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United Imaging Teases Multi-modality “Provider Success” Product Launches at AHRA 2025

The newly FDA-cleared uMR® Ultra and the uOmniscan™ are the first major announcements leading into the AHRA Annual Meeting in Las Vegas.

HOUSTON, Aug. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — United Imaging, a global manufacturer of modern medical imaging technology, will again be among the largest exhibitors at AHRA 2025 in Las Vegas, the Association for Medical Imaging Management, with a very hands-on, interactive display of new software and hardware technology.

Building on examples of how it helps healthcare providers be successful, the company will showcase its breadth and scale across 85 countries (including its North American headquarters in Texas), its portfolio of six related companies, and constantly growing U.S. product portfolio, while also highlighting in very granular terms what makes them unique in the U.S. market.

Among the latest examples of United Imaging’s growing product set is the uMR Ultra, which received FDA clearance approximately two weeks ago and is now commercially available. The uMR Ultra is an advanced 3T MRI system that can observe and analyze body movement within the scan with detailed visualizations, expanding the system’s clinical applications. Building on this foundation, the uAIFI.LIVE platform on uMR Ultra represents a dynamic imaging innovation specifically tailored for motion visualization, enabling the transition of MRI from static “photography” to dynamic “videography.” Within United Imaging’s booth at AHRA customers will be able to see and feel its next-generation high-density coils and understand the power they bring to better patient care.

These coils, manufactured in-house, are also an example of the company’s strong vertical integration strategy.  Jeffrey M. Bundy, Ph.D., CEO of United Imaging Healthcare North America, commented: “vertical integration in manufacturing leads to speed, quality, and cost controls, which all benefit healthcare providers. Since we have manufacturing for almost all core components not only in-house but under one factory roof, we can be more nimble and mitigate the risk of delays that can come from working with too many third parties. This same approach also gives us stronger control over quality. Finally, with the cost savings we achieve by controlling our process from concept-to-launch, we invest in customer benefits such as Software Upgrades for Life, the United Performance Guarantee, and All-in Configurations – programs that improve cost-of-ownership for providers and keep their equipment modern, and are still unmatched after seven years.”

Another example of “Provider Success” that United Imaging will launch at its booth is uOmniscan, United Imaging’s multi-modality, multi-vendor, and multi-site remote scanning solution. It enables Technologists to perform MR scans remotely and provide real time assistance on difficult exams, regardless of where the exam is being performed. This cloud-based software provides solutions to many access challenges facing imaging providers today including; staff shortages, complex scanning, screening programs, scientific research, mobile MR scanning and fulfills United Imaging’s bold mission to provide Equal Healthcare for All™. United Imaging will be conducting live demos of this technology throughout AHRA.

Other hands-on features of United Imaging’s booth will include: the popular and highly mobile uDR® 380i Pro which attendees can drive on an obstacle course; our uMI PET/CT display showcasing how our industry-leading technology enables expanded services for Theranostics and beyond; and an interactive artificial intelligence display on the uCT® ATLAS (fulfilling United Imaging’s promise of Software Upgrades for Life™, United Imaging’s Computed Tomography (uCT) customers are receiving a software update with seven new AI features, such as deep learning iterative reconstructions that improve signal, contrast, and resolution while allowing lower dose imaging). 

Another aspect of Provider Success for United Imaging is demystifying technologies like AI, and their breakfast symposium at AHRA will aim to do just that. Demystifying AI: The Fundamentals of AI for Provider Success will take place Tuesday August 5th at 7am over breakfast and is eligible for a learning credit.

United Imaging will release an additional product announcement following its Provider Success product launch at AHRA, which will take place at booth #227 at 11:30am on Monday, August 4th.

ABOUT UNITED IMAGING

At United Imaging, we develop and produce advanced medical products, digital healthcare solutions, and intelligent solutions that cover the entire process of imaging diagnosis and treatment. Founded in 2011, our company has subsidiaries and R&D centers across the world. Our North American headquarters in Houston includes our corporate offices, factory, product showroom, service training center, and service parts distribution center. With a cutting-edge digital portfolio and a mission of Equal Healthcare for All™, we help drive industry progress and bold change.

HZICC: Hangzhou weaves global bonds through sister cities

HANGZHOU, China, Aug. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Three-year-old Yu Shuya of Hangzhou proudly donned his Brazil jersey to greet 42-year-old Brazilian lawyer and rising political star, Renato de Almeida Freitas Junior. The excited boy instantly liked his first-time visitor over football. Deeply touched by this genuine warmth, Renato said later, “Hangzhou residents are just as hospitable as Brazilians!”

