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Investment of Approx. USD 4.5 Million in Development of Diagnostics for Tuberculosis to Partners Including Fujirebio and University Hospital Heidelberg

TOKYO, April 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Global Health Innovative Technology (GHIT) Fund announced today an investment of approximately JPY 679 million (USD 4.5 million1) for the development of diagnostics for tuberculosis, in addition to an investment of approximately JPY 15.9 million (USD 0.1 million1) for a drug discovery project for Chagas disease and leishmaniasis.2 

Investment of approximately JPY 679 million (USD 4.5 million1) for the development of diagnostics for tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a serious infectious disease, with approximately 10.8 million cases and 1.25 million deaths reported in 2023, making it the leading causes of death from a single infectious agent.3 The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set a target to end TB by 2030, but achieving this goal requires accurate and accessible diagnostic technologies. Current TB tests face challenges such as low sensitivity, high costs, complexity, and the need for specialized equipment and sputum samples, making them unsuitable for all patients. In particular, children, people with conditions who cannot produce sputum, and those in resource-limited settings often struggle to receive timely diagnoses, causing the continued spread of the disease. To address this issue, the GHIT Fund has decided to invest approximately JPY 679 million (USD 4.5 million1) towards a new TB diagnostic development project by US-based diagnostic developer Fluxus, Inc., 4 in partnership with Fujirebio, Inc., a developer of clinical diagnostics in Japan,4 and Heidelberg University Hospital in Germany.

This project will leverage Fluxus’ cutting-edge ultrasensitive detection technology to develop and validate a urine-based TB biomarker lipoarabinomannan (LAM) assay on its automated benchtop immunoassay analyzer. Additionally, the project will design and develop critical components for a portable, ultrasensitive point-of-care (PoC) system that integrates the urine LAM test. This advanced technology will enable rapid, accurate, and accessible diagnosis across a broader patient population, contributing to improved clinical outcomes and reduced transmission.

In addition, the GHIT Fund will invest approximately JPY 15.9 million (USD 0.1 million1) in a screening project against Chagas disease and leishmaniasis by Kitasato University, Nagasaki University, University of Tokyo, and Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi).

Please refer to Appendix 1 for detailed descriptions on these projects and their development stages.

As of March 31, 2025, the GHIT Fund has invested in 36 projects, including 15 discovery projects, 12 preclinical projects, and 9 clinical trials.5 The total amount of investments since 2013 is JPY 38.2 billion (USD 255 million1) (Appendix 2).

1 USD1 = JPY149.53, the approximate exchange rate on March 31, 2025.
2 These awarded projects were selected and approved as new investments from among proposals to RFP2023-002 and RFP2024-001 for the Product Development Platform and the Screening Platform, which were open for applications from June 2023 to July 2024.
3 WHO: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/tuberculosis
4
 Fluxus, Inc. and Fujirebio, Inc. are members of Fujirebio.
5 This number includes projects in the registration phase.

The GHIT Fund is a Japan-based international public-private partnership (PPP) fund that was formed between the Government of Japan, multiple pharmaceutical companies, the Gates Foundation, Wellcome, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The GHIT Fund invests in and manages an R&D portfolio of development partnerships aimed at addressing neglected diseases, such as malaria, tuberculosis, and neglected tropical diseases, which afflict the world’s vulnerable and underserved populations. In collaboration with global partners, the GHIT Fund mobilizes Japanese industry, academia, and research institutes to create new drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics for malaria, tuberculosis, and neglected tropical diseases.
https://www.ghitfund.org/en

Appendix 1. Project Details

ID: G2023-204

Project Title

Ultrasensitive Detection of Urine LAM for Point-of-Care Rapid Diagnosis of All Forms
of Tuberculosis

Collaboration

Partners

1. Fluxus, Inc. (USA)

2. Fujirebio, Inc. (Japan)

3. Heidelberg University Hospital (Germany)

Disease

Tuberculosis

Intervention

Diagnostics

Stage

Product Design, Product development

Awarded Amount

JPY 679,783,110 (USD 4.54 million)

Status

New project

Summary

[Project objective]

To develop a prototype portable point-of-care (PoC) system and integrated ultrasensitive
assay for detection of Lipoarabinomannan (LAM) in urine. The test will be benchmarked
to a fully-validated ultrasensitive urine LAM assay being developed on Fluxus’
automated benchtop immunoassay analyzer.

