SAN FRANCISCO and SUZHOU, China, Jan. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Innovent Biologics, Inc. (“Innovent”) (HKEX: 01801), a world-class biopharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures and commercializes high-quality medicines for the treatment of oncology, cardiovascular and metabolic, autoimmune, ophthalmology and other major diseases, announced that the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) for IBI343, a potentially best-in-class TOPO1i anti-CLDN18.2 ADC, as monotherapy for the treatment of CLDN18.2-positive advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients who have progressed after at least one line of prior systematic treatment.

The BTD for IBI343 was granted based on data from an ongoing Phase 1 study conducted in China, Australia and the U.S. (NCT05458219), which demonstrated favorable safety and tolerability, as well as promising antitumor activity of IBI343 monotherapy in advanced PDAC patients. Data from the study’s dose-expansion cohort were presented orally at the 2024 ESMO Asia Congress:

• A total of 43 patients with CLDN18.2-positive advanced PDAC (≥60% tumor cells with membranous staining intensity ≥1+ by IHC) received IBI343 6 mg/kg Q3W monotherapy. All participants had previously received at least one line of prior therapy, and 60.5% had received two or more lines of anticancer treatment.
• The confirmed overall objective response rate (ORR) was 23.3%, and progression-free survival (PFS) events occurred in 26 patients, with a median progression-free survival (mPFS) of 5.3 months (4.1-7.4) as of the data cutoff date. (link)

Previously, in May 2024, the CDE has granted IBI343 its first BTD for monotherapy in the treatment of CLDN18.2-positive advanced gastric/gastro-esophageal junction adenocarcinoma (GC) patients who have progressed after at least two lines of prior systematic treatments. In addition, in June 2024, IBI343 was granted Fast Track Designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of advanced, unresectable or metastatic PDAC that has relapsed and/or is refractory to one prior line of therapy. The first patient in the U.S. Phase 1 study of IBI343 was successfully dosed in December 2024.

Dr. Hui Zhou, Senior Vice President of Innovent, said, “Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive and difficult-to-diagnose malignancy. At present, treatment for advanced pancreatic cancer relies primarily on systemic chemotherapy, with particularly limited options for second-line treatment. This results in poor patient outcomes and underscores an urgent unmet clinical need. As the world’s first CLDN18.2 ADC to receive BTD in this difficult-to-treat cancer, IBI343 monotherapy has shown encouraging efficacy and tolerable safety in late-line treatment of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. Subject to PoC data readout, we plan to initiate pivotal MRCT studies to further confirm its efficacy and safety in this indication. Additionally, we will also explore the potential of IBI343 in combination therapy for pancreatic cancer and other solid tumors, including gastric cancer.”

NMPA Breakthrough Therapy Designation is intended to facilitate and expedite the development and review of investigational drugs for serious diseases or conditions when preliminary clinical evidence indicates substantial improvement over current therapies. BTD qualifies a drug candidate for accelerated review by the CDE and provides the sponsor with timely advice and communication to expedite the approval process, helping to address the unmet clinical needs of patients more swiftly.

About Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive malignances of the digestive system, with a 5-year survival rate of about 10%^[i]. Despite rising incidence rates in recent years, early detection remains low, seriously endangering human life and health. Current treatment for advanced pancreatic cancer is primarily based on systemic chemotherapy, with first-line treatment options typically including fluorouracil (5-FU) or gemcitabine-based chemotherapy. However, second-line treatment options are limited, offering a chemotherapy response rate of only 6-16%, a median progression free survival of 2 to 5 months, and a median overall survival of approximately 6 to 9 months^[ii]. These statistics highlight the urgent need for new therapeutic approaches.

Claudin, a member of the tight junction molecule family, is a key structural and functional component of epithelial tight junctions. Among them, CLDN18.2 is normally confined to the gastric mucosa. The development of malignancy leads to disruption of tight junctions and exposure of CLDN18.2 epitopes on the membrane of tumor cells^[iii]. CLDN18.2 is present in 50% to 70% of pancreatic cancer cases, making it a highly targeted biomarker for therapeutic development^[iv].

