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Hugel achieves record net sales, profit, net income in 2024

– The company reports KRW373.0 billion in net sales, KRW166.3 billion in operating profit, and KRW142.4 billion in net income, reflecting year-over-year increases of 16.7%, 41.2%, and 45.8%, respectively

– More international revenue contributions to expect in 2025 with key new toxin market launch in sight, including the US and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

SEOUL, South Korea, Feb. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hugel Inc., a leading global medical aesthetics company chaired by Suk Cha, posted record-breaking earnings in 2024 with KRW373.0 billion in net sales and KRW166.3 billion in operating profit, respectively up 16.7% and 41.2% year-over-year. Net income increased 45.8% on-year to KRW142.4 billion.

In the fourth quarter alone, the company recorded KRW98.2 billion in net sales, KRW46.6 billion in operating profit, and KRW40.7 billion in net income, reflecting year-over-year growth of 10.4%, 26.7%, and 130%, respectively.

NET SALES GROWTH DRIVEN BY TOXIN, HA FILLERS, COSMETICS 

Hugel’s botulinum toxin, branded as Botulax in South Korea and globally known as Letybo, achieved KRW203.2 billion in net sales in 2024 with a 20.2% increase on-year. The overseas sales of the botulinum toxin rose 39.6% on-year, fueled by strong performance in major Asia-Pacific markets, shipment to the US, and robust growth in Europe.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, branded as THE CHAEUM and BYRYZN in South Korea and globally known as Revolax, achieved KRW127.6 billion in net sales for 2024. The overseas sales of dermal fillers rose 13.2% on-year, led by steady shipments to China and continued growth in Europe and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Hugel focuses on marketing activities for the fillers to increase brand awareness while maintaining leadership in South Korea and expanding its presence in global markets.

Hugel’s cosmetics business, represented by brands WELLAGE and BYRYZN BR, showed rapid growth last year. Net sales of the cosmetics business jumped 37.8% on-year to KRW36.9 billion in 2024. In the fourth quarter, net sales soared 48.1% on-year to KRW11.7 billion. Hugel is strengthening the cosmetics brand value by releasing the Hyper Peptide series of WELLAGE last August and promoting BYRYZN BR, launched in April 2024.

GLOBAL EXPANSION ACCELERATES WITH TOXIN ENTRY IN THE US, MENA, AND OTHER EMERGING MARKETS

Hugel will continue to focus on expanding sales and increasing market dominance abroad this year.

The company is prioritizing sales and marketing efforts in the US, where it plans to officially launch its botulinum toxin in the first half of the year. Hugel aims to capture 10% of the US medical aesthetics market within three years, differentiating itself through academic events for medical professionals and competitive pricing strategies.

Hugel will also accelerate its expansion in MENA, a key emerging market for medical aesthetics. The company targets a 30% share within three years in major markets, including the United Arab Emirates where it obtained a marketing license in January of this year and Kuwait where it has been present for 2.5 years.

“We achieved the highest net sales, operating profit, and net income in 2024 since our inception with significant growth in flagship products such as botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid fillers and new growth driver cosmetics. We will continue expansion in our new markets, including North America and MENA, while strengthening our leadership position in Asia-Pacific and Europe and solidifying our position as a global industry leader”, a Hugel official said.

About Hugel

Established in 2001, Hugel is a global leader in medical aesthetics, specializing in the production of injectables for skin rejuvenation, including botulinum toxin, hyaluronic acid fillers, and skin boosters, as well as absorbable sutures and cosmetic products. As the market leader in injectable aesthetics in South Korea, Hugel is the only South Korean company with regulatory approvals in the world’s three largest botulinum toxin markets: the US, China, and Europe. With a proven track record of safety and quality, Hugel is deeply committed to advancing the industry through robust medical affairs, comprehensive training programs, and dynamic industry forums. Over the past 20 years, the company has built a presence in approximately 70 countries and operates eight global subsidiaries across South Korea, the US, Australia, Canada, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Leveraging strong industry momentum, Hugel is poised for continued growth and global market expansion.

Contact:
Jihyun Kim, Manager of the PR Team, Hugel
jihyun.kim@hugel-inc.com 

DAAN Biotherapeutics Signs Antibody Exclusive Licensing Agreement with LigaChem Biosciences for ADC (Antibody-Drug Conjugate) Therapeutic Development

SEOUL, South Korea, Feb. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — DAAN Biotherapeutics, a leading innovative drug development company specializing in T-cell receptor (TCR)- based therapies, has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with LigaChem Biosciences for a novel tumor-targeting antibody to advance the development and commercialization of Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADC).

