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Australia, Japan Provide Learning Materials to Flood-Hit Schools in Northern Laos

By
Public Diplomacy
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Australia and Japan have provided thousands of textbooks and learning materials to more than 40 educational institutions affected by August floods in northern Laos.

Heavy rain on 29 and 30 August caused flash floods across northern Laos, damaging schools in Luang Namtha and Oudomxay provinces and destroying textbooks and other learning materials.

More than 40 educational institutions across the two provinces were affected, with primary schools accounting for more than half. Floodwaters and landslides damaged school buildings, furniture, electrical systems, textbooks, teacher guides, and learning equipment.

The Ministry of Education and Sports has received emergency support from Australia and Japan to replace lost learning materials and help affected schools resume normal classes.

Australia, through the BEQUAL programme, provided 3,651 textbooks for students in Grades 1 to 5, covering Lao language, science and the environment, and English. It also supplied 6,550 notebooks, 6,330 pencils, nearly 900 storybooks and practice books, more than 500 educational posters, and sports equipment, including footballs, volleyballs, rattan balls, and badminton sets.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) provided 2,692 primary mathematics textbooks for students in Grades 1 to 5.

Officials handed over the materials on 13 October in Vientiane. Michael Currie, first secretary at the Australian Embassy, and Nobuyuki Kobe, senior representative at the JICA Laos office, presented them to Vilayphone Phommahaxay, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Education and Sports.

Schools Face Long Recovery

Vilayphone said schools had cleaned and repaired their facilities after floodwaters receded, allowing students to return to class. However, some buildings suffered structural damage from erosion and still require repairs or reconstruction.

Provincial education authorities in both provinces have worked with disaster management committees to assess the damage and prepare recovery plans for provincial authorities.

The Ministry of Education and Sports has also allocated emergency construction funding through the Global Partnership for Education Phase 3 programme to rebuild the primary school building in Na Teuy village, Namtha District, Luang Namtha Province.

Vilayphone thanked Australia and JICA for their support, saying that education must continue despite the disruption caused by natural disasters.

“By helping schools replace essential learning materials damaged by the floods, we aim to reduce disruption, support teachers, and create better conditions for students to continue learning during the recovery period,” Currie said.

Kobe said JICA’s mathematics textbooks would replace books damaged or destroyed by the floods and help teachers organise lessons while giving students the materials they need to continue learning.

Editor’s Note: This article was contributed by BEQUAL Laos. Views and information presented are those of the contributing organization.

FPG Fortune Prime Global Takes Part in Forex Expo Dubai 2026 Alongside AC Milan Activities

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Advertorial Desk
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DUBAI, UAE – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 October 2026 – FPG Fortune Prime Global (fortuneprime.com) participated in Forex Expo Dubai 2026, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 22 to 23 September 2026. At Booth #101, the FPG team met with traders, partners and financial industry professionals from different markets, creating opportunities for face-to-face discussions, industry exchange and networking.

FPG Fortune Prime Global Takes Part in Forex Expo Dubai 2026 Alongside AC Milan Activities

Alongside its participation in the expo, FPG Fortune Prime Global also joined forces with AC Milan for a series of activities in Dubai. AC Milan legend Christian Panucci made a special appearance, meeting guests and football fans and adding a sporting element to the programme.

Market Exchange and Partnership Opportunities

The two-day Forex Expo Dubai 2026 brought together traders, businesses and financial professionals from international markets. Throughout the event, FPG Fortune Prime Global welcomed visitors to Booth #101, where discussions covered market developments, trading tools and potential partnership opportunities.
The event also gave the FPG team an opportunity to better understand the priorities of participants from different regions. Through direct conversations, the company exchanged industry perspectives, strengthened existing connections and explored potential areas for future cooperation.

