CHENGDU, China, Oct. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sichuan Kelun-Biotech Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (the “Company”) announced that at the 2025 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress held in Berlin, Germany, results from a Phase 3 OptiTROP-Lung04 trial of the Company’s trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2 (TROP2)-directed antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) sacituzumab tirumotecan (sac-TMT)  in EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) following progression on epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) was presented as an oral report by Professor Li Zhang from Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center (Presentation # LBA5, Presidential Symposium II) and were simultaneously published in the New England Journal of Medicine (Impact Factor = 78.5).

In the OptiTROP-Lung04 trial, a total of 376 patients were randomized (1:1) to receive sac-TMT monotherapy or chemotherapy.

As at the data cut-off date July 06, 2025, the median follow-up is 18.9 months. the median Progression-Free Survival (PFS) was 8.3 months in the sac-TMT group and 4.3 months in the chemotherapy group. Sac-TMT significantly improved PFS over chemotherapy with 51% lower risk of disease progression or death (hazard ratio (HR) 0.49; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.39-0.62; P<0.0001).

At the preplanned interim analysis of overall survival (OS), the OS was not reached (NR) in the sac-TMT group and 17.4 months in the chemotherapy group. sac-TMT significantly improved OS over chemotherapy with 40% lower risk of death (hazard ratio (HR) 0.6; 95% CI: 0.44-0.82; two-sided P=0.001). In the supplemental analysis, when censoring patients at the date of initiation of subsequent ADCs, sac-TMT significantly improved OS over chemotherapy with 44% lower risk of death (HR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.41 – 0.77).

Sac-TMT significantly improved ORR as compared to chemotherapy (60.6% vs 43.1%)

A consistent PFS and OS benefit of sac-TMT over chemotherapy was observed across all predefined subgroups, including prior EGFR-TKI therapy, presence of liver or brain metastases, and EGFR mutation subtype.

The incidence of any grade treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) and grade ≥3 TRAEs was similar between the two groups. The most common TRAEs for both sac-TMT and chemotherapy were hematologic toxicities. No TRAEs led to discontinuation or death, and no cases of interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis were reported in the sac-TMT group. Ocular surface toxicity: occurred in 9.6% of patients in the sac-TMT group, all of which were grade 1 – 2.

As a conclusion, sac-TMT demonstrates highly statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in PFS and OS compared to platinum-based chemotherapy and showed a manageable safety profile, with no unexpected safety signals identified. Several global phase 3 studies of sac-TMT monotherapy (NCT06305754, NCT06074588) and combination study with osimertinib in China (NCT06670196) in EGFR-mutant NSCLC are ongoing.

Professor Zhang Li, National Lead Principal Investigator from Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, commented: “Compared to platinum-based doublet chemotherapy, sac-TMT not only significantly prolonged PFS but also demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in OS within this patient population. This achievement marks a major breakthrough in global lung cancer treatment—sac-TMT, as a monotherapy, demonstrated statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in both PFS and OS in the Phase III trial for patients with EGFR-TKI-resistant NSCLC. This study provides highly valuable, new evidence-based guidance for lung cancer management worldwide and has the potential to reshape the therapeutic landscape for EGFR-TKI-resistant NSCLC “

About sac-TMT

Sac-TMT, a core product of the Company, is a novel human TROP2 ADC in which the Company has proprietary intellectual property rights, targeting advanced solid tumors such as NSCLC, BC, GC, gynecological tumors, among others. Sac-TMT is developed with a novel linker to conjugate the payload, a belotecan-derivative topoisomerase I inhibitor with a drug-to-antibody-ratio (DAR) of 7.4. Sac-TMT specifically recognizes TROP2 on the surface of tumor cells by recombinant anti-TROP2 humanized monoclonal antibodies, which is then endocytosed by tumor cells and releases the payload KL610023 intracellularly. KL610023, as a topoisomerase I inhibitor, induces DNA damage to tumor cells, which in turn leads to cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. In addition, it also releases KL610023 in the tumor microenvironment. Given that KL610023 is membrane permeable, it can enable a bystander effect, or in other words kill adjacent tumor cells.

In May 2022, the Company licensed the exclusive rights to MSD (the tradename of Merck & Co., Inc, Rahway, NJ, USA) to develop, use, manufacture and commercialize sac-TMT in all territories outside of Greater China (which includes Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan).

To date, three indications for sac-TMT have been approved and marketed in China for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) who have received at least two prior systemic therapies (at least one of them for advanced or metastatic setting), EGFR mutation-positive locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous NSCLC following progression on EGFR-TKI therapy and platinum-based chemotherapy and EGFR mutant-positive locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous NSCLC who progressed after treatment with EGFR-TKI therapy. Sac-TMT is the first TROP2 ADC drug approved for marketing in lung cancer globally. In addition, the new indication applications for sac-TMT for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable locally advanced, metastatic HR+/HER2- BC who have received prior endocrine therapy and other systemic treatments in the advanced or metastatic setting was accepted by the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), and was included in the priority review and approval process.

As of today, the Company has initiated 9 registrational clinical studies in China. MSD has initiated 15 ongoing Phase 3 global clinical studies of sac-TMT as a monotherapy or with pembrolizumab or other anti-cancer agents for several types of cancer. These studies are sponsored and led by MSD.

