SINGAPORE, March 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Empyrean Sky Partners (ESP) has completed the fastest first close of 2026, raising US$90 million toward a US$200 million target for its Global Technology Fund. The fund targets growth-stage companies at the convergence of artificial intelligence, robotics and advanced manufacturing – sectors expected to reshape industrial productivity and global technology deployment.

The fund is co-managed with Lion X Ventures, the technology venture investment partner of and advised by OCBC, combining ESP’s growth-stage investment expertise with Lion X Ventures’ venture network. The collaboration enables the fund to identify and scale companies across multiple stages of innovation, offering founders capital alongside access to global networks and operational support to accelerate commercialization.

The fund has formed a strategic partnership with Dreame Technology, a leading global technology company. This collaboration enables portfolio companies to leverage Dreame’s industrial insights, engineering expertise and commercialization capabilities, accelerating the path from innovation to market.

Rapid Execution Signals Investor Confidence

The speed and scale of the first close, US$90 million in record time, reflect strong investor demand for technology platforms integrating AI with physical systems. Institutional investors, family offices and industry participants have reportedly committed, citing ESP’s track record and the fund’s access to industrial ecosystems as key differentiators.

Ming Lei, Chairman and Founding Partner of ESP, whose prior investments include NIO Inc., RLX Technology and POP MART, said the fund aims to support founders building the next generation of intelligent systems through long-term capital, global networks and industrial access.

Irene Guo, CEO of Lion X Ventures, added that transformative technology is global from day one, and the partnership enables entrepreneurs to expand across markets with greater speed and impact.

A Fund Designed for the Next Industrial Era

It has been observed that growth-stage funds with access to strategic industrial partners remain relatively rare. By combining sector expertise and industrial collaboration, the fund offers investors exposure to companies shaping the next era of intelligent industry.

The fund focuses on businesses integrating software intelligence with advanced hardware, including robotics, smart devices, logistics automation and industrial manufacturing. With Asia emerging as a major innovation hub, ESP’s fund is positioned to support companies with global impact potential.

BARCELONA, Spain, March 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from Telecom Review Group:

As AI reshapes industries and consumer experiences at unprecedented speed, the mobile AI era is placing transformative new demands on networks, making 5G-A critical to bridging the inter-generational gap and unlocking the full value of intelligent connectivity. During Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona 2026, Yang Chaobin, CEO of Huawei’s ICT Business Group, called on the ICT industry to intensify efforts in ensuring everyone can access the fast track of AI, from deploying 5G-A and new spectrum to support AI applications, to expanding access in underserved communities.

New Network Demands in the Mobile AI Era

Yang began by prefacing that over the past two years, global daily token usage has surged nearly 300 times. Bearing this in mind, Yang acknowledged:

“The intelligent era is approaching fast. New AI applications are emerging every day, and so it is time for the industry to come together to unleash the full potential of 5G-A. We must efficiently utilize new spectrum resources like U6 GHz to create new value for the industry while paving the way for evolution to 6G.”

To achieve this, Yang explained that networks must move away from being downlink-centric and deliver ultra-high bandwidth for both uplink and downlink to support multimodal data exchanges between devices and clouds for AI. He added that networks must provide secure, reliable, and ultra-low-latency connectivity to support real-time AI collaboration and intelligent decision-making.

Bridging the Inter-Generational Gap with 5G-A and Addressing Global Imbalances

AI’s rapid evolution is significantly closing the network capability gap of mobile communication’s inter-generational window. Yang emphasized that 5G-A not only serves as the bridge between generations but also tailors its enhanced capabilities to the needs of the ever-changing market.

Huawei’s commitment to paving the way for 6G is reflected in its work toward a consensus on 6G definition, use cases, and candidate technologies. With 6G standards expected in 2029, the next five years will be critical to mobile AI services development. This “golden window” will be driven by 5G-A, fully leveraging its technological benefits.

