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PhotonPay Enhances Global Payment Solutions with Robust Compliance and Risk Solutions

HONG KONG, Feb. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Fintech compliance is an increasingly important aspect of the financial industry. As the fintech industry continues to grow and evolve, so do the demands for regulatory compliance. PhotonPay, a leading digital financial infrastructure provider, drives innovation through global licenses, strategic partnerships with top financial institutions, and local teams delivering secure and scalable payment solutions worldwide.

PhotonPay Enhances Global Payment Solutions with Robust Compliance and Risk Solutions
PhotonPay Enhances Global Payment Solutions with Robust Compliance and Risk Solutions

PhotonPay integrates AI-powered AML and Risk engine that enhances the speed and efficiency of its “Know your Customer” (KYC) and onboarding processes. The new tool reduces ‘false positives’ by an average of 50%, while enhancing customer on-boarding experience.

Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) technology, PhotonPay has further streamlined anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) processes, enhanced its risk management system and effectively reduced financial crime risks. This initiative significantly improves operational efficiency while adhering to world-class compliance and risk standards such as PCI-DSS Level 1, FATF and more.

For e-commerce leaders like Lili Bridals, tokenization and PCI-certified flows secure high-value transactions; for logistics giants like Zongteng, AI-driven fraud detection reduces chargebacks by 30%; and for advertising platforms such as Cheetah Mobile Inc, privacy-preserving frameworks reduce GDPR non-compliance risks by 99%. With a strong compliance culture and technological innovation capabilities, PhotonPay has become a trusted partner of over 200,000 customers worldwide, with an annual transaction volume of more than US$20 billion.

“Compliance is the foundation of trust in global payments. At PhotonPay, we ensure that our global payment solutions comply with global regulatory standards,” said JP, Global Co-Head of Legal, Compliance, AML and Risk at PhotonPay, “We are committed to adhering to international regulatory standards and will continually enhance our compliance and risk control capabilities to enable our clients to operate with confidence globally.” Through international payment licenses and strategic partnerships with leading financial institutions, PhotonPay integrates compliance into every aspect of its operations, enabling businesses to operate smoothly while mitigating financial and reputational risks, and continues to help businesses to thrive in the digital economy.

About PhotonPay

Founded in 2015, PhotonPay is a digital financial infrastructure provider offering global payment solutions to businesses. Our innovative core products include Global Accounts, Card Issuing, Online Payments, Payouts, FX Management and Embedded Finance. PhotonPay has become a Mastercard issuer in Hong Kong and the fintech card issuer in the Greater China region of Discover® Global Network.

With a strong compliance culture and technological innovation capabilities, PhotonPay is building a digital payment network to take the friction out of global payments and enhance operational efficiency for businesses operating on a global scale.

Headquartered in Hong Kong and providing localized services through nine international offices, PhotonPay partners with a network of top-tier banks and global financial institutions and serves more than 200,000 customers globally.

https://www.photonpay.com/en/

TAHO Pharmaceuticals Reports Positive Results from Pivotal Study of TAH3311, the First Oral Dissolving Film Anticoagulant

TAIPEI, Feb. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — TAHO Pharmaceuticals announces positive preliminary results from the pivotal study of TAH3311, the world’s first Apixaban oral dissolving film (ODF). The study confirmed that TAH3311 is bioequivalent to U.S. and European reference Apixaban tablets (Eliquis®) under fasting conditions, with Cmax and AUC values falling within the regulatory acceptance range (80-125%). The study enrolled 60 healthy volunteers with 48 completing the trial. These results meet the criteria previously discussed with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) as a basis for filing a New Drug Application (NDA) and a Marketing Authorization Application (MAA), respectively, marking a significant milestone in the regulatory development.

Globally, 15 million people suffer from strokes each year. Nearly half of hospitalized stroke patients experience swallowing difficulties, and approximately 13% develop long-term dysphagia. Conventional anticoagulants often require crushing tablets and mixing with liquids for patients with swallowing difficulties, which can lead to dosing inaccuracies and significant patient inconvenience. TAH3311 dissolves rapidly in the mouth without water, providing a more convenient alternative to tablets. Dr. Howard Lee, Chairman and CEO of TAHO Pharmaceuticals, stated, “This pivotal study underscores our commitment to patient-centric innovation. TAH3311 is especially valuable for stroke patients, the elderly, children or others who have swallowing difficulties and require anticoagulant therapy twice daily. We believe this novel formulation can improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of aspiration pneumonia caused by choking when swallowing medication with water.”

