Home Blog Page 502

Oral Small Molecule Amylin Receptor Agonist ASC39 Demonstrated Eloralintide-like Amylin Selectivity and Efficacy in Preclinical Models

– In a head-to-head cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) activation assay vs. eloralintide, oral small molecule amylin receptor agonist ASC39 demonstrated similar selectivity and potency to that of eloralintide. EC50  for human amylin 1 receptor (hAMY1R) was 21.4 pM and 21.2 pM for ASC39 and eloralintide, respectively. EC50 for human calcitonin receptor (hCTR) was 846.1 pM and 1,350.8 pM for ASC39 and eloralintide, respectively. These data indicate ASC39 and eloralintide have similar selectivity for hAMY1R over hCTR.

– In a head-to-head diet-induced obese (DIO) rat study vs. eloralintide, efficacy of ASC39 oral dosing was comparable to that of eloralintide, demonstrating significant placebo adjusted weight loss of 6.6% and 5.6% for ASC39 and eloralintide, respectively.

– Submission of an Investigational New Drug Application (IND) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for ASC39 oral tablets is expected in the third quarter of 2026.

HONG KONG, March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ascletis Pharma Inc. (HKEX: 1672, “Ascletis”) announces that it has selected ASC39, a potent and amylin-selective oral small molecule amylin receptor agonist, as a clinical development candidate. Ascletis expects to submit an Investigational New Drug Application (IND) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for ASC39 oral tablets for the treatment of obesity in the third quarter of 2026.

ASC39 has a unique chemical scaffold that was discovered in-house utilizing Ascletis’ Artificial Intelligence-assisted Structure-Based Drug Discovery (AISBDD) technology. In a head-to-head cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) activation assay comparing ASC39 to eloralintide, EC50 (half maximal effective concentration) for human amylin 1 receptor (hAMY1R) was 21.4 pM and 21.2 pM for ASC39 and eloralintide (an amylin peptide analog), respectively. EC50 for human calcitonin receptor (hCTR) was 846.1 pM and 1,350.8 pM for ASC39 and eloralintide, respectively. These data indicate that ASC39 is highly selective for hAMY1R over hCTR with comparable selectivity to eloralintide. ASC39 and eloralintide were 40-fold and 64-fold, respectively more selective for hAMY1R over hCTR.

In a head-to-head diet-induced obese (DIO) rat study, compared with placebo (vehicle)-treated obese rats, oral daily administration of ASC39 resulted in statistically significant weight loss which was comparable to eloralintide (Table 1). Once-daily oral administration of 5 mg/kg ASC39 for 6 consecutive days produced significant placebo adjusted weight loss of 6.6%. Once-every-three-day subcutaneous (SQ) administration of 3 nmol/kg eloralintide for 6 consecutive days produced significant placebo adjusted weight loss of 5.6%, which is consistent with the literature data[1] .

Table 1. Once-daily oral administration of ASC39 for 6 consecutive days produced statistically significant body weight reduction, with an efficacy comparable to that of eloralintide.

Group

Dosing

Total body weight change

from baseline

Obese rats treated with vehicle

Vehicle, 

PO, QD

0.6 %

Obese rats treated with eloralintide

3 nmol/kg,

SQ, Q3D

-5.0%

(p<0.0001 vs

obese rats treated with vehicle)

Obese rats treated with ASC39

5 mg/kg,

PO, QD

-6.0%

(p<0.0001 vs

obese rats treated with vehicle)

Notes:

a. SQ: subcutaneous; PO: oral administration; Q3D: once every 3 days; QD: once daily.

b. The body weight on Day 1 was set as the baseline.

c. Obese rats: diet-induced obese rats.

ASC39 demonstrated favorable pharmacokinetic profiles in rats and non-human primates (NHPs), supporting once-daily oral dosing in humans.

“Ascletis is committed to developing treatment options for patients living with obesity,” said Jinzi Jason Wu, Ph.D., Founder, Chairman and CEO of Ascletis. “As such, we are excited to be advancing the first oral small molecule eloralintide-like selective amylin receptor agonist into the clinic later this year. We believe ASC39 may provide efficacy and safety similar to Eli Lilly’s eloralintide with the patient convenience and commercial scalability of a once-daily oral small molecule.”