Christian Panucci Joins FPG in Dubai

During the expo, Christian Panucci joined FPG at Booth #101 for a specially arranged Meet & Greet. Panucci met and took photos with guests and football fans, bringing AC Milan’s Rossoneri spirit to attendees in Dubai.
Beyond the exhibition floor, FPG Fortune Prime Global and AC Milan also hosted an exclusive partner event for clients, guests and partners. Panucci attended the event and interacted with participants in person. Together, the Meet & Greet and partner event extended the collaboration between FPG Fortune Prime Global and AC Milan into offline experiences and provided participants with more direct opportunities to engage with both brands.

Partnership Continues to Move Forward

With Forex Expo Dubai 2026 concluded, FPG Fortune Prime Global completed a Dubai programme combining financial industry networking, partnership discussions and activities with AC Milan.
FPG Fortune Prime Global will continue strengthening connections with market participants and partners across different regions while supporting further exchange through international events. At the same time, its partnership with AC Milan will continue to develop, exploring new opportunities that bring together finance, sport and international markets.

https://fortuneprime.com

Hashtag: #FPGFortunePrimeGlobal

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

Authorites Seize 23 Excavators in Two Illegal Gold Mining Raids in Vientiane

By
Phoudasack Vongsay
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A picture of seized excavators during two raids on suspected illegal gold mining sites in Sangthong District, Vientiane Capital. (Photo by Lao Security News)

Authorities seized 23 excavators and other equipment during two raids on suspected illegal gold mining sites in Sangthong District, Vientiane Capital, according to Lao Security Media.

The raids took place from 23 to 26 September and 9 to 11 October, covering 10 sites across two villages.

Officers also seized seven gold-filtering screens, three generators, two trucks, three air-conditioned containers, and 127 gold-filter carpets used in gold recovery.

In Vangma village, inspectors found two more mining sites near Tad Vangma Waterfall, a local tourist attraction.

Authorities are investigating who ran and financed the sites and whether local people helped the operations. They have not announced any charges.

Illegal Gold Mining Across Laos

The raids come amid a wider crackdown on unauthorised mining that followed cases in several provinces earlier this year.

In July, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce ordered a nationwide crackdown after inspectors uncovered suspected illegal gold mining in Luang Prabang. The ministry told companies and the public to stop unauthorised mining and warned that violators could face legal action.

During inspections on 10 and 11 June, officials found suspected illegal alluvial gold mining sites in Phonxay and Pak Ou districts. Authorities detained five people at the Pak Ou site and seized mining equipment. Two Vietnamese nationals had also been arrested during an earlier operation in Phonxay.

Other cases have emerged across the country. In September, authorities in Xaysomboun identified four companies suspected of extracting alluvial gold under permits for stone and sand processing.

In July, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce suspended Daochalearn Mineral Processing after unauthorised iron ore operations muddied the Nam Song River in Vang Vieng.

On 1 October, President Thongloun Sisoulith also called for stronger action against illegal mining, logging, and unauthorised vehicle imports during a meeting of the 12th Party Central Committee.

The latest raids add to a series of enforcement actions as authorities investigate suspected illegal mining in multiple provinces.

De Beers Group and The Government of The Republic of Botswana Extend Partnership with Olympic Champion Letsile Tebogo as Global Ambassador

By
Advertorial Desk
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Three-year partnership celebrates excellence, ambition and Botswana’s remarkable development story through natural diamonds.


LONDON, UK/ GABORONE, BOTSWANA – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 October 2026 – De Beers Group and the Government of the Republic of Botswana today announced the extension of De Beers’ partnership with Olympic champion and Botswana sporting icon Letsile Tebogo. Originally launched in January 2025, when Tebogo was appointed a De Beers Global Ambassador, the partnership has now been expanded into a three-year programme of work between De Beers and the Government of Botswana as part of their wider collaboration to support natural diamond demand and promote Botswana’s unique contribution to the diamond industry. The extended partnership will help shine a light on the progress Botswana has achieved through diamonds as the nation celebrates its ‘diamond’ anniversary of 60 years since independence.

