28.7 C
Vientiane
Sunday, August 24, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 644

“Human Creativity is Inspired by Abstract Connections That AI Cannot Intuitively Make”

The Orangeblowfish Creative Agency Founder to Join Dynamic Panel at Design Shanghai 2025

SHANGHAI, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Orangeblowfish creative agency Founder Siu Tang has been invited to share his thoughts on AI and creativity at ‘Design for Humanity’, the Design Shanghai Global Design Conference on June 4-7, 2025. Asia’s leading international design event, in its 12th year, is being hosted at Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center and is expected to attract around 80,000 visitors. This year’s four-day focus is on how design can change the world for the better and how creatives can redesign their futures as technology advances.

Based in Shanghai, Siu is an award-winning creative brand alchemist, transforming branding potential for high-profile names in retail, hospitality, and lifestyle industries in China and Asia-Pacific. On the third day of Design Shanghai, he will reveal his insights and opinions in what promises to be an electric panel presentation and discussion: The Big Idea: Human vs Machine Creativity: The Future of Human Creativity in the Artificially Intelligent Age.

The panel will be chaired by Aidan Walker, Design Shanghai Conference Director, who is enthusiastically including Siu as a dynamic creative voice. “Design Shanghai in 2025 is about looking beyond what design can achieve in the future and exploring how. Siu Tang brings dynamic originality to the world of branding concepts at The Orangeblowfish. His ideas on whether human creativity could be threatened by AI is undoubtedly going to be as bold and exciting as his design approach.”

Leading the topic will be Iris Pan, Lead Designer, Amazon XR & AI Shopping. Other contributors sharing the stage alongside Siu include Mo Zheng, Founder and Chief Architect, AntiStatics; Lecturer, Weitzman School of Design, University of Pennsylvania; Craig Miller, Partner and Head of Heatherwick Studio China; and Budiman Ong, Co-Founder of Jia CURATED and Ong Cen Kuang.

A Peak Performance Influencer and PRovoke APAC Innovator, Siu’s combines brand strategy methodology with creativity, art, and design to create connections and weave brand stories that enrich. The Orangeblowfish embraces ‘creativity unleashed’ through original concepts.

Siu believes a crucial aspect differentiates human and AI creativity. “As humans, we have an unfathomable ability to create abstract connections that resonate,” he highlights. “As a designer, this is intrinsic in creating narratives which, even when they haven’t been imagined before, somehow make sense in a way that is not always consciously understood. This is fundamental to the limits of AI right now, and as it evolves, so might we.”

Siu will be available for interviews and/or provide quotes on June 6, 2025, following his afternoon panel appearance. For more information, logos, and photos, or to arrange an interview please get in touch via heya@theorangeblowfish.com 

About The Orangeblowfish

The Orangeblowfish is an award-winning creative agency with its headquarters in Shanghai, and teams in Asia-Pacific. Our vision is to create experiences that connect and enrich people’s lives. Our mission is to unleash the power of creativity by using art, storytelling, space, and technology to help our clients’ brands, employees, and communities reach their full potential. Our belief is that creativity has no boundaries. We partner with Fortune 500 companies and local brands to produce uniquely crafted creative branding strategies, customized brand installations, brand experiences and more. For more information, visit www.theorangeblowfish.com.  

About Design Shanghai

The 12th Design Shanghai will be held from June 4-7, 2025 at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center. Having attracted 2,600+ global design brands, 1,000+ industry pioneers, and 640,000+ professional visitors to date, it has evolved into Asia’s leading platform for cutting-edge dialogue of international design, charting the evolution of Chinese design.

This year, Design Shanghai 2025 will present the design excellence of 600+ brands across 30+ countries through four sections: Furniture & Lighting Design, Kitchen, Bathroom & Systems Design, New Materials & Applications, and Living & Lifestyle. Seven special curated exhibitions: TALENTS, Neooold, Re:Materialize, Made in JDZ, Beyond Craft Japan, Collectible Design & Art, Materials First, together with three forums: Global Design Conference, Design for Wellbeing Conference and CMF Conference, will join hands with 200+ design pioneers, and are expected to engage anticipated 80,000+ professional attendees with the charm of design.

Lake Resources Announces Exploration of Strategic Alternatives

SYDNEY, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Lake Resources N.L. (ASX: LKE; OTC: LLKKF) (“Lake” or the “Company”), a responsible lithium developer, announced today that its Board of Directors will form a Special Committee composed of all members of the Board of Directors to evaluate a full range of strategic alternatives aimed at maximising value for all stakeholders in the Company. Lake’s tier one flagship Kachi Lithium Brine Project (“Kachi”) in Argentina is significantly progressed and ranks as one of the largest lithium assets in the Lithium Triangle. Highlights of Kachi include:

  • Largest independent development[1] project across the Lithium Triangle with Phase One plant capacity of 25ktpa[2] of battery grade lithium carbonate and potential for expansion
  • Total resource exceeds 10.6 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent[3]
  • Completed Phase One Definitive Feasibility Study in December 2023 with demonstration plant achieving 99.9% impurity rejection and 80% lithium recovery[4] 
  • Kachi is near shovel ready with the Exploitation Environmental Impact Assessment well advanced with approvals expected mid-2025

The decision to pursue a review of strategic alternatives is driven by the Company’s view that Kachi’s intrinsic value and strategic significance is materially undervalued by the market. The decision is also supported by recent announcements from companies with Argentine lithium projects receiving proposals that far exceed their current market capitalisations. 