ASC39, a potent and amylin-selective oral small molecule amylin receptor agonist, is being developed as a monotherapy and in combination with ASC30, Ascletis’ oral small molecule, Phase III ready GLP-1, for the treatment of metabolic diseases including obesity. This new oral small molecule amylin is in addition to Ascletis’ current amylin peptide portfolio that includes ASC36, a once-monthly to once quarterly SQ amylin peptide for monotherapy and a fixed dosed combination of ASC36 and once-monthly ASC35, a GLP-1/GIP SQ peptide.

[1] Briere DA, Qu H, Lansu K, et al. Eloralintide (LY3841136), a novel amylin receptor agonist for the treatment of obesity: From discovery to clinical proof of concept. Mol Metab. 2025;102:102271. doi:10.1016/j.molmet.2025.102271

About Ascletis Pharma Inc.

Ascletis Pharma Inc. is a fully integrated biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of potential best-in-class and first-in-class therapeutics to treat metabolic diseases. Utilizing its proprietary Artificial Intelligence-assisted Structure-Based Drug Discovery (AISBDD) and Ultra-Long-Acting Platform (ULAP) technologies as well as Peptide Oral Transport ENhancement Technology (POTENT), Ascletis has developed multiple drug candidates in-house, including both small molecules and peptides, such as its lead program, ASC30, a small molecule GLP-1R agonist designed to be administered once daily orally and once monthly to once quarterly subcutaneously as a treatment therapy and a maintenance therapy for chronic weight management; ASC36, an amylin receptor peptide agonist, ASC35, a once-monthly subcutaneously administered GLP-1R/GIPR dual peptide agonist and ASC37, a GLP-1R/GIPR/GCGR triple peptide agonist, and ASC39, a potent and amylin-selective oral small molecule amylin receptor agonist, for chronic weight management. Ascletis is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (1672.HK).

For more information, please visit www.ascletis.com

Contact:
Peter Vozzo
ICR Healthcare
443-231-0505 (U.S.)
Peter.vozzo@icrhealthcare.com 

Ascletis Pharma Inc. PR and IR Teams
+86-181-0650-9129 (China)
pr@ascletis.com
ir@ascletis.com

Laos Eyes BRT Expansion to Airport, Railway Station

BRT system expansion planned in Vientiane connecting airport and railway station
A picture of BRT station in Vientiane, Laos

The Lao government is considering expanding the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in Vientiane to connect key transport hubs, including Wattay International Airport and the Laos–China Railway station. 

Authorities discussed the proposal on 16 March, looking for ways to manage rising fuel prices and possible fuel shortages linked to the Middle East conflict, which has disrupted global energy markets and regional supply chains.

Under ongoing policy reviews, officials are studying plans to extend the BRT network across the capital. The expansion forms part of broader efforts to reduce fuel consumption and promote the wider use of electric vehicles in Laos.

Officials say expanding the BRT network could encourage more people to shift from private cars and motorcycles to public transportation, helping lower overall fuel use. It could also ease congestion in high-traffic areas such as airport and railway pick-up points, while improving connectivity for both domestic and international travelers.

Authorities added that strengthening public transportation and supporting electric mobility are key steps in responding to fuel supply risks while building a more sustainable transport system.

Public transport measures expands beyond the capital

Efforts to improve public transportation are also underway outside Vientiane.

In Pakse, local authorities launched a temporary free public bus service on 17 March to help residents cope with fuel shortages and rising travel costs.

The service allows both government officials and the general public to ride state-run buses free of charge along several routes across the city and nearby districts. 

Officials say the initiative is designed to encourage people to use public transportation and reduce reliance on private vehicles during the fuel shortage

Delta Exhibits Energy-saving Solutions for 800 VDC in Next-Gen AI Factories and Digital Twin Applications Built on Omniverse at NVIDIA GTC 2026

TAIPEI, March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Delta Electronics, Inc. (“Delta”), a global leader in power management and smart green solutions, is showcasing at NVIDIA GTC 2026 its latest spectrum of energy-saving power, liquid cooling, and microgrid solutions engineered specifically for the 800 VDC architecture of next-generation AI factories. Visitors at Delta’s booth will also have the opportunity to experience AI digital twins built with NVIDIA Omniverse libraries and their tangible advantages in building automation and smart manufacturing applications.