Letsile Tebogo wearing De Beers Origin Diamond Studs from Botswana Hero 1

Building on the success of the initial partnership, the relationship will be anchored in a global storytelling platform themed “The Road to LA28”, following Tebogo’s journey as he prepares for the next chapter of his extraordinary career. The collaboration will spotlight the transformative role that natural diamonds play in creating opportunities, supporting communities and driving long-term prosperity in Botswana.

Letsile Tebogo said: “My success story is connected to Botswana’s diamond heritage. The resources that built our schools and sports facilities helped create opportunities for young athletes like me. This partnership goes beyond sport – it is about showcasing how natural resources can drive positive change and create pathways for the next generation.”

In 2024, Tebogo made history when he won Olympic gold in the men’s 200 metres in a time of 19.46 seconds, becoming the first African athlete to win the event and the first Motswana to claim an Olympic gold medal. His achievement captivated audiences worldwide and cemented his status as one of the most exciting talents in global sport.

Since then, Tebogo has continued to establish himself among the world’s elite sprinters. Named World Athletics Men’s Athlete of the Year in 2024, he has remained a leading force on the international circuit, delivering standout performances across global competitions and inspiring a new generation of athletes throughout Africa.

The partnership reflects the powerful connection between Tebogo’s personal journey and Botswana’s development story. Over more than five decades, Botswana’s diamond resources have helped support investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure and sport, creating opportunities for generations of Batswana and helping cultivate talents such as Tebogo. Like a natural diamond formed under pressure and transformed into something exceptional, Tebogo’s rise from Botswana to Olympic glory embodies resilience, determination and the fulfilment of potential.

The Road to LA28

As the face of the campaign, Tebogo will feature in content and storytelling initiatives that explore the dedication, sacrifice and support systems behind elite performance. Building on the Talent Unearthed platform, the campaign will connect sporting excellence with Botswana’s broader story of opportunity, progress and possibility.

Al Cook, CEO of De Beers Group, said: Anything worth having takes time, effort and pressure, whether that’s winning Olympic gold, the growth of a nation or the formation of a natural diamond. We are proud to extend our partnership with Letsile Tebogo, showcasing how Botswana nurtures its human talent just as carefully as it develops its precious natural resources. As Botswana’s approaches its 60th ‘diamond’ anniversary of independence, its people and its diamonds have never shone more brightly.

Honourable Bogolo Kenewendo, Minister of Minerals and Energy, said: “As we celebrate Botswana’s Diamond Jubilee, we have an opportunity to reflect on a remarkable national journey. From independence to today, natural diamonds have helped transform our country and create opportunities for generations of Batswana. Letsile’s rise to Olympic champion is a powerful example of what can be achieved when talent meets opportunity. Through this partnership, the Government of Botswana, De Beers Group and Letsile Tebogo will share Botswana’s story with global audiences while highlighting the enduring value and positive impact of natural diamonds.”

Hashtag: #DeBeersGroup #LetsileTebogo #ADiamondisForever #BuildingForever #NaturalDiamonds #Diamonds #創守永恒 #天然鑽石 #鑽石

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

About De Beers Group

Established in 1888, De Beers Group is the world’s leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration, mining, marketing and retailing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers Group employs more than 20,000 people across the diamond pipeline and is the world’s largest diamond producer by value, with diamond mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. Innovation sits at the heart of De Beers Group’s strategy as it develops a portfolio of offers that span the diamond value chain, including its jewellery houses, De Beers London and Forevermark, and other pioneering solutions such as diamond sourcing and traceability initiatives Tracr and GemFair. De Beers Group also provides leading services and technology to the diamond industry in the form of education and laboratory services and a wide range of diamond sorting, detection and classification technology services. De Beers Group is committed to ‘,’ a holistic and integrated approach to sustainability that underpins our efforts to create meaningful impact for the people and places where our diamonds are discovered. Building Forever focuses on three key areas where, through collaborations and partnerships around the globe, we have an enhanced ability to drive positive impact; Livelihoods, Climate and Nature. De Beers Group is a member of the Anglo American plc group. For further information, visit .

