongly on tumor cells. In our gastric cancer cohort, the responses at active doses are encouraging in a patient population that historically has had limited options. These findings validate HCB101’s unique design and suggest meaningful potential in immunologically cold tumors.”

About HCB101: A Differentiated CD47-SIRPα Blockade

HCB101 is a 3.5th-generation, affinity-optimized SIRPα-Fc fusion protein with an intact IgG4 Fc backbone, developed using HanchorBio’s proprietary FBDB™ platform. It is engineered for selective CD47 targeting with low red blood cell (RBC) binding, thereby avoiding the anemia and thrombocytopenia commonly associated with earlier anti-CD47 monoclonal antibodies, while preserving strong antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP) and innate-to-adaptive immune bridging. Key differentiators of HCB101:

  • Enhanced safety: Cytopenia-sparing profile, with no DLTs observed up to 30 mg/kg and receptor occupancy >90% at ≥1.28 mg/kg, supporting a broad therapeutic window.
  • Robust immune activation: Engineered to enhance ADCP and bridge innate-to-adaptive immunity, with evidence of durable immune-mediated tumor control in monotherapy.
  • Broad tumor applicability: Demonstrated activity across >80 PDX and CDX preclinical models, with early clinical signals in gastric cancer, TNBC, HNSCC, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and ovarian cancer.
  • Clinical translation: Shows durable disease control as monotherapy and a 100% confirmed partial response rate (6/6) in 2L gastric cancer when combined with ramucirumab and paclitaxel, with additional confirmed responses in 1L TNBC and 2L HNSCC, substantially exceeding historical benchmarks.

About HanchorBio

Based in Taipei, Shanghai, and the San Francisco Bay Area, HanchorBio (TPEx: 7827) is a global biotechnology company specializing in immuno-oncology. It is led by an experienced team of pharmaceutical industry veterans with a proven track record in biologics discovery and international development, aiming to rewrite the landscape of cancer therapies. Committed to reactivating the immune system to fight diseases, the proprietary Fc-based designer biologics (FBDB™) platform enables the development of unique biologics with diverse multi-targeting modalities, unleashing both innate and adaptive immunity to overcome the current challenges of anti-PD1/L1 therapies. The FBDB™ platform has successfully delivered proof-of-concept data in several in vivo tumor animal models. By advancing breakthroughs in multi-functional, innovative molecular configurations in R&D and improving CMC manufacturing processes, HanchorBio develops transformative medicines to address unmet medical needs. For more information, please visit: https://www.hanchorbio.com

2025 Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity Awarded to Dr. Jamal Eltaeb

Head of Al Nao Hospital in Sudan recognized for sustaining critical medical care amid civil war
and saving hundreds of lives

NEW YORK, Nov. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative announced Thursday evening that Dr. Jamal Eltaeb has been named the 2025 Aurora Prize Laureate. The $1 million Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity honors individuals who risk their lives to save others. This year, Aurora recognizes Dr. Eltaeb’s extraordinary courage and steadfast dedication to providing care for those trapped in conflict.

Dr. Jamal Eltaeb. Photo by Luke Dray
Dr. Jamal Eltaeb. Photo by Luke Dray

Amid Sudan’s devastating civil war and the near-total collapse of the country’s health system, Dr. Eltaeb has kept Al Nao Hospital in Omdurman operating as one of the last functioning referral hospitals in greater Khartouma testament to his resilience and leadership under fire.

“Growing up, I saw how fragile life can be and how much difference one person’s care and knowledge can make. I wanted to be a doctor because I wanted to serve people in their most vulnerable moments,” Dr. Eltaeb said. “The Aurora Prize encourages doctors, teachers, humanitarians, and ordinary people everywhere to keep going, knowing that their effort matters. It is a reminder that one person’s courage can inspire change and that compassion has the power to heal. Even the smallest act of kindness can bring hope.”

“At a time when indifference is spreading and compassion under siege, Dr. Eltaeb stands as living proof that humanity is not lost,” said Noubar Afeyan, Co-Founder and Chair of the Board of Directors of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative and Founder and CEO of Flagship Pioneering. “In a world where the ‘inhumanitarians’ too often dominate the headlines, Dr. Eltaeb reminds us that the humanitarian spirit endures—and that each of us has a responsibility to keep it alive.”

The 2025 Laureate was announced at the Aurora Prize Ceremony held on Ellis Island, a symbol of refuge and renewal, marking ten years of Aurora’s global effort to highlight grassroots humanitarians.