 

[Project design]The project objectives will be achieved by performing the following Specific Aims: 1)
Complete development and validation of an ultrasensitive urine LAM assay on an
existing benchtop immunoassay analyzer. This essay will be adapted and transferred to a
stable and cost-effective PoC cartridge format. 2) Design and development of critical
components for a portable, ultrasensitive PoC system, with functional cartridge and prototype PoC LAM assay.

Project Detail

https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/portfoliodetail/detail/240/en

ID: S2024-122

Project Title

Searching for Chagas disease therapeutic seed compounds from microbial cultures

Collaboration

Partners

1. Kitasato University (Japan)

2. Nagasaki University (Japan)

3. University of Tokyo (Japan)

4. Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) (Switzerland)

Disease

Chagas disease / Leishmaniasis

Intervention

Drug

Stage

Screening

Awarded Amount

JPY 15,945,864 (USD 106,639)

Status

New project

Summary

[Project objective]

The main objective of our proposed project is to identify novel T. cruzi active scaffolds
meeting GHIT/DNDi hit criteria and amenable for further development by screening
microbial cultured broths with a natural product chemistry approach. We aim at
characterizing at least five T. new chemical templates unprecedently associated with T.
cruzi
activity over an 18-month work period. We will also opportunistically evaluate the
anti-Leishmania donovani activity of any antichagasic agent to be identified in the course
of the project.

 

[Project design]In this project, three academic institutions (Kitasato University, Nagasaki University, and
the University of Tokyo) and DNDi will utilize their expertise to identify at least five
seed compounds for Chagas disease therapeutics produced by microorganisms in a one-
and-a-half-year research period. The seed compounds for Chagas disease therapeutics to
be identified during the project will also be assessed for their activity against Leishmania
donovani
, which causes visceral leishmaniasis, to verify their drug potential.

Project Detail

https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/portfoliodetail/detail/241/en

*All amounts are listed at an exchange rate of USD1 = JPY149.53, the approximate exchange rate on March 31, 2025.

Appendix 2. Investment Overview (as of March 31, 2025)

Investments to date
Total investments: 38.2 billion yen (USD 255 million1)
Total invested projects: 136 (36 active projects and 100 completed projects)

To learn more about the GHIT Fund’s investments, please visit
Investment Overview: https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/overview/en
Portfolio: https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/portfolio/en
Advancing Portfolio: https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/advancingportfolio/en
Clinical Candidates: https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/clinicalcandidates/en 

For more information, contact:
Katy Lenard at +1-301-280-5719 or klenard@burness.com
Mina Ohata at +81-36441-2032 or mina.ohata@ghitfund.org

VARON Advocates for Sustainability on Earth Day with Eco-Friendly Oxygen Solutions

NEW YORK, April 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — This Earth Day, VARON is proud to reaffirm its commitment to both respiratory health and environmental responsibility. As a global leader in oxygen concentrator technology, VARON continues to advance sustainable innovation, offering eco-friendly alternatives to traditional oxygen delivery systems. By designing energy-efficient, long-lasting, and low-emission medical devices, VARON is actively contributing to a cleaner, healthier planet.

A Healthier You and a Healthier Earth

Earth Day serves as a vital reminder of the connection between individual health and planetary well-being. For those managing chronic respiratory conditions such as COPD, sleep apnea, or long-term oxygen therapy needs, reliable oxygen access is non-negotiable. However, the environmental cost of conventional oxygen delivery methods—especially oxygen tanks—has historically been overlooked.

Unlike metal tanks that require frequent refills and emit significant carbon during oxygen production, filling, and transport, VARON’s oxygen concentrators offer a sustainable, self-generating solution. These devices pull in ambient air, filter it, and deliver purified oxygen directly to the user. This not only reduces dependency on heavy-duty logistical operations but also eliminates the carbon footprint associated with regular refilling and tank disposal.

Energy Efficiency Engineered Into Every Device

VARON’s product lineup is designed with efficiency in mind. One standout innovation is the VP series, including the VP-1 and VP-2 portable oxygen concentrators, which feature dual-mode auto-sense oxygen delivery systems. These oxygen concentrators automatically adjust their pulse flows based on the user’s breathing pattern. The adaptive system optimizes power usage, helping to lower electricity consumption by up to 30% compared to fixed-flow devices.

