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Celaid Therapeutics Raises JPY 1.055 Billion (USD 7.2 Million) in the First Close of its Series B Financing

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TOKYO, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Celaid Therapeutics Inc. (“Celaid”), today announced the successful completion of the 1st Close of its Series B financing round, raising JPY 1.055 billion (USD 7.2 million) from venture capital firms and the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED). Including grants and subsidies, Celaid’s cumulative funding has reached JPY 2.52 billion (USD 17.14 million).

This financing reflects recognition of the progress in the company’s lead pipeline program CLD-001, a novel ex vivo-expanded hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) therapy for severe pediatric non-malignant diseases, as well as growing collaborations with global pharmaceutical and biotech companies leveraging Celaid’s proprietary platform technology.

CLD-001 Development Progress

  • Positive non-clinical data demonstrating efficacy and safety in animal models
  • Significant advancements in cell manufacturing and CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls)
  • Pre-IND preparation with the U.S. FDA progressing according to plan

Collaboration on HSC Expansion Platform

The newly raised capital will be used to support GMP manufacturing and non-clinical studies in preparation for the initiation of clinical trials of CLD-001 in the U.S. In addition, the company will further strengthen its proprietary HSC expansion platform and expand its applications to broader cell and gene therapy programs.

“We are deeply grateful for the continued support from our venture capital partners and AMED. This financing represents an important milestone that brings us closer to delivering transformative hematopoietic stem cell therapies to patients worldwide. As Japan’s leading university-origin hematopoietic stem cell company, we will continue to advance both our HSC pipeline development programs and our platform business.”
— Nobuyuki Arakawa, President & CEO, Celaid Therapeutics Inc.

Overview of Series B Financing (1st Close)

[Amount Raised] JPY 555 million (USD 3.77 million)
[Method] Third-party allocation of new shares (private placement)
[Investors (existing investors)]
  • Osaka University Venture Capital Co., Ltd.
  • The University of Tokyo Edge Capital Partners Co., Ltd.
  • Techno Science Co., Ltd.
  • Joyo Capital Partners Co., Ltd.
[Grant Awarded] Approx. JPY 500 million (USD 3.4 million)

Comments from Investors

“We are very pleased to have had the opportunity to make an additional investment in this financing round. Over the past year, Celaid Therapeutics has achieved continuous and tangible milestones, including advancements in non-clinical studies and collaborations with domestic and global partners, and has also successfully advanced to the next stage of the AMED Strengthening Program for Pharmaceutical Startup Ecosystem. We find great significance in having been able to support these steps forward together. With this new financing as a catalyst, we look forward to working with Celaid to further accelerate the development of cell therapy products and to deliver innovative technologies to patients as quickly as possible.”
— Yuki Taga, Investment Director, Osaka University Venture Capital Co., Ltd.

“We have had the privilege of working with Celaid Therapeutics Inc. since its founding. Over the years, Celaid has steadily advanced the accumulation of non-clinical data for its proprietary pipeline and the establishment of its manufacturing capabilities, while also actively pursuing partnerships with industry players leveraging its HSC expansion platform technology. These efforts have driven significant business growth.  With this latest financing, we are confident that Celaid will further accelerate its global expansion and make substantial contributions both to providing new treatment options for patients worldwide and to advancing the broader cell therapy industry. We look forward to Celaid’s continued success.”
— Atsushi Usami, Ph.D., Partner and Board Director, The University of Tokyo Edge Capital Partners Co., Ltd. (UTEC)

“We deeply resonate with Celaid Therapeutics’ mission of developing innovative cell therapies for non-malignant diseases, hematologic cancers, and genetic diseases. We are also very pleased to see the significant progress made in the lead development pipeline since our fund’s participation in the Series A round. With this new financing, we are confident that Celaid will accelerate its activities toward initiating clinical trials in the United States, as well as advance its platform technologies. We look forward to seeing these efforts lead to the realization of next-generation cell therapy products and technologies that can benefit a wide range of patients.”
— Shigeto Ikeda, President, Joyo Capital Partners Co., Ltd.

About Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs)

Hematopoietic stem cells are multipotent stem cells capable of generating all blood cell lineages, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. They possess the capacity for self-renewal, ensuring life-long maintenance of the hematopoietic system. However, HSCs are naturally scarce in the body or in collected samples, making it a major challenge to secure sufficient numbers for therapeutic use.

