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Bybit Report: Gold Set to Surpass $3,000 in 2025

DUBAI, UAE, March 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has released its latest Bybit Commodity Insight Report. The report provides key insights into the macroeconomic and geopolitical trends driving gold’s bullish trajectory, analyzing the factors that could push the precious metal to new all-time highs.

Key Highlights:

  • Bullish Outlook: Gold is expected to surpass $3,000 per ounce in 2025, supported by strong macroeconomic and geopolitical factors.
  • Inflation Hedge: Persistent inflation above the Federal Reserve’s target strengthens gold’s role as a hedge against currency devaluation.
  • Monetary Policy Shifts: Anticipated U.S. interest rate cuts could boost gold’s appeal over interest-bearing assets.
  • Geopolitical Tensions: Global conflicts, including U.S.-China tensions and the RussiaUkraine war, are driving demand for safe-haven assets.
  • Central Bank Demand: Record-breaking gold purchases, especially by China and Russia, provide structural support for higher prices.
  • Technical Momentum: Breaking past $3,000 could accelerate gains toward $3,200–$3,500.
  • Investor Confidence: Strong ETF inflows and speculative positioning signal a bullish market sentiment.

Macroeconomic Drivers

With inflation projected to remain above 2%, gold continues to serve as a hedge against declining purchasing power. The Federal Reserve’s expected rate cuts could further increase demand, as lower real interest rates make gold more attractive than fixed-income assets.

Sources: International Monetary Fund (IMF) Global Economic Outlook, 2025; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS); European Central Bank (ECB); World Bank Macroeconomic Indicators
Sources: International Monetary Fund (IMF) Global Economic Outlook, 2025; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS); European Central Bank (ECB); World Bank Macroeconomic Indicators

Geopolitical Uncertainty

Ongoing conflicts and global instability are reinforcing gold’s safe-haven appeal. Historically, gold has outperformed during periods of geopolitical stress, with investors turning to it as a hedge against uncertainty. The current environment suggests this trend will continue.

Central Bank Accumulation

Central banks purchased over 1,000 metric tons of gold in 2024, a trend expected to persist as countries like China and Russia diversify away from the U.S. dollar. This steady accumulation supports prices and limits downside risk.

Technical Strength & Market Sentiment

Gold remains in a strong uptrend, with key resistance levels in focus. A break above $3,000 could trigger further gains, while ETF inflows and rising futures positions indicate strong investor confidence.

Conclusion

Gold’s path to $3,000 is driven by inflation, central bank demand, geopolitical uncertainty, and positive technical indicators. As global instability persists, gold’s status as a safe-haven asset is expected to strengthen.

For a deeper analysis of these trends, access the full Bybit Commodity Insight Report from Bybit.

#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk /#BybitResearch/#BybitLearn

About Bybit

Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press
For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com  
For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media

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‘Western waistlines’ on the way globally as supermarkets and convenience stores take over the world, new study warns

Immediate action needed to disrupt junk food diet trend

Some of the fastest growing countries in the world are set for dietary disaster as the trend of convenience store and supermarket dominance takes hold, according to a new global study released today on World Obesity Day.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 March 2025 – Just published in Nature Food, the study by researchers from Deakin University in Australia and experts from UNICEF, unveils a seismic shift in the types of food stores springing up globally over the past 15 years, with serious health implications for vulnerable low and middle-income countries.

Analysing data from 97 countries on retail changes over the last 15 years, the study showed that the number of chain supermarkets, hypermarkets and convenience stores per 10,000 people increased by 23.6% globally over the period. With market domination by these types of retailers being the norm in high-income countries, low and middle-income countries are copying the trend and catching up fast. In South Asia and Southeast Asia, the number of chain retail outlets per person has increased by nearly 10% per year, with a corresponding drop off in independently owned traditional stores.

And in a sign that retail is set for an even bigger shake up, grocery sales from digital retailers increased by 325% over a 10-year period across 27 countries.

In a clear indication that more supermarkets and convenience stores are bad for our health, the researchers showed for the first time that at a global scale, change in the density of chain retail outlets and the increasing amount of unhealthy food sold by them was associated with an increase in the prevalence of obesity, which continues to rise in every region of the world and is very much a global concern.

And how does the increase in the number of chain retailers impact our health?

According to the study’s lead author Dr Tailane Scapin, from Deakin University:

“Large chain retailers usually hold significant market power, using their dominance over food manufacturers to determine what food is available and what price it’s sold at, which has led to the widespread availability of unhealthy foods.

“Large chain retailers and food manufacturers also use aggressive marketing strategies to promote unhealthy foods, contributing to poor dietary habits and, as consequence, negatively impacting their customers’ health.”

Dr Scapin said that immediate action was needed to address the impact of changing retail food environments.

“Our findings underscore the importance of regulating the retail environment to make sure that it’s healthy foods that are promoted, while the marketing and promotion of unhealthy food products is limited.

“In low and middle-income countries where supermarkets and convenience stores are spreading the fastest, governments have a time-limited opportunity to make sure that these new, modern retail stores actually promote healthy food. We know from the experience in North America, Europe and other high-income regions that once retailers are established, they are very hard to change.”