“While lithium prices are currently depressed and weighing on company valuations across the sector, the long-term fundamentals for lithium remain robust with 17% per annum demand growth through 2030[5]. As the largest independent lithium development project in Argentina, Kachi will play an important role in supplying battery-grade lithium carbonate to the automotive and energy storage sectors.” said Lake’s Chairman, Stu Crow.

“We have observed recent examples where strategic buyers have ascribed values to Argentine lithium projects that far exceed public market valuations,” Mr. Crow continued. “We believe this dynamic is true for Kachi and Lake’s current share price. The Special Committee will be focused on addressing this discrepancy and closing the potential value gap through the strategic review we are announcing today.”

The Special Committee will consider and assess a range of potential strategic alternatives, which may include, but are not limited to, a potential sale of all or a part of Lake’s interest in Kachi, a potential sale or merger of the Company, restructuring initiatives, or partnership or joint venture structures.

Goldman Sachs has been retained as financial advisor with respect to potential transactions relating to Kachi.[6] Multiple parties continue to be engaged in the Goldman Sachs-led process. There can be no assurance that this strategic alternatives review will result in any transaction.

Table 1: Resource Statement
Table 1: Resource Statement

About Lake Resources N.L. (ASX: LKE OTC: LLKKF) 

Lake Resources N.L. (ASX: LKE, OTC: LLKKF) is a responsible lithium developer utilising state of-the-art ion exchange extraction technology for production of sustainable, high purity lithium from its flagship Kachi Project in Catamarca Province within the Lithium Triangle in Argentina.

This ion exchange extraction technology delivers a solution for two rising demands – high purity battery materials to avoid performance issues, and more sustainable, responsibly sourced materials with low carbon footprint and significant ESG benefits.

Forward Looking Statements:

Certain statements contained in this announcement, including information as to the future financial performance of the projects and the Company, are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Lake Resources N.L. are inherently subject to significant technical, business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies; involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results, expressed or implied, reflected in such forward-looking statements; and may include, among other things, statements regarding targets, estimates and assumptions in respect of production and prices, operating costs and results, capital expenditures, reserves and resources and anticipated flow rates, and are or may be based on assumptions and estimates related to future technical, economic, market, political, social and other conditions and affected by the risk of further changes in government regulations, policies or legislation and that further funding may be required, but unavailable, for the ongoing development of Lake’s projects. Lake Resources N.L. disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. The words “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “indicate”, “contemplate”, “target”, “plan”, “intends”, “continue”, “budget”, “estimate”, “may”, “will”, “schedule” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements made in this announcement are qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. Lake does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

[1] Kachi is the largest lithium development in the Lithium Triangle owned by a non-major lithium developer

[2] Tonnes per annum

[3] See Table 1 for breakdown of Mineral Resources into individual categories

[4] Refer to ASX announcement dated 19 December 2023 (“Kachi Phase One Definitive Feasibility Study”)

[5] Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research April 2025

[6] Refer to ASX announcement dated 29 November 2023

FancyTech Closes Series B+ to Power AI Personalized Content Solutions in Thailand and Southeast Asia

BANGKOK, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — FancyTech, an AI startup specializing in commercial content generation and winner of the 2024 LVMH Innovation Award, has announced the successful close of its Series B+ funding round. The round was co-led by GSR Ventures and Zhilin Capital, with continued backing from existing investor DCM. This latest capital injection will power the company’s global expansion and further scale its AI-driven content generation platform.

FancyTech reported $15 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR) for 2024, doubling year-on-year. With more than 1,000 clients across over ten countries and a new global headquarters in Dubai, FancyTech is expanding its presence across Southeast Asia—with Thailand as a key growth market.

Localized Content Partnerships Drive Hyper-personalization

FancyTech has started by partnering with leading Thai retail conglomerates and banks to deliver hyper-personalized content experiences powered by AI. This strategic collaboration enables enterprise clients to boost marketing efficiency and campaign ROI. By leveraging FancyTech’s advanced content generation platform, local partners can scale content creation and deepen consumer engagement, key success factors in Thailand’s mobile-first digital ecosystem across e-commerce and CRM marketing.

“Thailand is a market where visual impact, cultural nuance, and speed-to-market can make or break a brand,” said Bryan Lim, Channel Manager APAC at FancyTech. “By using AI to scale content personalization with local retail and banking leaders, we’re helping innovative Thai businesses to grow faster.”

AI Technology That Scales, Localizes, and Delivers

Thailand’s e-commerce revenue is expected to surpass 1.1 trillion baht in 2024, reflecting 14 per cent year-on-year growth,  and is projected to grow to 1.6 trillion baht in 2027. FancyTech’s proprietary AI models specialize in precise object reconstruction and content control, ensuring brand-aligned visuals at scale and in line with local sensibilities.

Each custom AI model is trained to the client’s unique visual identity, enabling marketers to create commercial content across various content types using the same prompt. This dramatically cuts production time while enhancing campaign relevance.

In 2023, the Creative Economy Agency (CEA) estimates Thailand’s creative economy generated revenue of 1.44 trillion baht, accounting for around 8 per cent of GDP. As part of its regional expansion, FancyTech is building a global AI content supply chain that leverages Thailand’s dynamic creative economy. “Our mission is to elevate how content is imagined, produced, and delivered as mobile internet access expands worldwide,” Bryan Lim added. “Innovative Thai creators and enterprises are central to this vision.”

About FancyTech

FancyTech is a global leader in AI-generated content, specializing in high-quality, brand-aligned visual content for businesses. FancyTech helps businesses looking to integrate AI across marketing, design, and digital experiences. In 2024, the company was named Grand Winner of the LVMH Innovation Award and featured on Forbes Asia’s “100 to Watch” list. With deep expertise in AI-powered creative and scalable commercial content, FancyTech is shaping how enterprises harness artificial intelligence to elevate their brands and accelerate innovation.

