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Vientiane-Pakse Bus Crash Leaves 1 Dead, 43 Injured

Vientiane-Pakse Bus Crash Leaves 1 Dead, 43 Injured
Medical officers and residents gather to observe and rescue the victims of the road accident (photo credit: Lao Phatthana Newspaper)

A bus traveling from Vientiane to Pakse crashed into a tree on 26 January in Phudao Chengyai village, Lakonpheng district, Salavanh, resulting in 43 reported injuries and one fatality, according to Lao media.  

Arab Health 2025|Yuwell Medical Announces Strategic Investment and Partnership with Inogen in Respiratory Health

DUBAI, UAE, Jan. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On the eve of the Arab Health Exhibition, Yuwell Medical held its 2025 Global Core Partner Conference in Dubai, and announced a strategic investment and partnership with Inogen, a leading U.S. company in respiratory health, highlighting our joint commitment to advancing medical device solutions and deeper collaboration.

Alex WU, Chairman of Yuwell Medical, giving the speech
Alex WU, Chairman of Yuwell Medical, giving the speech

Speaking at the Yuwell Medical 2025 Global Core Partner Conference, Alex WU, Chairman of Yuwell Medical, stated that as a leading enterprise in China’s home medical device industry, Yuwell will rely on internal growth and external mergers and acquisitions to promote internationalisation. The company has updated its new vision for the next five years: to become top three companies in the global home medical health market in the mid-to-long term. Among them, respiratory treatment solutions, diabetes care, and emergency service solutions are the three key strategic sectors. The company will further strengthen its globalization strategy from three aspects: organizational structure expansion, recruitment of outstanding overseas talents product R&D innovation, and supply chain integration innovation.

He further emphasized, “In the process of realizing the new vision, Yuwell will work hand in hand with global partners to provide users with more competitive products and better health solutions.”

During the conference, Yuwell Medical and the American company Inogen formalized their collaboration by signing a strategic investment and cooperation memorandum, further deepening their partnership in the respiratory segment.

Yuwell Medial and Inogen formalized a strategic investment and cooperation
Yuwell Medial and Inogen formalized a strategic investment and cooperation

As one of the world’s largest manufacturers of oxygen concentrators, Yuwell Medical is widely recognized for its strong R&D capabilities and advanced manufacturing capabilities.

Inogen, a leading U.S. manufacturer of oxygen concentrators, brings extensive experience in portable oxygen concentrator technology. Yuwell, through its whole-owned subsidiary Yuwell (Hong Kong) Holdings Limited, has agreed to invest approximately $27.2 million in Inogen, representing 9.9% of the outstanding shares of Inogen’s common stock upon closing of this investment.

The two companies seek to upgrade devices technology through deepened collaboration. By combining their expertise and brand in their respective industry segments and geographies, Yuwell and Inogen agree to carry out in-depth strategic cooperation based on business synergy in four aspects: international distribution business, trademark licensing and distribution business, joint research and development, and supply chain optimization.

Yuwell Medical and Inogen are excited to build a long-term strategic partnership, ready to take advantage of emerging opportunities in today’s market. Together, they aim to enhance their international competitiveness and deliver innovative products that improve lives worldwide.

Looking forward, Yuwell Medical will stay focused on innovation, driving breakthroughs in medical technology, and working with global partners to shape the future of healthcare.

Kavalan Launches Distiller’s Reserve No.1 and 2 In Collaboration With South Korea’s Jeju Island

Exclusive expressions blend ex-Bourbon casks across Fino sherry, rum, Manzanilla and brandy casks

TAIPEI, Jan. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Kavalan Distillery is proud to unveil The Distiller’s Reserve Series, an exclusive creation crafted for Jeju Island in collaboration with the Jeju Tourism Organization (Korea). This new series celebrates the harmony between Jeju’s pristine waters, lush landscapes, and Kavalan’s iconic Snow Mountain range.

Kavalan Launches Distiller’s Reserve No.1 and 2 In Collaboration With South Korea’s Jeju Island
Kavalan Launches Distiller’s Reserve No.1 and 2 In Collaboration With South Korea’s Jeju Island

Featuring a masterful core of ex-Bourbon casks, the series introduces two exceptional expressions that showcase Kavalan’s artistry. Distiller’s Reserve No. 1 marries ex-Bourbon casks with rare Spanish Fino sherry and rum casks, creating a luxurious profile with indulgent notes of strawberry shortcake, citrus, macadamia, and chocolate—a decadent journey for the senses. In contrast, Distiller’s Reserve No. 2 combines ex-Bourbon casks with rare Spanish Manzanilla sherry and brandy casks, unveiling tropical hints of vanilla ice cream, sea salt, and pineapple for a vibrant and refreshing flavour experience.

