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MediSun Energy and EMSTEEL Launch UAE’s First Pilot to Transform Desalination Brine into Blue Energy and Magnesium Carbonate

SINGAPORE, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MediSun Energy, a Singapore-based integrated brine management company, has partnered with EMSTEEL (ADX: EMSTEEL) (“the Group”), one of the largest publicly traded steel and building materials manufacturers in the region, to launch Project Elixir — the UAE’s first pilot system that transforms desalination brine into renewable blue energy and magnesium carbonate. This groundbreaking initiative introduces a circular model that converts industrial waste into clean energy and sustainable materials, aligning with the UAE’s goals for innovation, decarbonization, and resource efficiency.

Joseph Chua - President & Co-Founder of MediSun Energy (left) & Engineer Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi - Group CEO of EMSTEEL (right)
Joseph Chua – President & Co-Founder of MediSun Energy (left) & Engineer Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi – Group CEO of EMSTEEL (right)

The project is supported by an AED 100 million R&D fund launched by ADQ, an active sovereign investor with a focus on critical infrastructure and global supply chains, in 2022. The fund forms part of ADQ Growth Lab, a community of innovators across ADQ’s portfolio that realises the company’s commitment to accelerating innovation and R&D with a focus on unlocking growth opportunities and driving value creation and sustainability across priority sectors of the UAE’s economy.

The pilot will be installed at EMSTEEL’s steel business unit in Abu Dhabi, where MediSun Energy will deploy two integrated systems. The WEGen RED system treats 500 cubic meters of desalination brine per day, generating “blue energy” while consuming less power than conventional processes. The WEGen Green Pilot processes 30 cubic meters of brine daily, captures carbon dioxide, and produces up to 300 kg of magnesium carbonate (MgCO₃) per day — a low-carbon alternative to traditional additives used in steelmaking.

By combining carbon capture and energy recovery, Project Elixir transforms desalination brine — typically treated as waste — into a valuable resource. The recovered magnesium carbonate will be trialed as a sustainable substitute for dololime in EMSTEEL’s electric arc furnace (EAF), supporting the company’s efforts to reduce emissions and advance green steel production.

Eng. Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group CEO of EMSTEEL , said: “This collaboration with MediSun Energy marks a significant step in redefining industrial sustainability. The ability to convert desalination brine into clean energy and valuable materials directly supports our decarbonization strategy and aligns with national objectives for circularity and innovation. Project Elixir reflects EMSTEEL’s commitment to advancing green steel production while reinforcing the UAE’s leadership in industrial transformation.”

Dusun Kim, CEO of MediSun Energy , said: “This pilot represents a breakthrough for industrial sustainability in the UAE. By turning brine waste into clean power and green materials, we’re demonstrating a circular model for the future of steelmaking. We’re proud to partner with EMSTEEL on this historic initiative.”

Scheduled for installation in mid-2025, the pilot will be implemented without disrupting existing operations. MediSun will lead engineering, installation, and operations, supported on-site by EMSTEEL and Emirates Electrical & Instrumentation Company (EEIC), which will assist with local assembly and integration.

About EMSTEEL

EMSTEEL is a public joint stock company (ADX: EMSTEEL) and the UAE’s largest steel and building materials manufacturer. The Group leverages cutting-edge technologies to supply both the local market and over 70 international markets with high-quality finished products, creating a one-stop shop for the manufacturing and construction sectors.

About MediSun Energy

MediSun Energy is an integrated brine management company headquartered in Singapore. The company specializes in turning desalination brine and industrial waste streams into valuable resources through energy-efficient and circular solutions. MediSun’s proprietary technologies — including Reverse Electrodialysis (RED) and CO₂ mineralization — are designed to decarbonize energy-intensive sectors such as desalination and heavy industry, supporting a more sustainable and resource-resilient future.

For more information, visit www.medisun.energy or write to info@medisun.energy. You can also follow MediSun on LinkedIn.