Talking about Hangzhou’s sister-city ties with Curitiba since 2001, Renato expressed full confidence that football could bring the cities closer. He envisioned joint grassroots training programs for coaches, players or youth teams.

Hangzhou’s global network thrives, maintaining 31 sister-city relationships and exchanging with 46 friendship cities across five continents as of July, 2025.

Hangzhou International Communication Center (HZICC) has been leveraging these ties to foster people-to-people exchanges. Its “A Tale of Two Cities” series features in-depth dialogues between Hangzhou residents and their counterparts from sister cities worldwide. Participants include Boston marathoners sharing sports stories, Bangkok conductors discussing music’s global dimensions, and New Zealand’s Queenstown tourism experts exploring collaborative travel models.

When Italian documentary filmmaker Leonardo Cinieri Lombroso met Hangzhou-based producer Gu Jiafeng, their conversation spanned from careers to connections, revealing how many shared traits are hidden between Verona and Hangzhou, two culturally rich cities. For teachers and students from Rockwell College and Hangzhou High School Qiantang, they found it fantastic to join Neil Charles Clarke, CEO of Ireland China Culture and Education Center, to start a dialogue on educational innovation and cultural exchange in digital age between Hangzhou and Cork.

Four young British young men discussed future cities and entrepreneurship as the tie between Hangzhou and Leeds goes closer. Max Wheatley, student of SOAS University of London, said at the end of the round-table dialogue:”A similarity between two people might be enough to cause initial connection and then the difference might be what actually become the enjoyable thing that solidifies the friendship.”

In April 2025, Niš, Republic of Serbia and Hangzhou signed a memorandum for friendly cooperation. HZICC brought city promos and citizen greetings to Serbia, where locals eagerly shared their China connections – including a Red Star Belgrade museum curator and an elderly lotus enthusiast who left a heartfelt message “Friendship lasts forever”. Ahead of the 10th anniversary of city friendship with Istanbul, HZICC engaged prominent Turkish archaeologists including Nezih Başgelen and Murat Sav who showed keen interest in Hangzhou’s Liangzhu Civilization with a commemorative Göbekli Tepe pottery carving.

First Subject Enrolled in Phase 1 Clinical Trial for Luye Pharma’s Investigational Antidepressant Targeting NET/DAT/GABAAR

SHANGHAI, Aug. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Luye Pharma Group today announced that the first subject has been enrolled in a Phase 1 clinical trial in China for its LY03021, which was filed through China’s Class 1 pathway for innovative drugs. LY03021 is an inhibitor of the norepinephrine transporter (NET), the dopamine transporter (DAT), and a gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor-positive allosteric modulator (GABAAR PAM), intended for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).

MDD has a high prevalence rate, a high disability rate, and a high recurrence rate. In China, the lifetime prevalence of this disease is 3.4%, and the 12-month prevalence is 2.1%.[1] Existing antidepressants have failed to deliver satisfactory response and remission rates, their onset of action usually takes 2 to 4 weeks, [2] and patients taking them may have multiple residual symptoms and adverse reactions. Therefore, how to quickly and effectively control the symptoms of MDD and further improve the efficacy of antidepressants and patient prognosis is a challenge in developing such drugs today.

The onset of MDD is believed to be closely associated with imbalances in brain neurotransmitters, including serotonin (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Among them, GABA has emerged as a key therapeutic target for psychiatric disorders. A series of studies have implied critical roles of the altered GABAergic system, the major inhibitory signaling system of the central nervous system (CNS), in the pathogenesis of MDD.[3] There is also evidence that GABAergic interneurons are involved in depression-related behaviors and rapid antidepressant responses.[4] However, current antidepressants often excessively activate the synaptic GABAA receptor (subtype α1β2γ2), leading to adverse reactions such as excessive sedation, drowsiness, and even confusion. These side effects pose challenges such as a narrow therapeutic window and dose limitations.