The study’s research team called for urgent action from governments, from retailers and from the health promotion workforce to prioritise healthier retail food environments that support sustainable and healthy dietary patterns and positive public health outcomes.

“With this research published on World Obesity Day which has a theme of ‘Changing systems for healthier lives’, it’s important that the promising action being taken by forward-thinking retailers and governments is scaled up globally,” Dr Scapin said.

The full study report, with data by country, by geographic region and by country income group, appears in the publication in Nature Food and in an interactive dashboard here.

This work was completed as part of a collaboration between UNICEF and the Centre of Research Excellence in Food Retail Environments for Health: Next Generation in Australia.

For further information visit: healthyfoodretail.com

Hashtag: #healthyfoodretail #globalhealth #healthyfoodresearch #research #WorldObesityDay #WOD #DeakinUniversity #GLOBE #populationhealth


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

Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, Deakin University, Australia

) at Deakin University in Australia is a designated World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Obesity Prevention. GLOBE’s vision is to catalyse improvements in population health – with a focus on prevention, nutrition and obesity – through innovative research that empowers people and enables healthier environments.
GLOBE is one of the largest research groups dedicated to obesity prevention research in Australia. As a leader in preventive health and nutrition research, our methods are drawn from multiple disciplines, including public health, nutrition and dietetics, epidemiology, political science, health economics, systems science and implementation science.
GLOBE is part of Deakin University’s Institute for Health Transformation.

HONOR Announces 7 Years of Android OS and Security Updates for the HONOR Magic Series

Extended support allows flagship devices to maintain access to the latest AI innovation and stay secure for longer

BARCELONA, Spain, March 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Global technology brand HONOR today announced that it will begin offering seven years of Android OS and security updates for its flagship HONOR Magic series[1], starting in EU markets.


Announced as part of the HONOR ALPHA PLAN, the pledge attests to HONOR’s commitment to putting customers first, and makes the brand one of three in the industry today to provide consumers with this extended coverage. HONOR hopes the change would inspire industry peers to replicate for their customers, allowing more to take advantage of the latest innovation while improving security for all smartphone device users worldwide.

“The HONOR ALHPA PLAN has a strong emphasis on a consumer-centric approach to our future products. We aim to provide devices and services that meet consumer needs and beyond their expectation now and in the future. Therefore, HONOR has decided to offer seven years of Android OS and security updates to the HONOR Magic series. This includes our flagship bar phone and foldable phone. This commitment begins with the HONOR Magic7 Pro. We are delighted to make this available to our customers,” said James Li, CEO of HONOR.

The HONOR ALPHA PLAN is a new corporate strategy to transform HONOR from a smartphone maker to a global leading AI device ecosystem company. The visionary three-step plan details the bold steps HONOR will take to usher in the new intelligent world, and calls on the industry to co-create an open, value-sharing ecosystem that maximizes human potential, ultimately benefiting all mankind.

The extended support not only extends the lifespan of devices and reduces e-waste, in line with the sustainability standards, but also ensures users enjoy secure, high-performing devices with the latest AI technology throughout their extended lifecycles.

HONOR Magic7 Pro users in the EU are the first to benefit from the support extension. In the future, HONOR will offer the extended support to more flagship models, including bar phones and foldable phones.

[1] This support does not apply to HONOR Magic Lite series devices.

 

Acurx Announces Publication of Nonclinical In Vivo Data Differentiating Ibezapolstat’s Gut Microbiome Effects from Other Anti-CDI Antibiotics

  • First ever head-to-head comparison of gut microbiome changes associated with ibezapolstat (IBZ) to other anti-CDI antibiotics in a germ-free mouse model
  • Changes in alpha and beta microbiome diversities following IBZ treatment were less pronounced compared to those observed in vancomycin (VAN)-or metronidazole (MET)-treated groups, complementing prior Phase 2 clinical findings showing IBZ’s more selective antibacterial activity
  • Notable differences were observed between the microbiome of IBZ- and fidaxomicin (FDX)-treated groups, which may allow for differentiation of these two anti-CDI antibiotics in future studies
  • Results establish IBZ differentiating effects on the gut microbiome, indicating a more selective spectrum of microbiome alteration compared to broader-spectrum antibiotics like VAN and MET and a narrower spectrum of microbiome alteration compared to FDX
  • Preparation continues to advance IBZ into international Ph3 clinical trials for treatment of CDI
  • IBZ has previously been granted FDA QIDP and Fast-Track Designation and has received SME (Small and Medium-sized Enterprise) designation by the EMA

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y., March 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Acurx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ACXP) (“Acurx” or the “Company”) is a late-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a new class of small molecule antibiotics for difficult-to-treat bacterial infections, with its lead antibiotic candidate, ibezapolstat, preparing to advance to international Phase 3 clinical trials to treat patients with C. difficile Infection (CDI). The Company today announced the results of a study in a humanized mouse model and its publication in the Journal of Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapeutics entitled: “Microbiome impact of ibezapolstat and other Clostridioides difficile infection-relevant antibiotics using humanized mice”. The primary author is Trenton Wolfe, a PhD student at the University of Montana. This study was funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), the National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), and the Company.

