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DFI Retail Group Launches Low-Carbon Rice Pilot Programme Reduces at Least 30% in GHG Emissions


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 April 2025 – DFI Retail Group (DFI or the Group), a leading Asian retailer with diverse business formats, has launched a low-carbon rice cultivation pilot programme in 2024 in Thailand. This initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the rice industry. By implementing new farming techniques, DFI seeks to promote the adoption of sustainable agriculture practices and enhance environmental awareness among its supply chains. This innovative programme successfully produced 110,000kg of certified low-carbon rice in 2024, achieving a minimum 30% reduction in GHG emissions on the rice fields compared to conventional cultivation methods.

DFI Retail Group launches Low-Carbon Rice Pilot Programme in Thailand
DFI Retail Group launches Low-Carbon Rice Pilot Programme in Thailand

Rice is an important commodity across Asia, where 85% of the world’s production occurs, with Thailand ranking as the sixth-largest rice producer globally. In Hong Kong alone, the annual consumption of approximately 255,105 metric tons 1, 2 of rice results in around 1,060,982 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent 3, 4 emissions — comparable to driving around the world 106,532 times 5.

This crop constitutes one of DFI’s top Scope 3 product categories, accounting for approximately 6% of total Scope 3 emissions based on 2023 data. Traditional rice farming involves flooding fields for extended periods, which creates anaerobic conditions in the soil. This lack of oxygen allows microbes to release methane—a GHG with a global warming potential 28 times greater than carbon dioxide—into the atmosphere, significantly impacting climate change.

In response to this environmental challenge, DFI collaborated with agricultural experts, the Thai government, and researchers to develop a low-carbon rice cultivation programme. The pilot programme partnered with 30 local farmers to implement sustainable farming techniques, including:

  • Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD): Instead of the traditional 120 days of continuous flooding of the rice fields, the programme uses an irrigation technique called AWD, reducing flooding to about 10 days. This approach not only conserves water but also reduces methane emissions while maintaining production yields.
  • Straw Burning Prohibition: Support for farmers to eliminate open-field burning of rice straw, significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions and air pollution.
  • Soil and Fertiliser Management: Closely monitored soil quality and fertiliser application, with guidance from agricultural experts. Soil samples were analysed to optimise nutrient use and minimise nitrous oxide emissions.

In 2025, DFI would continue with the programme and aims to launch 200,000kg of low-carbon rice under the Yu Pin King brand in the Hong Kong market. This initiative will raise public awareness and promote sustainable agriculture across supply chains. DFI will also explore further partnerships and low-carbon sourcing opportunities to enhance its impact.

Erica Chan, Group Chief Legal, Governance and Corporate Affairs Officer shared, “Beyond value and quality, we are committed to sustainability. This programme exemplifies our dedication to pursuing sustainable goals. We wish to influence the industry, our stakeholders across the value chain to take collective action towards a sustainable future.”

Fann Yuen, Group Own Brand Director added, “Customers prefer sustainable products but not at a higher cost. Guided by DFI’s ‘customer-first’ approach, we are dedicated to providing sustainable options that are affordable.”

The rice produced through this low-carbon cultivation programme is now available under Wellcome’s Own Brand Yu Pin King Thai Jasmine Fragrant Rice (5kg). Customers can find it on shelves at designated Wellcome stores in Hong Kong and purchase it online.

DFI remains devoted to offering more sustainable choices for customers in the future, ensuring that sustainability aligns with affordability.

[1] Hong Kong Trade and Industry Department. (2023). Rice: Per capita consumption
[2] Census and Statistics Department. (2023, 15 August). Mid-2023 population estimates
[3] AGRIBALYSE®. (n.d.). Data extracted from dataset available at: Recherche Data Gouv.
[4] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2024). Greenhouse Gas Emissions from a Typical Passenger Vehicle
[5] National Aeronautics and Space Administration. (n.d.). The Earth. NASA Imagine the Universe.