About The Republic of Botswana

Botswana is a peaceful and stable country in the heart of Southern Africa, renowned for its diamonds, spectacular wildlife, rich culture and breath-taking landscapes. In 2026, Botswana celebrates 60 years of independence – its Diamond Jubilee, marking six decades of nation-building, resilience and progress. Since independence in 1966, the country has made significant strides in economic and social development, with diamond revenues contributing to education, healthcare, infrastructure and improved livelihoods. Beyond diamonds, Botswana is a world-class tourism destination, home to the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, Central Kalahari Game Reserve and Makgadikgadi Pans, offering unforgettable wildlife and safari experiences. The country is also celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, warm hospitality and strong traditions, including the internationally recognised Tswana way of life. As Botswana looks to the future, it is embracing economic diversification, investment, innovation, renewable energy and sustainable tourism, creating new opportunities for both local and international partners. Sixty years on, Botswana stands proud as a nation of peace, natural beauty, valuable resources and opportunity—building on its remarkable past while confidently shaping a prosperous future.

Bosideng Makes Official Paris Fashion Week Debut with 50th Anniversary Show “The Bloom”

By
Advertorial Desk
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At the historic Hôtel Pozzo di Borgo, the Chinese downwear brand reimagines winter dressing through craftsmanship and cultural exchange.


PARIS, FRANCE – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 October 2026 – Bosideng celebrated its 50th anniversary with “The Bloom” at the Hôtel Pozzo di Borgo, Karl Lagerfeld’s former Paris residence. The presentation marked the brand’s first appearance on the official Paris Fashion Week calendar, following previous shows in New York, Milan and London.

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Designed by Creative Director Pietro Ferragina, the collection transformed the down jacket from winter essential into a fashion statement. Art Deco geometry met Chinese craftsmanship, including Haipai qipao-inspired tailoring and traditional Song brocade, in silhouettes combining warmth, structure and movement.

Four lines—Extreme Cold, Outdoor, Business and Puff—explored different expressions of modern winterwear. From sculptural evening silhouettes to technical outerwear and refined city dressing, the collection demonstrated the versatility of down. A finale of pink down evening looks offered a softer, unexpected interpretation of the material.

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Jet Gao, Group Vice President and General Manager of International Business at Bosideng Group, attended alongside international supermodel Coco Rocha and guests from the worlds of fashion, culture and the arts, including actresses Mao Xiaotong, Michelle Chen and Ouyang Didi, and actor Chen Tianxiang.

For Bosideng founder, Chairman & President Gao Dekang, the Paris presentation reflected five decades of expertise and a commitment to fashion and cultural exchange between China and France.

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An accompanying anniversary exhibition traced the brand’s design evolution, highlighting collaborations with Jean Paul Gaultier, Kenzo Takada and MSGM alongside signature downwear innovations. Celebrations continued at the Eiffel Tower with “The Next Great Chapter,” Bosideng’s 50th Anniversary International Gala.

Bosideng has been China’s best-selling down jacket brand for 31 consecutive years. Now sold in 72 countries and worn by more than 200 million people, the brand enters its next chapter seeking to establish downwear as a lasting presence in international fashion.

Hashtag: #iBLUEPARIS

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

XPENG CEO He Xiaopeng Calls for Deeper Global Collaboration at the 2026 Paris Automotive Summit, Highlighting “XPENG AI Engineering”

By
Advertorial Desk
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  • Mr. He Xiaopeng, Chairman & CEO, becomes the first Chinese automotive CEO to deliver a keynote in the history of the Paris Automotive Summit, calling for greater industry collaboration as AI, electrification and globalization reshapes the automotive sector.
  • Mr. He Xiaopeng introduced XPENG AI Engineering, calling for open collaboration and opening XPENG’s full-stack technologies and engineering capabilities to global partners, from vehicle platforms to Physical AI.
  • XPENG highlighted NGP which is aiming for global market expansion in 2027, alongside clear milestones for its humanoid robot, IRON, targeting mass production in late 2026, initial deliveries in H1 2027, and a European rollout in H2 2027.

