TAMPA, Fla., Sept. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ali Zaidi, previously Head of Client Business for the Middle East and North Africa, Goldman Sachs Asset Management, has joined DoubleLine Capital as Head of International Client Business.

Ali Zaidi

Mr. Zaidi leads the firm’s international client team in developing business and serving clients outside the United States. He and his team assist clients in matching their return and risk-management goals to active investment strategies adapted to a world undergoing secular as well as cyclical change. Based at DoubleLine’s Dubai office, Mr. Zaidi reports to DoubleLine President Ron Redell. 

“Under the leadership of CEO Jeffrey Gundlach and on the strength of our long-tenured investment team and our client-centered service, DoubleLine has established itself as a leading active asset manager,” Mr. Redell said. “I’m delighted to welcome Ali on board. His broad experience will elevate our firm in bringing to global clients our asset-management expertise.”

“As an independent employee-owned firm, DoubleLine has an alignment of interest and values that resonates with clients. I am excited to join and deliver our firm’s thought leadership and fixed income expertise to our global clients,” adds Mr. Zaidi.

Before joining DoubleLine, Mr. Zaidi served from December 2010 to mid-September 2025 at Goldman Sachs Asset Management as Managing Director, Head of Client Business MENA & New Markets, Dubai. In that role, he managed a team of client-coverage professionals based in London, Riyadh, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha. 

In previous roles, Mr. Zaidi worked in structuring and sales of credit and structured products (including Sharia-compliant products); financial control of equities and equity derivatives; and auditing in financial services. During his career he has been based in London, Kuala Lumpur and Dubai.

Mr. Zaidi is a Fellow of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW).

About DoubleLine

DoubleLine Capital LP is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. DoubleLine’s offices can be reached by telephone at (813) 791-7333 or by email at info@doubleline.com. In addition to its headquarters in Tampa, FL, and an office in Los Angeles, DoubleLine has offices in Dubai, London and Tokyo. Media can reach DoubleLine by email at media@doubleline.com.

DoubleLine® is a registered trademark of DoubleLine Capital LP.

Unveiling AI architecture for virtual makeup, skin prediction algorithms, and fresh perspectives to skin aging research

SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — At the 35^th International Federation of Societies of Cosmetics Chemists (IFSCC) Congress held in Cannes, France from September 15 to 18, Amorepacific unveiled innovations and research findings on topics including AI-driven virtual makeup, skin prediction algorithms, and advanced analyses of skin microbiomes and metabolites.

Established in 1959, the IFSCC Congress is the world’s largest cosmetics science conference serving as a forum for leading cosmetic researchers around the world. This year’s event, themed “The Future is Science,” featured two oral presentations and five poster presentations by Amorepacific researchers, aimed at further accelerating biological research on aging and integration of AI in driving scientific advancements.

Namely, Researcher Myeongjin Goh from the Amorepacific R&I Center presented “Development of the Generative AI-based Pipeline Architecture for Advanced Virtual Makeup.” Co-developed with Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology, the technology leverages generative AI and image generation techniques tailored for makeup applications. It enables precise analysis of facial shapes and features, and utilizes extensive data on makeup trends to recommend personalized styles, offering users realistic experiences of AI-recommended virtual makeup colors and styles.

Researcher Eunbi Ko delivered a presentation titled “Application of a Skin Prediction Algorithm for Personalized Skincare Services with Clinical Outcomes.” Conducted at Amorepacific’s in-house customer research center City Lab, the study validated skin improvement results through AI-based skin prediction algorithms and customized skincare programs. Building on the ‘Future Skin Prediction Algorithm’ and ‘Customized Skincare Solution’ first presented at the 2022 IFSCC Congress in London, the research proved effectiveness based on real customer reviews and clinical trials.

In a poster presentation titled “Integrated Analysis of the Age-related Microbiome and Metabolites in Korean Women’s Skin,” Researcher Kil Sun Myoung shared insights from an integrated analysis of skin microbiomes, physiological traits, and metabolites of Korean women across different age groups. Identifying age-specific skin traits, the research revealed that microbiome profiles among women in their 20s and 60s were not divided into two, but three distinct clusters — offering a fresh perspective on research into skin aging.

Byung-Fhy Brian Suh, CTO and Head of Amorepacific R&I Center, said, “Amorepacific is advancing toward its 2035 vision, centered around the company’s ‘Ageless’ and ‘AI First’ strategies. The Amorepacific R&I Center will deeply integrate AI technology across all areas of research and development to expand the boundaries of skin science and set new standards for future innovative beauty.”