For detailed information about DFI Low-Carbon Rice Pilot Programme, please refer to here.
Hashtag: #DFIRetailGroup #LowCarbonRice #YuPinKing #Wellcome #MarketPlace #Sustainability #ESG #ReduceCarbonEmissions

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

DFI Retail Group

DFI Retail Group (the ‘Group’) is a leading Asian retailer, driven by its purpose to “Sustainably Serve Asia for Generations with Everyday Moments”.

As at 31 Dec 2024, the Group, its associates and joint ventures operated over 10,700 outlets, and employed over 190,000 people.

The Group is dedicated to delivering quality, value and service to Asian consumers through a compelling retail experience, supported by an extensive store network and highly efficient supply chains.

The Group, including associates and joint ventures, operates a portfolio of well-known brands across six key divisions: health and beauty, convenience, food, home furnishings, restaurants and other retailing.

SKYWORTH Unveils Revolutionary OmniView Matte Screen, Pushing MiniLED Displays to OLED-Level Performance

SHENZHEN, China, April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — From April 15 to 19, 2025, SKYWORTH once again took center stage at the 137th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair), showcasing its latest breakthroughs in consumer electronics and setting new benchmarks in TV innovation.

SKYWORTH Unveils Revolutionary OmniView Matte Screen, Pushing MiniLED Displays to OLED-Level Performance.
SKYWORTH Unveils Revolutionary OmniView Matte Screen, Pushing MiniLED Displays to OLED-Level Performance.

As a long-standing exhibitor at the Canton Fair, SKYWORTH continues to captivate global buyers, media, and consumers with an immersive exhibition experience. Its booth features flagship TVs that seamlessly combine cutting-edge audiovisual technology, artistic aesthetics, and intelligent interaction—meeting the diverse needs of audiences worldwide.

Among the standout innovations, SKYWORTH’s groundbreaking OmniView Matte Screen has emerged as a showstopper. This next-generation screen technology features multiple high-performance layers designed to deliver superior contrast, ultra-wide viewing angles, exceptional brightness, stunning picture quality, and enhanced eye comfort—pushing MiniLED Displays to OLED-Level Performance.

At the core of this innovation is the Low Reflect Layer, which produces deeper blacks and higher contrast levels. The Gold Grade 25% Haze Material Anti-Glare Layer effectively eliminates reflections, making the screen ideal for bright environments. Meanwhile, the Super True Wide Layer ensures vibrant, accurate colors from every angle—whether viewers are sitting, lying down, or moving around the room. Together, these features redefine the television viewing experience, offering both visual sophistication and everyday comfort.

Beyond its technological breakthroughs, SKYWORTH demonstrated its strength with a wide-ranging product portfolio. Highlights included the 100-inch Frame+ TV—one of the largest of its kind—which redefines home entertainment with a design that doubles as wall-mounted art. Also showcased were the world’s best-selling 100-inch TV series, the best-sounding gaming TV series, the world’s first AI Karaoke Google TV series, portable TVs, and more. This diverse lineup, paired with smart interactive experiences, provided a rich and engaging showcase for all attendees.

SKYWORTH’s appearance at this year’s Canton Fair reflects its ongoing commitment to user-centered innovation. By seamlessly integrating art, intelligence, and technology, the brand continues to redefine the future of smart living—empowering global consumers with smarter, more immersive, and inspiring digital experiences.

Explore SKYWORTH’s full range of groundbreaking products and innovations by visiting our official website at https://bit.ly/4lAPU6H

Chinese Executive Arrested in Bangkok Building Collapse Scandal

Collapsed 33-storey building in Bangkok, Thailand, following the 7.7-magnitude earthquake on March 28, 2025. (Photo: Fcebook)

Thai authorities have arrested Zhang Chuanling, an executive of China Railway No.10 Engineering Group, a subsidiary of China Railway Engineering Corporation (CREC), as part of a widening investigation into the collapse of a 30-storey building in Bangkok. 

The incident followed a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar and was felt across Thailand on 28 March.

Zhang, a Chinese national, was taken into custody on 19 April. He currently faces charges for operating a construction business illegally as a foreigner and conspiring to use nominee shareholders, according to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI). 

