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AI & Genomics Advances Bring New Hope to Lung Cancer Burden in Asia

SINGAPORE, Feb. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Asia is the region most impacted by lung cancer, accounting for 63.1% of newly diagnosed lung cancers and 62.9% of lung cancer deaths worldwide(1).

Many countries have applied low-dose CT scans to screen for this deadly cancer to improve early detection and treatment outcomes. However, only the highest-risk population (heavy smokers) is advised to undergo low-dose CT scans routinely to minimize the risk of radiation-induced cancer during scanning rounds(2). Moreover, CT devices are not easily accessible for many people due to geographical and economic barriers.

Due to these limitations, multiple studies have pointed out surprising data: the current screening guidelines and eligibility criteria may miss over 50% of lung cancer cases in never-smokers(3); women are particularly vulnerable, with 83% of women in South-East Asia with lung cancer being never-smokers(4); non-smokers are diagnosed at a later stage than smokers (5); and about a third of lung cancer deaths occur in non-smokers(6).

New screening method leveraging AI and genomics technology advantages 

SPOT-MAS is a blood test developed by Gene Solutions to detect multiple features of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) released from cancer cells, indicating if someone may have cancer. Previously, SPOT-MAS was validated as a multi-cancer early detection test in a longitudinal study involving 9,024 healthy people. While detecting multiple cancers, including lung cancer, in a single blood test is an aspirational goal, the key challenge lies in making it affordable for a large population.

To address this challenge, Gene Solutions integrates a multiomics tumor ATLAS with AI-driven feature engineering and deep learning models to analyze genetic, epigenetic, and fragmentomic data. This methodology offers a precise, non-invasive, and affordable test specifically designed for lung cancer screening. Through enhanced AI analysis and the incorporation of lung-specific features, the SPOT-MAS Lung test has demonstrated remarkable effectiveness, achieving 90% sensitivity and 92% specificity(7).

A new hope for lung cancer burden in Asia

With extensive connections to healthcare providers across Asia, Gene Solutions aims to introduce this smart blood test to clinical practice in early 2025 to support the urgent need for accessible lung screening. In the long run, a convenient and precise test like SPOT-MAS can increase the chances of early detection for at-risk populations and potentially reduce the mortality rate associated with late diagnoses.

Furthermore, ctDNA screening tests can serve as a companion tool to low-dose CT scansIn real-life practice, many CT scans yield ambiguous results, such as small lung nodules classified under LUNG-RADS (8), which might leave clinicians and patients uncertain about the malignancy status and the appropriate follow-up surveillance path. ctDNA screening results can thus support and guide diagnosis and surveillance strategies.

At the January event Personalized cancer care in Asia: Advancing Genomics & AI in Singapore, Dr. Nguyen Hoai Nghia, Founder of Gene Solutions, highlighted: “This technology represents a paradigm shift in lung cancer screening, particularly for underserved populations. By harnessing the power of ctDNA and AI, we aim to make blood-based cancer screening tests more accurate and more affordable, hence support more early detection and effective treatment outcomes.” 

Dr. Nguyen Hoai Nghia announced the performance of the SPOT-MAS Lung test at the event "Personalized Cancer Care in Asia: Advancing Genomics & AI" at SGX Auditorium, Singapore, January 2025.
Dr. Nguyen Hoai Nghia announced the performance of the SPOT-MAS Lung test at the event “Personalized Cancer Care in Asia: Advancing Genomics & AI” at SGX Auditorium, Singapore, January 2025.

About Gene Solutions
Gene Solutions, a pioneering biotech company in Asia, is leading the way in leveraging advanced AI and ctDNA technologies for innovative cancer detection solutions. The company partners with over 4,500 hospitals and clinics across Southeast Asia and boasts a team of approximately 250 biology experts and technicians out of a total of 700 employees. Gene Solutions has published more than 50 peer-reviewed publications and conducted over 50 multi-center studies across the region. The company, recognized for its proprietary research and CAP-accredited laboratories in Singapore and Vietnam, combines multi-dimensional genomics with AI-driven approaches to transform cancer care. 

