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HPV Affects Us All – Be Protected and Make It #OneLessWorry


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 March 2024 – Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of cervical cancer. Despite being a preventable disease, cervical cancer ranks as the 4th most frequent cancer among women and the second most frequent cancer among women aged 15 to 44 in Malaysia[i]. In conjunction with the International HPV Awareness Day 2024 campaign led by the International Papillomavirus Society (IPVS), GSK is also committed to take a stand against HPV in Malaysia through collaborative efforts with various stakeholders.

International HPV awareness calls for the public to be educated about the infection and its associated cancers, which can be prevented through screening and vaccination, making it ‘One Less Worry’ for the world.

Dr. Alap Gandhi, Country Medical Director of GSK Malaysia said “Malaysia’s commitment to eliminating cervical cancer through its proactive pioneering initiatives are exemplary in the fight against this preventable disease. Since 2010, GSK has demonstrated its commitment to take a stand against HPV in Malaysia.”

Professor Dr. Jamiyah Hassan, Senior Consultant in O&G and Feto-Maternal Medicine, Hospital Al-Sultan Abdullah, UiTM Puncak Alam, Faculty of Medicine, UiTM Sg Buloh Campus said “Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women in Malaysia, and WHO has called for a global reduction of cervical cancer by 2030 to below 4 per 100,000 women. Cervical cancer has a clear causation from the Human Papilloma Virus. With effective means for HPV prevention and a sensitive HPV screening test, cervical cancer stands out as a highly preventable disease. Regular screening of the cervix for HPV infections is crucial for early detection of precancerous disease to allow early treatment to stop progression to advanced stages. Women must be empowered to take charge of their health and make informed choices about their well-being.”

What is HPV?

HPV is a group of viruses commonly related to sexually transmitted infection (STI). As there are over 150 HPV strains, everyone will become infected at some point in their lives, often without being aware of it. While most infections aren’t harmful and typically resolve over time as the immune system controls the infection, some strains of HPV can cause health conditions, including skin warts on the hands, feet, and genitals, or even cancer if left untreated.

Who is at Risk?

Women who become sexually active at a young age, especially before age 18, or have multiple sexual partners are more likely to become infected with a high-risk type of HPV.

How to Stay Protected?

The development of cervical cancer from HPV infection typically follows a prolonged timeline often spanning between 10 to 15 years. Regular screenings and early detection play a crucial role in managing and preventing mutation of cells. Pap smears are recommended for women between the age of 21 to 29 yearly for 2 years and then every three years. Following that, individuals up to the age of 65 should screen once every five years.

If HPV is detected during the tests or screening, specialists or pathologists will then use the same sample to assess the presence of abnormal cells. In cases where no abnormal cell changes are identified, patients will be advised to undergo a follow-up test after 12 months to monitor the presence of the virus.

Doing so would allow HPV to truly be #OneLessWorry and bring the world to be one step closer in achieving the World Health Organization’s 90-70-90 targets where 90% of girls are fully vaccinated with HPV vaccine by age 15 years; 70% of women are screened with a high-performance test by 35 years of age and again by 45 years of age; and 90% of women identified with cervical disease receive treatment by 2030[ii].

By staying ahead of the curve through vaccines, specialty, and general medicines, GSK hopes to continue to play a part in the betterment of public health in Malaysia.


[i] Data from The Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Report 2023

[ii] Cervical cancer elimination initiative by the World Health Organisation

Hashtag: #OneLessWorry #GSK

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

GSK

GSK is a global biopharma company with the ambition and purpose to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together. We aim to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people over the next 10 years. Our bold ambitions for patients are reflected in new commitments to growth and a step-change in performance. We have been operating in Malaysia for over 65 years, since starting our first operations in October 1958. In the last six decades, GSK Malaysia has grown substantially both in its infrastructure, business operations as well as talent base. Currently operating with over 400 employees spread across our two business entities – Pharmaceuticals & Vaccines and Business Service Centre. Find out more at .

Berlin Cures’ BC 007 Targets Long COVID: Solid Phase II Trial Progress with Over 50% Patient Recruitment

  • Berlin Cures, a clinical-stage biotechnology firm, advances innovative treatment aimed at combating Long COVID, currently impacting over 100 million people globally.
  • Over 50% of patients in randomized placebo-controlled Phase-II-trial now recruited; no issues regarding safety observed.
  • Berlin Cures innovative platform develops novel aptamer-based drugs to neutralize pathogenic functional autoantibodies, targeting diseases.