The Criminal Court has approved a 12-day detention order for Zhang, marking the initial period of legal custody, the Standard reported.

As CREC owns a 49 percent stake in the joint venture responsible for the project, the remaining 51 percent ownership is distributed among three Thai nationals. The men, Manas Srianan, Prachuap Sirikhet, and Sophon Meechai, surrendered to authorities on 21 April following Zhang’s arrest. 

All three are alleged to be nominee shareholders and are charged with violating the Foreign Business Act, which prohibits foreign ownership in certain sectors. They have denied all allegations. 

The collapsed building was part of a project by the Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited (ITD)-CREC Joint Venture. The structure, once completed, was intended to serve as the new headquarters for the Thai State Audit Office.

Although the 28-March earthquake epicenter was located hundreds of kilometers away, the Bangkok high-rise was the only major structure in the capital to suffer a complete collapse, raising serious questions about construction standards and regulatory oversight.

Mouser Electronics New Product Insider: Over 8,000 New Parts Added in First Quarter of 2025

SHANGHAI, April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As an authorized distributor, Mouser Electronics, Inc. is focused on the rapid introduction of new products and technologies, giving customers an edge and helping speed time to market. Over 1,200 semiconductor and electronic component manufacturer brands count on Mouser to help them introduce their products into the global marketplace. Mouser’s customers can expect 100% certified, genuine products that are fully traceable from each manufacturer.

Last quarter, Mouser launched more than 8,000 part numbers ready for shipment. Some of the products introduced by Mouser from January through March 2025 include:

  • STMicroelectronics STM32MP257F-DK Discovery Kit
    The STM32MP257F-DK is an evaluation and prototyping platform for STMicroelectronics‘ STM32MP25 microprocessors. The STM32MP25 MPUs are industrial-grade 64-bit solutions for secure Industry 4.0/5.0 and advanced edge computing applications that require high-end multimedia capabilities, such as factory automation, artificial intelligence (AI), machine vision, and more. The STM32MP257F-DK features an integrated ST-LINK debug tool, a wide portfolio of peripherals, and a GPIO expansion connector for Raspberry Pi shields.
  • NXP Semiconductors TJA1465 and TJA1466 High-Speed CAN SIC Transceivers
    The TJA1465 and TJA1466 CAN Signal Improvement Capability (SIC) transceivers from NXP support high-speed classical controller area network (CAN) and CAN with flexible data-rate (CAN FD) protocols and are certified ISO 26262 ASIL-B compliant for functional safety in automotive applications. Both devices also support CAN partial networking using selective wake-up functionality, allowing the transceiver to remain in sleep mode even when CAN bus traffic is running. The TJA1466 also integrates advanced system monitoring. These devices are ideal for use in battery monitoring systems in electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles (EVs/HEVs).
  • Cree LED XLamp® XP-L Photo Red S-Line LED
    The XLamp XP-L Photo Red S-Line LED provides a groundbreaking advancement in horticulture lighting technology. Designed to deliver exceptional efficiency, exceptional durability and seamless system upgrades, these LEDs are optimized for high-performance applications in greenhouses, vertical farms, and other large-scale growing operations. The high efficiency of the LED, plus its sulfur and corrosion resistance, lowers operating costs while extending its lifespan and ensuring reliable performance. Additionally, with Cree’s standard 3.45 x 3.45 mm XP footprint, the XP-L Photo Red enables seamless upgrades to existing designs.
  • Sensirion SGD4x A2L Refrigerant Sensors
    The SGD4x sensor family is based on Sensirion‘s patented CMOSens® sensor technology, which combines the sensor element, signal processing and digital calibration on a single, all-solid-state silicon CMOS chip. With its fast response time and broad compatibility with A2L refrigerants, thanks to its versatile multi-refrigerant calibration, it is an essential component for both residential and commercial heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) systems.

To see more of the New Product Insider highlights, go to https://info.mouser.com/new_products/https://www.mouser.com/newproductinsider.