Highlighting the focus needed to achieve 6G deployment, Yang underscored, “AI will not wait; therefore, the central task for our industry is identifying how to leverage 5G-A networks to meet these rapidly developing demands.” He added that this central task involves delivering 10 Gbps downlink and 1 Gbps uplink (versus 4G-level uplink today), alongside new IoT technologies like RedCap and passive IoT, while raising new questions about ensuring fair returns for network investors.

“In the coming years, we must work together. This is how we will meet the exploding demands of AI. While exploring the technological frontier, we must also face the reality of global development imbalance,” noted Yang.

He explained that 300 million people still lack any mobile coverage—a digital divide that risks widening as AI accelerates. Closing it requires continuous innovation through diverse spectrum portfolios and cost-effective solution design. Huawei’s innovative all-scenario RuralStar, deployed in over 80 countries, has already connected 170 million people, enabling digital education in Kenya through DigiTruck classrooms, village-level financial services in Bangladesh, and remote medical care in Argentina.

Enabling 5G-A-Powered Solutions with the U6GHz Frequency

5G-A has scaled to over 300 cities globally and is ready for the next leap. With C-band resources scarce in many regions, the U6 GHz band is emerging as the key to unlocking greater network capacity—now recognized as a mainstream frequency band for future mobile communications following WRC discussions, and already supported by mature 5G-A device chips and industry infrastructure.

“The intelligent era is accelerating. In the next five years, we must work together to meet the demands of AI services through the large-scale commercialization of 5G-A,” concluded Yang.

About Telecom Review Group

Telecom Review Group, a media conglomerate specializing in ICT coverage and events, founded its flagship edition, Telecom Review, in 2005. Today, Telecom Review is the leading global ICT media platform. With different editions that cover the entire industry’s updates in the Middle East, Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa, and Americas, Telecom Review Group has gained a stellar reputation for guaranteeing quality content, offering reliable information, and addressing the most prominent topics. Moreover, Telecom Review Group pioneered the launch of e-newsletters and digital flipping magazines and timeously hosts relevant ICT-centric virtual panels and webinars. Find out more at: www.telecomreviewgroup.com 

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• The ~65 million Swiss Francs (CHF) investment announced in 2025 to create the global “Center of Excellence” for Toblerone in Bern is a clear commitment to Switzerland, where the iconic brand was founded in 1908.
• Today, the Swiss plant produces ~90 % of global Toblerone demand.
• The investment increases Toblerone’s production and innovation capability to accelerate the brand’s global growth ambition in premium chocolate.

BERN, Switzerland, March 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — After a year, an important milestone in the renovation work at the Toblerone plant in Bern, Switzerland has been reached: the installation of a brand-new, state-of-the-art production line has been completed. As one of the largest investments in Mondelēz International’s chocolate production network in the last decade, a global “Center of Excellence” for the iconic Swiss brand Toblerone is being created in Bern. Ultimately, this will increase Toblerone’s production capacity and innovation capability to accelerate the brand’s global growth ambition in the premium segment and meet worldwide demand for the iconic triangular brand.

Inauguration of the new production line at the Toblerone plant in Bern Brünnen. From left to right: Thomas Kauffmann (Plant Manager, Toblerone Plant Bern Brünnen), Guy Parmelin (Swiss Federal President), Marieke Kruit (Mayor of Bern), and Volker Kuhn (Executive Vice President & President, Mondelez Europe).

Swiss President and Minister of Economic Affairs Guy Parmelin officially inaugurated the new production line yesterday in Bern. In his speech, he emphasized: “If there is one product that represents Switzerland worldwide, it is chocolate. And Toblerone has a very special place among Swiss chocolates. It is more than just chocolate. It is a piece of Swiss history. And a symbol of Swissness par excellence: identity and quality. As President of the Swiss Confederation and Minister of Economic Affairs, I am therefore particularly pleased that ~90 % of Toblerone production continues to be produced here in Bern on this new production line.”

