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Stable economy and digital transformation power Hong Kong SMEs to decade high performance, CPA Australia survey

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Advertorial Desk
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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 April 2026 – Hong Kong’s small businesses delivered their strongest performance in a decade in 2025, while confidence in the year ahead has climbed to a record high, according to CPA Australia’s latest Asia‑Pacific Small Business Survey 2025–26.

Stable economy and digital transformation power Hong Kong SMEs to decade high performance, CPA Australia survey

The survey shows that 68 per cent of Hong Kong SMEs recorded growth in 2025, up from 65 per cent in 2024 and marking the highest result on record. This positive momentum is expected to continue this year, with 71 per cent of SMEs expecting their businesses to grow and 76 per cent anticipating growth in the local economy — both at record highs. Customer loyalty and a strong workforce were identified as key drivers behind SMEs’ solid performance last year.

Mr Cliff Ip, Councillor of CPA Australia’s Greater China Divisional Council, said Hong Kong’s improving business environment played a critical role in supporting SME growth. “Hong Kong’s business confidence and economic growth strengthened last year, supported by robust capital markets, a recovery in tourism and consumption, and signs of stabilisation in the property market,” said Mr Ip. “Against this stable and supportive backdrop, small businesses not only benefited from increased business activity, but were also able to expand in a healthy and sustainable manner.”

Looking ahead, Mr Ip noted that while global geopolitical tensions and external uncertainties pose rising challenges, Hong Kong’s underlying strengths remain a key advantage for SMEs. “Rising geopolitical risks are likely to create headwinds for many sectors such as trade and logistics through higher fuel costs and supply chain disruptions. However, I remain confident about Hong Kong’s overall business outlook this year,” he said. “As many regions become more unpredictable or less secure, Hong Kong’s stable and consistent business environment, together with supportive policy settings including the city’s low and simple tax regime stand out as important advantages in attracting international companies and investors.”

Mr Ip added that these developments also present new opportunities for local SMEs, particularly as increased international interest creates scope to build partnerships, expand networks and tap into new markets. “This environment also creates favourable conditions for younger entrepreneurs to explore emerging markets and pursue new business opportunities,” he said.

Improved business performance has strengthened the solvency of many local SMEs. The share of businesses reporting difficulty paying debts fell sharply from 22 per cent in 2024 to just 3 per cent in 2025, while only 4 per cent expect to face difficulties this year, down markedly from 26 per cent previously. As a result, Hong Kong small businesses are now the least likely among the surveyed businesses to report solvency concerns.

Mr Ip said, “The solvency of many SMEs has notably improved, driven by stronger cash flow from improved business growth, a robust capital market and a recovering property market over the past year. This healthier cashflow has both supported easier access to external finance and reduced the need for such finance.”

Hong Kong SMEs have also strengthened their capability to invest in technology that delivers rapid improvements in profitability. In 2025, 64 per cent of SMEs reported that their technology investment in that year helped improve profitability, up from 59 per cent in 2024. Two in five Hong Kong SMEs invested in artificial intelligence (AI) last year, making it the leading technology investment among local SMEs, followed by customer relationship management (CRM) software.

At the same time, cyber protection has improved, with the share of Hong Kong businesses reporting losses from cyber incidents falling sharply from 72 per cent in 2024 to 43 per cent in 2025. However, as digitalisation accelerates, cyber risks remain elevated, with nearly three in five SMEs expecting to face cyber threats this year, above the survey average 42 per cent.

Mr Davy Leung, Deputy Chairperson of CPA Australia’s SME and Entrepreneurship Committee of Greater China, said the growing maturity and availability of AI tools is helping SMEs enhance productivity, reduce operating costs and improve customer experience.

(Left) Mr Davy Leung, Deputy Chairperson of SME and Entrepreneurship Committee 2026 from CPA Australia (Right) Mr Cliff Ip Greater China Divisional Councillor 2025 from CPA Australia
(Left) Mr Davy Leung, Deputy Chairperson of SME and Entrepreneurship Committee 2026 from CPA Australia (Right) Mr Cliff Ip Greater China Divisional Councillor 2025 from CPA Australia

“However, rising digital fraud, wider AI adoption and SMEs’ increasing reliance on digital banking have prompted the Hong Kong Government to significantly strengthen banking security and cybersecurity resilience over the past year. This includes the rollout of low-cost and practical initiatives such as the Cybersec One Programme and the continued implementation of the ‘9+5’ SME support measures. The decline of cyberattack-related losses reported in the survey in part reflects the effectiveness of these measures.