The series is exclusively available at Jeju duty-free and features packaging inspired by Yilan’s iconic Snow Mountain range, Kavalan’s pure water source. The green and blue design reflects Jeju Island’s untouched environment and its connection to nature’s purity.

Distiller's Reserve No.1
Distiller’s Reserve No.1

Distiller’s Reserve No. 1 – 40% ABV, 1000 ml.

No. 1 in the series marries the influence of ex-Bourbon casks with the unique characteristics of Spanish Fino sherry and rum casks, presenting light, floral, and fruity aromas, along with subtle notes of creamy pastries and a touch of honeyed sweetness on the finish. This single malt whisky is vibrant, smooth, and effortlessly enjoyable.

Tasting Note

Colour: Gleaming light gold

Nose: Light mint envelops the nose, giving way to the soft sweetness of vanilla ice cream. This flavour mingles with citrus, pineapple, and red apple notes, creating a harmonious blend. The finish unveils woody spices, adding a deep layer of complexity.

Palate: The freshness of chamomile and green apple blends with the salty-sweet notes of sea salt chocolate. The finish is rounded out with warm, sweet aromas of almond, nuts, and honeyed cinnamon, offering rich layers and a lingering aftertaste.

Distiller's Reserve No.2
Distiller’s Reserve No.2

Distiller’s Reserve No. 2 – 40% ABV, 1000 ml.

No. 2 in the series blends the distinctiveness of ex-Bourbon casks with the unique profiles of Spanish Manzanilla sherry and brandy casks. It opens with crisp vanilla cream and the sweetness of fresh fruits, followed by nutty and woody spice notes that enrich the flavour. The result is a smooth and intricately layered single malt whisky.

Tasting Note

Colour: Bright gold amber

Nose: Fresh gardenia, peach, and honeyed lemon deliver a refreshing sweetness. Hints of strawberry shortcake, vanilla cream, and a touch of caramel swirl emerge in a delightful finish.

Palate: Sweet apple, citrus, and rum-soaked lemon are accompanied by nutty aromas of macadamia and chocolate. The palate reveals a burst of honeyed sweetness, with a touch of caramel on the finish.

Turfan, Xinjiang: Achieving Full Coverage of Automated Remote Workstations in the Distribution Network

TURFAN, China, Jan. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — “After the deployment of the automated remote workstations, we observed significant improvements in equipment operation efficiency and fault handling, as well as continuous monitoring of equipment status,” said Yuan Zongfan, an inspector from the Distribution and Transportation Inspection Class of Turfan Power Supply Company in Gaochang District, State Grid, while inspecting the operational status of the automated remote workstation equipment for the county distribution network on January 26.

In recent years, State Grid Turfan Power Supply Company has actively promoted the transformation and upgrading of distribution network automation. By installing 222 feeder automation devices, the company has achieved an 80% line coverage rate. In February 2024, the construction of automated remote workstations began, leading to the completion of a new generation of main stations and the extension of three sets of vertical isolation devices and three sets of electronic substations in County Area I. This initiative has enabled the sharing of fundamental functions such as data collection and monitoring of the distribution network, thereby significantly enhancing the efficiency of line fault handling and operation and maintenance.

Moving forward, State Grid Turfan Power Supply Company will continue to enhance the transformation of the distribution network, further expand the capabilities of the county main station, deepen the application of feeder automation, improve customer power experience, and contribute to local economic and social development.

Dun & Bradstreet in Hong Kong Announces Strategic Relocation to Better Serve Clients

HONG KONG, Jan. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Dun & Bradstreet (D&B), a leading global provider of business decisioning data and analytics, announced its official office relocation in Hong Kong SAR (HK) to Six Pacific Place, Wan Chai. The strategic move will enable Dun & Bradstreet in Hong Kong (D&B in HK) to accelerate its growth agenda, streamline its operations and better serve its clients in the heart of this vibrant city.

The new facility, situated at the heart of HK’s bustling business district with state-of-the-art facilities and quality space, will serve as a key hub, enabling D&B in HK to collaborate with partners and clients more effectively.

“We are thrilled to announce our move to this new facility,” said Andrew Wu, General Manager of D&B China. “This move represents our continued investment in HK and underscores our dedication to the HK market. By combining global data and local expertise, we aim to provide unparalleled services to our clients in the international market and make informed decisions that drive growth and success.”