Successful Extension of Nucleic Acid Aptamer Pharmacokinetics in Joint Research by Ajinomoto Co., Inc. and RIBOMIC Inc.

  • AJICAP® Antibody-Drug Conjugate Manufacturing Technology Contributes to Enhanced Efficacy of Antibody Drugs

TOKYO, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ajinomoto Co., Inc. (President: Shigeo Nakamura, Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo, hereinafter referred to as “Ajinomoto”) has been conducting joint research* with RIBOMIC Inc. (President: Yoshikazu Nakamura, Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo, hereinafter referred to as “RIBOMIC”), a drug discovery startup focused on the development and production of aptamer pharmaceuticals, on the development of technology for controlling the pharmacokinetics of nucleic acid aptamers using the antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) manufacturing technology “AJICAP®” (hereinafter referred to as “AJICAP®”). As a result of this research, RIBOMIC has successfully extended the half-life of a conjugate of nucleic acid aptamers and the Fc region of immunoglobulins in the bloodstream.

As part of our efforts to demonstrate the applicability of AJICAP®, we have been advancing joint research with RIBOMIC (disclosed on December 27, 2023) aimed at realizing next-generation aptamer pharmaceuticals. In this research, RIBOMIC has focused on the retention of immunoglobulins in the bloodstream and aims to develop technology to extend the half-life in the bloodstream by fusing nucleic acid aptamers with immunoglobulins. By combining RIBOMIC’s compound creation and measurement technology for nucleic acid aptamers with our AJICAP®, we have worked on creating a conjugate in which nucleic acid aptamers are covalently bonded to the Fc region, a partial protein of immunoglobulins. Through this effort, we have examined the binding ratio and linker structure of the Fc region and nucleic acid aptamers, and the results suggest that adjusting the binding ratio to 1:1 can significantly extend the half-life of nucleic acid aptamers in the bloodstream (see inserted figure).


As demonstrated in this joint research, AJICAP® can be applied to the creation of conjugates of various bioactive molecules and antibodies. The resulting antibody-bioactive substance conjugates are expected to contribute to overcoming challenges such as improving the efficacy, stability, and safety of antibody drugs that have been apparent until now. Furthermore, the results of this joint research demonstrate the potential for AJICAP® to be applied not only to ADCs but also to various modalities. We will continue to provide unique value through antibody modification using AJICAP®.

*This does not grant RIBOMIC exclusive rights to the AJICAP® technology.

About Ajinomoto Co., Inc.
The Ajinomoto Group will contribute to the well-being of all human beings, our society and our planet with “AminoScience” based on the corporate slogan “Eat Well, Live Well”. The Ajinomoto Group has offices in 34 countries and regions, and sells products in more than 130 countries and regions. In fiscal 2023, sales were 1.4392 trillion yen (9.9 billion U.S. dollars). To learn more, visit www.ajinomoto.com.

About RIBOMIC, Inc.
As a drug discovery biotech venture, RIBOMIC, Inc. focuses on the development of aptamer pharmaceuticals, which are expected to be next-generation drugs, targeting a wide range of unmet medical needs such as pain, eye disorders, and bone diseases. They are also applying their RiboART System® to fields other than drug discovery, working on the development of new applications for aptamers outside of pharmaceuticals. For more information, please visit https://www.ribomic.com.

For further information, please contact: HERE

Visit our LinkedIn profile.

Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ajinomoto_research.jpg
Logo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/aji_biopharma_logo.jpg

CStone Presents Preclinical Results of CS2011 (EGFR/HER3 bispecific antibody), CS5007 (EGFR/HER3 bispecific ADC), CS5005 (SSTR2 ADC) and CS5006 (ITGB4 ADC) at 2025 AACR

SUZHOU, China, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CStone Pharmaceuticals (“CStone”, HKEX: 2616), an innovation-driven biopharmaceutical company focused on anti-cancer therapies, announced today that poster presentations of preclinical data of CS2011 (EGFR/HER3 bispecific antibody), CS5007 (EGFR/HER3 bispecific ADC), CS5005 (SSTR2 ADC) and CS5006 (ITGB4 ADC), key assets in CStone Pipeline 2.0, have been delivered at the 2025 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting.

Key Highlights:

  • CS2011 (EGFR/HER3 bispecific antibody):

EGFR and HER3 are members of the human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) family and are validated therapeutic targets in advanced solid tumors. EGFR overexpression drives tumor progression in approximately 70% of colorectal cancers (CRC), 60% of lung cancers, and over 90% of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Meanwhile, HER3 upregulation frequently emerges as a resistance mechanism to MAPK/PI3K inhibitors, EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), and hormone therapies. CS2011 is a bispecific antibody with high binding affinity to both EGFR and HER3. It effectively blocks downstream signaling of both targets, thereby inhibiting tumor growth on EGFR/HER3 positive tumor cells.

1.         CS2011 targets almost all HER family signaling except HER2 homodimers, addressing tumor heterogeneity effectively.

2.         CS2011 demonstrates potent binding affinity to EGFR and/or HER3 individually and enhanced dual binding affinity to EGFR and HER3 concurrently driven by avidity-based synergy.

3.         CS2011 inhibits tumor growth by binding to EGFR and/or HER3-positive tumor cells.

4.         CS2011 shows superior in vivo and in vitro anti-tumor activity versus potential major competitors.

(1)      Compared to anti-EGFR, anti-HER3 and competing bispecific antibody, CS2011 induces faster and deeper internalization in tumor cells across varying EGFR & HER3 expression levels.

