SHANGHAI, Dec. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — D3 Bio, a global clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of innovative oncology therapeutics, announced the completion of a $108 million Series B financing round.

The funding round was backed by a distinguished group of investors, including IDG Capital and SongQing Capital. Existing investors — WuXi AppTec’s Corporate Venture Fund, Temasek, HSG, MPCi, and Medicxi — also contributed to the round. The robust involvement from both new and current investors highlights widespread confidence in D3 Bio’s innovative pipeline and its global development strategy.

Proceeds from this financing will primarily support the planned global Phase III pivotal program for the company’s lead asset, elisrasib (D3S-001). These pivotal trials will assess elisrasib as both a monotherapy and in combination therapies for KRAS G12C-mutant cancers across key countries and regions, including the United States, China, and the European Union, to facilitate global regulatory submissions.

Furthermore, the funding will facilitate ongoing development of D3 Bio’s comprehensive pipeline of targeted and immuno-oncology programs, which are centred on innovative mechanisms with first-in-class or best-in-class potential.

Dr. George Chen, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of D3 Bio, stated, “The completion of our Series B financing demonstrates the strong confidence our investors place in our vision, scientific approach, business operations, and global development capabilities. This funding enables us to advance our lead program into late-stage clinical trials and further expand our pipeline of innovative therapies designed to benefit patients globally.”

Dr. Antoine Yver, Member of the Board of Directors and Scientific Committee of D3 Bio, stated, “This financing demonstrates that the swift and effective pursuit of the best- or first-in-class science is meaningful to society, and validates D3 Bio’s leading innovation, scientific vision and development strategy. It also highlights the unique potential of elisrasib for individuals affected by KRAS G12C-mutant cancers.”

About D3 Bio
D3 Bio is a global biotechnology company focused on the discovery, development, and registration of new medicines in oncology and immunology. The company’s discovery and development platforms leverage proprietary clinical insight and biomarker strategies to create novel and clinically meaningful therapies for patients in need. D3 Bio’s oncology programs target driver mutations or critical immune pathways and are designed to have first-in-class or best-in-class potential. D3 Bio owns global rights for all of its programs.

For more information, please visit www.d3bio.com. 

Consumer spending underpins the region’s resilience amid trade shifts and accelerating AI

SINGAPORE, Dec. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Mastercard Economics Institute (MEI) today released its annual economic outlook for 2026, revealing that Asia Pacific’s growth remains broadly stable even as the global economy adapts to rapid tariff changes, accelerating AI investment, and evolving consumer trends. Globally, MEI expects real GDP growth to ease marginally to 3.1 percent in 2026, compared to an estimated 3.2 percent in 2025.

MEI notes that the global outlook for 2026 is shaped by a two-sided set of risks and opportunities. Fiscal stimulus and rapid technological progress—particularly the integration of AI into business operations—are expected to act as major tailwinds for growth, though the benefits will be uneven across regions. At the same time, ongoing geopolitical tensions and the reconfiguration of supply chains continue to create pockets of fragmentation, adding uncertainty to trade and production. The uneven distribution of technological gains could create policy and growth hurdles for some markets.

Despite these crosswinds, MEI expects GDP growth across Asia Pacific to hold steady in 2026. A combination of easing inflation, supportive monetary policy and, in several markets, rising real incomes are improving household conditions and reinforcing the region’s overall stability. Consumers will stay tech-enabled and value-conscious, prioritizing meaningful moments like travel and live experiences while remaining price-sensitive for essentials. Travel continues to be a strong economic engine, with both outbound and intra-regional tourism gaining momentum.

“Given its centrality to global trade, Asia Pacific has shown remarkable resilience at a time when tariff uncertainty and shifting supply chains have threatened to upend international commerce,” said David Mann, chief economist, Asia Pacific, Mastercard. “The largely positive outlook for the region’s consumers highlights a defining feature of 2026: even as trade realignments and technological shifts dominate the global narrative, microeconomic conditions across much of Asia Pacific are improving. For businesses, staying attuned to these underlying demand trends will be essential.”

2026’s Defining Economic Forces

Trade shakeup: New routes, new realities

Global trade continues to reorganize following 2025 tariff shifts, with the Chinese Mainland diversifying exports to new corridors as the U.S. share of Chinese e‑commerce sales fell from 28% in 2024 to 24% by August 2025. For Asia Pacific, this shift brings both risks and opportunities: markets importing more low‑cost goods from the Chinese Mainland are seeing disinflation in imported goods, while exporters in Japan and parts of South Asia face pressure from U.S. tariffs and softer external demand. Despite these realignments, Asia Pacific’s position at the center of global supply chains remains intact, with India, ASEAN and the Chinese Mainland playing expanding roles as firms reconfigure sourcing and investment.