According to co-author Kevin Garey, PharmD, MS, FIDSA, Professor and Chair, University of Houston College of Pharmacy, Principal Investigator for microbiology and microbiome aspects of the ibezapolstat clinical trial program, and Acurx Scientific Advisory Board member: “This study provides critical evidence to begin to distinguish ibezapolstat from other C. difficile directed antibiotics, especially fidaxomicin. Although both ibezapolstat and fidaxomicin were narrower spectrum than vancomycin or metronidazole, ibezapolstat’s effect on the microbiome was distinctly different than fidaxomicin. How this translates into beneficial health effects or emergence of antimicrobial resistance will be an area of further study.”

Acurx’s Executive Chairman, Bob DeLuccia, stated: “These results of this first ever direct comparison of the gut microbiome effects of ibezapolstat in a validated humanized mouse model set the stage for potential competitive advantage of IBZ over all commonly used anti-CDI antibiotics, including fidaxomicin”. He added: “These data also serve as a foundation upon which to build future planned preclinical and clinical studies at the appropriate time to further clarify ibezapolstat’s favorable effect on the microbiome known to confer health benefits to patients with CDI.”

This study was a head-to-head comparison of intestinal microbiome effects of IBZ with other CDI antibiotics and has not been done previously in non-clinical, in vivo models. The purpose of this study was to compare gut microbiome changes associated with IBZ to other anti-CDI antibiotics in groups of germ-free mice. Changes in alpha and beta microbiome diversities following IBZ treatment were less pronounced compared to those observed in VAN- or MET-treated groups. By the end of therapy, IBZ increased the relative abundance of Bacteroidota and Actinomycetota phyla. In microbiome-humanized mice, IBZ and FDX had smaller effects on gut microbiome diversity, a positive outcome, compared to VAN and MET. This analysis places IBZ in a similar category of microbiome disruption as FDX with notable favorable differences of IBZ over FDX and indicating a narrower spectrum of microbiome alteration compared to broader-spectrum agents like VAN and MET. However, notable differences were observed between the microbiome of IBZ- and FDX-treated groups, which may allow for differentiation of these two antibiotics in future studies, such as increased proportion of Actinomycetota bacteria which include Bifidobacteria and other species known to confer human health benefits.

THE PUBLICATION IS ON OUR WEBSITE: www.acurxpharma.com

About the AAC Journal:
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (AAC) is an interdisciplinary journal devoted to the dissemination of knowledge relating to all aspects of antimicrobial and antiparasitic agents and chemotherapy. Generally, any report involving studies on or with antimicrobial, antiviral (including antiretroviral), or antiparasitic agents is within the purview of AAC. Studies involving animal models, pharmacological characterization, and clinical trials are appropriate for consideration.

 Acurx previously announced that it had received positive regulatory guidance from the EMA during its Scientific Advice Procedure which confirmed that the clinical, non-clinical and CMC (Chemistry Manufacturing and Controls) information package submitted to EMA supports advancement of the ibezapolstat Phase 3 program and if the Phase 3 program is successful, supports the submission of a Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) for regulatory approval in Europe.  The information package submitted to EMA by the Company to which agreement has been reached with EMA included details on Acurx’s two planned international Phase 3 clinical trials, 1:1 randomized (designed as non-inferiority vs vancomycin), primary and secondary endpoints, sample size, statistical analysis plan and the overall registration safety database. With mutually consistent feedback from both EMA and FDA, Acurx is well positioned to commence our international Phase 3 registration program.

The primary efficacy analysis will be performed using a Modified Intent-To-Treat (mITT) population. This will result in an estimated 450 subjects in the mITT population, randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either ibezapolstat or standard- of-care vancomycin, enrolled into the initial Phase 3 trial. The trial design not only allows determination of ibezapolstat’s ability to achieve Clinical Cure of CDI as measured 2 days after 10 days of oral treatment, but also includes assessment of ibezapolstat’s potential effect on reduction of CDI recurrence in the target population. In the event non-inferiority of ibezapolstat to vancomycin is demonstrated, further analysis will be conducted to test for superiority.

About the Ibezapolstat Phase 2 Clinical Trial
The completed multicenter, open-label single-arm segment (Phase 2a) study was followed by a double-blind, randomized, active-controlled, non-inferiority, segment (Phase 2bat 28 US clinical trial sites which together comprise the Phase 2 clinical trial. (Link

to Clinicaltrials.gov/NCT042447542) This Phase 2 clinical trial was designed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of ibezapolstat in the treatment of CDI including pharmacokinetics and microbiome changes from baseline. from study centers in the United States. In the Phase 2a trial segment,10 patients with diarrhea caused by C. difficile were treated with ibezapolstat 450 mg orally, twice daily for 10 days. All patients were followed for recurrence for 28± 2 days. Per protocol, after 10 patients of the projected 20 Phase 2a patients completed treatment (100% cured infection at End of Treatment).