Dr. Eltaeb was selected through a process that considered more than 800 nominations. As the 2025 Aurora Prize Laureate, he will receive a $1 million award to expand his work and also support other local leaders and grassroots organizations assisting communities in need.

“In the face of unimaginable danger and deprivation, Dr. Eltaeb has shown what true humanitarian leadership looks like,” said Lord Ara Darzi, Chair of the Aurora Prize Selection Committee and Co-Director of the Institute of Global Health Innovation at Imperial College London. “Aurora is honored to support his mission and to spotlight the resilience of those enduring conflict. Dr. Eltaeb’s selflessness reminds us that even amid war, humanity can prevail.”

Since the conflict escalated in Sudan in April 2023, Dr. Eltaeb has navigated repeated bombardments, collapsing infrastructure, and the acute shortages of electricity and medical supplies, including anesthesia, ensuring that hundreds of wounded, displaced and critically ill patients continue to receive care. Under his leadership, Al Nao Hospital has become a lifeline for the community, embodying resilience, solidarity, and unwavering dedication to saving lives under the most challenging conditions.

“Dr. Eltaeb embodies the principle of refusing indifference,” said Chelsea Clinton, Aurora Prize Selection Committee member and Vice Chair of the Clinton Foundation and Clinton Health Access Initiative. “His commitment to humanity lies not only in saving lives but in sustaining a community’s critical thread of dignity and care during one of Sudan’s most devastating conflicts.”

The Ceremony also recognized outstanding 2025 Aurora Humanitarians, Sally Becker, Dr. Zouhair Lahna, and Dr. Jill Seaman, and honored philanthropists who exemplify the Aurora’s core value of ‘Gratitude in Action:’ Henrietta H. Fore, Graça Machel, Michael Milken, and David Rubenstein

Celebrating a decade of impact in 2025, the Aurora Prize of Awakening Humanity is a flagship program of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, founded on behalf of the survivors of the Armenian Genocide and in gratitude to their saviors. Aurora amplifies the voices of those on the front lines of humanity’s crises and provides the resources to help them scale their impact through Gratitude in Action. Rooted in the belief that there is a human in every humanitarian and a humanitarian in every human, Aurora inspires people worldwide to act with courage and kindness.

About the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative 

The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative catalyzes lifesaving work by celebrating and supporting exceptional humanitarians around the world. Aurora was founded on behalf of the survivors of the Armenian Genocide and in gratitude to their saviors. Over the past decade, the organization has built a global network and supported more than 3.5 million people affected by humanitarian crises. By funding humanitarians around the world who continue the cycle of giving, this work contributes to proliferating humanitarianism into the future. For more information, please visit www.AuroraHumanitarian.org

2025 Aurora Prize Ceremony on Ellis Island, New York, November 6, 2025 © Victor Boyko/Getty Images for Aurora
2025 Aurora Prize Ceremony on Ellis Island, New York, November 6, 2025 © Victor Boyko/Getty Images for Aurora

 

 

NYSE Content Advisory: Pre-Market Update + Evommune Rises in Trading Debut

NEW YORK, Nov. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) provides a daily pre-market update directly from the NYSE Trading Floor. Access today’s NYSE Pre-market update for market insights before trading begins. 

 

NYSE Content Advisory: Pre-Market Update + Evommune Rises in Trading Debut

Kristen Scholer delivers the pre-market update on November 7th

  • Equities are lower Friday morning after the major indices retreated Thursday in a volatile session. The S&P 500 shed 1.1% as signs of a cooling jobs market pushed down tech stocks and cryptocurrency.
  • Traders scooped up bonds amid bets that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates due to a softening labor market. The Central Bank has one final meeting scheduled this year in Mid-December.
  • NYSE IPO’s Evommune and Grupo Aeromexico popped on their first day of trading yesterday. Evommune rallied 26% in its debut while Aeromexico rose 7.1%.

Opening Bell
PENCIL celebrates its 30th anniversary

Closing Bell
World Leaders in Data and AI (WLDA) celebrates the 2025 WLDA Summit

Click here to download the NYSE TV App

Video – https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2817101/NYSE_Nov_7_Market_Update.mp4 

 

International Conference of Mountain Tourism and Outdoor Sports 2025 Set to Open on November 11

GUIYANG, China, Nov. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The International Conference of Mountain Tourism and Outdoor Sports (MTOS) 2025 is scheduled to open on November 11 in Guiyang City, Guizhou Province, China. With the continued theme “Integration of Culture, Tourism and Sports Presents a High-Quality Life,” the Conference will feature a series of events including the International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA) Annual Conference, the International Mountain Tourism Promotion Conference, a Field Trip to Guizhou Mountain Tourism Destinations, and the Bank of Guizhou – Mountain Culture, Tourism and Outdoor Sport Equipment Exhibition.