 

Celebrating Property Industry Excellence: LIXIL’s American Standard and GROHE Proudly Support the Asia Pacific International Property & Hotel Awards 2025-26

BANGKOK, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — LIXIL power brands, American Standard and GROHE, honored outstanding achievements across the property industry at the Asia Pacific International Property & Hotel Awards 2025-26. The prestigious event welcomed guests and industry luminaries to celebrate excellence across architecture, interior design, real estate and property development. The event recognized six hundred thirty (630) winning companies from across the Asia Pacific and culminated in a gala event with the announcement and presentation of the American Standard Innovation Award, the GROHE Sustainability Award and the GROHE Luxury Award.

This year’s theme drew on the four elements—Earth, Fire, Water, and Air—that symbolize the critical global challenges we must address through our innovative property approach. The event received more than 800 entries which were judged by a panel of over 100 industry experts and peers. Each entry was meticulously evaluated for design, quality, service, innovation, originality, and dedication to sustainability. By country, Thailand garnered the highest number of awards (109), followed by China (76). Notable achievements were recorded by Malaysia (68), India (65), Indonesia (59) and Hongkong (42).

American Standard 150th Year Anniversary Showcase
American Standard 150th Year Anniversary Showcase

GROHE SPA Booth Showcasing Aquatecture Concept - The Fusion of Water and Architecture
GROHE SPA Booth Showcasing Aquatecture Concept – The Fusion of Water and Architecture

Audrey Yeo, Leader, LIXIL Water Technology, Asia Pacific said, “Our seven‑year headline sponsorship with the International Property Awards demonstrates LIXIL’s unwavering commitment to industry excellence in the property sector. In the APAC region, this collaboration has elevated the profiles of deserving architects, designers, and developers, granting them well‑earned international recognition. The growing prominence of the Asia Pacific Property Awards year after year, underscores the event’s distinctive value to the architecture and design community as well as to our industry partners.”

“Through American Standard and GROHE brands, we are proud to collaborate with the IPA in advancing our purpose: making better homes a reality for everyone, everywhere. We look forward to continuing our journey with the IPA and its winners, forging stronger collaborations that inspire design excellence and sustainable innovation.” added Audrey.

LIXIL’s consumer-focused approach and how water shapes our living environments was explored at the IPA by Antoine Besseyre des Horts, Leader, LIXIL Global Design, Asia during his seminar on Water as Experience: Elevating Everyday Rituals. Through this, he invited the audience to reconceive water not merely as a utility but as a dynamic catalyst for vitality and calm—an elemental medium through which industry partners can collaborate to craft environments that relax, energize, and meaningfully enrich everyday life.

The American Standard booth celebrated 150 years of trust and innovation, inspired by life. Guests explored the new Acacia Supasleek collection and a showcase of purposefully designed products, including the DuoStix Hand Shower and Hygiene Spray, EasyFlo Collection, Aero-lite Wall Hung Shower Toilet, and the new WizFlo Hand Shower.

The GROHE SPA exhibit was built on the concept of “Aquatecture”- the fusion of water and architecture, celebrating the significance and importance of water in architecture, and the health and well-being benefits this infusion brings. Guests were equally captivated by the GROHE Allure Gravity faucet, whose interchangeable cover plates—crafted from Caesarstone marble, glass, or mirror—offers an unparalleled freedom of expression.

GROHE Luxury Award winnner - Stone Experience Center—MM Galleri by CNS Designworks, Indonesia.
GROHE Luxury Award winnner – Stone Experience Center—MM Galleri by CNS Designworks, Indonesia.

At the event, the Stone Experience Center—MM Galleri by CNS Designworks, Indonesia was honored with the GROHE Luxury Award. This award celebrates ‘New Luxury’— a blend of exceptional design and luxurious interiors with values of responsibility, conscious consumption, and sustainability. The Stone Experience Center is a groundbreaking space that redefines natural stone’s role in contemporary design: it demonstrates how marble and onyx can be engineered into elegant, lightweight, and fluid architectural forms. Leveraging cutting‑edge technology, ultra‑thin layers of these stones are bent into graceful, flowing shapes, using just 10 % of the material and cutting waste by 70 %—setting new benchmarks for resource efficiency and sustainable fabrication.