In the Phase 2b trial segment, which was discontinued due to success, 32 patients with CDI were enrolled and randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either ibezapolstat 450 mg every 12 hours or vancomycin 125 mg orally every 6 hours, in each case, for 10 days and followed for 28 ± 2 days following the end of treatment for recurrence of CDI. The two treatments were identical in appearance, dosing times, and number of capsules administered to maintain the blind.

The Company previously reported that the overall observed Clinical Cure rate in the combined Phase 2 trials in patients with CDI was 96% (25 out of 26 patients), based on 10 out of 10 patients (100%) in Phase 2a in the Modified Intent to Treat Population, plus 15 out of 16 (94%) patients in Phase 2b in the Per Protocol Population, who experienced Clinical Cure during treatment with ibezapolstat. 

100% (25 of 25) ibezapolstat-treated patients in Phase 2 (Phase 2a and 2b) who had Clinical Cure at EOT) (End of Treatment) remained cured through one month after EOT, as compared to 86% (12 of 14) for the vancomycin patient group.  Ibezapolstat was well-tolerated, with three patients each  experiencing one mild adverse event assessed by the blinded investigator to be drug- related. All three events were gastrointestinal in nature and resolved without treatment. There were no drug-related treatment withdrawals or no drug-related serious adverse events, or other safety findings of concern. In the Phase 2b vancomycin control arm, 14 out of 14 patients experienced Clinical Cure. The Company is confident that based on the pooled Phase 2 ibezapolstat Clinical Cure rate of 96% and the historical vancomycin cure rate of approximately 81% (Vancocin® Prescribing Information, January 2021), we will demonstrate non-inferiority of ibezapolstat to vancomycin in Phase 3 trials in accordance with the applicable FDA Guidance for Industry (October 2022).

In the Phase 2 clinical trial (both trial segments), the Company also evaluated pharmacokinetics (PK) and microbiome changes and test for anti-recurrence microbiome properties, including the change from baseline in alpha diversity and bacterial abundance, especially overgrowth of healthy gut microbiota Actinobacteria and Firmicute phylum species during and after therapy. Phase 2a data demonstrated complete eradication of colonic C. difficile by day three of treatment with ibezapolstat as well as the observed overgrowth of healthy gut microbiota, Actinobacteria and Firmicute phyla species, during and after therapy. Very importantly, emerging data show an increased concentration of secondary bile acids during and following ibezapolstat therapy which is known to correlate with colonization resistance against C. difficile. A decrease in primary bile acids and the favorable increase in the ratio of secondary-to-primary bile acids suggest that ibezapolstat may reduce the likelihood of CDI recurrence when compared to vancomycin. The company also recently reported positive extended clinical cure (ECC) data for ibezapolstat (IBZ), its lead antibiotic candidate, from the Company’s recently completed Phase 2b clinical trial in patients with CDI. This exploratory endpoint showed that 12 patients who agreed to be followed up to three months following Clinical Cure of their infection, 5 of 5 IBZ patients experienced no recurrence of infection. In the vancomycin control arm of the trial, 7 of 7 patients experienced no recurrence of infection. ECC success is defined as a clinical cure at the TOC visit (i.e., at least 48 hours post EOT) and no recurrence of CDI within the 56 ± 2 days post EOT (ECC56) and 84 ± 2 days post EOT (ECC84) in patients who consented to extended observation. In the Phase 2b trial, 100% (5 of 5) of ibezapolstat-treated patients who agreed to observation for up to three months following Clinical Cure of CDI experienced no recurrence of infection. Furthermore, ibezapolstat-treated patients showed lower concentrations of fecal primary bile acids, and higher beneficial ratio of secondary to primary bile acids than vancomycin-treated patients.

About Ibezapolstat
Ibezapolstat is the Company’s lead antibiotic candidate planning to advance to international Phase 3 clinical trials to treat patients with C. difficile Infection (CDI). Ibezapolstat is a novel, orally administered antibiotic, being developed as a Gram-Positive Selective Spectrum (GPSS®) antibacterial. It is the first of a new class of DNA polymerase IIIC inhibitors under development by Acurx to treat bacterial infections. Ibezapolstat’s unique spectrum of activity, which includes C. difficile but spares other Firmicutes and the importantActinobacteria phyla, appears to contribute to the maintenance of a healthy gut microbiome.

In June 2018, ibezapolstat was designated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) for the treatment of patients with CDI and will be eligible to benefit from the incentives for the development of

new antibiotics established under the Generating New Antibiotic Incentives Now (GAIN) Act. In 2019, FDA granted “Fast Track” designation to ibezapolstat for the treatment of patients with CDI. The CDC has designated C. difficile as an urgent threat highlighting the need for new antibiotics to treat CDI.

About Clostridioides difficile Infection (CDI)
According to the 2017 Update (published February 2018) of the Clinical Practice Guidelines for C. difficile Infection by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and Society or Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA), CDI remains a significant medical problem in hospitals, in long-term care facilities and in the community. C. difficile is one of the most common causes of health care- associated infections in U.S. hospitals (Lessa, et al, 2015,

New England Journal of Medicine). Recent estimates suggest C. difficile approaches 500,000 infections annually in the U.S. and is associated with approximately 20,000 deaths annually. (Guh, 2020, New England Journal of Medicine). Based on internal estimates, the recurrence rate for the antibiotics currently used to treat CDI is between 20% and 40% among approximately 150,000 patients treated. We believe the annual incidence of CDI in the U.S. approaches 600,000 infections and a mortality rate of approximately 9.3%.

