CHANDLER, Ariz., July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — NovaSource Power Services (“NovaSource”), the world’s largest solar operations and maintenance (“O&M”) provider, has been selected by Equis as the long-term O&M partner for the Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub (“MREH”), a groundbreaking project set to become one of Australia’s largest batteries and a key driver of the nation’s clean energy transition.

MREH is uniquely positioned at the intersection of Victoria’s critical transmission corridors and capable of supporting three major Renewable Energy Zones: Murray River, Western Victoria, and South Victoria. Developed in partnership between the Victorian government owned SEC, and Equis, when it comes online in late 2025, the project will provide 600 megawatts of capacity and 1.6 gigawatt hours of storage.

Upon completion, MREH will rank among the world’s largest batteries with its 1.6 GWh total capacity. More than just an infrastructure project, MREH represents a key investment in Victoria’s clean energy future, directly supporting the state’s 2035 target of 95% renewable energy generation while setting new benchmarks for large-scale energy storage technology. 

“Being chosen by Equis to support this transformative project reflects NovaSource’s global leadership in asset optimization and utility-scale O&M,” said Irfan Bharde, SVP & Chief Commercial Officer at NovaSource Power Services.

Ayssar Alsayed, NovaSource’s Country Manager in Australia, added, “We’re proud to bring our expertise in performance engineering, predictive analytics, and system maintenance to ensure the MREH delivers lasting value for Australia’s energy future.”

Under the agreement, NovaSource will provide comprehensive O&M services, including 24/7/365 performance monitoring, predictive maintenance, and specialized support for energy systems. These solutions will maximize system uptime, energy yield, and long-term asset performance for the MREH.

This partnership further expands NovaSource’s growing footprint in APAC, reinforcing its role in advancing the region’s renewable energy landscape. By combining cutting-edge digital solutions with deep industry expertise and field services, NovaSource continues to lead the charge in optimizing renewable assets and powering the global energy transition.

About NovaSource Power Services

NovaSource Power Services (“NovaSource”), a portfolio company of Clairvest Group Inc. (“Clairvest”, TSX: CVG) and OMERS Private Equity, the private equity arm of OMERS, is the world’s largest independent solar operations and maintenance (“O&M”) provider, delivering excellence through data-driven strategies, innovative solutions, and a world-class culture of safety, integrity, and quality.

NovaSource’s comprehensive approach to total asset optimization in addition to operations and maintenance includes value engineering, performance analysis, strategic supply chain management, and advanced monitoring systems. The company operates in key global markets and across most U.S. states managing over 30GW of solar power plants. NovaSource’s expertise extends beyond solar and includes battery energy storage systems (BESS), offering a complete suite of services for the evolving renewable energy landscape. For more information about NovaSource Power Services, please visit www.novasourcepower.com or follow @NovaSourcePower on LinkedIn

Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/novasource_mreh_au.jpg
Logo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/novasource_logo.jpg

• Phase 2 POLARIS trial will evaluate the dosing, safety, and efficacy of HBM9378/WIN378 in patients with asthma, with an initial data readout expected in mid-2026
• HBM9378/WIN378 has the potential to be the first-to-market long-acting anti-TSLP antibody with twice-yearly dosing for asthma
  
• Extended dosing intervals could reduce treatment burden and improve outcomes for patients with advanced respiratory diseases 
  
• Global COPD clinical program planned to start in mid-2026

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. and ROTTERDAM, Netherlands and SHANGHAI, July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Harbour BioMed (the “Company”; HKEX: 02142), a global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of novel antibody therapeutics in immunology and oncology, today announced that its partner, Windward Bio AG (“Windward Bio”), has initiated the POLARIS clinical study, a global, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 study evaluating the dosing, safety, and efficacy of HBM9378/WIN378 in patients with asthma. Initial data are expected in mid-2026.

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition affecting approximately 300 million people worldwide, with prevalence continuing to rise. Despite the availability of treatment options, many patients experience persistent symptoms, frequent exacerbations, and reduced quality of life. Current therapies – mainly inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and bronchodilators – are inadequate for some patients, underscoring the urgent need for more effective, long-acting treatments that address the underlying disease mechanisms.