BERLIN, GERMANY – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 March 2024 – Berlin Cures, a clinical-stage biotechnology company, has reached a significant milestone in its Europe-wide clinical trial for Long COVID, effectively enrolling over 50% of the targeted 114 patients and expanding the study’s inclusion criteria. The trial is investigating the efficacy of BC 007, the company’s pioneering drug candidate designed to neutralize functional autoantibodies (fAABs), which play a key role in the persistence of Long COVID symptoms.

BC 007
BC 007

The study is actively progressing across 12 trial centers in Finland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Spain, exemplifying the collaborative effort to address Long COVID, which has developed into a significant global health issue. Progress is strong and another seven centers are set to join soon. Anticipated results in autumn 2024 will pave the way for the next development stage, with Berlin Cures currently seeking additional funding to complete Phase II and initiate the crucial Phase III study necessary for regulatory approval.

“Long COVID has impacted the lives of over 100 million people globally, altering the day-to-day existence of countless individuals,” states Oliver von Stein, CEO of Berlin Cures. “Our mission with BC 007 is not just to treat a virus’s lingering effects but to restore the quality of life for those affected. By harnessing the power of innovative science, we are on the cusp of a breakthrough that could return health and vitality to millions. The progress of our clinical trial across Europe is a beacon of hope and a testament to what we can achieve through collaboration and dedication.”

Dr Oliver von Stein
Dr Oliver von Stein

As a biotech company focused on neutralizing fAABs, Berlin Cures stands at the forefront of developing innovative treatments for a variety of autoimmune diseases, including Long COVID, heart failure, glaucoma, and many others. Its drug candidate, BC 007, represents a promising solution by targeting harmful fAABs implicated in a range of autoimmune conditions such as Long COVID.

The ongoing Phase II clinical trial in Long COVID seeks to deliver conclusive and reliable results on the drug’s effectiveness and safety for patients. The company anticipates a positive outcome, which will pave the way to proceed with a larger Phase III study, crucial for BC 007’s approval.

BC 007 Could Potentially Cure Long COVID for Many
Current estimates indicate that functional autoantibodies (fAABs) are detectable in blood tests in about 40% of all Long COVID patients. Functional autoantibodies are a specific type of autoantibody that can develop as an immune response following infections, mistakenly target the body’s tissues or cells. This interaction can lead to autoimmune diseases. Unlike normal antibodies that protect against infections, fAABs disrupt normal functions by binding to cell receptors or other proteins, often imitating or blocking natural signals needed for healthy cell functions. This disruption can result in a variety of autoimmune diseases, depending on the target of the autoantibodies and the role of the targeted tissue in the body.

“The presence of fAABs in such a large portion of patients highlights the potential of BC 007 to combat the underlying cause of Long COVID symptoms in a significant group of affected individuals. We are convinced of BC 007’s therapeutic potential and are actively seeking support to prepare for a larger Phase III study,” adds Oliver von Stein. “Our commitment to finding a cure for diseases caused by fAABs remains steadfast, supported by private funding since our inception.”

Versatile Platform Technology Targeting Multiple Medical Conditions
The potential of BC 007 extends beyond treating a single disease, making it a so-called platform technology. By neutralizing fAABs, BC 007 could potentially act against many fAAB-associated diseases.

Built on more than two decades of fAAB-research, Berlin Cures has advanced BC 007 into clinical trials. This journey has demonstrated efficacy in Phase I studies with fAAB-positive volunteers and in a Phase IIa trial with heart failure patients, showing significant long-term benefits. Preclinical and clinical results with BC 007 have shown effective and lasting neutralization of fAABs after treatment. Moreover, BC 007 has proven to be safe and well-tolerated. With the ongoing Phase II trial focusing on Long COVID, Berlin Cures continues to seek additional investments and partnerships to advance this groundbreaking opportunity.

Hashtag: #BerlinCures

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

About Berlin Cures:

The Berlin Cures team has dedicated over two decades to the research of functional autoantibodies (fAABs) and has successfully identified a molecule capable of effectively neutralizing these. Promising preclinical results have been observed for BC 007. It was found effective in fAAB-positive healthy volunteers during the Phase I study and in heart failure patients in a Phase IIa trial, where it demonstrated long-term autoantibody neutralization after a single dose and significant improvement in cardiac function, with no spontaneous disappearance of autoantibodies in untreated patients. Its potential against Long COVID is indicated by lab data generated using sera from Long COVID patients, and four case studies. By tackling the root cause of fAAB-associated diseases with this unique biotechnology, Berlin Cures emerges as one of the pioneering entities committed to addressing this critical issue at its core.