By leveraging DAAN Biotherapeutics’ next-generation antibody technology, built upon its exceptional target discovery and antibody development capabilities, LigaChem Biosciences is now positioned to take a significant step forward in ADC development for solid tumor patients.

DAAN Biotherapeutics has successfully established a proprietary pipeline for efficiently developing antibodies targeting overexpressed tumor targets in solid cancers through a strategic partnership with OmniAb.

Byoung Chul Cho, MD, the CEO of DAAN Biotherapeutics, stated, “We will continue to develop state-of-the-art antibodies targeting solid tumors and collaborate with global pharmaceutical companies in the ADC field. Beyond ADCs, we also aim to become a global leader in solid tumor-targeting T-cell engagers using our proprietary TACTIC (Tumor Targeting Conditionally Activated T Cell Engager) platform.”

Woolpert Welcomes Head of Strategic Growth, Asia-Pacific Susie Henderson

The accomplished global business executive will oversee the firm’s strategic growth initiatives for the Asia-Pacific region.

BRISBANE, Australia, Feb. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Woolpert has hired Susie Henderson as Head of Strategic Growth, Asia-Pacific to lead its growth initiatives in the region. Henderson brings over 25 years of expertise and leadership to Woolpert, with global experience spanning the architecture, engineering, infrastructure, energy, and natural resources industries.

Susie Henderson
Susie Henderson

Having held senior executive positions across the U.S., Australia, Canada, and the U.K., Henderson has played pivotal roles in global infrastructure and A&E consulting professional services firms. She brings extensive expertise in organic growth, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic partnerships.

Recognized as a business builder and growth-oriented executive, Henderson was named one of Houston’s Top 50 Most Influential Women Leaders in 2023. Her ability to cultivate high-impact strategies and deliver exceptional outcomes for clients, teams, and investors aligns with Woolpert’s ambitious vision.

Woolpert has provided geospatial services in the Asia-Pacific region since 2021, after acquiring Australia-based AAM, and architecture services since 2024, after acquiring Sydney-based Greenbox Architecture. The architecture, engineering, and geospatial services firm has multiple offices in the Asia-Pacific region including Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney, as well as Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Henderson said she looks forward to building on this foundation.

“The opportunity to enhance the connectivity of our global offerings, combined with a strong drive for growth, will create outstanding results for our clients and employees,” Henderson said. “Building on an already exceptional foundation to achieve greater success is truly exciting. Engaging projects, continuous learning, and collaborating with top-tier talent make for a winning formula.”

Henderson will split her time between Woolpert’s Brisbane, Australia, and Houston, Texas, offices. In addition to her new role, she serves as an independent board director for Evolve Power Limited, a renewable energy company based in Alberta, Canada, and chairs its Nominations Committee. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Central Queensland University and has completed the CPA and AICD board programs.

CEO and President Neil Churman lauded Henderson’s extensive board experience across ports, rail, mining, renewable energy, and financial services, and said she will be a driving force in Woolpert’s continued success in the Asia-Pacific region.

“Susie brings world-class strategic and business acumen, coupled with a leadership style that rallies teammates and stakeholders to mutual success. With all our core business sectors—buildings, infrastructure, and geospatial—now represented in the APAC region, we look forward to the collaboration and growth Susie will bring. We are thrilled to bring a global industry leader like Susie to our team.”

About Woolpert
Woolpert is the premier architecture, engineering, and geospatial (AEG) firm, with a vision to become one of the best companies in the world. We innovate within and across markets to effectively serve public, private, and government clients worldwide. Woolpert is a Top 50 ENR Global Design firm, a Global Top 100 Geospatial Company, has earned eight Great Place to Work certifications, and actively nurtures a culture of growth, inclusion, diversity, and respect. Founded in 1911 in Dayton, Ohio, Woolpert has been America’s fastest-growing AEG firm since 2015. Woolpert has over 2,700 employees and more than 60 offices on five continents. For more, visit woolpert.com

Media Contact
Lynn Rossi
lynn.rossi@woolpert.com
312-837-2017

 

Alphamab Oncology Announces the First Patient Dosed in a Phase III Clinical Study for Ovarian Cancer of Anti-HER2 Bispecific ADC JSKN003

SUZHOU, China, Feb. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Alphamab Oncology (stock code: 9966.HK) announced that the first patient has been successfully dosed in the Phase III clinical study (Study ID: JSKN003-306) of anti-HER2 biparatopic antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) JSKN003. The study aims to compare the efficacy of JSKN003 versus investigator-selected chemotherapy for the treatment of platinum-resistant recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer, primary peritoneal cancer, or fallopian tube cancer.