For media inquiries, please contact: Gene Solutions Media Contact 
Ms. Emma Ngo 
www.genesolutions.com 
Email: pr@genesolutions.com 

References: 

(1) Chiu, C., & Yang, P. (2024). Challenges of lung cancer control in Asia. EClinicalMedicine, 74, 102706. doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102706 

(2) Pozzessere, C.; von Garnier, C.; Beigelman-Aubry, C. Radiation Exposure to Low-Dose Computed Tomography for Lung Cancer Screening: Should We Be Concerned? Tomography 2023, 9, 166-177. doi.org/10.3390/tomography9010015

(3) Kerpel-Fronius, A., Tammemägi, M., Cavic, M., Henschke, C., Jiang, L., Kazerooni, E., Lee, C., Ventura, L., Yang, D., Lam, S., Huber, R. M., Yang, D., Zulueta, J., Viola, L., Mohan, A., Lee, C., Cavic, M., Schmidt, H., Kazerooni, E., . . . Huber, R. (2021). Screening for lung cancer in Individuals who Never smoked: An International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer Early Detection and Screening Committee report. Journal of Thoracic Oncology, 17(1), 56–66. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtho.2021.07.031 

(4) Barta, J. A., Powell, C. A., & Wisnivesky, J. P. (2019). Global Epidemiology of Lung Cancer. Annals of Global Health, 85(1). https://doi.org/10.5334/aogh.2419 

(5) Barta JA, et al. Global Epidemiology of Lung Cancer. Annals of Global Health. (2019). 85(1): 8, 1–16. DOI: https://doi. org/10.5334/aogh.2419 

(6) GLOBOCAN (2020).  

(7) Nguyen, Van Thien Chi et al. Cost-Effective Shallow Genome-Wide Sequencing for Profiling Plasma cfDNA Signatures to Enhance Lung Cancer Detection (January 11, 2025). dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5094108

(8) American College of Radiology (2022).

 

Aussie sleeptech firm unveils breakthrough test

MELBOURNE, Australia, Feb. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Australian medical technology company Optalert has revealed a breakthrough test for sleep issues, expanding access to sleep health technologies for millions of Australians.

The simple test is conducted within 10 minutes on a smartphone, making it exceptionally accessible.

It relies on a unique biomarker discovered by Optalert – as people with sleep issues often receive less oxygen as they sleep, their eyelid coordination during waking hours is impaired.

Optalert’s test uses the Apple iPhone’s forward-facing camera to capture the subtle eyelid movements that result from this lack of coordination, using a proprietary algorithm to identify signs of sleep issues.

“Optalert’s new test represents a step change in expanding access to sleep health technologies,” said Optalert Chief Marketing Officer Paul Zubrinich.

“Our hope is that by putting accurate, accessible tools in the hands of Australians, we can make people far more aware of their sleep health, so they can enjoy a better night’s rest and, in turn, a better quality of life.”

Optalert’s algorithm was developed with data from three leading sleep laboratories: Monash Medical Centre, the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, and the Institute for Breathing and Sleep (IBAS).

Development involved using the algorithm to test a group of people with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) confirmed by polysomnography (the gold standard in OSA diagnosis) and also test a control group with no identified sleep conditions.

Despite its speed and ease of use, Optalert’s test achieved astonishing accuracy, with the underlying algorithm separating the groups with an accuracy of 96.6% (with a sensitivity of 84.0% and a specificity of 98.5%).

Current consumer-facing tests in smartwatches rely on interpreting a user’s breathing across many nights, but with only 17.3% of Australians owning a compatible device and many of those being placed on a charger overnight, these tests remain inaccessible for most.

By building the test for the iPhone – a device owned by more than 50% of Australians – Optalert is making sleep health testing more accessible, while delivering greater accuracy in a shorter amount of time for the user.

Approximately one in five Australians are estimated to be affected by a major sleep disorder, with conditions estimated to cost $56.5 billion each year[1] – making increased awareness of sleep health vital to the health of Australians and our economy.

Quote

“Wearable and app-based technologies are transforming how we approach sleep, and brain health more generally. These technologies provide continuous, personalised data that helps in identifying sleep issues, and thereby promote treatments of underlying conditions that affect the brain.”