About CLD-001, an allogeneic HSC Therapy

CLD-001 is being developed as an HSC product for severe pediatric non-malignant diseases. Rare blood diseases such as aplastic anemia, primary immunodeficiency, inherited metabolic disorder, and sickle cell disease, which start in childhood and are associated with various physical and neurological complications, have very poor prognosis. Currently, the only curative therapy is allogeneic HSC transplantation (HSCT). On the other hand, there are still significant unmet needs for allogeneic HSCT due to donor problems such as bone marrow donor shortage and HLA type mismatch, as well as side effects such as transplant-related mortality and graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). CLD-001 is designed to address the donor shortage, transplantation-related risks, and other limitations described above.

In addition to solving the donor problem by using frozen cord blood stored in a cord blood bank as the cell source, CLD-001 also solves the bottleneck of low HSC counts in cord blood with our proprietary HSC expansion technology, enabling us to provide HSCs with the best HLA type for the patient. CLD-001, the HLA best-matched and bone marrow-engrafting HSCs, is expected to significantly improve overall survival after HSC therapy.

About Celaid Therapeutics Inc.

Celaid Therapeutics Inc. is a startup born out of the University of Tokyo and University of Tsukuba with proprietary technology for selective ex vivo HSC expansion. By safely and efficiently expanding human HSCs, Celaid aims to provide the next generation of cell and gene therapy products for cell therapies targeting hematologic and genetic diseases, ex vivo HSC gene therapies for genetic disorders, and angiogenesis for ischemic diseases.

Contact Information
Celaid Therapeutics Inc.
Address: UTokyo Entrepreneur Lab., South Clinical Research Bldg., 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8485, Japan
E-mail: contact@celaidtx.com
URL: https://celaidtx.com/en/

SINGAPORE BIENNALE 2025: MORE THAN 80 ARTISTS TO ACTIVATE THE EVERYDAY WITH ‘PURE INTENTION’

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SINGAPORE, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — This October, see Singapore in a new light through Singapore Biennale 2025: pure intention, the eighth edition of the leading international contemporary art exhibition. Commissioned by the National Arts Council, Singapore, and organised by Singapore Art Museum (SAM), this edition will present over 100 artworks by more than 80 artists, with over 30 new commissions.

Courtesy of Singapore Art Museum.
Courtesy of Singapore Art Museum.

Anchored by the theme ‘pure intention‘, art functions as a lens to view the evolution of Singapore’s urban and social environment. The Biennale invites audiences of all walks of life to reimagine Singapore, experiencing its many layers built by all of those who have been a part of its history, collectively creating a city that is as planned as it is full of discovery, surprises and interesting juxtapositions.

Audiences can encounter art in multiple venues and public spaces across Singapore—from pre-colonial and colonial landmarks to shopping malls, historic housing estates, and greenspaces. Through an exploration of art in everyday environments, audiences will be engaged to see familiar spaces in Singapore with fresh eyes and new perspectives.

In a joint statement, curators Duncan Bass, Hsu Fang-Tze, Ong Puay Khim, and Selene Yap shared, “Singapore Biennale 2025 provides a unique opportunity for us to reflect on the many ways our city has been shaped by its architecture and systems, as well as the people who move through it. By inviting diverse voices to respond to themes of rapid urban development, historical contradictions and speculative futures with pure intention, this edition unpacks Singapore’s multifaceted realities within global narratives. In activating spaces that are part of our daily rhythms, we hope to foster greater dialogue across cultures and communities, sparking moments of connection and curiosity towards the cosmopolitan futures we share.”

Audiences can look forward to highlights in these areas:     

  • SAM at Tanjong Pagar Distripark – The museum’s home base and a central Biennale venue, where new commissions and Singapore’s National Collection works will anchor the exhibition.
  • Civic District – Explore the layered histories of communities that have shaped nations. Gala Porras-Kim (Colombia/USA/United Kingdom) will reflect on labour and rest through the poetry of migrant worker communities.
  • Rail Corridor South – Once a commercial railway, this 24-kilometre route is now a nature trail where nearby neighbourhoods still carry its legacy. At Tanglin Halt, Joo Choon Lin (Singapore) will stage an immersive installation reimagining human perception as activity, event, and movement.
  • Orchard Road – Singapore’s strata-titled malls reveal how everyday spaces adapt amid rapid urban change. At Lucky Plaza, Eisa Jocson’s (the Philippines) karaoke videos—created with H.O.M.E. and Filipino domestic workers—will share anthems of inspiration, struggle, and perseverance.