D&B’s history in HK is longstanding since 1981, with a strategic presence to enhance HK’s position as a leading financial center. As the sole operator of the Commercial Credit Reference Agency (CCRA) in HK since 2004, appointed by the Hong Kong Association of Banks and the Hong Kong Association of Restricted License Banks and Deposit Taking Companies, D&B in HK has played a pivotal role in providing analytics and risk management solutions to empower financial institutions with decision-ready insights. Additionally, the company has contributed to the growth of cross-boundary financing by providing cross-boundary credit solutions that empower businesses operating in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) to effectively access the credit and financing they require.

Over the years, D&B also actively supported HK’s position as a global trade hub. D&B’s partnership with Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation (HKECIC) has further supported SMEs and exporters in HK to navigate the complexities of international trade. Last year D&B launched a digital tool “D&B Risk Analytics – Compliance Intelligence” to further contribute to the development of HK’s trade ecosystem, allowing companies to automate and perform ongoing KYC (Know-Your-Customer) and KYB (Know-Your-Business) due diligence, empowering enterprises to better highlight material risk and greatly reduce workloads while improving the intelligence of risk decisions.

D&B has continually evolved, driving innovation for businesses across the region with a suite of innovative products and services. Recently, the company launched ChatD&B, a new Generative AI assistant that provides instant business insights using the power of D&B global data cloud to deliver reliable business data and actionable insights within seconds. This tool exemplifies D&B’s commitment to preserving digital trust, reliable data-driven decision-making, and the sustainability of data ecosystems.

As D&B embarks on this new chapter in HK, the company reaffirms its dedication to the market and its commitment to delivering world-class data and analytics solutions to support HK as a Financial and Trade Hub.

More information about D&B in HK’s new address and services can be found at https://www.dnb.com.hk/.

About Dun & Bradstreet

Dun & Bradstreet, a leading global provider of business decisioning data and analytics, enables companies around the world to improve their business performance. Dun & Bradstreet’s Data Cloud fuels solutions and delivers insights that empower customers to accelerate revenue, lower cost, mitigate risk, and transform their businesses. Since 1841, companies of every size have relied on Dun & Bradstreet to help them manage risk and reveal opportunity. We combine global data with local insights to help our clients to make smarter decisions. For more information on Dun & Bradstreet, please visit www.dnb.com.hk.

Colombian President Celebrates Landmark PV Project Exclusively Powered by JA Solar

BEIJING, Jan. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Recently, Colombian President Gustavo Petro attended a ceremony at a refinery near Cartagena, where he personally signed a JA Solar module to commemorate the successful completion of a groundbreaking PV project. This marks the first PV power plant built at an oil refinery across Latin America, a signature initiative supporting President Petro’s renewable energy development agenda.

JA Solar exclusively supplied the PV modules for this 23MW project, constructed by PowerChina. The installation, located at the Cartagena Refinery of Colombian Petroleum Company (Ecopetrol), stands as a pioneering example of integrating renewable energy into traditional industrial settings. Ecopetrol’s CEO, Ricardo Roa, hailed the project as “a milestone in replacing conventional oil and gas with clean energy solutions.”

At the inauguration, President Petro praised the project’s role in reshaping Colombia’s energy landscape. Calling it a “milestone with far-reaching implications,” he expressed hope for expanding similar initiatives nationwide. Petro also extended his gratitude to JA Solar and other Chinese enterprises for introducing advanced technology and high-quality products to Colombia, fostering a collaborative approach to energy transition.

The completion of this landmark project underscores JA Solar’s unwavering dedication to advancing renewable energy across Latin America. The company has achieved significant milestones in several key markets in this region.

In 2023, JA Solar partnered with Solatio, one of Brazil’s largest PV developers, to supply 1.2GW of modules for the Cassiolândia and Paranaíba PV Power Stations in Mato Grosso do Sul, contributing to over 4GW across seven Solatio projects. In Chile, JA Solar exclusively powered the 480MW CEME1 PV Power Station, the country’s largest single-unit PV project, operational since 2024 and accounting for 10% of Chile’s renewable energy capacity.

In 2024, EUPD Research awarded JA Solar the titles of “Top Brand PV Latin America” and “Top Brand PV” in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico, highlighting the company’s growing market leadership and customer trust. “Building on this success, JA Solar remains fully committed to driving Latin America’s renewable energy transition through technological innovation and market excellence,” said Aiqing Yang, Executive President of JA Solar. “By leveraging our industry-leading products and expertise, we aim to continue playing a pivotal role in advancing global carbon neutrality and fostering a sustainable future.”