Ping Cheng, Delta’s Chairman and CEO, said, “The AI era is transforming industries and business models with unprecedented speed while placing greater demands on data center infrastructure and energy efficiency. By leveraging 55 years of innovation since its founding, Delta has once again advanced the capabilities of its power, cooling, and infrastructure solutions to enable superior energy efficiency and resilience ‘from grid to chip’ for the AI factories of the future. At NVIDIA GTC 2026, we are also demonstrating AI digital twins leveraging NVIDIA Omniverse libraries that have delivered palpable benefits across two of our key domains. We look forward to collaborating with NVIDIA and industry partners to scale up AI applications across industries.”

Next-generation AI factories will require higher DC voltage power systems, such as 800 VDC, to enable superior performance with next-generation high compute density racks while guaranteeing energy efficiency and resilience. To advance the adoption and sustainability of 800 VDC power architectures, Delta is unveiling its comprehensive and versatile portfolio of newly developed power, liquid cooling, and microgrid solutions at NVIDIA GTC 2026. Key highlights include the 800 VDC In-Row 660kW Power Racks with embedded 80kW Battery Backup Units (BBU) for each shelf (480kW in total) and AC-DC efficiency as high as 98%; two In-Row Coolant Distribution Units (CDU) offering 3,000kW and 2,400kW of cooling capacity respectively, the latter supporting 800 VDC with N+1 pump design; as well as a revolutionary Microgrid Solution, which boasts Delta’s newly developed Solid State Transformer (SST) and Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) technologies, as well as all-in-one energy storage systems.

The showcase also highlights AI digital twins built with NVIDIA Omniverse that have enhanced Delta’s solutions and smart manufacturing operations with substantial improvements across the board:

  • Delta’s building automation solutions leveraged Omniverse high-fidelity capabilities and generative AI-enabled tools to integrate real-time lighting, solar heat, HVAC, sensors, and building automation controls into augmented photorealistic dynamic simulations. This approach helped achieve not only up to 20% potential energy savings, but also an improvement in occupant comfort at Delta’s own headquarters in Taipei.
  • Omniverse-driven AI digital twins have also been instrumental for Delta’s smart manufacturing of AI server power supplies in Thailand. The cyber-physical integration of product design, equipment, robotics, and process data into a high-fidelity AI digital twin allows for the substantial acceleration of offline engineering cycles, ultimately resulting in much faster line deployment. Furthermore, this AI-driven digital twin also helped to speed up the decentralized manufacturing with centralized management necessary to facilitate the transition toward autonomous factories.

Visitors are welcome to Delta’s booth #1221 at NVIDIA GTC 2026 to witness the new era of NVIDIA Omniverse AI digital twins in multiple applications and the benefits of our solutions for the upcoming 800 VDC power architecture of AI factories.

About Delta

Delta, founded in 1971 and listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (code:2308), is a global leader in power and thermal management with a thriving portfolio of IoT-based smart energy-saving solutions in the fields of data center infrastructure, microgrids, smart manufacturing, intelligent buildings, and E-mobility to nurture mankind’s sustainable development. As a world-class corporate citizen guided by its corporate mission, “To provide innovative, clean and energy-efficient solutions for a better tomorrow,” Delta leverages its core competence in high-efficiency power electronics and its ESG-embedded business model to address key environmental issues related to climate change. Delta serves customers through its sales offices, R&D centers and manufacturing facilities spread over close to 200 locations across 5 continents.

Throughout its history, Delta has received numerous awards and worldwide recognition for its business achievements, innovative technologies, and dedication to ESG. Since 2011, Delta has been listed on the Dow Jones Best-in-Class World Index (formerly the DJSI World Index of Dow Jones Sustainability™ Indices) for 14 consecutive years. Delta has also won double A List ratings from CDP 5 times for its substantial contribution to climate change and water security issues, and has been named Supplier Engagement Leader over 8 consecutive years for its continuous development of a sustainable value chain.

