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Everest Medicines Announces Commercial Launch and First Prescription for VELSIPITY® in Mainland China

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Advertorial Desk
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SHANGHAI, March 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Everest Medicines (HKEX 1952.HK, “Everest”, or the “Company”), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, clinical development, manufacturing and commercialization of innovative therapeutics, today announced the commercial launch of VELSIPITY® (etrasimod arginine tablets) in Mainland China, highlighted by the issuance of the first prescription at The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, marking a milestone in patient access in the region. As a once-daily oral therapy with sustained efficacy, a favorable safety profile, and the ability to achieve deep mucosal healing, VELSIPITY® offers a novel treatment option for patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC), supporting long-term disease control and improved outcomes.

VELSIPITY® is a next-generation, highly selective S1P receptor modulator with best-in-disease potential and strong first-line treatment recommendations in leading international guidelines. China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has approved VELSIPITY® on February 2, 2026, for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC) who have had an inadequate response, lost response, or were intolerant to either conventional therapy or a biologic agent.

“With the first prescription now issued, VELSIPITY® is being incorporated into routine clinical practice, providing physicians with an innovative treatment option for patients living with UC who continue to face ongoing disease challenges, ” said Prof. Chen Minhu, Academic Leader of the Department of Gastroenterology at The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University. “Results from multiple global clinical studies have demonstrated that VELSIPITY® delivers meaningful clinical benefits, including rapid onset of action, long-lasting clinical remission, steroid-free remission, and deep mucosal healing, with a favorable safety profile. In the ENLIGHT UC study, the largest Asian multicenter Phase 3 clinical study, the clinical remission rate at week 40 of the maintenance period reached 48.1%, and the deep mucosal healing rate reached 51.9%, with an endoscopic mucosal normalization rate of 45.5%[1]. These findings demonstrate VELSIPITY®‘s potential to improve long-term disease outcomes and reduce the risk of relapse and disease progression.

Results from the ELEVATE UC open-label extension demonstrate continuous treatment with VELSIPITY® for up to 3 years resulted in 86.8% of patients achieving a clinical response among the observed cases, with both clinical remission and mucosal healing rates maintained at approximately 60%[2]. Safety data extending up to five years from the global clinical program further confirm that VELSIPITY® is well tolerated and maintains a favorable and stable safety profile[3].

Under the ‘Hong Kong and Macao Drug and Medical Devices Transit’ policy, VELSIPITY® has been introduced into clinical use in the Greater Bay Area, where real-world outcomes have demonstrated efficacy and safety consistent with those observed in clinical trials. We expect VELSIPITY® to play an important role in optimizing UC management and advancing treatment toward the goal of mucosal healing, benefiting more patients.”

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic, relapsing, non-specific inflammatory bowel disease characterized by symptoms such as mucus and blood in the stool, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal tenesmus, which can significantly impact patients’ daily lives and long-term health. In China, both the incidence and prevalence of UC are increasing, with a clear trend toward younger patients. There remains a critical need for therapies that offer sustained and comprehensive disease control.

“We are pleased to see that VELSIPITY® achieved its first prescription in Mainland China just one month after approval, making this potentially best-in-disease therapy clinically available to a broader population of patients living with UC. This milestone underscores our ability to efficiently translate cutting-edge global therapies into clinical practice,” said Mr. Rogers Yongqing Luo, Chief Executive Officer of Everest Medicines. “UC is an incurable disease, and the patient population is projected to grow from approximately 0.98 million in 2025 to 1.50 million by 2031 in China[4],[5]. Patients require long-term management to maintain disease control.

Early achievement of mucosal healing is recognized as a key treatment goal, as it can significantly reduce rates of disease relapse, hospitalization, surgery, and the risk of progression to colorectal cancer. VELSIPITY® addresses this need by targeting intestinal inflammation at its source and promoting mucosal healing, while offering a favorable profile of efficacy and safety, along with the convenience of an oral, once-daily regimen, supporting sustained disease management and improving patients’ quality of life.

Everest has built a proven platform for the commercialization of innovative medicines, integrating scientific and commercial insights with coordinated access, medical, marketing, and sales (A2MS). We are confident in accelerating the rollout of VELSIPITY® through multi-channel access, diversified patient support programs, and innovative reimbursement solutions. And we will work to secure inclusion of VELSIPITY® in the National Reimbursement Drug List, further enhancing patient access and affordability.”