Early bird tickets for SAM at Tanjong Pagar Distripark are available until 30 October 2025. All other Biennale sites in public spaces across Singapore are free. More: https://www.singaporebiennale.org/

Contact: Tate Anzur, sbteam@tateanzur.com 

EPWK Holdings Ltd. Announces Pricing of $8 Million Public Offering

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XIAMEN, China, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — EPWK Holdings Ltd. (Nasdaq: EPWK) (the “Company”), a company that connects businesses with great talents through innovative and efficient cloud-sourcing platforms, today announced that it has priced a best-efforts public offering with gross proceeds to the Company expected to be approximately $8 million, before deducting placement agent fees and other estimated expenses payable by the Company, excluding the exercise of any warrant offered.

The offering is comprised of 24,242,425 units (each a “Unit”), consisting of one Class A ordinary share of the Company, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Class A Ordinary Shares”), or in lieu thereof, a pre-funded warrant, and one warrant to purchase one Class A Ordinary Share (each, a “Warrant”). The public offering price of the Units is $0.33 per Unit. Each of the Warrants will have an exercise price of $0.3465 per Class A Ordinary Share and be exercisable beginning on the date of the issuance date and ending on the six-month anniversary of the issuance date.

The offering is expected to close on or about October 8, 2025, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from this offering for research development, business expansion, general working capital purposes and other general corporate purposes.

Univest Securities, LLC is acting as sole placement agent for the offering.

The securities described above are being offered by the Company pursuant to a registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-290300) previously filed and declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on September 30, 2025. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. The offering is being made only by means of a written preliminary prospectus and final prospectus that will form a part of the registration statement. A final prospectus relating to the offering will be filed with the SEC and will be available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Electronic copies of the final prospectus relating to this offering may be obtained, when available, by contacting Univest Securities, LLC at info@univest.us, or by calling +1 (212) 343-8888.

About EPWK Holdings Ltd.

The Company connects businesses with outstanding talent through an innovative and efficient integrated crowdsourcing platform, providing creative transaction services for small and medium-sized enterprises and suppliers. The Company was founded by Guohua Huang, former chief reporter of Fujian Daily Press Group, and conducts its operations through its subsidiaries and contractual arrangements with the variable interest entity in China. For more information, please visit the Company’s website: www.epwk.com

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the Company’s proposed offering. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs, including the expectation that the offering will be closed. Investors can find many (but not all) of these statements by the use of words such as “approximates,” “believes,” “hopes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the SEC.

From Hype to Reality: Bybit’s CEO Outlines How RWA and Stablecoins Are Building the Future of Finance

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DUBAI, UAE, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ben Zhou, Co-founder and CEO of Bybit, shared his vision for the next phase of digital finance at the Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA): The Scaling Summit in Singapore, a side event during TOKEN2049 Singapore, calling for a collective shift from speculation to real-world utility driven by real-world assets (RWA) and stablecoins. Zhou highlighted how tokenized assets and stablecoins have evolved from experimental concepts into critical components of the global financial system.

From Hype to Reality: Bybit’s CEO Outlines How RWA and Stablecoins Are Building the Future of Finance
From Hype to Reality: Bybit’s CEO Outlines How RWA and Stablecoins Are Building the Future of Finance

The RWA market has expanded by more than 400% in three years — from $5 billion in 2022 to over $30 billion in 2025. Private credit and U.S. Treasuries lead this growth, commanding $14.7 billion and $7.3 billion respectively. Global institutions including BlackRock, Franklin Templeton, and JPMorgan are paving the way, while McKinsey and Standard Chartered forecast tokenized assets could reach between $4 trillion and $30 trillion in the coming decade.

Meanwhile, stablecoins have become the backbone of on-chain transactions, with a market capitalization exceeding $300 billion as of September 2025. Cross-border payments grew by more than 1,000% in the first half of the year, as financial institutions adopted blockchain-based settlement solutions.

“Stablecoins and tokenized assets are no longer ideas for the future — they are the building blocks of a more efficient and transparent global financial system,” Zhou said.

Zhou also noted the growing role of payment giants such as Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, and Stripe, which are now integrating stablecoin settlements into their global networks. “When companies that serve hundreds of millions of users embrace blockchain payments, we are seeing a fundamental shift in how money moves around the world,” he added.