PARIS, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mr. He Xiaopeng, Chairman & CEO of XPeng Inc. (“XPENG” or the “Company,” NYSE: XPEV; HKEX: 9868), a leading global Physical AI company, today called for deeper collaboration across the global automotive industry, as he became the first Chinese automotive CEO to deliver a keynote in the history of the Paris Automotive Summit.

Speaking to automotive industry leaders in Paris, Mr. He outlined how AI, electrification and smart technologies are reshaping the automotive industry, creating new opportunities for technology collaboration across the sector.

The theme of his keynote speech was “Navigating the AI Era: Open Collaboration for a Smarter Future,” where he outlined XPENG AI Engineering, XPENG’s strategy to combine its Physical AI technology with deeper ecosystem partnerships across Europe and globally.

He emphasized that no single manufacturer holds all the advantages required for the next generation of smart mobility. To accelerate this transition, XPENG is opening its in-house tech stack and engineering resources to key international partners.

Open Technology Collaboration for the AI Era: XPENG AI Engineering

XPENG’s approach to collaboration is rooted in its evolution as a Physical AI company, with full-stack technologies spanning chips, models and applications across intelligent vehicles, robotaxis, humanoid robots and flying cars. In intelligent driving, XPENG highlighted NGP powered by VLA 2.0, designed to advance directly from L2 to L4 and deliver the same core capability across China and Europe, as the company prepares to bring advanced intelligent driving to global markets in 2027.

XPENG is also advancing the commercialization of its humanoid robot, IRON, with mass production targeted for late 2026, deliveries beginning in the first half of 2027, and a European rollout planned for the second half of 2027.

As AI expands into the physical world, XPENG believes industry transformation will be driven both from within and beyond automotive. To usher in this new era, XPENG is opening its proprietary technologies and engineering toolchains to global partners – spanning vehicle platforms, E/E architecture, batteries, e-drives, and modular innovations like the AI BOX, Turing AI chip, and Turing physical world foundation model.

Through XPENG AI Engineering, the company is pursuing a model built around complementary strengths, flexible collaboration and independent innovation, enabling partners to co-develop differentiated products while building their own technology capabilities over time.

As a proven example of this mutually beneficial approach, Mr. He highlighted XPENG’s strategic collaboration with Volkswagen Group, which brings together XPENG’s intelligent-driving and software capabilities with Volkswagen’s vehicle engineering and testing expertise.

This latest development builds on XPENG’s continued investment in technology and talent. In the first half of 2026, XPENG invested approximately €770 million in R&D.

“Partnership starts with trust, and after trust comes openness,” said Mr. He. “We welcome global partners to work with us, learn from each other and bring our strengths together. To bring technology to life and build the future together.”

In Europe, For Europe, With Europe

Mr. He also reinforced XPENG’s long-term “In Europe, For Europe, With Europe” commitment, centered on producing in Europe, designing for European users and partnering with the region’s industrial ecosystem.

XPENG has put four models into production in Europe within one year, including the G6, G9, P7+ and the latest G9L. Its European R&D center serves as a hub for EU homologation and certification, language and interaction localization, intelligent-driving validation, European chassis and handling tuning, and charging-network integration.

XPENG continues to deepen collaboration across Europe’s automotive and technology ecosystem, working with local partners as it expands its capabilities in the region.