About the Microbiome in C. difficile Infection (CDI) and Bile Acid Metabolism
C. difficile can be a normal component of the healthy gut microbiome, but when the microbiome is thrown out of balance, the C. difficile can thrive and cause an infection. After colonization with C. difficile, the organism produces and releases the main virulence factors, the two large clostridial toxins A (TcdA) and B (TcdB). (Kachrimanidou, Microorganisms 2020, 8, 200; doi:10.3390/microorganisms8020200.) TcdA and TcdB are exotoxins that bind to human intestinal epithelial cells and are responsible for inflammation, fluid and mucous secretion, as well as damage to the intestinal mucosa. Bile acids perform many functional roles in the GI tract, with one of the most important being maintenance of a healthy microbiome by inhibiting C. difficile growth. Primary bile acids, which are secreted by the liver into the intestines, promote germination of C. difficile spores and thereby

increase the risk of recurrent CDI after successful treatment of an initial episode. On the other hand, secondary bile acids, which are produced by normal gut microbiota through metabolism of primary bile acids, do not induce C. difficile sporulation and therefore protect against recurrent disease. Since ibezapolstat treatment leads to minimal disruption of the gut microbiome, bacterial production of secondary bile acids continues which may contribute to an anti-recurrence effect. Beneficial effects of bile acids include a decrease in primary bile acids and an increase in secondary bile acids in patients with CDI, which was observed in the Company’s Ph2a trial results and previously reported (CID, 2022). In the Ph2b trial, ibezapolstat-treated patients showed lower concentrations of fecal primary bile acids, and higher beneficial ratio of secondary to primary bile acids than vancomycin-treated patients.

About Acurx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Acurx Pharmaceuticals is a late-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing a new class of small molecule antibiotics for difficult-to-

treat bacterial infections. The Company’s approach is to develop antibiotic candidates with a Gram-positive selective spectrum (GPSS®) that blocks the active site of the Gram-positive specific bacterial enzyme DNA polymerase IIIC (pol IIIC), inhibiting DNA replication and leading to Gram-positive bacterial cell death. Its R&D pipeline includes antibiotic product candidates that target Gram-positive bacteria, including Clostridioides difficile, methicillin- resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin resistant Enterococcus (VRE), drug- resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (DRSP) and B. anthracis (anthrax; a Bioterrorism Category A Threat-Level pathogen). Acurx’s lead product candidate, ibezapolstat, for the treatment of C. difficile Infection is Phase 3 ready with plans in progress to begin international clinical trials next year. The Company’s preclinical pipeline includes development of an oral product candidate for treatment of ABSSSI (Acute Bacterial Skin and Skin Structure Infections), upon which a development program for treatment of inhaled anthrax is being planned in parallel.

To learn more about Acurx Pharmaceuticals and its product pipeline, please visit www.acurxpharma.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
Any statements in this press release about our future expectations, plans and prospects, including statements regarding our strategy, future operations, prospects, plans and objectives, and other statements containing the words “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “expects,” and similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: whether ibezapolstat will benefit from the QIDP designation; whether ibezapolstat will advance through the clinical trial process on a timely basis; whether the results of the clinical trials of ibezapolstat will warrant the submission of applications for marketing approval, and if so, whether ibezapolstat will receive approval from the FDA or equivalent foreign regulatory agencies where approval is sought; whether, if ibezapolstat obtains approval, it will be successfully distributed and marketed; and other risks and uncertainties described in the Company’s annual report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and in the Company’s subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such forward- looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and Acurx disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements, except as may be required by law.

Investor Contact:
Acurx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
David P. Luci, President & CEO
Tel: 917-533-1469

Email: davidluci@acurxpharma.com

DrFirst Recognized for Enabling Technology Leadership in Healthcare by Frost & Sullivan

Leading the Way in Healthcare Innovation Across the Medication Journey

SAN ANTONIO, March 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — DrFirst, a leading innovator in healthcare technology, has been honored with the prestigious Enabling Technology Leadership Award by Frost & Sullivan. This recognition highlights how the outstanding contributions of DrFirst bridge critical gaps in healthcare through groundbreaking technology solutions. With its comprehensive platform, DrFirst optimizes the medication journey from prescribing to adherence, with integrated solutions that directly address critical challenges in prescription management and orchestration; medication access, affordability, and adherence; and clinical data accuracy.

The U.S. healthcare market has long struggled with entrenched resistance to change, resulting in isolated healthcare information systems that hinder collaboration. Limited interoperability has led to inefficiencies, medication errors, and unnecessary hospital readmissions. In response to these challenges, DrFirst has developed a holistic, technology-driven approach that empowers healthcare professionals and patients with real-time access to accurate patient information, enhancing decision-making and improving outcomes.

DrFirst has pioneered innovative solutions that integrate with electronic health records (EHRs), health information exchanges (HIEs), and pharmacy systems, simplifying workflows and transforming how providers, pharmacists, and other stakeholders collaborate for high-quality patient care.