The Conference is hosted by IMTA and supported by the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guizhou Province, Sport Administration of Guizhou Province, the Foreign Affairs Office of Guizhou Province, the Guiyang Municipal People’s Government, the Guizhou Tourism Industry Development Group Co., Ltd., and the Guizhou International Cultural Science and Technological Exchange Center. Bank of Guizhou serves as the sponsor of the Conference.

As one of the main events, the IMTA Annual Conference 2025 is a key exchange and cooperation platform for mountain tourism sector. During the Conference, the “IMTA 2025 Work Summary and 2026 Priorities” will be presented, the special publication of Innovation in Mountain Tourism and Community Co-development will be released, and designations for the second group of “World Famous Tourism Mountains” and “International Mountain Hiking Tourism Demonstration Routes” will be announced. In addition, certificates will be issued to new IMTA members.

The International Mountain Tourism Promotion Conference 2025, themed “Promote Mountain Prosperity and Create Shared Brilliance,” will bring together representatives from tourism authorities of various countries, embassies and consulates in China, mountain tourism destination management organizations, and tourism-related enterprises. Insights on mountain tourism destination development will be shared, experiences in building “World-class Mountain Tourism Destinations” will be exchanged, and achievements in sustainable mountain tourism will be showcased. The Research Report on Strategies for Developing Guizhou’s Inbound Tourism Market Targeting Key Countries in the Asia-Pacific Region will also be released during the session.

Titled exclusively by Bank of Guizhou, the “Bank of Guizhou – Mountain Culture, Tourism and Outdoor Sport Equipment Exhibition” will present photographic works themed “Life Amid the Earth’s Folds”, along with distinctive cultural tourism products and innovative outdoor sports equipment. The Exhibition is intended to to highlight the diverse appeal of mountain tourism, embody the concept of “High-quality Life,” and enhance the multidimensional experience for attendees.

Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Witnesses JV Agreement Signing between Silal and SVG at China International Import Expo 2025

ABU DHABI, UAE, Nov. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In the presence of His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, and His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, Silal, Abu Dhabi’s leading agri-food and technology company, signed a landmark joint venture (JV) agreement with Shouguang Colorful Manor Modern Agriculture Co., Ltd (SVG), one of China’s leading agricultural technology companies, during the China International Import Expo (CIIE) 2025.

 

Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Witnesses JV Agreement Signing between Silal and SVG at China International Import Expo 2025
Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Witnesses JV Agreement Signing between Silal and SVG at China International Import Expo 2025

 

The agreement marks a major milestone in advancing UAE–China collaboration in sustainable agriculture, reinforcing the UAE’s vision to strengthen food security, diversify local production, and accelerate the adoption of advanced agri-tech solutions for harsh climates.

H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, said: “The UAE continues to build strategic partnerships that strengthen our national food security ecosystem while deepening economic ties with key global partners like China. This joint venture reflects our shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and responsible growth that benefits both nations and contributes to global food system resilience.”

Under the agreement, Silal and SVG will establish the region’s first facility for agricultural biological insects and jointly develop next-generation greenhouse infrastructure to serve the UAE and broader GCC markets. The partnership combines Silal’s deep market insight and farmer network with SVG’s technological expertise in AI-driven greenhouse systems, biological pollination, and precision farming. Reinforcing their shared vision for global market expansion, both parties have also established a long-term strategic partnership in fruit and vegetable trading, anticipating more than 1,000 containers of selected products from China to the UAE and surrounding markets annually.

H.E. Dhafer Al Qasimi, Group CEO of Silal, added: “This partnership represents a major step forward in Silal’s mission to advance sustainable agriculture through science and innovation. By combining SVG’s technological expertise with Silal’s deep understanding of the UAE’s agricultural landscape, this joint venture will enable long-term resilience, efficiency, and competitiveness across the agri-food value chain. Beyond innovation, our goal is to empower local farmers with access to cost-effective agricultural inputs and the latest technologies, helping them increase productivity, reduce costs, and enhance resource efficiency in a rapidly evolving environment.”