Additionally, the VH-3 home oxygen concentrator comes equipped with an intuitive display that can be turned off when not in use, reducing energy draw. This simple yet effective design tweak ensures minimal power waste and reflects VARON’s attention to even the smallest environmental details.

Another example of innovation meeting sustainability is the VT-1 travel oxygen concentrator, a versatile device offering both pulse and continuous flow options. This flexibility enables users to choose lower power modes when appropriate, extending battery life and reducing cumulative energy demands, especially important for mobile and travel use.

Built to Last, Designed to Reduce Waste

Durability is a key component of VARON’s green philosophy. Every VARON oxygen concentrator is manufactured using high-quality, robust materials engineered to withstand long-term, everyday use. The devices are built to outlast the typical lifespan of cheaper or disposable alternatives, significantly reducing e-waste and replacement frequency.

According to industry data, oxygen concentrators with lower-quality components require replacement or repair up to 50% more frequently than their high-performance counterparts. By minimizing the need for frequent upgrades or disposal, VARON’s machines help lower the environmental toll associated with medical device turnover.

Sustainable Manufacturing and Smarter Distribution

Beyond product design, VARON has taken steps to improve sustainability across its entire supply chain. From sourcing recyclable packaging materials to streamlining global logistics to reduce carbon emissions, the company’s end-to-end production model reflects a deep-rooted respect for the environment.

Unlike oxygen tanks that must be transported via specialized carriers due to safety concerns, VARON’s concentrators are classified as non-hazardous and compact. This allows for lighter, more efficient shipping methods, reducing the ecological footprint of both domestic and international deliveries.

Committed to a Greener Future

“As a healthcare technology provider, we understand our responsibility extends beyond our customers’ lungs to the air we all breathe,” said VARON CEO. “This Earth Day, we’re proud to spotlight how our innovations are helping protect the planet, while improving quality of life.”

As global awareness of climate change and environmental degradation grows, VARON continues to explore new avenues for sustainability. From R&D investment in solar-compatible oxygen units to participation in eco-initiatives and environmental certifications, the company remains dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint.

A Breath of Fresh Air for Earth

With thoughtful engineering, eco-conscious operations, and a strong commitment to long-term durability, VARON sets itself apart as a leader in sustainable respiratory care. On Earth Day and every day, VARON invites individuals, caregivers, and healthcare providers to join the movement toward a healthier planet—starting with every breath.

For more information about VARON and its line of energy-efficient oxygen concentrators, visit https://varoninc.com/pages/varon-oxygen-concentrator-2025-earth-day

About VARON
VARON is a trusted global brand specializing in the design and manufacture of advanced oxygen concentrators for home and portable use. With a focus on performance, safety, and sustainability, VARON combines cutting-edge technology with user-centric design to improve the quality of life for individuals requiring respiratory support. Committed to environmental stewardship and medical innovation, VARON continues to set the standard for energy-efficient oxygen solutions worldwide.

Media Contact: Winnie Li, official@varoninc.com 

ESG Xchange 2025 | The Premier Global ESG and Innovation Summit in Hong Kong

Sign up for FREE PASS : https://esgxchangehk.com/register


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 April 2025 – The World Green Organisation (WGO) proudly presents ESG Xchange 2025, set to take place on May 6–7, 2025 at Hall 5G, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). This international flagship summit will bring together over 2,500 global leaders from the fields of ESG, climate finance, sustainable development, and technology innovation.

ESG Xchange 2025

This two-day summit is designed to unite high-level stakeholders, industry leaders, and innovators to drive transformative actions in sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.

Event Overview
The theme of this year’s event is Sustainability, ESG and Carbon Neutrality, Conference Partners and Key Supporting Orgnisations such as United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), Hong Kong Stock Exchanges (HKEX), Financial Services Development Council (FSDC), Cyberport, Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI). With a focus on fostering global sustainable development, the summit aims to empower enterprises in achieving green transformation, advance green finance, and enhance regional collaboration.

ESG Xchange 2025 -highlights

Key Highlights of the Summit

1. International Thought Leadership Platform
Featuring speakers from ISSB, UNEP FI, TNFD, and GRI, alongside global corporate executives and policy advisors, the Main Stage and Pavilion Stages will address ESG regulatory trends, disclosure standards, and strategic foresight.

2. Technology & Innovation Exhibition Zone
Showcasing over 30 local and international tech ventures in areas such as carbon neutrality, ESG data, smart cities, AI-powered sustainability, and green supply chain management.