(2)    CS2011 demonstrated potent inhibition of EGFR downstream signaling, comparable to anti-EGFR antibodies, and superior inhibition of HER3-mediated signaling compared to competitive bispecific antibody.

(3)      CS2011 exhibited robust anti-proliferative activity in tumor cells with diverse EGFR and HER3 expression levels.

(4)      In in vivo CDX tumor models, CS2011 demonstrated superior tumor-growth inhibition compared to anti-EGFR or anti-HER3 monoclonal antibodies alone and showed comparable efficacy to the combination treatment.

5.         CS2011 exhibited a pharmacokinetic (PK) profile comparable to those of monoclonal antibodies in rodents.

In summary, CS2011 has demonstrated potent blockage activity on EGFR and HER3 and exhibited synergistic effects on their downstream signaling. It thereby shows the potent tumor growth inhibitory effects in in vitro and in vivo experiments. The patent of CS2011 has been filed in March 2025, and its Investigational New Drug (IND) application is expected to be submitted in the near term.

  • CS5007 (EGFR/HER3 bispecific ADC):

CS5007 is a bispecific ADC targeting both EGFR and HER3, developed with CStone’s proprietary ADC platform. It is composed of EGFR/HER3 bispecific antibody backbone (CS2011), a hydrophilic β-glucuronide linker and a clinically validated topoisomerase I inhibitor, Exatecan. This integrated approach, featuring precise targeting, optimized linker stability, and proven therapeutic payload, positions CS5007 as a potential best-in-class candidate for precision oncology.

1.         CS5007 targets almost all human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) family signaling except for HER2 homodimers, covering broad tumor types and effectively addressing tumor heterogeneity.

2.         CS5007 demonstrated high-affinity binding to EGFR single-positive, HER3 single-positive, and EGFR/HER3 double-positive tumor cells.

3.         CS5007 triggered high-rate internalization on tumor cells.

4.         CS5007 demonstrated potent, antigen-dependent cytotoxicity against tumor cells in vitro across varying EGFR and HER3 expression levels and showed robust tumor-growth inhibition in CDX models.

5.         CS5007 exhibited superior in vitro stability compared to ADCs conjugated with tetrapeptide and dipeptide linkers. After 7 days of incubation in human/monkey serum, it retained approximately 70% of its drug payload, indicating a minimal release rate.

6.         CS5007 exhibited comparable pharmacokinetic (PK) profile to those ADCs composed of monoclonal antibodies in rodents.

CS5007 demonstrates strong affinity for EGFR- and/or HER3-positive tumor cells and induces efficient internalization. Preclinical studies have shown excellent antitumor activity, favorable safety, and pharmacokinetic profiles. The patent of CS5007 has been filed in March 2025. Preclinical findings support further IND-enabling studies and clinical investigations in various advanced solid tumors.

  • CS5005 (SSTR2 ADC):

Somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that is overexpressed in various solid tumors, including neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs), and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Due to its tumor-selective expression profile, SSTR2 has emerged as a promising target in the field of precision oncology.

CS5005 is a first-in-class, SSTR2-targeting ADC, composed of CStone’s proprietary anti-SSTR2 antibody with high affinity and selectivity, hydrophilic β-glucuronide linker, and potent topoisomerase I inhibitor, Exatecan. In preclinical studies, CS5005 demonstrated potent, antigen-dependent tumor growth inhibition that was not affected by co-administration with SSA-derived therapies. Additionally, CS5005 exhibited superior stability, monoclonal antibody-like pharmacokinetic (PK) properties, and favorable tolerability in preliminary non-human primate toxicity studies.

1.         CS5005 demonstrated high affinity to SSTR2-positive cell lines and induced high-rate internalization on tumor cells. 

2.         CS5005 exhibited cross-reactivity with SSTR2-expressing cells in non-human primates and demonstrated selective binding to SSTR2 with minimal interaction with other SSTRs.

3.         CS5005 demonstrated potent antigen-dependent cytotoxic activity against tumor cells in vitro and robust tumor-growth inhibition in CDX tumor model.

4.         The antitumor activity of CS5005 (SSTR2-DXd) is not compromised by concomitant ligand-derived treatments (e.g., octreotide, Lutathera®), thereby avoiding drug-drug interference commonly observed with current anti-SSTR2 therapies.

5.         CS5005 demonstrated superior in vitro stability due to its proprietary linker, outperforming ADCs conjugated with well-validated dipeptide and tetrapeptide linkers.

6.         Superior pharmacokinetic (PK) properties of CS5005 in rodents.

7.         Bioinformatics analysis of SCLC samples supports DLL3/SSTR2 dual targeting as a strategy to overcome tumor heterogeneity and expand the treatable patient population.

In summary, CS5005 is a first-in-class, SSTR2-targeting ADC designed to selectively eliminate SSTR2-positive tumors, including small cell lung cancer, neuroendocrine carcinoma, and neuroendocrine tumors. It is composed of CStone’s proprietary high-affinity, high-selectivity anti-SSTR2 antibody, CStone’s proprietary hydrophilic β-glucuronide linker, and potent TOP1 inhibitor payload. CS5005 has demonstrated robust antitumor activity in both in vitro and in vivo studies, supporting its progression toward IND submission and clinical development. The patent of de novo antibody backbone of CS5005 has been filed in the first half of 2024. CS5008, an SSTR2/DLL3 bispecific ADC is under development. By simultaneously targeting SSTR2 and DLL3 that frequently co-express in SCLC, NETs, NECs and others, CS5008 aims to overcome tumor heterogeneity, a challenge faced by mono-specific therapies.