Since June 2023, Berlin Cures has been absolving a Phase II clinical trial with BC 007 in the indication Long COVID, an acute and escalating global health problem, to obtain meaningful and robust results on efficacy and tolerability of BC 007 with patients suffering from Long COVID.

AIM Vaccine Enters the Period of Explosive Growth in Major Single Products

Leading the Two Golden Tracks of Pneumonia Vaccine and Rabies Vaccines


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 March 2024 – AIM Vaccine Co., Ltd. (the “Company”, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”) is pleased to announce that the company has made significant progress in the research and development of its Pneumonia vaccine and Rabies vaccine products. The launch of these new products is expected to accelerate, providing significant momentum for the company’s future revenue growth. The Company has initiated Phase II clinical trials for its Tetravalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4), while the clinical trials for the Group’s diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis – HIB combined vaccine is also progressing rapidly.

According to the preliminary performance forecast for the 2023 , assuming that the sales revenue remains relatively stable compared to 2022, the company has made significant provisions for impairment of intangible assets and goodwill, as well as increased research and development expenses due to the third-phase clinical trials of its five major core products and the changing landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the performance for the year 2023 is expected to be a loss. However, it is anticipated that with the concentrated launch of several heavyweight new products by the company, AIM Vaccine is poised for a strong comeback

AIM Vaccine is strategically developing its portfolio of Pneumonia vaccine products by continuously innovating and rapidly advancing iterative upgrades through research and development. Among them, the 13-valent pneumonia conjugate vaccine has completed on-site work for Phase III clinical trial and has submitted a pre-application for marketing. the 23-valent pneumonia polysaccharide vaccine has also completed Phase III clinical trial and is expected to apply for marketing registration in 2024. the 20-valent pneumonia conjugate vaccine has submitted a pre-application for clinical trials; while the 24-valent pneumonia conjugate vaccine, which is being simultaneously developed globally for the first time, has completed preclinical research.

According to the classification of the World Health Organization, pneumococcal disease is one of the diseases requiring “very high priority” use of vaccines for prevention. The 13-valent pneumonia conjugate vaccine approved in China only covers those under 6 years old. The market for those over 6 years old is still blank. China Insights Industry Consultancy Limited, an industry consultant, predicts that the market size of this vaccine in China is expected to exceed RMB20 billion by 2030, indicating tremendous market potential. In addition, the estimated penetration rate of the 13-valent pneumonia conjugate vaccine in the approved age group in China is 25.9%, while the penetration rate in the corresponding age group in the United States exceeds 80%, indicating that there is still significant room for growth in the Chinese market. It is estimated that the global underserved demand for the 13-valent pneumonia conjugate vaccines is as high as 180 million doses. However, currently only three companies have been approved to supply them globally. After the launch of its 13-valent pneumonia conjugate vaccine, the Group is expected to become an important supplier in the market.

The Group’s strategic positioning of its rabies vaccine products has also achieved exciting progress. As the second largest supplier of rabies vaccine globally, the Group has expedited the development of iterative rabies series vaccines, in particular: The on-site work of the phase III clinical trial of iterative serum-free rabies vaccine has been completed, and various preparatory work for the new drug application is underway, which is planned to be completed in 2024; The pre-application for clinical trial for the novel-process human diploid rabies vaccine is expected to be submitted in the first half of 2024; 3. the iterative mRNA rabies vaccine is the first non-COVID-19 mRNA vaccine candidate accepted by relevant authorities in China.

To date, there is no serum-free rabies vaccine approved for launch in the global market. The novel-process human diploid rabies vaccine developed by the Group became the first to break through the technical bottleneck of low virus titer and small yield in the traditional process, with optimized and innovated purification process, which has notably improved product quality and safety as compared with similar marketed products in China, and has the production capacity for large-scale commercialization.

Based on the performance forecast and the progress in product development, AIM Vaccine’s investment in research and development is gradually paying off. The company’s revenue and operations are stable and improving, which will help the company better seize market opportunities. At the same time, AIM Vaccine adheres to its development strategy and layout of major single products, large production capacity, and strong commercialization capabilities. Leveraging its top-class vaccine development platform technology and internal research and development team, the company fully meets the market demand for iterative upgraded vaccines. This helps achieve new productive forces in the industry, leads international industry innovation, and contributes to the establishment of a robust public health system and the comprehensive implementation of the Healthy China strategy.
Hashtag: #AIMVaccine

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

About AIM Vaccine Co., Ltd.