HBM9378/WIN378 is a potentially best-in-class, long-acting monoclonal antibody targeting thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), a well-validated cytokine that plays a key role in the development and progression of a wide array of immunological diseases, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This molecule has fully human sequences, offering a lower risk of immunogenicity and improved bioavailability compared to other TSLP-targeting therapies. It has been engineered to achieve a half-life extension and a silenced effector function and is subcutaneously administered. In a Phase 1 trial, HBM9378/WIN378 demonstrated an extended half-life, showed a low incidence of antidrug antibodies, and was safe and well tolerated up to the highest tested dose.

“We are pleased to see HBM9378/WIN378 advancing rapidly into global clinical development,” said Dr. Jingsong Wang, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Harbour BioMed. “This long-acting, fully human anti-TSLP antibody has demonstrated strong potential in previous preclinical and clinical studies. We believe it has the potential to address significant unmet needs for patients with asthma.”

HBM9378/WIN378 (also known as SKB378) started as a co-development project jointly conducted by Harbour BioMed and Kelun-Biotech, with both parties equally sharing global rights. Earlier this year, Harbour BioMed and Kelun-Biotech entered into a strategic partnership with Windward Bio, granting Windward Bio an exclusive license to research, develop, manufacture, and commercialize this antibody globally, excluding Greater China and several Southeast and West Asian countries.

In addition to asthma, HBM9378/WIN378 is also being evaluated in clinical trials for COPD, another major respiratory condition. In November 2024, the Company submitted an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for HBM9378/WIN378 in COPD to the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China, which was approved in January 2025. Additionally, Windward Bio plans to initiate global clinical trials in COPD in 2026. The continued progress of HBM9378/WIN378 in both asthma and COPD highlights the versatility and potential of this innovative therapy.

About Harbour BioMed
Harbour BioMed (HKEX: 02142) is a global biopharmaceutical company committed to the discovery and development of novel antibody therapeutics in immunology and oncology. The company is building a robust and differentiated pipeline through internal R&D capabilities, strategic global collaborations in co-discovery and co-development, and selective acquisitions.

Harbour BioMed’s proprietary antibody technology platform, Harbour Mice^®, generates fully human monoclonal antibodies in both the conventional two heavy and two light chain (H2L2) format and the heavy chain-only (HCAb) format. Building upon HCAb antibodies, the HCAb-based immune cell engagers (HBICE^®) bispecific antibody technology enables tumor-killing effects that traditional combination therapies cannot achieve. Additionally, the HCAb-based bispecific immune cell antagonist (HBICA^TM) technology empowers the development of innovative biologics for immunological and inflammatory diseases. By integrating Harbour Mice^®, HBICE^®, and HBICA^TM with a single B-cell cloning platform, Harbour BioMed has built a highly efficient and distinctive antibody discovery engine for developing next-generation therapeutic antibodies. For more information, please visit www.harbourbiomed.com.

About Windward Bio AG
Windward Bio is a clinical-stage biotechnology company with deep discovery, development and commercialization expertise committed to transforming the treatment of people living with advanced immunological conditions. Its lead program is WIN378, a potential best-in-disease, long-acting, anti-TSLP monoclonal antibody in Phase 2 for asthma. The company is planning additional clinical studies of WIN378 in COPD and other respiratory indications and is also building a pipeline of long-acting bi-specific antibodies targeting validated biology in respiratory and dermatological conditions. Windward Bio launched earlier this year with a $200M Series A led by top-tier investors.

A Global Celebration Unites Dermatologists, Influencers, and Innovators in New York City to Mark 20 Years of the Iconic Skincare Brand

NEW YORK, July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — It’s CeraVe-time to celebrate! CeraVe, the global skincare brand recommended by 80,000 dermatologists worldwide¹, is celebrating a major milestone: 20 years of skin barrier authority, championing barrier health and delivering effective, skin identical ceramide and MVE solutions to provide accessible, therapeutic skincare solutions for everybody everywhere.

Over the past two decades, CeraVe has catapulted from a local US derm-backed secret to a global phenomenon, building an inclusive brand that appeals to all genders and generations. What remains unchanged is the brand’s foundational insights: that most skin issues are linked to skin barrier disruption, and that skin identical ceramides are key to restoring and maintaining it. That insight began with three core products: Moisturizing Cream, Moisturizing Lotion and Hydrating Cleanser, and today powers a global portfolio of more than 90 barrier-supporting products. This unwavering dedication to its foundational insights, supported by its expertise as a skin barrier authority and its dermatologist-led development, has been the driving force behind CeraVe’s remarkable exponential expansion, leading to an impressive 10X growth since its inception, and crossing the $2 billion mark in global sales last year.