GROHE Sustainability Award winner - Starfish, Phu Quoc by SOG designq, Vietnam
GROHE Sustainability Award winner – Starfish, Phu Quoc by SOG designq, Vietnam

American Standard Innovation Award winner - Ansaya Phuket Sylva, Thailand
American Standard Innovation Award winner – Ansaya Phuket Sylva, Thailand

This year’s GROHE Sustainability Award went to Starfish, Phu Quoc by SOG design, Vietnam—a 58‑hectare development devoted to ecological preservation and climate resilience. 76% of the site is dedicated to open spaces with native landscaping and mature tree conservation (90% preserved). Their passive cooling strategies, optimal building orientation, and green roofs work in concert to slash energy consumption, while respecting the land’s natural topography avoids major grading and safeguards biodiversity. By weaving vernacular architecture together with renewable‑energy systems and low‑impact infrastructure, Starfish sets a new standard for sustainable, regenerative development in tropical settings.

The American Standard Innovation Award was presented to Ansaya Phuket Sylva, Thailand. The project is crafted to maximize green spaces within the home, fostering a deep connection with nature that not only elevates well-being but also improves air quality. By relying on smart-home devices, its design intelligence harnesses natural ventilation, strategic shading, and spatial planning to ensure a cooler, brighter, and more comfortable living space with minimal energy consumption. Every architectural element is purposefully designed to support wellness, sustainability, and effortless living—demonstrating that true innovation arises when design serves both people and nature.

To view the complete list of winners at the Asia Pacific International Property and Hotel Awards, please visit – https://propertyawards.net/region/asia-pacific/?fwp_winner_year=2025-winners.

-End-

About LIXIL

LIXIL (TSE Code 5938) makes pioneering water and housing products that solve every day, real-life challenges, making better homes a reality for everyone, everywhere. Drawing on our Japanese heritage, we create world-leading technology and innovate to make high-quality products that transform homes. But the LIXIL difference is how we do this; through meaningful design, an entrepreneurial spirit, a dedication to improving accessibility for all, and responsible business growth. Our approach comes to life through industry-leading brands, including INAX, GROHE, American Standard, and TOSTEM. With approximately 53,000 colleagues operating in more than 150 countries, we are proud to make products that touch the lives of more than a billion people every day.

About American Standard

American Standard is the industry leader in bathroom and kitchen products, providing an unmatched legacy of quality and innovation for 150 years. American Standard is passionate about improving daily living in ways big and small. From toilet seat innovations to best-in-class kitchen faucets, American Standard seeks to inspire people to create a home they will love every day.

About GROHE

GROHE is a leading global brand for complete bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings and has a total of over 7,000 employees in 150 countries – 2,600 of them are based in Germany. Since 2014 GROHE has been part of the strong brand portfolio of the Japanese manufacturer of pioneering water and housing products LIXIL. In the past ten years alone, more than 490 design and innovation awards as well as several sustainability awards confirmed GROHE’s success. GROHE was the first in its industry to win the CSR Award of the German Federal Government and the German Sustainability Award 2021 in the categories “Resources” and “Design”. As part of the sustainability and climate campaign “50 Sustainability & Climate Leaders,” GROHE is also driving sustainable transformation. 

Inclusive Design Gains Momentum as Canton Fair Spotlights Senior-Friendly Innovation

GUANGZHOU, China, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As global demographics shift, the aging population becomes a defining force in product innovation. At the 137th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair), Chinese companies have been embracing this trend with technology-driven, senior-centric solutions designed to promote safety, independence, and dignity for older adults.

One standout exhibitor, Guangzhou SELAQUA Sanitary Ware Co., Ltd. (Aicube Care), drew attention with its modular bathroom systems tailored to senior users. Since entering the sector in 2010, the company has focused on high-end accessible designs, including a thermostatic shower panel with a built-in seat, an adjustable ceramic basin with a height-adaptable holder, U-shaped grab bars, and wall-mounted shower seats with supportive armrests and backrests. “As aging becomes a global issue, many buyers are realizing the growing demand in this sector,” said Katie Peng, Sales Manager at Aicube Care. “Some who hadn’t considered it before are now actively exploring opportunities after seeing our solutions.”

Aging-focused innovation also featured prominently in the Canton Fair’s first-ever Service Robots Zone. Zhejiang Fubao Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. showcased an advanced companion robot built for elderly care. Equipped with AI-powered health monitoring, real-time physiological tracking, and telemedicine capabilities, the robot offers features such as blood oxygen detection, medication reminders, and emergency alert systems, all essential for seniors living independently.