“As cybersecurity threats and digital fraud risks continue to escalate, SMEs should make better use of these available resources, including free website risk assessments and vulnerability identification services, to strengthen their defence capabilities and safeguard business operations.”

Mr Leung also suggested that the Government consider revamping the Technology Voucher Programme to support broader digitalisation efforts, including the adoption of both AI and non-AI technologies. He added that enhanced training support would help SMEs identify and implement modern tools to drive innovation, improve efficiency and strengthen long-term competitiveness.

Rising costs remain a key challenge for Hong Kong SMEs in 2025, with 29 per cent reporting it having a negative impact on their business. However, this was the second‑lowest level among all surveyed markets, underscoring Hong Kong’s relatively low inflationary environment last year. Notably, the share of SMEs citing staff costs as a negative factor rose from 35 per cent to 42 per cent, making it the most significant cost pressure for Hong Kong businesses in 2025. This increase may help explain why the proportion of SMEs hiring additional staff declined from 42 per cent to 38 per cent last year.

Mr Leung said, “Increasing costs remain a significant barrier for many SMEs across Asia‑Pacific region, but Hong Kong’s relatively low inflation has helped cushion the impact on local small businesses,” Mr Leung said.

Mr Leung added that while headcount growth has moderated, overall staff costs have continued to rise as businesses invest in higher‑value talent. “Greater digitalisation and automation have helped ease labour constraints in Hong Kong. When SMEs do add staff, they are increasingly recruiting employees with digital and AI capabilities, or creating new roles to support business transformation. These positions typically command higher salaries, which has contributed to higher overall staff costs despite slower hiring growth.”

The annual survey collected the views of 4,166 small businesses across 11 Asia-Pacific markets, including Singapore, the Chinese Mainland, and Australia, with 305 respondents from Hong Kong.
Hashtag: #CPAAustralia

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

About CPA Australia

CPA Australia is Australia’s leading professional accounting body and one of the largest in the world. We have more than 176,000 members in over 100 countries and regions. Our core services include education, training, technical support and advocacy. CPA Australia provides thought leadership on local, national and international issues affecting the accounting profession and public interest. We engage with governments, regulators and industries to advocate policies that stimulate sustainable economic growth and have positive business and public outcomes. A CPA is a Certified Practising Accountant. More at

NineSmart Smart Property Makes Appearance at HKBN Enterprise Solutions Event

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Advertorial Desk
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Driving Intelligent Transformation of Property Management with AIoT


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 April 2026 – NineSmart attended the “AI-Powered Property Operations: From Strategy to Execution” conference hosted by HKBN Enterprise Solutions on 17 April, where it exchanged insights with industry peers from property management and technology sectors on how AI and IoT can help transform property operations from traditional models into a truly intelligent one. The event focused on smart property management, security operations, tenant experience and system integration, and featured keynote sharing and live demonstrations showcasing how AIoT is driving property management from “passive monitoring” to “active detection” and “predictive management.”

(Middle Left) Sing Wong, Business Director and (Middle Right) Lucas Mo, Co-founder of NineSmart at the HKBN Enterprise Solutions Event
(Middle Left) Sing Wong, Business Director and (Middle Right) Lucas Mo, Co-founder of NineSmart at the HKBN Enterprise Solutions Event

Presentation: A People-Centred Approach to Intelligent Transformation

During the session, Sing Wong, Director of Business Development at NineSmart, noted that true intelligence should go beyond device automation and address the practical needs of residents, frontline property staff, and management or owners alike. In traditional property management, access control, lifts, sensors and clubhouse facilities are often managed separately. Even with automation systems in place, these systems may still fail to connect with one another, resulting in more back-end systems for frontline teams to monitor.

Wong said, “The real shift in intelligent management lies in data flow and system connectivity. When data from different devices is brought into a single platform, management teams can better anticipate and address potential issues early, freeing frontline staff from repetitive tasks so they can focus on higher-value service work.”

Showcase: Smart Property Management Solution

In addition to the presentation, NineSmart also showcased its Smart Property solution and one of its functional modules, Smart Access, demonstrating how a unified platform can connect different devices to help the industry improve operational efficiency and service experience. Through an integrated IoT platform, access control is no longer just a standalone function, but one that can be connected with other operational workflows, notification mechanisms and data analytics, enhancing overall efficiency and security.

Driving Smart Transformation and Automation Toward Unmanned Operations

As AIoT technology continues to mature, property operations are moving away from manual patrols and reactive follow-up to predictive and automated management. More repetitive tasks will be handled automatically by systems, allowing frontline teams to focus on higher-value work and helping property operations move toward a sustainable unmanned operating model.