– Prof. Matthew Kiernan AM,
CEO Neuroscience Research Australia

Enquiries

For enquiries, please contact Optalert CMO Paul Zubrinich:

Owl Eye can be downloaded for Apple iPhone from the App Store at the following link:
https://apps.apple.com/au/app/owl-eye-sleep-test/id6569247951?pt=118003230&ct=press-releases&mt=8

About Optalert

Optalert was founded by renowned sleep researcher Dr. Murray Johns. It is the world’s leading research team in the field of blepharometry, the study of eyelid movements. The firm holds multiple patents on the Johns Drowsiness Scale (JDS™), a proprietary biomarker that Harvard Medical School has deemed “commensurate with gold standard laboratory measures”. It has also developed an algorithm that detects driver impairment due to intoxication. Optalert operates globally and has been commercially active in the fleet industry for over 16 years.

https://www.optalert.com/

[1] Streatfeild J, Smith J, Mansfield D, Pezzullo L, Hillman D. The social and economic cost of sleep disorders. Sleep. 2021 Nov 12;44(11):zsab132. doi: 10.1093/sleep/zsab132. PMID: 34015136.

Polyplastics to Launch 40% Glass-filled Recycled DURAFIDE (R) PPS Based on New Post-industrial Recycling System

TOKYO, Feb. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Polyplastics Co., Ltd., a global leader in engineering plastics, has announced plans to launch a 40% glass-reinforced grade of DURAFIDE (R) rG-PPS by December 2025 as part of its mechanical recycling business. The company will develop high-quality optimum formulations which will play a role in helping achieve 100% circularity of engineering plastics by expanding the applications of mechanically recycled materials.

Image 1:
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M100475/202501273390/_prw_PI1fl_7aNCSs3M.png

Image 2:
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M100475/202501273390/_prw_PI2fl_WiyBt3F5.jpg

The first iteration of Polyplastics’ mechanical recycling business calls for collection of glass-reinforced PPS scrap from customers through an open mechanical recycling scheme known as post-industrial recycling (PIR). The PPS scrap will be used as a raw material to make DURAFIDE (R) rG-PPS, which will be launched this year. In initial processes, strict acceptance inspections will be conducted and metal will be removed. In later processes, recycled materials and some virgin materials will be reformulated to meet target specifications. The materials will undergo the same quality standards as those of virgin materials.

The open PIR scheme will help customers reduce and effectively use waste and also significantly reduce carbon emissions for their products. For now, the raw material from customers will be specific grades of DURAFIDE (R) glass-reinforced PPS.

Image 3:
https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M100475/202501273390/_prw_PI3fl_wX0N0neQ.png

Polyplastics will develop a higher glass-filled grade as the second iteration of DURAFIDE (R) rG-PPS. The company will establish a system to supply that grade and the 40% glass-reinforced grade to customers in Japan. The re-compounding business and institution of the open PIR system require applications as well as establishment of collection routes. The company seeks to collaborate with its customers as well as companies in the recycling and industrial waste treatment industry.

In the future, Polyplastics will build a “local production for local consumption” recycling chain within each geographic region.

Please also visit: https://www.polyplastics-global.com/en/approach/34.html

About Polyplastics: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202501273390-O1-iofr817N.pdf

DURAFIDE (R) is a registered trademark of Polyplastics Co., Ltd. in Japan and other countries.

China Medical University and Healthcare System Pioneers AI-Driven Drug Discovery and Allogeneic CAR-T Therapy: A Groundbreaking Leap in Cancer Treatment

TAICHUNG, Feb. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Healthcare Expo Taiwan is a professional-oriented exposition involving healthcare, information/communication, technology, biopharmaceutical and medical device industries. Attended by healthcare professionals from all over the world, the Expo showcases the latest developments and trends in healthcare technology in Taiwan. China Medical University (CMU) and Healthcare System unveiled groundbreaking advancements in AI-driven drug discovery and cancer therapy at the latest 8th Healthcare Expo. These achievements cement CMU and Healthcare System’s position as a global leader in healthcare innovation, setting new benchmarks for the biomedical industry.