Bybit’s Strategic Position in the New Financial Landscape

Bybit continues to build the bridge between traditional finance and blockchain. Zhou outlined several key initiatives that highlight Bybit’s leadership in this transformation:

  • New B2B and Institutional Unit: Launch of a dedicated B2B unit for enterprise clients.
  • QCDT Partnership: First exchange to accept a DFSA-approved tokenized money market fund as collateral, in partnership with QNB Group, DMZ Finance, and Standard Chartered.
  • Stablecoin Growth: Strategic revenue-sharing partnership with Circle to expand USDC adoption and liquidity.
  • RWA Innovation: Introduction of gold tokenization on TON blockchain and new treasury bill products under Bybit Earn.

“Bybit’s mission is to connect traditional finance with the blockchain economy,” Zhou said.

“The future belongs to those who see blockchain not as a replacement for traditional finance, but as a tool to strengthen it. When history looks back, it will show how this technology fulfilled its promise — creating a more inclusive, transparent, and resilient financial system for all.”

#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk  /#Token2049

About Bybit

Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press
For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com
For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media

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Tineco Introduces Exclusive Discounts on Advanced Floor Care Products for Amazon Prime Day

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Smart cleaning meets smart savings with up to 46% off Tineco’s intelligent floor care lineup

SEATTLE, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Tineco, a global leader in intelligent home appliances, is proud to announce its participation in Amazon Prime Day, taking place October 7–8, 2025. Known for its innovative floor care technology, Tineco is providing consumers with exclusive, limited-time discounts of up to 46% off on its most advanced cleaning solutions.

Tineco Introduces Exclusive Discounts on Advanced Floor Care Products for Amazon Prime Day
Tineco Introduces Exclusive Discounts on Advanced Floor Care Products for Amazon Prime Day

Available in over 30 countries and used in more than 19.5 million households, Tineco continues to set the bar for the floor care category with products that combine powerful suction, unmatched convenience, and thoughtful designs. Powered by iLoop™ Smart Sensor Technology, every model adapts its performance in real-time as a mess is detected, all while providing users with instant confirmation when surfaces are truly clean.

This Prime Day, shoppers can enjoy significant savings across top models, including:

  • FLOOR ONE S7 Stretch Ultra: 30.8% Off (Originally: $649 // Sale Price: $449)
    The FLOOR ONE S7 Stretch Ultra is engineered for multifunctional use, offering an impressive runtime of up to 50 minutes. It features a 180° lay-flat reach, an anti-tangle design, dual-sided edge access, and a heated FlashDry self-cleaning system to ensure optimal performance with every session.
  • FLOOR ONE S7 Stretch Steam: 24.3% Off (Originally: $699 // Sale Price: $529)
    NEW from Tineco, the FLOOR ONE S7 Stretch Steam combines 180° ultra-flexible lay-flat reach with 320°F HyperSteam Technology to effectively sanitize floors with ease. Optimized for today’s homes, it has up to 80 minutes of runtime and an advanced self-cleaning system for simplified post-use maintenance.
  • FLOOR ONE S9 Artist PRO: 29.4% Off (Originally: $849 // Sale Price: $599)
    Built for high-efficiency, everyday performance, the FLOOR ONE S9 Artist PRO delivers smooth steering, effortless maneuverability, and edge-to-edge reach. A dynamic display, shifting 3D lights, and LED headlight enhance both the user and overall cleaning experience.
  • PURE ONE Station 5: 30.3% Off (Originally: $459 // Sale Price: $319.90)
    This intelligent stick vacuum with 175W of suction power, a wide 120° green LED headlight, a ZeroTangle brush head, and 70 minutes of runtime is ideal for effortless cleaning, with a 3-in-1 Smart Station that charges, stores, and empties the vacuum’s dustbin.  
  • CARPET ONE Cruiser: 30% Off (Originally: $699 // Sale Price: $489
    Redefining carpet care, the Tineco CARPET ONE Cruiser is ideal for frequent use. Features include 130W of powerful suction, SmoothPower technology that makes movement intuitive, 167°F PowerDry technology to speed up surface drying times, and a convenient self-cleaning cycle to keep the machine fresh and ready for the next clean.

To learn more about Tineco and its full portfolio of intelligent stick vacuums, floor washers, carpet cleaners, and more, please visit us.tineco.com.

