CHENGDU, China, Oct. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sichuan Kelun-Biotech Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (the “Company”) announced that at the 2025 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress held in Berlin, Germany, results from a Phase 3 OptiTROP-Lung04 trial of the Company’s trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2 (TROP2)-directed antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) sacituzumab tirumotecan (sac-TMT)  in EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) following progression on epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) was presented as an oral report by Professor Li Zhang from Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center (Presentation # LBA5, Presidential Symposium II) and were simultaneously published in the New England Journal of Medicine (Impact Factor = 78.5).

In the OptiTROP-Lung04 trial, a total of 376 patients were randomized (1:1) to receive sac-TMT monotherapy or chemotherapy.

As at the data cut-off date July 06, 2025, the median follow-up is 18.9 months. the median Progression-Free Survival (PFS) was 8.3 months in the sac-TMT group and 4.3 months in the chemotherapy group. Sac-TMT significantly improved PFS over chemotherapy with 51% lower risk of disease progression or death (hazard ratio (HR) 0.49; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.39-0.62; P<0.0001).

At the preplanned interim analysis of overall survival (OS), the OS was not reached (NR) in the sac-TMT group and 17.4 months in the chemotherapy group. sac-TMT significantly improved OS over chemotherapy with 40% lower risk of death (hazard ratio (HR) 0.6; 95% CI: 0.44-0.82; two-sided P=0.001). In the supplemental analysis, when censoring patients at the date of initiation of subsequent ADCs, sac-TMT significantly improved OS over chemotherapy with 44% lower risk of death (HR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.41 – 0.77).

Sac-TMT significantly improved ORR as compared to chemotherapy (60.6% vs 43.1%)

A consistent PFS and OS benefit of sac-TMT over chemotherapy was observed across all predefined subgroups, including prior EGFR-TKI therapy, presence of liver or brain metastases, and EGFR mutation subtype.

The incidence of any grade treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) and grade ≥3 TRAEs was similar between the two groups. The most common TRAEs for both sac-TMT and chemotherapy were hematologic toxicities. No TRAEs led to discontinuation or death, and no cases of interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis were reported in the sac-TMT group. Ocular surface toxicity: occurred in 9.6% of patients in the sac-TMT group, all of which were grade 1 – 2.

As a conclusion, sac-TMT demonstrates highly statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in PFS and OS compared to platinum-based chemotherapy and showed a manageable safety profile, with no unexpected safety signals identified. Several global phase 3 studies of sac-TMT monotherapy (NCT06305754, NCT06074588) and combination study with osimertinib in China (NCT06670196) in EGFR-mutant NSCLC are ongoing.

Professor Zhang Li, National Lead Principal Investigator from Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, commented: “Compared to platinum-based doublet chemotherapy, sac-TMT not only significantly prolonged PFS but also demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in OS within this patient population. This achievement marks a major breakthrough in global lung cancer treatment—sac-TMT, as a monotherapy, demonstrated statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in both PFS and OS in the Phase III trial for patients with EGFR-TKI-resistant NSCLC. This study provides highly valuable, new evidence-based guidance for lung cancer management worldwide and has the potential to reshape the therapeutic landscape for EGFR-TKI-resistant NSCLC “

About sac-TMT

Sac-TMT, a core product of the Company, is a novel human TROP2 ADC in which the Company has proprietary intellectual property rights, targeting advanced solid tumors such as NSCLC, BC, GC, gynecological tumors, among others. Sac-TMT is developed with a novel linker to conjugate the payload, a belotecan-derivative topoisomerase I inhibitor with a drug-to-antibody-ratio (DAR) of 7.4. Sac-TMT specifically recognizes TROP2 on the surface of tumor cells by recombinant anti-TROP2 humanized monoclonal antibodies, which is then endocytosed by tumor cells and releases the payload KL610023 intracellularly. KL610023, as a topoisomerase I inhibitor, induces DNA damage to tumor cells, which in turn leads to cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. In addition, it also releases KL610023 in the tumor microenvironment. Given that KL610023 is membrane permeable, it can enable a bystander effect, or in other words kill adjacent tumor cells.

In May 2022, the Company licensed the exclusive rights to MSD (the tradename of Merck & Co., Inc, Rahway, NJ, USA) to develop, use, manufacture and commercialize sac-TMT in all territories outside of Greater China (which includes Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan).

To date, three indications for sac-TMT have been approved and marketed in China for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) who have received at least two prior systemic therapies (at least one of them for advanced or metastatic setting), EGFR mutation-positive locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous NSCLC following progression on EGFR-TKI therapy and platinum-based chemotherapy and EGFR mutant-positive locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous NSCLC who progressed after treatment with EGFR-TKI therapy. Sac-TMT is the first TROP2 ADC drug approved for marketing in lung cancer globally. In addition, the new indication applications for sac-TMT for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable locally advanced, metastatic HR+/HER2- BC who have received prior endocrine therapy and other systemic treatments in the advanced or metastatic setting was accepted by the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), and was included in the priority review and approval process.