CMU and Healthcare System (Taiwan) highlights groundbreaking AI-driven drug discovery and unveils the latest advancements in healthcare innovations and their clinical applications.
CMU and Healthcare System (Taiwan) highlights groundbreaking AI-driven drug discovery and unveils the latest advancements in healthcare innovations and their clinical applications.

Dr. Chang-Hai Tsai, Chairman of CMU and Healthcare System, emphasized the institution’s commitment to cutting-edge research and international collaboration. By partnering with Kyoto University, CMU and Healthcare System has established a global research center to spearhead advancements in cancer research, regenerative medicine, and AI-powered drug discovery.

A Milestone in Cancer Therapy: Allogeneic CAR-T Achieves 90% Tumor Reduction

CMU and Healthcare System revealed the world’s first allogeneic CAR-T therapy for solid cancers, developed by Ever Supreme Bio Technology. This therapy has demonstrated an unprecedented tumor reduction rate of over 90% in pre-clinical studies. Human clinical trials are underway, with FDA approval marking a pivotal moment in solid tumor treatment.

Precision Medicine Breakthroughs: Exosome Technology and AI Integration

Shine-On Biomedical and Shine Out Bio Technology are revolutionizing precision medicine through exosome technology. Their innovations include:

  • SOA101 Trispecific Antibody: A nanobody-based platform combining two immune checkpoint inhibitors, now in FDA-reviewed Phase I/IIa trials for cancer therapy.
  • SOB100 HLA-G Targeted Exosome: Delivering drugs with pinpoint precision to tumors, this platform enhances efficacy while minimizing side effects.

Human clinical trials for these technologies are set to begin in 2025, promising to transform cancer and neurodegenerative disease treatments.

AI-Powered Healthcare Solutions

CMU and Healthcare System’s AI-driven initiatives include:

  • Child Growth Assessment System: AI generates detailed diagnostic reports for personalized treatment planning.
  • HiThings Tele-ICU: This state-of-the-art system integrates real-time patient data with 3D modeling for enhanced critical care management.
  • Smart Health Scheduling: AI optimizes health examination processes to streamline care delivery.
  • Computer-assisted detection platform for Tc-99mTRODAT-1: AI analyzes brain images and visual scales to assist in diagnosing central nervous system motor disorders.
  • Long Term Care Record System and Medical Information Revise Assistant (MIRA): Enhances medical record accuracy and efficiency, allowing healthcare professionals to focus on patient care.

Specialized Healthcare Innovations

CMUH continues to lead in cutting-edge treatments:

  • MRgFUS for Parkinson’s Disease: A non-invasive, MRI-guided therapy offering new hope for patients.
  • Proton Therapy Center: Delivering precision cancer treatments with reduced side effects.
  • Gout Risk Prediction: Genetic testing for tailored patient management.

Global Collaboration with Kyoto University

The newly established CMU-Kyoto University Global Research Center strengthens ties in cancer research, translational medicine, and regenerative therapies. As part of this initiative, CMU Research Park integrates academic and industrial expertise to drive groundbreaking developments from laboratory research to clinical applications.

Advancing Healthcare Through Innovation

Dr. Der-Yang Cho, Superintendent of CMUH, highlighted AI’s transformative role in drug discovery and clinical applications. CMU and Healthcare System remains at the forefront of healthcare innovation, bridging AI, biotechnology, and clinical practice to redefine the future of medicine.

CMU and Healthcare System’s pioneering work at the Healthcare Expo Taiwan underscores Taiwan’s growing influence in global healthcare. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, CMU and Healthcare System is not just shaping the future of medicine—it’s leading it.

Contact
Carolyn Chen
100709@tool.caaumed.org.tw

No Answers: Families of Vang Vieng Methanol Poisoning Victims Demand Transparency from Lao Government

Family in Disbelief as 19 Years Old Holly Bowles Remains on Life Support in Thailand After Apparent Laos Methanol Poisoning
Holly Bowell (left) and Bianca Jones (right) who reportedly fell victim to tainted cocktails (photo credit: Facebook)

Families of victims who died from methanol poisoning in Vang Vieng, Laos, in November 2024 have voiced frustration over what they describe as a lack of communication and action from the Lao government, foreign media reported on 2 February.

