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Everest Medicines Announces China NMPA Approval of VELSIPITY® for Adults with Moderately to Severely Active Ulcerative Colitis

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SHANGHAI, Feb. 6, 2026  /PRNewswire/ — Everest Medicines (HKEX 1952.HK, “Everest”, or the “Company”), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, clinical development, manufacturing and commercialization of innovative therapeutics, today announced that China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has approved VELSIPITY® (etrasimod arginine tablets) for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC) who have had an inadequate response, lost response, or were intolerant to either conventional therapy or a biologic agent.

As a next-generation selective S1P receptor modulator, VELSIPITY® offers the potential for rapid onset of action, and long-lasting clinical remission and mucosal healing through an oral, once-daily regimen for adult patients with moderately to severely active UC.

The approval was based on results from the Asian multicenter Phase 3 ENLIGHT UC study (ES101002) and the global ELEVATE UC Phase 3 program (ELEVATE UC 52 and ELEVATE UC 12). The ENLIGHT UC study is the largest Phase 3 trial of moderately to severely active UC in Asia completed to date, with 340 eligible subjects randomized to treatment with VELSIPITY® or placebo. The study results showed that, VELSIPITY® demonstrated statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements across all primary and secondary efficacy endpoints during both the 12-week induction period and the 40-week maintenance period. The safety profile of VELSIPITY® was consistent with previous studies, with no new safety signals observed. ELEVATE UC 52 and ELEVATE UC 12 are randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled global phase 3 pivotal studies, which further demonstrate the positive benefit-risk profile of VELSIPITY®.

“Autoimmune diseases have long-term impacts on patients worldwide, with significant unmet clinical needs persisting both in China and globally, “said Mr. Yifang Wu, Chairman of the Board of Everest Medicines. “The approval of VELSIPITY® underscores the clinical value of innovative therapies for UC and reflects Everest Medicines’ sustained commitment to advancing drug development in line with international R&D standards. We look forward to expanding our global reach and providing patients with broader access to innovative treatment options.”

“Ulcerative colitis is rapidly increasing in China and follows a relapsing course that significantly impairs quality of life and places a substantial burden on both patients and the healthcare system,” said Prof. Chen Minhu, Academic Leader and Chief Expert of the Department of Gastroenterology at The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University. “Achieving mucosal healing is a widely recognized treatment goal in clinical guidelines, as it improves symptom control, reduces relapse risk, and supports long-term disease management. As a next-generation selective S1P receptor modulator, VELSIPITY® is a once-daily oral therapy with rapid onset of action, strong mucosal healing efficacy, and a favorable safety profile, offering a new long-term treatment option for adults with moderately to severely active UC.”

“UC treatment in China has long faced limited efficacy, high relapse rates, safety concerns, and inconvenient dosing. Despite available biologics and small-molecule therapies, unmet clinical needs persist,” said Prof. Wu Kaichun of the First Affiliated Hospital of AFMU, principal investigator of VELSIPITY®‘s Asian clinical trial. “Results from the ENLIGHT UC study demonstrated that the clinical remission rate at week 40 of the maintenance period reached 48.1%, and the deep mucosal healing rate reached 51.9%, with an endoscopic mucosal normalization rate of 45.5%[1]. As the first Phase 3 registrational study in Asian patients with moderately to severely active UC, the study confirms the efficacy and safety of VELSIPITY® in this population, with results published in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology[1]. Its approval represents an important milestone and validation, providing patients with a novel treatment option and advancing UC management.”

UC is a chronic, relapsing, non-specific inflammatory bowel disease. In China, the incidence and prevalence of UC are accelerating, with a clear trend toward younger patients. The patient population is projected to increase from approximately 0.98 million in 2025 to 1.50 million by 2031[2],[3].  Symptoms include mucous and bloody stools, abdominal pain, diarrhea and rectal tenesmus, all of which significantly impact patients’ long-term quality of life. There remains a critical need for therapies that offer sustained and comprehensive disease control.

“In China, a large population of patients with moderately to severely active UC continues to face substantial unmet medical needs,” said Mr. Rogers Yongqing Luo, Chief Executive Officer of Everest Medicines. “VELSIPITY® provides patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis a once-daily oral therapy with the potential to achieve steroid-free remission and a favorable benefit–risk profile. Its approval in China addresses a critical unmet medical need and introduces a novel oral therapy promoting deep mucosal healing. We are committed to rapidly commercializing VELSIPITY® and working toward its inclusion in the National Reimbursement Drug List to further expand patient access and affordability, benefiting more patients across China.”

The clinical value of VELSIPITY® has been recognized in leading international clinical guidelines. Following its inclusion in the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Clinical Practice Guideline in December 2024 as a first-line treatment for ulcerative colitis, VELSIPITY® was also included in the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) Clinical Guideline Update in June 2025, with strong recommendations supporting its use for both induction and maintenance of remission in patients with moderately to severely active UC. 

In 2024, VELSIPITY® was included in the Catalogues of Guangdong Province on Drugs and Medical Devices from Hong Kong and Macao in Urgent Clinical Use in Nine Mainland Municipalities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, making it available at designated hospitals across the region. The localized production project for VELSIPITY® was launched at the Jiashan manufacturing site in March 2025, supporting its future commercialization in China. 

About VELSIPITY® (etrasimod arginine tablets)

VELSIPITY® is a once-daily, oral, sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator that selectively binds to S1P receptor subtypes 1, 4, and 5. Regulatory approvals have been granted in US, EU, Canada, Japan, Australia, Singapore, UK, Switzerland, Israel, Turkey, India, Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR and Mainland China for VELSIPITY® in ulcerative colitis, as well as in additional countries. 

