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Proofpoint: 88% of Top Organisations in Asia Pacific Still Put Their Customers and Stakeholders at Risk of Email Fraud as Businesses Face Record-High Email Attacks

  • Protective measures against email fraud remain widely insufficient among leading Asia Pacific companies.
  • Australia’s high adoption rate of proper email authentication (71%) among its top companies sets the standard for the Asia Pacific region
  • Around 50% of leading Singapore and India’s businesses have implemented the recommended level of email authentication
  • Concerningly, less than 20% of the largest organisations in Japan, South Korea, China and Thailand are actively protecting their customers against phishing

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 February 2025 – Proofpoint, Inc., a leading cybersecurity and compliance company, today released new research on a worrying gap among top organisations across the Asia Pacific with only 12% having implemented the recommended and most stringent level of email authentication. In 2024, phishing attacks surged significantly, increasing nearly 60% year-over-year. This dramatic increase underscores the critical need for proper implementation of email authentication, which prevents cyber criminals from spoofing organisations’ identities thus reducing the risk of email fraud.

These findings are based on an analysis of the Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance (DMARC), a widely-adopted email validation protocol records of Asia Pacific companies listed on the Forbes Global 2000. DMARC protects domain names from being misused by malicious actors by authenticating the sender’s identity before an email reaches its intended destination. This authentication system detects and prevents domain spoofing, a common phishing technique. DMARC has three levels of protection – monitor, quarantine, and reject, with reject being the most secure for preventing suspicious emails from reaching users’ inboxes.

“Email remains the most common and critical threat vector across industries. It’s encouraging that many leading companies in Asia Pacific have taken proactive steps to protect their customers from email fraud,” said George Lee, Senior Vice President of Asia Pacific and Japan at Proofpoint. “However, the rising frequency, sophistication, and cost of cyberattacks make it especially concerning that many remain highly vulnerable, exposing them to significant risks from malicious email-based threats such as phishing. Prioritising robust cybersecurity measures is essential to safeguard against these threats and protect customers’ valuable data.”

Proofpoint’s research shows that DMARC adoption in the Asia Pacific region is mostly lower compared to the US and UK, placing organisations and their customers at risk. While Australia leads in email authentication DMARC enforcement, Japan, South Korea and Thailand lag, leaving businesses exposed to escalating email fraud, including business email compromise (BEC) and phishing.

Key findings of Proofpoint’s DMARC analysis across key Asia Pacific markets include:

  • Australia: 71% of the top Australian companies have implemented DMARC at the recommended levels (reject). All the top Australian companies being studied have a DMARC record.
  • Singapore: 46.2% of companies analysed have DMARC set to reject. Yet 23.1% do not have any DMARC record and are wide open to email fraud and domain spoofing attacks.
  • India: 50% of the top Indian organisations implemented the highest level of DMARC (reject), with 30.9% utilising quarantine and 11.8% having no DMARC record at all.
  • Japan: Only 7.4% of top Japanese companies have a DMARC policy of reject in place. 65.6% of companies are at the monitor level, gathering data but offering no active protection
  • South Korea: Only 1.8% have implemented DMARC at the quarantine level with none at the reject level, and 51.8% having no DMARC record at all.
  • Thailand: 17.6% have a reject policy in place to block unqualified emails, while 17.6% of companies implemented quarantine and 52.9% at the monitor level still.
  • China: Only 4.2% of top Chinese companies have the strictest level of DMARC in place. A startling 71.8% do not use any DMARC protection at all.

Major Providers and Compliance Mandates Push for DMARC Adoption

Major email providers are making moves to force companies to catch up and use email authentication. Some highly-publicised examples include the October 2023 announcements from Google, Yahoo and Apple around mandatory email authentication requirements (including DMARC) for bulk senders sending emails to Gmail, Yahoo and iCloud accounts. This aims to significantly reduce spam and fraudulent emails hitting their customers’ inboxes.

In addition, organisations that store consumer payment information must comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) or risk paying hefty fines for violations. The latest PCI DSS (v4.0.1) will require companies to use DMARC to protect credit card data by March 31, 2025.