In 2024 and 2025, VELSIPITY® was included in the Catalogues of Guangdong Province on Drugs and Medical Devices from Hong Kong and Macao in Urgent Clinical Use in Nine Mainland Municipalities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, making it available at designated hospitals across the region. To support long-term supply and commercialization, Everest launched the localized production project for VELSIPITY® at its Jiashan manufacturing site in March 2025, strengthening its supply capabilities for Greater China and other Asian markets.

VELSIPITY® has been strongly recommended as a first-line treatment for moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis in both the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Clinical Practice Guideline and the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) Clinical Guideline Update, reflecting strong recognition of its efficacy and safety by leading international academic societies.

The approval of VELSIPITY® in China was supported by results from the Asian multicenter Phase 3 ENLIGHT UC study (ES101002) and the global ELEVATE UC Phase 3 program (ELEVATE UC 52 and ELEVATE UC 12)6, which demonstrated statistically significant improvements in clinical remission and mucosal healing, along with a favorable safety profile. The ENLIGHT UC study is the largest Phase 3 trial of moderately to severely active UC in Asia completed to date, with 340 eligible subjects randomized to treatment with VELSIPITY® or placebo. The study results showed that, VELSIPITY® demonstrated statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements across all primary and secondary efficacy endpoints during both the 12-week induction period and the 40-week maintenance period. The safety profile of VELSIPITY® was consistent with previous studies, with no new safety signals observed. ELEVATE UC 52 and ELEVATE UC 12 are randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled global phase 3 pivotal studies, which further demonstrate the positive benefit-risk profile of VELSIPITY®. 

References:

  1. K. Wu, et al. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2025 Sep 30:S2468-1253(25)00198-0. 
  2. B E Sands, et al. ECCO 2026. Abstract ID: jjaf231.774.
  3. D.T. Rubin, et al. ECCO 2026. Abstract ID: jjaf231.1256.
  4. Shao B, et al. Front Public Health. 2022 Oct 25;10:1032679.    
  5. Kaplan GG. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2015;12(12):720-727. 
  6. Sandborn WJ, et al. Lancet. 2023 Apr 8;401(10383):1159-1171.

About VELSIPITY® (etrasimod arginine tablets)
VELSIPITY® is a once-daily, oral, sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator that selectively binds to S1P receptor subtypes 1, 4, and 5. Regulatory approvals have been granted in US, EU, Canada, Japan, Australia, Singapore, UK, Switzerland, Israel, Turkey, India, Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR and Mainland China for VELSIPITY® in ulcerative colitis, as well as in additional countries. 

About Everest Medicines
Everest Medicines is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, manufacturing and commercializing innovative pharmaceutical products that address critical unmet medical needs for patients in global markets. The management team of Everest Medicines has deep expertise and an extensive track record both in China and with leading global pharmaceutical companies.

The Company’s therapeutic areas of focus include autoimmune, ophthalmology, critical care, and CKM (cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic) diseases. Everest Medicines has developed a fully integrated commercialization platform that combines omnichannel commercial capabilities with end-to-end product lifecycle management. Leveraging its proprietary mRNA platform, the Company is advancing its existing pipeline, including mRNA in vivo CAR-T and mRNA cancer vaccines, while selectively expanding into additional high-value therapeutic areas with blockbuster potential, and accelerating its global expansion. For more information, please visit the Company’s website: www.everestmedicines.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may make statements that constitute forward-looking statements, including descriptions regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company or its officers with respect to the business operations and financial condition of the Company, which can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident” and similar statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, or other factors, some of which are beyond the control of the Company and are unforeseeable. Therefore, the actual results may differ from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors and assumptions, such as future changes and developments in our business, competitive environment, political, economic, legal and social conditions. The Company or any of its affiliates, directors, officers, advisors or representatives has no obligation and does not undertake to revise forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or circumstances after the date of this news release, except as required by law.

HEART ON WHEELS 2026 Sees Community Come Together to Raise 33,400 Food Items for Families in Need

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Advertorial Desk
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  • HEART ON WHEELS 2026 once again brought together automotive convoys, corporate partners, and local communities to contribute 33,400 food items, surpassing its 28,000 target. With this, since its inaugural edition in 2023, the event has raised more than 160,000 food items in total
  • Over the 2-day event, a total of 13 car and motorcycle clubs, together with members of the public, turned up in close to 250 vehicles
  • Beyond the donations, the event seeks to champion the spirit of “neighbourism” in Singapore, bringing together communities, businesses and volunteers to support families facing food insecurity.