U.S. Apixaban sales reached $26.1 billion in 2024*, and the global anticoagulant market continues to expand. Given these trends, TAH3311 is well positioned as a safer and more accessible treatment option. TAHO Pharmaceuticals plans to file regulatory submissions in both the United States and Europe in Q3 2025. At the same time, the company is actively pursuing strategic collaboration opportunities with international partners to accelerate TAH3311’s global launch.
*Source: IQVIA 2024

About Apixaban
Apixaban (co-developed by BMS and Pfizer under the brand name Eliquis®) is a direct factor Xa inhibitor and has been approved for clinical use in several thromboembolic disorders, including stroke prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation, thromboprophylaxis after hip/knee replacement, and the treatment and prevention of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. With notable safety advantages, it is the leading novel oral anticoagulant (NOAC).

About TAHO Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Founded in 2010, TAHO Pharmaceuticals Ltd. leverages its proprietary Transepithelial Delivery System (TDS) to overcome the limitations of existing drugs and develop innovative dosage forms for niche markets. The TDS platform combines advanced transdermal and transmucosal delivery technologies, enabling the development of unique dosage forms such as transdermal patches, ODF, and buccal films. TAHO’s diverse product portfolio spans a variety of therapeutic areas, including antithrombotic agents, opioid overdose antidotes, addiction treatments, pediatric ADHD, and chemotherapy-induced antiemetics. Among its notable achievements, TAH4411, an ODF for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, became the first product of its kind to receive regulatory approval and be commercialized in Japan.

Media Contact:
TAHO Pharmaceuticals
Website: https://www.tahopharma.com/en/
+886-2-2659-8515
ir@tahopharma.com

vivo V50: Pro-Level Portraits Preserve Every Touching Memory

SHENZHEN, China, Feb. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — vivo today launched its most advanced portrait flagship smartphone to date, vivo V50, redefining the user experience for creative expression. With state-of-the-art ZEISS Professional Portrait capabilities, V50 takes visual quality to new heights, enabling users to capture and share memories in unique style and exceptional clarity. Beyond its imaging prowess, V50 boasts a sleek, aesthetic design and a powerful, long-lasting 6000 mAh (TYP)[1] BlueVolt Battery with ultra-fast 90W FlashCharge[2]. Crafted for a seamless user experience across various scenarios, V50 stands out with its competitive performance and power enhancements.

vivo presents the new V50, featuring professional-level portrait to preserve every touching moment
vivo presents the new V50, featuring professional-level portrait to preserve every touching moment

“vivo V series has always been about empowering our users to capture life’s precious moments,” said Dejian Li, General Manager of Overseas Products. “With V50, we’re taking another leap forward in mobile imaging. Its advanced portrait capabilities, premium design and powerful performance redefine the expectations for a smartphone in this price range. We’re dedicated to delivering features that enhance every aspect of our customers’ digital lives.”

50 MP[3] on Every Lens: The Distinctive ZEISS Professional Portrait

Powered by the vivo ZEISS Co-engineered Imaging System, V50 establishes itself as the portrait flagship of the year. For V50, vivo and ZEISS jointly define and pursue all criteria that are required to achieve the ZEISS standard of optical quality and imaging performance. Its unique 50 MP ZEISS All Main Camera delivers professional grade performance across all rear camera lenses, making it the perfect tool for capturing and preserving touching memories with a touch of sophistication.

The 50 MP ZEISS OIS Main Camera boasts a 1/1.55″ super-sensitive large sensor for exceptional light capture even in challenging conditions. vivo’s innovative VCS Camera-Bionic Spectrum further enhances image quality by mimicking the human eye for purer, truer colors. An integrated mini gimbal and independent stabilization design achieve CIPA 4.0 DSLR-Level Stabilization[4], minimizing blur from handshake and enabling extended night exposures for crystal-clear night scenes.

V50 debuts vivo’s next-generation virtual lighting technology, AI Aura Light Portrait 2.0. Utilizing AI algorithms and a 143x ultra-soft fill light[5], it delivers studio-quality, multi-angle lighting that is both soft and atmospheric. Two new cinematic portrait lighting styles, Rembrandt Lighting and Butterfly Lighting, further enhance your portraits. Rembrandt Lighting creates a dramatic, three-dimensional effect with subtle side fill light, while Butterfly Lighting emphasizes facial contours for a glamorous look.

Portrait captured on V50 using ZEISS Multifocal Portrait with ZEISS Biotar Style Bokeh.
Portrait captured on V50 using ZEISS Multifocal Portrait with ZEISS Biotar Style Bokeh.