As of today, the Company has initiated 9 registrational clinical studies in China. MSD has initiated 15 ongoing Phase 3 global clinical studies of sac-TMT as a monotherapy or with pembrolizumab or other anti-cancer agents for several types of cancer. These studies are sponsored and led by MSD.

About Kelun-Biotech

Kelun-Biotech (6990.HK) is a holding subsidiary of Kelun Pharmaceutical (002422.SZ), which focuses on the R&D, manufacturing, commercialization and global collaboration of innovative biological drugs and small molecule drugs. The company focuses on major disease areas such as solid tumors, autoimmune, inflammatory, and metabolic diseases, and in establishing a globalized drug development and industrialization platform to address the unmet medical needs in China and the rest of world. The Company is committed to becoming a leading global enterprise in the field of innovative drugs. At present, the Company has more than 30 ongoing key innovative drug projects, of which 4 projects have been approved for marketing, 1 project is in the NDA stage and more than 10 projects are in the clinical stage. The company has established one of the world’s leading proprietary ADC and novel DC platforms, OptiDC™, and has 2 ADC project approved for marketing and multiple ADC and novel DC assets in clinical or preclinical research stage. For more information, please visit https://kelun-biotech.com/.

The partnership aims to connect travelers from Asia and beyond to over 900 properties across the UK, Germany and Ireland

SINGAPORE, Oct. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Global digital travel platform Agoda has announced a new partnership with the United Kingdom’s (UK) largest hotel chain Premier Inn making the hotel’s portfolio of over 900 properties across the UK, Germany and Ireland, available to Agoda’s customer base. This collaboration is set to deliver greater choice and value to Agoda’s travelers, particularly those from Asia, who are increasingly seeking quality, reliable accommodation as they explore destinations across the UK, Germany and Ireland.

Interest in travel to the UK and European region is on the rise among Asian travelers, with Agoda data showing a 20% increase in searches in 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.  Excluding intra-Asian destinations, the UK ranks among the top five most searched international destinations for travelers from Asia.

With the addition of Premier Inn’s extensive network to its platform, Agoda is not only expanding its accommodation offering but also supporting Premier Inn’s ambition to reach new international audiences. Agoda’s deep roots and digital expertise in Asia offers Premier Inn the opportunity to tap into the region’s dynamic outbound travel market, connecting millions of travelers with high-quality, great-value stays as they plan their next adventure.

“Premier Inn’s commitment to delivering great value, consistent quality, and ensuring every guest enjoys a good night’s sleep are shared values that underpin Agoda’s mission to make travel more accessible and rewarding. Together we’re bringing trusted stays to millions of new travelers across Asia and beyond,” said Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President of Supply at Agoda.

“Partnering with Agoda is another exciting step forward in reaching even more guests and travelers across international markets. Greater visibility of all of our 900+ hotels will allow a new set of travelers to enjoy the comfort, service and convenience we consistently offer,” said Tim Sleep, Director of Sales & Distribution, Premier Inn.

This collaboration underscores Agoda’s focus on building partnerships that deliver tangible benefits for both travelers and industry partners including accommodation, airlines and activities providers. With Premier Inn now available on Agoda, travelers gain access to a wider range of quality stays, while Premier Inn benefits from increased exposure to high-potential markets.

Together, Agoda and Premier Inn are helping to shape the future of international travel by making it easier for guests to discover and book trusted accommodation across borders.

SHANGHAI, Oct. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Approved by the State Council, the 2025 Sustainable Global Leaders Conference opened on October 16 in Huangpu District, Shanghai. Centered around the theme “Joining Hands to Address Challenges: Global Action, Innovation, and Sustainable Growth,” the Conference brings together global wisdom and strength to explore new pathways for sustainable development, injecting powerful “Chinese dynamism” into global sustainable governance.

The Conference is jointly organized by the World Green Design Organization (WGDO) and Sina Group, co-organized by the Beijing Office of the IFRS Foundation, undertaken by Sina Finance and the Beijing Representative Office of the World Green Design Organization, and supported by the People’s Government of Huangpu District, Shanghai.

Wang Jinnan, President of World Green Design Organization; Charles Chao, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sina Group; and Tu Guangshao, Co-Chair of the ESG Leaders Forum, delivered opening remarks on behalf of the organizers. Mohamed Waheed Hassan, former President of the Maldives, and Erkki Liikanen, Chair of the IFRS Foundation Trustees, also delivered speeches.