From the very beginning, CeraVe has revolutionized the skincare landscape as the first brand to be developed with dermatologists – not as a slogan, but as a guiding philosophy and scientific foundation. Every formula, every innovation, every product begins and ends with the expertise of dermatologists, from concept to counter (or store shelf); ensuring clinical efficacy, barrier health and results.

“CeraVe’s journey began and continues with dermatologists, ensuring superior skin health for all,” said Melanie Vidal, Global General Manager, CeraVe. “Through close collaboration, we’ve transformed their groundbreaking clinical insights into widely accessible, therapeutic solutions that truly enhance lives. As we celebrate two decades of CeraVe and our significant expansion into over 65 countries, we are more dedicated than ever to formulating trusted, barrier-focused products, developed in partnership with dermatologists, for every individual. This momentous occasion not only honors our past achievements but also ignites our drive for another twenty years of pioneering global skin health and advancing the science of the skin barrier.”

Key to CeraVe’s success is the unique formulation that pairs three skin-identical ceramides with trademarked MVE technology – a unique delivery system that releases ingredients gradually, providing hydration that goes 10 layers deep and lasts all day. From the beloved intense hydration of the AM & PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion for dry skin or the barrier-friendly approach of the new Anti-Dandruff Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner, each product is a direct result of clinical insight and consumer need. This dedication to tailored, dermatologist-developed solutions, consistently infused with ceramides and MVE technology, is why CeraVe has earned such profound trust and widespread recommendations from skin health professionals worldwide. Indeed, in the US and Canada, CeraVe proudly holds the #1 recommended position among key healthcare professionals, including dermatologists, pharmacists, and pediatricians², underscoring its broad acceptance and efficacy across various medical specialties.

To celebrate this significant accomplishment, CeraVe hosted a global celebration: a birthday bash in New York City that brought together some of the world’s most-followed dermatologists, including Dr. Muneeb Shah, Dr. Mamina Turegano, Dr. Evan A. Rieder, Dr. Ted Lain, Professor Michael Cork, Dr. Esther Freedman, Dr. Dustin Portela, Dr. Wallace Nozile, Dr. Zoe Draelos, Dr. Nkem Ugonabo, Dr. Oyetewa Asempa, Dr. Leena Ramani, and Dr. Toral Vaidya, as well as some of TikTok’s biggest stars, including Charli D’Amelio (@charlidamelio), and Ari@Home (@ariatinsta). The event was held on World Skin Health Day, allowing CeraVe to further amplify its message of accessible, dermatologist-developed skincare and its dedication to improving skin health worldwide, particularly through its commitment to providing access to dermatological care in under-resourced communities through the brand’s Care For All social impact program.

As CeraVe looks to the future, the brand remains steadfast in its commitment to dermatologist-developed, science-backed skincare solutions; it continuously pushes the boundaries of innovation. Recent launches highlight groundbreaking new formats within their comprehensive portfolio. For instance, the transformative Blemish Clay-to-Foam Cleanser offers a 3-in-1 solution for blemish-prone skin; it visibly reduces pimples and post-acne marks in just three days. The gentle cleansing Balancing Air Foam Facial Cleanser, designed for combination skin, features Breakthrough Glycolysine™ Technology, providing 8-Hour Oil Control and 24-Hour Hydration. Additionally, CeraVe Blemish Barrier Patches are now available; these leverage advanced hydrocolloid technology with 3 essential ceramides and niacinamide, visibly flattening blemishes in 3 hours, absorbing excess oil, and helping prevent post-acne marks. These innovations collectively underscore CeraVe’s dedication to accessible and cutting-edge skincare for all. Beyond skincare, CeraVe marked a significant milestone in the past year by successfully entering the brand new hair care category with its Anti-Dandruff and Gentle Haircare lines. The CeraVe Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner when used as a system eliminates up to 100% of visible flakes without disrupting the scalp barrier, while also alleviating symptoms of mild to moderate dandruff and leaving hair healthy and soft. This bold venture has notably been recognized as the most successful hair care launch according to Nielsen data³.

“As one of the first dermatologists involved in the development of CeraVe, I am proud to be part of a brand that has held true to their clinical roots,” said Dermatologist Dr. Zoe Draelos. “CeraVe remains committed to involving dermatologists in the development and testing process – that’s why it’s one of the most effective skincare brands.  It will be exciting to see the future brand innovations, as my fellow dermatologists continue to seek out accessible, beneficial skincare products for all.” 