About IBI343 (CLDN18.2 ADC)

IBI343 is an antibody-drug conjugate composed of an anti-CLDN18.2 antibody, and a cytotoxic drug exatecan. Binding of IBI343 to CLDN18.2-expressing tumor cells results in CLDN18.2-dependent internalization of IBI343. Degradation of the cleavable linker will release the drug that causes DNA damage, leading to apoptosis of the tumor cells. The freed drug can also diffuse across the plasma membrane to reach and kill the neighboring tumor cells, resulting in a strong “bystander killing effect” of IBI343. As an innovative TOPO1i ADC, IBI343 has demonstrated tolerable safety and encouraging efficacy signals in Phase 1 clinical studies. The therapeutic potential of IBI343 is currently being explored in tumor types such as gastric and pancreatic cancers, including a Phase 3 trial (NCT06238843) for GC and a multi-regional Phase 1 trial (NCT05458219) for PDAC ongoing.

IBI343 was granted breakthrough therapy designation (BTD) by China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for two indications,  as monotherapy in patients with CLDN18.2–positive GC who progressed after two prior lines of systemic treatment, and in patients with CLDN18.2-positive PDAC who have progressed after at least one line of prior systematic treatment. IBI343 also received Fast Track Designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of advanced unresectable or metastatic PDAC that has relapsed and/or is refractory to one prior line of therapy.

About Innovent

Innovent is a leading biopharmaceutical company founded in 2011 with the mission to empower patients worldwide with affordable, high-quality biopharmaceuticals. The company discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes innovative medicines that target some of the most intractable diseases. Its pioneering therapies treat cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic, autoimmune and eye diseases. Innovent has launched 13 products in the market. It has 4 new drug applications under regulatory review, 3 assets in Phase III or pivotal clinical trials and 17 more molecules in early clinical stage. Innovent partners with over 30 global healthcare companies, including Eli Lilly, Sanofi, Incyte, Adimab, LG Chem and MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Guided by the motto, “Start with Integrity, Succeed through Action,” Innovent maintains the highest standard of industry practices and works collaboratively to advance the biopharmaceutical industry so that first-rate pharmaceutical drugs can become widely accessible. For more information, visit www.innoventbio.com, or follow Innovent on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Statement:
（1）Innovent does not recommend the use of any unapproved drug (s)/indication (s).
（2）Ramucirumab (Cyramza), Selpercatinib (Retsevmo) and Pirtobrutinib (Jaypirca) were developed by Eli Lilly and Company.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements that are, by their nature, subject to significant risks and uncertainties. The words “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend” and similar expressions, as they relate to Innovent, are intended to identify certain of such forward-looking statements. Innovent does not intend to update these forward-looking statements regularly.

These forward-looking statements are based on the existing beliefs, assumptions, expectations, estimates, projections and understandings of the management of Innovent with respect to future events at the time these statements are made. These statements are not a guarantee of future developments and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond Innovent’s control and are difficult to predict. Consequently, actual results may differ materially from information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of future changes or developments in our business, Innovent’s competitive environment and political, economic, legal and social conditions.

Innovent, the Directors and the employees of Innovent assume (a) no obligation to correct or update the forward-looking statements contained in this site; and (b) no liability in the event that any of the forward-looking statements does not materialize or turn out to be incorrect.

References:

NUC Found Guilty of Patent Infringement, Ordered to Cease Activities, Pay Fines

SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hurom, the pioneer of low-speed masticating juicers and a global market leader, has successfully proven patent infringement by NUC, manufacturer of the Kuvings juicer line, in an investigation by the Korea Trade Commission (KTC). The investigation (Remedy 4-1-2023-8) concluded that NUC engaged in unfair trade practices.

On December 19, 2024, the KTC ruled that NUC had infringed Hurom’s patent rights, constituting unfair trade practices. The KTC issued a corrective order, imposed fines, and formally notified NUC of its decision. 