NEW DELHI, Sept. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd (AHEL) recently announced the launch of Apollo Athenaa – Asia’s First Dedicated Cancer Centre for Women, located in E2-E3, Defence Colony, New Delhi. The centre was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Rekha Gupta, in the presence of Dr. Prathap C Reddy, Founder-Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group; Ms. Bansuri Swaraj, Member of Parliament, New Delhi; Shri Neeraj Basoya, Member of the Legislative Assembly; Ms. Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson, AHEL; and Mr. Harshad Reddy, Director, Group Oncology, AHEL.

New Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta, along with Member of Parliament Ms. Bansuri Swaraj; Dr. Prathap C Reddy, Founder-Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group; Ms. Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd (AHEL); and Mr. Dinesh Madhavan, President, Group Oncology and International (AHEL)

Speaking at the inauguration, Smt. Rekha Gupta, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi, said: “Cancer care for women is a deeply sensitive issue, and it gives me great satisfaction to see us moving towards real empowerment for women. Apollo Athenaa will stand as a milestone in cancer care, ensuring dignity, security, and privacy for every woman.”

In the recent past, more women than men have been diagnosed with cancer, notably with cancers in women accounting for the highest incidence. A new study from ICMR’s National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) has revealed that breast and cervical cancers are the most common types of cancers among Indian women.

Dr. Prathap C Reddy, Founder-Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group, said: “Apollo Athenaa represents a new horizon in women’s healthcare, where cutting-edge science meets compassion, and every woman is assured of dignity and timely care. It reflects our enduring belief that India can lead the world not just in medical innovation, but in reimagining healthcare as a force for hope and humanity.”

Ms. Bansuri Swaraj, Member of Parliament, New Delhi, said, “As cancer is rising at an alarming pace, the Government of India has introduced robust policies and strategic interventions to enhance prevention, early detection, treatment, and patient care nationwide. Our government is also consistently prioritising women’s health. Apollo’s transformative initiative and setting a global benchmark in women-centric cancer care will complement the national health mission.”

Ms. Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd, said: “Apollo Athenaa is not just a hospital—it’s a movement, a symbol of progress, empathy, and commitment to women’s health. By focusing exclusively on cancers affecting women, Athenaa offers personalised care that respects dignity, enables early detection, improves outcomes, and restores hope.”

Website: https://www.apollohospitals.com/hospitals/apollo-athenaa-womens-cancer-centre

GUANG’AN, China, Sept. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — PHASE Scientific International Limited (“PHASE Scientific”) today announced the official launch of the world’s largest clinical study for urine-based cervical cancer (HPV) screening, with the first site established in Guang’an, Sichuan Province, China.

This study is led by Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, with participation from West China Guang’an Hospital of Sichuan University and technical and diagnostic support by PHASE Scientific. The study applies PHASE Scientific’s proprietary PHASiFY™ urine-based DNA concentration technology, aiming to explore a scalable, accessible approach to cervical cancer prevention that delivers next-level public health impact with scientific innovation.

This prospective study plans to include 17,000 eligible women, evaluating the clinical performance of urine-based HPV DNA testing in primary screening settings for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cervical cancer. Notably, it will also be the first in the world to validate urine-based methylation testing and artificial intelligence visual evaluation (AVE) from colposcopy images within the same cohort. The study sets three world records, namely the largest global clinical study on urine-based HPV subtyping for primary cervical cancer screening, the first and largest prospective study on urine-based genetic methylation testing for cervical cancer screening, and the first population validation in China of a handheld AI-enabled colposcopy device based on international standards.

By combining non-invasive sampling, high-efficiency molecular detection, and AI-powered diagnostics, the study aims to drive cervical cancer prevention into a new era of “vaccination + non-invasive screening.” Experts across the field believe this dual-track approach could provide valuable insights to help meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 90-70-90 targets for cervical cancer elimination by 2030. The study also seeks to establish a practical and localized prevention model suited to China’s national context – one that improves screening accessibility and compliance.

On September 11, China’s State Council announced that HPV vaccination will be included in the national immunization program, offering free vaccines to school-aged girls. While this policy milestone has raised national awareness about cervical cancer prevention, it also highlights new challenges: HPV vaccines cover only select virus types, and are most effective when administered before exposure, typically in younger, uninfected populations. The preventive impact on cervical cancer incidence could take 10-20 years to manifest. Meanwhile, women aged 35-64 remain the highest-risk group, and vaccination alone is unable to address the short-term disease burden, making screening an irreplaceable tool in the current phase.

However, traditional clinician-collected sampling often presents psychological and logistical barriers for many women. According to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), the screening coverage rate among women aged 35-64 is only 51.5%, far below the WHO’s 70% benchmark. Thus, finding more accessible, non-invasive, and user-friendly screening methods has become a critical priority in advancing cervical cancer prevention.