  • CS5006 (ITGB4 ADC):

CS5006 is a first-in-class antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting the novel antigen integrin β4 (ITGB4), developed using CStone’s proprietary ADC platform. Leveraging an internally developed machine learning-based bioinformatics algorithm alongside rigorous in-house experimental validation, CStone identified elevated ITGB4 expression across multiple tumor types—including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), colorectal cancer (CRC), esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)—with minimal expression observed in normal tissues. Preclinical in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated CS5006’s promising therapeutic potential, highlighting its ability to effectively killing tumor cells.

1.         Bioinformatics analysis identified high ITGB4 expression in colorectal tumor tissues, supporting ITGB4 as a promising tumor-associated antigen for CRC. In the tumor microenvironment, ITGB4 was selectively overexpressed on tumor cells while remaining low expression in normal tissues.

2.         Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining confirmed limited ITGB4 expression in normal tissue but high expression in tumor tissues from patients with CRC, sq-NSCLC, HNSCC and ESCC.

3.         ITGB4 antibody demonstrated high affinity and internalization rate.

4.         CS5006 preclinical proof-of-concept models using ITGB4-vedotin and ITGB4-DXd showed potent antitumor activity in both in vitro and in vivo studies, along with favorable pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles.

(1)      ITGB4-vedotin exhibited strong antigen-dependent cytotoxicity in ITGB4-positive tumor cell lines in vitro and demonstrated potent antigen-dependent tumor inhibition in CDX models in vivo.

(2)      ITGB4-DXd also exhibited potent antigen-dependent cytotoxicity in vitro and strong tumor-inhibitory effects in vivo CDX tumor models.

(3)      Both ITGB4-vedotin and ITGB4-DXd exhibited favorable PK characteristics.

In summary, CS5006 is a first-in-class ADC targeting the novel tumor antigen ITGB4 and is currently undergoing comprehensive preclinical evaluation. Preclinical data have demonstrated strong antitumor activity across multiple animal models, particularly in solid tumors such as non-small cell lung cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. The compound also exhibited good tolerability, providing strong support for its further clinical development. The patent of CS5006 has been filed in April 2023.

Poster Information:

Poster Title

Poster Number

CS2011: A novel bispecific antibody targeting EGFR and HER3 that
demonstrates promising anti-tumor activity in preclinical evaluation

2927

CS5007: A novel EGFR and HER3 dual-targeted antibody-drug
conjugate (ADC) with potent antitumor activity in preclinical studies

2954

CS5005: A novel SSTR2-targeted antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) with
robust anti-tumor activity in preclinical studies

4751

CS5006: A novel integrin β4-targeted antibody-drug conjugate (ADC)
with robust antitumor activity in preclinical studies

2953

About CStone

CStone (HKEX: 2616), established in late 2015, is an innovation-driven biopharmaceutical company focused on the research and development of anti-cancer therapies. Dedicated to addressing patients’ unmet medical needs in China and globally, the Company has made significant strides since its inception. To date, the Company has successfully launched 4 innovative drugs and secured approvals for 16 new drug applications (NDAs) covering 9 indications. The company’s pipeline is balanced by 16 promising candidates, featuring potentially first-in-class or best-in-class antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), multispecific antibodies, immunotherapies and precision medicines. CStone also prides itself on a management team with comprehensive experiences and capabilities that span the entire drug development spectrum, from preclinical and translational research to clinical development, drug manufacturing, business development, and commercialization. For more information about CStone, please visit www.cstonepharma.com

Forward-looking statements

The forward-looking statements made in this article only relate to events or information as of the date when the statements are made in this article. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or publicly revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. You should read this article completely and with the understanding that our actual future results or performance may be materially different from what we expect. All statements in this article are made on the date of publication of this article and may change due to future developments.

Disclaimer: only for communication and scientific use by medical and health professionals, it is not intended for promotional purposes.

Bispecific vs. Bispecific: Innovent Announces First Patient Dosed in the Phase 2 Clinical Study of Efdamrofusp Alfa (IBI302), a First-in-class Anti-VEGF and Anti-Complement Bispecific Fusion Protein for the Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema

SAN FRANCISCO and SUZHOU, China, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Innovent Biologics, Inc. (“Innovent”) (HKEX: 01801), a world-class biopharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures and commercializes high quality medicines for the treatment of oncology, cardiovascular and metabolic, autoimmune, ophthalmology and other major diseases, announces the completion of first patient dosing in the Phase 2 clinical study of efdamrofusp alfa (R&D code: IBI302), a recombinant human vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-antibody human complement receptor 1 (CR1) fusion protein, for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME).

This randomized, double-masked, multi-center, active-controlled Phase 2 clinical study (NCT06908876) aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal injections of efdamrofusp alfa in DME patients. A total of 150 participants will be enrolled and randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio to the IBI302 4 mg group, the IBI302 8 mg group, and the Faricimab (anti-VEGF/ANG-2 bispecific antibody) 6 mg group. The primary endpoint is the change in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) from baseline in the study eye at week 16.

DME has become the leading cause of vision impairment among the diabetic population in China: According to statistics, China has over 140 million diabetic patients, with approximately one-third of them developing diabetic retinopathy (DR). Among patients with DR, the prevalence rate of DME ranges from 7% to 14%, indicating an estimated 4 to 5 million DME patients in China1.