This collaboration will localize key agricultural inputs, reduce import dependency, and enable climate-smart, resource-efficient farming across the region. By integrating SVG’s advanced manufacturing capabilities with Silal’s operational leadership, the partnership will deliver scalable, cost-efficient solutions that enhance water efficiency, improve yields, and strengthen the UAE’s position as a regional hub for sustainable agriculture and innovation.

Mr. Ming Yang, Founder of Shouguang Colorful Manor Modern Agriculture Co., Ltd (SVG), said: “Our partnership with Silal presents an unparalleled opportunity to further enhance our advanced technologies and farming expertise under the region’s unique climate conditions. Together, we will combine our strengths to make a significant contribution to building a sustainable, innovative, and resilient food security ecosystem in the UAE.”

As part of the joint venture, USD 38 million will be invested to build an AI- and robotics-powered vegetable production hub in Al Foah, Al Ain, on a 9.8-hectare plot. The facility will serve as a regional innovation hub showcasing modern greenhouse technologies, water-efficient systems, and climate-smart agricultural models adaptable to Gulf environments.

The agreement follows the signing of two major MoUs between Silal and SVG, and represents a deepening of technical and commercial collaboration. It will enable knowledge transfer, capacity building, and technology localization, empowering UAE farmers with solutions that reduce import dependence, enhance yield, and promote environmental stewardship.

 

Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Witnesses JV Agreement Signing between Silal and SVG at China International Import Expo 2025
Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Witnesses JV Agreement Signing between Silal and SVG at China International Import Expo 2025

 

Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Witnesses JV Agreement Signing between Silal and SVG at China International Import Expo 2025
Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Witnesses JV Agreement Signing between Silal and SVG at China International Import Expo 2025

 

HKSTP Crowns EPIC 2025 Winner: Champion of HKSTP EPIC 2025 NEU Battery Materials from Singapore Triumphs at Hong Kong’s Flagship I&T Mega Event

A fresh roster of innovators, and increased sums of investment, had global innovators eyeing Hong Kong’s I&T capabilities


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 November 2025 – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) has successfully concluded EPIC 2025 Presented by Cathay and HSBC. Ideas took flight at today’s Grand Finale; NEU Battery Materials brought home the Overall Championship and won the Green Tech track with the world’s first patented electrochemical recycling of lithium batteries. The flagship startup competition is an annual innovation and technology (I&T) mega event in Asia hosted at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal — once a gateway to the skies and now a launchpad for tomorrow’s tech pioneers.

HKSTP Crowns NEU Battery Materials from Singapore as EPIC 2025 Overall Champion
HKSTP Crowns NEU Battery Materials from Singapore as EPIC 2025 Overall Champion

This year’s EPIC has set multiple new precedents. Investment funding for the competition doubled, totalling US $105M with US $240,000 in cash prizes. Additionally, a record-breaking 1,200+ applications were submitted, with a remarkable 87% from non-local startups spanning over 70 economies. The top 100 tech companies were featured at the Grand Finale, with 28 economies represented and 85% of the top 100 being non-local, this year’s competition was the most globally diverse to date.

Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of Hong Kong SAR, said, “One thing is crystal clear, EPIC has grown into an iconic global innovation event. And the beauty of EPIC isn’t just about crowning winners. It’s about giving founders and dreamers a stage to share their ideas, ambitions, and vision for the future.”

Dr Sunny Chai, Chairman of HKSTP said “We are turning Hong Kong’s connectivity into momentum, helping ideas move and scale across borders. EPIC 2025 is a testament to this where entrepreneurs get to connect with emerging markets and business opportunities, enthusiastic investors and partners, as well as the future of world-class I&T ecosystems.”

NEU Battery Materials claimed the title of Overall Champion, also winning the Green Tech track. Founder & CEO Bryan Oh expressed excitement and gratitude, saying: “It’s really 60 seconds that changes your life. The network that EPIC has brought us is immense, as is the ecosystem that they’ve introduced.” The Singaporean startup focuses on climatech solutions, introduces the world’s first patented electrochemical recycling of lithium batteries.

KA Imaging Inc from Canada was named the winner for Digital Health Tech track, for their Spectral X-ray system that identifies and separates soft tissues and bones, the first of its kind.

Belli was crowned for its FinTech track solution, the Singaporean startup focuses on aviation software that addresses the issue of 85% of airline flights wasting cargo space.