Lucas Mo, Co-founder of NineSmart, said, “The future of property management is not just automation, but a true intelligent transformation driven by data and AIoT, enabling residents, frontline teams and management to collaborate efficiently on one platform. This allows property teams to better understand usage patterns and service needs, make more forward-looking decisions, and enhance both operational efficiency and long-term asset value.”

Positive Feedback from Attendees and Industry Representatives

Visitors and industry representatives said NineSmart’s showcase clearly demonstrated the practical implementation of smart property management, particularly in access control, system integration and operational automation, with clear use cases and tangible value. Some attendees also noted that the showcase successfully combined the ideas of “automation” and “people-centric design,” advancing smart transformation from a simple hardware upgrade to a shift in operational thinking. This closely aligned with the event theme of moving from strategy to execution, helping to advance property operations toward a higher level of intelligent transformation.

Hashtag: #HKBNEnterpriseSolutions #NineSmart #SmartProperty #IoT #SmartAccess



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

About NineSmart

NineSmart is a leader in property technology, specialising in IoT and AI-driven solutions that transform property management. We are dedicated to developing and deploying innovative solutions for smart building automation and digital transformation to comprehensively optimize management efficiency. As a Cyberport incubatee, NineSmart is dedicated to creating innovative, sustainable, and user-centric smart living experiences. Visit to learn more.

PETRONAS Lubricants International Launches Flagship PETRONAS Pro Series to Elevate Global Industrial Performance

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Advertorial Desk
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New streamlined flagship range simplifies product selection for businesses without altering trusted, high-performance formulas


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 April 2026 – PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI) announced the launch of the PETRONAS Pro Series, its new flagship range of industrial lubricants, during a trade engagement session in Kuala Lumpur. The launch marks a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to advancing industrial efficiency and supporting the professionals who keep the world’s essential industries moving.

From L-R: Ravi Tallamraju, Group Chief Technology Officer, PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI); Noorhana Habib, Regional Managing Director (Asia), PLI; Khalil Muri, Managing Director & Group CEO, PLI; Mohd Zameer Zahur Hussain, Chief Executive Officer, PETRONAS Lubricant Marketing (Malaysia); Udaya Kumar, Group Industrial Managing Director, PLI
From L-R: Ravi Tallamraju, Group Chief Technology Officer, PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI); Noorhana Habib, Regional Managing Director (Asia), PLI; Khalil Muri, Managing Director & Group CEO, PLI; Mohd Zameer Zahur Hussain, Chief Executive Officer, PETRONAS Lubricant Marketing (Malaysia); Udaya Kumar, Group Industrial Managing Director, PLI

The new PETRONAS Pro Series now offers a comprehensive set of application-based solutions organised into application categories, with the first four unveiled as part of this initial launch. The PETRONAS Pro Series is designed to empower customers to select the right fluid with total confidence, ensuring maximum uptime and equipment longevity through the following products:

  • PETRONAS ProKomp (Compressors): High-stability oils engineered to maintain peak performance and thermal resistance in industrial air compressors
  • PETRONAS ProGris (Greases): Heavy-duty greases designed to withstand extreme pressures and temperatures in the most demanding environments
  • PETRONAS ProGear (Transmission Lubricants): Advanced lubricants providing superior protection and smooth power transfer for industrial gearboxes
  • PETRONAS ProHyd (Hydraulic Fluids): Premium fluids optimised for high-pressure hydraulic systems to reduce wear and maintain precision

“With the PETRONAS Pro Series, we reaffirm our commitment to the professionals who power industries, and to an industrial future that is more efficient, more reliable, and more sustainable,” said Udaya Kumar, Group Industrial Managing Director of PETRONAS Lubricants International, at the launch. He added, “By streamlining our offerings, we are making it easier for our partners to access the world-class technology they trust, allowing them to focus on driving their operations forward.”

The PETRONAS Pro Series strengthens PLI’s broader lubricants portfolio, which serves mobility, industry, and future energy systems through its core brands: PETRONAS Syntium, PETRONAS Sprinta, PETRONAS Urania, PETRONAS Iona, PETRONAS Arbor, PETRONAS Tutela, and now PETRONAS Pro.

Every product within the range is powered by PETRONAS Fluid Technology Solutions™, a proprietary technology platform developed through decades of global R&D and motorsports expertise. This ensures that the same innovation driving performance on the world’s toughest racetracks is adapted to meet the rigorous demands of real-world industrial applications.