The investigation began in December 2023 when Hurom filed a complaint with the KTC. After initiating the inquiry in January 2024, the KTC announced its findings on December 19, acknowledging NUC’s unfair practices, with final notification issued on December 31.

Under the KTC ruling, NUC has been ordered to cease the export and domestic manufacturing for export of its AUTO10 juicer model, dispose of all existing inventory, publicly disclose its patent infringement along with the corrective order, and pay a fine of ₩152.5 million ($105,000 USD).

This ruling builds on a similar decision made in July 2023 through Amazon’s Amazon Patent Evaluation Express (APEX) process (APEX ID: 15060613361), which found NUC guilty of patent infringement. That decision led to the suspension of sales for five key NUC models in the United States: REVO830W, EVO820GM, C7000S, C7000W, and C7000P. The KTC’s acknowledgment of unfair trade practices further strengthens Hurom’s case.  

Founded in 1974, Hurom has dedicated over 50 years to advancing juicing technology, culminating in the creation of the world’s first vertical masticating juicer in 2005. As a global leader in health innovation, Hurom has set the standard for vertical juicing systems.

Hurom is also pursuing legal action in the Unified Patent Court (UPC) in Europe against manufacturers and distributors infringing on its patents. The company remains steadfast in protecting its proprietary technologies through robust legal efforts.

*UPC cases in Germany: PR_ACT_17336/2024, PR_ACT_17365/2024

*UPC case in France: PR_ACT_17434/2024

NEW YORK, Jan. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ridgewood Infrastructure (“Ridgewood”), a leading investor in essential infrastructure in the U.S. lower middle market, today announced the final close of its second fund, Ridgewood Water & Strategic Infrastructure Fund II LP (“Fund II”), with $1.2 billion in capital commitments, significantly surpassing its $1 billion target.

Fund II attracted a diverse mix of leading institutional investors, including returning and new public and corporate pensions, insurance companies, endowment funds, and asset managers from North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

A continuation of Ridgewood’s established strategy, Fund II is focused on investments in essential infrastructure businesses and assets that provide critical services in sectors including water, energy, transportation, and utilities. Ridgewood’s operationally oriented, value creation approach emphasizes scaling, professionalizing, and enhancing the strategic positioning of its investments.

“We are grateful for the continued significant support from our existing partners and are excited to welcome several new LPs from across the globe,” said Ross Posner, Managing Partner of Ridgewood Infrastructure. “This is a meaningful milestone for our firm, and we are deeply appreciative of the trust our partners continue to place in our team and strategy.”

Michael Albrecht, Managing Partner, added: “We look forward to continuing to deliver value for our investors and the many communities in which our portfolio companies operate.”

Fund II has already made several notable investments, including the Prospect Lake Clean Water Center, the third-largest water public-private partnership in U.S. history, which will provide approximately 80% of Fort Lauderdale’s fresh water under a 30-year concession agreement.

Ridgewood has also had notable recent exits from its inaugural fund (“Fund I”). Last October, Fund I sold its controlling interest in the Vista Ridge Water Pipeline, America’s largest water public-private partnership, which supplies approximately 20% of San Antonio’s fresh water under a 30-year concession agreement. Earlier this month, Fund I also sold its controlling interest in SiEnergy, one of the fastest growing regulated utilities in America.

“Our achievements reflect the exceptional capabilities of our team and the strength of the Ridgewood platform,” said Matthew Swanson, Founding Partner of Ridgewood Infrastructure. “We look forward to building upon this strong foundation of success in the years to come.”

Eaton Partners, a Stifel company, acted as the placement agent, and Vinson & Elkins LLP served as legal counsel for the fund.

About Ridgewood Infrastructure
Ridgewood Infrastructure is a leading infrastructure investor in the U.S. lower middle market with sectors of focus including water, energy, transportation, and utilities. For more information, visit www.ridgewoodinfrastructure.com.