3.
Business Matching & Market Expansion Opportunities
A dedicated Networking & Matchmaking Lounge will connect participants with investors, corporate buyers, accelerators, and market advisors from the Middle East, ASEAN, Europe, and Mainland China.

4. Thematic Program Tracks

  • “Going Global” Strategy Forum for outbound enterprises
  • “Cambridge Session” on navigating the European ESG and compliance landscape
  • AI and Climate Tech Pitching Sessions
  • Youth Climate Leadership Forum and the Global Carbon Neutrality Campus Alliance Exchange


Core Attendee Profiles

  • 20–30 top Mainland Chinese enterprises and over 200 representatives from Hong Kong listed companies across key industries
  • Business diplomats from foreign consulates in Hong Kong
  • Strategic and international business development teams
  • Technology startups and R&D innovators
  • Asset managers, ESG investors, and sustainable finance professionals
  • International and regional chambers of commerce
  • Academia and climate-focused university alliances (Carbon Neutrality leaders from top universities across Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, sharing insights on low-carbon transition and campus sustainability strategies)
  • NGOs and youth advocates engaged in social innovation

Participants can expect engaging discussions with global leaders, keynote speeches, and specialized workshops on crucial topics such as climate risk modeling, green finance standards, and digital ESG solutions.

Impact of Previous Events
ESG Xchange has established itself as a vital platform over the past years, successfully bringing together diverse stakeholders to collaborate on sustainable solutions. The previous edition attracted over 1,000 participants, including C-suite executives and key decision-makers, demonstrating its significance in the ESG landscape.

Be Part of the Change
ESG Xchange 2025 is more than a summit — it is a dynamic platform to network, co-create, and transform. Whether you’re a business leader, policymaker, investor, or startup founder, this event offers unmatched access to ESG strategies, technologies, and global business opportunities.

Date: May 6–7, 2025
Time: 9 A.M – 6 P.M.
Venue: Hall 5G, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC)
Register Now: https://esgxchangehk.com/register

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative event. For more information and to register, please visit ESG Xchange 2025.

Hashtag: #WGO #ESG #Innovation #Sustainability #CarbonNeutrality #ESGXCHANGE2025 #Internationalsummit #HKCEC #UNESCAP #HKEX #FSDC #Cyberport #SFC #ISSB #UNEPFI #TNFD #GRI #TNFD #SBTi #CDP #MSCI




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

World Green Organisation

The World Green Organisation (WGO) is an independent non-governmental organization dedicated to environmental conservation and promoting sustainable development. Through science-based public policies, community projects, and partnerships, WGO aims to improve the economy, the environment, and livelihoods, ensuring a brighter, more sustainable future for all sectors of society.

For more details about the event and sponsorship opportunities, please visit:

Ascletis Announces Positive Topline Results of U.S. Phase Ib Multiple Ascending Dose Study of Small Molecule Oral GLP-1R Agonist ASC30 and Submission of 13-week Phase IIa Study Protocol to FDA

ASC30 oral once-daily tablet demonstrated a 6.5% placebo-adjusted mean body weight reduction from baseline after four-week treatment using weekly doses with titrations of 2 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg doses.

ASC30 oral once-daily tablet also demonstrated a 4.5% placebo-adjusted mean body weight reduction from baseline after four-week treatment using weekly doses with titrations of 2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg doses. No vomiting was seen in this dose group.

Data from three different weekly titration schemes in the Phase Ib trial support utilizing a “lower starting dose and slower titration strategy for a 13-week Phase IIa study design of ASC30 oral once-daily tablet.

HONG KONG, April 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ascletis Pharma Inc. (HKEX:1672, “Ascletis”) announces today positive topline results of its randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase Ib multiple ascending dose (MAD) study (NCT06680440), conducted in the U.S., of ASC30 oral once-daily tablet in participants with obesity (body mass index (BMI): 30-40 kg/m2). The Phase Ib MAD study consisted of three cohorts, each with a different weekly titration scheme, for a total of four-week treatment and one-week follow up. Scheme 1 (mid starting dose, slow titration: 2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg); Scheme 2 (mid starting dose, normal titration: 2 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg); and Scheme 3 (high starting dose, fast titration: 5 mg, 15 mg, 30 mg, and 60 mg).  Based on single ascending dose (SAD) data in participants with obesity, Schemes 1 and 2 were designed to investigate tolerability and efficacy. All participants with obesity stayed at the clinical site from day 1 to day 2 and from day 27 to day 29. For other days during the study, participants maintained their habitual eating and physical activity patterns as out-patients.