Switzerland – the heart and home of Toblerone

The famous triangular chocolate was invented in 1908 by Theodor Tobler and Emil Baumann and has developed over decades into a bestseller from Switzerland. Today, ~90 % of Toblerone products sold worldwide are manufactured at the Toblerone plant in Switzerland. “We have always taken pride in producing here in Switzerland. The investment underlines our strong commitment to the location and is a critical milestone to reach our ambition to lead growth in premium chocolate worldwide,” confirms Iain Livingston, President Toblerone and World Travel Retail.

To support Mondelēz’s ambition, the iconic 118-year-old brand is poised to grow globally within the premium sector, capitalizing on its strong global awareness, uniqueness, and leadership in the World Travel Retail business. Toblerone is exported from Switzerland to more than 120 countries around the world.

Thomas Kauffmann, Bern Plant Manager: “We are incredibly proud of the new Toblerone production line, as well as the modernization in logistics and infrastructure.” The investment will also expand the production facilities for chocolate and nougat, as well as the capacity for mass production.

Toblerone Fast Facts: Did You Know?

• Toblerone was invented in Switzerland by Theodor Tobler and Emil Baumann in 1908.
• “Toblerone” is a play on words from the names “Tobler” and “Torrone”, the Italian name for honey-almond nougat. The special feature is the triangular shape of the tablet.
• Since 1985, Toblerone has been produced at the factory in Bern, Switzerland, where today around 90 % of Toblerone products are manufactured and sold in more than 120 countries in the world.

About Mondelēz International

Mondelēz International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MDLZ) empowers people to snack right in over 150 countries around the world. With 2025 net revenues of approximately $38.5 billion, MDLZ is leading the future of snacking with iconic global and local brands such as Oreo, Ritz, LU, Clif Bar and Tate’s Bake Shop biscuits and baked snacks, as well as Cadbury Dairy Milk, Milka and Toblerone chocolate. Mondelēz International is a proud member of the Dow Jones Best-in-Class North America and World Indices, formerly Dow Jones Sustainability Indices. Visit www.mondelezinternational.com or follow the company on X at x.com/MDLZ.

Freshly packaged Toblerone on the new production line

Handover of a 4.5-kilogram Toblerone to Swiss Federal President Guy Parmelin. From left to right: Guy Parmelin (Swiss Federal President), Thomas Kauffmann (Plant Manager, Toblerone Plant Bern Brünnen), and Volker Kuhn (Executive Vice President & President, Mondelez Europe).

SEOUL, South Korea, March 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On March 5, 2026, Philips monitors officially signed a donation agreement with HUFS C&T and held the grand inauguration ceremony for the Philips Evnia Esports Lab. This collaboration aims to provide students in esports-related majors with a practical platform through the deep integration of cutting-edge hardware facilities and educational resources, thereby contributing to the cultivation of esports talent and the development of industry.

The signing ceremony was presided over by the Vice President- Dr. Jungchan Park of HUFS. Esports Program Director, Dr. Ryu Yun-ji served as the university’s representative to formally sign the donation agreement. Mr. Yan Lidong, General Manager of MMD Asia Pacific & Greater China, signed the agreement on behalf of Philips Evnia and stated, “This donation represents a significant step for Philips Evnia in supporting global esports education. We hope that through our advanced display technology and equipment, we can create a superior learning and practice environment for students, contributing to the vigorous development of the esports industry.”

The Chairman of Alphascan YY YOU, the official distributor for Philips Evnia in South Korea, also attended the event, extending warm congratulations and firm support for this collaboration, witnessing this important moment of industry-academia integration.

According to the donation agreement, Philips Evnia has donated a batch of professional esports monitors with high refresh rates and innovative display technologies to the university. These include monitors featuring CPL eye-care technology, which reduces eye fatigue during long use while delivering smooth gaming experience, offering students professional gear that protects their visual health.

After the signing ceremony, guests visited the new Philips Evnia Esports Lab, experienced the advanced equipment and spoke highly of the facility. This marks the official launch of the hardware and solid progress in university-enterprise cooperation for esports education.

Going forward, Philips Evnia will further partner with academic institutions, support esports education via technology and resources, and help cultivate more skilled professionals for the industry.