ENDS

About XPENG

XPENG is a leading global Physical AI company, dedicated to bringing artificial intelligence into the physical world to reshape future mobility and smart living. Through in-house R&D, XPENG has developed a full-stack Physical AI architecture spanning Turing AI chips, world foundation models, and highly integrated software and hardware applications. This unified technology foundation powers an expansive product portfolio of smart EVs, robotaxis and humanoid robots, advancing the deployment of Physical AI at scale.

Headquartered in Guangzhou, China, XPENG is dual-primary listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. With global capabilities across R&D, manufacturing, sales and services, XPENG drives continuous technological innovation and fosters an open Physical AI ecosystem, making life smarter, safer and better for users worldwide.

For more information, please visit https://www.xpeng.com/.

IBM Study: Eight in Ten EMEA Enterprises Escalate AI Incidents to Board or C-Suite as AI Agents Test Governance

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Advertorial Desk
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  • 80% of surveyed executives in EMEA say an AI-related incident reached their board or C-suite in the past year, with only 40% changing AI governance policy or frameworks in response.
  • 75% of respondents expect AI agents to have some level of autonomy with respect to decisions by 2027, yet only 37% say their governance is designed to scale with agentic AI deployment.
  • When surveyed organizations want to deploy AI faster than governance and compliance frameworks are prepared for, nearly 60 percent (56%) continue within agreed risk limits while governance adapts; a third (33%) delay deployment until governance is ready.
  • Only 37% of respondents have a formal, board-reviewed quantification of the financial risks created by gaps in their AI governance.

LONDON, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — New research by IBM (NYSE: IBM) finds that AI-related incidents are reaching boardrooms across Europe and the Middle East among the organizations surveyed, but governance capabilities and risk accountability are not keeping pace with adoption of the technology.

Eight in ten executives surveyed say an AI-related incident – including an agent failure, data exposure, AI-driven decision error, or AI security breach – reached their board or C-suite in the past year. Yet fewer than half (40%) of those organizations cite a change to AI governance policy or framework in response.

When the pace of deploying AI outstrips governance and compliance frameworks readiness, rather than pause while governance adapts, the majority (56%) of executives surveyed report pressing ahead within agreed risk limits. Just a third delay deployment entirely until their governance is ready.

The survey, of more than 3,200 senior executives at organizations across eight countries in Europe and the Middle East, suggests governance policies will be tested further as AI agents take on more autonomous work. Thirty-five percent of respondents say they are running agentic AI in production today, yet three-quarters expect AI agents to have some level of autonomy towards decisions by 2027. Only 37% say their current governance system is designed to scale with agentic AI deployment.

Ana Paula Assis, IBM Senior Vice President and Chair, EMEA and APAC, said: “The AI debate has moved from adoption to governance and accountability. As organizations progress from AI assistants to autonomous agents, governance can no longer be treated as a compliance exercise. It has become a business requirement and value enabler.

The enterprises that can scale AI with accountability and trust will be postitioned to realize business value. That means governance must be built into how agents operate, with clear boundaries on what they can do, clear ownership when things go wrong, and controls that work in real-time.”

Accountability & liability gap

Nearly all executives (98%) surveyed have formally assigned responsibility for AI risk at board level, including 26% with a dedicated board-level AI committee. Yet the research found no clear consensus on accountability for adverse outcomes from AI agents. An organization’s CIO or CTO was the most frequently cited role with assigned responsibility for adverse outcomes from AI agents, selected by just 17% of all respondents.

Respondents’ views on legal liability when an AI system causes significant harm were also divided: 20% say it should be shared proportionally between deployer and vendor, 19% say there should be a regulatory framework that does not yet adequately exist, and 14% say it should sit with the AI vendor or technology provider.

To manage increasingly autonomous AI agents making decisions without human approval at each step by 2027, executives expect to need formal legal or contractual frameworks defining AI vendor liability for agent failures (33%), defined human escalation thresholds (32%), real-time monitoring and audit trails of agent decisions and actions (30%) and the ability to immediately halt agent activity across the enterprise (29%).