DME development is primarily driven by microvascular damage mediated by VEGF upregulation and inflammatory factors2. Complement activation is also involved in the development of DME by damaging the neurovascular units through cytolysis, opsonization, and promotion of proinflammatory microenvironment, leading to retinal microvascular lesions, neurodegeneration, and macular edema3. At present, intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF agents or glucocorticoids are key treatment strategies, effectively improving visual acuity and retinal edema. However, frequent intravitreal injections (every 4 to 8 weeks) can result in poor patient compliance and increased risk of complications such as cataract and elevated intraocular pressure, making it challenging to achieve sustained visual acuity benefits with long-term treatment4,5. In recent years, bispecific antibodies represented by Faricimab have demonstrated significant efficacy and extended dosing intervals in patients with DME; Faricimab currently represents the highest global treatment standard for DME.

Efdamrofusp alfa, the first-in-class bispecific fusion protein targeting VEGF and complement, can simultaneously inhibit angiogenesis and vascular leakage mediated by VEGF, and inflammatory responses mediated by complement activation. To date, multiple clinical studies of efdamrofusp alfa have been conducted in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and DME, among which high-dose (8 mg) efdamrofusp alfa has shown significant efficacy in improving visual acuity and retinal edema. Meanwhile, efdamrofusp alfa has demonstrated the potential for extended dosing intervals (up to 12-16 weeks), with favorable safety and tolerability.

Professor Xiaodong Sun, the leading Principal Investigator of this Study, Deputy Director of Shanghai General Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and Director of the Ophthalmology Center, stated, ” DME is one of the most common ocular fundus diseases in China, affecting up to 4- to 5 million patients. With increasingly the aging of the population and the continuous rise in diabetes prevalence in China, DME has become one of the diseases that seriously endangers public health, imposing heavy burdens to the society and individuals. Anti-VEGF drugs are currently the first-line treatment for DME, but huge unmet medical needs remain, such as frequent injections, long-term efficacy attenuation, and suboptimal response in a subset of patients . As a global first-in-class anti-VEGF-complement bispecific drug, efdamrofusp alfa has shown favorable safety profile, substantial improvement in visual acuity and macular edema, and the potential of extended dosing interval in the completed Phase 1 clinical study in DME patients, which has brought great confidence to our investigator team. efdamrofusp alfa. We look forward to the success of this Phase 2 study, hoping to provide of a new treatment option for a large number of DME patients.”

Dr. Lei Qian, Senior Vice President of Clinical Development of Innovent, stated, “Efdamrofusp alfa is an anti-VEGF-complement bispecific fusion protein self-developed by Innovent with global proprietary rights. This clinical study will be globally the first study comparing two dual-target agents, using Faricimab, the global standard of care in DME. We look forward to the success of this study, which could provide support for a Phase 3 clinical trial and a new treatment option for patients. Innovent’s general biomedicine pipeline covers cardiovascular, endocrine and metabolic, ophthalmology, and autoimmune disease areas. We will continue to develop new therapies, providing physicians with more clinical treatment options and benefiting more patients.”

About diabetic macular edema

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a series of lesions caused by retinal microvascular damage resulting from diabetes and is the main microvascular complication of diabetes. Diabetic macular edema (DME), featuring retinal edema, thickening and exudation, is caused by capillary leakage in the macular area. It is the result of the blood-retinal barrier (BRB) destruction and mainly affects central vision. At present, DR has become the leading cause of blindness among the working-age population worldwide, while DME has become the main cause of visual impairment among the diabetic population6.

The pathological mechanisms of DR and DME are multifactorial, involving metabolic abnormalities related to hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation. These processes lead to the upregulation of vasoactive factors such as VEGF, which subsequently disrupt the BRB and increase vascular permeability, manifesting clinically as retinal edema and exudation. When the macular area is involved, it develops into DME2. Additionally, complement system activation contributes to disease progression by damaging the neurovascular units through cytolysis, opsonization, and promotion of proinflammatory microenvironment, causing retinal microvascular lesions, neurodegeneration, macular edema, and retinal neovascularization3.

About Effamrofusp Alfa (IBI302)

Efdamrofusp alfa is a recombinant, fully human bispecific fusion protein developed by Innovent Biologics with global intellectual property rights. The N-terminal is the VEGF-binding domain, which can bind to the VEGF family to block the VEGF-mediated signaling pathway, inhibiting the survival and proliferation of vascular endothelial cells, thereby inhibiting angiogenesis, reducing vascular permeability, and reducing vascular leakage. The C-terminal is the complement binding domain, which can inhibit complement activation through the classical pathway and the bypass pathway by specifically binding to C3b and C4b, and thereby alleviate the inflammatory response mediated by complement activation. Through this dual mechanism, efdamrofusp alfa exerts its therapeutic effects by inhibiting both VEGF-mediated angiogenesis and complement activation pathways.

About Innovent

Innovent is a leading biopharmaceutical company founded in 2011 with the mission to empower patients worldwide with affordable, high-quality biopharmaceuticals. The company discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes innovative medicines that target some of the most intractable diseases. Its pioneering therapies treat cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic, autoimmune and eye diseases. Innovent has launched 15 products in the market. It has 3 new drug applications under regulatory review, 4 assets in Phase III or pivotal clinical trials and 15 more molecules in early clinical stage. Innovent partners with over 30 global healthcare companies, including Eli Lilly, Sanofi, Incyte, Adimab, LG Chem and MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Guided by the motto, “Start with Integrity, Succeed through Action,” Innovent maintains the highest standard of industry practices and works collaboratively to advance the biopharmaceutical industry so that first-rate pharmaceutical drugs can become widely accessible.

For more information, visit www.innoventbio.com, or follow Innovent on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Statement: Innovent does not recommend the use of any unapproved drugs/indications. 

Forward-Looking Statement

This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements that are, by their nature, subject to significant risks and uncertainties. The words “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend” and similar expressions, as they relate to Innovent, are intended to identify certain of such forward-looking statements. Innovent does not intend to update these forward-looking statements regularly.