About Tineco
Tineco (“tin-co”) was founded in 1998 with its first product launch as a vacuum cleaner and, in 2019, pioneered the first-ever smart vacuum. Today, the brand has evolved into a global leader in intelligent appliances spanning floor care, kitchen, and personal care categories. With a growing user base of over 19.5 million households and availability in approximately 30 countries worldwide, Tineco remains committed to its brand vision of making life easier through smart technology and continuous innovation. For more information, visit us.tineco.com.

Spotlight on Thai Smallholders: Japan-Thailand Cross-Border Partnership Strengthens Sustainable Palm Oil Pathways

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TOKYO, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and the Japan Sustainable Palm Oil Network (JaSPON) co-hosted the RSPO x JaSPON Conference 2025 from 6 to 8 October at Bellesalle Yaesu, Tokyo. The event brought together industry leaders, government agencies, academia, and smallholder representatives to reinforce cooperation between Thailand and Japan in building responsible palm oil supply chains.

A panel representing the Department of Agricultural Extension (DoAE), Global Green Chemicals (GGC), Petchsrivichai Enterprise (PCE), Prince of Songkla University, Thailand Smallholder Facilitator Network, RSPO and Saraya.
A panel representing the Department of Agricultural Extension (DoAE), Global Green Chemicals (GGC), Petchsrivichai Enterprise (PCE), Prince of Songkla University, Thailand Smallholder Facilitator Network, RSPO and Saraya.

 

Since 2015, the Thai government has set an ambitious national target to achieve 100% RSPO Certified sustainable palm oil (CSPO), positioning the country as a low-risk, smallholder-inclusive producer under the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Thailand became the first palm-oil-producing nation to bring a closed-loop delegation to Japan, showcasing that sustainability and inclusion now stand at the core of trade diplomacy.

Conference delegates included representatives from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DoAE), Thailand Smallholder Facilitator Network, Prince of Songkla University, Global Green Chemicals (GGC), Petchsrivichai Enterprise (PCE), and Saraya, alongside international stakeholders.

With smallholders managing about 85% of Thailand’s oil palm production area, the country demonstrates that sustainable production can also be farmer-led. Certified independent smallholders have already sold up to 90% of their physical CSPO volumes, the world’s highest share mobilised by independent smallholders, highlighting the success of Thailand’s inclusive transformation.

“We need to do more, but we cannot do it alone. The market must respond. Putting the smallholder at the centre means walking the talk of shared responsibility,” said Wandee Krichanan, RSPO Smallholder Manager, who moderated the independent smallholder panel.

Inclusive and competitive supply chains

Downstream players are showing that sourcing can be both sustainable and inclusive. PCE and GGC, both RSPO Members, are leading examples. Through long-term partnerships, training programmes, and targeted sourcing, they are enabling smallholders to access certified markets.

“PCE is building the value chain of the future linking smallholder development with digital innovation for transparent traceability and pursuing a ‘Negative GHG Emission’ status,” said Mr. Pornpipat Prasitsupaphol, Chief Strategy Officer, PCE.

Ms. Panrada Wongsuwan, Division Manager, Corporate Branding and CSR, GGC (P TT GC Group) stated “At GGC, we believe sustainability must span the entire value chain from upstream to downstream. We are committed to empowering smallholders and strengthening our responsibility to society and the environment”.

In addition, Saraya has long pioneered eco-friendly products using natural, plant-based ingredients, including Japan’s first antibacterial soap and plant-based detergent. Since 2004, it has led environmental efforts in Borneo to address palm oil-related deforestation and wildlife threats, becoming Japan’s first RSPO member in 2005. 

“To enhance the value chain, it is essential to have a supply chain that incorporates smallholder farmers. Therefore, we support smallholders” said Mr. Shinichi Yoshikawa, Vice General Manager of Supply Chain Management Division at Saraya Co, Ltd and the Vice Chairman of JaSPON.

With over 400,000 farm households engaged in palm oil, the Thai government views inclusive sourcing as a national priority. “Responsible sourcing is not only about environmental commitment, it ensures farmers are fully included in global supply chains and receive fair returns for their efforts,” said a DoAE representative. “Partnering with Japanese companies that value transparency and inclusivity guarantees palm oil that meets the highest standards of sustainability and quality.”