JSKN003 is an anti-HER2 biparatopic ADC, which is developed inhouse with Alphamab’s proprietary Glycan-specific conjugation platform. Compared with its ADC counterparts, JSKN003 demonstrated better serum stability and stronger bystander effect, which effectively expands the therapeutic window. In 2022, JSKN003 initiated monotherapy dose-escalation and dose-expansion clinical studies in Australia and China (Study IDs: JSKN003-101, JSKN003-102). Results from the pooled analysis of both studies demonstrated a favorable tolerability and safety profile, with promising efficacy of JSKN003 in heavily pretreated patients with platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer. Notably, efficacy was observed in both HER2-expressing (IHC 1+/2+/3+) and HER2-negative (IHC 0) patients.

JSKN003-306 is a randomized, open-label, parallel-controlled, multi-center Phase III clinical study for patients with platinum-resistant recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer, primary peritoneal cancer, or fallopian tube cancer, regardless of HER2 expression levels. The study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of JSKN003 versus investigator-selected chemotherapy in this patient population.

About JSKN003

JSKN003 is an anti-HER2 bispecific antibody-drug conjugate (bis-ADC), which is developed inhouse with Alphamab’s proprietary Glycan-specific conjugation platform. JSKN003 can bind HER2 on the surface of tumor cells and release topoisomerase I inhibitors (TOPIi) through cellular endocytosis, thereby exert anti-tumor effects. Compared with its ADC counterparts, JSKN003 demonstrated better serum stability and stronger bystander effect, which effectively expands the therapeutic window.

Multiple clinical studies at various stages of JSKN003 are currently being conducted in China and Australia. Clinical research results have demonstrated favorable tolerability and safety profile, with promising efficacy of JSKN003 in heavily pretreated patients with advanced solid tumors, especially in patients with HER2-expressing breast cancer, platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC) or high HER2-expressing solid tumors.

In September 2024, the Company entered a licensing agreement with JMT-Bio Technology Co., Ltd. (“JMT-Bio”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd. (“CSPC”) (stock code: 1093.HK), pursuant to which, JMT-Bio was granted the exclusive license and sublicense rights to develop, sell, offer for sale and commercialize JSKN003, for the treatment of tumor-related indications (the “Field”) in mainland China (excluding Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan) (the “Territory”) and become the sole marketing authorization holder for JSKN003 for the Field in the Territory. Alphamab retains the sole right to supply JSKN003.

About Alphamab Oncology

Alphamab Oncology is a leading biopharmaceutical company committed to the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of cutting-edge biotherapeutics for the treatment of cancer. On December 12, 2019, the company was successfully listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, trading under the stock code 9966.

Our integrated platform seamlessly combines research, development, and manufacturing capabilities for biologics. We take pride in our extensive intellectual property portfolio, which encompasses protein/antibody engineering, antibody screening, and multi-module/multi-functional antibody modification.

Distinguished by a globally competitive pipeline, Alphamab Oncology specializes in antibody-drug conjugation (ADC), single domain antibody, and bispecific antibodies. Notably, Envafolimab, the world’s first subcutaneously injectable PD-L1 inhibitor, was approved by Chinese authorities in 2021, making a significant breakthrough in the convenience and accessibility of cancer treatment. Three assets are currently undergoing Phase III or pivotal clinical trials, and several other bispecific ADC new drug candidates are in early clinical stage. Multiple strategic collaborations based on innovative products or technology platforms have been established with partners such as CSPC, Arrivent, and Glenmark.

Our overarching mission is to make cancer manageable and curable by addressing unmet clinical needs in oncology. Alphamab Oncology is dedicated to the development of safe, effective and affordable drugs, leveraging a global competitive edge.