Akeso’s Gumokimab Monoclonal Antibody (IL-17) New Drug Application for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Psoriasis Accepted by NMPA

HONG KONG, Jan. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Akeso, Inc. (9926.HK) (“Akeso” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that the New Drug Application (NDA) of its internally-developed IL-17-targeting monoclonal antibody gumokimab (AK111) has been accepted by the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. The strategic combination of drugs such as gumokimab and ebronucimab (PCSK9) to address the differentiated treatment needs of psoriasis has further enhanced the company’s overall product synergy in the autoimmune disease field.

Gumokimab is the eighth successfully approved drug developed independently by Akeso (with six already approved for market), and it is also the third non-oncology innovative drug, following ebronucimab (PCSK9) and ebdarokimab (IL-12/IL-23), to progress to the commercialization stage.

Gumokimab has been evaluated in four clinical studies involving patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, including one pivotal Phase III clinical trial (AK111-301) and three supportive studies.

Efficacy data show that gumokimab acts quickly, with significant therapeutic improvement observed after just 2 weeks of treatment.

Short-term Efficacy: At week 12, the PASI 75 response rate approached 96%, with an sPGA 0/1 response rate nearing 90%. The PASI 90 response rate was close to 80%, and the PASI 100 response rate exceeded 40%, all efficacy measures significantly superior to the placebo group. Over 80% of patients achieved a PASI 90 response, and approximately 50% achieved a PASI 100 response.

Long-term Efficacy: Gumokimab monotherapy demonstrated sustained efficacy over 52 weeks, with continuous improvement and long-lasting maintenance. By week 52, the PASI 75 response rate approached 100%, with stable sPGA 0/1 response rates. The PASI 90 and PASI 100 response rates further improved to nearly 90% and 65%, respectively.

Safety: During both the placebo-controlled phase and the overall treatment phase, the incidence of adverse events was comparable between the gumokimab and placebo groups, with the gumokimab group showing slightly lower values across all metrics.

Professor Xu Jinhua, the principal investigator of the pivotal registration study of gumokimab, professor at Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, stated: “There is an increasing demand for medications that offer rapid onset, short-term efficacy, long-term stability, and good tolerability. Gumokimab, an IL-17A IgG1 monoclonal antibody, directly targets the IL-17RA pathway, a key driver of psoriasis, providing faster and more effective results. Data from four studies demonstrate its potential to better meet patient needs, particularly in achieving near-clearance of lesions and maintaining disease stability. Moreover, the incidence of adverse events with gumokimab is comparable to that of the placebo, indicating good safety and tolerability. We eagerly anticipate the early availability of Gumokimab as a more efficient treatment option for psoriasis patients in China.”

Dr. Yu Xia, Founder, Chairwoman, and CEO of Akeso, stated: “We are excited about the outstanding results of gumokimab in clinical trials and the successful submission of its new drug application for market approval. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the participants in the project and to all the patients who took part in the clinical trials for their hard work and trust.

Psoriasis patients are in urgent need of better treatment options, and Akeso is addressing this with ebdarokimab and gumokimab, which target different disease pathways and complement each other in treatment, allowing us to meet a wide range of patient needs.

With the successful launch of products such as ebronucimab (PCSK9), ebdarokimab (IL-12/IL-23) and gumokimab (IL-17), as well as the efficient advancement of innovative non-oncology drugs targeting multiple indications, including manfidokimab (IL-4R), IL-4R/ST2 bispecific antibody, and therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, the vitality and synergy of our product portfolio are growing stronger. This progress significantly enhances Akeso’s global competitiveness in the non-oncology business segment. At the same time, with the development and optimization of a more systematic, refined, and efficient commercialization team, we have formulated a comprehensive and scientific commercialization strategy for our non-oncology products. This strategy is designed to accelerate market expansion, positioning our non-oncology business as a powerful driver of the company’s high-quality growth.”

About gumokimab

Gumokimab is an innovative, humanized IL-17 (interleukin-17) monoclonal antibody developed by Akeso for the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis and ankylosing spondylitis. IL-17 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine primarily secreted by activated Th17 cells, which binds to its receptor (IL-17R) on cell surfaces, mediating immune-inflammatory responses and playing a critical role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and ankylosing spondylitis. Gumokimab specifically targets IL-17, blocking the IL-17/IL-17R signaling pathway to inhibit the onset and progression of related immune-inflammatory responses. Currently, the NDA for gumokimab in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis has been accepted by the NMPA, and a phase III clinical trial for ankylosing spondylitis is ongoing.