Proofpoint recommends that organisations follow these best practices:

  • Implement DMARC: Protect your domain from impersonation by implementing DMARC and enforcing it at the reject level. Seek expert assistance if needed to avoid blocking legitimate emails.
  • Educate employees: Train staff on how to identify and avoid potentially fraudulent or suspicious emails, such as those impersonating colleagues, suppliers, or customers.
  • Strengthen passwords: Establish and enforce best practices for password management, including requiring strong passwords, regular changes, and never re-using passwords across multiple accounts.

This analysis was conducted in December 2024 using data from companies listed on Forbes Global 2000.

To learn more about DMARC, visit: https://www.proofpoint.com/au/threat-reference/dmarc
Hashtag: #Proofpoint

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

About Proofpoint, Inc.

Proofpoint, Inc. is a leading cybersecurity and compliance company that protects organisations’ greatest assets and biggest risks: their people. With an integrated suite of cloud-based solutions, Proofpoint helps companies around the world stop targeted threats, safeguard their data, and make their users more resilient against cyber attacks. Leading organisations of all sizes, including 85 percent of the Fortune 100, rely on Proofpoint for people-centric security and compliance solutions that mitigate their most critical risks across email, the cloud, social media, and the web. More information is available at .

Connect with Proofpoint: | | |

Proofpoint is a registered trademark or tradename of Proofpoint, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

HIX.AI Now Features DeepSeek R1 For Unlimited Free AI Chat

SINGAPORE, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — HIX.AI has been a trusted name in the AI world, originally specializing in advanced AI search capabilities. Now, it has taken a bold step forward by becoming an unlimited free AI chat platform for the revolutionary DeepSeek R1 model.

DeepSeek R1, developed by a Chinese startup, has been described as a disruptive force in the AI industry, rivaling leading models like GPT-4o while being significantly more cost-effective. Now HIX.AI is making this groundbreaking model completely free and unlimited for all users. This means they can interact with DeepSeek without worrying about restrictions on usage, downtime, or subscription fees.

But DeepSeek R1 is just one of the many models available on the new and repurposed HIX.AI. It also offers users access to many other leading AI chat models, including ChatGPT, GPT-4o, Claude, Gemini, and more. You can switch between them on the fly and chat with numerous large language models at the same time.

This opens a lot of potential uses and opportunities for HIX.AI users. They can use the many chatbots provided to tackle complex tasks from multiple angles, research topics, get help on their coding projects and other professional endeavors, or just chat about almost any subject on their mind. The uses are nearly limitless.

In brief, HIX.AI now aims to be every user’s go-to platform for instant, free, and unlimited AI chat for DeepSeek. It also gives you full and complete access to so many AI chat tools, you’ll never need to go anywhere else. It’s easy to work with, suiting both beginner and experienced users alike, and it’s great for both personal and professional use.

For more information about the revamped HIX.AI and to experience the disruptive potential of DeepSeek at no cost and with no limits, visit https://hix.ai.

MEDIA CONTACT
Camille Sawyer
CEO, HIX.AI
support@hix.ai

50 Days to Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai! Your Gateway to Exploring Japan’s Hidden Gems

TOKYO, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — With just 50 days until the highly anticipated Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, excitement is mounting for this global event that will showcase innovation and culture on an unprecedented scale. Running from April 13 to October 13, 2025, the Expo is set to welcome visitors from around the world for 184 unforgettable days. Organized under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” Expo 2025 aims to inspire international collaboration and address global challenges through its three sub-themes: “Saving Lives,” “Empowering Lives,” and “Connecting Lives.” The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) invites you to experience not only the Expo but also the beauty, culture, and attractions of Japan through its “Expo + Tourism” initiative. This is your opportunity to immerse yourself in the Expo’s inspiring vision while exploring the wonders of Japan beyond the realms of the Expo itself.