AIA Singapore celebrates opening of Rainforest Wild Asia with Tapir adoption and AIA Vitality Bounce sponsorship

Sponsorship aims to create new avenues for individuals of all ages to make meaningful connections, improve wellbeing and inspire a love for nature and wildlife.


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 February 2025 – AIA Singapore is proud to announce its partnership with the newly opened Rainforest Wild Asia at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, as the naming sponsor of AIA Vitality Bounce and sponsor of Tapir habitat. This collaboration reflects the company’s commitment to community engagement, wildlife conservation and healthier living, exemplifying the AIA One Billion initiative to empower one billion people to live healthier, longer, better lives by 2030.

Officially opening on 12 March, visitors to Rainforest Wild Asia can experience this, among other activities:

  • AIA Vitality Bounce, a nature-immersive high-element net playground, providing a fun and dynamic play opportunity for visitors of all ages. This unique play space encourages physical activity, while fostering social interaction and connection with nature, and supporting mental wellbeing.
  • AIA-sponsored Tapir habitat, home to two resident Malayan tapirs, offering visitors an opportunity to learn about these fascinating creatures. This further demonstrates AIA Singapore’s commitment to raising awareness of wildlife conservation[1].

AIA employees and insurance representatives are invited to an exclusive preview of Rainforest Wild Asia on 1 March. This private event offers a unique opportunity for team building and connection with colleagues in a natural setting.

“AIA Singapore is delighted to be a part of the exciting opening of Rainforest Wild Asia, through the sponsorship of the AIA Vitality Bounce and the habitat of the two beloved Malayan tapirs. In our increasingly digital world, taking time to immerse ourselves in nature is more important than ever. We hope that through this initiative, we provide everyone with a space to disconnect, cultivate deeper relationships with nature and loved ones, and to be inspired to protect our wildlife,” said Ms Wong Sze Keed, Chief Executive Officer, AIA Singapore.

This sponsorship demonstrates AIA Singapore’s continued investment in fostering healthier lifestyles and reinforces our commitment to creating positive social and environmental impact within the community.

From 12 March, AIA customers can enjoy discounted admission tickets to Rainforest Wild Asia during selected periods, which will be announced on AIA+— your dedicated app and portal for all your financial, health and wellness needs. Customers and the community can also look out for upcoming activities via our social media channels.


[1] AIA Singapore. Media Release: AIA Singapore pledges $5 million to support Nparks’ OneMillionTrees movement. 28 April 2021. Available at: https://www.aia.com.sg/en/about-aia/media-centre/press-releases/2021/aia-singapore-pledges-five-million-to-support-nparks-onemilliontrees-movement

Hashtag: #AIASingapore

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

About AIA

AIA Group Limited and its subsidiaries (collectively “AIA” or the “Group”) comprise the largest independent publicly listed pan-Asian life insurance group. It has a presence in 18 markets – wholly-owned branches and subsidiaries in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR[1], Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan (China), Vietnam, Brunei and Macau SAR[2], and a 49 per cent joint venture in India. In addition, AIA has a 24.99 per cent shareholding in China Post Life Insurance Co., Ltd.

The business that is now AIA was first established in Shanghai more than a century ago in 1919. It is a market leader in Asia (ex-Japan) based on life insurance premiums and holds leading positions across the majority of its markets. It had total assets of US$289 billion as of 30 June 2024.

AIA meets the long-term savings and protection needs of individuals by offering a range of products and services including life insurance, accident and health insurance and savings plans. The Group also provides employee benefits, credit life and pension services to corporate clients. Through an extensive network of agents, partners and employees across Asia, AIA serves the holders of more than 42 million individual policies and 16 million participating members of group insurance schemes.

AIA Group Limited is listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited under the stock codes “1299” for HKD counter and “81299” for RMB counter with American Depositary Receipts (Level 1) traded on the over-the-counter market under the ticker symbol “AAGIY”.


[1] Hong Kong SAR refers to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
[2] Macau SAR refers to the Macau Special Administrative Region.

Researchers Analyze DNA from Dung to Save Laos’ Elephants

Wildlife biologist Anabel Lopez Perez (C) and assistant veterinary and laboratory tech Pavina Chalernsouk (L) looking at an elephant blood film at the Elephant Conservation Center (ECC) in Sainyabuli province in Laos (Photo by TANG CHHIN Sothy/AFP) / 'LAOS-ANIMAL-ELEPHANTS-CONSERVATION,FOCUS' BY STUART GRAHAM

Stuart GRAHAM/AFP — Slow and silent, former logging elephant Mae Khoun Nung emerges from a forest in northern Laos and follows her guide to an animal hospital for a check-up.