During the opening ceremony, the “2025 Shanghai ESG Development Report” was released. The report focuses on urban sustainable development and governance innovation, aiming to provide valuable path analysis and policy recommendations for sustainable development nationwide.

Bi Xiaoying, First-Level Inspector of the Listing Department of the China Securities Regulatory Commission, delivered a speech titled “Building a Solid Institutional Foundation for the Sustainable Development of Listed Companies.”

Additionally, distinguished guests from international organizations, academia, finance, business, and other fields attended the event. Kevin Kelly, Author of 2049, Tech Visionary, and Founding Editor of Wired Magazine, and Joseph Sifakis, founder of the Verimag Laboratory and 2007 A.M. Turing Award Laureate, shared cutting-edge insights on AI and sustainable development. Business leaders, including Zhang Hui, President of Bank of China; Zhang Baojiang, President of Bank of Communications; Gao Fei, President of of China Eastern Airline Group; and Wang Li, General Manager of China Kweichow Moutai (Group) Distillery Co., Ltd.; Acting General Manager of Kweichow Moutai Co., Ltd., also delivered impactful speeches.

A supporting event, the “Green Industry and Sustainable Consumption Expo,” was held concurrently, showcasing innovative practices in the field of sustainable development. Participants included international organizations, embassies and consulates of multiple countries, Global 500 companies, leading domestic enterprises, core financial institutions, and renowned business schools.

As a key international platform for sustainable dialogue, the 2025 Sustainable Global Leaders Conference promotes open, cooperative, and win-win global discourse and industrial collaboration. By uniting governments, enterprises, academia, institutions, and social organizations, the Conference seeks to explore practical pathways and long-term mechanisms for sustainable development. Moving forward, the Conference will continue to foster the exchange and transformation of green innovation achievements, deepen synergies with local economies, technological innovation, and financial capital, and support Shanghai in becoming a globally influential model city for sustainable development, conveying China’s green commitments and actions to the world.

From bustling cities to the great outdoors

OSAKA, Japan, Oct. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, which wrapped up to resounding acclaim, drew a total of 25,578,986 visitors by October 13, having already surpassed the benchmark of 22 million—key to breaking even on operating costs—on September 27. The Development Bank of Japan has released a survey on inbound tourist trends during the Expo period. Among visitors to the Expo itself, arrivals from East Asia exceeded 35% as of June and accounted for nearly half by September. A large number of tourists also took the opportunity to visit Kyoto and Nara alongside the Expo.

Kintetsu Railway Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Kintetsu), headquartered in Osaka, operates Japan’s longest private railway network, connecting iconic destinations such as Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Nagoya, and Mie, and it saw a major influx of tourists along its routes during the Expo. To keep this buzz going, we will ramp up our promotional efforts to highlight unique appeals while delivering even more convenient services and seamless access, such as simply scanning a QR code or tapping a credit card to board. From trains that transform travel time between big cities like Osaka and Nagoya into pure enjoyment, to breathtaking natural landscapes, Japanese traditions and cuisine, and one-of-a-kind local experiences, we will craft journeys for international visitors that truly capture the spirit of each destination.

The charming “Oshawott Liner” Pokmon train begins operation

Japan’s world-famous anime and game series, Pokémon, has captured audiences worldwide with its beloved characters. Among them, “Oshawott” serves as the official support Pokémon for Mie Prefecture. In February 2025, the collaborative “Oshawott Liner” train began operation in partnership with Kintetsu’s “Ise-Shima Liner.” From its exterior to its interior, the train is adorned with Oshawott designs, delighting both adults and children during every ride.

Matsusaka City – Savor Gourmet Delights and Discover Japan’s Traditional Crafts

Savor Matsusaka Beef at Isshobin Miyamachi Branch

At Isshobin Miyamachi Branch, you can enjoy Yakiniku with Matsusaka beef, one of “Japan’s three top Wagyu” varieties. The tender, finely marbled meat is grilled on a rotating grill, allowing you to choose your preferred cuts. Reasonably priced, the restaurant is popular with both locals and tourists.

Access: 12-minute walk from Matsusaka Station

Experience Traditional “Matsusaka Momen“ Weaving

Matsusaka City offers opportunities to experience its traditional textile culture, passed down since the Edo period. Matsusaka cotton, a traditional industry of Matsusaka City, is famous for its indigo-dyed striped fabrics, known as “Matsusaka stripes,” which were once popular fashion among Edo-period commoners. The delicate, hand-woven fabric becomes richer in color and develops greater texture with each wash. At the Matsusaka Momen Handloom Center, you can participate in the “Petit Princess Experience,” sitting at a traditional loom to weave patterned fabrics thread by thread, while immersing yourself in the fashion culture of Edo-period commoners.