Key achievements that contributed to this award include:

  • Prescription Orchestration Technology — The company’s latest innovation reinvents how ePrescriptions are shared between providers, pharmacies, and payers, enabling clinical collaboration and custom workflows that speed access to specialty medications.
  • AI-Powered Solutions — Using artificial intelligence and real-time data sharing, DrFirst innovations minimize prescription errors and boost clinical workflow efficiency.
  • Patient Engagement and Adherence — DrFirst digital tools empower patients with cost-saving and educational resources, prescription price transparency, and access to patient support, lowering prescription abandonment.
  • Medication Reconciliation Excellence — The company improves the accuracy of medication history, significantly reducing adverse drug events and hospital readmissions.

“Innovation is not just about technology—it’s about empowering people,” said G. Cameron Deemer, DrFirst CEO. “This recognition from Frost & Sullivan underscores our culture of innovation and commitment to eliminating friction in medication management for all stakeholders in healthcare, ultimately achieving better medication outcomes for everyone.”

Through strategic partnerships with over 2,000 hospitals, 270 EHR systems, and 70,000 pharmacies, DrFirst solutions reach 100 million patients annually. The company’s collaborative approach fosters a healthcare ecosystem where providers can make informed, timely decisions while mitigating costs and inefficiencies.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that has developed a product with innovative features, functionality, and rapidly growing market acceptance. The award recognizes the solution’s quality and the customer value it delivers.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices awards recognize companies in various regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analyses, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry.

About Frost & Sullivan

For six decades, Frost & Sullivan has been world-renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders, and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, megatrends, new business models, and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion.

About DrFirst
For 25 years, healthcare IT pioneer DrFirst has empowered providers and patients to achieve better health through intelligent medication management. We improve healthcare workflows and help patients start and stay on therapy with end-to-end solutions that enhance prescription access, affordability, and adherence. DrFirst has recently won over 25 awards for excellence and innovation, including winning Gold in the prestigious Edison Awards in 2023, recognizing our game-changing use of clinical-grade AI to streamline time-consuming healthcare workflows and prevent medication errors. Our solutions help 100 million patients a year and are used by more than 420,000 prescribers, 71,000 pharmacies, 270 EHRs and health information systems, and over 2,000 hospitals in the U.S. To learn more, visit DrFirst.com and follow @DrFirst.

Contact:

Camila Tinajero
P: +54911 6713 2748
E: Camila.Tinajero@frost.com 

Actian Advances Data Intelligence Platform

Platform addresses enterprise need for accelerated data discovery, self-service access, strong data
governance, and improved collaboration for the AI era

ROUND ROCK, Texas, March 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Actian, the data division of HCLSoftware, today announces advancements to the Actian Data Intelligence Platform (formerly known as the Zeenea Data Discovery Platform). The easy-to-use platform, which follows the acquisition of Zeenea last year, centralizes data catalog, active metadata management, data quality and lineage, data governance, and enterprise data marketplace capabilities. With its ability to automate data discovery and support governed data usage, enterprises can make confident, informed decisions while ensuring security and compliance.

Data intelligence is the critical foundation of an enterprise data strategy, including AI initiatives. Actian’s vision for data intelligence is to enable deep understanding of data within relevant business context so enterprises can take action based on insights. A unified platform for data discovery, governance and data democratization is essential to realize this vision. Through this integrated approach, enterprises can maximize the value of their data, transforming it into competitive advantage.

“As AI rapidly accelerates from ambition to reality, companies must evolve to meet the requirements for quality data that is accessible yet properly governed and understood,” said Emma McGrattan, CTO of Actian. “The Actian Data Intelligence Platform provides deep contextual insights into the data, helping enterprises build the data foundation essential for successful AI initiatives.”

The Actian Data Intelligence Platform is powered by an advanced knowledge graph for easy search and navigation and aligns with modern data mesh architectures. Unlike traditional data catalog and governance solutions, the platform connects technical data elements with business context to deliver meaningful and actionable data insights, enabling organizations to implement data-driven improvements while maintaining governance.

The data stack-agnostic platform integrates with existing data tools and offers two dedicated user experiences for data consumers and data producers. It features advanced capabilities:

  • A modern data catalog with intuitive search and discovery as well as a business glossary to establish consistent business language across the organization.
  • Automatic synchronization with data quality solutions and complete data lineage visualization for full clarity on data’s context, quality, origin and transformation.
  • Federated data governance balanced with decentralized ownership to ensure security and compliance with regulatory and enterprise-wide standards.
  • An integrated enterprise data marketplace using an intuitive, e-commerce-like shopping experience.

A new self-service data access capability in the Actian enterprise data marketplace automates how users request and access data while maintaining governance controls and audit trails. This streamlined approach reduces time spent on data discovery and preparation while ensuring security and compliance.

“As companies accelerate their AI adoption timelines, access to high-quality data with a well-defined lifecycle and governance remains the biggest challenge,” said Chirag Mehta, vice president and principal analyst at Constellation Research. “Organizations are exploring data intelligence and governance solutions, such as the Actian Data Intelligence Platform, that meet their current needs, can be trusted, and evolve alongside their data maturity and AI adoption.”