Other senior-centric everyday solutions were exhibited during the 137th Canton Fair. Bio-based insoles with over 25% corn-derived PU provide superior cushioning and durability, offering seniors enhanced support for extended walking or standing. Meanwhile, height-adjustable, remote-controlled kitchens enable wheelchair users to effortlessly adjust cabinets and stoves to a comfortable working height.

On May 3rd, the Canton Fair hosted a themed event titled “Silver Economy: A New Paradigm for Aging-Friendly Products,” further emphasizing its strong focus on this emerging trend.

From adaptive home fixtures to smart health monitoring systems, exhibitors at the 137th Canton Fair are redefining what it means to age with comfort and confidence. Their innovations show that designing for older adults is no longer a niche but a vital part of mainstream innovation. These companies are not just capitalizing on a significant growth opportunity. They are also advancing a broader social mission: making aging more inclusive, safe, and empowering. As these innovations reach global markets, the Fair continues to be a pivotal platform for shaping a future that embraces aging with compassion and foresight.

 

Inclusive Design Gains Momentum as Canton Fair Spotlights Senior-Friendly Innovation

GUANGZHOU, China, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As global demographics shift, the aging population becomes a defining force in product innovation. At the 137th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair), Chinese companies have been embracing this trend with technology-driven, senior-centric solutions designed to promote safety, independence, and dignity for older adults.

One standout exhibitor, Guangzhou SELAQUA Sanitary Ware Co., Ltd. (Aicube Care), drew attention with its modular bathroom systems tailored to senior users. Since entering the sector in 2010, the company has focused on high-end accessible designs, including a thermostatic shower panel with a built-in seat, an adjustable ceramic basin with a height-adaptable holder, U-shaped grab bars, and wall-mounted shower seats with supportive armrests and backrests. “As aging becomes a global issue, many buyers are realizing the growing demand in this sector,” said Katie Peng, Sales Manager at Aicube Care. “Some who hadn’t considered it before are now actively exploring opportunities after seeing our solutions.”

Aging-focused innovation also featured prominently in the Canton Fair’s first-ever Service Robots Zone. Zhejiang Fubao Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. showcased an advanced companion robot built for elderly care. Equipped with AI-powered health monitoring, real-time physiological tracking, and telemedicine capabilities, the robot offers features such as blood oxygen detection, medication reminders, and emergency alert systems, all essential for seniors living independently.

Other senior-centric everyday solutions were exhibited during the 137th Canton Fair. Bio-based insoles with over 25% corn-derived PU provide superior cushioning and durability, offering seniors enhanced support for extended walking or standing. Meanwhile, height-adjustable, remote-controlled kitchens enable wheelchair users to effortlessly adjust cabinets and stoves to a comfortable working height.

On May 3rd, the Canton Fair hosted a themed event titled “Silver Economy: A New Paradigm for Aging-Friendly Products,” further emphasizing its strong focus on this emerging trend.

From adaptive home fixtures to smart health monitoring systems, exhibitors at the 137th Canton Fair are redefining what it means to age with comfort and confidence. Their innovations show that designing for older adults is no longer a niche but a vital part of mainstream innovation. These companies are not just capitalizing on a significant growth opportunity. They are also advancing a broader social mission: making aging more inclusive, safe, and empowering. As these innovations reach global markets, the Fair continues to be a pivotal platform for shaping a future that embraces aging with compassion and foresight.


Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/image_969985_25478765-1.jpg 

Eisai to Present E7386, Co-created by PRISM BioLab and Eisai, at the ASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncology) Annual Meeting

Abstract Released for E7386, Co-Developed Through Collaborative Research Between Eisai and PRISM

TOKYO, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — PRISM BioLab, Co. Ltd. (“PRISM”), a leading discovery and development biotechnology company designing small molecule inhibitors of protein-protein interaction (PPI) targets, today announced that the analysis of a combination study of E7386(*1), created through collaboration research with Eisai Co., Ltd. (“Eisai”), and Lenvatinib mesylate (“lenvatinib”) (*2) will be presented by Eisai at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Congress 2025, held in Chicago, USA from May 30 to June 3, 2025. The abstract of the study has been released today.