CPL (Circular Polarizer) gaming monitor for the Nature-eyecare! EVNIA 27M2N3500UK is now available. For details visit the Website: https://brand.naver.com/philipsmonitor_alphascan/products/12813641288

About Philips Evnia

Evnia redefines gaming displays with inclusive design, intelligent features, and next-level performance. True to its name — derived from the Greek word for “smart thinking” — Evnia aims to make every gamer feel seen, supported, and inspired.

Step into the future of gaming. Step into Philips Evnia.

SYDNEY, March 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AIKO has announced the Australian launch of the third-generation ABC 60-Cell Module, bringing the world’s highest-efficiency mass-produced solar panel to homes, C&I projects, and off-grid sites across Australia. Powered by Infinite ABC technology, the new range delivers up to 545W and module efficiency above 25% in a compact 1954×1134×30mm footprint, making it the natural choice for residential, C&I, and off-grid applications alike.

Performance Advantage: What ABC Delivers Over TOPCon

Against comparable-size TOPCon panels, AIKO Infinite 60-cell delivers up to 30W more output per panel and around 15% higher lifetime energy yield per square metre. This advantage stems from three design features working in combination: AIKO’s Zero-Gap cell layout, Invisi-Ribbon interconnection, and a grid-free front surface, which together maximise active cell area and minimise electrical losses.

That advantage compounds over time. With a temperature coefficient of −0.26%/°C versus −0.29%/°C for standard TOPCon, Infinite loses less output on the hot days when Australian rooftops work hardest, with hot-spot temperatures running more than 30% lower in comparative testing. Long-term degradation is rated at 1% in year one and 0.35% per year thereafter, projecting 90.6% output retention at year 30, compounding real value for owners in a market where feed-in tariffs have halved while grid electricity costs have doubled.

Designed for Bigger, Smarter Residential Systems

Australia is adopting solar at a record level with 4.3 million systems now installed and 28.3GW of rooftop solar capacity delivering a significant share of the nation’s electricity. Falling solar feed-in tariffs have made self-consumption more valuable, while the new Federal battery rebate has brought storage within reach for a growing number of households and businesses, with sales more than doubling in 2025.

Meanwhile, more households are shifting away from gas towards induction cooking, heat pump hot water, efficient electric heating and EVs as part of a long-term cost and emissions strategy, pushing average new system size to 10.9kW in late 2025 – a figure that would have been described as a small commercial install just a few years ago. Homeowners now expect their PV system to fill the battery for peak-hour use and power an increasingly electrified home with growing electrical loads. The problem is that roofs have not got any bigger.

Infinite was designed for exactly this constraint. At up to 545W in the compact 60-cell format, it delivers more from whatever roof a customer has. For homes with a constrained roof, it means reaching the target system size that was previously out of reach. For homes with room to grow, it means faster battery charging, more solar energy to power an increasingly electrified home, greater savings and more independence from the grid.

Fewer panels also mean fewer roof penetrations, giving installers more flexibility to work around challenging geometry and shaded areas, and avoiding the crowded multi-row layouts that compromise both output and appearance. Combined with the ABC’s all-black, award-winning design with no front grid lines, the rooftop becomes an asset, lifting street presence and adding genuine long-term value to the property.

Better Project Economics on the Same Commercial Roof

For commercial and industrial operators, the economics of rooftop solar have never been more compelling. On a typical 660m² rooftop using 196 modules, upgrading from 510W TOPCon to 545W Infinite lifts system capacity from 100kW to 107kW on the same footprint, pushing projected 30-year electricity revenue from approximately $360,000 to $400,000, an 11% uplift while system cost per watt remains essentially flat. That is not a marginal gain; it is the kind of number that changes how a project is presented to a board or a procurement committee.

For EPCs and installers, the case is equally straightforward. Fewer panels to reach any given kW target means less racking, less DC wiring, and faster commissioning on every job, a practical margin improvement that compounds across a pipeline.

For ESG-conscious customers navigating decarbonisation targets and ongoing exposure to wholesale price movements, Infinite delivers a high-efficiency solution that lifts self-consumption potential and lifetime yield without adding complexity for their preferred contractors.