Osaka Expo 2025 site on the Yumeshima Island
Osaka Expo 2025 site on the Yumeshima Island

Theme: “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”

The theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives” envisions a world where each individual can shape their desired way of life and realize their full potential. It also emphasizes the importance of global collaboration in creating a sustainable society that supports these aspirations. Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for humanity to reflect on its collective potential in the aftermath of the unprecedented global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic since 2020. By re-examining the way we live and envisioning new societal models, the Expo will provide a platform for collaborative dialogue and innovative proposals for the future.

https://www.japan.travel/en/expo2025/about/

 

Latest Updates Leading Up to the Expo

  • International Pavilions
    A total of 158 countries and regions along with 9 international organizations have confirmed their participation. Explore your country’s pavilion and discover the latest updates at the link below.
    Details on International Pavilions: https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/official-participant/
  • National Celebrations & Country-Specific Events
    The Expo will feature a diverse lineup of national celebrations and cultural events, ensuring excitement throughout the entire period.
    Discover the latest event information at the link below.
    Event Calendar: https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/bfae59945b7c37365de59b54bb9c82ba-1.pdf
  • Domestic & Signature Pavilions
    Visitors can explore Japan Pavilion, Women’s Pavilion (in collaboration with Cartier), Osaka Healthcare Pavilion, Kansai Pavilion, and 13 corporate pavilions showcasing Japan’s cutting-edge technology and innovation. The latest updates on uniquely themed domestic pavilions are available at the link below.
    Domestic Pavilions: https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/domestic-pv/ 
    8 Signature Pavilions will present unique experiences reflecting Expo 2025’s theme.
    Signature Pavilions: https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/project/

 

Explore Japan with ‘Expo + Tourism’! Discover the latest updates on captivating destinations across the country

 

iscover travel destinations across Japan that embody the theme of Expo 2025>

  1. Saving Lives
    Daisen, Tottori Prefecture
    Daisen offers a serene hiking experience through lush beech forests. Visitors can choose from three distinct trails—Nature, History, and Full Course—each showcasing the area’s breathtaking landscapes and rich heritage. A highlight of the area is Ogamiyama Shrine Okunomiya, a tranquil and sacred spot. The shrine is home to Japan’s longest natural stone-paved pathway and the country’s largest white sandalwood-paved approach, both designated as National Important Cultural Properties, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking peace and heritage.
    https://www.japan.travel/en/expo2025/sightseeing/area-7/spot-19/
  2. Empowering Lives
    Ama Hut Experience
    Toba City’s Shima-cho Osatsu in Mie Prefecture is home to Japan’s largest community of Ama — traditional female free divers who have upheld this extraordinary practice for over 2,000 years. Deeply woven into the region’s cultural fabric, the Ama way of life remains an enduring tradition. Visitors can experience this unique heritage at an ‘Ama Hut,’ where divers rest before and after their dives, enjoy freshly caught local seafood, and engage in cultural exchanges with the Ama themselves.
    https://www.japan.travel/en/expo2025/sightseeing/area-5/spot-15/
  3. Connecting Lives
    Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, Okayama Prefecture
    The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is a picturesque district renowned for its white-walled storehouses, traditional Namako-kabe lattice walls, and willow-lined canals. Step into its enchanting blend of history and retro-modern charm.
    https://www.japan.travel/en/expo2025/sightseeing/area-7/spot-21/

 

JNTO provides a wealth of travel resources, offering detailed guides to Japan’s must-see destinations.

Use JNTO’s website to discover Japan’s hidden gems and plan an unforgettable journey!

About Japan National Tourism Organization

The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) is an independent administrative corporation under the jurisdiction of the Japan Tourism Agency. JNTO operates tourism promotion offices in overseas countries, promoting tourism to Japan and providing tourist information to overseas visitors.

For information on image usage and approval, please refer to the details below.

Main image (Yumeshima) – Please obtain approval from the Expo Association (globalpr@expo2025.or.jp). It is advisable to seek approval during the pre-publication stage when modifications are still possible.

All other images (7pcs) – can be directly downloaded from the link below, please ensure to clearly credit the source when using these images.
Box URL: https://vectorincgroup.box.com/s/ahgsllmtndmc255ct3xpzy4rvnwjzu9w
*Link available until March 21st,2025

Laos, Thailand Strengthen Security Cooperation Following Major Drug Bust

Laos, Thailand Strengthen Security Cooperation Following Major Drug Bust
Laos, Thailand Strengthen Security Cooperation Following Major Drug Bust

On 17 February, police officers from the Kaenthao District in Xayaboury Province arrested a group of drug smugglers attempting to transport drugs across the Nam Hue border at the Kon Veng point in Chomkeo village. This location faces Ban Pak Khan Port in Thali District, Loei Province, Thailand. 