Beyond its scientific rigor, CeraVe has consistently engaged its audience through its signature “medutainment” style – a unique blend of education and entertainment – with a series of noteworthy campaigns over the past two decades. From the iconic Michael CeraVe Super Bowl commercial that playfully embraced the brand’s name, to the destigmatizing of dandruff with the “Head of CeraVe” campaign, and most recently, its Sarah V. GOAT mascot, CeraVe has masterfully utilized these platforms to get its core messaging across and re-emphasize its status as a brand developed with dermatologists.

¹Source: Survey conducted among the dermocosmetic market carried out by APLUSA and its other partners between January 2024 and May 2024, involving dermatologists in 29 countries

²Source: The #1 recommended positions are supported by the following:

• US Dermatologists: CeraVe is the #1 recommended position among dermatologists in the US. Source: IQVIA, ProVoice Survey, rolling 12-month data as of January 2025.
• US Pharmacists: CeraVe is the #1 Pharmacist Recommended Skincare Brand in US. Based on an independent national survey of pharmacists, June 2025.
• US Pediatricians: CeraVe is the #1 Pediatrician Recommended Skincare Brand in US. Based on ProVoice National Pediatrician Survey, June 2024.
• Canada Healthcare Professionals: CeraVe is the N°1 General Practitioners (or Doctor) recommended brand, N°1 Pediatricians recommended brand, N°1 Pharmacists recommended brand, and N°1 Healthcare Professionals recommended brand in Canada. Source: IQVIA, Provoice Survey Q2 2024 – Q1 2025.

³Source: Nielsen Data

About CeraVe: 
Founded in 2005 and developed with dermatologists, CeraVe is the first and only brand to offer a complete line of products containing essential ceramides and MVE technology to help restore the skin’s natural protective barrier. CeraVe has a full line of skincare products to follow the dermatologist-recommended steps of: cleanse, treat, moisturize and protect. The brand’s mission is to provide therapeutic skincare for all. For more information, visit the brand on Facebook (@ceraveusa), Instagram (@cerave), TikTok (@cerave), X (@cerave) or at www.cerave.com.

Dr. Ted Lain and Tom Allison

CeraVe 20th Birthday Panel

Dr. Dustin Portela

Dr. Ted Lain

CeraVe 20th Birthday Attendees

DUBAI, UAE, July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, released a new decentralized finance (DeFi) report, encapsulating significant shifts in the sector with real-world assets (RWA) and decentralized exchanges (DEXs) as new drivers. Unlike the frenzy of DeFi Summer of 2020, institutional adoption and utility-focused applications are fueling today’s market.

Key Insights

• DeFi’s Institutional Play: Regulatory clarity stemming from events such as the GENIUS Act and Circle’s IPO has spurred institutional interest in DeFi lending and tokenized assets. Backed by the mainstreaming of stablecoins, DeFi’s integration with traditional finance has been driven by institutional interest. Total DeFi lending deposits reached $67.8 billion across platforms including Aave, Morpho, and Maple Finance. RWA platforms like Securitize, Ondo Finance, and Franklin Templeton are enabling yield opportunities backed by US Treasuries, bridging crypto and mainstream investing.
• DEXs Challenge Centralized Players: Hyperliquid leads perpetual futures trading with $1.27 trillion in year-to-date volume, showing DEXs can play in the same league as CEXs. This has encouraged hybrid platforms like Byreal, which combine CEX liquidity with DeFi transparency.
• Divergent Performance: While RWA and DEX sectors flourish, AI-related DeFi (DeFAI) tokens face declining interest and liquid staking growth remains constrained by token volatility.

The report approaches the state of play in DeFi with sector highlights from all aspects,  demonstrating DeFi’s transition toward utility-focused applications anchored in real-world use cases. As institutional RWA adoption accelerates and hybrid solutions emerge, DeFi positions itself as on-chain financial infrastructure, combining centralized finance performance with decentralized transparency.

#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk / #BybitReport

About Bybit

Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 70 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

Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube

Bhatia joins Ascenda following senior roles at American Express, Chase, and Wells Fargo to grow the company’s ecosystem of financial institutions and merchants into an unprecedented 2-sided commerce network powering transformational marketing outcomes

NEW YORK, July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ascenda, the loyalty company that powers growth for the world’s leading brands, today announced the appointment of Abeer Bhatia as President, Strategy & Growth, to help spearhead its 2-sided network strategy and business development.