Professor Wu Ruifang, Director of the National Cervical Cancer Early Detection and Treatment Demonstration Center at Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, and the study’s principal investigator, said, “Self-sampling technologies for cervical cancer screening have been validated globally over the past two decades as effective tools to increase screening coverage. We will include urine-based HPV testing as an innovative self-sampling technology in this study. While other teams have explored this approach in the past, sensitivity has long been a challenge. Our previous research demonstrated that when paired with PHASiFY™ technology, urine-based HPV testing can achieve sensitivity comparable to clinician-collected and vaginal self-collected samples. We believe that urine testing is non-invasive, convenient, and more acceptable to women. This makes it an important lever for screening participation rate increase and public health policy implementation.”

Professor Wu continues, “This study represents a unique combination of technology, scientific research and public health. It will not only benefit a broad female population, but also provide vital real-world data to support the development of national cervical cancer prevention guidelines and self-sampling standards.”

The study utilizes PHASE Scientific’s proprietary PHASiFY™ technology, which concentrates trace amounts of HPV DNA in urine by more than 10,000 times, achieving 93.42% sensitivity for high-risk HPV detection, and over 97% concordance with clinician-collected vaginal swabs analyzed using the Roche Cobas system. This research, led by the Peking University Shenzhen Hospital team, was recently recognized with the Best Clinical Research Abstract Award at the 2025 Annual Meeting of the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP) – the society’s highest honor, and the first time a Chinese research team has received this distinction, underscoring the international recognition of PHASiFY™’s scientific and clinical value.

Xiao Rongxing, Deputy Director of the Guang’an Municipal Health Commission, commented on the significance of the study at Guang’an, “There are around 4 million women in Guang’an, with around 2 million of them in the target age group for HPV screening. However, there remains a screening coverage gap for women living in urban areas besides the low-income groups. This clinical study directly addresses that gap and will have a significant impact on cervical cancer prevention in our city.”

Jenny Chiu, Vice President of PHASE Scientific, stated during her speech in the kick-off ceremony, “This project is a major milestone in the advancement of non-invasive cervical cancer screening. PHASE Scientific will invest in rolling out comprehensive self-sampling services, including urine-based HPV testing, AI-powered colposcopy, and cloud-based data platforms. We believe that with just a cup of urine, we can drive a future of more inclusive, accessible and precise healthcare for women.”

Speaking on the company’s plans on the Chinese mainland, Gary Guan, General Manager of PHASE Scientific China, said, “At the core of our PHASiFY™ platform is biomarker concentration from clinical samples – a technology that can be applied to many diseases. In China, we’ve launched both male and female versions of the urine-based HPV testing, along with a full-suite of cervical cancer and HPV prevention solutions. We’re also advancing multi-disease detection from a single urine sample, enabling screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other cancers at the same time.”

“We are actively partnering with medical institutions, health checkup providers, insurers, elder care providers, and online platforms to drive public health education and promote access to testing. Our goal is to provide users with convenient, accurate diagnostics, and to build a full-spectrum health solution that integrates testing, intervention, and prevention.” Gary added.

From the inclusion of HPV vaccines in the national immunization program to the simultaneous achievement of three world records, PHASE Scientific is bridging the gap between “the first shot of the vaccine” and “the last mile of diagnostics” – leading the global shift toward non-invasive cervical cancer screening powered by its innovation. With aligned progress in technology, research, and distribution, PHASE Scientific helps to reshape global cervical cancer prevention and contribute to the Healthy China 2030 vision.

*Note to editor: The WHO’s Global Strategy to Accelerate the Elimination of Cervical Cancer sets a threshold for all countries of an incidence rate of less than 4 cases per 100,000 women. It also establishes the following targets to be achieved by 2030 in all countries: 90% HPV vaccination coverage, 70% screening coverage, and 90% access to treatment for cervical pre-cancer and cancer, including access to palliative care.

About PHASE Scientific

PHASE Scientific International Limited (“PHASE Scientific”) is a fast-growing biotech company with a mission to inspire a new state of health through innovative diagnostics and healthcare solutions. With operations in the U.S., mainland China, and Hong Kong SAR, PHASE delivers novel diagnostic tools and services for cancer and infectious diseases using proprietary technologies, empowering better disease detection, diagnosis, and management.

PHASE Scientific’s products and services have received certifications from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Union CE, and regulatory agencies in various countries, providing over 100 million testing products and services in more than 30 countries worldwide.

PHASE Scientific has recently completed a US$34 million Series A funding round, representing the largest Series A raise in Asia’s diagnostic technology sector since 2019. Other supporters include Gates Foundation, and US governmental agencies National Science Foundation and National Institute of Health. For more information, please visit phasescientific.com.

About PHASIFY™

PHASIFY™ is the world’s first urine concentration technology designed for molecular diagnostics, setting a new industry benchmark by capturing approximately 10 times more target analytes from urine specimens compared to the current gold standard. This advanced mechanism enables the concentration and purification of unlimited volumes of urine, dramatically increasing the sensitivity and accuracy of disease detection.