Mean body weight reductions from baseline for Scheme 1 (mid starting dose, slow titration: 2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg) and Scheme 2 (mid starting dose, normal titration: 2 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg) were 4.3% (n=7, p=0.0002 vs placebo) and 6.3% (n=8, p<0.0001 vs placebo), respectively, after four-week treatment. No weight plateau was observed. Mean body weight increase from baseline for placebo was 0.2% (n=6, two placebos from each of three schemes). Placebo adjusted mean body weight reductions for Schemes 1 and 2 from baseline were 4.5% and 6.5%, respectively. The maximum body weight reductions from baseline were 7.6% and 9.1% for Schemes 1 and 2, respectively. ASC30 oral once-daily tablet was generally safe and well tolerated among Schemes 1 and 2, with a favorable safety profile. The majority of gastrointestinal (GI)-related adverse events (AEs) were mild (Grade 1) and short-lived. Schemes 1 and 2 demonstrated improved or comparable GI tolerability to the GLP-1 class such as orforglipron. For example, Scheme 1 had no incidences of vomiting.

After reviewing the safety and efficacy results of the first two dosing schemes, a third dosing scheme (high starting dose, fast titration: 5 mg, 15 mg, 30 mg, and 60 mg) was designed to help validate the optimal combination of tolerability and efficacy seen in Schemes 1 and 2. Mean body weight reduction from baseline for Scheme 3 was 4.8% (n=7, p=0.0015 vs placebo) after four-week treatment. Placebo-adjusted mean body weight reduction from baseline was 5.0%. The maximum body weight reduction from baseline was 9.3%. In Scheme 3, there were two outliers, each with body weight reduction of 1.8% from baseline, which were not seen in Schemes 1 or 2.  Excluding these two outliers, placebo-adjusted mean body weight reduction from baseline in Scheme 3 was 6.1%, comparable to Scheme 2. The maximum body weight reduction from baseline of Scheme 3 was also comparable to Scheme 2 (9.3% and 9.1%, respectively). Moreover, the GI tolerability observed in Scheme 3 was less than that of Schemes 1 and 2, due to its high starting dose, fast titration design.

For all the above mentioned three schemes, no serious adverse events (SAEs) were reported. There were no Grade 3 or higher AEs including GI-related AEs observed. There were no elevations of liver enzymes including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and total bilirubin (TBL) during the treatment. There were no abnormal findings in laboratory tests, vital signs, ECGs (electrocardiograms, including QTc intervals), and physical exams.

Both tolerability and efficacy data from the ASC30 tablet Phase Ib study support a “lower starting dose and slower titration” strategy for a 13-week Phase IIa study design of ASC30 oral once-daily tablet. The 13-week Phase IIa study protocol, which has a low starting dose and slow weekly titration to the desired maintenance doses, has been submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) following a preliminary consultation with FDA.  The Company expects to initiate the 13-week Phase IIa study in the U.S. at the beginning of the third quarter of 2025.

ASC30 was discovered and developed in-house at Ascletis as a first and only investigational small molecule GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) biased agonist designed to be dosed once daily orally and once monthly subcutaneously for the treatment of obesity.

“We are excited that these topline results from our Phase Ib study demonstrated potential best-in-class characteristics to treat obesity,” said Jinzi Jason Wu, Ph.D., Founder, Chairman and CEO of Ascletis. “Results from the Phase Ib study in U.S. informed and provided critical knowledge for our 13-week Phase IIa study design of ASC30 oral once-daily tablet. As a small molecule, ASC30 has the potential to offer both once-daily oral and once-monthly subcutaneous injection dosing options for obesity treatment, if approved.”

About ASC30

ASC30 is an investigational GLP-1R biased small molecule agonist and has unique and differentiated properties that enable the same small molecule for both oral tablet and subcutaneous injection administrations. ASC30 is a new chemical entity (NCE), with U.S. and global compound patent protection until 2044. 

About Ascletis Pharma Inc.

Ascletis is an innovative R&D driven biotech listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (1672.HK), covering the entire value chain from discovery and development to GMP manufacturing. Led by a management team with deep expertise and a proven track record, Ascletis is focused on metabolic diseases by addressing unmet medical needs from a global perspective. Ascletis has multiple clinical stage drug candidates in its metabolic disease pipeline.