These forward-looking statements are based on the existing beliefs, assumptions, expectations, estimates, projections and understandings of the management of Innovent with respect to future events at the time these statements are made. These statements are not a guarantee of future developments and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond Innovent’s control and are difficult to predict. Consequently, actual results may differ materially from information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of future changes or developments in our business, Innovent’s competitive environment and political, economic, legal and social conditions.

Innovent, the Directors and the employees of Innovent assume (a) no obligation to correct or update the forward-looking statements contained in this site; and (b) no liability in the event that any of the forward-looking statements does not materialize or turn out to be incorrect.

References

1.     中华医学会眼科学分会眼底病学组, 中国医师协会眼科医师分会眼底病学组. 我国糖尿病视网膜病变临床诊疗指南(2022年). 中华眼底病杂志. 2023;39(02):99-124.

2.     Kusuhara S, Fukushima Y, Ogura S, Inoue N, Uemura A. Pathophysiology of Diabetic Retinopathy: The Old and the New. Diabetes Metab J. 2018;42(5):364-376.

3.     Jiang F, Lei C, Chen Y, Zhou N, Zhang M. The complement system and diabetic retinopathy. Surv Ophthalmol. 2024;69(4):575-584.

4.     Ehlken C, Ziemssen F, Eter N, et al. Systematic review: non-adherence and non-persistence in intravitreal treatment. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2020;258(10):2077-2090.

5.     Ciulla TA, Bracha P, Pollack J, Williams DF. Real-world Outcomes of Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapy in Diabetic Macular Edema in the United States. Ophthalmol Retina. 2018;2(12):1179-1187.

6.     Tan GS, Cheung N, Simó R, et al. Diabetic macular oedema. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol, 2017, 5(2): 143-155.

Bellroy, the popular Australian carry brand, releases much-anticipated luggage styles

The brand renowned for solving carry problems extends their expertise to travel, with two wheeled carry-on bags that are lightweight, hard-wearing and repairable in under 10 minutes.

MELBOURNE, Australia, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Solving problems is in Bellroy’s DNA. Since their origin in 2010, the global carry brand from Australia has been looking for what’s broken in carry, and worked obsessively to engineer a better solution. They first became known for re-inventing leather wallets, reducing the layers of leather, introducing pull-tab storage and slimming it right down (for the sake of pockets everywhere). Since then, they’ve brought innovative design thinking to bags, tech accessories and more – and now to a particularly tricky category: wheeled luggage. With two carry-on styles (a hard-shell spinner and a soft-shell tipper) that aim to unite the things travelers want their luggage to be – lightweight, hard-wearing, smooth-rolling and optimized for packing.


Luggage that knows how to travel. Bellroy’s wheeled luggage is designed for smooth travel, and engineered to be lightweight, hard-wearing, organized and repairable. For seasoned travelers who want luggage that knows how to travel, too.

“Packing for a plane trip and feeling ready for that experience, is such a visceral moment that everyone can relate to. So it was exciting for us to design for that moment. Bellroy getting into luggage was such a natural progression for us,” says Bellroy’s head of product design, James Jeffrey.

“We can take everything that we have learnt in Bellroy’s 15-year history, and apply it to luggage, where there are so many technical elements to dive into,” adds Bellroy’s Product Development Manager, Pip Grinter.

Introducing: the Transit Carry-On and Lite Carry-On. Embedded with Bellroy’s signature design thinking, and engineered for long-lasting utility.

The brand has worked hard to consider all of the things that can go wrong in travel – from moving through security lines, to loading your bag into overhead compartments, to rolling down the street at your destination. And ensure their solutions bring ease, organization and peace of mind. With hard-wearing materials, features that balance light weight with essential durability, and an easy repair system for the parts that can fail on luggage – including wheels, handles and TSA locks. This is key to Bellroy’s dual mission of delighting their customers, as well as minimizing their environmental impact.

The certified B Corp has become known for quality and durability, and their approach to luggage is of course no different. Through a process of rigorous testing, they provide travelers with peace of mind that these are going to last the distance.

“We saw so many examples of broken luggage,” explains Grinter. “So in testing our prototypes, we were simulating a lot of the common stresses, over and over again. Essentially simulating a 10-year lifespan so we can be sure every part is going to hold up.”

Both styles are now available at bellroy.com.

Transit Carry-On

  • A hard-shell spinner that comes in two sizes
  • 41L (designed for maximum global airline carry-on compliance)
  • 46L (designed to maximize capacity for more generous US airline limits)
  • Weighs 3.1kg and 3.2kg respectively (6.8lbs and 7lbs)
  • HINOMOTO Lisof® Silent Run wheels for an ultra-smooth, soundless ride
  • Made from a matte polycarbonate shell (80% recycled content)
  • Custom-designed telescopic handle with underside push button and three height settings
  • Removable packing cells that double as an internal divider
  • Soft woven grab handles for added comfort and grip
  • Replaceable wheels, handles and TSA lock
  • 10-year warranty
  • Available in Black, Chalk, Everglade and Bronze
  • Transit Carry-On 41L – $299 USD | Transit Carry-On Plus 46L – $329 USD

Lite Carry-On

  • An agile and compressible soft-shell tipper
  • 38L
  • Weighs just 2.1kg (4.6lbs)
  • Quiet-roll TPU wheels with rollerblade-inspired bearings for ultimate impact resistance on uneven surfaces
  • Made from Bellroy’s Lite Dura Nylon – a lightweight but hard-wearing ripstop
  • Custom-designed telescopic handle with underside push button and three height settings
  • Exterior front pocket, plus rummage-free access to your laptop from the main zip
  • Internal mesh packing cells for organization and visibility
  • Replaceable wheels and telescopic handle
  • 10-year warranty
  • Available in Ash, Black and Clay
  • $269 USD

Affiliate links available via Rakuten
Image assets available via our Press Hub

About Bellroy

Bellroy is the design-obsessed Australian carry brand changing the way we move through the world. Since 2010, Bellroy has solved some of the most common problems, such as fat wallets and flimsy bags, through meticulous production, ensuring timeless and enduring products that adapt to every need. Through Certified B-Corp status, purpose-driven business practices and sustainable material development, Bellroy continues to show the world what “better” looks like. Every person’s journey is unique; Bellroy believes that brands shouldn’t define who you are but support you in pursuing the life you crave.