Developed on Luye Pharma’s New Chemical Entity/New Therapeutic Entity (NCE/NTE) platform, LY03021 acts on all of the three targets: NET, DAT, and GABAAR, a novel mechanism of action (MoA) that makes it a potential first-in-class antidepressant. By targeting synaptic GABAA receptor (subtype α1β2γ2) and extrasynaptic GABAA receptor (subtype α4β3δ) at a more appropriate binding ratio, this drug enhances the GABAergic activation of GABAA receptors, regulates the glutamate/GABA balance in the brain, inhibits the excessive activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and rapidly relieves depressive symptoms. At the same time, it also increases NE and DA levels in the brain by inhibiting NET and DAT, significantly improving core symptoms in addition to anhedonia and sexual dysfunction in MDD patients. Through the wake-promoting effects of NE and DA, it also reduces adverse reactions such as sedation, drowsiness, and loss of consciousness caused by GABA receptor activation.

Non-clinical studies showed that LY03021 significantly inhibited depressive symptoms in animal models 24 hours after administration, and continuous administration could maintain the efficacy until the end of a 21-day study. Apart from its rapid onset of action and sustained efficacy, this drug also has a good safety profile, for its NOAEL (no-observed-adverse-effect-level) is 50 times above its effective dose.

The Phase 1 clinical trial recently initiated in China is a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-escalation study designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic profile of LY03021 in healthy subjects.

There is a huge demand for CNS drugs, including those for treating MDD. However, new drug development in this area has been relatively slow. Luye Pharma has obtained marketing authorizations for a number of internationally competitive innovative drugs and formulations in China, the U.S., Japan, and other markets. Here are some examples: Erzofri® (paliperidone palmitate) extended-release injectable suspension and Rykindo® (risperidone) for extended-release injectable suspension, both approved for marketing in the U.S.; Rivastigmine Twice Weekly Transdermal Patch, which has been approved for marketing in multiple European countries, Japan, and China; and Ruoxinlin® (Toludesvenlafaxine Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets) and Jinyouping® (Rotigotine Microspheres for Injection), both have been approved for marketing in China. In addition, the company is also conducting clinical studies for several other investigational drugs filed through China’s Class 1 pathway, such as LY03020, which targets TAAR1 and 5-HT2CR, LY03015, which targets VMAT2 and Sigma1, and LY03017, which targets 5-HT2AR and 5-HT2CR. 

[1] Yueqin Huang, Yu Wang, Hong Wang, et al. Prevalence of mental disorders in China: a cross-sectional epidemiological study. Lancet Psychiatry.2019 Mar;6(3):211-224.

[2] Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Depressive Disorders in China (2nd Edition). Compiled by the Chinese Society of Psychiatry. Chinese Medical Multimedia Press.

[3] Jiao Zou et al. The efficacy and safety of some new GABAkines for treatment of depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis from randomized controlled trials. Psychiatry Research. Volume 328, October 2023, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115450

[4] Manoela V Fogaça et al. Inhibition of GABA interneurons in the mPFC is sufficient and necessary for rapid antidepressant responses. Mol Psychiatry. 2020 Oct 17;26(7):3277–3291. doi: 10.1038/s41380-020-00916-y

 

About Luye Pharma Group

Luye Pharma Group is an international pharmaceutical company dedicated to developing, manufacturing, and selling innovative medications. With R&D centers in China, the U.S., and Europe, the company is an international leader in novel drug delivery systems such as microspheres, liposomes, and transdermal patches. It also has multiple innovative products in two categories: new chemical entities and antibodies. From 2021 to 2025, the company has had a total of 13 new drugs approved for marketing, with each of them in one or multiple countries such as the U.S., several European countries, Japan, and China.

The company has 8 manufacturing facilities worldwide, which follow the internationally accepted, GMP-compliant quality management and control systems. To date, the company has launched over 30 products in the central nervous system (CNS), oncology, cardiovascular and other therapeutic areas. It conducts business in over 80 countries and regions, including major pharmaceutical markets such as China, the U.S., Europe, and Japan, and also including fast-growing emerging markets.

 

Laos to Enforce Strict Penalties on Tobacco Companies Failing to Comply with New Graphic Warning Regulations

Samples of the newly graphic on health warnings on cigarette packs

The Lao Ministry of Health is stepping up efforts to reduce smoking by strictly enforcing new rules on cigarette packaging.

“Colorful Guizhou” Shines in Kuala Lumpur – Guizhou Culture and Tourism Promotion Conference Held Successfully in Malaysia


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 August 2025 – In an effort to deepen cultural and tourism cooperation between China and Malaysia and further expand into the Southeast Asian market, the Guizhou Culture and Tourism Promotion Conference, hosted by the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guizhou Province, was successfully held in Kuala Lumpur on August 1.