This senior-level addition underscores Ascenda’s commitment to driving transformational outcomes for top-tier banks and large merchants in ways that bust through the limitations of established rewards marketing models.

Bhatia is a distinguished payments and consumer banking executive with experience spanning two decades of senior leadership roles, having conceived and built many of the industry’s most impactful rewards propositions at the largest scale. At American Express, he led the pioneering acquisition of Loyalty Partner / Payback and rapid expansion of everyday rewards programs across tens of millions of customers globally. At JPMorgan Chase, he conceptualized and executed the bank’s entry into merchant advertising with Chase Offers, alongside other groundbreaking product launches such as Credit Journey, MyChaseLoan, and MyChasePlan. And most recently, at Wells Fargo, he helped drive innovation and growth with products like Flex Loan and as CEO Personal Lending & Enterprise Payments.

“Abeer’s track record of conceiving and launching transformational propositions that unlock value for financial institutions, customers, and merchants aligns perfectly with our vision to scale,” said Kyle Armstrong, CEO of Ascenda. “This appointment catapults us forward as we work to deliver radically bigger outcomes for our largest clients.”

“I am thrilled to join Ascenda at this pivotal moment in the evolution of financial services,” said Bhatia. “Forward-thinking banks are looking to innovate and create new, differentiated value propositions while fundamentally improving economics. Ascenda’s global two-sided commerce ecosystem is the ideal platform to transform bank-merchant marketing to deliver significantly greater customer value and financial returns for network participants.”

About Ascenda

Ascenda powers many of the world’s most iconic financial services products, enabling high-value, personalized rewards experiences that drive profitable behavior. With over a decade of proven results, an unrivaled roster of top-tier global clients, and enterprise-grade technology, Ascenda is trusted by leading brands to deliver growth outcomes, eliminate complexity, and create extraordinary customer experiences. For more information, please visit ascenda.com

• VFS Global expands passport, ID, and birth registration service capabilities with new renewal centres for South African citizens in Auckland and Wellington in New Zealand and Sydney and Melbourne in Australia
• VFS Global is the official outsourcing partner for the DHA Services Centre for consular services in Australia and New Zealand for the Republic of South Africa

AUCKLAND, New Zealand and SYDNEY, July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — With many South African nationals residing outside of their home country, the need for easy direct access to government and consular services is becoming more imperative than ever before. To deliver this service, the Home Affairs Department has extended its partnership with VFS Global to launch passports, ID, and birth registration services in Australia and New Zealand with newly opened centres in Auckland and Wellington in New Zealand and Sydney and Melbourne in Australia.

Inauguration of South Africa DHA Services Centre in Sydney by Honourable Minister of Home Affairs for the Republic of South Africa Dr. Leon Schreiber (first from right)

The DHA Services Centre in Auckland (New Zealand) was inaugurated on 15 July 2025 by H.E. Mr. Johnny Sexwale, South African High Commissioner to New Zealand on behalf of the Minister of Home Affairs, while the Sydney and Melbourne (Australia) were inaugurated on 16 July 2025 and 18 July 2025, respectively, by Honourable Minister of Home Affairs for the Republic of South Africa Dr. Leon Schreiber. The DHA Services Centre in Wellington has also started operations.

By leveraging scalable and intuitively designed services in the passport application and consular services domain, VFS Global delivers on a range of key requirements from online appointment booking and customer support to front-office services, biometric enrolment and doorstep return-delivery of passports and other documentation requirements.

Jiten Vyas, Chief Commercial Officer, VFS Global, added, “We would like to thank the Department of Home Affairs in the Republic of South Africa for its continued faith in us. Our focus and commitment will be to provide world-class service to the South African diaspora in Australia and New Zealand to ease the passport renewal process for South African nationals.”

Australia:

• Melbourne: Level 5, 332 St Kilda Road, Melbourne 3004
• Sydney: Level 6, 88 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW 2000
• Business hours: 9AM to 5PM

New Zealand:

• Auckland: Huawei Center, Level 8, 120 Albert Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
• Wellington: Level 6, 50 Manners Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
• Business hours: 9AM to 4PM

For more, visit:

• Australia: https://services.vfsglobal.com/aus/en/zap 
• New Zealand: https://services.vfsglobal.com/nzl/en/zap/