As part of its phased global rollout, the PETRONAS Pro Series is now available in India and Brazil, enabling business partners to begin introducing the enhanced range to their customers.
Hashtag: #PETRONASLubricantsInternational #PLI #PETRONASPro #industrial #lubricants #technology

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

PETRONAS Lubricants International

PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI) is the global lubricants manufacturing and marketing arm of PETRONAS, Malaysia’s dynamic global energy group. Established in 2008, PLI manufactures and markets a full range of high-quality automotive and industrial lubricant products in over 100 markets internationally. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, PLI also has offices around the world including Turin, Belo Horizonte, Beijing, and Chicago. PLI is the technical resource behind PETRONAS’ partnership with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team, responsible for the design, development and delivery of the Fluid Technology Solutions™, which includes customised lubricants, fuels and transmission fluids to power the Silver Arrows.

We are a progressive energy and solutions partner, enriching lives for a sustainable future. Our commitment remains to conduct and grow our business in ways that contribute positively to society and the environment.

PLI is driving an aggressive business growth agenda as one of the leading global lubricants companies at the forefront of the industry, providing custom-made solutions for every need. For more information, please visit.

Laos-China 500 kV Power Transmission Line Now Operational

By
Namfon Chanthavong
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Transmission poles in Laos (photo: Electricite Du Laos)

Laos and China have put their new 500 kV cross-border power transmission line into operation.

It went live on 20 April, following test runs after engineers first connected it on 5 February.

The line runs 177.5 kilometres, connecting the Nam Mo 3 substation in Oudomxay Province to the Xishuangbanna substation in Yunnan Province. The Lao section covers 32.5 kilometres and was built by the Electricite du Laos Transmission Company, a joint venture between state utility EDL and China Southern Power Grid. Construction began in February 2025.

Capable of carrying up to 1.5 million kilowatts of electricity, the line will deliver around 3 billion kilowatt-hours of clean power each year, roughly 30 times more than the previous link.

Authorities estimate it will cut carbon emissions by around 2.5 million tonnes annually.

Environmental protection was a priority throughout construction, earlier reports from state media confirmed. Engineers optimised the route to avoid sensitive areas and used forest co-planting techniques to reduce deforestation by more than 80 percent, while expanded safety zones along the line offer added protection to nearby communities.

Officials from both sides said the line will strengthen energy security, improve electricity reliability, and support long-term economic growth in northern Laos.

They also see it as a foundation for deeper clean energy cooperation across the Lancang-Mekong region.

Energy Production in Laos

The 500kV line does not stand alone.

In December 2025, authorities inaugurated a 1,000-megawatt solar power project in Oudomxay Province, with Phase I projected to generate 1.7 billion kilowatt-hours annually. The new transmission line will carry that solar power directly to Yunnan Province, making the two projects closely linked.

In March this year, the Lao government signed a deal to build a large clean energy and aluminium industrial zone, also in Oudomxay, covering 6,279 hectares.

China’s Guangxi Investment Group will lead investment in a green aluminium production base capable of producing up to half a million tonnes per year, drawing on up to 2,000 megawatts of clean energy. Officials say the project could reposition Laos from a resource-exporting country into a regional hub for green industrial manufacturing.

On the domestic grid side, EDL is also fast-tracking 12 large-scale solar farms with a combined capacity of 830 megawatts to strengthen domestic supply, alongside accelerating the Nam Ngum 3 hydropower project for completion by 2027.

Mozambique President Visits Zoomlion Smart Industrial City During China State Visit

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Advertorial Desk
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CHANGSHA, China, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mozambique’s President Daniel Francisco Chapo toured the manufacturing facilities of Chinese heavy equipment maker Zoomlion on April 16, marking the first day of a weeklong state visit to China as the African nation seeks to accelerate its infrastructure and agricultural development.

Chapo, on his first trip to China since taking office in 2025, was received at Zoomlion’s Smart Industrial City in Changsha by Chairman and CEO Zhan Chunxin, where he observed automated excavator assembly lines and a range of farm equipment including electric tractors, hybrid and fully electric combine harvesters, and rice transplanters.

The company also staged live demonstrations to showcase the precision of its intelligent systems, featuring an excavator stacking cups and a skid-steer loader performing a choreographed routine.

Chapo said Mozambique had found in Zoomlion the kind of solutions its construction and infrastructure drive demands, noting that the country is engaged in large-scale development spanning roads, bridges, buildings and broader infrastructure.

Agriculture accounts for roughly a quarter of the country’s GDP and employs the majority of its working population, making mechanization a persistent priority for economic development.