For more Mouser news, visit https://www.mouser.com/newsroom/.

Bounteous Elevates Ketan Somani to President of Strategic Industries & Regional CEO, EMEA & APAC to Drive Growth and AI-Powered Co-Innovation

LONDON, April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bounteous, a leading global digital transformation consultancy, today announced the appointment of Ketan Somani as President of Strategic Industries & Regional CEO, EMEA & APAC.

Ketan Somani, President of Strategic Industries & Regional CEO, EMEA & APAC
Ketan Somani, President of Strategic Industries & Regional CEO, EMEA & APAC

In this expanded role, Ketan will lead global strategy and growth across Financial Services, Media & Telecommunications, and Diversified industries, while continuing to scale the company’s business in the EMEA and APAC regions. Ketan will also serve as executive sponsor for the company’s AI initiatives, driving the development and adoption of AI-powered solutions that enable clients to innovate faster, operate smarter, and scale with confidence.

A seasoned executive and an entrepreneurial leader, Ketan has a strong track record of driving business expansion and building client-centric cultures anchored in digital capability, operational agility, and delivery excellence. Since joining in 2017, he has played a pivotal role in driving growth, doubling revenues, launching and growing the EMEA region, and securing a majority investment from leading private equity firm New Mountain Capital. He also significantly expanded the APAC business, converting over a dozen Tier 1 Global Capability Center (GCC) clients into long-term strategic partnerships.

“Ketan’s ability to drive differentiated growth, build high-performing teams, and foster deep client partnerships has been instrumental to our success,” said Sudarshan Mandayam, CEO of Bounteous. “His leadership across EMEA and APAC has strengthened our market position and established Bounteous as a trusted partner in digital innovation. I’m excited to see Ketan continue to amplify our impact in these strategic markets.”

Prior to Bounteous, Ketan spent over a decade building the European media and telecommunications business for a global digital consultancy. With deep expertise in sales, P&L management, client growth, and global delivery, Ketan brings a collaborative approach to leadership, working closely with teams, partners, and clients to drive lasting outcomes.

“I’m honored to step into this expanded role at such a pivotal time for Bounteous,” said Ketan. “Our commitment to Co-Innovation and AI-powered transformation continues to differentiate us in the market. I look forward to working with our global teams to deepen client impact, unlock new growth, and push the boundaries of innovation.”

This announcement follows the recent appointment of Sudarshan Mandayam as CEO and reinforces the company’s commitment to building a global leadership team focused on delivering transformative digital experiences and driving innovation at scale.

“Ketan has been instrumental in shaping our growth across EMEA and APAC, expanding existing client relationships and building new, high-value partnerships,” said Prasad Chintamaneni, Executive Chairman of the Board at Bounteous. “His leadership continues to drive meaningful outcomes for our clients and positions Bounteous for sustained success across key markets.”

About Bounteous
Bounteous is a premier end-to-end digital transformation consultancy dedicated to partnering with ambitious brands to create digital solutions for today’s complex challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities. With uncompromising standards for technical and domain expertise, we deliver innovative and strategic solutions in Strategy, Analytics, Digital Engineering, Cloud, Data & AI, Experience Design, and Marketing. Our Co-Innovation methodology is a unique engagement model designed to align interests and accelerate value creation. Our clients worldwide benefit from the skills and expertise of over 4,000+ expert team members across the Americas, APAC, and EMEA. By partnering with leading technology providers, we craft transformative digital experiences that enhance customer engagement and drive business success. Discover more about our impactful work and expertise by visiting www.bounteous.com and following us on X, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

 

FPT Announces Strategic Partnership and Investment with Sumitomo and SBI Holdings

HANOI, Vietnam, April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — FPT Corporation announced a strategic partnership with Sumitomo Corporation and SBI Holdings – Japan’s leading conglomerates in the finance and industrial sectors to accelerate artificial intelligence (AI) adoption through the FPT AI Factory ecosystem, contributing to the advancement of sovereign AI in Japan.