This proprietary innovation uniquely positions PHASE Scientific as the only player in the urine-based liquid biopsy diagnostics field, with proven clinical performance for multi-cancer detection. With a non-invasive and painless approach, PHASIFY™ empowers convenient sample collection, unlocking new possibilities for early, accessible, and comprehensive disease screening and diagnosis.

Media Contact

PHASE Scientific
pr@phasesci.com

FGS Global
PhaseSci@fgsglobal.com

SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Do you ever feel like you’re doing too much for your skin yet still battling dryness? You’re not alone. In 2025, many people are discovering that dryness isn’t a sign you need a skincare routine with 10 steps, but rather good performance products that target specifically your needs and work on your skin. This realisation has given rise to skin streaming, a trend that favours streamlined routines with products that multitask. Among the standouts is IUNIK’s Beta‑Glucan Power Moisture Serum, a serum that takes a friendly, no‑frills approach to hydration.

A familiar problem: thirsty skin

Daily life does a number on our skin. Air‑conditioned offices, harsh weather and frequent mask wearing all sap moisture. The result? Tightness, dullness and that uncomfortable feeling of a face that never quite feels quenched. While there are countless formulas promising miracles, many of them layer active after active and leave you wondering whether all that complexity is necessary. IUNIK thinks the answer is no. Their serum zeroes in on hydration with a single hero ingredient and minimal extras.

Meet beta‑glucan, your skin’s new drinking buddy

Beta‑glucan may sound like something from a lab, but it’s a natural polysaccharide found in oats, mushrooms and yeast. Dermatologists praise it for being both deeply hydrating and soothing. It acts like a sponge, pulling water to the skin and locking it in while reinforcing the protective barrier. Because it also calms redness and irritation, beta‑glucan suits sensitive and reactive skin types, the very people who often fear that new products will cause more harm than good.

What makes IUNIK’s formula different

Many hydrating serums play host to a long list of actives. IUNIK takes a different tack. The ingredient list is strikingly short: beta‑glucan, water, glycerin and a few safe solvents. It’s free of fragrances, essential oils and harsh alcohols, which keeps the risk of irritation low. Independent ingredient analyses list the serum’s top benefits as hydrating and relieving dry, tight skin, underscoring the formula’s restraint, no extra actives to complicate layering, just a reliable water magnet. Instead of cramming every popular ingredient into one bottle, IUNIK focuses on one that addresses dryness and leaves the extras out.

Viewed neutrally, beta-glucan is a well-documented humectant that draws and holds water at the skin’s surface while helping the barrier feel calmer, exactly what dry, tight complexions need. In this serum that role is supported by a short, fast-absorbing base with no added fragrance or essential oils and no heavy oils. The composition is non-comedogenic and widely considered fungal-acne safe, so it slots into sensitive and acne-prone routines without adding new variables. In short, instead of leaning on marketing superlatives, the formula relies on established humectancy and low-irritant design to solve everyday dryness, reassuring for U.S. shoppers who prefer mild, minimalist steps that still deliver.

Does mild mean ineffective?

It’s a reasonable question. There’s a long‑standing assumption that mild products must be weak. Yet beta‑glucan’s abilities go beyond basic moisture. It not only hydrates but also soothes irritation and aids barrier repair. SkinSort lists reduced irritation and redness among its benefits. Amazon’s description emphasises that the serum delivers instant and long‑lasting moisturisation. The simplicity of the formula isn’t a lack of ambition; it’s a deliberate strategy to focus on what dry skin actually needs.

Fitting into a streamlined routine

Because the texture is a light, watery gel, the serum absorbs quickly and plays well with others. People who are simplifying their routines can use it morning and night as their hydration step. Those who still enjoy actives like vitamin C, azelaic acid, or retinoids can slot the serum in without fear of pilling or irritation. By covering the hydration and calming base, it frees you to be more selective about additional products.

The takeaway for sceptical shoppers

For U.S. consumers who are wary of minimalist products, IUNIK’s approach offers a new perspective. A shorter ingredient list doesn’t mean lower performance; in this case, it means every component has a job. If your main issue is dryness, you don’t need a cocktail of unrelated actives, you need a humectant that works and a formula that won’t upset your skin. That’s exactly what beta‑glucan and this serum provide.

In a beauty landscape increasingly defined by doing less, IUNIK’s Beta‑Glucan Power Moisture Serum demonstrates that simple, gentle formulations can punch above their weight. For anyone tired of complicated routines and still hunting for real hydration, it’s a persuasive reminder that sometimes the simplest solution is the best.

For more information about IUNIK and its products, visit www.iunik.com.

Media Contact:
Marketing Manager Joan T joan@iunikcos.com