Contact Information: Ridgewood Infrastructure
527 Madison Avenue, 18th Floor
New York, NY 10022
Phone: (212) 867-0050
Email: Inquiries@RidgewoodInfrastructure.com

Logo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ridgewood_logo.jpg

SYDNEY, Jan. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The stage is set for one of Australia’s most prestigious celebrations of small business excellence!

2025 marks the 27th year that Precedent Productions will honour the outstanding achievements and contributions of the Australian small business community.

With over 100 categories, this year’s awards will crown the nation’s Small Business Champions, with winners announced at two glittering red-carpet gala events at The Star Sydney on 28 and 29 March 2025.

The program is open to all industries and free to enter, with applications closing on 10 February 2025.

“Small businesses play a critical role in creating jobs and driving economic growth across a wide range of industries, often earning the title of the backbone of the national economy,” said Steve Loe, Founder and Managing Director of Precedent Productions. “The Australian Small Business Champion Awards provide an invaluable opportunity for operators to have their work evaluated by an expert panel, gain industry recognition, and benchmark themselves against the best in their field,” Mr. Loe added.

Among the program’s previous winners is Justin Vetsavong, CEO of Canberra-based Leaky Roof, who took home the 2024 Small Business Champion Entrepreneur Award. “This honour not only recognises my personal achievements but also shines a light on the incredible team behind me,” Justin shared, highlighting the transformative impact of the awards on his business.

Businesses from every corner of the nation – from regional hubs to capital cities – are encouraged to enter.

The Awards are proudly presented in partnership with NOVA Employment, Castaway Forecasting, BOA, VJB Group, Xcllusive Business Sales, and Big Clean.

For information and to submit an entry form, please visit:
https://www.championawards.com.au/business

FORNEBU, Norway, Jan. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Reference is made to the announcement by Aker Horizons ASA (“Aker Horizons” or the “Company”) on 9 January 2025 regarding fixed income investor meetings and a potential new bond issue. The Company has met a broad range of investors and experienced strong interest from the market.

The Company has received valuable feedback, which it will evaluate as part of the ongoing process to optimize the Company’s overall capital structure. Accordingly, the Company will not pursue a potential bond offering at this time.

Aker Horizons has a robust liquidity position and benefits from strong support from its main shareholder and creditor Aker ASA. The Company is committed to its strategy of developing green energy and green industry.

For further information, please contact:
Stian Andreassen, Investor Relations, Tel: +47 41 64 31 07
stian.andreassen@akerhorizons.com

Mats Ektvedt, Media, Tel: +47 41 42 33 28
mats.ektvedt@corporatecommunications.no

About Aker Horizons:

Aker Horizons develops green energy and green industry to accelerate the transition to Net Zero. The company is active in renewable energy, carbon capture and sustainable industrial assets. As part of the Aker group, Aker Horizons applies industrial, technological and capital markets expertise with a planet-positive purpose to drive decarbonization globally. Aker Horizons is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange and headquartered in Fornebu, Norway. Across its portfolio, the company is present on five continents. www.akerhorizons.com

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

This communication is not an offer to sell or purchase, or the solicitation of an offer to sell or purchase, any securities, or the solicitation of a proxy, in any jurisdiction in which, or to any person to whom, such offer, sale or solicitation is not authorized or would be unlawful.

This communication contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and other statements, which are not statements of historical facts. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words “expects”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “intends”, “estimates”, “plans”, “will be” and similar expressions. You are cautioned that forward-looking information and statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of the Company, and that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward -looking information and statements contained herein. The forward-looking statements in this communication speak only as of the date hereof and, other than as may be required by applicable law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/aker-horizons/r/fixed-income-investor-meetings—update,c4091958

WASHINGTON, Jan. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CGTN America & CCTV UN releases “Prelude to the Spring Festival Gala” hosted by China Media Group returns to New York City

As the Year of the Snake approaches, the “Prelude to the Spring Festival Gala” event arrives in New York City, celebrating the rich traditions of Chinese New Year.