The country’s Ministry of Agriculture held a separate meeting with Zoomlion two days later to discuss its agricultural machinery requirements.

Mozambique is at a stage of development that aligns closely with Zoomlion’s long-term strengths in construction and agricultural equipment. With experience built over years of product development, manufacturing and international market expansion, the company is well positioned to support a wide range of infrastructure and mechanization needs.

Zoomlion, listed in Hong Kong, reported international revenue of 30.5 billion yuan ($4.4 billion) in 2025, roughly 59% of total sales, compounding at 52% annually over the past four years. Earthmoving machinery revenue rose approximately 45% year on year.

The Changsha facility produces more than 100 excavator models on shared assembly lines, turning out one excavator every six minutes on average, with a full manufacturing cycle from raw steel to finished product of 6.5 days.

The visit reflects growing international interest in equipment manufacturers capable of serving diverse construction and agricultural needs, as infrastructure investment continues to expand across emerging markets.

2026 ASCO | Mabwell to Present Latest Clinical Data on 9MW2821 Combined with Toripalimab for Urothelial Carcinoma in Oral and Poster Presentations

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Advertorial Desk
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SHANGHAI, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mabwell (688062.SH), an innovation-driven biopharmaceutical company with a fully integrated industry chain, announced that two latest clinical study results of its Nectin-4-targeting ADC 9MW2821 in combination with toripalimab for urothelial carcinoma will be presented at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago, USA from May 29 to June 2, 2026 (local time), as an oral presentation and a poster presentation, respectively.

Oral Presentation

Title: Bulumtatug fuvedotin (BFv; 9MW2821) plus toripalimab in patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (la/mUC): Follow-up results from a phase 1b/2 study.

Abstract Number for Publication: 4518

Presenter: Prof. Sheng Xinan, Chief Physician, doctoral supervisor, Dept. of Urologic Oncology (Beijing Cancer Hospital)

Session Date and Time: 6/1/2026 8:00AM-9:30AM CDT

Poster Presentation

Title: Bulumtatug fuvedotin (BFv; 9MW2821) plus toripalimab in perioperative patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC): Results of cohort A from a phase 2 study.

Abstract Number for Publication: 4609

Principal Investigator: Prof. Liu Zhuowei, Chief Physician, Dept. of Urology (Sun Yat-sem University Cancer Center)

Session Date and Time: 5/31/2026 9:00AM-12:00PM CDT

About Mabwell

Mabwell (688062.SH) is an innovation-driven biopharmaceutical company with capabilities spanning the entire pharmaceutical value chain. The company is committed to providing more effective and accessible therapies to meet global medical needs, with a focus on oncology and aging-related diseases. Mabwell’s mission is “Explore Life, Benefit Health” and its vision is “Innovation, from Ideas to Reality.” For more information, please visit www.mabwell.com/en. 

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, the potential safety, efficacy, regulatory review or approval and commercial success of our product candidates and those relating to the Company’s product development, clinical studies, clinical and regulatory milestones and timelines, market opportunity, competitive position, possible or assumed future results of operations, business strategies, potential growth opportunities and other statements that are predictive in nature. “Forward-looking statements” are statements that are not historical facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking expressions, including, but not limited to, “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would,” and similar expressions and the negatives of those terms.

Forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current expectations and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the Company’s control, including, but not limited to: environment; politic; economy; society; legislation; our dependence on our product candidates, most of which are still in preclinical or various stages of clinical development; our reliance on third-party vendors, such as contract research organizations and contract manufacturing organizations; the uncertainties inherent in clinical testing; our ability to complete required clinical trials for our product candidates and obtain approval from regulatory authorities for our product candidates; our ability to protect our intellectual property; the loss of any executive officers or key personnel. In case one or more of these risks or uncertainties deteriorate, or any assumptions are incorrect, the actual results may be seriously inconsistent with the stated results.

The Company cautions all the persons not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speaks only as of the date of this press release. The Company disclaims any obligation, except as specifically required by law and the rules of the applicable Stock authority to publicly update or revise any such statements to reflect any change in expectations or in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statements may be based, or that may affect the likelihood that actual results will differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking descriptions, figures and assumptions in this press release are applicable to this statement.