SINGAPORE, March 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HEART ON WHEELS 2026, the annual food donation drive-thru organised by Food from the Heart (FFTH) in partnership with Wearnes Automotive, rallied the automotive community, corporate partners, and members of the public across two days of giving at Leng Kee Road.

Mr Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary and Member of Parliament for Tanjong Pagar GRC (Queenstown), pictured with representatives from automotive clubs, school students, Food from the Heart volunteers, and members of the public who turned up to donate at Heart on Wheels 2026.
Mr Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary and Member of Parliament for Tanjong Pagar GRC (Queenstown), pictured with representatives from automotive clubs, school students, Food from the Heart volunteers, and members of the public who turned up to donate at Heart on Wheels 2026.

Over the course of the weekend on the 7th and 8th March, 13 car and motorcycle clubs, alongside corporate teams and public donors, arrived in around 250 vehicles to contribute 33,400 food items and over $55,000 in cash donations. The contributions will support FFTH’s five food distribution programmes — Community Food Pack, Community Shop, School Goodie Bag, Bread Run and Market Place — helping sustain food aid operations for families, seniors and students in need across Singapore.

The event was officiated by Mr. Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary and Member of Parliament for Tanjong Pagar GRC (Queenstown), who arrived with volunteers from Queenstown Grassroots Organisations and 40 students from Bukit Merah Secondary School and Queenstown Secondary School, in vehicles with food donations. Around 100 motorcycles swiftly arrived, further revving up the energy.

Since its inception in 2023, the event has raised over 165,000 food items and close to $235,000 in financial contributions across all four editions, including more than 33,000 food items and nearly $50,000 raised in 2025 alone. With FFTH continuing to expand its food support efforts, HEART ON WHEELS has grown into a community-led movement that reflects a growing spirit of neighbourism in Singapore, bringing together corporates, automotive enthusiasts, and members of the public to support families facing food insecurity.

“What we are seeing through events like HEART ON WHEELS is a growing willingness from communities and businesses to step forward when it matters,” said Robin C. Lee, CEO of Food from the Heart. “For many families and seniors, the rising cost of daily essentials means food support programmes are becoming an important lifeline. Contributions from communities, corporates, and the public help us keep our shelves stocked and ensure that the people who rely on our programmes continue to receive the food they need.”

Automotive and Corporate Partners Rally Community Support

Building on last year’s strong participation, brands under the Wearnes Automotive retailer, including Aston Martin, Bentley, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Polestar and Volvo, once again rallied their client communities and staff to support the event through food donations, volunteering efforts and participation in the drive-thru donation effort.

Motorcycle communities and car clubs arrived in coordinated convoys throughout the weekend, contributing food donations and encouraging members of the public to take part in the drive-thru collection. The steady stream of vehicles dropping off food items highlighted how enthusiast communities can channel their shared passion into meaningful community support.

Several participating brands also supported the operational side of the event. Volvo, for instance, contributed to last-mile delivery efforts by helping deliver School Goodie Bags to 50 students, extending the impact of the event beyond the donation drive itself. Participating brands also mobilised staff volunteers to assist with on-site activities, including sorting food donations and supporting the drive-thru collection.

Alongside the automotive community, a wide range of organisations organised internal food donation drives and rallied their networks in support of the event. Contributors included Singapore Human Resource Institute, Canopy Hawkers Group, Tong Song Produce, Edrington, Janus Henderson Investors, KBR, Standard Chartered Bank and Thomson Plaza, reflecting strong support from businesses across different sectors.

Corporate support also extended to financial contributions that help sustain Food from the Heart’s food distribution efforts. Key donors included Cargill Cares Singapore and Jacobs, alongside additional contributors such as Kyoho Marketing Pte Ltd and Tiong Bahru Bakery, demonstrating how businesses continue to play an important role in strengthening community-driven food support.

Food from the Heart hopes the event will continue to inspire individuals, businesses and communities to step forward in support of families facing food insecurity. Through collective action and everyday acts of giving, the organisation aims to strengthen a spirit of neighbourism in Singapore, ensuring that no one is left without access to essential food support.