“RSPO Certified smallholders are guardians of the global environment. Support from buyers whether through physical or credit purchases empowers us to continue this stewardship,” said Chaowalit Wuttipong, President of the Srijaroen Sustainable Oil Palm Production Community Enterprise and Chairman of the Thailand Smallholder Facilitator Network.

From Surat Thani to Tokyo, Thailand’s independent oil palm smallholders are stepping into the global spotlight. Through collaboration with mills, Japanese buyers, and the Thai government, they are proving that inclusive and sustainable supply chains can drive prosperity and trust across Asia.

About RSPO:

The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) is a global partnership to make palm oil sustainable. Formed in 2004, the RSPO is a multi-stakeholder non-profit organisation that unites members from across the palm oil value chain, including oil palm producers, palm oil processors and traders, consumer goods manufacturers, retailers, banks and investors, environmental or nature conservation non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and social or developmental NGOs.

As a partnership for progress and positive impact, the RSPO facilitates global change to make the production and consumption of palm oil sustainable. To inspire change, we communicate the environmental and social benefits. To make progress, we catalyse collaboration. To provide assurance, we set the standards of certification.

The RSPO is registered as an international association in Zurich, Switzerland, with main offices in Malaysia and Indonesia, and offices in China, Colombia, Netherlands, United Kingdom and the United States. 

About JaSPON:
JaSPON (Japan Sustainable Palm Oil Network) was established in April 2019 to accelerate the procurement and consumption of sustainable palm oil in the Japanese market, aiming to address environmental issues and other challenges associated with conventional palm oil production.

JaSPON operates on the belief that, as a consumer country, Japan has an important role in addressing the environmental, social, and ethical issues tied to palm oil. It emphasises cross‐industry collaboration, encouraging its members from different sectors to work together from their respective standpoints, to promote sustainable practices.

 

Eightco Holdings Inc. ($ORBS) Digital Asset Treasury Launches “Chairman’s Message” Video Series

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Reinforces “Power of Eight” Initiative, targeting 800M Worldcoin (WLD) tokens and verify 8B humans

Currently over 17 million verified World humans, with goal of verifying 100 million in the next twelve months

World is the single sign-on and Proof-of-Human verification for the AI era

The Company is supported by a select group of strategic and institutional investors including: BitMine (BMNR), MOZAYYX, World Foundation, Wedbush, Coinfund, Discovery Capital Management, FalconX, Kraken, Pantera, GSR, Brevan Howard and more

EASTON, Pa., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Eightco Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ORBS) today announced the launch of its “Chairman’s Message” video series and corporate presentation. This Chairman’s message is expected to be produced monthly. The company closed on its $270 million PIPE (private investment into a public equity) financing on September 9th. It was recently announced that the World network has surpassed 17 million verified humans.

“We’ve seen tremendous interest and enthusiasm around Worldcoin and our treasury since launching ORBS,” said Dan Ives, Chairman of Eightco Holdings Inc. ($ORBS). “The ‘Chairman’s Message’ shares my perspective on why WLD is leading the charge into our AI-driven future. We see substantial value creation ahead, with a target of acquiring 800 million WLD tokens and a projected value of $10 per token, representing an $8 billion potential valuation for ORBS.”

As part of his mission to raise global awareness for $ORBS and Worldcoin, Chairman Ives will embark on the ORBS World Tour, visiting several of the cities where World stores are located, including:

  • October 7: San Francisco
  • October 18-21: Bangkok
  • October 22-23: Kuala Lumpur
  • October 24-25: Singapore
  • October 27-28: Seoul
  • October 29-30: Tokyo
  • December 8-10: London

“As AI-generated content continues to surge, the need for Proof of Human will only grow. We believe World ID will emerge as the universal single sign-on of the future, integrating across governments, enterprises, fintech, dating, gaming, and beyond,” added Ives.

Both the “Chairman’s Message” and corporate presentation are available on the website: www.8co.holdings/chairmans-message

ABOUT EIGHTCO HOLDINGS INC.
Eightco Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ORBS) is delivering a first-of-its-kind Worldcoin (WLD) treasury strategy. With this digital asset treasury (DAT), Eightco is advancing the AI revolution, implementing a technology infrastructure layer that is integral to the future of authentication, verification and Proof of Human (PoH). World is the single sign-on and Proof-of-Human verification for the AI era. In an increasingly agentic world, Eightco aims to achieve a universal foundation for digital identity.