To determine the optimal dose of E7386 in combination with Lenvatinib in the open-label Phase Ib study (NCT04008797(*3)), expansion cohort of advanced endometrial cancer patients progressed following platinum-based chemotherapy and anti-PD-(L)1 immunotherapy have been implemented by Eisai and the enrollment of 30 patients was completed. By data cutoff (Oct 22, 2024), with 9 patients remaining on treatment, 30% (9 patients) showed the confirmed response (decrease of tumor size > 30%) for an overall response rate of 30.0%. Furthermore, among patients without prior Lenvatinib treatment, the overall response rate was 42.9%.

Completing the enrollment of dose expansion cohort (n=30), the results confirmed promising preliminary antitumor activity of E7386 + Lenvatinib with a manageable safety profile. For the subsequent dose-optimization part for E7386 + LEN in advanced endometrial cancer, enrollment of patients had been initiated (NCT04008797).

(*1) E7386

E7386 is an orally available small molecule CBP/ β-catenin inhibitor that inhibits protein-protein interactions between the transcription factor CBP and β-catenin, and regulates the Wnt signaling. E7386 achieved clinical POC (Proof of concept) in October 2021 and following clinical studies are ongoing including phase I for solid tumors as monotherapy, Phase Ib for solid tumors in combination with tyrosine kinase inhibitor Lenvatinib, Phase Ib/II for solid tumors in combination with pembrolizumab, the anti-PD-1 antibody from Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA.

(*2) Lenvatinib

Lenvatinib is a multi-kinase inhibitor, discovered by Eisai and being co-developed and co-commercialized under a collaboration agreement with Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, which inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs),VEGFR1, VEGR2, VEGFR3 and fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs), FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3, FGFR4, and other receptor tyrosine kinases, PDGFR-alpha, KIT, RET. Lenvatinib have been approved for thyroid cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, thymic caner and renal cell carcinoma (in combination with Everolimus or pembrolizumab, the anti-PD-1 antibody from Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA.). Lenvatinib is also approved for endometrium cancer in combination with pembrolizumab 

(*3) NCT04008797

NCT04008797 is an open-label Phase Ib study of E7386 in combination with other anticancer drug, Lenvatinib for the patients with solid tumors. The study has been implemented by Eisai in Japan, Korea, Taiwan region, US, and France determine the safety and the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) and also to see the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of E7386 + Lenvatinib. Enrolment of each cohort of hepatic, colon, endometrial cancers are ongoing. 

About PRISM BioLab

PRISM BioLab is a discovery and development biotechnology company utilizing proprietary PepMetics® technology to discover orally available small molecule inhibitors of protein-protein interaction (PPI) targets and transform lives of patients suffering from cancer, autoimmune, fibrosis and other diseases. PepMetics® are a unique class of small molecules that mimic three-dimensional structures of alpha-helix and beta-turn, the peptide structures commonly found in intracellular PPI interphases and receptor-ligand interactions. By combining proprietary chemistry, know-how around PPI targets and AI-supported design, PepMetics® technology can deliver inhibitors of challenging PPI targets. The technology holds promise to expand the field of drug discovery by turning previously undruggable PPIs into targets readily druggable with small molecules and by generating oral small molecule alternatives for injectable biologics.

PRISM BioLab is collaborating on new PPI targets with global and Japanese pharmaceutical companies. PepMetics® targeting CBP/beta-catenin PPIs licensed to Eisai Co., Ltd. and Ohara Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. are in clinical development for cancer and liver disease, respectively.

www.prismbiolab.com

Korean Megahit Shampoo, Grabity, Launches in Taiwan “Just wash your hair—and it’ll look thicker.”

  • The K-beauty shampoo developed by a world-renowned scientist from MIT has become a hot topic following its launch on Taiwan’s Momo Home Shopping channel

  • Clinically proven: one use increases hair thickness by 19.22% and volume by 87.27%

  • 100% vegan formula, Dermatest “Excellent” rating, eco-friendly packaging—epitomizing clean beauty

TAIPEI and SEOUL, South Korea, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Korean hair loss care brand Grabity, co-developed by world-renowned MIT scientist Professor Haeshin Lee and researchers from KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology), officially launched in Taiwan on May 22 through Momo TV Shopping, where it received an explosive response—selling out mostly during its debut broadcast.