AI and policy: The next wave of growth

MEI’s analysis shows AI adoption and targeted fiscal support as meaningful tailwinds in 2026. Within MEI’s AI Spending Index, South Korea, Japan, India, and Hong Kong SAR show strong momentum in corporate and consumer uptake of AI tools. In parallel, selective industrial and infrastructure policies—including AI hubs, data centers, smart cities and semiconductor investment—are laying foundations for the next phase of digitization. Together, these shifts position Asia Pacific to benefit strongly from the global transition toward AI-enabled productivity.

Travel trends: experiences drive economic momentum

Travel remains one of Asia Pacific’s most resilient economic drivers. In H1 2025, Singapore’s outbound spend was USD 2.7 billion higher than in 2019, while Indonesia and the Philippines led regional growth with outbound travel spending up 40 percent and 28 percent, respectively. Inbound tourism across Japan and parts of ASEAN has normalized, while intra-regional travel is expanding as consumers prioritize experiences over goods. This momentum in leisure and experiential spending underscores the durability of Asia Pacific’s services sector and its importance to the region’s broader economic outlook.

Asia Pacific Outlook: 2026 Highlights

• Chinese Mainland is forecast to grow 4.5 percent, with consumption strengthening through the year as “new consumption” categories—beauty and wellness, lifestyle upgrades, and fandom-driven collectibles—gain momentum supported by expected rate cuts and targeted fiscal measures under the upcoming Five-Year Plan. The shift toward “trading smart”—where consumers seek quality and unique experiences rather than just low prices—is reshaping retail and digital channels, especially in Tier 3–4 cities such as Yantai and Luoyang.
• South Asia continues to show solid momentum. India is projected to expand 6.6 percent, supported by domestic demand, monetary easing and digital and services growth. Sri Lanka is expected to grow 3.7 percent as private consumption, rising tourism receipts and accommodative monetary policy sustain its recovery. Bangladesh is forecast to grow around 5 percent, with easing inflation and remittance inflows helping households despite ongoing structural challenges.
• Japan is expected to grow 1.0 percent, as rising real incomes and firmer household sentiment shift the economy toward a more sustainable, wage-driven cycle. Strategic investment in AI, semiconductors, and energy security continues, while accommodative monetary policy and selective fiscal measures help offset modest pressure on exports from U.S. tariffs.
• Across the ASEAN-5, growth is set to diverge. Indonesia and the Philippines are expected to remain among the region’s fastest growers at 5.0 and 5.6 percent respectively. Meanwhile, Malaysia and Singapore should see growth normalize to 4.2 percent and 2.2 percent, while Thailand is forecast at 1.8 percent. Key risks include energy price volatility and shifts in global demand that may affect employment.
• In Australia and New Zealand, easing cost pressures and lower interest rates are expected to lift household spending, with growth forecast at 2.3 and 2.4 percent. Experiential spending continues to drive recovery, with consumers prioritizing travel, leisure, and accessible entertainment.
• Across the region, SMEs are leaning into digital tools and online channels to streamline operations and reach customers, reinforcing resilience amid changing trade dynamics.

“While Asia Pacific’s outlook is broadly positive, the region faces a complex set of risks in 2026—from ongoing trade fragmentation and tariff pressures to external shocks and disparities in technological progress,” added Mann. “How governments and businesses respond to these challenges will shape the next phase of growth. The ability to adapt, invest in digital readiness, and tap into evolving consumer demand will be critical for success.”

MEI’s Economic Outlook 2026 covers 12 Asia and Oceania markets^[1], and draws on multiple public sources and Mastercard’s aggregated and anonymized transaction data, alongside MEI models estimating economic activity. Additional reports and insights from MEI can be found here.

About the Mastercard Economics Institute

The Mastercard Economics Institute provides insights into global and local economic trends using advanced analytics and Mastercard’s proprietary data assets. Established in 2020, MEI supports businesses, governments, and policymakers with economic monitoring services and timely analysis on economic themes including consumer spending, retail and travel trends, and other local and global barometers of economic performance. MEI offers valuable perspectives to inform decision-making and promote sustainable growth worldwide through our thought leadership series, and through Mastercard’s specialized product offerings.

– Reaffirms top position in the industry for 5 consecutive years,
governance structure competitiveness, systematic supply chain management highly rated

SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — KT&G(KRX: 033780) obtained a “AAA” ESG rating from the global investment decision support company MSCI(Morgan Stanley Capital International), the highest rating in history for any industry player.