Polyplastics Launches New Eco-friendly PLASTRON (R) ︎LFT with Reduced Weight, Higher Rigidity, and Strong Damping

TOKYO, Feb. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Polyplastics Co., Ltd., a global leader in engineering plastics, has launched PLASTRON (R) LFT (long fiber-reinforced thermoplastic) RA627P, an eco-friendly composite of polypropylene (PP) resin and long cellulose fiber which delivers low density, high specific rigidity, high impact strength, and excellent damping for a range of applications, including audio components (speaker diaphragms) and housings of industrial components.

Image 1: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M100475/202502043779/_prw_PI1fl_4W1kxGBW.png

Image 2: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M100475/202502043779/_prw_PI3fl_3xCP5TL4.jpg

The development of PLASTRON (R) LFT RA627P reinforces Polyplastics’ commitment to reduce the environmental impact of its materials and bring about a sustainable society. Thanks to its regenerated cellulose fiber content, PLASTRON (R) RA627P boasts a reduced carbon footprint — roughly 30% less than that of 30% short glass fiber-reinforced PP resin. The new LFT is a composite of PP resin and uninterrupted 30% long cellulose fiber of the same length which is oriented in the same direction. The regenerated cellulose fiber exhibits high strength and elasticity thanks to unique spinning conditions and polymerization of the raw cellulose materials.

PLASTRON (R) RA627P provides roughly 10% lower density than 30% short glass fiber- reinforced PP resin, while maintaining roughly the same flexural modulus. The material also has a specific rigidity level that is higher than that of 30% short glass fiber-reinforced PP resin, with a large loss coefficient at the same time.

The properties of high specific rigidity and large loss coefficient typically have an inverse relationship, but PLASTRON (R) RA627P offers an excellent balance of these properties, making it suited for audio equipment components such as speaker diaphragms which require this balance.

Image 3: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M100475/202502043779/_prw_PI2fl_9aV2sDpg.png

Image 4: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M100475/202502043779/_prw_PI4fl_PQ6XXkm7.png

Polyplastics is developing new grades made from recycled PP resin that can further mitigate carbon footprint levels while also expanding its portfolio of PLASTRON (R) LFT products to meet growing market needs.

For more information, visit: https://www.polyplastics-global.com/en/approach/35.html

About Polyplastics: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202502043779-O1-f3kx6N6F.pdf

PLASTRON (R) is a registered trademark of Polyplastics Co., Ltd. in Japan and other countries.

Fujitsu to offer Fujitsu Cloud Service Generative AI Platform for secure and flexible enterprise data management

KAWASAKI, Japan, Feb. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Fujitsu today announced the launch of the Fujitsu Cloud Service Generative AI Platform. The new service, which combines data confidentiality with the ease of use of the cloud, will be made available in Japan during fiscal year 2025, with a global rollout planned for the future. Fujitsu will begin accepting applications for a trial of this service in Japan starting February 13, 2025.

Generative AI offers significant productivity gains across various business functions from brainstorming and meeting minute generation to automated code creation. However, its adoption in sectors handling sensitive data has been limited due to concerns about data leakage, unintended AI learning, and compliance with internal regulations. Fujitsu’s new platform directly addresses these challenges.

To ensure data security and compliance, the service combines Fsas Technologies Inc.’s Private AI Platform on PRIMERGY, Supermicro’s GPU servers, and Fujitsu’s Takane large language model (LLM) which is the core technology of the Fujitsu Kozuchi AI service and renowned for its world-leading Japanese language capabilities, as well as generative AI security enhancement technologies to offer an on-demand cloud-based generative AI solution through Fujitsu’s data centers. This architecture manages client data in a private area on the cloud in Fujitsu’s data center, allowing for the secure processing of confidential information.

In addition to Takane, Fujitsu plans to gradually increase the number of available LLMs from other companies to meet customer needs.

Fujitsu will add the new service to its Fujitsu Computing as a Service (1) portfolio. Fujitsu will provide comprehensive support, from initial implementation to ongoing optimization, enabling businesses to maximize the efficiency and productivity gains of generative AI and drive significant business transformation.

For full release click here