The ninth edition of EPIC was supported by Co-Title Sponsors Cathay, Hong Kong’s world-leading airline and premium lifestyle brand, and HSBC, global bank for innovators, with Digital Health Tech Sponsor Takeda, a multinational pharmaceutical company, and Hospitality Sponsor Regal Hotels International, a distinguished hotel group.

EPIC Week facilitated over 200 business and investment matching sessions, empowering startups to engage with visionary partners and investors. These matching sessions allow participants to explore and pursue the many opportunities across Asia’s dynamic markets. Prior to pitching at the Grand Finale, semi-finalists were greeted with the EPIC Week, consisting of a Tech Spotlight showcase and a Greater Bay Area Exploration tour, helping foster a better understanding of the capabilities, markets, and opportunities in the GBA.

Hong Kong has firmly established itself as a global hub for innovation. Together with Shenzhen and Guangzhou, the city has been ranked the World’s no. 1 Innovation Cluster in the 2025 Global Innovation Index, according to the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). Hong Kong’s innovation ecosystem provides the ideal launchpad for Chinese startups to go global. It also allows international startups to access the formidable markets of the Greater Bay Area, which boast world-class technology, supply chain, and manufacturing capabilities.

Winners List and Prizes:

Overall Champion: NEU Battery Materials US$60,000 cash prize
Digital Heath Tech Winner: KA Imaging Inc US$20,000 cash prize
FinTech Winner: Belli US$20,000 cash prize
Green Tech Winner: NEU Battery Materials US$20,000 cash prize

Top 12 Finalists (each received US$10,000 cash prize):

Company Name Economics
Digital Health Tech
E-Sense Innovation & Technology Limited Hong Kong
Eyerising international Australia
KA Imaging Inc Canada
Re:Pair Genomics Inc. Canada
FinTech
Bankuish United States
Belli Singapore
Cambio Limited (Energent.AI) United Arab Emirates
RealKey United States
Green Tech
CERT Systems Canada
NEU Battery Materials Singapore
Soteria Battery Innovation Group United States
YSL&C Ltd (OKOsix) Hong Kong

Top 100 Semi-Finalists Breakdown:

By Tech Track Percentage
Digital Health Tech 34%
FinTech 33%
Green Tech 33%
By Region Percentage
America 24%
APAC 26%
Europe 30%
Hong Kong 15%
Mainland China 5%

Visit epic.hkstp.org for more information on EPIC 2025.
Hashtag: #HKSTP

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

HKSTP

More information about HKSTP is available at .

Brii Biosciences Announces Publication of Phase 2 ENSURE Study Results in Nature Medicine

  • Findings provide scientific insights into the contribution of small interfering RNA (siRNA) and therapeutic vaccination towards the HBV functional cure strategy

DURHAM, N.C. and BEIJING, Nov. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Brii Biosciences Limited (“Brii Bio,” or the “Company,” stock code: 2137.HK), a biotechnology company developing therapies to improve patient health across diseases with high unmet medical need, today announced the publication of results from its Phase 2 ENSURE study in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Medicine. The study evaluates the efficacy and safety of an siRNA, elebsiran, in combination with pegylated interferon alfa (PEG-IFNα), compared to PEG-IFNα monotherapy. Furthermore, this study evaluates the potential role of an HBV therapeutic vaccine, BRII-179, in identifying immunologically responsive patients and improving hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss rates.

The article, titled “Elebsiran and PEG-IFNα for chronic hepatitis B infection: a partially randomized, open-label, phase 2 trial“, is now available online [link].

The ENSURE study was conducted in two parts in virally suppressed chronic HBV patients. In Part I (Cohorts 1-3), participants naïve to BRII-179 were randomized to receive 48 weeks of PEG-IFNα alone or in combination with elebsiran (200 mg or 100 mg administered every 4 weeks [Q4W]). In Part II (Cohort 4), participants previously treated with 9 doses of elebsiran and BRII-179 in a completed Phase 2 study (BRII-179-835-001) were categorized as BRII-179 anti-HBs responders or non-responders based on peak hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) levels (≥10 IU/L or <10 IU/L, respectively), and subsequently received 48 weeks of elebsiran (100 mg Q4W) plus weekly PEG-IFNα in the ENSURE study.