MOGUL.sg launches MAIA – Singapore’s first virtual property agent, built using Google Cloud AI, that puts the power of AI into the homebuyer’s hands for free

  • The web app lets homebuyers save on buyer agent commissions while MAIA’s automated features help find ideal homes faster and easier. The service is free for homebuyers.
  • MAIA searches over 100,000 concurrent property listings across Singapore’s major property portals, including PropertyGuru.com.sg, 99.co and MOGUL.sg
  • After users choose their favourite listings, MAIA then autonomously creates individual WhatsApp chats with each listed contact.
  • Built using Google’s Vertex AI platform and Gemini models, MAIA uses cutting-edge natural language processing to converse with sellers or their agents to schedule viewing appointments on behalf of the buyer. MAIA even understands Singlish and common emojis.
  • Sellers or their agents pay MOGUL.sg a 0.2% referral fee only upon a successful sale, significantly lower than the typical 1% co-broking fees charged by buyer’s agents.

SINGAPORE, Feb. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Homebuyers in Singapore face a tedious and time-consuming process when searching for a new home. They need to visit multiple property portals, manually track their favourite listings, make tons of calls to sellers’ agents to fix viewing appointments and struggle with unresponsive listing agents.

MAIA: MOGUL.sg's AI Agent
MAIA: MOGUL.sg’s AI Agent

This inefficient system frustrates buyers, who end up employing their own agents, often adding to their costs through agent commissions. Traditionally, buyers pay around 1% commission to their agents for HDBs, who are now urging buyers to also pay the same 1% commission[1] for private property sales, when it was previously free for buyers.

Currently, for private property sale transactions, buyer agents have to negotiate with seller agents for their share of the commission through co-broking since buyers do not pay commission to the agents representing them.

Having an agent doesn’t guarantee a smooth experience as they can run into unfriendly seller agents[2] who stonewall to avoid splitting their commission with the buyer’s agent.

MAIA revolutionises homebuying – from messy to easy

Homegrown property search portal MOGUL.sg now has a game-changing solution for homebuyers. MAIA (MOGUL.sg Artificial Intelligence Agent) is Singapore’s first AI property agent, a web app designed to streamline the search for the perfect home and simplify appointment scheduling with seller agents.

The web-based platform aggregates over 100,000 property listings from major Singaporean real estate portals, including PropertyGuru.com.sg, 99.co, and MOGUL.sg, and lets users easily keep track of their favourites, saving hours from navigating multiple websites.

MAIA: Search Filters
MAIA: Search Filters

 

MAIA: Home Listings
MAIA: Home Listings

 

MAIA: Shortlisted Homes, Autonomous AI Scheduling
MAIA: Shortlisted Homes, Autonomous AI Scheduling

Gerald Sim, CEO and Co-Founder of MOGUL.sg, said, “MAIA is the homebuyer’s best friend — a smarter way to search, schedule and secure your next home.”

“By combining Google’s cutting-edge Gemini models with our deep knowledge of the property buying process, we aim to transform homebuying from messy to easy,” he added.

Serene Sia, Country Director, Malaysia and Singapore, Google Cloud, said, “Google Cloud is committed to providing the industry’s most enterprise-ready AI platform to help organisations embrace the full potential of generative AI. By utilising Google Cloud’s Vertex AI platform and the agentic capabilities of Google’s Gemini models to build and launch MAIA, MOGUL.sg is re-imagining home buyers’ property search experience across touchpoints. We are proud to collaborate with them on their innovation journey.”

MAIA also eliminates the hassle of manually coordinating viewings with multiple sellers or selling agents. Built using Google’s Vertex AI platform and Gemini models, MAIA converses naturally with sellers or their agents via individual WhatsApp chats to propose and confirm viewing appointments on behalf of buyers.

Once a viewing is confirmed, MAIA sends a calendar invite and connects buyers directly to the seller or their agents, transforming a traditionally tedious property search into a hassle-free experience.