Under this partnership, Sumitomo and SBI Holdings will each invest 20% and 20% in FPT Smart Cloud Japan, a subsidiary of FPT Corporation. This partnership lays a critical foundation for delivering cutting-edge AI solutions to organizations and enterprises in Japan, expediting AI integration across all aspects of society and supporting the nation’s ambition to become a global AI leader.

Combining FPT’s technological capabilities with the extensive networks and expertise of Sumitomo and SBI Holdings across various industries, the three parties are committed to scaling AI and Cloud business in Japan. Together, they aim to build a diversified product and service ecosystem that meets the unique and increasingly complex demands of the Japanese market.

FPT’s Chairman Mr. Truong Gia Binh, SBI Holdings Representative Director, Chairman, President & CEO Mr. Yoshitaka Kitao, and Sumitomo Corporation Director, Vice Chairman Mr. Toshikazu NAMBU signed an investment joint venture in Japan.
FPT’s Chairman Mr. Truong Gia Binh, SBI Holdings Representative Director, Chairman, President & CEO Mr. Yoshitaka Kitao, and Sumitomo Corporation Director, Vice Chairman Mr. Toshikazu NAMBU signed an investment joint venture in Japan.

Mr. Truong Gia Binh, Founder and Chairman of FPT Corporation, emphasized: “Sharing a common vision for the transformative potential of AI, we are working closely with our strategic partners to expand the global application of AI technologies. This partnership also contributes to fostering innovation, strengthening organizational competitiveness, and maintaining technology autonomy, supporting Japan’s goal of becoming an AI nation.”

With the core philosophy of “Build Your Own AI,” FPT AI Factory aims to make AI more accessible and easily deployable for every business, organization, and individual. Leveraging FPT’s robust AI infrastructure—powered by thousands of the latest-generation GPUs, pre-packaged models, and deployment frameworks, alongside a comprehensive service ecosystem as well as proven experience in the Japanese market of FPT and its investors, FPT AI Factory enables organizations to harness their proprietary data, knowledge, and identity. This empowers them to rapidly develop tailored AI applications, unlock breakthrough performance, and create sustainable competitive advantages.

About SBI Group

Established in 1999, SBI Group is one of Japan’s pioneers in online financial services. The Group operates a wide range of financial businesses, offering user-friendly products and services via the Internet, primarily in the areas of securities, banking, and insurance. In addition to its core operations, SBI is also active in asset management and various global investment ventures.

About Sumitomo Corporation

Sumitomo Corporation is an integrated trading and business investment company with a strong global network comprising 125 offices in 64 countries and regions. The Sumitomo Corporation Group consists of approximately 900 companies and 80,000 employees on a consolidated basis. The Group’s business activities are spread across the following nine groups: Steel, Automotive, Transportation & Construction Systems, Diverse Urban Development, Media & Digital, Lifestyle Business, Mineral Resources, Chemicals Solutions and Energy Transformation Business. Sumitomo Corporation is committed to creating greater value for society under the corporate message of “Enriching lives and the world,” based on Sumitomo’s business philosophy passed down for over 400 years.

About FPT Corporation

FPT Corporation (FPT) is a global leading technology and IT services provider headquartered in Vietnam. FPT operates in three core sectors: Technology, Telecommunications, and Education. As AI is indeed a key focus, FPT has been integrating AI across its products and solutions to drive innovation and enhance user experiences within its Made by FPT ecosystem. FPT is actively working on expanding its capabilities in AI through investments in human resources, R&D, and partnerships with leading organizations like NVIDIA, Mila, AITOMATIC, and Landing AI. These efforts are aligned with FPT’s ambitious goal to reach 5 billion USD in IT services revenue from global markets by 2030 and solidify its status among the world’s top billion-dollar IT companies.

After nearly two decades in Japan, FPT has become one of the largest foreign-invested technology firms in the country by human resource capacity. The company delivers services and solutions to over 450 clients globally, with over 4,000 employees across 17 local offices and innovation hubs in Japan, and nearly 15,000 professionals supporting this market worldwide. 