This year’s event builds on the success and momentum of its widely recognized inaugural event in 2024, bringing Chinese New Year culture to a global audience while fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding among diverse communities worldwide.

Distinguished guests representing China, the U.S. and the United Nations will deliver heartfelt messages promoting cultural exchange and global unity.

A modern Chinese fashion show, inspired by the award-winning video game “Black Myth: Wukong”, is set to dazzle audiences. It will invite NBA stars to join the showcase, bringing an innovative fusion of sports and style to the runway, spotlighting traditional Chinese and contemporary design.

Attendees will enjoy a powerful sign language performance by an America’s Got Talent ‘Golden Buzzer’ winner alongside diverse performers. They will also have the opportunity to participate in an interactive segment to learn festive sign language phrases, promoting inclusivity and barrier-free communication.

International and Chinese musicians and performers, including students from Lincoln High School in the U.S. state of Washington, will come together to celebrate the fusion of East and West, showcasing the beauty of diversity and harmony through songs and dances.

Before the show, guests can enjoy a cultural reception featuring exquisite Chinese artifacts, and opportunities to connect with professionals from various industries.

This year’s event is set to take place on Thursday night, Jan. 16., attracting over 150 distinguished guests. It also comes at a time when the UNESCO has recently inscribed “Spring Festival, social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of the traditional new year” on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

On the Chinese New Year’s Eve, watching the Spring Festival Gala presented by China Media Group has become a new year tradition for people around the world. It brings cheerful memories to generations of viewers, becoming a cultural symbol for the world to explore and understand China. In celebration of UNESCO’s heritage designation, this year’s gala promises to be a grand, joyful and auspicious cultural feast for global audiences.

(This material is distributed by MediaLinks TV, LLC on behalf of CCTV. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.)

Contact: Distribution@cgtnamerica.com

TAIPEI, Jan. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — GEEKOM, the Green Mini PC Global Leader, is going to release a new model named the A6 on January 17^th, 2025.

This mini PC is already available for  pre-order on GEEKOM‘s official website. Priced at $449, it may just be the new best mini PC under $500.

According to the official information, the GEEKOM A6 mini PC employs a well-ventilated aluminum chassis which measures only 0.47 liter, but it packs enormous power under the hood, thanks to the perfect combination of a beefy processor, high-bandwidth DDR5 RAM, and a fast PCIe Gen4 SSD.

At the heart of the GEEKOM A6 is the AMD Ryzen 7 6800H processor. With 8 powerful Zen3+ cores, 16 threads and 16MB L3 cache, this mobile chip is on par with the latest mainstream desktop CPUs in processing speed, allowing the GEEKOM A6 to handle complex computing duties like multimedia editing, code writing and data-intensive analysis with ease. The integrated Radeon 680M GPU also matches entry-level discrete graphics cards in gaming performance, giving the A6 enough oomph to run modern AAA titles smoothly at 1080P resolution. In addition, the A6 comes with Windows 11 OS, so buyers can use the mini PC right out of the box.

When it comes to heat dissipation, the mini PC features GEEKOM’s super-efficient IceBlast cooling technology. With air being actively redirected to different layers of the system, and pushed out through the rear of the chassis, key internal components can stay cool and stable even when tasks are loaded.

Besides its superb performance, the GEEKOM A6 is also perfectly reliable. It is built with premium material and has undergone rigorous testing before mass production, including 120 hours of high and low temperature test, 90 minutes of vibration test, 15000 cycles of I/O plug-unplug durability test, strict EMI radiation test and more. As a result, the A6’s lifespan is expected to be twice as long as that of mini PCs from other brands. Also, each GEEKOM mini PC is covered by a 3-year limited warranty, and the company offers 24/7 after-sale services for its users.

The A6’s launch event will be streamed live on GEEKOM‘s official YouTube channel on January 17^th, 2025. During the launch event, GEEKOM will randomly give viewers promo codes to get the A6 at a discounted price.