Other key findings include:

  • Measurement of financial risk exposure less established than board ownership: More than half (54%) of surveyed executives govern generative AI tools and agentic AI systems as distinct risk categories with separate governance frameworks and a further 38% apply the same core framework, but with additional controls to agentic AI. Measuring financial exposure from gaps in AI governance is less advanced: only 37% have a formal, board-reviewed quantification of the financial risk created by gaps in their AI governance.
  • Supply chain risk: 54% of all respondents acknowledge gaps or limitations in how their governance framework covers the AI systems and models used by key vendors, technology partners and supply chain participants. Only 21% continuously monitor third-party AI risk and 13% apply independent assurance or certification requirements.
  • Regulation shapes the pace regionally: In the EU, 41% of surveyed executives are accelerating governance investment ahead of the EU AI Act’s high-risk obligations in December 2027, and a further 35% are on track with structured compliance plans. In the UK, sector regulator expectations are the most cited driver of AI governance investment (27%), while in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, national AI strategy requirements lead (61%).

Study methodology

The research was conducted by Censuswide on behalf of IBM among 3,221 executive management respondents, including C-level, at organizations with 1,000 or more employees in the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The data was collected between 14 and 24 September 2026.

About IBM

IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM’s breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM’s long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity, and service.  Visit www.ibm.com for more information.

Media contact: 

Gregor Hastings
IBM EMEA Communications
gregor.hastings@ibm.com

Opella: New study demonstrates successful cough treatment extends beyond symptom relief

By
Advertorial Desk
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PARIS, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A new real-world study from Opella, the maker of Mucosolvan and Bisolvon, provides pharmacists with compelling evidence that the success of a cough treatment should be measured by its impact on a patient’s overall well-being, alongside traditional symptomatic relief.

With most consumers1 making treatment decisions in the pharmacy, the pharmacist’s recommendation plays a pivotal role in helping patients return to their normal routines and make the moment theirs again.

Key Findings:

  • Fast Relief from the First Dose: Patients reported fast relief from the very first dose of treatment2, with data showing improvements in daily functioning from the first day of treatment, allowing them to rapidly start regaining control over their day.
  • Restored Social Engagement: A clinically meaningful improvement in the social impact of cough was achieved within 72 hours, reflecting patients’ ability to engage more comfortably in conversations and everyday social activities.
  • Improved Sleep Quality: Sleep disruption is a primary patient concern. After just 48 hours, difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and sleep-related tiredness scores improved significantly, with the percentage of patients reporting these challenges dropping by 59%, 56% and 55% in each category.

Milena Leone, Global Brand General Manager, Opella.
“When a cough disrupts daily routines, effective and timely care is essential. This study provides valuable, real-world evidence that Mucosolvan and Bisolvon goes beyond managing the physical symptom; by delivering fast-acting relief from the first dose, it helps people move past the disruption of cough and resume their daily lives more quickly.”

About the Study

The RWE Cough Study was a prospective, observational study conducted in Italy with adult consumers who had purchased Mucosolvan (Ambroxol) or Bisolvon (Bromhexine) for an acute chesty cough. The study evaluated daily effectiveness and quality of life impacts over a seven-day period using validated tools, including the Cough Severity Diary (CSD) and the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ).

For more information or to review the findings in full, go to p. 79 here.

MAT-GLB-2605783-v1.0-10/2026

1. In Germany, 58% of consumers make their cough and cold treatment decisions in-store.
2. After first intake, 53% (41%) of bromhexine (ambroxol) users agreed/strongly agreed they felt immediately relieved, and 57% and 44%, respectively, reported relief from the urge to cough. 
Source: I&P Tracker 2025, Dive SO Units WWP MAT Dec’25, “Understand the Shopper Journey on the C&C Category to Drive an Omnichannel Strategy”, Germany, May 2023.

Contact: dyan.berry@omc.com

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