MINJUVI® (tafasitamab) for Relapsed or Refractory Follicular Lymphoma Approved in Australia

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Advertorial Desk
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  • Minjuvi® (tafasitamab), in combination with rituximab and lenalidomide, is the first and only chemotherapy-free CD19 and CD20 dual-targeted immunotherapy combination regimen to be approved in Australia for adults with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (R/R FL) (Grade 1-3a).1,2
  • Despite the availability of existing treatments, R/R FL remains incurable, is characterised by repeated relapses and typically has a poor prognosis.3
  • Follicular lymphoma is the second most common form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, with 1,500 Australians newly diagnosed each year.4,5

SINGAPORE, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Independent biopharmaceutical company Specialised Therapeutics (ST) is pleased to announce that Minjuvi® (tafasitamab), in combination with rituximab and lenalidomide, has been registered by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for the treatment of Australian adults with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (R/R FL) (Grade 1-3a).1

The TGA registration establishes Minjuvi as the first and only chemotherapy-free CD19 and CD20 dual-targeted immunotherapy combination regimen to be approved in Australia for this group of patients.2

“While most patients with follicular lymphoma respond well to initial treatment and patients’ prognosis has improved, around one in five will see their lymphoma return within two years, which is often linked to poorer long-term outcomes,” said Professor Judith Trotman, Senior Staff Specialist and Lymphoma Group Lead in the Haematology Department at Concord Repatriation General Hospital in Sydney. “For these patients, current therapies do not always deliver durable responses, highlighting the urgent need for evidence-based options that can meaningfully extend and improve their lives.”

Follicular Lymphoma (FL) is the second most common form of non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL), accounting for 20-30% of all NHL cases.4 An estimated 1,500 Australians are newly diagnosed with FL each year.5

“The TGA registration of Minjuvi marks an important new advance for patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma, bringing Australian clinical practice in line with accepted global standards of care,” said Professor Trotman.

The TGA registration of Minjuvi in combination with rituximab and lenalidomide in R/R FL was based on the results from the global Phase 3 inMIND clinical study. This trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of the regimen in 652 patients, including 548 participants with R/R FL. Notably, 54 Australians participated across 12 local trial sites across the country.6

In the clinical trial, patients receiving the Minjuvi combination regimen achieved a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in median progression-free survival (PFS) of 22.4 months (compared to 13.9 months in patients receiving placebo added to lenalidomide and rituximab) — representing a 57% reduction in the risk of disease progression, relapse or death.6

Minjuvi was generally well-tolerated, with a manageable safety profile.6 The most common adverse reactions in the Phase 3 study (≥20%) in patients receiving Minjuvi, excluding laboratory abnormalities, were respiratory tract infections (including COVID-19 infection and pneumonia), diarrhoea, rash, fatigue, constipation, musculoskeletal pain and cough.6

In 2021, ST entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Incyte (NASDAQ:INCY) to commercialise Minjuvi in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

“Follicular lymphoma is an incurable blood cancer and treatment options after relapse remain limited, with each recurrence more challenging to find effective treatments,” said Carlo Montagner, ST Chief Executive Officer. “We are extremely proud to bring the first and only chemotherapy-free treatment option to eligible Australians with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma, addressing a critical need for new therapies that may lower the risk of disease progression, relapse or death.”

“The Minjuvi approval represents the ninth time ST has successfully navigated the Project Orbis process since 2021,” said Mr Montagner. “With TGA registration secured, we are committed to working with the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee and Department of Health, Disability and Ageing to enable equitable access to Minjuvi for Australians with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma as soon as possible.”

For further details on Minjuvi, contact your healthcare professional and please refer to the approved Australian Consumer Medicine Information or Product Information available from the TGA website.

PBS Information: Minjuvi is not listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

Important safety Information on Minjuvi7

Minjuvi should be administered to patients with an active infection only if the infection is treated appropriately and well controlled. Patients with a history of recurring or chronic infections may be at increased risk of infection and should be monitored appropriately. Patients should be advised to contact their healthcare professionals if fever or other evidence of potential infection, such as chills, cough or pain on urination, develops. Treatment with Minjuvi in combination with lenalidomide and/or rituximab should not be initiated in female patients unless pregnancy has been excluded.

In the inMIND study, the most common adverse reactions were infections (68%), including viral infections (41%) and bacterial infections (27%); neutropenia (57%), rash (36.4%), asthenia (34.9%), pyrexia (19%), thrombocytopenia (17%), anaemia (17%), infusion related reaction (15.9%), pruritus (15.6%), and headache (10.4%). The most common serious adverse reactions were infections (26%), including viral infections (13%) and bacterial infections (6%), febrile neutropenia (2.8%), and pyrexia (1.8%).

Treatment with tafasitamab can cause serious or severe myelosuppression including neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anaemia. Complete blood counts should be monitored throughout treatment and prior to administration of each treatment cycle.