For detailed information about Delta, please visit: www.deltaww.com

XCL Education Enters Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor with Mooltripakdee Partnership

SINGAPORE and PATTAYA, Thailand, March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — XCL Education (“XCL”), one of Southeast Asia’s leading K-12 education platforms, has entered a strategic partnership with Mooltripakdee International School (MIS) in Chonburi, Thailand — marking a decisive entry into the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), one of the region’s rapidly developing economic zones.

XCL Education Group Thailand Schools
XCL Education Group Thailand Schools

Founded in 1988, MIS has grown from a Montessori nursery into a respected Cambridge International school delivering the British curriculum to approximately 1,000 students from Early Years through Year 13. Situated near Pattaya in the industrial heart of the Chonburi-Rayong region, it currently ranks among the three largest international schools in the area.

The partnership marks XCL’s deliberate expansion into the EEC — one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing industrial and commercial zones — and brings its regional network to approximately 21,000 students across 19 schools in Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand. With MIS now alongside XCL American School of Bangkok and D-PREP International School, XCL will offer a diverse portfolio of both Cambridge International and American curricula in Thailand.

Mooltripakdee International School Pattaya
Mooltripakdee International School Pattaya

“MIS has spent over thirty years building a school with deep roots in its community and a stellar reputation for quality,” said Gilles Mahe, Group CEO of XCL Education. “Our goal is to build on that. We bring regional scale and operational depth; MIS brings heritage, trust, and an educator community that genuinely knows its students.”

By joining the XCL network MIS faculty will draw on the collective knowledge of 19 schools across four countries — a practical exchange of approaches, best practices and curriculum insight, while staff will gain access to career pathways and mobility across a network that spans four Southeast Asian markets. Underpinning both is XCL’s group-wide technology infrastructure.

The integration will be led by Dr. Connie Kim, Head of School at XCL American School of Bangkok, alongside Ms. Kannika Koompairojn, Managing Director of XCL Thailand. Dr. Kim brings 28 years of international education experience spanning the USA, South Korea, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Thailand, across three curriculum frameworks — American, British, and IB.

About XCL Education

XCL Education is a leading education network in Southeast Asia, igniting the potential of 21,000 students across 19 K-12 schools and 38 preschools in 4 countries. Our network of 2,000 educators personalize learning, fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and a global mindset to empower every student to thrive. XCL offers globally recognized programs, including the IB, British, and American curricula, to develop adaptable, future-ready students. To learn more, visit XCL Education.  Follow us on LinkedIn  

7-Eleven Malaysia Contributes RM27,888 to Masjid Negara Congregants Throughout Ramadan


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 March 2026 – In the spirit of Ramadan, a time when communities come together to share blessings and strengthen bonds of compassion, 7-Eleven Malaysia contributed RM27,888 to the Persatuan Kebajikan Kakitangan Masjid Negara Kuala Lumpur to support the mosque’s Ramadan moreh programme for worshippers throughout the holy month.

The contribution was presented during a mock cheque presentation ceremony by Tan Sri Mohd Annuar Zaini, Chairman of 7-Eleven Malaysia Holdings Berhad, accompanied by Co-CEO of 7-Eleven Malaysia, Mr. Tan U-Ming.

The contribution will support the preparation and distribution of moreh meals at Masjid Negara following nightly tarawih prayers. Each evening during Ramadan, hundreds of congregants gather at the mosque not only to perform their prayers but also to share simple meals together, reflecting the values of generosity, togetherness and gratitude that define the sacred month.

Masjid Negara has long been a spiritual and community landmark where Malaysians from all walks of life come together during Ramadan. From families and students to workers and travellers passing through the city, the mosque becomes a place where people reconnect with their faith while experiencing the warmth of a community that looks after one another.

Through the Ramadan programme organised by the Persatuan Kebajikan Kakitangan Masjid Negara Kuala Lumpur, food packs are prepared and distributed nightly to congregants to ensure that worshippers who stay for evening prayers can enjoy a meal together before returning home. The initiative reflects the mosque’s ongoing commitment to serving the needs of the community during the holy month.

Tan Sri Mohd Annuar Zaini, Chairman of 7-Eleven Malaysia Holdings Berhad said that Ramadan is a meaningful time for communities to come together and support one another, and the company is honoured to play a small part in supporting the efforts of Masjid Negara in serving its congregants.