Key results from this publication include:

  • Cohorts 1-3: At 24 weeks post-EOT, HBsAg loss was observed in 4 of 19 participants (21.1%) in Cohort 2 (elebsiran 200 mg + PEG-IFNα) and 6 of 18 participants (33.3%) in Cohort 3 (elebsiran 100 mg + PEG-IFNα), compared to 1 of 18 participant (5.6%) in Cohort 1 (PEG-IFNα monotherapy).
  • Cohort 4: At 24 weeks post-EOT, HBsAg loss was observed in 9 of 31 participants (29.0%), with a notably higher response among BRII-179 anti-HBs responders (8/19, 42.1%) compared to non-responders (1/12, 8.3%). BRII-179 anti-HBs responders also achieved more rapid HBsAg reductions and HBsAg seroclearance compared to non-responders.
  • Elebsiran and PEG-IFNα combination therapy was generally safe and well tolerated across all cohorts.

The randomized, active-controlled design of Cohorts 1-3 was a gold standard in validating the clinical benefit of elebsiran over PEG-IFNα monotherapy, providing an important benchmark for future development of siRNA towards HBV functional cure.

The novel design of Cohort 4 explored a patient response-guided treatment approach for more personalized decision-making, maximizing response rates in those most likely to benefit while avoiding unnecessary and lengthy treatments in others.

Other important observations are 1) participants previously treated with BRII-179 and elebsiran experienced faster decline and loss of HBsAg, suggesting that BRII-179 may prime the immune system for improved responsiveness to subsequent curative therapy; 2) 50% (4/8) of anti-HBs responders who achieved sustained HBsAg loss had baseline HBsAg levels exceeding 1,500 IU/mL when enrolled in the previous BRII-179-835-001 study, suggesting that BRII-179 may elicit anti-HBs responses in patients with high baseline HBsAg levels. With its favorable safety profile, BRII-179 could play a unique role in priming and enriching patients regardless of the baseline HBsAg levels, expanding the population eligible for future curative regimens.

“The ENSURE study was designed to provide much-needed clarity and to answer critical scientific questions about curative treatment for chronic hepatitis B,” said Professor Jidong Jia, lead principal investigator of the ENSURE study, “It is encouraging to see that the 24-week follow-up data remain consistent with the EOT results, substantiating the added clinical benefit of elebsiran and pointing to the potential new roles of BRII-179 in priming and enriching CHB patients for achieving higher cure rates. We look forward to validating these findings in confirmatory studies.”

About Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the world’s most significant infectious disease threats with more than 254 million people infected globally.[1] Chronic HBV infection is the leading cause of liver disease and an estimated 820,000 people die of complications from chronic HBV infection each year.[1] HBV is of exceptional concern in China, where 87 million people are chronically infected.[2]

About BRII-179

BRII-179 is a novel recombinant protein-based HBV immunotherapeutic candidate that expresses the Pre-S1, Pre-S2, and S HBV surface antigens, and is designed to induce enhanced and broad B-cell and T-cell immunity. In November 2023, the Center for Drug Evaluation (the “CDE”) of the National Medical Products Administration (the “NMPA”) granted BRII-179 Breakthrough Therapy Designation.

About Elebsiran

Elebsiran is an investigational subcutaneously administered HBV-targeting siRNA designed to degrade hepatitis B virus RNA transcripts and limit the production of hepatitis B surface antigen. It has the potential to have direct antiviral activity against HBV and HDV. It is the first siRNA in the clinic to include Enhanced Stabilization Chemistry Plus technology to enhance stability and minimize off-target activity, which potentially can result in an increased therapeutic index. Brii Bio licensed exclusive rights to develop and commercialize elebsiran for the Greater China territory from Vir Biotechnology, Inc. in 2020. In May 2024, the CDE of the NMPA granted elebsiran Breakthrough Therapy Designation.

About Brii Bio

Brii Biosciences Limited (“Brii Bio“, stock code: 2137.HK) is a biotechnology company developing therapies to address major public health challenges where patients experience high unmet medical needs, limited choice and significant social stigmas. With a focus on infectious diseases, the Company is advancing a broad pipeline of unique therapeutic candidates with lead programs against hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The Company is led by a visionary and experienced leadership team and has operations in key biotech hubs, including Raleigh-Durham, the San Francisco Bay Area, Beijing and Shanghai. For more information, visit www.briibio.com.

[1] World Health Organization. (April 2024). Global hepatitis report 2024: action for access in low- and middle-income countries. World Health Organization. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240091672
[2] World Health Organization. Hepatitis. World Health Organization. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/china/health-topics/hepatitis#:~:text=There%20are%2087%20million%20people,living%20with%20chronic%20hepatitis%20C.