For more information on how to contribute, visit foodfromtheheart.sg or foodfromtheheart.sg/how2026/.

About Food from the Heart
Food from the Heart (FFTH) is an independent, homegrown food charity with IPC status, with a mission to alleviate food insecurity by providing reliable, consistent and sustainable food support to the less-fortunate through food distribution programmes. With the support of donors, food industry partners, and volunteers, FFTH made a difference to the lives of more than 64,000 people throughout Singapore by distributing $8.5 million worth of food in 2024. For more information, please visit foodfromtheheart.sg.

 

AIP Capital Announces Dimuth Fernando as Chief Commercial Officer

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Advertorial Desk
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STAMFORD, Conn. and SINGAPORE and DUBLIN and NEW YORK, March 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AIP Capital, an alternative investment manager focused on opportunities in asset-based finance today announced that it has promoted Dimuth Fernando to Chief Commercial Officer leading AIP’s global commercial efforts. Dimuth has been with AIP Capital since 2024 as head of AIP’s Singapore office where he led the commercial efforts in the APAC and Central Asia regions.

“We are excited to formally announce Dimuth’s promotion to leading AIP’s commercial efforts to serve regional and global industry clients across the firm’s client base” said Jared Ailstock, Managing Partner at AIP Capital. “Dimuth brings deep experience and a track record in aircraft financing, sales, leasing and partnering with airline customers over more than 20 years.”

Dimuth Fernando commented, “I’m honored to take on the role as Chief Commercial Officer and look forward to serving our valued airline customers worldwide, strengthening our partnerships, and delivering tailored fleet and financing solutions that support their long-term success.”

Prior to joining AIP Capital, Dimuth served as the senior vice president of marketing for global aircraft lessor, Jackson Square Aviation (JSA) where he was responsible for leading origination, sales, remarketing, and airline relationships. Before JSA, he served as the sales director for Embraer, regional jet manufacturer from Brazil. Dimuth started his career with the Boeing Company in aircraft product development and later progressed to senior positions in freighter conversions, supply chain management, aircraft marketing and financing for Middle East and Asia Pacific regions.

About AIP Capital

AIP Capital (AIP) is a global alternative investment manager focused on opportunities in asset-based finance including aviation and equipment finance. AIP, together with its affiliates, manages approximately $6.6 billion of assets on behalf of a diversified global investor base. The AIP team is comprised of ~60 experienced professionals across AIP’s offices in Stamford, New York City, Dublin, Singapore, Seoul & Tokyo.

For more information about AIP Capital or to speak with company executives, please contact investor.relations@aipcapital.com.

Media Contacts
AIP Capital
Geoffrey Bayers
investor.relations@aipcapital.com

Cypherpunk Makes $5M Investment into Zcash Open Development Lab (ZODL)

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Cypherpunk expands its holdings with new $5M investment in Zcash company, ZODL, alongside key investors including a16z, Winklevoss Capital, Coinbase, Paradigm, Chapter One, David Friedberg, Balaji Srinivasan, and others

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., March 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Cypherpunk Technologies Inc., (Nasdaq: CYPH) today announced the company has invested $5M into Zcash Open Development Lab (ZODL) marking its first technology investment outside of ZEC. ZODL was founded and is led by former Electric Coin Company (ECC) CEO Josh Swihart.

At ECC, Josh and his team, who have joined him at ZODL, launched the top Zcash wallet, Zashi, now rebranded to Zodl. Zashi was arguably the single biggest factor responsible for putting Zcash back on the map last year. In particular, its simple UX allowed for the Orchard shielded pool to grow from ~1M ZEC to ~4M ZEC during the span of 2025.

ZODL, which now houses the Zashi wallet technology and related intellectual property, aims to make Zcash easier to use with continued development of the wallet, as well as supporting Zcash at the protocol level.

The new investment strongly aligns with Cypherpunk’s mission of advancing technologies that guarantee privacy for all humans on the internet and gives its shareholders exposure to a private company building critical privacy infrastructure on the frontier.

“True to their name, Cypherpunk is backing the builders who will put shielded ZEC in the hands of billions. We’re grateful for their support and proud to partner with them in bringing private digital money to the global mainstream.” – Josh Swihart, CEO of ZODL

The investment in ZODL is highly synergistic with Cypherpunk’s ZEC treasury.