Bellroy constantly pursues better ways to source its leathers, develop material innovations, reduce their impact on the environment and make products that last. Using agile thinking and customer-informed design practices, Bellroy works to innovate and push boundaries year after year.

Bellroy, the popular Australian carry brand, releases much-anticipated luggage styles

The brand renowned for solving carry problems extends their expertise to travel, with two wheeled carry-on bags that are lightweight, hard-wearing and repairable in under 10 minutes.

MELBOURNE, Australia, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Solving problems is in Bellroy’s DNA. Since their origin in 2010, the global carry brand from Australia has been looking for what’s broken in carry, and worked obsessively to engineer a better solution. They first became known for re-inventing leather wallets, reducing the layers of leather, introducing pull-tab storage and slimming it right down (for the sake of pockets everywhere). Since then, they’ve brought innovative design thinking to bags, tech accessories and more – and now to a particularly tricky category: wheeled luggage. With two carry-on styles (a hard-shell spinner and a soft-shell tipper) that aim to unite the things travelers want their luggage to be – lightweight, hard-wearing, smooth-rolling and optimized for packing.

“Packing for a plane trip and feeling ready for that experience, is such a visceral moment that everyone can relate to. So it was exciting for us to design for that moment. Bellroy getting into luggage was such a natural progression for us,” says Bellroy’s head of product design, James Jeffrey.

“We can take everything that we have learnt in Bellroy’s 15-year history, and apply it to luggage, where there are so many technical elements to dive into,” adds Bellroy’s Product Development Manager, Pip Grinter.

Introducing: the Transit Carry-On and Lite Carry-On. Embedded with Bellroy’s signature design thinking, and engineered for long-lasting utility.

The brand has worked hard to consider all of the things that can go wrong in travel – from moving through security lines, to loading your bag into overhead compartments, to rolling down the street at your destination. And ensure their solutions bring ease, organization and peace of mind. With hard-wearing materials, features that balance light weight with essential durability, and an easy repair system for the parts that can fail on luggage – including wheels, handles and TSA locks. This is key to Bellroy’s dual mission of delighting their customers, as well as minimizing their environmental impact.

The certified B Corp has become known for quality and durability, and their approach to luggage is of course no different. Through a process of rigorous testing, they provide travelers with peace of mind that these are going to last the distance.

“We saw so many examples of broken luggage,” explains Grinter. “So in testing our prototypes, we were simulating a lot of the common stresses, over and over again. Essentially simulating a 10-year lifespan so we can be sure every part is going to hold up.”

Both styles are now available at bellroy.com.

Transit Carry-On

  • A hard-shell spinner that comes in two sizes
  • 41L (designed for maximum global airline carry-on compliance)
  • 46L (designed to maximize capacity for more generous US airline limits)
  • Weighs 3.1kg and 3.2kg respectively (6.8lbs and 7lbs)
  • HINOMOTO Lisof® Silent Run wheels for an ultra-smooth, soundless ride
  • Made from a matte polycarbonate shell (80% recycled content)
  • Custom-designed telescopic handle with underside push button and three height settings
  • Removable packing cells that double as an internal divider
  • Soft woven grab handles for added comfort and grip
  • Replaceable wheels, handles and TSA lock
  • 10-year warranty
  • Available in Black, Chalk, Everglade and Bronze
  • Transit Carry-On 41L – $299 USD | Transit Carry-On Plus 46L – $329 USD

Lite Carry-On

  • An agile and compressible soft-shell tipper
  • 38L
  • Weighs just 2.1kg (4.6lbs)
  • Quiet-roll TPU wheels with rollerblade-inspired bearings for ultimate impact resistance on uneven surfaces
  • Made from Bellroy’s Lite Dura Nylon – a lightweight but hard-wearing ripstop
  • Custom-designed telescopic handle with underside push button and three height settings
  • Exterior front pocket, plus rummage-free access to your laptop from the main zip
  • Internal mesh packing cells for organization and visibility
  • Replaceable wheels and telescopic handle
  • 10-year warranty
  • Available in Ash, Black and Clay
  • $269 USD

Affiliate links available via Rakuten
Image assets available via our Press Hub

About Bellroy

Bellroy is the design-obsessed Australian carry brand changing the way we move through the world. Since 2010, Bellroy has solved some of the most common problems, such as fat wallets and flimsy bags, through meticulous production, ensuring timeless and enduring products that adapt to every need. Through Certified B-Corp status, purpose-driven business practices and sustainable material development, Bellroy continues to show the world what “better” looks like. Every person’s journey is unique; Bellroy believes that brands shouldn’t define who you are but support you in pursuing the life you crave.

Bellroy constantly pursues better ways to source its leathers, develop material innovations, reduce their impact on the environment and make products that last. Using agile thinking and customer-informed design practices, Bellroy works to innovate and push boundaries year after year.