About Phase 3 ENLIGHT UC Registrational study (ES101002) 

ENLIGHT is the largest Phase III trial of moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis in Asia completed to date, with 340 eligible subjects randomized to receive etrasimod or placebo. Patients with an inadequate response or intolerance to at least one conventional, biologic, or Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor therapy were randomized to receive etrasimod once-daily or placebo for 12 weeks of induction treatment. Patients who completed the 12-week induction period and responded were re-randomized into the 40-week maintenance period to receive once-daily etrasimod or placebo.  

The primary efficacy endpoints were the proportion of patients achieving clinical remission at Week 12 (induction) and Week 40 (maintenance). The key secondary endpoints of the study were the proportion of patients achieving endoscopic improvement and clinical response at Week 12 (induction) and at Week 40 (maintenance).  

The study results showed that, during both the 12-week induction phase and the 40-week maintenance phase, etrasimod demonstrated statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements across all primary and secondary efficacy endpoints.  

A significantly greater proportion of patients treated with etrasimod than those treated with placebo achieved clinical remission at induction Week 12 (57 [25.0%] of 228 patients vs 6 [5.4%] of 112 patients; adjusted difference 20.4%, 95% CI 13.4–27.4, p<0.0001) and at maintenance Week 40 (37 [48.1%] of 77 patients vs 10 [12.5%] of 80 patients; adjusted difference 35.9%, 95% CI 22.5–49.2, p<0.0001).  

At induction Week 12, a significantly greater proportion of patients treated with etrasimod than those treated with placebo showed endoscopic improvement (85 [37.3%] of 228 patients treated with etrasimod vs 11 [9.8%] of 112 patients treated with placebo; adjusted difference 28.6%, 95% CI 20.5–36.7, p<0·0001) and clinical response (133 [58.3%] of 228 patients treated with etrasimod vs 31 [27.7%] of 112 patients treated with placebo; adjusted difference 32.0%, 95% CI 21.8–42.2, p<0·0001).  

At maintenance Week 40, a significantly greater proportion of patients treated with etrasimod than those treated with placebo showed endoscopic improvement (47 [61.0%] of 77 patients treated with etrasimod vs 12 [15.0%] of 80 patients treated with placebo; adjusted difference 46.6%, 95% CI 33.2–60.1, p<0·0001) and clinical response (61 [79.2%] of 77 patients treated with etrasimod vs 28 [35.0%] of 80 patients treated with placebo; adjusted difference 45.6%, 95% CI 31.9–59.3, p<0·0001). Other secondary endpoints, including mucosal healing, endoscopic normalization, and histological remission, also significantly favored patients treated with etrasimod compared with placebo. Notably, mucosal healing as measured by a central read endoscopic subscore≤ 1 (excluding friability) with a Geboes Index score < 2.0, was achieved in 51.9% of the etrasimod treated patients compared to 8.8% in the placebo group (p<0.0001). The safety profile of etrasimod during the maintenance period was consistent with previous studies, with no new safety findings observed. 

About ELEVATE UC Phase 3 Registrational Program (ELEVATE UC 52 and ELEVATE UC 12)

ELEVATE UC 52 and ELEVATE UC 12 are pivotal trials that are part of the ELEVATE UC Phase 3 registrational program[4].

ELEVATE UC 52 is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that utilized a treat-through design comprising a 12-week induction period followed by a 40-week maintenance period. Subjects were randomized to receive etrasimod or placebo and continued on treatment without re-randomization for the entire duration of the study. Beginning at Week 12, all patients could continue their randomized treatment; patients whose disease had not improved or had worsened compared with baseline could discontinue treatment and, if eligible, enroll in an open-label extension study. The primary objective of this trial was to assess the safety and efficacy of etrasimod 2 mg once daily on clinical remission after both 12 and 52 weeks. The primary endpoint was based on the 3-domain, modified Mayo score (MMS). In ELEVATE UC 52, clinical remission was achieved by 27.0% of patients receiving etrasimod compared with 7.0% of patients receiving placebo at Week 12 (19.8% differential, P˂0.0001) and by 32.0% compared with 7.0% at Week 52 (25.4% differential, P˂0.0001). Statistically significant improvements were observed in all key secondary endpoints, including endoscopic improvement and mucosal healing at Weeks 12 and 52, and corticosteroid-free remission and sustained clinical remission at Week 52.

ELEVATE UC 12 is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial designed to assess the efficacy and safety of etrasimod 2 mg once daily in subjects with moderately to severely active UC. The primary objective of this trial was to assess the safety and efficacy of etrasimod on clinical remission at Week 12, as assessed by the 3-domain MMS. In ELEVATE UC 12, clinical remission was achieved among 25.0% of patients receiving etrasimod compared with 15.0% of patients receiving placebo (9.7% differential, P=0.026). All key secondary endpoints were met at Week 12, including endoscopic improvement and mucosal healing.

In ELEVATE UC 12, a similar proportion of patients experienced treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs) between the etrasimod 2 mg and placebo treatment groups, while in ELEVATE UC 52, the proportion of adverse events was higher in the etrasimod 2 mg group compared with placebo. The proportion of patients experiencing serious AEs was similar between treatment groups in both trials. The most common treatment-emergent AEs occurring in 3% or more of etrasimod-treated patients and at a higher frequency than placebo through Week 52 in either trial were headache, elevated liver tests, worsening of UC, COVID-19 infection, dizziness, pyrexia, arthralgia, abdominal pain and nausea. Data support that initiation of etrasimod treatment does not require a complex up-titration regimen.