About Akeso

Akeso (HKEX: 9926.HK) is a leading biopharmaceutical company committed to the research, development, manufacturing and commercialization of the world’s first or best-in-class innovative biological medicines. Founded in 2012, the company has created a unique integrated R&D innovation system with the comprehensive end-to-end drug development platform (ACE Platform) and bi-specific antibody drug development technology (Tetrabody) as the core, a GMP-compliant manufacturing system and a commercialization system with an advanced operation mode, and has gradually developed into a globally competitive biopharmaceutical company focused on innovative solutions. With fully integrated multi-functional platform, Akeso is internally working on a robust pipeline of over 50 innovative assets in the fields of cancer, autoimmune disease, inflammation, metabolic disease and other major diseases. Among them, 22 candidates have entered clinical trials (including 11 bispecific/multispecific antibodies and bispecific antibody-drug conjugates). Additionally, 5 new drugs are commercially available, and 5 new drugs across 7 indications are currently under regulatory review for approval. Through efficient and breakthrough R&D innovation, Akeso always integrates superior global resources, develops the first-in-class and best-in-class new drugs, provides affordable therapeutic antibodies for patients worldwide, and continuously creates more commercial and social values to become a global leading biopharmaceutical enterprise.

For more information, please visit https://www.akesobio.com/en/about-us/corporate-profile/ and follow us on Linkedin, and X .

Agoda Highlights Global Events to Spark Wanderlust in 2025

SINGAPORE, Jan. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda shares a list of five global events in 2025 that are set to captivate travelers worldwide. These occasions provide opportunities to explore diverse cultures, witness natural wonders, and participate in significant gatherings, inviting travelers to broaden their horizons and create meaningful connections.

2025 promises a variety of unique sports, cultural, and celestial experiences for those eager to explore. These gatherings mix enjoyment and discovery, attracting travel enthusiasts from across the globe.

Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply at Agoda shared, “With some amazing events on the calendar, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for travelers looking for a unique experience. With a wide range of accommodations, flights, and activities, all wrapped in a seamless booking experience, Agoda is here to help capture every moment by making travel planning both effortless and enjoyable.”

Here are five events special to 2025 to include on this year’s travel itinerary:

2025 Jubilee Year – Rome, Italy (Throughout 2025)

Celebrate the 2025 Jubilee in Rome, a special holy year observed once every 25 years. This event marks a time for reflection and pilgrimage, drawing millions to the Eternal City. A key highlight is the World Meeting of Families in June 2025, which will unite families from around the world for faith-focused events. Throughout the year, various special jubilees and celebrations offer unique opportunities for the more spiritual traveler.

Northern Lights – Tromsø, Norway (January – April)

Witness the awe-inspiring Northern Lights in Tromsø, Norway, a prime location for viewing this natural wonder. The aurora borealis is a yearly phenomenon, but 2025 is expected to be particularly remarkable due to the solar maximum, a period of increased solar activity, which enhances the likelihood of spectacular displays. This celestial event offers travelers a chance to see the sky illuminated in vivid colors, providing a unique opportunity to connect with nature.

World Expo 2025 – Osaka, Japan (April 13October 13)

Osaka hosts the World Expo, a six-month global display of innovation and culture. Visitors can explore diverse pavilions, experience advanced technologies, as well as enjoy Osaka’s and the Kansai region’s unique cultural offerings.

SAIL AmsterdamAmsterdam, Netherlands (August 20 – 24)

Experience the maritime spectacle of SAIL Amsterdam, a unique event that takes place every five years. The city will host an impressive fleet of tall ships, naval vessels, and historical boats from around the world. Visitors can enjoy ship tours, parades, and cultural performances along the IJhaven, offering a rare glimpse into maritime history and the lively atmosphere of Amsterdam’s waterfront.

SEA Games – Bangkok, Thailand (December 9 – 20)

The Southeast Asian Games, commonly known as the SEA Games, is a biennial multi-sport event involving participants from the region. In 2025, Bangkok will host athletes, competing in a variety of sports and showcasing exceptional talent and sportsmanship. This event offers a chance to experience the culture and camaraderie of Southeast Asia, with competitions held in various venues throughout the city.

With over 5 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, Agoda offers travelers the flexibility to seamlessly plan their trips around these events. For more information on how to book your next adventure, visit agoda.com or download the Agoda app.