A win-win situation for buyers and sellers

Seller’s agents only need to pay a referral fee of 0.2% when completing a sale through MAIA instead of the usual 1% co-broking fee with a buyer agent, creating a win-win situation for homebuyers and seller’s property agents. This helps to address the issue of agents trying to avoid sharing co-broking commissions[3].

MAIA delivers direct leads to property agents without additional listing fees – allowing them to focus on closing deals – and replies to messages immediately, reducing friction during the process of arranging for viewing appointments.

PropertyLimBrothers, one of Singapore’s leading real estate agencies, has partnered with MOGUL.sg to harness MAIA’s innovative AI capabilities. They recognise the platform as a beneficial tool for buyers and sellers that improves transparency and saves time. By integrating MAIA into its operations, PropertyLimBrothers aims to support its agents with better tools and resources to drive sales leads and improve administrative efficiency.

“MAIA is a homebuying revolution. Buyers enjoy a simpler, stress-free journey and connect directly with sellers or selling agents to save time on their viewing arrangements through MAIA AI’s capabilities and chat functions. It’s a win-win for everyone. MAIA also creates opportunities for PLB listing agents to build direct relationships with buyers, increasing chances of us building more value for them for their home buying journey,” said Melvin Lim, CEO of PropertyLimBrothers.

Gerald Sim said, “We’re on the cusp of a revolution in property buying, much like the travel industry’s evolution from phone bookings to travel agents and AI-powered aggregators. MOGUL.sg aims to be the ultimate homebuying aggregator like Online Travel Agents (OTAs) are to hotel bookings, and drive Singapore to the global forefront of this exciting transformation.”

Explore MAIA at https://www.mogul.sg/maia-homesearch and experience the future of homebuying.

About MOGUL.sg

Founded in 2019, MOGUL.sg is a trailblazing real estate platform in Singapore, using geospatial technology, 3D maps, and AI to disrupt traditional property processes. It offers instant property valuations and mortgage calculations. MOGUL.sg simplifies the buying, renting, and selling process with virtual tours and interactive data, making real estate transactions faster, cost-effective, and more efficient.

For more information about MOGUL.sg and its new AI-powered platform, please contact:

Goh Wu Chong (On behalf of MOGUL.sg)
Senior Account Manager, Gloo PR
wuchong@gloopr.biz
9387 8407

Chris Lau        
Head of Marketing, MOGUL.sg
marketing@mogul.sg

Harbour BioMed Receives NMPA IND Clearance for HBM9378/SKB378 in the Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., ROTTERDAM, Netherlands and SHANGHAI, Feb. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Harbour BioMed (HKEX: 02142, the “Company”), a global biopharmaceutical company committed to the discovery, development and commercialization of novel antibody therapeutics focusing on immune-oncology and immunology, today announced that the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China has approved the Investigational New Drug (IND) application for HBM9378/SKB378 (also known as WIN378), a fully human antibody targeting thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

COPD is a progressive respiratory condition with major complications, including cardiovascular risk, respiratory failure, and lung cancer. The disease imposes a significant and growing burden both in terms of healthcare costs and societal impact. There is an urgent need for new therapeutic options to alleviate the daily suffering of COPD patients and improve their quality of life.

TSLP plays a critical role in triggering airway inflammation by activating immune responses that contribute to COPD progression. HBM9378/SKB378 is designed to inhibit the TSLP-mediated signaling pathway, aiming to reduce airway inflammation and improve lung function in patients with COPD.

“This regulatory clearance from the NMPA marks an important milestone in advancing our efforts to address significant unmet needs in immunological diseases,” said Dr. Jingsong Wang, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Harbour BioMed. “HBM9378/SKB378 represents a potential best-in-class, long-acting TSLP antibody with exceptional biophysical properties. We will continue exploring its therapeutic potential to benefit patients worldwide.”