Nearly two-thirds of patients in ELEVATE UC 52 and ELEVATE UC 12, respectively, were naïve to biologic or JAK inhibitor therapy.

References:

[1]. K. Wu, et al. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2025 Sep 30:S2468-1253(25)00198-0.
      Full results of the ENLIGHT UC study (ES101002) by The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology.

[2]. Shao B, et al. Front Public Health. 2022 Oct 25;10:1032679.    

[3]. Kaplan GG. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2015;12(12):720-727.

[4]. Sandborn WJ, et al. Lancet. 2023 Apr 8;401(10383):1159-1171.

About Everest Medicines

Everest Medicines is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, manufacturing and commercializing innovative pharmaceutical products that address critical unmet medical needs for patients in global markets. The management team of Everest Medicines has deep expertise and an extensive track record both in China and with leading global pharmaceutical companies.

The Company’s therapeutic areas of focus include autoimmune, ophthalmology, critical care, and CKM (cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic) diseases. Everest Medicines has developed a fully integrated commercialization platform that combines omnichannel commercial capabilities with end-to-end product lifecycle management. Leveraging its proprietary mRNA platform, the Company is advancing its existing pipeline, including mRNA in vivo CAR-T and mRNA cancer vaccines, while selectively expanding into additional high-value therapeutic areas with blockbuster potential, and accelerating its global expansion. For more information, please visit the Company’s website: www.everestmedicines.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may make statements that constitute forward-looking statements, including descriptions regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company or its officers with respect to the business operations and financial condition of the Company, which can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident” and similar statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, or other factors, some of which are beyond the control of the Company and are unforeseeable. Therefore, the actual results may differ from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors and assumptions, such as future changes and developments in our business, competitive environment, political, economic, legal and social conditions. The Company or any of its affiliates, directors, officers, advisors or representatives has no obligation and does not undertake to revise forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or circumstances after the date of this news release, except as required by law.

 

“The World TCM Heritage Odyssey” Held in Beijing, Showcasing New Practices in International Communication of Traditional Chinese Medicine

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BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 February 2026 – On the evening of February 4, “The World TCM Heritage Odyssey,” co-hosted by Phoenix Satellite TV and Dong-E-E-Jiao, took place at the Phoenix Center in Beijing and successfully concluded. The event, marking the beginning of spring, showcased the latest practices and achievements in the international dissemination, academic exchange, and modern transformation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) through cultural tributes, cross-disciplinary dialogues, and the integration of technology and art.

"The World TCM Heritage Odyssey" Held in Beijing, Showcasing New Practices in International Communication of Traditional Chinese Medicine

The ceremony centered on TCM culture and leveraged the immersive cultural, technological, and experiential environment of the Phoenix Center. It connected traditional medical wisdom with contemporary global health issues, demonstrating the pathways of inheritance and innovation for TCM in diverse cultural contexts around the world.

In his speech, Xu Wei, Chairman and CEO of Phoenix Satellite TV, stated that the global spread of TCM is not just about medical communication but also a process of cross-cultural understanding and exchange. He emphasized the need to build communication bridges through modern dissemination methods while respecting differences. Phoenix Satellite TV will continue to focus on and document the international dissemination of TCM.

Cheng Jie, Chairman of Dong-E-E-Jiao, remarked that TCM culture belongs to all humanity and that the company will keep promoting the synergy between cultural dissemination and industrial development, facilitating a deep integration of technology, culture, and brand narrative to contribute to global health.

The event featured a “Tribute” segment honoring five representatives dedicated to the international spread and cross-disciplinary integration of TCM, covering fields such as academic translation, medical practice, technology integration, and public welfare dissemination.

Scholar Ehsan Doostmohammadi from Iran was honored for completing the first Persian translation of the “Huangdi Neijing: Suwen” and promoting TCM in the West Asia region. Zhao Zhongzhen, Emeritus Professor at Hong Kong Baptist University’s School of Chinese Medicine, presented the honor and advocated for further collaboration.

Malaysian TCM practitioner Neoh Karen was recognized for promoting the modernization and internationalization of TCM through innovative communication methods.

Lee Tsung-En Andy, CEO of the Yangqi Integrative Medicine Center in Silicon Valley, was honored for his exploratory practices integrating TCM concepts with artificial intelligence and big data, sparking discussions about the modernization of TCM.

Italian physician Valeria Toso, a proponent of TCM meridian theory, was acknowledged for her long-term efforts to promote TCM concepts in Europe.

Dr. Diarra Boubacar Thiemoko from Mali, the first foreign postdoctoral fellow in TCM in China, received high praise for his years of grassroots medical exchanges in Central Africa and his work in developing TCM training and public welfare diagnosis programs on the continent.

During the event, Phoenix Satellite TV officially launched the second season of “The Healing Path.” The new season will document TCM’s development and application across different countries and cultural contexts, showcasing its diverse expressions in a global setting.

Throughout the ceremony, the Phoenix Center also established a global TCM cultural interactive experience area, enhancing the public’s intuitive understanding of TCM culture through cultural displays, product exhibitions, and interactive experiences. A special livestream program titled “Let’s Talk! Friends of TCM” preceded the event, generating public discussion.

As the event concluded, the theme song “The Healing Path,” created with AI participation, resonated in the venue, marking the end of the ceremony.

The organizers stated that this ceremony was not only a concentrated display of TCM culture but also a forward-looking exchange practice, showcasing new expressions and possibilities for traditional medicine in the contemporary technological and global health context.