AIM Vaccine (stock code: 06660) is committed to manufacturing conscientious vaccines and promoting the health of the people. It is the second-largest vaccine group in China and the largest private-sector vaccine group, with a complete industry chain. AIM Vaccine is a leading company in the Chinese vaccine industry and one of the top players in the mRNA vaccine field. As one of the most strictly regulated industries in the country, China has over 40 vaccine production qualifications nationwide. Currently, AIM Vaccine owns four wholly-owned licensed vaccine production companies and three vaccine research institutes. It is one of the only two human vaccine companies in China with strategic resources such as P3 laboratories. AIM Vaccine is also the world’s largest manufacturer of hepatitis B vaccines and the second-largest manufacturer of rabies vaccines globally.

AIM Vaccine has a portfolio of eight commercialized vaccines and 23 vaccines under development, covering the top ten vaccine varieties globally. Its commercialized products have maintained a leading market position for a long time, with sales covering all 31 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions in China, reaching over 2,000 district and county-level disease control centers.

ASEAN-South Korea Music Festival 2024 Coming to Laos in November

(Photo: The Star)

The ASEAN-South Korea Music Festival 2024 (2024 ROUND) is set to take place in Laos this November.

24th ASEAN Energy Business Forum Set to Support Laos’ ASEAN Chairmanship

Dr. Nuki Agya Utama, Executive Director of ACE. (Photo: ACE)

The ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) and the Ministry of Energy and Mines in Laos are delighted to announce that the 24th ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF-24) is set to convene in Vientiane Capital from 25 to 27 September.

European Union Sparks Blue Wave in Vientiane

Three friends walking around the streets of Vientiane on 3 March for the EU's "ForOurPlanet" campaign. (Photo: The Laotian Times)

The streets of Vientiane resembled a flowing river of blue shirts on Sunday, 3 March, as more than 500 people gathered at That Luang Square to join the European Union’s (EU) “ForOurPlanet” campaign.

The event aimed to raise awareness about the triple crisis of climate change, environmental degradation and biodiversity loss and to sensitize the public on the importance of taking care of nature.

Organized by the European Union Delegation to Laos, in collaboration with Team Europe partners including France, Germany, Hungary, Luxembourg, and Switzerland, the event culminated a nine-day campaign spanning from 18 to 27 January. This comprehensive effort aimed to raise awareness among the Lao population about Team Europe’s efforts in combating climate change and environmental challenges, including biodiversity protection, sustainable agriculture practices, forestry, and wastewater treatment.

Vientiane residents walk for the environment on 3 March, 2024. (Photo: The Laotian Times)

As dawn broke and the city roused from slumber on Sunday morning, participants from across Vientiane Capital, comprising environmental enthusiasts, local community members, and national and international diplomats, demonstrated their commitment to advocating healthier and more eco-conscious habits.

In her opening address, Ina Marčiulionytė, the EU Ambassador to Laos, stressed the significance of collective action in effecting meaningful change.

“We are making a big change through small steps,” she remarked, conveying the spirit of the campaign.

Ina Marčiulionytė, the EU Ambassador to Laos, taking a selfie with a runner. (Photo: The Laotian Times)

The highlight of the event was the promotion of sustainable practices through a biking and walking tour, allowing participants to engage in morning exercise amidst the early breeze while advocating for environmental sustainability.

But the campaign extended beyond the city streets; it also featured an interactive quiz on Facebook in the days leading up to the gathering. The quiz tested followers’ understanding of environmental issues and incentivized participation, promoting good mobility and a healthy lifestyle.

During the event, the EU delegation hosted an award ceremony for the three winners of the EU Facebook quiz, each receiving a bike and a helmet.

Supported by the Lao Cycling Association and Vientiane Municipality, the walking and cycling tour aimed to promote sustainable living and environmental awareness through collaboration with local organizations. This initiative aligned with the broader objectives of the “ForOurPlanet” campaign, uniting European delegations worldwide to address pressing challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation.

The escalating impacts of climate change and rapid ecosystem degradation pose a pressing need to adopt collective action. Through the “ForOurPlanet” campaign, the EU and Team Europe in Laos aim to demonstrate solidarity with the global community grappling with the nature crisis. In addition to ongoing initiatives like the campaign, Team Europe’s collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in Laos through a new program aims to commit to sustainable and inclusive agriculture and forestry sectors while enhancing local livelihoods, safeguarding forests, biodiversity, and addressing climate change.