For additional details, follow on X:
https://x.com/iamhuman_orbs
https://x.com/divestech 

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements in this press release other than statements of historical fact could be deemed forward looking. Words such as “plans,” “expects,” “will,” “anticipates,” “continue,” “expand,” “advance,” “develop” “believes,” “guidance,” “target,” “may,” “remain,” “project,” “outlook,” “intend,” “estimate,” “could,” “should,” and other words and terms of similar meaning and expression are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such terms. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors, including, without limitation: Eightco’s ability to maintain compliance with the Nasdaq’s continued listing requirements; unexpected costs, charges or expenses that reduce Eightco’s capital resources; Eightco’s inability to raise adequate capital to fund its business; Eightco’s inability to innovate and attract users for Eightco’s products; future legislation and rulemaking negatively impacting digital assets; and shifting public and governmental positions on digital asset mining activity. Given these risks and uncertainties, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. For a discussion of other risks and uncertainties, and other important factors, any of which could cause Eightco’s actual results to differ from those contained in forward-looking statements, see Eightco’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including in its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 15, 2025. All information in this press release is as of the date of the release, and Eightco undertakes no duty to update this information or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any of such statements to reflect future events or developments, except as required by law.

Kazia Therapeutics Announces Collaboration and In-Licensing Agreement for First-in-Class PD-L1 Protein Degrader Program

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SYDNEY, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Kazia Therapeutics Limited (NASDAQ: KZIA), an oncology-focused drug development company, today announced an exclusive collaboration and in-licensing agreement (the “Agreement”) with QIMR Berghofer for a first-in-class PD-L1 degrader program. The lead optimized compound, NDL2, is an advanced PD-L1 protein degrader currently in development and represents a new and innovative frontier of cancer immunotherapy.

About PD-L1 Degradation and NDL2

Cancer cells frequently express PD-L1 protein to evade immune attack. When PD-L1 on a tumor cell surface binds to PD-1 on a T cell, the T cell becomes inactivated and loses its ability to destroy the cancer. Traditional checkpoint inhibitors such as pembrolizumab (Keytruda®) and nivolumab (Opdivo®) use monoclonal antibodies to block this surface interaction, helping to restore T-cell activity.

However, research has shown that PD-L1 also exists in post-translationally modified forms that are enriched in patients who fail or relapse on checkpoint inhibitor therapy. These modified proteins are found on the cell surface as well as in the cytoplasm and nucleus, where they contribute to resistance and tumor progression.

NDL2 takes a fundamentally different approach. This novel bicyclic peptide degrader, discovered and developed by Professor Sudha Rao, is designed to specifically recognize and degrade these resistant, post-translationally modified forms of PD-L1. By binding PD-L1 and recruiting the cell’s natural protein disposal machinery, NDL2 drives the breakdown and clearance of the modified PD-L1 across all cellular compartments. Targeting these resistant PD-L1 pools that antibody therapies cannot reach offers the potential to overcome immunotherapy resistance and restore durable immune activity against tumors.

We believe this comprehensive degradation strategy has the potential to offer two major clinical advantages: (1) Overcoming resistance in both primary non-responders and patients who relapse on antibody therapies, and (2) Providing durable immune reactivation by restoring cytotoxic T-cell function and reducing T-cell exhaustion in the tumor microenvironment.

NDL2 Preclinical Evidence

In preclinical models of aggressive triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), NDL2 monotherapy, as well as in combination with anti-PD-1 therapies, achieved significant tumor growth reduction. Importantly, treated tumors showed reduced T-cell exhaustion and enhanced immune activity, consistent with NDL2’s dual mechanism of action. Across the preclinical work to date, no toxicity has been observed. Professor Rao and QIMR Berghofer are working in parallel with a number of world-leading oncology peptide manufacturers to optimize the stability, potency, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the NDL2 formulation.

Development Pathway and Combinations

The program will initially target advanced breast cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), where PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapies are widely used but resistance remains common. IND-enabling studies are expected to commence within six months, with a goal of initiating first-in-human studies within approximately 15 months. Kazia also intends to explore synergistic opportunities to combine NDL2 with its existing pipeline assets, including paxalisib (a pan-PI3K/mTOR inhibitor) and EVT801 (a selective VEGFR3 inhibitor), given their complementary mechanisms of action in modulating the tumor microenvironment.