Hashtag: #TheWorldTCMHeritageOdyssey #TraditionalChineseMedicine #GlobalHealth #TCMCulture #TCMInnovation

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

TECO Opens the Year on a High Note with RM311.5m Southeast Asia Data Center Contract

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TAIPEI, Feb. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TECO Electric & Machinery Co., Ltd. (TWSE: 1504) today announced another major milestone in its Southeast Asia expansion, successfully securing Hyperscale Data Center projects for a U.S.-based cloud service provider (CSP) in Malaysia and Thailand. The contracts cover power system integration and large-scale fiber-optic telecommunications infrastructure, with a combined contract value of approximately RM311.5m (NT$2.5 billion).

TECO Chairman Morris Li stated that the successful acquisition of these two major data center projects demonstrates that TECO’s engineering integration capabilities and project execution expertise in Southeast Asia have gained strong recognition from international clients. Looking ahead to 2026, as global demand for AI computing and cloud services continues to accelerate, TECO will remain committed to delivering reliable, high-efficiency, and highly flexible one-stop data center solutions, further strengthening its position as a key AIDC infrastructure provider in the Asia-Pacific region.

The newly awarded projects are located in key data center hubs in Malaysia and Thailand. TECO is responsible for the electrical package of the Malaysia project, showcasing its international competitiveness in hyperscale data center power system integration, engineering design, and project management. The project is scheduled for completion in April 2027.

For the Thailand project, TECO has secured the hyperscale fiber-optic telecommunications system package, which includes construction of the fiber backbone to support high-volume data transmission and advanced computing requirements. The project is expected to be completed in December 2026. Notably, this marks TECO’s first successful data center project award in Thailand, achieved by outperforming international competitors and representing a significant milestone for the company.

In 2025, TECO secured two data center–related engineering contracts in Malaysia, with a combined installed capacity of 178 MW. Together with the newly secured orders at the start of this year, these wins demonstrate that TECO’s proven track record in Southeast Asia has earned strong customer trust. TECO expects its data center–related order intake in the Southeast Asian market to grow steadily in 2026.

As TECO’s strategic shift into an AI Data Center Solutions Provider delivers results, the company plans to expand its role in the global cloud and AI computing equipment supply chain, boosting data center market share and driving operational growth in 2026. https://www.teco.com.tw/en-us/ 

Driven by Chairman Junhyuk Bang’s Visionary Leadership, Coway Announces Financial Results for Q4 and FY2025

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  • In Q4 of 2025, Coway’s revenue reached KRW 1,275.4 billion (+13.3% YoY) with an operating profit of KRW 181.6 billion (-1.0% YoY)
  • The company’s FY2025 annual revenue totaled KRW 4,963.6 billion (+15.2% YoY) with an operating profit of KRW 878.7 billion (+10.5% YoY)
  • Behind Coway’s record growth in 2025 is the company’s sleep and wellness brand BEREX, a new core revenue engine, as well as strong ice water purifier product sales

SEOUL, South Korea, Feb. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Coway Co., Ltd., the “Best Life Solution Company,” has today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2025.

Coway Financial Results
Coway Financial Results

“In the face of persistent global economic uncertainties, Coway was able to realize both top-line growth and profitability in 2025 by focusing on our fundamentals, strengthening our R&D capabilities and diversifying our product portfolio,” stated Jangwon Seo, CEO of Coway. “Going forward, we will continue to maintain this stable momentum through product innovation across both our domestic and global markets.”

Coway’s reported earnings are as follows:

  • Fourth-quarter revenue: KRW 1,275.4 billion (+13.3% YoY)
  • Fourth-quarter operating profit: KRW 181.6 billion (-1.0% YoY)
  • Annual revenue: KRW 4,963.6 billion (+15.2% YoY)
  • Annual operating profit: KRW 878.7 billion (+10.5% YoY)

*The reported figures are taken from the consolidated K-IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) statement.

The company’s strong results across both domestic and global markets in 2025 were driven in no small part by the visionary mid- to long-term strategy previously introduced by Junhyuk Bang, Chairman of Netmarble and Coway, which includes launching innovative products, expanding into new business areas and strengthening the company’s global footprint.

Coway’s domestic business reported an annual revenue of KRW 2,865.6 billion in 2025, marking an 11.0% year-over-year increase. This performance was bolstered, in particular, by strong sales in the ice water purifier category, as well as from the BEREX lineup of beds and massage chairs. Annual rental gross adds also saw impressive growth, increasing 7.7% year-over-year to a total of 1.85 million by the end of 2025.

BEREX, the company’s sleep and wellness brand, first launched as a key strategic initiative of Chairman Bang in December 2022, recorded a consolidated revenue of KRW 719.9 billion, thus firmly establishing itself as a key new revenue model for Coway. The brand’s commercial success in 2025 was notably driven by the domestic bed business, which reached KRW 365.4 billion in revenue, up 15.4% compared to the previous year.

Marking a 22.3% year-over-year increase, Coway’s overseas subsidiaries contributed KRW 1,889.9 billion in annual revenue in 2025. The company’s Malaysian subsidiary maintained its market leadership with a revenue of KRW 1,409.5 billion (+21.7% YoY), while the United States subsidiary saw a 10.5% year-over-year increase in its annual revenue, reaching KRW 236.7 billion. Furthermore, Coway’s Thailand and Indonesia subsidiaries also achieved rapid growth, with impressive year-over-year increases of 38.8% and 67.5% and annual revenue totals of KRW 174.4 billion and 50.6 billion, respectively.

For additional details about Coway’s financial performance, please visit the company’s Investor Relations page.

About Coway Co., Ltd.