Korean Megahit Shampoo, Grabity, Launches in Taiwan “Just wash your hair—and it’ll look thicker.”
Korean Megahit Shampoo, Grabity, Launches in Taiwan “Just wash your hair—and it’ll look thicker.”

The live show aired at 8 PM on the 22nd, hosted by Sharon Tsui, a prominent Momo TV Shopping personality. Tsui emphasized the product’s scientific backing throughout the segment. The entire stock exhausted shortly in record time, and both Momo’s website and customer service center were soon overwhelmed with restock inquiries.

Grabity Shampoo features a high concentration of KAIST’s patented active ingredient, LiftMax 308™, a polyphenol-based complex that forms a protective barrier on hair strands to reduce damage. Clinical trials have proven that a single use increases hair thickness by 19.22% and volume by 87.27%.

Its delivery and sustained-release mechanisms were published in the peer-reviewed international journal Advanced Materials Interfaces, offering strong scientific validation.

Grabity is formulated with a 100% vegan blend using EWG Grade 1 ingredients and has earned an Excellent rating from Germany’s Dermatest, fully aligning with the rising global demand for clean beauty. The shampoo is also packaged in sustainable containers made from recycled coconut shells.

Since its launch in Korea just one year ago, Grabity has become a runaway hit—recording over 1.2 million units sold and KRW20 billion (approx. USD15M) in cumulative sales. It famously sold out in just 39 minutes at Korea’s top H&B store Olive Young, with resale prices reaching up to five times retail. Its rapid sellout in Taiwan is seen as a strong signal for further expansion across Asia’s premium beauty market.

A Momo TV Shopping spokesperson stated, “Grabity is the perfect global partner, offering functionality, a compelling brand story, and a commitment to sustainability. We look forward to bringing more world-class brands to Taiwanese consumers.”

About Polyphenol Factory
Polyphenol Factory was founded in 2023 as a startup by faculty members of KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology). With a team of world-class scientists and young innovators, the company is commercializing cutting-edge technologies derived from natural polyphenols. With the vision of “innovating everyday life through science,” Polyphenol Factory is driving new waves of change in the global market.

Press Contact:
Anna Lee
yimijin@gmail.com

Manulife Shares Responsible AI Principles at Reuters Momentum AI Summit

Jodie Wallis, Global Chief Analytics Officer, Outlines How Manulife is Using AI Responsibly

C$ unless otherwise stated                                             TSX/NYSE/PSE: MFC     SEHK: 945

TORONTO, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Manulife’s Responsible AI Principles were shared during the Reuters Momentum AI Summit in New York last month. These principles guide the design, development, and deployment of Manulife’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions, which includes over 43 GenAI use cases in production, as of Q1 2025, an equivalent amount slated to be deployed across the organization by year end and over 450 ideas in evaluation1.

Manulife’s Responsible AI Principles empower the firm to deliver value from AI for its customers, colleagues and society. With the fast pace of change in AI, Manulife will evolve its Principles as it learns and grows, as the industry matures, and as new or updated regulations emerge. Manulife’s Responsible AI Principles are:

  • To use data and AI in ways that are aligned to the company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and Impact Agenda.
  • To prioritize the safety of customers, colleagues and organization through sound delivery and governance processes.
  • To endeavor to align AI efforts with a commitment to a sustainable future, by designing energy-efficient AI solutions and partnering with companies who share Manulife’s values.
  • To implement practices intended to make AI solutions and their use of data free from bias, explainable, and reliable, while maintaining the appropriate accountability for decision making.
  • To prioritize human agency and empower our colleagues to use AI tools to enhance their skills and experience, knowing these are crucial for the future.
  • To continually learn from and work with industry partners and AI experts to foster innovation and evolve our commitment to Responsible AI.

“As organizations increasingly rely on AI, being committed to responsible AI use is paramount and Manulife is proud to be a responsible AI steward,” says Karen Leggett, Global Chief Marketing Officer for Manulife. “GenAI is enabling us to better serve our customers, find innovative ways of working, and accelerate our ambition of becoming the most digital customer-centric company in our industry. At the same time, Manulife is taking great care to embed ethical AI principles in every application and workflow.”