Dr. John Friend, Chief Executive Officer of Kazia Therapeutics, commented: “This Agreement positions Kazia at the forefront of next-generation immuno-oncology. NDL2 is a truly first-in-class asset, representing an advanced PD-L1 degrader, and what we believe one of the most exciting innovations in targeted protein degradation. This program complements our existing pipeline, with clear opportunities for synergy with other immunotherapies as well as paxalisib and EVT801, and we are positioned to rapidly advance it toward the clinic.”

Professor Sudha Rao, Principal Investigator at QIMR Berghofer and inventor of the PD-L1 degrader program, added: “NDL2 has the potential to redefine immunotherapy by targeting all functional pools of PD-L1 protein, not just the surface expression blocked by current antibodies. By eliminating PD-L1 throughout the cell, we can address resistance and other pathways that drive aggressive cancers like TNBC and NSCLC. We are thrilled to partner with Kazia to potentially translate this novel science into a transformative therapy for patients.”

Collaboration and Licensing Terms 

Under the terms of the collaboration Agreement, Kazia will make a one-time payment of approximately $1.39 million 15 business days after signing and is responsible for all development costs. Kazia will share a percentage of commercialization revenue, which includes any out-licensing payments received from third parties.

For investor and media, please contact Alex Star, Managing Director LifeSci Advisors LLC, Astarr@lifesciadvisors.com, +1-201-786-8795.

About Kazia Therapeutics Limited

Kazia Therapeutics Limited (NASDAQ: KZIA) is an oncology-focused drug development company, based in Sydney, Australia. Our lead program is paxalisib, an investigational brain penetrant inhibitor of the PI3K / Akt / mTOR pathway, which is being developed to treat multiple forms of cancer. Licensed from Genentech in late 2016, paxalisib is or has been the subject of ten clinical trials in this disease. A completed Phase 2/3 study in glioblastoma (GBM-Agile) was reported in 2024 and discussions are ongoing for designing and executing a pivotal registrational study in pursuit of a standard approval. Other clinical trials involving paxalisib are ongoing in advanced breast cancer, brain metastases, diffuse midline gliomas, and primary central nervous system lymphoma, with several of these trials having reported encouraging interim data. Paxalisib was granted Orphan Drug Designation for glioblastoma by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in February 2018, and Fast Track Designation (FTD) for glioblastoma by the FDA in August 2020. Paxalisib was also granted FTD in July 2023 for the treatment of solid tumor brain metastases harboring PI3K pathway mutations in combination with radiation therapy. In addition, paxalisib was granted Rare Pediatric Disease Designation and Orphan Drug Designation by the FDA for diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma in August 2020, and for atypical teratoid / rhabdoid tumors in June 2022 and July 2022, respectively. Kazia is also developing EVT801, a small molecule inhibitor of VEGFR3, which was licensed from Evotec SE in April 2021. Preclinical data has shown EVT801 to be active against a broad range of tumor types and has provided evidence of synergy with immuno-oncology agents. A Phase I study has been completed and preliminary data was presented at 15th Biennial Ovarian Cancer Research Symposium in September 2024. For more information, please visit www.kaziatherapeutics.com or follow us on X @KaziaTx.

Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement may contain forward-looking statements, which can generally be identified as such by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “future,” “forward,” “anticipate,” or other similar words. Any statement describing Kazia’s future plans, strategies, intentions, expectations, objectives, goals or prospects, and other statements that are not historical facts, are also forward looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements regarding: the potential benefits of NDL2 and the plans and goals of developing NDL2 formulation, the anticipated development pathways and combinations of NDL2, the anticipated payments under the Agreement, the timing for results and data related to Kazia’s clinical and preclinical trials, Kazia’s strategy and plans with respect to its paxalisib program, the potential benefits of paxalisib as an investigational PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, timing for any regulatory submissions or discussions with regulatory agencies and the potential market opportunity for paxalisib. Such statements are based on Kazia’s current expectations and projections about future events and future trends affecting its business and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, including risks and uncertainties associated with clinical and preclinical trials and product development, including the risk that interim or early data may not be consistent with final data, risks related to regulatory approvals, risks related to the impact of global economic conditions, and risks related to Kazia’s ability to regain and/or maintain compliance with the applicable Nasdaq continued listing requirements and standards. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in Kazia’s Annual Report, filed on form 20-F with the SEC, and in subsequent filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Kazia undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required under applicable law. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this announcement.

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