Every year, MSCI classifies 8,500 publicly listed companies by industry and evaluates ESG status, issuing 7 types of ratings from top AAA rating to bottom CCC ratings. Institutional investors and asset managers refer to MSCI’s ratings in order to analyze a company’s sustainability and ESG competitiveness.

KT&G was evaluated by MSCI among 9 global tobacco companies across the world and secured its ESG Leader position within the industry by receiving the top-tier rating “AAA”. Previously, KT&G’s industry top-tier ESG competitive was acknowledged through the award of a “AA” rating for four consecutive years.

The key elements that contributed to the top rating this year include excellent governance structure, systematic supply chain management, responsible marketing execution, and faithful implementation of environmental management visions.

The fact that KT&G established exemplary governance structure conventions through actions such as separating CEO and board chairperson roles based on competitiveness coming from 75% outside director board composition and operating independent permanent and non-permanent committees was given special recognition.

Furthermore, KT&G was ranked number one among 9 companies for “supply chain labor management” category due to its systematic diligence activities and management and monitoring execution. It was also given a higher score relative to other industry players for its actions including expansion of on-site water reclamation infrastructure and execution of responsible marketing.

Young-ah Shim, Director of KT&G’s ESG Management Office, stated that “by obtaining a AAA rating for the first time in the industry, KT&G will now be recognized for its systematic ESG management performance in the capital market. Going forward, KT&G will continue to focus on realization of environmental management principles and active supply chain management based on its global standard governance competitiveness.”

SEOUL, South Korea, Dec. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bremen Co., Ltd., a leading Korean pet specialty company, is expanding into Japan with its premium treat, the Bremen Roasted Hwangtae Snack. Created for safe and shared enjoyment by both pets and their owners, the snack will make its official debut on the Japanese crowdfunding platform Makuake on December 10.

The Bremen Roasted Hwangtae Snack is produced under a strict human-grade system, ensuring it meets the same high standards applied to food for people. To guarantee safety for companion animals, the hwangtae undergoes a thorough salt-removal process before being roasted on a 300°C iron plate. This high-heat method eliminates bacteria, including E. coli and coliforms, while enhancing the naturally clean and savory flavor of premium hwangtae.

Highly palatable and light in texture, the snack provides a crispy and enjoyable eating experience, making it ideal for daily consumption. It is versatile enough for dogs, cats, hedgehogs, parrots, and various small animals. Cats, in particular, enjoy the treat when it is softened in warm water, which enhances its aroma and texture.

Hwangtae is considered one of Korea’s most premium dried fish ingredients, containing more than 90% protein. It is produced through a natural freezing-and-thawing method repeated over four months in cold, high-altitude regions where temperatures fall below –10°C. This unique process creates a nutrient-rich ingredient distinct from ordinary dried fish like bugeo, making it suitable for pets of all ages, from young animals to seniors.

With this launch, Bremen aims to promote a culture of shared snacking, strengthening emotional bonds between pets and their owners through healthy and trustworthy treats.

Bremen has continued to expand its global presence with innovative pet food and pet-tech solutions. In 2021, the company achieved 1,543% of its funding goal on Makuake with its pioneering cat-litter product, Bremen Popcorn Tofu, which remains popular in Japan. Bremen plans to further grow its product lineup to support a premium K-PET lifestyle worldwide.

Looking ahead, Bremen will introduce the Bremen Pet Tag, an IoT wearable device that connects with the Petstapic platform, in the first quarter of 2026. The app offers features such as sharing information about abandoned animals, connecting with nearby pet friends, and tracking walks. The Japanese version of the app is now available on both Android and iOS.

• Acquisition of Staccato® One Breath Technology®, a proprietary platform technology with broad therapeutic potential
• Synergistic and complementary to Lee’s Pharm’s existing products pipeline, and
• Acquisition of rights as licensor and manufacturer of Staccato® alprazolam under a global partnership with UCB

HONG KONG, Dec. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Nova Pneuma Inc. (“NPI”), the Delaware incorporated and wholly owned subsidiary of Lee’s Pharmaceutical Holdings Limited (0950.HK) (“Lee’s Pharm” or the “Company”), announced today the assets acquisition from Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Alexza”). The transaction grants Lee’s Pharm and NPI, the full ownership of the Staccato® One Breath Technology® (“Staccato® OBT®”) platform and assets in relation to Staccato® OBT®, including intellectual property, know-how, trademarks, product pipeline, equipment, products and access to GMP facility, and Alexza’s right as licensor and manufacturer of Staccato® alprazolam. This strategic move strengthens Lee’s Pharm’s aerosolized inhalation drug delivery capabilities, expands the Company’s inhalation product pipeline, and aligns with the Company’s global expansion strategy.

The transaction remains subject to certain closing conditions and is expected to close by the end of 2025.

