HANGZHOU, China, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hangzhou Sciwind Biosciences Co., Ltd. (“Sciwind”), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative therapies for metabolic diseases, announced today that China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has approved Ecnoglutide injection for chronic weight management in Chinese adults with overweight or obesity.

Ecnoglutide injection is the world’s first approved cAMP-biased GLP-1RA for weight management. Through its unique biased mechanism, it achieves highly effective weight reduction in the Chinese population, with an average 15.1% placebo-adjusted weight loss, and 92.8% of patients reaching clinical meaningful weight loss. This marks a breakthrough in the field of weight management, and provides a precise new pathway for scientific, long‑acting and healthy weight loss.

Biased Mechanism for More Effective and Healthier Weight Loss

Based on the globally pioneering cAMP-biased GLP-1 receptor agonism mechanism, Ecnoglutide injection selectively activates the cAMP signaling pathway and minimizes β-arrestin recruitment, distinguishing it from conventional non-biased GLP-1RAs. This mechanism delivers potent and sustained weight loss with no obvious plateau phase, and supports concurrent improvement in metabolism and reduced chronic disease risk alongside weight reduction, perfectly aligning with the core goals of healthy weight management.

The Phase 3 clinical trial results of Ecnoglutide injection were formally published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology in June 2025, and were further highlighted in a special report by Nature. Its clinical findings have also been oral presented at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Scientific Sessions and the Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), underscoring its innovative value in weight management.

15.1% Weight Loss at 48 Weeks: Sustained Effect, No Plateau and Comprehensive Benefits

The approval of Ecnoglutide injection for weight management is supported by the Phase 3 clinical trial (SLIMMER) conducted in Chinese adults with overweight or obesity.

• Using the treatment policy estimand, at week 48, Ecnoglutide demonstrated dose-dependent weight loss, with the highest dose (2.4 mg) achieving a mean 15.4% (placebo-adjusted 15.1%) reduction from baseline and 92.8% of participants achieving clinically meaningful ≥5% weight loss – nearly seven times the placebo response rate. Notably, 79.6% and 63.5% of participants achieved ≥10% and ≥15% weight reduction, respectively, numerically exceeding results seen with other unbiased GLP-1 therapies in similar populations.
• Patients in the Ecnoglutide groups continued to have weight loss at week 48 without reaching a plateau, indicating that even greater weight loss might be achievable with extended Ecnoglutide treatment.
• Accompanied by clinically meaningful weight loss, Ecnoglutide treatment significantly improved other key cardiometabolic risk factors (including waist circumference, blood pressure, lipid profile, HbA_1c, fasting glucose, insulin level, and HOMA-IR) along with a notable reduction in uric acid levels, up to 54.3 µmol/L, and lower hyperuricaemia incidence.
• In addition, Ecnoglutide significantly reduced liver fat content. Among participants with a baseline liver fat content ≥ 8%, the mean percentage change from baseline in liver fat content at week 40 reached -53.1% in the Ecnoglutide 2.4 mg group. Furthermore, all Ecnoglutide doses demonstrated significantly greater reductions in liver enzyme concentrations compared to the placebo group.

“As the world’s first approved biased GLP‑1 receptor agonist, Ecnoglutide demonstrated the most pronounced weight‑loss efficacy in the SLIMMER study among all GLP‑1 receptor agonist trials for weight management conducted in China to date. ” said Dr. Linong Ji, Principal Investigator of the SLIMMER trial. ” Following 48 weeks of treatment, the Ecnoglutide group achieved a 15.4% reduction in body weight, and 92.8% of patients attained clinically meaningful weight loss. Given its superior efficacy, Ecnoglutide will provide a more potent treatment option for individuals in China with weight‑management needs upon approval.”

“The approval of Ecnoglutide injection for weight management is an important milestone for Sciwind in the metabolic disease area, and a breakthrough for China‑innovated drugs in the global GLP‑1 field. As the world’s first approved cAMP‑biased GLP‑1 receptor agonist, Ecnoglutide injection has now completed its strategic positioning for both weight management and type 2 diabetes indications. Sciwind is committed to delivering innovative therapies with robust weight loss and superior metabolic benefits to address long-unmet medical needs, providing a safer, more scientific and sustainable treatment option for patients with overweight and obesity in China and globally.” Said Dr. Hai Pan, the Founder and CEO of Sciwind Biosciences.

About Overweight and Obesity

The prevalence of overweight and obesity in China continues to rise. As an independent chronic disease and a major risk factor for multiple comorbidities, obesity has become a major public health issue and the sixth leading risk factor for death and disability in China. Obesity represents a multifaceted health challenge with far-reaching implications across multiple organ systems. Obesity related diseases encompass a broad spectrum of conditions including cardiovascular disease, T2DM, MASH, OSA and numerous other comorbidities. Lifestyle intervention remains the cornerstone of overweight and obesity management. When lifestyle modifications alone fail to achieve weight loss goals, pharmacotherapy may be used as combination treatment.