On January 10, 2025, Harbour BioMed and Sichuan Kelun-Biotech Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (“Kelun-Biotech”) entered into a global licensing agreement (excluding Greater China and select Southeast and West Asian countries) with Windward Bio for HBM9378/SKB378. Under the terms of the agreement, Harbour BioMed and Kelun-Biotech are eligible to receive $45 million in upfront and near-term milestone payments, including both cash and equity interest in Windward Bio’s parent company. The total potential deal value, including upfront and milestone payments, could reach up to $970 million, in addition to tiered royalties ranging from single to double digits on net sales.

About HBM9378/SKB378

HBM9378/SKB378 (also known as WIN378) is a co-development project jointly conducted by Harbour BioMed and Kelun-Biotech, with both parties equally sharing its rights in Greater China and several Southeast and West Asian countries. It is a fully human monoclonal antibody targeting TSLP, generated from the two heavy chains and two light chains (H2L2) Harbour Mice® platform. It inhibits the TSLP-mediated signaling pathway by blocking the interaction between TSLP and its receptor, which is a well-validated cytokine plays a key role in the development and progression of various immunological conditions, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Inhibition of this pathway has shown benefits across multiple inflammatory phenotypes. The antibody’s long half-life optimization and outstanding biophysical properties provide a favorable dosing advantage.

Currently, Harbour BioMed has completed a phase I clinical trial in China under an IND for the treatment of moderate-to-severe asthma. A phase II clinical trial for this indication is set to begin soon.

About Harbour BioMed

Harbour BioMed (HKEX: 02142) is a global biopharmaceutical company committed to the discovery, development, and commercialization of novel antibody therapeutics focusing on immunology and oncology. The Company is building its robust portfolio and differentiated pipeline through internal R&D capability, collaborations with co-discovery and co-development partners, and select acquisitions.

The proprietary antibody technology platform Harbour Mice® generates fully human monoclonal antibodies in two heavy and two light chains (H2L2) format, as well as heavy chain only (HCAb) format. Building upon the HCAb antibodies, the HCAb-based immune cell engagers (HBICE®) bispecific antibody technology is capable of delivering tumor-killing effects unachievable by traditional combination therapies. Integrating Harbour Mice®, and HBICE® with a single B cell cloning platform, our antibody discovery engine is highly unique and efficient for the development of next-generation therapeutic antibodies. For further information, please refer to www.harbourbiomed.com.

Fujitsu to highlight AI-powered network technologies at MWC Barcelona 2025

Use case demonstrations will show how Fujitsu AI and network technologies can contribute to a more sustainable and connected future

KAWASAKI, Japan, Feb. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Fujitsu Limited today announces its participation in Mobile World Congress Barcelona 2025 (MWC25). Under the theme “Boundless Potential,” Fujitsu will unveil its latest advancements in network technologies and enterprise solutions, and highlight how AI is revolutionizing networks and driving business transformation.

At booth 2G60 (Hall 2), Fujitsu will offer visitors interactive demonstrations of AI-enhanced network infrastructure, including solutions for optimizing 5G and optical networks, showcasing improved resource allocation and reduced latency. Attendees will see innovative AI applications in action, such as AI agents improving efficiency in manufacturing and IT operations and an ocean digital twin utilizing AI and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) for environmental monitoring and predictive maintenance of marine infrastructure. Fujitsu will also highlight the high-performance, energy-efficient processor FUJITSU-MONAKA (1), showcasing its capabilities in accelerating AI workloads and reducing power consumption.

Customer use cases and demonstrations will illustrate how Fujitsu’s solutions are already contributing to sustainability transformation (SX) by optimizing supply chains, enhancing resilience, and driving operational efficiency across various sectors.

For more information, or to arrange an interview or tour of the Fujitsu booth, please contact us below or visit MWC Barcelona 2025 Fujitsu Website.

Overview of MWC Barcelona 2025 and Fujitsu booth

  • Date: Monday, March 3, 2025 to Thursday, March 6, 2025
  • Venue: Fira Gran Via, Barcelona, Spain
  • Fujitsu booth: 2G60 (Hall 2)
[1] FUJITSU-MONAKA :
This is based on results obtained from a project subsidized by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).

For full release click here
https://www.fujitsu.com/global/about/resources/news/press-releases/2025/0205-01.html