Proprietary And Well-Validated Staccato® One Breath Technology®

The acquisition of the Staccato® OBT® platform represents a major step forward for the Company, granting full ownership of this technology platform which is a well-validated and proven platform supported by approved product, Adasuve®, and several Staccato® based late-stage development programs. This strategic move strengthens the Company’s drug delivery capabilities and positions it to drive future innovation in inhalation therapeutics.

Synergistic and Complementary to Lee’s Pharm’s Existing Products Pipeline

The transaction also delivers significant synergies with the Company’s existing pipeline. The Company has been advancing its clinical development of Staccato® based medicine for cancer-related breakthrough pain and started commercializing Adasuve® for acute agitation in adult schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder across Greater China. Upon completion of the acquisition, all licensing payment obligations payable thereafter by Lee’s Pharm to Alexza for the development and commercialization of Staccato® based medicine and Adasuve®, will be eliminated, delivering immediate cost savings and enhancing overall deal economics.

In addition, two promising CNS pipeline assets targeting Parkinson’s disease and Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS), both at Phase 2 clinical stage, will be integrated into the Company’s portfolio, unlocking new commercial opportunities.

Acquisition of Rights as Licensor and Manufacturer of Staccato® alprazolam Under a Global Partnership With UCB

Complementing these benefits, the Company acquires Alexza’s rights and obligations under the existing worldwide licensing and manufacturing supply agreement with UCB, a biopharmaceutical with strong presence in epilepsy treatment. Under this agreement, UCB holds and will keep global development and commercialization rights for Staccato® alprazolam, which is currently in Phase 3 clinical trial (CinicalTrial.gov ID: NCT05077904), reinforcing the clinical maturity and commercial potential of the Staccato® OBT® platform. UCB acquired Engaged Therapeutics, Inc. for Staccato® alprazolam in June 2020 and entered into an updated license and related commercial supply agreement with Alexza.^[1]

Subject to achieving specified development, regulatory, and sales milestones, Lee’s Pharm together with NPI may receive milestone payments totalling up to US$60.5 million, along with tiered royalties on global net sales of Staccato® alprazolam, in addition to manufacturing revenue from worldwide supply of Staccato® alprazolam.

Note: [1] Source of reference: https://www.ucb.com/newsroom/press-releases

“Acquiring the Staccato® OBT® platform is a transformative step for Lee’s Pharm, reinforcing our commitment to innovation in inhalation therapeutics targeting CNS and neurodegenerative disorders, and expanding our global footprint.” said Dr. Benjamin Li, Founder and Director of Lee’s Pharmaceutical Holdings Limited. “This transaction not only strengthens our pipeline and inhalation R&D capabilities but also creates new revenue streams through the strategic partnerships with UCB.”

” We are delighted to partner with UCB as it commits and advances solutions to address critical unmet needs in epileptic seizure therapy. This transaction not only delivers near-term financial benefits but also positions us for sustained growth in high-value therapeutic areas, marking a significant milestone in the Company’s global expansion strategy.” said Ms. Wanee Lee, Managing Director of Lee’s Pharmaceutical Holdings Limited.

“Under the new leadership, our team is energized to continue collaborating closely with UCB and to ensure the reliable manufacture of meaningful therapy for patients with significant unmet needs. We are equally excited about the opportunity to bring additional Staccato® based medicines to patients around the world, strengthening our shared commitment to improving lives through innovative science.” said Dr. Wolfgang Schmidt, SVP Manufacturing and Operations at NPI.

About Lee’s Pharmaceutical Holdings Limited

The Company is a research-driven and market-oriented biopharmaceutical company with more than over 30 years of operation’ experience in the pharmaceutical industry in China. The Company is fully integrated with solid infrastructures in drug development, clinical development, regulatory, manufacturing, sales and marketing based in Mainland China with global perspectives. The Company has established extensive partnerships with around 30 international companies and currently markets over 25 proprietary, generic and licensed-in pharmaceutical products in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. The Company focuses on several key disease therapeutic areas such as cardiovascular health, woman’s health, paediatrics, rare diseases, oncology, dermatology and obstetrics.

More information available at www.leespharm.com.

About Staccato® One Breath Technology®

The Staccato® One Breath Technology® is a unique and highly differentiated drug delivery technology that delivers excipient free drug as fast as intra-venous injection, but non-invasively, resulting in rapid onset of therapeutic effect. It is best positioned for treatment of acute conditions that require quick relief. The ability of the technology with the combination of different molecules to give response to unmet medical needs in an innovative manner has been well proven in large number of clinical studies with different compounds and across number of indications.

The proprietary technology is well protected by large numbers of patents across different therapeutic areas.

More information available at https://staccatoobt.com.