Ends.

About Minjuvi® (tafasitamab)

Minjuvi® (tafasitamab) is a humanised Fc-modified cytolytic CD19-targeting monoclonal antibody. Tafasitamab incorporates an XmAb® engineered Fc domain, which mediates B-cell lysis through apoptosis and immune effector mechanism including Antibody-Dependent Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity (ADCC) and Antibody-Dependent Cellular Phagocytosis (ADCP). Incyte licenses exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialise tafasitamab from Xencor, Inc.

In Australia, Minjuvi is also indicated in combination with lenalidomide followed by Minjuvi monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who are not eligible for autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT).

Minjuvi is not indicated and is not recommended for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory marginal zone lymphoma outside of controlled clinical trials.

▼ This medicine is included in the TGA Black Triangle Scheme. Please report suspected adverse events to the TGA.

In the U.S., Monjuvi® (tafasitamab-cxix) is approved by the U.S. FDA in combination with lenalidomide and rituximab for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (FL).

Monjuvi is not approved and is not recommended for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory marginal zone lymphoma outside of controlled clinical trials.

Additionally, Monjuvi received accelerated approval in the United States in combination with lenalidomide for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) not otherwise specified, including DLBCL arising from low grade lymphoma, and who are not eligible for autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT).

In Europe, Minjuvi (tafasitamab) received conditional Marketing Authorisation from the European Medicines Agency in combination with lenalidomide, followed by Minjuvi monotherapy, for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL who are not eligible for ASCT. Additionally, Minjuvi is approved in combination with lenalidomide and rituximab for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (FL) (Grade 1-3a) after at least one line of systemic therapy in Europe.

In Japan, Minjuvi is approved in combination with rituximab and lenalidomide for adult patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (2L+ FL).

XmAb® is a registered trademark of Xencor, Inc.

Monjuvi and Minjuvi are registered trademarks of Incyte.

About the inMIND Study6,7

A global, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled Phase 3 study, inMIND (NCT04680052) evaluated the efficacy and safety of tafasitamab in combination with rituximab and lenalidomide compared with placebo in combination with rituximab and lenalidomide in patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (FL) Grade 1 to 3a or relapsed or refractory nodal, splenic or extranodal marginal zone lymphoma (MZL). The study enrolled a total of 654 adults (age ≥18 years).

The primary endpoint of the study is progression-free survival (PFS) by investigator assessment in the FL population, and the key secondary endpoints are PFS in the overall population as well as positron emission tomography complete response (PET-CR) and overall survival (OS) in the FL population.

The clinical trial met its primary endpoint, with the data demonstrating a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) in comparison to placebo added to lenalidomide and rituximab.6 Patients receiving Minjuvi in combination with rituximab and lenalidomide achieved a median PFS by investigator assessment of 22.4 months (95% CI, 19.2-not evaluable [NE]) compared to 13.9 months (95% CI, 11.5-16.4) in the control arm (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.43 [95% CI, 0.32-0.58]; P<0.0001).6 The PFS assessed by an Independent Review Committee (IRC) was consistent with investigator-based results.6 Median PFS by IRC was not reached (95% CI, 19.3-NE) in the Minjuvi group versus 16.0 months (95% CI, 13.9-21.1) in the placebo group (HR: 0.41 [95% CI, 0.29-0.56].6

Minjuvi was generally well-tolerated, with a manageable safety profile.6 Safety and tolerability were comparable with the addition of tafasitamab to lenalidomide in combination with rituximab.6 The most common adverse reactions in the Phase 3 study (≥20%) in patients receiving Minjuvi, excluding laboratory abnormalities, were respiratory tract infections (including COVID-19 infection and pneumonia), diarrhoea, rash, fatigue, constipation, musculoskeletal pain and cough.6

About Specialised Therapeutics

Founded in 2007, Specialised Therapeutics is an independent specialty pharmaceutical company, providing novel therapies and technologies to patients in Australia, New Zealand and across Southeast Asia. Headquartered in Singapore, ST partners with global pharmaceutical, biotech and diagnostic companies to bring novel healthcare opportunities to patients who are impacted by a range of diseases. ST has built a strong track record of success, navigating complex regulatory, reimbursement and commercialisation environments in its diverse regions across multiple therapeutic areas. The ST mission is to provide specialty therapies where there is an unmet need to communities that would otherwise not have ready access to such therapies. The company’s broad therapeutic portfolio currently includes novel agents in oncology, haematology, CNS, neurology, endocrinology, ophthalmology and supportive care, although it is not confined to these areas.           