“As ZODL makes Zcash easier to use, we expect adoption of the protocol to grow alongside demand for ZEC.” – Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss

Swihart joined Cypherpunk in December as a strategic advisor. Cypherpunk’s current total ZEC holdings stand at 294,743.10, at an average price of $335.89, bringing the company’s total network ownership to ~1.78%.

“ZODL and Cypherpunk are the two most important companies in privacy. We’re excited to embark together on this mission of accelerating technology that defends self-sovereignty and secures human freedom.” – Will McEvoy, Chief Investment Officer of Cypherpunk

About Cypherpunk

Cypherpunk Technologies Inc. is a privacy technology company implementing a digital asset treasury strategy anchored by Zcash and, through its subsidiary Leap Therapeutics, Inc., is developing novel therapies for patients with cancer. The Company is aiming to build long-term shareholder value by acquiring ZEC, participating in the development of privacy technologies and Zcash, and continuing the development of sirexatamab and FL-501 to treat patients with cancer. For more information about the Company, visit our websites at http://www.cypherpunk.com and http://www.leaptx.com or view our public filings with the SEC that are available via EDGAR at http://www.sec.gov or via https://investors.leaptx.com/.

About Winklevoss Capital

Winklevoss Capital is an investment firm founded in 2012 by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss that invests in frontier technologies.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “plan,” “could,” “may,” “will,” “believe,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “goal,” “project,” and other words of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements address various matters including statements relating to the investment in Zcash Open Development Lab (“ZODL”), ZEC, or digital assets held or to be held by the Company, the expected future market, price and liquidity of ZEC or other digital assets the Company acquires, the macro and political conditions surrounding Zcash or digital assets, the Company’s plan for value creation and strategic advantages, market size and growth opportunities, regulatory conditions, competitive position and the interest of other corporations in similar business strategies, technological and market trends, and future financial condition and performance. Risks and uncertainties of the digital asset treasury strategy include, among others: (a) the risk that the Company will fail to realize the anticipated benefits of the investment in ZODL and the digital asset treasury strategy; (b) changes in business, market, financial, political and regulatory conditions; (c) risks relating to the Company’s operations and business, including the highly volatile nature of the price of cryptocurrencies, including ZEC; (d) the risk that the price of the Company’s Common Stock may be highly correlated to the price of ZEC or other digital assets that it holds; (e) risks related to increased competition in the industries in which the Company does and will operate; (f) risks relating to significant legal, commercial, regulatory and technical uncertainty regarding digital assets generally; and (g) risks relating to the treatment of crypto assets for U.S. and foreign tax purposes. New risks and uncertainties may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all risks and uncertainties. No representations or warranties (expressed or implied) are made about the accuracy of any such forward-looking statements. The Company may not actually achieve the forecasts disclosed in such forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of material risks and uncertainties including but not limited to those set forth under the caption “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC, or as may be included in other reports or information we file with the SEC, as well as discussions of potential risks, uncertainties, and other important factors in its subsequent filings with the SEC. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it was made. Neither the Company, nor any of its affiliates, advisors or representatives, undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company’s views as of any date subsequent to the date hereof.

CONTACT:

Douglas E. Onsi
President & Chief Executive Officer
Cypherpunk Technologies Inc.
617-714-0360
ir@cypherpunk.com 

For Media:
Jacqueline Ortiz Ramsay
It Factor Strategies
954-294-3249
jacqueline@itfactorstrategies.com 

For Investors:
Matthew DeYoung
Investor Relations
Argot Partners
212-600-1902
leap@argotpartners.com

 

HKPC Establishes New “Future Life & Health Tech Centre”

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Advertorial Desk
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Driving R&D Translation and Sector Collaboration; Elevating Hong Kong as a Global Life & Health Innovation Hub


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 March 2026 – The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) today officially launched its new “Future Life & Health Tech Centre”, unveiling a suite of R&D achievements and application technologies across life sciences, medical technology, future food, biotechnology and modernisation of Chinese medicine. With a clear focus on accelerating R&D, pilot-scale development, smart manufacturing and commercialisation, the Centre aims to serve as an industry accelerator for life and health technology in Hong Kong, supporting the commercialisation of research outcomes from lab to market and driving the development of new productive forces.