Kaohsiung Draws Potential Investors at Kumamoto Expo


KAOHSIUNG, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 March 2024 – Headed by Deputy Mayor Lo Ta-sheng, the Kaohsiung delegation to KUMAMOTO Industrial Revitalization EXPO 2024 and for a fact-finding tour of Kyushu has wound up a hugely rewarding journey. Over the course of the two-day expo, the Kaohsiung Pavilion hosted 830 international visitors, talked with 50 potential buyers, and garnered orders estimated at US$1,140,000. Above all, the visit proved a great success in arousing Japanese businesses’ interest in the port city of Kaohsiung. The Kaohsiung City Government’s efforts towards soliciting businesses and investments have indeed paid off in the form of a boost to international reputation.

Photo 1: A hearty response to the Kaohsiung Pavilion at the Kumamoto expo.
Photo 1: A hearty response to the Kaohsiung Pavilion at the Kumamoto expo.

Deputy Mayor Lo said the latest expo was intended mainly to showcase Kumamoto’s resilience and extraordinary recovery in the wake of the 2016 earthquake and the flooding in July 2020. Above all, the welcome advent of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (TSMC) gave a further boost to its revitalization. Kaohsiung and Kumamoto are both semiconductor hubs: the former enjoys an edge in wafer foundry and packaging and testing while the latter excels in materials and equipment. To promote closer collaboration between the two cities, Lo explained, the Kaohsiung delegation comprised four local semiconductor companies: 4DMEN Technology Co., Ltd., Taiwan Valqua Engineering International Ltd., Gongin Precision Ind. Co., Ltd., and Advanced Echem Materials Co., Ltd. In addition to enhancing their brand visibility, they were excited to learn more about Kumamoto’s semiconductor needs and broaden their business reach accordingly.

Photo 2: A bustling scene at Kaohsiung’s business promotion presentation in Fukuoka.
Photo 2: A bustling scene at Kaohsiung’s business promotion presentation in Fukuoka.

Moreover, Shinya Iwashita, Chief Executive Officer of Tsuruya Department Store subsidiary Amanatsu Royal Co., Ltd., visited the Kaohsiung Pavilion at the invitation of the Kaohsiung City Government. After consultations with MAYUSHAN FOOD Co., Ltd., Joywell Cake Store Co., Ltd., and LE PONT, he lauded their dedication to R&D and impressive array of food products placing emphasis on both health and flavor. Tsuruya Department Store is optimistic about the potential of these delicacies and keen to usher them into the Japanese market at an early date.

Alongside its attendance at the Kumamoto Expo, the Kaohsiung City Government organized an investment promotion seminar at the startup hub Growth 1 in Fukuoka. The event attracted over 40 visitors from more than 10 startups in such fields as IOT, smart medical devices, and green energy. What followed was a string of lively discussions about possible cooperation. Hori Hironobu, director of the Fukuoka City Government’s Business Startup & Investment Promotion Department, said the city’s designation as a National Strategic Special Zone for startups in 2012 has made it an irresistible magnet attracting global startups to invest. Fukuoka looks forward to working with Kaohsiung to create a cross-border ecosystem that accommodates the startups of both Taiwan and Japan.

Liao Tai-hsiang, director-general of the Economic Development Bureau, Kaohsiung City Government, said that Fukuoka is home to many promising international startups while Kaohsiung boasts Asia’s New Bay 2.0 Park as well as multiple startup hubs and incubation centers. Given the two’s complementary development paths, there is ample room for bilateral cooperation in R&D, talent cultivation, startup interconnections, and industry exchanges, thereby providing their respective startups with fresh momentum for innovation. Japan’s startups are welcome to come to Kaohsiung and the city government is ready to provide them with one-stop services and whatever other assistance is needed.

The Kaohsiung delegation also visited the Fukuoka Hydrogen Station, the world’s first such facility offering energy sourced from sewage treatment. As a major industrial city committed to achieving net zero in 2050, Kaohsiung is keen to promote carbon reduction, stay up to date with the latest in green energy, and ultimately attain sustainable development. In Fukuoka, the delegation also called at the Kyushu Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry and Kyushu University to discuss bolstering exchanges in the semiconductor industry and its talent. The consensus is for Kaohsiung and Kyushu to strengthen academic and technological cooperation, engage in closer industry-academic collaboration, and extend support for education and research, thereby making semiconductor companies of both sides more competitive going forward.

Hashtag: #Kaohsiung

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

Thai Court Drops Case Against Former PM Yingluck Shinawatra

Thailand’s former Prime Minister, Yingluck Shinawatra (Photo: AP)

BANGKOK (AP) — A Thai court on Monday, 4 March, dropped a charge against former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, now living in exile, for mishandling government project expenditure in 2013.