Featuring ZEISS Multifocal Portrait, V50 offers 23 mm, 35 mm, and 50 mm focal lengths. Each focal length is carefully paired with one of the seven iconic ZEISS Style Bokeh – ZEISS Biotar Style Bokeh, ZEISS B-Speed Style Bokeh and ZEISS Distagon Style Bokeh, ZEISS Sonnar Style Bokeh, ZEISS Planar Style Bokeh, ZEISS Cine-Flare Portrait and ZEISS Cinematic Style Bokeh. This comprehensive selection creates classic and distinctive bokeh and expertly tuned color grading for a signature look. 

For stunning group photos, V50 features a front 50 MP ZEISS Group Selfie Camera with a 92°[6] autofocus wide-angle lens. Supported by AI 3D Studio Lighting 2.0, it ensures exceptional clarity and minimal distortion, even in backlight. It is complemented by a 119°[7] ultra-wide rear camera that effortlessly captures large groups and expansive landscapes. Thanks to the 50 MP sensors, users can capture moments with exceptional detail and clarity, ensuring that every image has a sense of scale and depth.

Whether capturing portraits, sweeping vistas, or vibrant group shots with the front, rear, or ultra-wide cameras, every moment can be recorded in ultra-clear 4K video with vivid precision. V50 introduces a range of exciting features for enhanced creative expression. For example, AI Image Studio offers a group of advanced photography features, including AI Photo Enhance and AI Erase 2.0[8], one-tap AI-powered bystander removal. Film Camera Mode adds a touch of vintage flair by replicating the textures and aesthetics of classic film photography. And with Live Photo, users can capture life’s dynamic moments with stylish color-adaptive borders and exclusive ZEISS Border Watermark.

Aesthetic Meets Innovation: Where Seamless Design Enhances Function

vivo V50 elevates user experience with its sleek and ultra-lightweight design that feels comfortable and refined in the hand. The flagship Quad Curved Screen enhances everyday viewing with an immersive and edge-to-edge visual experience. Its nearly invisible bezels create a seamless display that’s perfect for streaming, gaming, or simply enjoying vibrant visuals.

Powered by vivo’s proprietary slim stacking technology and a robust 6000 mAh (TYP)[9] BlueVolt Battery, V50 balances cutting-edge performance with sleek aesthetics. A 41° Golden Curvature and a streamlined center frame provide a comfortable grip for both vertical and horizontal use – whether you’re enjoying a movie marathon, gaming, or catching up on your favorite social feeds. Its curved corners not only enhance usability, but also add a touch of elegance. vivo’s advanced anti-mistouch technology reduces accidental taps, making it ideal for intense gaming sessions where a firm grip is essential.

V50 is available in a stunning range of new color variants, each inspired by the beauty of nature. Starry Blue reflects the shimmering allure of the universe, with its captivating holographic effect. Ancora Red draws inspiration from the rich hues of sandstone valleys, blending passion with sophistication. Mist Purple evokes a serene, romantic atmosphere, while Satin Black offers timeless elegance with its sleek, metallic finish. V50 takes design a step further by pioneering Holographic Process[10], creating a mesmerizing 3D effect to the naked eye on the Starry Blue colorway. The Dual Ring Camera Module combines functionality with sophistication through luxury-grade engraving, matte precision Diamond Pattern, and high-gloss cut corners – showcasing vivo’s dedication to meticulous craftsmanship.

Enduring Power and Performance: Ultra-Slim Design, Exceptional Battery Life, and Seamless Efficiency

V50’s exceptional battery performance is made possible by the combination of powerful hardware and software. Packing a massive 6000 mAh (TYP)[11] BlueVolt Battery into an ultra-slim body is a ground-breaking design feat achieved through multiple innovative technologies. These include an industry-leading second-generation silicon-carbon anode and vivo’s proprietary battery encapsulation technology.

This powerhouse easily keeps up with everyday use, whether it’s extended gaming sessions, back-to-back work calls, or streaming entertainment. With 90W FlashCharge[12], V50 can deliver up to 6 hours of talk time after just 10 minutes of charging from 1%[13]. To further optimize performance, AI Sleep Mode minimizes overnight power consumption, while the Smart Charging Engine intelligently adapts to user habits and preserves long-term battery durability that remains reliable even after four years of use.

Powering V50 is the Qualcomm Snapdragon® 7 Gen 3 Mobile Platform, which delivers flagship-level performance offering a 15% boost in CPU performance and 50% improvement in GPU power[14]. Its AI Neural Network Unit and ISP ensure smooth app launches, enhanced gaming visuals, and optimized daily tasks, all while maintaining efficiency. Backed by software testing evaluations, the system is designed to provide a seamless performance experience for up to 60 months[15]. With 12 GB of RAM and up to 12 GB of extended RAM[16], V50 allows you to run over 40 apps simultaneously with ease. Smart management of idle ROM space ensures faster performance and smoother multitasking, offering a fluid user experience even during heavy use. In addition, V50 offers IP68 and IP69 Water and Dust Resistance[17], making it ideal for various environments.