Mr Edmond LAI, Chief Digital Officer of HKPC, said, “Life and health technology is a fast-rising focus for Hong Kong’s innovation and technology development. The Government’s 2026–27 Budget also outlines several initiatives to accelerate I&T development, with a primary focus on life and health technology. HKPC is committed to supporting the Government’s strategic development in this field by delivering forward-looking innovative technologies and services. Through the ‘Future Life & Health Tech Centre’, we will leverage AI, smart manufacturing, pilot platforms and cross-border collaboration to speed up the commercialisation of research outcomes, fostering Hong Kong as an international life and health innovation hub.”

An integrated platform from R&D to market adoption

Positioned as an end-to-end enabler across the full value chain, the “Future Life & Health Tech Centre” provides systematic support from research and pilot production through to scaleup and market adoption. It includes platforms for active ingredient efficacy validation, microencapsulation and controlled release, AI health monitoring model development, dosage form optimisation for Chinese medicine, future food technologies, medical device pilot capabilities and smart microfactory demonstration. The Centre serves as a bridge between universities and research institutes, healthcare providers, local enterprises and Greater Bay Area resources, facilitating upstream, midstream and downstream collaboration for life and health technology.

Exhibition Highlights Showcasing Diverse Applications in Life and Health Technology

According to HKPC’s “Hong Kong Life and Health Industry Development Study”, the sector’s long-term success hinges on technology-driven innovation and efficient industrialisation. The Centre showcases the following innovations:

1. Medical Technology and Diagnostics

  • Veterinary recombinant plasmid DNA vaccine injection technology: Enhances plasmid DNA uptake to boost antibody production and immune response while improving safety; supports animal vaccine R&D.
  • Innovative Porous Silica Capsule Technology: Delivers precise, sustained release of drugs or antibacterial agents; tested to eliminate over 95% of harmful microorganisms. HKPC co‑developed a customised hybrid process and smart production equipment for APEL to establish a “Smart Micro‑factory”, translating research into industrial application.
  • Modernisation of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Combines modern dosage form development with zebrafish model validation. A TCM-based hydrogel patch is undergoing drug registration, with approval targeted for Q3 2026.
  • AI Scalp Health Diagnosis System: Built on HKPC’s open AI platform “HKPC Picasso,” it utilises high-resolution imaging and multimodal data to detect scalp conditions and instantly generate personalised health reports.

2. Future Food and Functional Nutrition

  • Bioprotective Coating Technology for Preservation on Fresh Produces: A food-grade coating that reduces moisture loss, oxygen exposure and microbial growth to extend shelf life and enhance supply chain efficiency.
  • Microencapsulation and Controlled Release Technology for Functional Food: Embeds active ingredients within a carrier system to protect sensitive substances, enhance bioavailability and enable precise release control.
  • AI-enabled Liquid Chilling Tunnel System: A two-stage chilling solution that reduces cooling time by over 60% and boosts efficiency by 90%. An AI vision system automatically identifies products and optimises chilling cycles, ensuring food safety, process stability and full data traceability. The technology has received multiple international honours, including the Gold Medal at the 2017 International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva.

HKPC emphasised that the “Future Life & Health Tech Centre” will act as a key platform for innovative research, pilot-scale development and industrial-scale commercialisation. Moving forward, HKPC will work closely with the Government, academia, healthcare organisations and industry partners in Hong Kong and other cities of the Greater Bay Area to strengthen the innovation ecosystem for life and health technology—supporting Hong Kong’s development as an international life and health innovation hub and advancing new industrialisation.

Photo Captions:

  1. Mr Edmond LAI, Chief Digital Officer of the Hong Kong Productivity Council, outlines the vision and strategy of the “Future Life & Health Tech Centre” and introduces a range of cutting-edge R&D outcomes in life and health technology.
  2. The “Future Life & Health Tech Centre” showcases medical technology and diagnostic innovations, including the “Veterinary recombinant plasmid DNA vaccine injection technology” and the “Modernisation of Traditional Chinese Medicine”.
  3. The “Future Life & Health Tech Centre” features future food technologies, including the “Bioprotective Coating Technology for Preservation on Fresh Produces” and “Microencapsulation and Controlled Release Technology for Functional Food”.

Hashtag: #HKPC

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

About the Hong Kong Productivity Council

The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) is a statutory body established in 1967, dedicated to enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of Hong Kong enterprises through world-class applied R&D, innovative technology services, and integrated manufacturing solutions. As a market-oriented, international R&D organisation, HKPC leverages its deep expertise and extensive industry experience in key areas such as AI, advanced manufacturing, life and health technology, green technology and new energy to drive new industrialisation and support the growth of emerging and future industries.