Off-Grid and Bushfire: Durability Where It Counts

For remote properties, agricultural operations and sites in bushfire-prone regions, the stakes of a panel underperforming are measured in lost days, expensive callouts and generation that simply cannot be replaced. Infinite 60-cell is specified from the ground up for Australia’s most demanding installation environments.

On structural resilience, Infinite 60-cell mono-glass variants use 3.2mm front glass, approximately 60% thicker than the front glass on some dual-glass TOPCon products and carry certification for 35mm hail impact under TÜV and PVEL standards, compared to the 25mm threshold common on TOPCon panels.

For sites in bushfire-prone areas, or those subject to insurer requirements across New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland, dual-glass variants carry IEC Fire Class A certification, the highest classification available.

Inside the module, AIKO Infinite replaces conventional silver-paste soldering with proprietary copper electroplated interconnection, delivering stronger, more crack-resistant joints with tensile strength exceeding 5N. In impact testing at SNEC 2024, ABC cells under identical 2kg mechanical stress suffered only 16% current loss compared to 45% for TOPCon cells. For remote and off-grid installations, where a fault means lost generation days and costly callouts rather than a quick service visit, that resilience is as much a practical consideration as a technical one.

For Installers: Simplicity That Scales

The Australian installation market has never been more demanding: more products to navigate, more customer expectations to meet, and less room for error on every job. AIKO’s Gen 3 ABC 60-Cell Module is designed to cut through that complexity, delivering value not only to homeowners and businesses but also to the installers doing the hard work of bringing these systems to life. Best-in-class efficiency for residential, the output and economics for C&I, and the durability for off-grid: one module that can win every job without compromise. On the roof, fewer panels mean lighter loads, less labour and faster commissioning. Off the roof, one product line means no more juggling datasheets and warranty processes, shorter sales cycles, and higher revenues.

“Australian installers are under real pressure right now: more competition, tighter margins, and customers who want more from their solar investment. AIKO’s Gen 3 ABC 60-Cell gives them one solution for every job on the list: homes, C&I, and off-grid. Same format, same install process, same warranty conversation. That simplicity is what lets a good installation business grow into a great one.” – Thomas Bywater, Head of Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia, AIKO Energy

Availability Roadmap

Australia won’t have to wait long. The AIKO Gen 3 60-cell range has received Clean Energy Council (CEC) approval, clearing the way for Australian installations. Modules will be available in Australia from late April 2026 at 535–540W for general supply, with 545W available in limited production quantities. Additional variants, including dual-glass and full-black options, will follow through the rest of the year.

About AIKO Energy

AIKO is a global leader in high-efficiency solar cell and module technology, specialising in ABC (All Back Contact) products that deliver world-class efficiency, advanced reliability and premium aesthetics. Founded in 2009 and operating across more than 30 markets, AIKO has pioneered large-scale mass production of ABC modules and holds extensive independent intellectual property across its technology platform. AIKO modules are trusted by residential, commercial and utility-scale customers on every continent.

Adoption of SS 697:2023 at SIN1 optimises operating temperatures to reduce cooling energy use and advances Singapore’s Green Data Centre Roadmap.

SINGAPORE, March 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — BDx Data Centers (“BDx”) has successfully implemented the Tropical Data Centre Standard (SS 697:2023) developed by Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) to optimise its multi-tenant data centre operations in a tropical climate.

The Tropical Data Centre Standard provides clear operational guidance for managing facilities under optimised thermal conditions, enabling data centres to reduce cooling load and support the objectives of Singapore’s Green Data Centre Roadmap.

At its SIN1 facility in Paya Lebar, BDx pioneered a Temperature Increase Program (TIP) that started in 2025 by raising operating setpoints safely from 23°C to 25°C under controlled conditions aligned with the standard. The deployment was supported by continuous thermal, humidity, and workload monitoring in a live, multi-tenant environment.

The initiative delivered a 7% reduction in cooling-energy consumption while maintaining 100% uptime, in line with IMDA guidance and global ASHRAE standards.