Availability

Starting today, V50 is available in more than six markets, including India, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, and Taiwan region. The availability, pricing, and specifications of each model may vary according to local market conditions and consumer preferences. For more information about pricing and color availability, please visit vivo’s official website. 

About vivo

vivo is a technology company that creates great products based on a design-driven value, with smart devices and intelligent services as its core. The company aims to build a bridge between humans and the digital world. Through unique creativity, vivo provides users with an increasingly convenient mobile and digital life. Following the company’s core values, which include Benfen*, user-orientation, design-driven value, continuous learning, and team spirit, vivo has implemented a sustainable development strategy with the vision of developing into a healthier, more sustainable world-class corporation.

While bringing together and developing the best local talents to deliver excellence, vivo is supported by a network of R&D centers in Shenzhen, Dongguan, Nanjing, Beijing, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Xi’an and more cities, focusing on the development of state-of-the-art consumer technologies, including 5G, artificial intelligence, industrial design, imaging system and other up-and-coming technologies. vivo has also set up an intelligent manufacturing network (including those authorized by vivo), with an annual production capacity of nearly 200 million smartphones. As of now, vivo has branched out its sales network across more than 60 countries and regions and is loved by more than 500 million users worldwide.

*”Benfen” is a term describing the attitude on doing the right things and doing things right – which is the ideal description of vivo’s mission to create value for society.

Stay informed of latest vivo news at https://www.vivo.com/en/about-vivo/news

[1] The typical battery capacity is 6000 mAh, and the rated capacity is 5870 mAh.

[2] This product is equipped with a vivo standard charger which supports a charging power of up to 90W. The actual charging power is dynamically adjusted as the scene changes, and subject to actual use.

[3] Pixel value may vary under different camera modes and is subject to actual usage

[4] CIPA 4.0 DSLR-Level Stabilization is tested based on the CIPA 2014 test standard using the 23mm focal length of the main camera in the pitch and yaw.

[5] Compared to a regular flash, the softness of the Aura Light of V50 is increased by approximately 143 times. Data is obtained from vivo’s laboratory tests.

[6] 90° after accounting for distortion.

[7] 109.2° after accounting for distortion.

[8] AI Erase 2.0 requires a network connection.

[9] The typical battery capacity is 6000 mAh, and the rated capacity is 5870 mAh.

[10] Holographic Process applies to the Starry Blue edition only.

[11] The typical battery capacity is 6000 mAh, and the rated capacity is 5870 mAh.

[12] This product is equipped with a vivo standard charger which supports a charging power of up to 90W. The actual charging power is dynamically adjusted as the scene changes, and subject to actual use.

[13] Charging data comes from the vivo laboratory. The environment and phone temperature is 25°C±1°C. With 1% of battery level, all phone services and features turned off except for voice calls, screen off, and an official standard charger and data cable used. Actual data may vary depending on the test environment, charging situation, original phone temperature, long-term battery wear, and other factors.

[14] Performance improvement data is obtained from the official Qualcomm website, which is an improvement over the previous generation.

[15] “60-Month Smooth Experience” indicates that the product has passed the 60-month smoothness testing in vivo laboratory test environments through the optimization of software, hardware, and other comprehensive technologies. However, 60-month smooth experience does not guarantee absolute freedom from lag. Due to differences in network environments, individual usage habits, and other factors, the actual experience may vary.

[16] The 12 GB extended RAM is realized by software. Actual available ROM / RAM is less due to the storage of the operating system and pre-installed apps. Data is obtained from vivo laboratory tests. The memory version of the device may vary by region.

[17] This product has been tested under controlled laboratory conditions and is rated as IP68 and IP69 under IEC standard 60529-2013. IP68 water resistance test conditions: Submerged in static fresh water up to 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes, with a temperature difference between the water and the device of less than 5℃. IP69 water resistance test conditions: A rotation speed of (5±1) rpm, nozzle angles of 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90°, a flow rate of (15±1) L/min, a water temperature of (80±5) ℃, a test time of 30s/position, and the phone placed in a vertical position with the USB port facing down. This product is not a professional waterproof phone. The resistance to splashes, water, and dust is not permanent and may be reduced due to daily use. Do not immerse the phone in water, seawater or other liquids during daily use. Do not charge the phone when it is wet; instead, clean and dry it immediately. Damage caused by liquid ingress is not covered by the warranty.

 

DatoDurian Pioneers Malaysia’s Farms with First Tokenization of Durian Farm

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Feb. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — DatoDurian, Malaysia’s first live agriculture tokenization project, proudly announces the completion of its private sale, selling 100% of the initial round. This milestone, achieved ahead of schedule, solidifies DatoDurian’s position as the pioneer in blending agriculture and blockchain technology to revolutionize Malaysia’s premium durian industry.