The authorities quickly identified the suspects and detained three individuals: one Lao citizen and two Thai nationals. They seized heroin (in the form of white powder) hidden in a box of materials (disguised as a box of white skin cream) inside two empty bags. Each bag contained 44 boxes, for a total of 88 boxes, weighing 44 kilograms.

Arrest of 02 Thai men and 01 Lao man with Heroine as evidence
Arrest of 02 Thai men and 01 Lao man with Heroine as evidence

The arrested individuals were Xay Xaema, 44, and Voutthixay Xaema, 25, both residents of Sirirath village, Phop Phra district, Tak Province, Thailand, as well as Nonthawee Sisenglat, 21, a resident of Chomkeo village, Kaenthao district, Xayaboury Province.

In the wake of the incident, both the Lao and Thai governments reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening regional security and combating transnational crime.

On 19 February, Thai Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai met with his Lao counterpart, Khamliang Outhakaysone, to discuss enhanced cooperation in combating call-center scam gangs and drug trafficking. Both officials agreed that addressing issues like drug trafficking along the border and technological crime requires strengthened security cooperation that cannot be tackled by either country alone.

Phumtham discusses call-centre scams, drug issues with Lao defence minister
Phumtham discusses call-centre scams, drug issues with Lao defence minister

To address technological crime, both sides agreed to collaborate with relevant government agencies and work together to resolve the issue. The 30th Thai-Laos General Border Committee (GBC) meeting was hosted by Laos.

Following the GBC meeting, Phumtham is scheduled to meet with Liu Zhongyi, China’s Assistant Minister of Public Security. Liu is expected to brief Phumtham on the outcomes of his recent visit to Mae Sot district in Tak and his discussions in Naypyidaw, Myanmar, regarding efforts to crack down on call-center scam gangs.

During their meeting, Liu Zhongyi is expected to present four key proposals to enhance regional security: establishing a tri-partite mechanism between Thailand, Myanmar, and China to address call-center scams, cutting electricity and oil supplies to disrupt operations, strengthening border controls to prevent relocations, and facilitating the repatriation of affected Chinese nationals.

Liquid Web Expands Dedicated Server Locations in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific to Strengthen Global Reach for Faster, Reliable Hosting

ATLANTA, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Liquid Web, a leader in dedicated servers, WordPress, VPS, GPU, and cloud hosting solutions, has launched four new bare metal server locations in San Jose, California; Ashburn, Virginia; Sydney, Australia; and London, England. This global expansion delivers lower latency, improved network performance, and faster speeds in these high-demand regions.


 

As businesses scale, high-speed, ultra-reliable hosting is critical for seamless digital experiences. The new server locations extend Liquid Web’s reach beyond its existing data centers in Lansing, Michigan; Phoenix, Arizona; and Amsterdam, Netherlands, bringing secure, high-performance hosting closer to their users.

Key Benefits

  • Faster website and application speeds with reduced network latency.
  • Enhanced reliability for mission-critical workloads.
  • Seamless connectivity to key global markets.
  • Expanded geographic reach for growing businesses.
  • Improved failover and business continuity for uninterrupted operations.
  • Disaster recovery readiness for secure, resilient operations.

“Speed, reliability, and scalability are at the core of what we do. Expanding our data center presence ensures we continue delivering on that promise,” says Ryan MacDonald, CTO at Liquid Web. “With these new locations, businesses gain higher performance, lower latency, and greater global reach — setting the stage for even more innovation ahead.”

This expansion strengthens Liquid Web’s position as a trusted hosting provider, offering dedicated servers with enterprise-grade reliability at competitive pricing, backed by expert support. Customers in these regions can benefit from:

  • High-performance servers for demanding applications.
  • Faster connections across key global regions.
  • Maximum power with no platform overhead.

Liquid Web remains committed to enhancing its hosting portfolio and expanding services to meet the needs of a rapidly growing global customer base.

For more details about Liquid Web’s bare metal server offerings, visit LiquidWeb.com.