For more information, please visit www.ascletis.com.

Contact: 

Peter Vozzo
ICR Healthcare
443-231-0505 (U.S.)
Peter.vozzo@icrhealthcare.com

Ascletis Pharma Inc. PR and IR teams
+86-181-0650-9129 (China)
pr@ascletis.com
ir@ascletis.com 

SK hynix Completes Customer Validation of CXL 2.0-based DDR5

  • Completion of customer qualification of 96GB product to help customers reduce costs when applied to server systems
  • 128GB product of improved performance, equipped with 1bnm 32Gb DDR5, also in customer validation process
  • Company to provide value unmatched by others through “Optimal Innovation”

SEOUL, South Korea, April 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SK hynix Inc. (or “the company”, www.skhynix.com) announced today that it has completed customer validation of 96GB CMM(CXL[1] Memory Module)-DDR5, a DRAM solution product based on CXL 2.0.

1 Compute eXpress Link (CXL): A next-generation interface that efficiently connects CPU, GPU, memory, and other components in high-performance computing systems to support massive, ultra-fast computation. Based on PCIe interface, CXL allows fast data transfer and has pooling capability to efficiently utilize memory

The company said that it can process 36GB/s due to a 50% increase in capacity when the product is applied to the server systems and a 30% improvement in the bandwidth compared to previous DDR5 modules. This can contribute to drastically reducing the total cost of ownership[2] by customers in building and operating data centers.

2 Total cost of ownership: Total cost of owning a product or service, from purchase to disposal. It also includes costs for deployment, maintenance, operations and upgrades

Following the 96GB product validation, the company is proceeding with the validation process for 128GB product with another customer. This product, equipped with 32Gb DDR5 DRAM using the 1bnm process, or the fifth-generation of the 10-nanometer technology, has high performance per watt[3]. The company plans to complete the ongoing 128GB validation as soon as possible to establish a CXL product portfolio to support customers in a timely manner.

3 Performance per watt: Indicator of data capacity per second that can be processed per unit of power

SK hynix is making efforts to expand the CXL ecosystem along with the development of CXL DRAM. The company developed HMSDK[4], software optimized for CMM-DDR5 and integrated it on Linux, the world’s largest open-source operating system, in September, improving the performance of CXL applied systems.

4 Heterogeneous Memory S/W Development Kit (HMSDK): SK hynix’s unique development kit for heterogeneous memory software. It improves performance by expanding bandwidth through efficient crossbar array and rearranging data with appropriate memory device in accordance with data use frequency.

“We are developing various solution products to fulfill Optimal Innovation[5] in order to overcome the limitation of high cost and scalability of the existing system,” said Uksong Kang, Head of Next Gen PP&E. “We will provide optimized value to customers by dramatically improving the scalability and the flexibility of memory while meeting customers’ different needs.”   

5 Optimal Innovation: One of the product orientations unveiled by SK hynix at the SK AI Summit 2024, meaning product innovation optimized for AI era systems such as CXL and PIM

About SK hynix Inc.

SK hynix Inc., headquartered in Korea, is the world’s top tier semiconductor supplier offering Dynamic Random Access Memory chips (“DRAM”) and flash memory chips (“NAND flash”) for a wide range of distinguished customers globally. The Company’s shares are traded on the Korea Exchange, and the Global Depository shares are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. Further information about SK hynix is available at www.skhynix.com, news.skhynix.com.

Mary is born: The New iOS Super App That Puts Generative AI at Your Fingertips

MILAN, April 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Now available on the App Store, https://apps.apple.com/app/mary-ai-assistente-e-chat/id6740776978, Mary is the groundbreaking mobile app that brings the full power of artificial intelligence into your pocket. Designed for creatives, professionals, and curious minds, Mary offers an all-in-one AI suite directly on your smartphone.

Images showcasing Mary’s main AI features
Images showcasing Mary’s main AI features

Multi-Model AI at Your Fingertips

Mary gives users the freedom to choose between top AI models like ChatGPT, Mistral, Llama, and Gemma. Whether you’re writing, brainstorming, or solving complex problems, you can compare answers and select the best tool for your task — all within a single app.

Images, Videos, and Music – Powered by AI

Mary goes beyond text. Create high-definition images using advanced models like Flux, Stable Diffusion, and Recraft.