"Colorful Guizhou" Shines in Kuala Lumpur – Guizhou Culture and Tourism Promotion Conference Held Successfully in Malaysia
“Colorful Guizhou” Shines in Kuala Lumpur – Guizhou Culture and Tourism Promotion Conference Held Successfully in Malaysia

The event brought together representatives from Tourism Malaysia, and the Selangor Tourism, leading Malaysian tourism industry stakeholders, and prominent members of the local media. The gathering served as a strong platform to foster future collaboration between Guizhou and Malaysia in the fields of culture and tourism.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Wang Lin, Director of the Publicity and Promotion Division of Guizhou’s Department of Culture and Tourism, delivered a vivid introduction to Guizhou’s diverse tourism offerings. From the majestic Huangguoshu Waterfall, to the emerald landscapes of Xiaoqikong in Libo—dubbed “The Green Jewel on the Earth’s Waistline”, to the intricate silver craftsmanship of the Miao ethnic group, and the ethereal Grand Songs of the Dong people, Guizhou’s natural beauty and cultural richness were on full display.

Ms. Wang also highlighted Guizhou’s popular summer destinations such as “Refreshing Guiyang” and “China’s Cool Capital – Liupanshui”, as well as signature cultural phenomena like the “Village Super League” (Cun Chao) and “Village Basketball Association” (Cun BA). She noted that these grassroots sports events have attracted international attention and reflect the province’s vibrancy and innovative spirit. Ms. Wang expressed strong hopes for increasing tourism exchanges and welcomed more Malaysian visitors to explore Guizhou’s unique charm.

Ms. Wen Weiya, Director of the Guizhou International Mountain Tourism Development Center, introduced the International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA)—a global organization headquartered in Guizhou committed to promoting sustainable mountain tourism development. She showcased mountain-rich regions such as Qianxinan Prefecture, and extended an open invitation to Malaysian tourism professionals to attend the International Mountain and Outdoor Tourism Conference in Guizhou later this year.

Representing the Selangor Tourism, Mr. Mohd Haffez Hanip, Manager of Industry Development, stakeholder and Government Affairs, praised Guizhou’s breathtaking landscapes and cultural depth. “Guizhou’s scenery is truly mesmerizing, offering world-class tourism experiences. Selangor looks forward to forging stronger ties with Guizhou, jointly exploring new market opportunities and advancing the prosperity of both regions’ tourism sectors,” he said.

The conference also featured remarks and discussions from other distinguished guests, including Mr. Khan Keng Yi, Deputy President of the Malaysia-China Folklore Culture Tourism Association, and Datuk Ge Yamei, CEO of Mango Media Malaysia. Participants shared insights on topics such as market collaboration, tourism product development, and cross-border promotional strategies.The Guizhou delegation actively engaged with local travel agencies and media representatives, introducing the province’s tourism highlights, modern transportation infrastructure, and recent cultural-tourism integration efforts. Discussions also explored opportunities for collaboration in areas such as sports tourism (Cun Chao & Cun BA), educational exchange, and tea culture promotion, laying the groundwork for future joint initiatives.

A spokesperson from the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guizhou noted, “This promotional event marks a pivotal moment in strengthening ties between ‘Colorful Guizhou’ and Malaysia’s tourism industry. We value the deepening friendship and the tremendous potential for mutual growth and cooperation.”

As part of its broader Southeast Asia engagement strategy, the Guizhou delegation will continue its outreach efforts at the MITM Travel Fair 2025, held in Kuala Lumpur from August 1–3. Throughout the exhibition, the delegation will showcase the many facets of “Colorful Guizhou” through immersive displays and interactive sessions, extending a warm invitation to Malaysian travelers to experience Guizhou’s cool climate, dramatic landscapes, and rich ethnic heritages.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Launch of Global Impact Champions Awards for Financial Health

SINGAPORE, Aug. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN) has launched the inaugural Global Impact Champions Awards, with the 2025 theme being Financial Health. These awards spotlight FinTech startups delivering scalable solutions that improve people’s financial lives – helping individuals manage daily needs, build resilience to shocks, plan for a secure future, and feel confident about their finances.