About Kelun-Biotech

Kelun-Biotech (6990.HK) is a holding subsidiary of Kelun Pharmaceutical (002422.SZ), which focuses on the R&D, manufacturing, commercialization and global collaboration of innovative biological drugs and small molecule drugs. The company focuses on major disease areas such as solid tumors, autoimmune, inflammatory, and metabolic diseases, and in establishing a globalized drug development and industrialization platform to address the unmet medical needs in China and the rest of world. The Company is committed to becoming a leading global enterprise in the field of innovative drugs. At present, the Company has more than 30 ongoing key innovative drug projects, of which 4 projects have been approved for marketing, 1 project is in the NDA stage and more than 10 projects are in the clinical stage. The company has established one of the world’s leading proprietary ADC and novel DC platforms, OptiDC™, and has 2 ADC project approved for marketing and multiple ADC and novel DC assets in clinical or preclinical research stage. For more information, please visit https://kelun-biotech.com/.

The partnership aims to connect travelers from Asia and beyond to over 900 properties across the UK, Germany and Ireland

SINGAPORE, Oct. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Global digital travel platform Agoda has announced a new partnership with the United Kingdom’s (UK) largest hotel chain Premier Inn making the hotel’s portfolio of over 900 properties across the UK, Germany and Ireland, available to Agoda’s customer base. This collaboration is set to deliver greater choice and value to Agoda’s travelers, particularly those from Asia, who are increasingly seeking quality, reliable accommodation as they explore destinations across the UK, Germany and Ireland.

Interest in travel to the UK and European region is on the rise among Asian travelers, with Agoda data showing a 20% increase in searches in 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.  Excluding intra-Asian destinations, the UK ranks among the top five most searched international destinations for travelers from Asia.

With the addition of Premier Inn’s extensive network to its platform, Agoda is not only expanding its accommodation offering but also supporting Premier Inn’s ambition to reach new international audiences. Agoda’s deep roots and digital expertise in Asia offers Premier Inn the opportunity to tap into the region’s dynamic outbound travel market, connecting millions of travelers with high-quality, great-value stays as they plan their next adventure.

“Premier Inn’s commitment to delivering great value, consistent quality, and ensuring every guest enjoys a good night’s sleep are shared values that underpin Agoda’s mission to make travel more accessible and rewarding. Together we’re bringing trusted stays to millions of new travelers across Asia and beyond,” said Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President of Supply at Agoda.

“Partnering with Agoda is another exciting step forward in reaching even more guests and travelers across international markets. Greater visibility of all of our 900+ hotels will allow a new set of travelers to enjoy the comfort, service and convenience we consistently offer,” said Tim Sleep, Director of Sales & Distribution, Premier Inn.

This collaboration underscores Agoda’s focus on building partnerships that deliver tangible benefits for both travelers and industry partners including accommodation, airlines and activities providers. With Premier Inn now available on Agoda, travelers gain access to a wider range of quality stays, while Premier Inn benefits from increased exposure to high-potential markets.

Together, Agoda and Premier Inn are helping to shape the future of international travel by making it easier for guests to discover and book trusted accommodation across borders.

SHANGHAI, Oct. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Approved by the State Council, the 2025 Sustainable Global Leaders Conference opened on October 16 in Huangpu District, Shanghai. Centered around the theme “Joining Hands to Address Challenges: Global Action, Innovation, and Sustainable Growth,” the Conference brings together global wisdom and strength to explore new pathways for sustainable development, injecting powerful “Chinese dynamism” into global sustainable governance.

The Conference is jointly organized by the World Green Design Organization (WGDO) and Sina Group, co-organized by the Beijing Office of the IFRS Foundation, undertaken by Sina Finance and the Beijing Representative Office of the World Green Design Organization, and supported by the People’s Government of Huangpu District, Shanghai.

Wang Jinnan, President of World Green Design Organization; Charles Chao, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sina Group; and Tu Guangshao, Co-Chair of the ESG Leaders Forum, delivered opening remarks on behalf of the organizers. Mohamed Waheed Hassan, former President of the Maldives, and Erkki Liikanen, Chair of the IFRS Foundation Trustees, also delivered speeches.

During the opening ceremony, the “2025 Shanghai ESG Development Report” was released. The report focuses on urban sustainable development and governance innovation, aiming to provide valuable path analysis and policy recommendations for sustainable development nationwide.

Bi Xiaoying, First-Level Inspector of the Listing Department of the China Securities Regulatory Commission, delivered a speech titled “Building a Solid Institutional Foundation for the Sustainable Development of Listed Companies.”

Additionally, distinguished guests from international organizations, academia, finance, business, and other fields attended the event. Kevin Kelly, Author of 2049, Tech Visionary, and Founding Editor of Wired Magazine, and Joseph Sifakis, founder of the Verimag Laboratory and 2007 A.M. Turing Award Laureate, shared cutting-edge insights on AI and sustainable development. Business leaders, including Zhang Hui, President of Bank of China; Zhang Baojiang, President of Bank of Communications; Gao Fei, President of of China Eastern Airline Group; and Wang Li, General Manager of China Kweichow Moutai (Group) Distillery Co., Ltd.; Acting General Manager of Kweichow Moutai Co., Ltd., also delivered impactful speeches.

A supporting event, the “Green Industry and Sustainable Consumption Expo,” was held concurrently, showcasing innovative practices in the field of sustainable development. Participants included international organizations, embassies and consulates of multiple countries, Global 500 companies, leading domestic enterprises, core financial institutions, and renowned business schools.

As a key international platform for sustainable dialogue, the 2025 Sustainable Global Leaders Conference promotes open, cooperative, and win-win global discourse and industrial collaboration. By uniting governments, enterprises, academia, institutions, and social organizations, the Conference seeks to explore practical pathways and long-term mechanisms for sustainable development. Moving forward, the Conference will continue to foster the exchange and transformation of green innovation achievements, deepen synergies with local economies, technological innovation, and financial capital, and support Shanghai in becoming a globally influential model city for sustainable development, conveying China’s green commitments and actions to the world.