About Ecnoglutide

Ecnoglutide injection, originally discovered and developed by Sciwind Biosciences, is the world’s first approved cAMP-biased GLP-1 receptor agonist enhancing clinical efficacy and accessibility. Ecnoglutide injection has currently been approved for two indications in China: adult weight management with overweight or obesity and the treatment of adult type 2 diabetes. From Phase I through Phase III, Ecnoglutide injection has consistently demonstrated a favorable safety profile and strong efficacy, with the findings published in leading metabolic journals, underscoring its potential as a promising therapy for patients with metabolic diseases.

About Sciwind Biosciences

Sciwind Biosciences is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company, dedicated to addressing the unmet medical needs in the field of weight management and metabolic diseases. Sciwind has established a robust pipeline anchored by the lead asset, Ecnoglutide (XW003). It has developed multiple proprietary technology platforms, including biased agonist discovery platform, long-acting and oral peptide delivery platforms, and has identified a series of drug candidates based on these core technology platforms. Sciwind has built an extensive pipeline targeting GLP-1 and synergistic pathways, offering both injectable and oral treatment solutions to deliver sustainable and high-quality therapies for patients with metabolic diseases.

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

NANJING, China, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A report from Nanjing Daily:

At the dawn of Spring Festival 2026, the 40th Qinhuai Lantern Festival has once again dressed Nanjing in dazzling brilliance. Along the historic Qinhuai River, radiant lanterns shimmer through the night, carrying the warmth and symbolism of the Chinese New Year while showcasing the city’s dynamic energy.

Over four decades, the Qinhuai Lantern Festival has grown from a local folk celebration into a globally recognized cultural icon. Blending centuries-old craftsmanship with contemporary creativity, it has become one of Nanjing’s most luminous calling cards to the world — a festival where heritage meets innovation, and tradition speaks in a modern voice.

What cultural “codes” lie behind the sea of lights? Why has this festival become a window through which global audiences encounter Nanjing? During their winter break, several international students from Southeast University set out in search of answers.

Driven by curiosity and a desire to better understand China beyond the classroom, they embarked on a self-guided “lantern quest”. As they wandered through lantern corridors, listened to artisans explain traditional techniques, and learned the meanings behind zodiac figures and symbolic motifs, the students began to see the festival not merely as spectacle, but as storytelling.

They discovered that each lantern reflects values deeply rooted in Chinese culture — family reunion, hope for prosperity, respect for history and optimism for the future. At the same time, cutting-edge lighting technology and interactive installations revealed a city confident in innovation and global dialogue.

“For me, this is more than a festival,” one student shared. “It’s a way to understand how Nanjing connects its past with its future, and how it welcomes the world.”

As they shared their experiences online and with friends back home, these young explorers became cultural bridges, carrying with them personal stories of a city illuminated not only by lanterns, but by openness and exchange.

In Nanjing, beneath the glow of the Qinhuai lights, discovering a festival becomes discovering China itself.

SHANGHAI, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — International Women’s Day is an annual occasion to extend blessings to women around the world. Recently, Soul App, a leading AI+ immersive social platform in China, together with its research arm Just So Soul Institute, published the Soul App Report on the Life Status and Self-Pleasing Consumption of Gen Z Women. Drawing on a validated sample of 2,618 female users, 97% of whom belong to Generation Z, the report shows that today’s young women are increasingly prioritizing internal order over external labels.

I. Rediscovering the Authentic Self

Over 60% of respondents said they feel indifferent toward labels like “queen.” That sentiment is especially pronounced among post-2000s women, where only 16.12% find such terms appealing. The findings point to a growing wariness among young women about excessive labeling. Rather than outright rejecting festive greetings, they simply want to be seen and understood as authentic individuals.

In terms of lifestyle, more than 87% of respondents agree that taking an “intermittent mental pause” is a necessary form of psychological self-care. When energy reserves run low, “unplugging” becomes a necessity. Whether through solitary strolls or an information detox, Gen Z women are prioritizing mental well-being as a way to reset their pace. For them, a pause is not a withdrawal; it is a replenishment. It is the essential gathering of strength for the long haul.

When it comes to personal growth, only 10.89% of respondents maintain a high frequency of skill-based investments. Most prefer to plan their development at their own pace. They do not shy away from competition or progress, but seek a balance between realistic conditions and personal goals, emphasizing steady advancement over blind conformity. It’s worth noting that, according to the data, Gen Z women are particularly drawn to narratives about empowered women and are looking for more inspiring figures to look up to.

II. Heart over Hype

The sample predominantly consists of women who are either still in school or in the early stages of their careers. Yet, they demonstrate considerable maturity in value judgment and boundary setting.

The report shows that 70% of post-2000s women consider “comfort and a sense of meaning in work” as important factors. In the context of widespread AI adoption, more than half of respondents earning over RMB 10,000 per month frequently use AI tools to enhance efficiency. At the same time, 47% believe that automated performance evaluations may negatively impact their sense of well-being, and over two-thirds actively seek ways to reduce algorithmic interference in their lives.

These women embrace AI-driven efficiency without sacrificing independent judgment. They refuse to be shaped by algorithms, insisting that technology should offer both utility and warmth.