About Liquid Web
Part of CloudOne Digital, Liquid Web delivers top-tier infrastructure and cloud solutions to help businesses thrive. With 25+ years of expertise, it powers mission-critical sites, stores, and applications for SMBs, developers, designers, and agencies. They are known for their reliability, expert support, and commitment to excellence. The company’s team provides 24/7/365 service, and is recognized as INC. Magazine’s Fastest-Growing Companies.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Media Contact Name:
Amanda Valle
Title: Global Director
Email: media@liquidweb.com

Lussocitta Becomes iShopChangi’s Sole Multibrand Seller for Brand-Name Bags


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 February 2025 – Lussocitta, a luxury bag retailer based in Singapore, announces its partnership with iShopChangi, Changi Airport’s online shopping platform. This collaboration makes Lussocitta the sole multi-brand seller on the platform, offering a selection of brand-name bags at competitive prices, with added customer benefits.

Lussocitta is partnering with iShopChangi
Lussocitta is partnering with iShopChangi

Exclusive Offerings on iShopChangi

Founded in 2009, Lussocitta has built its presence by offering a wide range of luxury bags through its online platform, featuring brands such as Gucci, Coach, Kate Spade, Marc Jacobs, and more. Through its partnership with iShopChangi, the e-commerce shopping platform of Changi Airport, Lussocitta aims to extend its reach and make luxury fashion more accessible to a broader audience.

A key advantage of this collaboration is that customers can enjoy greater savings without compromising on quality. Shoppers on iShopChangi will have the opportunity to use time-limited promotional codes and access exclusive deals on selected luxury handbags and accessories. Customers will also earn Changi Rewards points with every purchase on iShopChangi, which can be used to offset future purchases, adding value to their overall experience.

Beyond these savings, customers can shop with confidence, knowing that all products are sourced directly from official channels, guaranteeing authenticity and premium quality. Lussocitta remains committed to transparent shopping practices, including clear return policies, providing customers with confidence in their purchases.

A Vision for Growth

The partnership aligns with Lussocitta’s goal of expanding its market across Southeast Asia. By leveraging iShopChangi’s platform, Lussocitta can reach a broader audience of customers, offering them convenient access to luxury fashion. The collaboration provides an opportunity to enhance the shopping experience for consumers by offering competitive pricing and exclusive discounts on brand-name bags and accessories.

Together, Lussocitta and iShopChangi aim to reinforce their shared commitment to providing a seamless and reliable shopping journey for all customers.
Hashtag: #Lussocitta



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

About Lussocitta

Founded in 2009, Lussocitta is a Singapore-based luxury bag retailer offering a curated selection of designer handbags from popular brands, all in a single platform. With a focus on authenticity and ethical sourcing, Lussocitta provides a seamless online shopping experience, ensuring customers access to high-quality products backed by a commitment to responsible business practices.

Fosun Joins Hands with Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Adding New Momentum to Middle East Strategy

HONG KONG and SHANGHAI, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Fosun’s global operations achieved another milestone. On February 20, during the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum in Shanghai, Fosun International signed a Memorandum of Strategic Cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO). This collaboration aims to drive the expansion of Fosun’s subsidiaries into Abu Dhabi and the broader Middle East region, injecting fresh momentum into Fosun’s global presence and industrial operations.

Under the agreement, ADIO will provide Fosun with tailored investment support, streamlined market access, and strategic resource connections. These efforts will support Fosun’s development in Abu Dhabi’s key growth sectors, including healthcare innovation, wealth management, fintech, tourism and Hive City projects. Together, ADIO and Fosun aim to further amplify Fosun’s influence across the Middle East.

ADIO enables investors to establish and grow their businesses in the region. It supports market leaders in expanding globally from Abu Dhabi, providing access to a strong partner network and interconnected economic clusters. With tailored guidance and resources, ADIO contributes to sustainable growth and long-term investment in the emirate’s dynamic economy.

H.E. Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO, said: Abu Dhabi continues to attract the world’s most prestigious companies, reinforcing the emirate’s standing as a globally attractive investment destination. Partnering with Fosun International underscores our commitment to promoting high-impact investments that drive innovation and accelerate Abu Dhabi’s economic transformation. As one of China’s most reputable conglomerates, Fosun’s entry into Abu Dhabi will open new avenues of collaboration across diverse industries, further advancing the emirate’s vision of robust sustainable economic growth.”