Riding the latest AI image trends, Mary stands out with unique generation styles including Ghibli-inspired art and action figure-style characters — letting users create whimsical, cinematic, or collectible-style visuals with ease.

For video creation, Mary integrates the Kling platform to generate stunning AI-powered animations, with more models on the way. Music lovers can compose custom tracks by selecting lyrics, genres, and instruments, turning creative ideas into original songs.

Smart Lens: See the World Differently

Mary’s smart lens uses AI to recognize and analyze QR codes, plants, animals, insects, foods, collectible coins, and even celebrities. It goes beyond identification — offering practical insights like food composition analysis in real time.

AI Keyboard & Intelligent Editing

The built-in AI keyboard allows for real-time translation and grammar correction in any language — perfect for smooth, multilingual communication.

Photo lovers can enhance their images with a Photo Enhancer or erase unwanted elements using the Magic Eraser, all with just a tap.

Mary is available now on the App Store. Unlock your creativity and experience the future of AI on mobile: https://apps.apple.com/app/mary-ai-assistente-e-chat/id6740776978

About Mary Srl
Mary Srl is an Italian startup focused on making cutting-edge AI intuitive and accessible. With years of experience in mobile development, the team blends Italian creativity with world-class innovation to shape smarter digital experiences — starting with Mary.

Media Contact:
Francesco Contino
Phone number: / +39 3514194710
Email address: info@thinktorise.app

 

FDA Grants Authorisation for Minder®, the First and Only Implantable Continuous EEG Monitor Approved in US

  •  The Australian-developed Minder system is an implantable device for continuous monitoring of brain activity in patients with epilepsy, developed to address the shortcomings in current electroencephalogram technologies
  •  The FDA has granted authorisation for Minder under its De Novo pathway creating a new classification of device, allowing for marketing and sale of the device in the US for patients with drug resistant epilepsy
  •  Epiminder intends to launch Minder in the US during H2 2025

MELBOURNE, Australia and DALLAS, April 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Epiminder, a pioneering medical device and information solutions company, today announced that it has been granted FDA authorisation via the De Novo classification for Minder, its proprietary implantable continuous electroencephalogram monitoring system (iCEMTM) for patients with epilepsy.  Minder has also been designated as a Breakthrough Technology by the FDA, recognising its potential to provide more effective diagnosis and management for people living with epilepsy. This De Novo authorization is significant as it creates a new classification of device which underscores both the innovation and the clinical validation behind Minder.

Without accurate diagnosis and monitoring, sustained and effective management of epilepsy can be challenging.  Minder has been developed to address the shortcomings in current electroencephalogram (EEG) technologies, providing reliable and actionable diagnostic data for more patients and therefore better enabling their prospects for successful epilepsy treatment. 

Rohan Hoare PhD, CEO of Epiminder, said: ” By extending the monitoring window of an EEG from days using current technologies to months or even years with Minder, we can deliver unprecedented access to a high-fidelity stream of continuous EEG data to health care professionals and their patients.

The FDA’s clearance of Minder is a significant milestone for Epiminder and more importantly for the 52 million people around the world who have epilepsy.  As the first and only implantable continuous EEG monitor approved in US, Minder can provide health care professionals and their patients with more accurate and timely diagnoses, enhanced therapeutic drug monitoring, and can better inform decisions on non-drug treatments like surgery.

Looking ahead, Epiminder plans to develop a suite of integrated software solutions that will extend the clinical impact of the Minder device, for example by providing patients with advance notice of seizures through AI-enabled forecasting.”

Epiminder intends to formally launch Minder in the US during H2 2025 undertaking a phased commercial roll out into leading epilepsy centres as part of a program to demonstrate the clinical utility of the system.

Professor Robert Fisher MD, PhD, Director of the Stanford Epilepsy Center, past-President of the American Epilepsy Society, and Chair of the Data Safety Monitoring Board for the UMPIRE trial, said: “One of the greatest difficulties in caring for people with epilepsy is the lack of accurate information about a patient’s seizures. Seizure diaries are of limited effectiveness. Minder can greatly improve seizure tracking and therefore seizure management. It will fill the significant gap in current EEG technologies, providing clinicians like me continuous and accurate data. By having a more complete picture, we can be more precise in our diagnoses, better able to rapidly adjust medication or neuromodulation regimens and identify patients for potential non-drug or surgical treatments. The result will be a reduction in the huge burden of drug resistant epilepsy.”