Above is the DatoDurian private launch event held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Above is the DatoDurian private launch event held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

DatoDurian will mint their public round on Mantra Chain, a purpose-built RWA Layer 1 Blockchain, that’s capable of adherence to real world regulatory requirements in the coming weeks.

DatoDurian enables investors to own a share of Southeast Asia’s most profitable agricultural market by tokenizing durian farms as Real-World Assets (RWAs). The platform provides unprecedented access to a thriving industry, ensuring transparency and long-term stability for investors.

“We’re breaking barriers to offer fractional ownership, unparalleled returns, and long-term stability—all backed by lifetime freehold farmland,” said Bobby Sim, VP of DatoDurian. “This is more than just an investment; it’s the gateway to a booming industry powered by innovation and trust.”

John Patrick Mullin, CEO and Co-Founder of MANTRA said, “At MANTRA we’re focused on empowering those with high quality asset classes – just like DatoDurian’s farms – with the leading protocol and infrastructure they need to seamlessly participate and build solutions in the evolving RWA tokenization space. Just like real estate, agriculture makes a perfect use case for tokenization. It’s exciting to see how this project could lead to others and the opportunities it will yield.”

“One of the biggest benefits of RWA and tokenization is that we’re not subject to market crashes. We don’t pay attention to bull or bear markets because our profits are not tied to speculation. It’s the sale of durian fruit which is in extremely high demand” claims Warren Burke, VP of Ecosystem.

DatoDurian is also offering customers free cryptocurrency tokens, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. This choice from the company enforces their stance on trust and security for all users. “Most of our users come from traditional finance and don’t understand Web3 at all. We want to give them a safe and secure channel to learn about blockchain” states Bobby Sim.

Empowering Investors Through Innovation

DatoDurian offers fractional ownership of premium durian farms, historically reserved for large-scale investors. The durian industry has long been a cornerstone of wealth in Malaysia, with many farmers earning millionaire status. Now, through DatoDurian, retail investors can participate in this high-yield market.

DatoDurian’s blockchain-based security tokens ensure:

  • Transparency in transactions and operations.
  • Bi-annual harvest and dividend payouts for investors.
  • Automated profit distribution without intermediaries.
  • Access to global liquidity via regulated securities markets.

The company has partnered with local government agencies and obtained several licenses to guarantee compliance, solving common blockchain concerns such as speculative risks and scams.

The Durian Market: A Booming Opportunity

The global durian market, valued at USD 10.78 billion in 2025, is projected to grow to USD 16.89 billion by 2030, according to Mordor Intelligence. Durians are among the world’s most expensive and profitable fruits, making them a prime investment.

DatoDurian’s farms, which are managed by agriculture experts with over 30 years of experience, are harvest-ready, ensuring immediate returns from the first year. DatoDurian also integrates their own unique management technology, offering full transparency of farm maintenance and updates to users. Speaking about the durian industry, when asked why durian fruits, Bobby Sim stated:

“Premium durian farms can yield up to 50% ROI annually, with potential for 30x returns over 25 years. With more than a 100 year lifespan, durian trees can be replanted meaning they are ideal for building generational wealth. Restarting the perpetual cycle of durian harvest again.”

Global Accessibility and Ethical Investments

DatoDurian’s tokens are designed to be traded 24-7-365 on several security exchanges globally like NexStox, offering seamless global liquidity. The company also adheres to Shariah principles, unlocking access to the $445 trillion USD global market that is inaccessible to Islamic Finance.

“RWA offerings have hitherto lacked global liquidity and real yield from real business. This announcement from DatoDurian highlights the immense potential of the market moving forward alongside its commitment to becoming a global pioneer in the RWA space. We’re excited about making this available for 24/7 trading on the NexStox group of exchanges and the immense potential it brings.” says NexStox CEO, Cathal Donnellan.

About DatoDurian

DatoDurian is revolutionizing Malaysia’s durian farming industry by leveraging blockchain technology. Launched in 2024, DatoDurian makes premium durian farmland accessible to global investors through fractionalisation and tokenization, enabling access to shared ownership, stable yield and a global capital pool.

Combining tradition with innovation, DatoDurian offers ethical, Shariah-compliant investment opportunities that promote transparency, long-term stability, and generational wealth. DatoDurian were also crowned champions of the Thailand Blockchain Week (WOW! Summit) Startup Competition in 2024.