______________________________

1 Manulife’s AI team has 450 employee-submitted ideas in queue for review.

Manulife is leading by example as Jodie Wallis, Global Chief Analytics Officer for Manulife, spoke at Reuters Momentum AI Summit in New York, where she, alongside industry leaders, discussed the future of artificial intelligence and its impact on global business. In her remarks, Wallis outlined how Manulife is using AI ethically and responsibly, providing benefits to customers while safeguarding their data and privacy.

“We are committed to harnessing AI responsibly, ensuring it aligns to our core values and supports our mission to make decisions easier and lives better,” says Wallis. “Our AI Principles highlight the importance of ethical adoption, and we are dedicated to cultivating a collaborative environment that tackles the complexities of AI while ensuring it remains safe, trustworthy, and beneficial for all.”

Manulife has been actively investing in and scaling AI capabilities since 2016. In the past three years, the firm has significantly increased the valuei enabled through advanced analytics and AI by expanding its AI solutions portfolio and increasing efficiency through data and AI platform investmentsii, all driven by the company’s responsible AI framework.

As of Q1 2025, Manulife has:

  • Over 43 GenAI use cases in production and over 450 ideas in evaluation
  • Approximately 200 data scientists and machine learning engineers
  • Global access to GenAI tools for all colleagues
  • A GenAI skills-building program for users, leaders and practitioners

The summit also provided a platform for Wallis to discuss the importance of educating and training colleagues on AI technologies.

“Empowering our workforce with the knowledge and skills to harness AI responsibly is crucial to our success and aligns with our commitment to a productive and ethical use of technology,” says Wallis.

Manulife expects its digital investments and capabilities, including AI-enabled enhancements, to generate a threefold return on investment over five years through 2027, with over $600 million of benefits2 realized in 2024 from our digital customer leadership initiatives globally. To learn more about Manulife’s AI progress, visit: manulife.com/AI

_____________________________________

2 The benefits from our global digital, customer leadership initiatives include expense saves, growth absorption, revenue benefits (margin businesses) and new business CSM growth (insurance). 

Caution regarding forward-looking statements

This document contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbour” provisions of Canadian provincial securities laws and the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to Manulife’s use of its digital capabilities, including AI and AI-enabled tools, and the expected benefits it expects to realize. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Certain material factors or assumptions are applied in making forward-looking statements, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations include but are not limited to general business and economic conditions; changes in laws and regulations with respect to the use of AI-enabled tools; our ability to execute our digital plans and to deploy future digital use cases; our ability to adapt products and services to the changing market; our ability to attract and retain key employees; and our ability to protect our intellectual property and exposure to claims of infringement from others. Additional information about material risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations may be found in our most recent annual and interim reports and elsewhere in our filings with Canadian and U.S. securities regulators.

The forward-looking statements in this document are, unless otherwise indicated, stated as of the date hereof. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

About Manulife  

Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, helping our customers make their decisions easier and lives better. With our global headquarters in Toronto, Canada, we operate as Manulife across Canada, Asia, and Europe, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, providing financial advice and insurance for individuals, groups and businesses. Through Manulife Wealth & Asset Management, we offer global investment, financial advice, and retirement plan services to individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members worldwide. At the end of 2024, we had more than 37,000 employees, over 109,000 agents, and thousands of distribution partners, serving over 36 million customers. We trade as ‘MFC’ on the Toronto, New York, and the Philippine stock exchanges, and under ‘945’ in Hong Kong. 
 
Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulife.com

Media Contact
Gina Simonis
617-840-4794
GSimonis@Manulife.com

Great Novel Therapeutics Biotech & Medicals Corporation (GNTbm) Presented Preclinical Data on GNTnm-38, an Novel Epigenetic Immune Activator, at the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting

TAIPEI, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — GNTbm (stock code: 7427, Taiwan) announced the preclinical data on GNTbm-38, an novel epigenetic immune activator for cancer immunotherapy. GNTbm-38 was presented as posters at the 2025 American Association of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, which is held in Chicago, USA, from May 30 to Jun 04, 2025.