Furthermore, 48% of respondents identify inner alignment as the cornerstone of personal growth. This internal shift is fueled by tangible self-investment: half of those surveyed view spending on new skills as a vital safety net. For them, growth is an intentional pursuit on their own terms, rather than a reactive escape from peer pressure.

III. The Evolution of Self-Pleasure

For today’s women, self-pleasure is undergoing a profound shift. Moving past the checkout counter, it now represents a proactive stance on mental health and personal balance.

The report reveals that 59.23% of post-2000s women are investing in “small, frivolous joys,” such as stress-relief toys and aromatherapy. These “self-pleasing” purchases act as an “emotional band-aid,” providing a vital buffer to restore mental energy. Notably, 65.92% of the respondents reported spending over RMB 2,000 on such purchases. For many, these modest indulgences are more than just shopping; they are intentional acts of emotional recharge and self-repair.

The report also highlights a structural shift in aesthetic awareness. Interestingly, 37.27% of women in lower-tier cities identify “aesthetic expression” as a core spending priority — outpacing their counterparts in first-tier hubs. This suggests that, even in contexts with varying resources, aesthetic expression remains an important form of self-affirmation. For these women, clothing choices and personal interests are not about keeping up with others, but about defining who they are in a complex world.

Ending

Soul App, a key hub for young users, has long championed the value shifts within its community. For the platform, International Women’s Day is a call for empathy and insight. By grounding its report in real-world perspectives, Soul App helps shape a more inclusive conversation, spotlighting the multifaceted lives of women today.

Appointment strengthens the firm’s research platform and supports expansion into direct investments across public and private markets

SINGAPORE, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — M45 Capital Partners, a Singapore-based multi-asset investment platform focused on disciplined long-term capital compounding, today announced the appointment of Gordon Yeo as Partner and Head of Public Equities & Fundamental Research, strengthening the firm’s investment leadership as it continues to expand its investment platform.

Gordon brings more than 14 years of institutional public equities experience to M45. Prior to joining the firm, he spent over 14 years at Arisaig Partners, a highly regarded, research-driven Asian equities investment firm backed by leading global institutional investors. During his tenure, Gordon served as Co-CEO, Partner and Chair of the Investment Committee, overseeing a long-term public equity strategy with peak assets under management of approximately US$5 billion.

At M45, Gordon will lead the firm’s public equities platform, including the development and management of the M45 Global Compounder Fund, an unconstrained global public equity strategy designed to serve as a core allocation for long-term capital. The strategy focuses on durable businesses, strong capital allocators and structural value chains capable of compounding capital over extended periods.

In addition to leading public equities, Gordon will oversee the firm’s fundamental research function, integrating insights across public markets, private investments and credit. This cross-asset perspective is central to M45’s investment philosophy and strengthens the firm’s ability to identify opportunities across both listed and private markets.

Gordon’s appointment also deepens the firm’s sector and company-level research capabilities, reinforcing M45’s ability to originate, evaluate and execute direct and co-investment opportunities across both public and private markets. By further enhancing its research platform, the firm aims to generate differentiated insights that can be applied across the capital structure.

Jason Kang, Founding Partner and Chief Investment Officer of M45 Capital Partners, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Gordon to M45. He brings deep institutional investing experience, a rigorous research mindset and a long-term approach to capital allocation that aligns closely with the philosophy we are building at the firm. Gordon has spent more than a decade investing in high-quality businesses and leading investment teams at scale. His addition significantly strengthens our investment platform and positions us well as we continue to expand our capabilities across both public and private markets.”

Gordon Yeo, Partner and Head of Public Equities & Fundamental Research, added:

“M45 is building an investment platform centred on disciplined capital compounding and thoughtful risk management across cycles. By combining deep company research with insights drawn from both public and private markets, we believe we can develop a differentiated approach to long-term capital allocation for our partners.”

Alongside Gordon’s appointment, M45 plans to expand its investment team as the firm continues to deepen its research and investment capabilities. The firm is investing in talent and infrastructure to support its ambition of delivering a truly differentiated, institutional-grade investment platform for families and long-term investors across Singapore and the broader region.

About Gordon Yeo

Gordon Yeo is Partner and Head of Public Equities & Fundamental Research at M45 Capital Partners. Prior to joining M45, he spent over 14 years at Arisaig Partners, where he served as Co-CEO, Partner and Chair of the Investment Committee, overseeing a long-term public equity strategy with peak assets of approximately US$5 billion. Gordon has extensive experience investing in high-quality businesses across Asia and global markets and has led investment teams across Singapore, Mumbai and London.

About M45 Capital Partners

M45 Capital Partners is a multi-asset investment platform built around one core principle: capital should compound with discipline across cycles. The firm allocates across global public equities, private markets and credit, combining deep fundamental research with a cross-asset perspective. By integrating insights from operators, lenders, allocators and capital markets, M45 aims to deliver superior long-term capital allocation outcomes for partners who value clarity, discipline and institutional standards of governance.

M45 currently manages capital for leading Asian institutions, established Asian family offices, and private clients, reflecting a platform that is already trusted by long-term partners. The firm operates across both investment management and wealth management, combining institutional investment capabilities with holistic portfolio solutions for long-duration capital.