Established in Korea in 1989, Coway, the “Best Life Solution Company,” is a leading home environment appliances company making people’s lives healthy and comfortable with innovative home appliances such as water purifiers, air purifiers, bidets, and mattresses. BEREX, the company’s sleep & wellness brand, aims to improve the quality of life through cutting-edge mattresses and massage chairs. Since being founded, Coway has become a leader in the home environment appliances industry, with intensive research, engineering, development, and customer service. The company has proven dedication to innovation with award-winning products, home health expertise, unrivaled market share, customer satisfaction, and brand recognition. Coway continues to innovate by diversifying product lines and accelerating overseas business in Malaysia, the USA, Thailand, China, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Europe, based on the business success in Korea. In 2025, the company launched Coway Life Solution, a premium elder care platform offering personalized care solutions tailored to different life stages. For more information, please visit http://www.coway.com/ or http://newsroom.coway.com.

Cowbell Launches in Australia, Bringing AI-Powered Cyber Protection backed by the Financial Strength of Zurich

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Appoints Industry veterans Anthony Wall, Alric Lal to lead Underwriting & Distribution

SYDNEY, Feb. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Cowbell, a leading provider of adaptive cyber and specialty insurance solutions for global small and mid-market organizations, today announced its official launch in the Australian market, introducing Prime One, a standalone cyber insurance programme designed for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with up to A$100 million in annual turnover. Policies are written on Zurich Australian Insurance Ltd paper, pairing Zurich’s financial backing and local presence with Cowbell’s AI-powered underwriting platform, in-house claims capabilities, and comprehensive resiliency services.

Prime One, which can be quoted, bound and issued in less than 5 minutes, is now available through licensed insurance brokers, giving Australian businesses a straightforward way to understand their digital risks and secure protection that adapts as those risks evolve.

“Cyber protection shouldn’t be complicated; it should give businesses confidence to keep moving,” said Jack Kudale, Founder & CEO, Cowbell. “By partnering with Zurich, we’re offering Australian organisations a dependable foundation for cyber resilience, supported by Cowbell’s continuous underwriting, risk intelligence, and proven track record in managing cyber risk.”

In a multi-year, fully delegated, exclusive collaboration with Zurich, Cowbell offers Prime One—straightforward, modern cyber cover with limits up to A$5 million, including any one claim (AOC), aligned with how Australian businesses operate. Powered by an AI-driven assessment model, Cowbell provides precise visibility into each organisation’s exposures, helping brokers explain coverage clearly and enabling businesses to take informed action. This reflects Cowbell’s belief that protection should create confidence, not complexity.

Cowbell’s partnership with Zurich ensures that Australian policyholders receive both global cyber expertise and reliable local support. The programme combines Zurich’s well-established presence in the Australian insurance market with Cowbell’s technology-driven approach and Zurich’s financial strength, reinforcing the brand’s differentiator of strong partnerships that enhance digital resilience.

Every Prime One policy includes access to Cowbell’s full ecosystem of resilience tools and insights, designed to help businesses strengthen defences long before an incident occurs:

  • Cowbell Factors™ – Continuous, AI-powered risk ratings revealing individual risk exposures.
  • Cowbell Insights – Clear, practical recommendations tailored to each organisation.
  • Cowbell Resiliency Services (CRS) – Expert-led support, including micro penetration testing, cybersecurity awareness training, vendor risk management, and access to vetted cybersecurity partners via Cowbell Rx marketplace.

This ecosystem supports businesses continuously, helping them stay ahead of threats with minimal disruption.

The company has tapped industry veterans Anthony Wall and Alric Lal to lead this expansion. Wall, who was appointed Head of Underwriting brings deep cyber expertise to the role. He joins Cowbell from AIG where he served as cyber practice lead, having also held senior cyber underwriting roles at Munich Re and Chubb. Earlier in his career, Wall spent nearly a decade at Liberty International Underwriters in Australia and the United States, and more than six years at Aon. 

Alric Lal joins the company as Head of Business Development for Australia. With 20 years of corporate broking & financial lines expertise, Lal previously served as Head of Broking for UBT in Sydney and held senior broking roles at Marsh in Auckland and Aon London earlier in his career.

Cowbell’s entry into Australia reflects its mission to make digital risks manageable and give businesses the clarity and confidence to operate securely. For brokers, Prime One simplifies placement with efficient quoting and actionable tools that help clients strengthen their cyber posture.

“With standalone cyber cover reaching only 20% of Australian SMEs, brokers are looking for clarity they can trust and support that helps them reach the other 80%,” said Simon Hughes, Chief Commercial Officer, Cowbell. “Prime One delivers that clarity and coverage that’s easy to explain, backed by the quiet, steady confidence Cowbell brings to every global market we serve.”

For broker appointments, please visit us at cowbell.au

About Cowbell

Cowbell is a pioneer in Adaptive Cyber Insurance, redefining risk transfer for the AI era. As the first platform to unify Cyber, Tech E&O, and Management Liability into a single, API-driven solution, Cowbell expedites the insurance purchasing process, with policy issuance in as little as five minutes through its proprietary, AI-powered platform and Cowbell Factors™—a dynamic framework for continuous risk assessment. Serving Small and Mid-Market businesses, Cowbell operates across all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The company is backed by over 25 leading global (re)insurance partners, offering a comprehensive suite of coverages in commercial and specialty lines, including cyber, technology errors and omissions, and management liability. Through Cowbell Resiliency Services (CRS)—an independent cybersecurity advisory arm—policyholders gain access to Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR) services as well as proactive solutions, including but not limited to Managed Detection and Response (MDR), designed to reduce risk exposure and improve insurability. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, Cowbell has a global presence with teams across the U.S., Canada, Australia, India, and the U.K., driving innovation in cyber risk transfer and management globally.