Additional information can be found at www.stbiopharma.com.

References:
  1. Therapeutic Goods Administration. Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG): MINJUVI tafasitamab. [Accessed 22 April 2026].
  2. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology. B-Cell Lymphomas. Version 3.2026.
  3. Zinzani PL et al. Exp Hematol Oncol. 2024 Aug 22;13(1):87.
  4. Trotman J, et al. Intern Med J. 2019 Apr;49(4):422-433.
  5. Lymphoma Australia. Types of Lymphoma – Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) – Indolent (slow-growing) B-cell NHL – Follicular Lymphoma. [Accessed 22 April 2026].
  6. Sehn LH, et al. Lancet. 2026 Jan 10;407(10524):133-146.
  7. MINJUVI Australian Product Information; 2026 Apr 20.

 

Vantage Introduces an Enhanced App with a Seamless All-in-One Trading Experience

By
Advertorial Desk
-

PORT VILA, Vanuatu, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Vantage, a multi-asset CFD platform, has introduced an enhanced version of the Vantage App, with upgrades focused on asset visibility, capital movement, and a more integrated all-in-one trading experience.

As multi-asset investing becomes more complex, users expect more from trading platforms than execution alone. Beyond spreads, liquidity, and order speed, they increasingly look for clearer asset visibility, smoother capital movement, and a more connected experience across different financial use cases. This is the backdrop for the rise of all-in-one trading apps.

It is unfolding at a time when the boundary between traditional market access and digital trading infrastructure is becoming increasingly fluid. In the U.S., discussion around tokenized equities, more continuous market access, and modernized trading rails has accelerated, with Nasdaq recently announcing an equity token design initiative. Growing attention to tokenized gold and other digitally accessible commodity-related products also points to changing investor expectations around how capital, market access, and asset visibility connect across trading scenarios.

For Vantage, the relevance of this all-in-one model is not about placing more modules inside one interface. It is about reorganising the platform around the user’s full asset journey. That means moving beyond isolated workflows and toward a more connected, integrated structure built on asset clarity, capital mobility, and financial utility.

The first shift is visibility

In fragmented platform models, users often need to switch across contract accounts, copy trading accounts, funding wallets, and yield modules just to understand where their money sits. An integrated app experience begins with a unified view — one that helps users understand balances, positions, and allocation across different account types from a single starting point.

The second shift is capital movement

Traditional platforms may require users to understand internal account structures before they can deposit, transfer, withdraw, subscribe, or redeem. That may make sense from a backend perspective, but it creates unnecessary friction for users. The enhanced Vantage App simplifies the front-end journey, allowing capital movement to feel more direct and intuitive, while underlying processes remain in place.

The third shift is capital efficiency

In disconnected environments, funds may sit idle between product switches, transfers, or trading decisions. In a more integrated platform, users are able to see how capital is allocated, what remains unused, and how quickly funds can be repositioned. This is not just a convenience upgrade — it may improve how users manage available funds over time.

A fourth area of evolution is broader financial utility

Increasingly, users may expect platforms to connect trading with adjacent functions such as payments, card-linked services, and yield-related features, where available. Product availability varies by market, account status, and regulatory requirements, but the broader direction is evolving: the platform is becoming a more connected financial environment rather than a standalone execution tool.

This may also influence how trust is built. Execution quality and system stability remain essential, but in an all-in-one environment, trust also depends on transparency of assets, clarity of funding paths, and consistency across services. As platforms play a larger role in how users organise and move capital, they also place greater emphasis on how that experience is designed.

For Vantage, this evolution is about building an all-in-one platform experience that supports the full lifecycle of user activity — from overview and funding to trading, yield, and broader financial utility. More broadly, it reflects an industry shift: the key question is no longer only what users can trade, but how well a platform helps them manage their activity.

That is why the all-in-one model is relevant. It signals a move away from fragmented product design and toward a platform structure built around how users manage capital in a multi-asset world.

For Vantage, that all-in-one direction is currently taking shape.

About Vantage Markets

Vantage Markets is a multi-asset CFD broker offering access to trading across financial markets. Through its range of trading platforms and tools, Vantage aims to provide users with a more accessible and efficient trading experience. Products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions.

Risk Warning: CFDs are complex instruments and carry a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Ensure you understand the risks before trading.

Disclaimer: This content relates to products and services not applicable to residents of the UK or Australia, where separate Vantage entities operate under their respective local regulations. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice or a recommendation to trade. It is not intended for distribution or use in any jurisdiction where such distribution would be contrary to local laws or regulations.

 

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