“Ramadan reminds us of the importance of compassion, humility and sharing our blessings with the community. We are honoured to support the efforts of Masjid Negara in bringing people together through their Ramadan moreh programme and hope that this contribution will help create meaningful moments of togetherness among worshippers.”

Beyond providing food, the moreh programme plays an important role in strengthening the bonds among congregants who gather nightly at the mosque. These shared moments of fellowship reflect the true spirit of Ramadan where acts of kindness and generosity help bring communities closer together.

This contribution is also part of Semurni Kasih, 7-Eleven Malaysia’s annual community initiative during the Ramadan period, which focuses on supporting meaningful programmes that uplift communities and promote the spirit of care and generosity. Through Semurni Kasih, the company continues to work with various community partners to extend assistance to those in need while encouraging Malaysians to share kindness with one another.

Through this contribution, 7-Eleven Malaysia hopes to play a meaningful role in supporting initiatives that uplift local communities and ensure that the spirit of giving continues to be shared throughout Ramadan.

Hashtag: #7ElevenMalaysia

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

About 7-Eleven Malaysia

7-Eleven Malaysia Holdings Berhad through its subsidiary 7-Eleven Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. is the owner and operator of 7-Eleven stores in Malaysia. Incorporated on 4 June 1984, 7-Eleven Malaysia has made its mark in the retailing scene and has been a prominent icon for over 40 years. 7-Eleven Malaysia is the pioneer and largest 24-hour standalone convenience store operator in Malaysia with over 2,700 outlets nationwide and serves more than 1 million customers daily. 7-Eleven stores can be found across bustling commercial districts to serene suburban residential compounds throughout Malaysia, from petrol stations and LRT stations to shopping malls and medical institutions. My7E loyalty app boasted an impressive membership of 3.6 million users. As we forge ahead, our commitment remains steadfast in enriching the experience for our valued members, offering an array of rewards that enhance their journey as My7E enthusiasts. 7-Eleven is Always There For You. To learn more, please visit our website at

/C O R R E C T I O N — Gesynta Pharma/

In the news release, First patient dosed in Gesynta Pharma’s endometriosis trial of vipoglanstat, issued 11-Mar-2026 by Gesynta Pharma over PR Newswire, the source was erroneously mentioned as Getinge Group rather than as Gesynta Pharma as incorrectly transmitted by PR Newswire. The complete, corrected release follows:

First patient dosed in Gesynta Pharma’s endometriosis trial of vipoglanstat

STOCKHOLM, March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Gesynta Pharma AB today announced that the first patient has been dosed in its Phase 2 clinical proof-of-concept trial (NOVA) of vipoglanstat, a novel non-hormonal, non-opioid drug candidate for endometriosis. This milestone marks an important step toward a new treatment for the approximately 190 million women worldwide living with this painful, often debilitating, chronic inflammatory condition, which is also a major cause of infertility.

The NOVA* trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 clinical proof-of-concept trial of vipoglanstat. NOVA will evaluate the efficacy and safety of two different doses of vipoglanstat compared with placebo and will also provide valuable dosing information for future clinical development.

The trial will enroll approximately 190 women aged 18 to 45 across the UK, Italy, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, and Hungary. Participants will receive either vipoglanstat or placebo, administered orally, for approximately four menstrual cycles. The primary objective is to evaluate the efficacy of vipoglanstat on endometriosis-related pain during non-menstrual days. Secondary objectives include evaluating the effect of vipoglanstat on period pain (dysmenorrhea), pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia), use of opioid rescue medication, and response to a quality-of-life assessment scale. Additionally, endometriotic lesions will be evaluated as an exploratory endpoint using MRI assessments. Top-line results are expected in 2027.

“This is an important step toward expanding therapeutic options for women living with endometriosis. Despite existing treatments, many patients continue to experience persistent pain and impaired daily functioning, underscoring the need for new approaches. I am excited to work with Gesynta to assess whether vipoglanstat can deliver meaningful, lasting improvements for patients,” says Christian Becker, Professor of Reproductive Sciences, Co-Director of the Oxford Endometriosis CaRe Centre, and International Coordinating Investigator for the NOVA trial.