Media Contact:
Christian Morley
ICR for Cowbell
Cowbell@icrinc.com

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AIA Alta Club Launches “Family Health MedTeam”: Hong Kong Insurance Market’s First 24/7 Dedicated Healthcare Support for High-Net-Worth Families

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 February 2026 – AIA Alta Club launches Family Health MedTeam, an industry-first service1 designed to give high-net-worth families2 the privilege, convenience, and care at their fingertips. This exclusive offering provides round-the-clock, dedicated healthcare support across the Chinese Mainland with coverage of Grade 3A hospitals,3 ensuring families can focus on what matters most: living well together across three generations.

AIA Alta Club launches Family Health MedTeam, an industry-first service designed to give high-net-worth families the privilege, convenience, and care at their fingertips.
AIA Alta Club launches Family Health MedTeam, an industry-first service designed to give high-net-worth families the privilege, convenience, and care at their fingertips.

For many high-net-worth families, health is the ultimate legacy. Over 70% of AIA Alta Club members maintain close ties to the Chinese Mainland,4 with frequent northbound travel and demanding schedules. As a result, they often value assistance that helps them navigate complex cross‑boundary healthcare arrangements for themselves and their loved ones. Through a dedicated group chat on WeChat application staffed by doctors and nurses,5 Family Health MedTeam delivers trusted 24/7 support,6 and seamless access to Grade 3A hospitals across the Chinese Mainland, offering convenience and peace of mind so AIA Alta Club families (applicable to Solar and Luna Tier members) 2 can live life without compromise.

Alice Liang, Chief Proposition & Healthcare Officer of AIA Hong Kong & Macau, said: “Longevity and wellbeing are now central to how high-net-worth families think about their legacy. With Family Health MedTeam, we are removing complexity from cross-boundary healthcare and supporting families to safeguard their health across generations.”

“As an industry-first service,1 Family Health MedTeam represents an innovative step forward. It provides a seamless continuum of support, from general health consultation, to privileged access to top tier medical resources, and comprehensive chronic disease management — all delivered through round-the-clock medical support and coordinated care across the Chinese Mainland. The service empowers families to make critical health decisions with clarity, confidence, and continuity, offering meaningful and lasting protection that extends across three generations, and truly fulfilling the promise of a lasting health legacy.”

Key Features of Family Health MedTeam: Innovation Meets Exclusivity

Professional Family Care:

  • 24/7 Dedicated Online Service Team:6 Eligible AIA Alta Club members and their families2 have round-the-clock access to a dedicated online service team, providing immediate, professional support anytime, anywhere, ensuring peace of mind wherever life takes them.
  • Expert Care: Each designated team comprises an experienced doctor, who has worked at a Grade 3A hospital; and a registered nurse with nutrition qualifications in the Chinese Mainland who acts as family health ambassador.5 This ensures expert, empathetic care tailored to each family’s unique needs.
  • Easy Onboarding: Eligible members2 can call the exclusive hotline to activate the services with guidance. The services cover four family members in total,2 all sharing exclusive medical experiences.

A Seamless, One‑stop Experience:

  • Fast-Track Access to Leading Hospitals: Eligible Members and their families2 benefit from priority access to outpatient and inpatient services, with specified diagnostic tests available upon request at designated Grade 3A hospitals in the Chinese Mainland, enabling timely and efficient treatment.
  • Online General Health Consulting:7 Eligible Members and their families2 can consult their dedicated family doctor at any time, from any city in the Chinese Mainland, for general health concerns and wellness information, and access convenient and professional online consultations with specialists from Grade 3A hospitals as needed.
  • Health Concierge Services: A dedicated health ambassador coordinates the entire medical journey, including medical companion8, making healthcare experiences seamless and stress-free.

Personalised Experience:

  • Exclusive, Tailored Health Checkup Plans: The family doctor will customise a health checkup and arrange for it to be performed at designated Grade 3A public hospitals in the Chinese Mainland,7, 9 with the flexibility to adjust check-up items for individual needs.10
  • Chronic Disease Management and Home Medication Delivery: The service supports ongoing health with regular follow-ups and convenient medication delivery,7, 11 empowering families to manage chronic conditions with ease.

AIA Alta Club is an exclusive membership programme created for high-net-worth customers who aspire to achieve the optimal balance of wealth and wellness. Through a seamless blend of personalised wealth management, holistic health solutions, and exclusive lifestyle privileges, AIA Alta Club empowers members to pursue their aspirations and enjoy a life of distinction.

Remarks:

  1. As of 16 September 2025, Hong Kong insurance industry’s first healthcare support in the Chinese Mainland, which integrates Online General Health Consulting along with Personalising Health Checkup at Grade 3A Hospitals and Online Support for Chronic Disease Management and Home Medication Delivery, Priority Booking for Outpatient and Inpatient Services, and Medical Companion Service, was compared with the similar services offered by major Hong Kong insurance companies.
  2. Family Health MedTeam offered as a privilege of AIA Alta Club are available to (i) AIA Alta Club member in the Solar or Luna tier (“Eligible Member”) and (ii) up to three of his/her eligible family members as nominated by the Eligible Member (“Eligible Family Members”), subject to the terms and conditions of Family Health MedTeam and AIA Alta Club.
  3. Applicable to Priority Booking for Outpatient and Inpatient Services and Diagnostic Tests.
  4. Source: AIA Hong Kong internal data (as at 27 June 2025)
  5. Designated family doctor as well as a nurse registered in the Chinese Mainland.
  6. The Service User may contact the servicing team of Family Health MedTeam through WeChat mobile application or the service hotline during the service hours as set out in the “Terms of Use of Family Health MedTeam” for (i) coordinating the Services and
    (ii) using Online General Health Consulting. All the other services under Family Health MedTeam are provided during the designated service hours subject to the availability of the Service Provider. For details, please contact the Service Provider via the service hotline at (86) 400 961 0933. “Service User” refers to each Eligible Member or Eligible Family Member as defined in Remarks 2 above, who is entitled to use the Services.
  7. Any information and recommendation provided under Family Health MedTeam is for general health and wellness information only and does not replace any medical advice or treatment. None of the Services shall be considered as a medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or recommendation in any kind. Except for the administrative support for the purchase and delivery of certain prescription medications under Online Support for Chronic Disease Management and Home Medication Delivery, the Services do not include any prescription, dispensing, administration and delivery of medications. The Service User must be physically present in the Chinese Mainland during the time of provision of the Services otherwise no Services will be provided.
  8. Medical Companion Service is not available to the Service User who has already been hospitalised during the hospitalisation.
  9. The costs of the health checkup and any related expenses shall be borne and settled directly with the relevant medical institution by the Service User.
  10. Subject to availability and suitability upon review of the Service Provider.
  11. The costs of the medications and the medications delivery shall be borne and settled directly with the Service Provider by the Service User. Online Support for Chronic Disease Management and Home Medication Delivery is limited to the administrative support for the purchase and delivery of certain prescription medications to designated delivery location only.

Important Information:

  • The above information provided herein shall not be construed as providing, selling, or soliciting the purchase of any insurance products or services outside Hong Kong and/or Macau, nor does it constitute any sales advice, product recommendation, or any form of service offer. Where the offering or sale of insurance products is prohibited under the laws of any jurisdiction outside Hong Kong and/or Macau, AIA shall not engage in such activities within that jurisdiction. AIA does not provide or sell insurance products or services in any territory other than Hong Kong and/or Macau. The above information is for reference purposes only and does not include detailed terms, conditions, or risk disclosures associated with the relevant products.
  • The services under Family Health MedTeam (“Services”) are provided by the designated independent third-party service provider in the Chinese Mainland (“Service Provider”) when the Service Users are in the Chinese Mainland subject to the relevant terms and conditions thereto.
  • AIA reserves the right to amend, suspend or terminate the Services, any part thereof, service provider(s) or change any terms and conditions relating thereto at any time without prior notice at its absolute discretion.
  • None of the Services shall be considered as a medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or recommendation in any kind. Any information and recommendation provided under the Services is for general health and wellness information only and does not replace any medical advice or treatment. The Service User is advised not to change or discontinue any medical assistance or treatment that he/she may be receiving based on any information and/or recommendation provided under the Services. If the Service User is in doubt or consider necessary, please seek medical advice from his/her registered medical practitioner or other health professional immediately and do not ignore or delay seeking medical advice and treatment.
  • AIA is not the Service Provider, or the agent of the Service Provider, of the Services. AIA makes no representation, warranty or undertaking as to the quality and availability of the Services, and shall not be responsible or liable for the Services provided by the Service Provider. Under no circumstance shall AIA be responsible or liable for the acts, omission or negligence in provision of the Services by the Service Provider.
  • Any service, product or solicitation of any kind provided by the Service Provider are not sold or promoted by AIA, and AIA shall not be responsible and/or liable for any service, product or solicitation of any kind provided by the Service Provider.

Hashtag: #AIA

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

About AIA Hong Kong & Macau

AIA Group Limited established its operations in Hong Kong in 1931. To date, AIA Hong Kong and AIA Macau have about 18,000 financial planners*, as well as an extensive network of independent financial advisors, brokerage and bancassurance partners. We serve over 3.6 million customers^, offering them a wide selection of professional services and products ranging from individual life, group life, accident, medical and health, pension, personal lines insurance to investment-linked assurance schemes with numerous investment options. We are also dedicated to providing superb product solutions to meet the financial needs of high-net-worth customers.

* As at 30 June 2025
^ Including AIA Hong Kong and AIA Macau’s individual life, group insurance and pension customers (as at 30 June 2025)

Finloop and EX.IO Announce Strategic Collaboration to Build a Compliant RWA Ecosystem

By
Advertorial Desk
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HONG KONG, Feb. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Finloop Finance Technology Holding Limited (“Finloop”), a global one-stop Web5 wealth technology platform, and EXIO Group Limited (“EX.IO”), a global leading Web3 full-stack digital asset lifecycle solutions enterprise, today jointly announced the signing of a strategic partnership agreement. Together, the two parties aim to drive the development of a compliant Real World Asset (RWA) ecosystem and expand global liquidity, while exploring innovative secondary market trading mechanisms for compliant tokenized products. Leveraging smart contracts and real-time risk management systems, the two companies aim to build more transparent, compliant, and secure channels, empowering investors to achieve diversified global asset allocation.

Previously, Finloop has officially launched FUIDL, Asia’s pioneering technical solution of tokenized fixed-income product with instant subscription and redemption capabilities. This solution is anchored to AAA-rated underlying assets, while providing investors with high liquidity. The solution will serve as the first implementation project under the strategic partnership. FUIDL is expected to be distributed via the EXIO Limited, an SFC-licensed VATP in Hong Kong under EX.IO. It will offer investors-particularly professional investors-with diversified asset allocation options fully compliant with Hong Kong regulatory frameworks. Furthermore, a secondary trading solution will be provided to enhance asset liquidity for investors. Looking ahead, both parties will deepen their partnership and continue to introduce more compliant products, further expanding compliant investment opportunities available to the market.