“Improving energy efficiency in tropical environments requires disciplined execution and a data-driven approach” said Mayank Srivastava, Chief Executive Officer of BDx Data Centers. “By implementing Singapore’s Tropical Data Centre Standard in a live environment, we have demonstrated that efficiency gains can be achieved without compromising reliability.  This is an important step in building resilient, future-ready data centre infrastructure across Asia Pacific and beyond.” 

To support sustained optimization, BDx deployed an AI-driven digital twin capability that enables real-time cooling performance tuning under tropical operating conditions to strengthen efficiency, resilience, and thermal stability at higher operating temperatures.

BDx is also working with customers to leverage Singapore’s Energy Efficiency Grant (EEG) which supports adoption of pre-approved energy-efficient IT equipment deployed in commercial data centres in Singapore. This reinforces the objectives of SS 697:2023 and reduces overall facility energy intensity.

The implementation of SS 697:2023 reinforces BDx’s commitment to engineering high-density infrastructure designed for tropical environments, contributing to Singapore’s decarbonization goals and leadership in next-generation data centre innovation.

For more information on IMDA’s Tropical Data Centre Standard and the Energy Efficiency Grant, please visit:

https://www.imda.gov.sg/how-we-can-help/green-dc-roadmap/tropical-dc-standard and https://www.imda.gov.sg/how-we-can-help/energy-efficiency-grant

About BDx Data Centers

BDx Data Centers is a leading cloud- and carrier-neutral provider of data centre, co-location, and interconnection solutions for enterprises and hyperscalers across Asia’s fast-growing markets. Operating 18 ultra-modern facilities with 750 MW of capacity in Indonesia, Hong Kong SAR, Singapore, Taiwan region and Mainland China, BDx delivers secure, scalable, and sustainable solutions to accelerate digital transformation. Backed by global infrastructure investor I Squared Capital, managing over $50 billion in assets, BDx combines cutting-edge infrastructure with renewable resources to empower businesses in a connected world. For more information, visit www.bdxworld.com.

HONG KONG, March 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The “Sun Life ‘The Big Bounce’ World Tour – Hong Kong,” a 17-day family-friendly extravaganza at the Great Lawn of the Art Park in the West Kowloon Cultural District, came to a successful and joyous conclusion on February 22. Title-sponsored by Sun Life, ‘The Big Bounce’ spanned the Chinese New Year period and proved immensely popular among families, with interactive performances, musical elements, and anime‑themed installations being key highlights that added to the vibrant atmosphere.

This year, Sun Life partnered with Yan Chai Hospital to invite hundreds of students and parents from its affiliated kindergartens and childcare centers to be among the first to experience the bouncing extravaganza, underscoring the theme of “family togetherness and joy”. In celebration of Sun Life’s journey towards its 135th anniversary in Hong Kong next year, on February 22, it distributed delightful gifts to participants at the West Kowloon venue. Additionally, Sun Life hosted a series of online games via social media, giving away over 1,000 vouchers to spread festive cheer across the city.

Adley Low, Chief Client and Marketing Officer at Sun Life Hong Kong Limited, said: “We are delighted to witness the successful conclusion of the “Sun Life ‘The Big Bounce’ World Tour – Hong Kong”, as this event reflects our purpose to help Clients live healthier lives. The enthusiastic response this year reflects not only the joy this event brought to the public, but also how much Hong Kong families truly value active and healthy living. As Sun Life approaches its 135th anniversary in Hong Kong next year, we will continue to bring more innovative and meaningful community initiatives that allow people to embrace healthy lifestyles in a relaxed and enjoyable way.”

For more highlights of the “Sun Life ‘The Big Bounce’ World Tour – Hong Kong,” please visit:
https://sunlife.co/b72002

About Sun Life

Sun Life is a leading international financial services organisation providing asset management, wealth, insurance and health solutions to individual and institutional Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including: Canada, the U.S., the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, Mainland China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of December 31, 2025, Sun Life had total assets under management of $1.60 trillion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com.