Vipoglanstat targets mPGES-1, a key enzyme that produces the proinflammatory mediator prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in endometriotic lesions. A preclinical proof-of-concept study using an advanced endometriosis model showed that vipoglanstat significantly reduced pain-related behaviors and endometriotic lesion load. Previous clinical studies confirm its safety, tolerability, and pharmacodynamic effects in humans, supporting further development of vipoglanstat for endometriosis.

“Dosing the first patient in the NOVA trial signifies a major milestone in developing vipoglanstat, aiming at providing a game-changer in the treatment of endometriosis. With a solid preclinical basis and positive clinical data on safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics, this trial aims to provide robust, controlled data on pain relief and quality of life for women with moderate to severe disease,” says Patric Stenberg, CEO of Gesynta Pharma.

About Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a painful chronic inflammatory disorder in which endometrium-like tissue grows outside the uterus, mainly in the pelvic cavity, causing inflammation, fibrosis, and the formation of endometriotic lesions and adhesions. It commonly presents with period pain (dysmenorrhea), non-menstrual chronic pelvic pain, pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia) , gastrointestinal symptoms, and infertility, and is typically managed with analgesics, hormonal therapies, and surgery.

Despite its high prevalence, affecting 10% of women of reproductive age, endometriosis remains largely underdiagnosed and undertreated, with few new treatment options available to patients. The often severe pain, diagnostic challenges, and limited treatment options make endometriosis profoundly challenging to live with for many women.

*NOVA: the Non-hormonal Option – a Vipoglanstat Assessment trial

For more information, please contact: 
Patric Stenberg, CEO
Tel: + 46 (0)733 83 66 70
E-mail: patric.stenberg@gesynta.se

About Gesynta Pharma
Gesynta Pharma’s research on targeting mPGES-1, an essential enzyme in inflammation, began at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden. The company’s lead compound, vipoglanstat, a non-hormonal, non-opioid treatment, is under development for endometriosis, a chronic inflammatory condition affecting roughly 10% of women of reproductive age. Vipoglanstat significantly reduced pain-related behaviors and endometriotic lesions in an advanced preclinical disease model. The drug candidate is currently being evaluated in the Phase 2 clinical proof-of-concept trial (NOVA).

Additionally, the company’s second candidate, GS-073, is ready to enter Phase 1 clinical trials for the treatment of chronic inflammatory pain.

Gesynta Pharma’s shareholders include Hadean Ventures, Industrifonden, Innovestor Life Science, Linc, HealthCap, XGen Venture, and other internationally renowned specialist investors.

For more information, please visit www.gesynta.se.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/gesynta-pharma/r/first-patient-dosed-in-gesynta-pharma-s-endometriosis-trial-of-vipoglanstat,c4319459

The following files are available for download:

Bybit EU Cooperates with PayPal to Simplify Crypto Funding

VIENNA, March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit EU, the European arm of Bybit and a MiCAR-licensed crypto-asset service provider headquartered in Vienna, today announced the integration of PayPal as a new fiat funding and withdrawal method across EEA markets where the platform operates. The cooperation brings together one of the most recognised global payment brands and one of the EU’s best-known crypto platforms, offering users a secure and familiar way to move between fiat and digital assets.

For millions of Europeans, PayPal is synonymous with secure online payments. By integrating PayPal directly into its funding and withdrawal flows, Bybit EU removes a key barrier for newcomers: uncertainty around how to start. Users can now access crypto with the same payment method they already use for everyday purchases.

Bybit EU operates under the EU’s MiCA regulatory framework, ensuring clear consumer protections, transparent operations and compliance with European standards. The addition of PayPal is therefore more than a convenience upgrade. It represents a commitment to building a safe and trusted digital finance ecosystem in Europe.

“Integrating PayPal is an important milestone in our mission to offer secure, compliant and intuitive access to digital assets,” said Mazurka Zeng, Co-CEO of Bybit EU. “This collaboration aligns trusted payments with a regulated trading environment and gives users even greater confidence when entering the crypto space.

“As more consumers engage with crypto, trusted payment experiences are key to driving broader use of digital assets,” said Samba Natarajan, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Europe at PayPal. “By providing a fiat payment and withdrawal option to enable crypto -transactions on Bybit EU, we’re giving our users seamless access to the growing digital assets ecosystem with the same security and confidence they know PayPal for.