About MANTRA

MANTRA chain is a purpose-built Layer 1 blockchain for real-world assets, capable of adherence to real-world regulatory requirements. As a permissionless chain, MANTRA Chain empowers developers and institutions to seamlessly participate in the evolving RWA tokenization space by offering advanced technology modules, compliance mechanisms, and cross-chain interoperability.

About NexStox

NexStox is a global licensed and regulated digital Securities exchange.

Find more information visit:

Website: www.DatoDurian.com

Twitter: https://x.com/DatoDurian

Telegram: https://t.me/datodurian

Mantra Chain: https://www.mantrachain.io/

Contact: CS@DatoDurian.com for any enquiries.

3Z Pharmaceuticals Unveils Landmark Study Supporting Calcium Channel Blocker as a Groundbreaking ADHD Therapy

REYKJAVIK, Iceland, Feb. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — 3Z Pharmaceuticals today announced the publication of a transformative study in Neuropsychopharmacology, highlighting compelling scientific evidence that positions the mechanisms engaged by amlodipine, an L-type calcium channel  blocker (LTCC), as a foundation for a novel therapy for ADHD. The findings provide robust validation of 3Z’s cutting-edge high-throughput drug discovery platform and introduce new avenues for non-stimulant-based ADHD treatment.

ADHD is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder with limited treatment options. Current stimulant medications, such as methylphenidate, offer benefits to some but are often associated with side effects, abuse potential, and a high non-response rate. 3Z Pharmaceuticals is committed to addressing these gaps by pioneering alternative, non-stimulant therapeutics.

In this newly published study, researchers at 3Z, integrated cross-species behavioral assays, Mendelian Randomization analysis, and human genetic data to demonstrate amlodipine’s therapeutic potential. Key findings include:

  • Behavioral Rescue in ADHD Models: Amlodipine significantly reduced hyperactivity in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats and improved impulsivity in the adgrl3.1-/- zebrafish model of ADHD, providing cross-species validation of its efficacy.
  • Blood-Brain Barrier Penetration & Neural Impact: Surprisingly traditional penetration studies confirmed that amlodipine crosses the blood-brain barrier, where it modulates neuronal activation, countering the assumption of poor brain penetration.
  • Genetic Evidence via Mendelian Randomization: Human genetic analysis linked ADHD risk to variations in LTCC genes (CACNA1C, CACNB1, CACNA2D3), which are direct targets of amlodipine, reinforcing its mechanistic potential in ADHD therapy.
  • Clinical Relevance in Human Populations: Polygenic risk score analysis using the UK Biobank demonstrated that individuals with a high ADHD genetic burden who were prescribed amlodipine exhibited reduced ADHD-related symptoms, independent of its antihypertensive effects.

Dr. Karl Karlsson a neuroscientist, CEO of 3Z Pharmaceuticals and Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Reykjavik University, commented on the study’s impact:

“This research represents a paradigm shift in ADHD therapeutics. Our findings not only validate the mechanism impacted by amlodipine as a promising candidate for non-stimulant ADHD treatment but also underscore the power of our high-throughput screening and genetic modeling approaches, performed in close alliance with biotx.ai. This is an exciting step forward in our mission to deliver more effective and well-tolerated treatments for ADHD.”

Building on these findings, 3Z Pharmaceuticals is advancing a variant of the therapeutic towards clinical development, leveraging its established safety profile and precise mechanism of action to introduce transformative ADHD therapy.

Media Contact:
Name: Karl Ægir Karlson
Title: CEO
3Z Pharmaceuticals
Email: Karlsson@3z.is
Phone: +354-8256467

Link to paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41386-025-02062-x

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

https://news.cision.com/3z-ehf/r/3z-pharmaceuticals-unveils-landmark-study-supporting-calcium-channel-blocker-as-a-groundbreaking-adh,c4106638

SOUEAST “Lights Up” the Middle East Iconic Landmarks

DOHA, Qatar, Feb. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Following a series of successful brand launch events across the Middle East, SOUEAST is set to introduce a large-scale light show event under the theme “EASE YOUR LIFE“. This initiative moves to reinforce the brand´s presence and ambition, further paying tribute to EASE lifestyle.

SOUEAST "Lights Up" the Middle East Iconic Landmarks
SOUEAST “Lights Up” the Middle East Iconic Landmarks

A Multi-Country Light Show Across Key Landmarks

“EASE YOUR LIFE”  light show event will take place across five countries, and what these landmarks are remains a secret for now. It will last over a month, and the company will continue to “light up” the iconic landmarks of various countries in the Middle East, and all these cities will turn to EASE color at night. SOUEAST hopes to bring such an EASE lifestyle with these visual delight, in order to achieve the vision of enabling more youth around the world to have an EASE urban mobility experience.