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF. Sun Life Financial Inc. is the holding company of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada. Sun Life Hong Kong Limited (incorporated in Bermuda with limited liability) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada and operates in Hong Kong.

• Demonstrates effectiveness comparable to the global standard Oka strain vaccine

YONGIN, South Korea, March 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — GC Biopharma(006280.KS), a leading provider of biopharmaceutical products in South Korea, announced today that a review paper comprehensively analyzing the safety and immunogenicity of its independently developed varicella vaccine strain, ‘MAV/06’, has been published in the ‘Human Vaccines & Therapeutics’, a prestigious SCIE-indexed journal.

GC Biopharma and researchers from Ajou University, and Sungkyunkwan University jointly participated in the publication of this paper. The research team systematically analyzed more than 40 studies, including clinical trial results of the MAV/06 vaccine published between 1991 and 2023, post-marketing safety reports, real-world vaccination data, and genomic analysis data.

According to the paper, the MAV/06 strain belongs genetically to the same clade (Clade 2) as the Oka-derived vaccines well-known as the global standard, yet it shows distinguished feature from the wild-type virus, thereby proving its safety as a vaccine.

In addition, MAV/06 was confirmed to induce a broad immune response not only against Clade 2 but also against Clades 1, 3, 5, and wild-type Clade 2 viruses. This signifies that GC Biopharma’s varicella vaccine can provide extensive protection against various varicella virus mutations appearing worldwide.

Furthermore, results from numerous clinical trials, including infants and immunocompromised patients, showed that the rate of neutralizing antibodies generated in the body after vaccination with the MAV/06-based varicella vaccine reached 99-100%, with antibody persistence similar to that of the Oka strain vaccine.

The analysis of real-world data accumulated over 30 years showed that the incidence of adverse events for the MAV/06-based varicella vaccine was at a level of 0.41 to 0.57 cases per 100,000 doses, which is lower than that of major global vaccines.

Notably, ‘BARYCELA Inj.’, GC Biopharma’s second varicella vaccine, is the world’s first varicella vaccine to use no antibiotics in its manufacturing process, fundamentally eliminating the possibility of adverse reactions derived from antibiotics such as Kanamycin, Neomycin, and Erythromycin.

MAV/06-based varicella vaccines have been supplied to over 20 countries more than 30 million doses to date. Also, BARYCELA Inj. obtained World Health Organization (WHO) Pre-Qualification (PQ) certification in 2023, securing competitiveness in the global public procurement market. Recently, the scope of its utilization in the global market is expected to expand with the WHO officially recognizing interchangeability with Oka strain vaccines.

“This review paper is significant in that it academically compiles the safety and effectiveness that the Korean varicella vaccine has proven in the global market over the past 30 years,” said Bong-kyoo Choi, Head of the AI&Data Science Center at GC Biopharma. “We will continue to contribute to promoting the health of children worldwide, including in countries with low vaccine accessibility.”

About GC Biopharma

GC Biopharma (formerly known as Green Cross Corporation) is a biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Yong-in, South Korea. The company has over half a century of experience in the development and manufacturing of plasma derivatives and vaccines, and is expanding its global presence with successful US market entry of Alyglo^®(intravenous immunoglobulin G) in 2024. In line with its mission to meet the demands of future healthcare, GC Biopharma continues to drive innovation by leveraging its core R&D capabilities in engineering of proteins, mRNAs, and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) drug delivery platform to develop therapeutics for the field of rare disease as well as I&I (Immunology & Inflammation). To learn more about the company, visit https://www.gcbiopharma.com/eng/

This press release may contain biopharmaceuticals in forward-looking statements, which express the current beliefs and expectations of GC Biopharma’s management. Such statements do not represent any guarantee by GC Biopharma or its management of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors. GC Biopharma undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement contained in this press release or any other forward-looking statements it may make, except as required by law or stock exchange rule.

GC Biopharma Contacts (Media)

Sohee Kim
shkim20@gccorp.com

Yelin Jun
yelin@gccorp.com

Yoonjae Na
yjy6520@gccorp.com