In terms of asset custody, the two parties will set up a collaborated framework to ensure secure segregation and professional management of client assets. EX.IO has established a custody system that complies with the standards of the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and is actively building an RWA tokenization ecosystem. Recently, it has launched multiple tokenized products, with the underlying assets including funds, gold, and more. Finloop possesses a mature technology stack for managing RWA products across their entire lifecycle. Together, they will explore innovative approaches such as multi‑chain custody and cross‑chain settlement, enhancing asset operational efficiency while ensuring full compliance.

Following the SFC issuance of  “Circular on shared liquidity by virtual asset trading platforms” last year, Finloop and EX.IO will also actively seize this policy opportunity by exploring innovative models such as cross-platform order book integration and coordinated market making, with the aim of providing Hong Kong investors with access to global deep liquidity, thereby enhancing the trading efficiency and market depth of RWA products.

Mr. Cai Hua, CEO of Finloop, said, “We are delighted to collaborate with EX.IO. Starting with FUIDL, this partnership will leverage the combined strengths of both parties in technology, compliance, and distribution channels to jointly explore innovative approaches to RWA tokenization and connect global liquidity. Finloop will continue to uphold its core philosophy of compliance and technology empowerment, deepen its presence in the RWA sector, and consistently enhance its products and services. Together with industry partners across both Web2 and Web3, we aim to build an open, collaborative, and mutually beneficial on-chain financial ecosystem, injecting new momentum into the digital transformation of the wealth management industry.”

Ms. Chen WU, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of EX.IO, said, “We are pleased to collaborate with Finloop in jointly exploring and establishing a compliant new ecosystem for Real World Assets (RWA). Products on our platform will subsequently be distributed through Finloop, and both parties will maintain close cooperation to jointly foster a new on-chain financial product ecosystem in Hong Kong. Earlier last month, EX.IO – our VATP in HK, has officially received approval from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission to conduct over-the-counter (OTC) operations and has since launched its OTC channel, marking the first listing in Hong Kong of the on-chain gold token XAUM for trading by professional investors. Moving forward, the Group remains committed to driving financial innovation and contributing to the tokenization landscape in Hong Kong and globally by continuously identifying high-quality RWA products for listing, enriching its product matrix, and providing investors with a broader range of diverse investment opportunities with strong value appreciation potential.”

About Finloop Finance Technology Holding Limited

Finloop Finance Technology Holding Limited, along with its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “Finloop”), is an AI-driven global one-stop Web5 (Web2+Web3) wealth technology platform incubated by Fosun Wealth Holdings that offers comprehensive wealth management products and technology solutions to various financial institutions. Its offerings include cash management, public funds and private funds, structured products, bonds, insurance, and virtual assets. As a fintech leader in Asia during the Web3 wave, Finloop has focused on bridging physical and digital assets, developing a one-stop RWA technology, issuance and distribution platform to pioneer new growth pathways in the wealth management industry. For more information, visit www.finloop.hk and www.finlooprwa.com.

About EX.IO

EXIO Group Limited is a leading global Web3 exchange enterprise bridging traditional finance (Web2) and the Web3 ecosystem, delivering innovative, compliant, and secure financial solutions. Headquartered in Hong Kong, the Group operates through multiple subsidiaries, including EXIO Limited — a licensed Virtual Asset Trading Platform (VATP) regulated by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) — and EXIO FZCO, which is currently in the process of applying for a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license under the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA).

SUS ENVIRONMENT Charts a New Course for Global Waste Management in 2025

By
Advertorial Desk
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SHANGHAI, Feb. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The year 2025 marked a period of strategic expansion and technological leadership for SUS ENVIRONMENT. As a global leading comprehensive waste-to-energy solution provider, the company rolled out its “Tripling in Ten-Year Domestic Growth” strategy, with the bold goal of “building another SUS overseas”. Today, the firm operates more than 90 eco-industrial parks across the globe, with its core equipment deployed in more than 300 waste-to-energy plants. This network processes roughly 300,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste daily, and its overseas investment scale ranks first among Chinese enterprises in the solid waste sector, underscoring its growing role as a global infrastructure partner.

At the heart of this growth is a consistent drive for innovation. SUS ENVIRONMENT implemented the world’s first commercially operational “AI + Digital Twin” platform in the waste-to-energy sector at its Xi’an Gaoling plant. Beyond digitalization, the company strengthened its technical authority by leading the compilation of China’s Best Available Techniques (CBAT), a reference guide designed to elevate operational standards worldwide. Throughout the year, its R&D efforts filed and granted 47 new invention patents and 12 core technical papers, while the company played an active role in international forums to promote shared technological standards.

The company’s operational model extends far beyond waste-to-energy. Its facilities provide district heating to local communities, treat industrial sludge, and support ecological remediation—transforming traditional waste plants into integrated resource hubs that deliver tangible environmental and social benefits to the regions they serve.

Globally, SUS ENVIRONMENT deepened its institutional engagement by becoming a signatory of the United Nations Global Compact and entering strategic partnerships with leading industry bodies such as the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) and the Global Waste-to-Energy Research and Technology Council (WtERT). The release of its inaugural bilingual sustainability report and a comprehensive visual identity refresh further signaled its commitment to transparent, sustainable governance on the world stage.

This comprehensive approach has garnered significant recognition. In 2025, the company was awarded the BRICS Industrial Innovation Competition First Prize, listed in the “China Corporate ESG 100 Index,” and honored with the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency’s “Green and Sustainable Finance Award.” These accolades validate a year in which SUS ENVIRONMENT successfully demonstrated that the future of waste management lies not in isolated treatment, but in technologically integrated, ecologically synergistic, and globally collaborative systems—offering a scalable model for sustainable urban development worldwide.

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