SOUEAST´s Growing Footprint in the Middle East

Since late 2024, SOUEAST has steadily expanded across the region, hosting brand launch events in Iraq, Kuwait, UAE, and Qatar. These events introduced SOUEAST´s latest SUV lineup and were attended by industry representatives, partners, and customers.

To accommodate the launch, SOUEAST has a diverse range of models entering the market, designed to meet the needs of Middle East customers:

S09 Smart Premium SUV – A D-class flagship model offering premium features and technology.

S07 Urban Intelligent SUV – A C-class SUV emphasizing smart mobility and modern design.

S06 Urban Stylish SUV & S06 DM Hybrid Version – Versatile and fuel-efficient C-class SUVs tailored for urban lifestyles.

A Strategic Roadmap for the Future

SOUEAST has secured key dealership partnerships with Harlem Group, AI Mulla, Elite Group and West Lake Motors to ensure strong sales and service networks. By the end of 2025, the company plans to enter Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, and Lebanon, further extending its reach in the Middle East.

To support long-term growth, SOUEAST will establish a 12,000-square-meter regional spare parts warehouse to improve aftersales service efficiency. Additionally, SOUEAST has confirmed plans to introduce more new models, expanding its portfolio further.

Lao Cyclist Returns from Thailand with Strong Performance, Eyes 2028 Olympics

Lao cyclist Phoutthasone Inthamith who wins the 4th runner up at the Asian Road Cycling Championships (Thailand Cycling Association)

Lao cyclist Phoutthasone Inthamith has just returned from Thailand, where he earned a fourth-place finish in his latest competition. The 45-year-old athlete competed against over 800 participants and now hopes to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, the United States.

POLY MGM MUSEUM Reaches Milestone of Welcoming 500,000 Visitors

MACAU, Feb. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The POLY MGM MUSEUM (“Museum”) opened its door in November 2024 and has garnered widespread acclaim for its exceptional cultural heritage allure, reaching the milestone of 500,000 visitors in just three months’ time. To celebrate this occasion, Ms. Pansy Ho, Chairperson & Executive Director of MGM China Holdings Limited, honored its 500,000th visitor with a curated gift package today.

Since its opening, the Museum has enjoyed widespread popularity, recording a daily average that exceeded 10,000 visitors during the Chinese New Year period, and has welcomed its 500,000th visitor today. The lucky visitor, Mr. Chen from Foshan, Guangdong, traveling to Macau with his wife and children, received precious commemorative gifts presented by Ms. Ho. The gift set includes an exquisite bowl set inspired by the Museum’s ornate dougong column decorations, made with cloisonné enamel by a master of intangible cultural craftmanship; a Museum catalog autographed by Ms. Ho; and a series of exclusive experiences from MGM.

Ms. Pansy Ho, Chairperson & Executive Director of MGM China Holdings Limited said, “the POLY MGM MUSEUM has attracted visitors from all around the world with great enthusiasm for the top-grade cultural treasures and contemporary artworks we have on display. This has been very encouraging to us in our work towards fortifying Macau as a window for cultural exchange between East and West, its status as a crucial node on the Maritime Silk Road, and for the promotion and preservation of Chinese culture. Looking towards the future, we are currently preparing the second exhibition for the museum set to debut before the end of the year. We will continue to evolve the Museum with innovation and creativity, bringing even more diverse experiences to our visitors and polishing Macau’s ‘golden business card’ as a cultural tourism metropolis.”

The Museum, dedicated to cultural inheritance, is deeply rooted in Macau while connected with the world. It showcases the brilliance of Chinese civilization to the global community with top-notch international exhibition standards, highlighting Macau’s cultural essence as a “World Centre of Tourism and Leisure”. The Museum spearheads an innovative approach, blending “East meets West”, “Antiquity and Modernity”, “Virtuality and Reality”, and “Culture and Technology” to bridge art and culture with audiences, paving new pathways for both the high-quality development of cultural heritage and the transmission of Chinese culture.

Poly Culture Group Corporation Limited (Poly Culture) and MGM are dedicated to drive the innovative advancement of Macau’s cultural and tourism industries by introducing a series of outreach activities, including symposiums, museum exchange programs, and workshops, to deepen cultural exchange and inheritance. The Museum offers professional guided tours in Cantonese and Mandarin daily at 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm respectively, and provides a convenient digital guided tour system for self-service. The Museum also features an M-BOX creative cultural product vending machine, offering premium exhibition-themed souvenirs and gifts to visitors.

Ms. Pansy Ho, Chairperson & Executive Director of MGM China Holdings Limited, honored its 500,000th visitor with a curated gift package.
Ms. Pansy Ho, Chairperson & Executive Director of MGM China Holdings Limited, honored its 500,000th visitor with a curated gift package.