The safety and effectiveness of Minder was validated through Epiminder’s UMPIRE clinical study, a multi-centre prospective, open design, case-controlled comparator trial that was undertaken in leading Australian hospitals between 2019 and 2023.  The results of UMPIRE were used to support Epiminder’s successful FDA application.

Professor Mark Cook MD MBBS FRACP FRCP (London), Epiminder’s Founder and Chief Medical Officer, said: “The results from UMPIRE exceeded our expectations and demonstrated Minder’s ability to capture high-quality EEG data continuously for extended periods, including a groundbreaking five-year continuous recording in one participant.  Minder delivered actionable clinical insights for nearly 90 percent of study participants, highlighting the real-life benefits that Epiminder’s best-in-class iCEM can deliver relative to the current standard of care.”

Epilepsy is one of the most common serious chronic neurological disorders, affecting approximately 52 million people worldwide including 250,000 Australians and 3.4 million Americans. It is a neurological condition where a person experiences recurrent seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain.  Seizures can present with a variety of clinical manifestations; some involve motor symptoms, such as intense muscle contractions, while others, such as absence or focal impaired awareness seizures, may present with subtle or no outward physical signs.  The occurrence of seizures varies in frequency among patients, from less than one a year to several a day.

Follow Epiminder on LinkedIn and explore www.epiminder.com for more information.

About Minder

Minder is a minimally invasive device for continuous monitoring of electrographic activity of the brain, providing epilepsy patients and their doctors with detailed data on brain activity over an extended period. Patients can wear the device as they go about their normal daily activities.

Minder’s long-term monitoring of patients outside of a controlled clinical environment provides data needed for better understanding and more effective treatment of underlying conditions, including determining the effectiveness of drug therapies and other potential interventions.

About Epiminder

Founded in 2017 by Professor Mark Cook together with the Bionics Institute, St Vincent’s Hospital, the University of Melbourne and Cochlear Limited. Epiminder is a medical device and information solutions company focused on developing diagnostic and treatment tools for epilepsy and other seizure disorders where continuous monitoring is required. Epiminder is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia and has offices in the United States.

Contact: Matt Wright, matt@nwrcommunications.com.au

Bizcap NZ reports back-to-back record months as demand for line of credit surges

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, April 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Alternative lender Bizcap has recorded its biggest month yet in New Zealand, driven by a sharp rise in uptake of its Line of Credit product. The result follows a record-breaking February, with March originations climbing a further 4%, underlining sustained momentum across the country’s small business finance sector.

In a sign of growing demand for flexible, ongoing access to capital, 41% of all March deals in NZ were Line of Credit facilities, confirming strong product-market fit just months after launch.

“This level of uptake, so soon after releasing the product, validates what we’ve been hearing from advisers and SMEs: New Zealand businesses need simpler, faster ways to manage cash flow and snap up opportunities,” said Adam Szental, Chief Operating Officer at Bizcap. “And with major tech upgrades being launched—like our new Partner Portal—we’re making the experience even more seamless for advisers and their clients.”

Bizcap credits its recent growth in New Zealand to its fast decisioning, low-documentation model, and an adviser-first approach that includes lifetime commissions and dedicated local support. The company recently expanded its product offering with the launch of Bizcap Prime—a longer-term, lower-rate loan designed to give established SMEs even greater choice and flexibility.

To continue supporting adviser education and product awareness, Bizcap’s NZ General Manager Camilla Tumai has been hosting Line of Credit webinars for partners. Another session is scheduled for 2nd May, with registration via Eventbrite.

“We’re building strong relationships with New Zealand partners who value transparency, speed, and service,” said Camilla Tumai, NZ General Manager. “The growth we’ve seen is a shared success—our partners are at the centre of it.”

Bizcap launched in New Zealand in 2022 and has grown rapidly, offering funding up to $2 million with approvals in as little as three hours. Its Business Line of Credit product, introduced in 2024, offers businesses ongoing access to capital with flexible drawdowns, up to $500k in funding, with no need to reapply.

About Bizcap

Bizcap is a leading non-bank business lender operating across New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom and Singapore. Since launching in 2019, it has funded over 30,000 business loans totalling more than $1 billion, with a 4.8/5 Trustpilot rating. Bizcap partners with advisers and aggregators to deliver fast, flexible funding tailored to real-world business needs.

For more information, visit https://www.bizcap.nz/