According to the agreement, Fosun will collaborate with ADIO to enhance Abu Dhabi’s efforts to attract global investors and family offices, in addition to supporting the development of ADIO’s economic clusters.

In addition, Fosun’s key members in the financial and technology sectors—Fosun Wealth Holdings and Finloop—are actively engaging with relevant institutions in the Middle East to explore cooperation opportunities in wealth management and fintech. These efforts aim to further support Abu Dhabi in building a world-class investment ecosystem.

Wilson Jin, Senior Vice President of Fosun International, commented: “Abu Dhabi’s strategic location, business-friendly environment and world-class regulatory framework make it the ideal hub for Fosun’s next phase of international growth and scaling our subsidiaries. The partnership with ADIO will allow us to expand our footprint, attract top-tier investors and contribute to the emirate’s economic vision.”

Strengthening Presence in the Middle East: Fosun’s Recent Developments

After more than 30 years of development, Fosun has grown into a benchmark for Chinese private enterprises in global operations. With operations in more than 35 countries and regions, Fosun’s industrial ecosystem increasingly demonstrates its synergistic advantages. Under the new economic landscape, Fosun continues to advance its globalization efforts. The Middle East, with its economic vitality and high-growth potential, is gradually becoming a key frontier in Fosun’s global operation strategy.

In December 2024, Hainan Mining’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Roc Oil, successfully completed the full offer for Tethys Oil AB, acquiring its multiple oilfield blocks in Oman. This transaction not only marks the continued advancement of the company’s internationalization strategy, expanding its business operations into the Middle East and enhancing its global operational capabilities, but also provides broader opportunities for future growth.

In November 2024, Fosun Pharma’s innovative biopharmaceutical subsidiary, Henlius entered into a strategic collaboration with AL-TIRYAQ AL-KHALAWI Medical Company (“SVAX”). The two parties will establish joint ventures in Saudi Arabia to integrate Henlius’ leading capabilities in the research, development, and manufacturing of biologics with SVAX’s local expertise in registration, market access, and commercialization. The collaboration seeks to advance the global registration and commercialization of multiple Henlius products and enhance the accessibility of advanced biologics across the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye (MENAT) countries, and benefit more patients. In June last year, Henlius’ independently developed and produced product, Hanquyou® was successfully shipped to Saudi Arabia, marking the first domestically produced monoclonal antibody biologic drug to enter the Middle Eastern market.

FFT, a global leader in flexible automation production line solutions under Fosun, signed a joint venture agreement with Saudi family business Khaled Juffali Company (KJC) in July 2024. The plan is to establish a commercial technology entity in Saudi Arabia, and collaborate with Shanghai Easun Technology, FFT’s parent company under Fosun, to provide automated production line solutions for Saudi Arabia’s electric vehicle industry. The joint venture has already secured its first project in Saudi Arabia’s automotive sector.

In just six months, Fosun has achieved successive breakthroughs in the Middle East market, spanning multiple sectors including healthcare, energy, finance, and intelligent manufacturing. This string of achievements not only stems from Fosun’s unwavering execution of its “globalization” strategy but also demonstrates Fosun’s excellent operational capabilities and strong advantages in resource integration. Meanwhile, Fosun’s rich experience in the Chinese market and its diversified, synergistic industrial ecosystem have shown Middle Eastern partners the enormous potential for collaboration and shared success.

Fosun International Chairman, Guo Guangchang, stated: “Fosun looks forward to establishing long-term and stable strategic cooperation with more Middle Eastern partners. As a company with global operational capabilities and deep roots in the Chinese market, I believe Fosun is the best strategic partner. With our global operational capabilities and extensive experience, Fosun can achieve sustainable value growth with Middle Eastern partners and create a new win-win ecosystem. “

Akeso Enrolled First Patient in The Phase III Clinical Trial of Ivonescimab in Combination with Chemotherapy for First-Line Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

HONG KONG, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Akeso, Inc. (9926.HK) (“Akeso” or the “Company”) today announced the company has successfully enrolled the first patient in its multicenter, randomized, double-blind Phase III clinical trial of ivonescimab in combination with chemotherapy for first-line treatment for unresectable locally advanced or metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) (HARMONi-BC1/AK112-308). Ivonescimab is a first-in-class PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody independently developed by the company.