Winning FinTech startups from around the world will be awarded up to US$1 million, subject to terms and conditions. Winners will be presented the awards and invited to speak at the Singapore FinTech Festival (SFF) 2025 in November, attended by a global audience of over 60,000 participants from more than 135 countries. The winners will be informally showcased at the GFTN International Advisory Board (IAB) meeting in The Hague in October.

Financial inclusion is a means to an end. Financial health is the outcome we need, where people can manage daily needs, plan for the future, handle shocks, and feel confident about their financial lives,” Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Financial Health and Chair of GFTN IAB, said during the 2024 Singapore FinTech Festival.

Why Financial Health is the Next Step to Financial Inclusion?

“A decade of fintech innovation has shown us that financial inclusion is only the start. What truly matters is financial health – helping people manage daily needs, plan for the future, withstand shocks, and gain confidence in their financial lives. The Global Impact Champions Awards for Financial Health is GFTN’s effort to discover the impact makers – those who not only build systems but also transform lives,” said Sopnendu Mohanty, Group CEO of GFTN.

Awards’ Significance

Financial access is expanding – eight in ten adults now have an account, but access alone does not ensure financial health. In a world shaped by economic volatility, rising debt, and the disruptive effects of AI and automation, too many people remain financially insecure. Only one in three adults globally could cover two months of expenses after an income loss, underscoring the urgent need to strengthen household resilience.

While FinTech innovation has expanded the reach of financial services, real progress depends on improving outcomes and ensuring that people can manage daily needs, navigate uncertainty, and plan for the future with confidence.

The Global Impact Champions Awards for Financial Health aim to accelerate this shift by spotlighting innovators who deliver measurable improvements in people’s financial lives. The awards will recognise FinTech’s potential to move beyond access toward inclusive, AI-enabled solutions that build long-term financial wellbeing, agency and security.

Why Award FinTech Startups?

  • FinTech startups are reimagining financial services to improve people’s financial health, not just expanding access.
  • Many are developing solutions that help users budget, save, build credit safely, plan ahead and manage unexpected shocks.
  • They are leveraging emerging technologies, such as AI, blockchain, and mobile-first platforms, to deliver inclusive, data-driven and user-centric financial tools.
  • Yet despite their promise, startups remain under-recognized in global efforts to strengthen resilience and wellbeing.
  • By awarding FinTech startups, GFTN seeks to accelerate investment and visibility for high-potential ventures delivering tangible, scalable improvements in people’s financial lives.

Dates to Note: 

  • 1 August 2025: Awards open. Click here for the Application form.
  • 7 September 2025, 2359 hours (SGT): Awards submission close.
  • 29 October 2025: Top 3 finalists will be informally showcased at GFTN IAB Meeting at The Hague, the Netherlands.
  • 12 – 14 November 2025: Formal award ceremony at the SFF 2025.

About the Singapore FinTech Festival 2025

The Singapore FinTech Festival (SFF) 2025, organised by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN) and Constellar, in collaboration with the Association of Banks in Singapore, will be held from 12 – 14 November 2025, marking its 10th anniversary. This year’s event will focus on celebrating a decade of innovation and collaboration in the FinTech industry, while also addressing critical challenges in global finance to shape the next decade. The Insights Forum will be held from 10 – 11 November 2025.

About GFTN

The Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN) is a Singapore-headquartered organisation that leverages technology and innovation to create more efficient, resilient, and inclusive financial systems through global collaboration. GFTN hosts a worldwide network of forums (including its flagship event, the Singapore FinTech Festival); advises governments and companies on policies and the development of digital ecosystems and innovation within the financial sector; offers digital infrastructure solutions; and plans to invest in financial technology startups through its upcoming venture fund, with a focus on inclusion and sustainability. GFTN is a not-for-profit organisation established by the MAS in 2024.

For more information on the awards, please visit GFTN Global Impact Champions Awards or contact the Impact Champions Awards Team at impactawards@gftn.com.

Note: The International Advisory Board and the Office of the UNSGSA are not involved in reviewing applications or selecting finalists and will not be informed of applicants or candidate details.

Thai-Cambodian Cyberwarriors Battle on Despite Truce

Cambodia and Thailand: Border dispute intensifies with legal and diplomatic efforts underway.

Lao, Korean Flavors Come Alive at “Thongtaek Tastes of Korea” in Vientiane

Thongtaek Food Festival: The taste of Korea

A three-day cultural food event called “Thongtaek Tastes of Korea” is taking place from 1 to 3 August, at Parkson Shopping Center in Vientiane.