HKPC focuses on addressing businesses challenges and industrial technology needs, promoting the full integration between technological and industrial innovation. Through technology transfer, product innovation, intellectual property protection and commercialisation of R&D outcomes, the Council fosters collaboration with the local business community as well as top global R&D institutions, delivering added value to industries and advancing the development of new productive forces. HKPC’s world-class R&D achievements have been widely recognised over the years, winning an array of local and overseas accolades, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as an international innovation and technology centre and a smart city.

To help enterprises capitalise on Hong Kong’s strengths in international connectivity to expand into global markets, HKPC offers comprehensive overseas expansion services tailored to critical areas including product development, technology, manufacturing, and management, enabling businesses to successfully go global from Hong Kong.

HKPC is also committed to providing timely and practical support to SMEs and startups with timely and practical, assisting them in accessing Government funding programmes. Through its FutureSkills training initiatives, HKPC helps both industry and academia stay ahead in latest digital and STEM technologies, nurturing a future-ready talent pool for Hong Kong.

For more information, please visit HKPC’s website: .

NYSE Content Update: America250 Chair Rosie Rios Rings Bell to Highlight Partnership

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NYSE issues a pre-market daily advisory direct from the trading floor.

NEW YORK, March 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) provides a daily pre-market update directly from the NYSE Trading Floor. Access today’s NYSE Pre-market update for market insights before trading begins. 

 

Martha Stewart talks about her new C-suite role

Kristen Scholer delivers the pre-market update on March 9th

  • The stock market is set to open the week lower as ICE Brent Crude surpasses $100 a barrel amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
  • Today on NYSE Live, ICE’s Head of Mortgage and Housing Market Research Andy Walden will break down the March 2026 ICE Mortgage Monitor Report
  • Also, on NYSE Live, Martha Stewart stopped by the Inside the ICE House podcast to share her insights on making it big amid International Women’s Day.
  • America250 will ring the Opening Bell to celebrate its partnership with NYSE and more than two centuries of business innovation from Lower Manhattan.

Opening Bell
NYSE and America250 celebrates America’s upcoming 250th Anniversary

Closing Bell
Paris Hilton and 11:11 Media proudly stand with Gloria Steinem in celebration of International Women’s Day

For market insights, IPO activity, and today’s opening bell, download the NYSE TV App: TV.NYSE.com

Robinhood Markets CEO at the NYSE on March 6th
Robinhood Markets CEO at the NYSE on March 6th

 

 

 

WELEDA x Stella McCartney: Paris Fashion Week / Skin Food: 100 years of loving skin

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ARLESHEIM, SWITZERLAND – Newsaktuell – 9 March 2026 – During this season’s Paris Fashion Week, WELEDA is backstage at the Stella McCartney show ensuring radiant skin: make-up artists draw specifically on the trusted nurturing power of the WELEDA Skin Food range to prep and prime the runway models’ skin perfectly for make-up and create a natural glow.

WELEDA Skin Food Model backstage at Paris Fashion Week, 4 March 2026; CREDITS: WELEDA
WELEDA Skin Food Model backstage at Paris Fashion Week, 4 March 2026; CREDITS: WELEDA

“Weleda is such a great brand that has always stayed committed to natural, ethical and sustainable values without chasing trends – I really respect that, and I love Skin Food. My brand has never wavered from our core principles – we’ve been free from leather, feathers, fur and exotic skins since day one. So, to align with another company that proves integrity can last is truly meaningful.”says designer Stella McCartney.

StellaMcCartney Paris Fashion Show Backstage with WELEDA Skin Food, 4 March 2026, Credits: WELEDA
StellaMcCartney Paris Fashion Show Backstage with WELEDA Skin Food, 4 March 2026, Credits: WELEDA

100 years of the WELEDA Skin Food Family

Launched in 1926, Skin Food is one of the few skincare products to have remained relevant for over a century. What began as a deeply nourishing cream for dry, stressed skin has become an internationally celebrated classic, firmly established among make-up artists, models and high-profile individuals from fashion and film – from the runway to the front row. The formula, with wild pansy, calendula, chamomile, rosemary and sunflower oil, nourishes intensively and gives skin the signature Skin Food glow.