HARMONi-BC1/AK112-308 study is led by Professor Xu Binghe, a renowned breast cancer expert and academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, from the Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Preliminary efficacy data presented at the 2024 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Annual Meeting demonstrated that ivonescimab combined with chemotherapy showed significant therapeutic efficacy and also exhibited a favorable safety profile, underscoring its clinical potential for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic TNBC.

Akeso has strategically positioned ivonescimab within a comprehensive development plan, aiming to reshape the landscape of cancer immunotherapy and establish a new global standard of care. Ivonescimab, in combination with chemotherapy, has been approved in China for the treatment of EGFR-TKI-resistant, non-squamous NSCLC. The New Drug Application (sNDA) for ivonescimab monotherapy as a first-line treatment for PD-L1-positive NSCLC (in comparison to pembrolizumab) is currently under review and has been granted priority status in China.

Three international multicenter Phase III clinical trials, led by our partner Summit Therapeutics, are progressing efficiently or are being initiated:

  • The HARMONi study, an international multicenter Phase III clinical trial evaluating ivonescimab in combination with chemotherapy for non-squamous NSCLC with progression after third-generation EGFR-TKI treatment, has had patient enrollment completed and has received Fast Track Designation (FTD) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA),
  • The HARMONi-3 study, an international multicenter Phase III clinical trial comparing ivonescimab combined with chemotherapy as first-line treatment for both squamous and non-squamous NSCLC (versus pembrolizumab combined with chemotherapy),
  • The HARMONi-7 study, an international multicenter Phase III clinical trial evaluating ivonescimab monotherapy as first-line treatment for PD-L1 high-expressing NSCLC (versus pembrolizumab).

Several Phase III clinical trials are progressing efficiently or are being initiated in China, including:

  • Ivonescimab combined with chemotherapy as first-line treatment for squamous NSCLC (vs. tislelizumab combined with chemotherapy, HARMONi-6/AK112-306),
  • Ivonescimab combined with chemotherapy as first-line treatment for biliary tract cancer (vs. durvalumab combined with chemotherapy, HARMONi-GI1/AK112-309),
  • Ivonescimab combined with AK117 (CD47) as first-line treatment for PD-L1 positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (vs. pembrolizumab, SOLO-10/AK117-302),
  • First-line treatment for pancreatic cancer (HARMONi-GI2/AK112-310),
  • First-line treatment for triple-negative breast cancer (HARMONi-BC1/AK112-308).

About Akeso
Akeso (HKEX: 9926.HK) is a leading biopharmaceutical company committed to the research, development, manufacturing and commercialization of the world’s first or best-in-class innovative biological medicines. Founded in 2012, the company has created a unique integrated R&D innovation system with the comprehensive end-to-end drug development platform (ACE Platform) and bi-specific antibody drug development technology (Tetrabody) as the core, a GMP-compliant manufacturing system and a commercialization system with an advanced operation mode, and has gradually developed into a globally competitive biopharmaceutical company focused on innovative solutions. With fully integrated multi-functional platform, Akeso is internally working on a robust pipeline of over 50 innovative assets in the fields of cancer, autoimmune disease, inflammation, metabolic disease and other major diseases. Among them, 22 candidates have entered clinical trials (including 11 bispecific/multispecific antibodies and bispecific antibody-drug conjugates). Additionally, 5 new drugs are commercially available, and 5 new drugs across 7 indications are currently under regulatory review for approval. Through efficient and breakthrough R&D innovation, Akeso always integrates superior global resources, develops the first-in-class and best-in-class new drugs, provides affordable therapeutic antibodies for patients worldwide, and continuously creates more commercial and social values to become a global leading biopharmaceutical enterprise.

For more information, please visit https://www.akesobio.com/en/about-us/corporate-profile/ and follow us on Linkedin, and X (formerly Twitter).