With PayPal, users can fund their Bybit EU accounts or withdraw crypto proceeds without opening new accounts or waiting for bank transfers. The integration provides a streamlined entry point for anyone looking for a fast, smooth and reliable way to get started with crypto under a regulated framework.

To accompany the launch, Bybit EU and PayPal will activate a co-branded reward campaign, within which users will be able to earn up to €30 worth of BTC in incentives when topping-up with PayPal. In addition, users who download or update to the latest app version will also benefit from zero Bybit fees on fiat deposits via PayPal for a limited time.

#BybitEU | #NewFinancialPlatform

About Bybit EU
Bybit EU GmbH is an Austrian Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) authorized under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR) in Austria. Bybit EU serves customers across the entire European Economic Area (EEA)—with the exception of Malta—via the bybit.eu platform.

Bybit EU GmbH is authorized to offer the following services:

  • custody and administration of crypto-assets on behalf of clients;
  • exchange of crypto-assets for funds;
  • exchange of crypto-assets for other crypto-assets;
  • placing of crypto-assets; and
  • transfer services for crypto-assets on behalf of clients.

Bybit EU GmbH is neither the operator of a trading platform for crypto-assets nor provides investment advice.

Media Contact: press@bybit.eu
www.bybit.eu

Disclaimer: This press release is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or an offer to buy or sell digital assets. The products and services mentioned herein are subject to applicable laws and regulations in the relevant jurisdictions and may not be available in certain regions.

Quality Building Award 2026 Finalists Announced

35 Project Teams Selected to Compete for the Industry’s Highest Honor


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 March 2026 – The much-anticipated Quality Building Award 2026 (QBA 2026) today officially announces its finalist list! A total of 35 outstanding project teams have successfully advanced to the final presentation stage. They will present their remarkable achievements to the judging panel this Saturday (20 March and 21 March), competing for the highest honor of the “Oscar of the Construction Industry.”

Held biennially, the Quality Building Award is jointly organized by ten leading professional institutes and organizations representing Hong Kong’s architecture and construction sectors. It aims to recognize exceptional projects that demonstrate outstanding teamwork in the design and construction of quality buildings. This year’s theme, “Smartly We Build | Sustainably We Thrive | Inclusively We Lead,” encourages the industry to adopt smart, sustainable, and inclusive solutions, steering the sector towards innovation and green development.

Comprehensive Coverage Across Eight Categories Showcasing Hong Kong’s Diverse Excellence

This year’s Award features eight major categories, comprehensively covering different types of building projects. These span residential and non-residential, government and non-government, renovation and revitalization, and temporary building categories. The response from local Hong Kong projects has been enthusiastic, with the finalists fully demonstrating the industry’s diverse creativity and professional expertise, reflecting the vibrant and flourishing state of local architecture.

Breaking Geographical Boundaries with Strong International Participation

Another highlight of this edition is the inclusion of the “Building in GBA (Not include Hong Kong)” and “Building Outside GBA (include International)” categories. These are open to all eligible projects from within and outside the region, with teams not required to provide proof of a Hong Kong registered company to participate. This initiative has successfully attracted numerous high-quality non-local projects, including outstanding entries from as far as Egypt. This underscores the international vision and regional influence of the Quality Building Award, further cementing Hong Kong’s status as a regional architectural hub.

Ms CHANG Yuk Kam, Patricia, Chairlady, QBA 2026 Organizing Committeestated: “We are thrilled by the enthusiastic response to this year’s Award. The finalist projects are of exceptional quality and span a diverse range of categories. The 35 finalist teams will showcase their innovative practices in smart construction, sustainable development, and social inclusion during their final presentations, fully embodying the spirit of this year’s theme. On behalf of the Organizing Committee, I thank all participating teams for their dedication and wish the finalists every success in their upcoming presentations.”

Ir ZA Wai Gin,Tony, Chairman, QBA 2026 Jury sub-committee remarked: “Throughout the selection process, the judging panel has placed particular emphasis on how projects integrate smart technology, environmental concepts, and human-centric design. The active participation of projects from the Greater Bay Area and the international community this year has brought a broader perspective to the Award. We look forward to gaining deeper insights into the design philosophies and practical achievements of the finalist teams during the presentations, and to jointly witnessing new milestones in the architectural world.”