Stella McCartney with WELEDA CEO Tina Müller at Paris Fashion Show, 4 March 2026, CREDITS: Weleda
Stella McCartney with WELEDA CEO Tina Müller at Paris Fashion Show, 4 March 2026, CREDITS: Weleda

Shared values: sustainability and responsibility

The collaboration with Stella McCartney highlights the shared mindset of both brands: responsible action, innovative approaches, and a clear commitment to sustainability. Stella McCartney has stood for cruelty-free luxury fashion and the use of sustainable materials for years, while WELEDA relies on natural, organically cultivated ingredients in its NATRUE-certified natural cosmetics. The packaging of the WELEDA Skin Food collection is also designed with recyclability in mind.

“Skin Food has been a favourite with generations of people for 100 years and remains an indispensable staple for many make-up artists. It’s something special to celebrate this anniversary at Paris Fashion Week together with Stella McCartney and to show how well sustainable fashion and natural cosmetics go together,” says Tina Müller, CEO of WELEDA.

For this milestone anniversary for WELEDA Skin Food, the WELEDA and Stella McCartney collaboration shines a spotlight on a product that stands for longevity, relevance and natural beauty.

Hashtag: #WELEDA #StellaMcCartney #SkinFood

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CONNECT•CREATE: CIFF Guangzhou 2026 countdown 10 days

By
Advertorial Desk
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GUANGZHOU, China, March 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 57th China International Furniture Fair (CIFF) Guangzhou returns on March 18–21 & 28–31, 2026, themed “CONNECT•CREATE.“

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/ciff/9386651-en-connect-create-ciff-guangzhou-2026-countdown-10-days

With three exhibitions—Home Furniture, Office & Commercial Space, and CIFM/interzum guangzhou—it creates an ecosystem merging production, design, culture, and commerce to envision future living, working, and manufacturing amid shifting global supply chains and consumer expectations.

HOME FURNITURE

Design Trend & Global Market Opportunities

The Home Furniture Exhibition reinforces CIFF’s role as a design-driven, internationally oriented sourcing platform. Highlights include the 40,000 sqm Contemporary Design Fair with over 60 brands, 20+ studios, and 40 international firms. The 130,000 sqm Upholstered Furniture sector features lifestyle innovations, including “SOFA PLUS” in Area B. Hall 5.2 hosts the Smart Sleep Ecosystem with intelligent mattresses and sleep systems. The 30,000 sqm International Pavilion and 120,000 sqm Dining & Living sector, with 800+ enterprises, showcase global offerings for modern living and cross-border e-commerce.

HOMEDECOR & HOMETEXTILES

Aesthetics, Culture & New Living Concepts

Nearly 700 brands showcase aesthetics, craftsmanship, and lifestyle innovation across 60,000 sqm in Area D. Key themes include wellbeing-focused Silver Life sector, the growing Pet Life sector, and the East Design Show, which supports next-gen soft-furnishings design through creativity and commercial strategy.

OUTDOOR FURNITURE

A Complete Vision of Outdoor Living

Spanning 50,000 sqm, the Outdoor Furniture, Sunshade & Leisure section unites around 400 brands, showcasing material innovations, craftsmanship, and global leisure trends. Curated displays and forums reinforce CIFF Guangzhou’s role as a key reference for outdoor design.

OFFICE & COMMERCIAL SPACE

Sustainable Workplaces & Intelligent Environments

Spread across more than 240,000 sqm, this exhibition presents a forward-looking vision of sustainable, user-centered and technologically advanced workspaces and commercial interiors.

Area A showcases the full office-environment supply chain; Area D hosts the world’s largest Office Seating platform, emphasizing innovation in ergonomics and materials; Area B features the Public Commercial Space showcase, presenting solutions for education, hospitality, transportation and other multifunctional public environments.

CIFM / INTERZUM GUANGZHOU

Technology & Materials Driving the Future of Manufacturing

As CIFF’s industrial powerhouse, CIFM/interzum guangzhou (170,000 sqm) highlights the technologies defining next-generation manufacturing. Area B focuses on intelligent and flexible production machinery; Area C presents advanced materials for CMF innovation and sustainability; while hardware technologies in Area B illustrate new possibilities for integrated living.

Be part of the industry’s most influential meeting point. CIFF Guangzhou awaits you at the Canton Fair Complex!







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