The Actian Data Intelligence Platform, which can be deployed across hybrid, cloud, and on-premises environments, is available immediately.

More information:

About Actian
Actian empowers enterprises to confidently manage and govern data at scale. Actian data management and data intelligence solutions help streamline complex data environments and accelerate the delivery of AI-ready data. Designed to be flexible, Actian solutions integrate seamlessly and perform reliably across on-premises, cloud and hybrid environments. Learn more about Actian, the data division of HCLSoftware, at actian.com.

Media Contacts
Danielle Lee
Senior Director – Global Analyst Relations & Public Relations
Danielle.Lee@actian.com
202.997.4150

Jennifer Harbour
PR Consultant
Jennifer.Harbour@actian.com 

 

Fushi Deepens Its Reach across Southeast Asia, Leveraging AI to Drive SaaS Innovation

SINGAPORE, March 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — AI is no longer a distant vision. It has seamlessly integrated into our daily life and business operations, transforming industries at an unprecedented pace.

Fushi Technology, an AI-powered, one-stop digital service provider for merchants, has launched its AI Agent solution for the F&B industry in Southeast Asia, marking a significant step in its global SaaS expansion. This innovative product offers 24/7 intelligent ordering, personalized recommendations, knowledge sharing, and customer support, acting as a smart digital assistant for businesses.

As part of its global expansion strategy, Fushi strengthened its presence in Southeast Asia in 2023 by acquiring Ascentis, a leading regional SaaS provider. This strategic move unites Fushi’s advanced AI capabilities and Ascentis’ expertise in CRM and loyalty solutions for the retail and F&B sectors, driving rapid growth for the group.

Strategic Acquisition Fuels Fushi‘s SaaS Expansion in Southeast Asia

Johnson Tan, Vice President of Fushi with over 17 years of experience in Digital Transformation, CRM Strategy, and Information Technology in Southeast Asia highlights the region’s distinct market characteristics:

Southeast Asia’s SaaS market is experiencing rapid growth but remains highly fragmented. The level of the digital transformation varies significantly across countries. It contrasts sharply with China’s consolidated market landscape dominated by tech giants like Meituan, Alibaba, etc. with their highly integrated digital solutions and ecosystems concluding payment, logistics, and customer interaction. This fragmentation creates both complexity and opportunity for solution providers like Fushi, who has the capability of blending Chinese digital expertise to local market needs.”

By June 2024, Fushi had served more than 200 global brands—including Starbucks, MUJI, New Balance, Levi’s, KOI, and Mr. Coconut—across over 20,000 outlets in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam.

From Johnson’s perspective, Fushi’s successful market entry rests on two key factors:

  1. Localized Expertise through Strategic Acquisition
    Acquiring Ascentis in 2023 gave Fushi immediate access to regional strategies, cultural insights, and regulatory expertise, helping it overcome key market entry barriers. Additionally, Fushi leverages Ascentis’s extensive experience with large enterprises to navigate Southeast Asia’s dynamic market and accelerate its regional expansion.
  2. Harnessing Group Synergy for Growth
    Fushi is a subsidiary of Hong Kong–listed fintech company Yeahka (09923.HK). With Yeahka’s robust R&D support and digital expertise, Fushi is able to achieves greater cost-effectiveness and has developed its AI Agent product, a breakthrough in scenario-based AI applications. The parent company’s AI capabilities, coupled with Ascentis’s local operational knowledge creates substantial synergy that supports long-term growth for all parties in Southeast Asia.

Strong business results affirm the success of the acquisition. Post-merger, Ascentis not only solidified its market position but also achieved profitability within the same year, reinforcing the long-term value of the partnership. Looking ahead, profits are expected to double in the coming years, setting the stage for Fushi’s accelerated expansion across Southeast Asia.

SaaS Market Craves Differentiation: Will AI Be the Game-Changer?

Currently, many SaaS offerings in Southeast Asia follow a one-size-fits-all approach. In contrast, Fushi sets itself apart with deeply localized, AI-driven solutions tailored to individual business needs.

“Starting last year, there has been a huge focus on AI. We have started a series of development on AI as a key product differentiator.”
—Johnson Tan

Fushi’s AI innovations boost business decision-making and operational efficiency. Its ecosystem integrates AI at its core, ensuring streamlined data management and synergistic operations. Fushi’s solution minimizes manual intervention, enhancing efficiency for customers.