Award Ceremony to be Held in June to Celebrate Excellence

The final results of the Quality Building Award 2026 will be unveiled at the Awards Ceremony to be held on 26 June this year. The event will bring together industry leaders to collectively witness the glorious moment celebrating outstanding architectural projects.

For more details about the Quality Building Award, please visit:
Official Website: www.qba.com.hk
Facebook: QBAHK
LinkedIn: QBAHK
Weibo: 優質建築大獎
WeChat Official Account: 優質建築大獎

Finalists of QBA 2026

(The list is in alphabetical order)

Hong Kong Residential (Single Building)
1 Belgravia Place I
2 ECHO House
3 Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park – Batch 1A Development : Building 11
4 JARDINI
5 One Central Place
6 Parkwood
Hong Kong Residential (Multiple Buildings)
1 Baker Circle
2 Casa Sierra
3 NOVO LAND
4 THE PAVILIA FOREST
5 Victoria Voyage
Hong Kong Non-Residential (New Building – Government, Institution of Community)
1 Hospital Authority Supporting Services Centre
2 Kai Tak District Cooling Plant No. 3 (KTDCS-P3)
3 Kai Tak Sports Park
4 Kowloon Tsai Swimming Pool Complex
5 Kwai Chung Hospital
6 The Pentecostal Holiness Church Wing Kwong Junior School
Hong Kong Non-Residential (New Building – Non-Government, Institution of Community)
1 98 How Ming Street
2 Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park – Batch 1A Development : Building 8 & Building 9
3 One Causeway Bay
Hong Kong Building (Renovation / Revitalization)
1 Conversion of the Old Wan Chai Police Station into the Headquarters of the International Organization for Mediation
2 Expansion of the Legislative Council Complex
3 Lo Pan Spirit Inheritance: Conservation of Lo Pan Temple
4 Tai Po Civic Centre
Temporary Building
1 Dedicated Rehousing Estate at Kwu Tung North Area 24 MIC Site Office
2 Light Public Housing at Olympic Avenue, Kai Tak (Phase 1)
3 Light Public Housing – Choi Hing Road, Ngau Tau Kok
4 Light Public Housing – Yau Pok Road, Yuen Long
5 WISE COMPLEX
Building Outside GBA (include International)
1 Arbour
2 Iconic Tower of New CBD of New Administrative Capital of Egypt
Building in GBA (Not include Hong Kong)
1 China State Construction Science and Technology Innovation Building
2 China Overseas Headquarter
3 Guangzhou Respiratory Center
4 Marisfrolg Industrial Park

Hashtag: #QualityBuildingAward2026

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

About Quality Building Award

The Quality Building Award (QBA) is a biennial award that recognizes buildings of outstanding quality and those that demonstrate outstanding teamwork. The provision of quality buildings is an essential ingredient of a prosperous and modern society, and the Quality Building Award aims to promote a collective commitment by the building industry to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and competitiveness.

The theme of QBA 2026 is “Smartly We Build | Sustainably We Thrive | Inclusively We Lead”, which aimed at recognizing the adoption of smart, sustainable, and inclusive solutions, driving innovation and eco-friendly practices to foster collective progress and ensure a thriving, sustainable future. As always, the QBA 2026 will continue to recognize outstanding contributions to society and drive the ongoing advancement of construction industry.

The Quality Building Award 2026 is jointly organized by ten leading professional institutions in Hong Kong, including:

  • The Hong Kong Institute of Housing (HKIH) (Rotating Chair of QBA 2026)
  • BEAM Society Limited (BSL)
  • The Hong Kong Construction Association (HKCA)
  • The Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA)
  • The Hong Kong Institute of Construction Managers (HKICM)
  • The Hong Kong Institute of Engineers (HKIE)
  • The Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors (HKIS)
  • Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency (HKQAA)
  • International Facility Management Association, Hong Kong Chapter (IFMAHK)
  • The Real Estate Developers Association of Hong Kong (REDA)

(in alphabetical order by English name)