Petit Princess Experience
Fee: ¥1,500 (tax included)
Duration: 1 hour (including staff guidance)
Participants: 1 to 4 people
[Available hours] 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
(Course includes weaving small decorative mats approximately 11×20 cm)
Access: 11-minute walk from Matsusaka Station

Matsusaka Kimono Experience – Yawataya

In addition to creating Matsusaka cotton fabric, visitors can experience traditional kimono dressing. The specially designed Matsusaka cotton kimonos from “Yawataya” can be worn in just five minutes, making them ideal for visitors on a tight schedule. The distinctive blue of Matsusaka cotton beautifully complements the surrounding architecture, and strolling through Residences of Castle Guards and Matsusaka Park in kimono makes for stunning photographs.

Access: 7-minute walk from Matsusaka Station

Ise Area

– A Must for Stunning Natural Scenery

No trip to the Ise area is complete without enjoying its beautiful natural landscapes. The Asama Mountain Summit Observatory on the Ise-Shima Skyline, located along the border of Ise and Toba in Mie Prefecture, offers breathtaking panoramic views of Ise-Shima National Park. From the observatory, visitors can enjoy scenic views of Ise Bay and Toba Bay’s rias coastline. The observatory also features cafes, foot baths, and other rest facilities, along with a popular photo spot called the “Sky Mail Post.“

Access: 15 minutes by car from Toba Station (additional toll fee required for Ise-Shima Skyline)

Shima Area

– A Haven for Gourmet Food and Fun Experiences

Matoya Oyster Terrace

Located in Shima, Matoya Bay is famous for its oyster farming, and the “oyster huts” open every winter. Among these, the “Matoya Oyster Terrace,” operated by Sato Oyster Farm, serves fresh raw oysters and oyster dishes year-round. Enjoying oysters right on the terraces at the water’s edge is a truly exceptional experience, and the unique seaside atmosphere makes dining here extra special.

Access: 15 minutes by car from Shima-Isobe Station or Ugata Station

Shima Green Adventure

Shima Green Adventure is a large outdoor facility in Shima, offering a wide range of adventure attractions. Its highlight is the “Zip Dive,” Japan’s longest prone-position zipline at approximately 620 meters, where riders can soar above the forest and coastline. The attraction delivers both thrills and breathtaking views. The park also features climbing towers, laser battles, forest jumps, and a drone garden. Adjacent to the adventure area is a glamping site, making it an ideal destination that combines excitement with relaxation.

Access: About 10 minutes by free shuttle bus from Ugata Station

Shima Nature School

At “Shima Nature School,” visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including sea kayaking. The calm waters of Ago Bay, surrounded by over 60 islands, create a safe and scenic environment perfect for beginners and families. It’s an ideal place to relax and connect with nature.

Access: 20 minutes by car from Ugata Station or Kashikojima Station

Pearl Workshop “Pearl Village”

At “Pearl Village,” surrounded by the tranquil waters of Ago Bay, visitors first watch a video explaining the value and growth process of pearls before selecting shells with expert guidance and experiencing the thrill of extracting pearls themselves. Visitors can also have jewelry made using pearls extracted on-site. Staff promptly craft them into souvenir pendants or earrings, resulting in a truly unique keepsake.

Access: 30 minutes by car from Ugata Station or Kashikojima Station

– A Special Stay Experience

Kashikojima Hojoen

“Kashikojima Hojoen,” located on Kashikojima Island where the 2016 G7 Ise-Shima Summit was held, is a high-end hot spring ryokan in the Ise-Shima area featuring spacious natural hot spring baths and beautiful garden-view open-air baths that overlook the sea. Breathtaking panoramic views make you feel as though you’re floating on the sea itself. The hot springs are fed by 100% natural spring water, renowned for their moisturizing and skin-beautifying properties, offering deep relaxation for both body and mind. The facility includes a souvenir shop, spa, and karaoke. The special “Suikei” floor offers rooms with large windows overlooking the sea and bay, where guests can feel a serene connection with the ocean and enjoy a truly relaxing and memorable stay.

Access: 3 minutes by free shuttle bus from Kashikojima Station

Miyako Resort Shima Bayside Terrace

“Miyako Resort Shima Bayside Terrace” offers an exotic European atmosphere, perfect for romantic couples, families, and longer stays. Here, you can create special vacation memories while watching the sunrise and sunset over Ago Bay. The beautiful Southern European-style architecture, featuring pure white walls and red-tiled roofs, evokes the charm of a picturesque seaside town abroad, and dinner features luxurious French-style cuisine. The natural scenery combined with its design creates not just a resort atmosphere, but some guest rooms also feature private balconies, offering warm spaces with charming ambiance.

Access: 7 minutes by free shuttle bus from Kashikojima Station

Discover hidden gems in Kansai: Experience the beautiful nature, gourmet cuisine, and culture in Ise-Shima through your five senses.