Abstract: 2574

Title: Preclinical development of GNTbm-38, a novel class I histone deacetylase inhibitor, while combined with anti-VEGFR TKI or anti-PD-1 Ab: Assessment of immune activation and immune memory in cancer immunotherapy.

Session Date/Time: 6/2/2025, 1:30 PM-4:30 PM CT

Poster Board Number: 221

At present, there is no ICI-based drug combination for the treatment of advanced MSS colorectal cancer, which is a cold tumor. Studies have shown that epigenetic regulators such as class I HDAC inhibitors are an emerging and important drug component for combination therapy that can greatly increase the anti-cancer benefits of cancer immunotherapy. Therefore, rational drug combinations, containing class I HDACi, may provide opportunities in cancer immunotherapy.

GNTbm-38 is a new drug candidate independently developed by GNTbm. GNTbm-38 acts as a TME reprogramming regulator in immunotherapy. When combined with TKI, GNTbm-38 significantly improved tumor response rate and survival rate through synergistic effect by normalizing tumor vessels, increasing tumor antigen presentation, increasing activated CD8+ T cell infiltration into tumors, inducing memory T cell persistence, and inhibiting mobilization of immunosuppressive cells into tumors. On the other hand, treatment with GNTbm-38 plus anti-PD-1 antibody in the CT-26 model showed greatly improved tumor response rate and survival rate with a strong synergistic effect. Furthermore, in B-hPD-1/hPD-L1 mice (humanized model) subcutaneously injected with B-hPD-L1 CT-26 cells, treatment of pembrolizumab and GNTbm-38 resulted in a 46.5% inhibition on tumor growth. Therefore, our data provided a strong rationale to explore the combination of GNTbm-38 with anti-VEGF TKI with or without ICI. From these data GNTm-38 has been shown to display powerful induction of immune activation and immune memory in combination therapy with TKI/ICI against colon CT-26 cold tumor. Based on the in vitro, in vivo and preclinical studies, these data show that GNTbm-38 exhibits markedly superior pharmacokinetics, tolerability, and efficacy in animal models. It is expected to complete the US IND application by the end of 2025 and enter the clinical study.

About GNTbm-38

GNTbm-38 is a new chemical entity with potential as a pivotal drug component of a new generation of cancer immunotherapy independently developed by GNTbm. It is a drug candidate selected by an immuno-competent tumor-bearing animal testing platform, and has undergone many preclinical research studies to confirm that it has very outstanding anti-cancer activity in tumor microenvironment. GNTbm-38 is an oral drug with dual effects of epigenetic regulation of gene expression and immune activation, which is unique when compared to the mechanism of other epigenetic drugs. GNTbm-38 can remodel the tumor microenvironment (TME) through a unique epigenetic regulatory mechanism, including the cell composition and gene expression that affect the TME, so that “cold tumors” can be transformed into “hot tumors”, which can attract CTL to infiltrate into the TME, and at the same time, it can also reduce the attraction of immunosuppressive cells (such as : TAM, Treg, and MDSCs) into the TME, so as to achieve the remodeling of the TME, which is more conducive to obtaining the therapeutic benefits of cancer immunotherapy. GNTbm-38 monotherapy can be used in the treatment of hematological tumors, and GNTbm-38 can also be combined with a unique multi-kinase inhibitor or immune checkpoint inhibitor for treatment of a variety of solid tumors, mainly through a unique anti-cancer immune-regulating mechanism to achieve anti-cancer treatment goals.

About GNTbm

GNTbm (stock code: 7427, Taiwan) is a company that has conducted clinical trials and developed a new drug against advanced breast cancer on the market in Taiwan. The GNTbm R&D team has the ability to independently develop new drugs, and has multiple anti-cancer drug candidates with global development rights, with the goal of meeting the unmet clinical needs of patients with advanced cancers. GNTbm mainly focuses on the development of drugs with innovative mechanisms for the new generation of cancer immunotherapy, conducts clinical validation, and hopes to successfully provide novel immunotherapy with excellent efficacy and safety for varieties of cancer indications, to fulfil the unmet medical needs of patients around the world and improve the quality of life of patients.