“Beyond technology, what sets us apart is our ability to localize and customize solutions rapidly at scale. By working closely with clients and delivering tailored solutions efficiently, we ensure their unique requirements are met, giving us a clear competitive edge over one-size-fits-all solutions.”
—Johnson Tan

Close collaboration with clients fosters continuous optimization and unlocks new opportunities. Through partnerships with Levi’s and Maxim’s Group, Fushi identified key areas for enhancement in data analytics and CRM systems, leading to AI-powered advancements in its offerings:

  • AI Insights: Users can ask questions like “What is driving my sales growth?” The system then analyzes and visualizes the data, providing actionable recommendations through an interactive interface.
  • Autonomous CRM: Traditional CRM systems can be complex to configure. By co-developing an AI agent with Ascentis, Fushi enables users to simply “talk” to the system, effortlessly creating functionalities without the need for manual CRM navigation and setup.
  • “We aim to further enhance the system, expanding its capabilities beyond configuration assistance to cover client communication. AI will identify target customers, craft tailored messages, and recommend personalized promotions. Additionally, we are developing our own Customer Data Platforms (CDP) based on client feedback and needs, leveraging AI to segment customers and manage data seamlessly across multiple sources. By collaborating with strategic clients, we strengthen our ability to deliver customized services with greater efficiency, fostering mutually beneficial partnerships.”
    —Johnson Tan

Looking Ahead

Moving forward, Fushi will focus on expanding in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia by strengthening its R&D and operational teams. The company will continue to explore AI applications across various use cases, both internally and externally, while taking on more enterprise-level projects. On the customer acquisition front, Fushi aims to further diversify its client base catering to both large enterprises and small to medium-sized F&B businesses.

Johnson believes AI will remain crucial to Fushi’s SaaS development strategy, recognizing its potential to be a game-changer for many industries in the years ahead.

“We believe that AI represents the future, not as a replacement for human labour, but as a tool to empower people to achieve more with greater efficiency and beyond.”
—Johnson Tan

Huawei Brings World’s First Commercial Triple Foldable Phone to MWC 2025

BARCELONA, Spain, March 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — This year’s Mobile World Congress (MWC 2025) kicked off on March 3 in Barcelona, Spain. At the event, Huawei is showcasing its unique tri-fold phone, HUAWEI Mate XT | ULTIMATE DESIGN, as well as various other high-end, fashion-forward, and technology-driven flagship products. Attendees can visit dedicated experience zones for foldables, health & fitness, photography, and tools for creative work, and see how Huawei is applying the latest technologies to daily life.

Huawei Brings World's First Commercial Triple Foldable Phone to MWC 2025
Huawei Brings World’s First Commercial Triple Foldable Phone to MWC 2025

 

Huawei Brings World's First Commercial Triple Foldable Phone to MWC 2025
Huawei Brings World’s First Commercial Triple Foldable Phone to MWC 2025

Many have been particularly excited to see the Mate XT, the world’s first commercial tri-fold smartphone. It features proprietary hinge and screen technologies that have allowed Huawei to build a phone where the screen folds inward on one hinge and outward on another. It’s also equipped with a camera with a 10-size adjustable physical aperture. In the Huawei Consumer BG booth, a large screen utilizing naked-eye 3D effects further showcases the merits of this unique tri-fold phone. Also on display at the Consumer BG booth are the HUAWEI Mate 70 series phones, which boast an Ultra Chroma Camera that delivers unprecedented color accuracy. The Intelligence Scenario experience zone allows attendees to get their hands on features including Multi exposure and AI retouch. The Mate X6 area takes a novel approach by showcasing some of the innovative materials that go into the phone. Attendees are invited to cut ice with a sheet of graphene, to experience for themselves the amazing thermal conductivity of the material.

To showcase its extensive range of wearables, Huawei is simulating real-life sports and health scenarios. In the cycling experience area, participants can experience the fast and accurate vital sign monitoring capabilities of HUAWEI TruSense System by comparing real-time heart rate data from professional sports heart rate monitors with that captured by a HUAWEI WATCH GT 5. In the Health Glance zone, visitors can see a demonstration of the multiple health indicators measured by HUAWEI WATCH D2, the first smart wearable to be medically certified as a wrist-based ambulatory blood pressure monitor. Huawei also brought a lineup of smart wearables that offer a premium on-wrist experience with exceptional design and smart features. In recent years, smart wearables have been a powerful engine of growth for Huawei’s consumer business. Huawei’s accumulated wearable shipments for the first three quarters of 2024 put it ahead of all competitors in the wearable space. Last September, Huawei announced HUAWEI TruSense System, which monitors health & fitness data and analyzes the user’s health status. The system is a thorough revamp of the company’s previous health metrics system, and was on full display in Barcelona.

The GoPaint experience zone has been attracting crowds with an exhibition of works created by artists from around the world using the HUAWEI MatePad’s exclusive GoPaint software, which is powered by a professional brush engine and FangTian Painting Engine 2.0. Huawei has its sights set on both professional and aspiring creatives with this year’s MatePad Pro 13.2″ OLED PaperMatte Display. PaperMatte Display is a proprietary standard for tablet displays that deliver vibrant colors while minimizing glare, and gives users a pen-on-paper writing and drawing experience. HUAWEI M-Pencil (3rd generation) is intended for use with the MatePad Pro 13.2″. With its 10,000-level pressure sensitivity, the M-Pencil lets users make the most of GoPaint’s many and varied virtual brushes. HUAWEI MatePad Pro 13.2-inch also features PC-level WPS Office and a familiar laptop interface, so that users can enjoy flexible window zooming and keyboard-and-mouse-based interactions, as well as efficient multi-tasking, thanks to the Live-Multitask feature.