About POLY MGM MUSEUM

POLY MGM MUSEUM is a cultural landmark dedicated to preserving China’s invaluable intangible heritage and promoting global cultural dialogue. Located at MGM in Macau — a city at a historic crossroads on the Maritime Silk Road — the museum adheres to Chinese national standards for the exhibition of grade-one cultural relics, positioning it at the forefront of China’s connection to the world. The museum embodies the harmonious blend of “East meets West,” “Antiquity and Modernity,” “Virtuality and Reality,” and “Culture and Technology.” It offers visitors an immersive experience by combining traditional Chinese craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. The exhibitions feature traditional Chinese intangible heritage crafts from key countries along the “Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road,” all expressed through the lens of modern architecture. The POLY MGM MUSEUM stands as a testament to the 5,000-year-old Chinese civilization and reflects Poly Culture and MGM’s commitment to preserving the cultural treasures of the Chinese nation for generations to come.

About Poly Culture

Poly Culture is a leading enterprise group primarily focused on cultural and artistic operations, supervised by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC). Established in 2000, it was honored by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China as a “National-level Cultural Industry Demonstration Base” and has amassed more than 10 wins of “China’s Top 30 Culture Enterprises”.

Poly Culture Group owns and controls over 150 subsidiaries, including well-known brands like Poly Theater, Poly Auction, Poly Film, Poly Art Education, Poly WeDo, and Poly Art Museum. In recent years, Poly Culture has actively expanded its presence in cultural communication, tourism, asset management, digitalization, and other sectors, achieving notable growth.

Poly Culture, guided by the principles outlined by President Xi Jinping and anchored in his thoughts on culture, is committed to delivering top-notch cultural products and services to the public. The group aims to present China’s stories and amplify its voice through refined cultural and artistic endeavors. It strives to be a “leading creator of a brighter future”, focusing on key missions such as upholding socialism, rallying public support, fostering a new generation with sound values and ethics, developing Chinese culture, and building a positive image of China. Poly Culture is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of China’s rich traditional heritage, fostering the growth and prosperity of cultural endeavors and industries, and contributing to the advancement of cultural confidence and the construction of mode.

About MGM

MGM is an abbreviation for MGM China Holdings Limited (HKEx: 2282) and is a leading developer, owner and operator of gaming and lodging resorts in Greater China. We are the holding company of MGM Grand Paradise, SA which holds one of the six gaming concessions to run casino games in Macau. MGM Grand Paradise, SA owns and operates MGM MACAU, the award-winning premium integrated resort located on the Macau Peninsula and MGM COTAI, a contemporary luxury integrated resort in Cotai. 

MGM MACAU is a Forbes Five-Star luxury integrated resort inspired by the arts with every element of the resort infused with creativity and style. MGM MACAU has approximately 600 guest rooms and suites and boasts a number of distinguishing features, including the architecturally stunning European-inspired Grande Praça, housed under a soaring glass ceiling. The POLY MGM MUSEUM spanning almost 2,000 square meters, is constructed in accordance with Chinese national standards for the exhibition of Grade-One cultural relics. MGM MACAU’s world class facilities also include conference and event facilities, spa, and seven signature restaurants and bars to fulfill any gastronomic craving. Our property is conveniently located on the Macau Peninsula and is directly connected to the luxury retail shopping complex, One Central.

Designed as the “jewelry box” of Cotai, MGM COTAI offers approximately 1,400 hotel rooms and suites, meeting space, high end spa, retail offerings, food and beverage outlets as well as the first international Mansion at MGM for the ultimate luxury experience.  MGM has joined hands with renowned Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou to set up the “Macau 2049″ residency in MGM Theater. The Spectacle at MGM COTAI becomes the record holder of the largest free-span gridshell glazed roof (self-supporting) on January 19, 2019, making it the first architectural and structural GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for Macau, China. MGM COTAI is being developed to drive greater product diversification and bring more advanced and innovative forms of entertainment to Macau as it grows as a global tourist destination. MGM COTAI is the only mega complex and hotel in Macau to gain three-star certification in both Green Building Design and Operation Label, as well as the first hotel in the Greater Bay Area and second in Greater China to receive the certifications.

MGM China is majority owned by MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) one of the world’s leading global hospitality companies, operating a portfolio of destination resort brands including Bellagio, ARIA, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and Park MGM. For more information about MGM Resorts International, visit the Company’s website at www.mgmresorts.com.

For media enquiries, please contact:    

Jessie Kuan
Executive Director of Public Relations
MGM
Email: jessiekuan@mgm.mo 

Karen Lam
Senior Corporate Relations Manager
MGM
Email: karenlam@mgm.mo