With Japan as a strategic focus for the company’s global growth, FPT has been actively expanding its business and engaging in M&A deals, such as the joint venture with Konica Minolta, strategic investment in LTS Inc, and most recently, the acquisition of NAC—its first M&A deal in the market. As digital transformation, particularly legacy system modernization, is viewed as a key growth driver in the Japanese market, the company is committed to providing end-to-end solutions and seamless services, utilizing advanced AI technologies as a primary accelerator. For more information, please visit https://fpt.com/en.

MIMARU Unveils Japan’s First Free Trilingual Accessible Travel Guide — Milestone toward Truly Inclusive Tourism

TOKYO, April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Cosmos Hotel Management Co., Ltd., the operator of the apartment-hotel brand MIMARU, has teamed with Arukikata Co., Ltd., the company behind Japan’s iconic travel guide series, Chikyu no Arukikata (Globe-Trotter Travel Guidebook), which covers over 160 countries, and the Good Luck Trip platform for international visitors to Japan. As approximately 16% of the world’s population lives with some form of disability (WHO, 2023), together, they have started Japan’s first free trilingual accessible travel guide (English, Traditional Chinese, Japanese).

The guide is available in print at all MIMARU locations and online via the official website starting April 21, 2025, helping ensure that even just one more traveler feels confident and inspired to explore Japan.

MIMARU official website: https://mimaruhotels.com/
Good Luck Trip: https://www.gltjp.com/en/

The guide features accessible facilities and travel routes in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, offering a visually engaging and informative experience. Unlike typical overseas travel guides, it adopts a uniquely Japanese style — filled with personal travel columns and vibrant photos — that invites readers to discover Japan in a more inclusive and thoughtful way.

Images1: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M107482/202504177529/_prw_PI9fl_jNNLJIGa.png

Download the digital guide (English & Traditional Chinese): https://mimaruhotels.com/manual/accessible-tourism-guide

Note: A digital version is also available and may be freely used, shared, or distributed to help more travelers discover accessible ways to enjoy Japan.

Supporting a More Inclusive Future
This collaboration is part of MIMARU’s broader efforts to make travel more inclusive. Built on three key initiatives — Diversity of people and work styles, Connections with guests and local communities, and Environmental consideration — MIMARU fosters a welcoming hospitality environment for all. These initiatives align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11, promoting inclusive, safe, and sustainable cities.

Every MIMARU room includes a kitchen and spacious living area — ideal for families, groups, and travelers with diverse needs. Staff are trained in universal manners, and the brand works with accessibility experts to continually improve services.

While urban areas have made progress, accessible travel information remains scarce. This guide helps bridge that gap by offering practical, easy-to-follow information on barrier-free facilities, transit routes, and accessible travel across Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. It was created to empower more travelers to say, “I deserve this journey. Now, it’s my turn to explore.”

Learn more about MIMARU’s accessibility initiatives: 
https://mimaruhotels.com/news/accessible-tourism/

Explore the Highlights — 16-Page Guide with QR Codes for Updates

  1. Enjoy Japan’s seasonal beauty all year round
  2. Must-explore destinations along Japan’s iconic travel route
  3. Area guides with barrier-free access info (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka)
  4. Practical tips for accessible travel in Japan, covering barrier-free transportation, key organizations, and helpful resources
  5. Introduction to MIMARU’s unique apartment-style locations and its activities related to accessible tourism

Images2: https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M107482/202504177529/_prw_PI10fl_ubh763YO.png

For each picture, please visit the link below: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/release/202504177529?p=images

Onward Therapeutics Announces IMPD Approval for Its Subsidiary Emercell to Start Clinical Investigation of Allogeneic NK Cell Therapy OT-C001 in Combination with Rituximab

EPALINGES, Switzerland and PARIS, April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Onward Therapeutics SA, a biotechnology company dedicated to advancing innovative cancer immunotherapies, announced that its subsidiary, Emercell SAS, has received Investigational Medicinal Product Dossier (IMPD) approval from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to initiate a Phase 1 clinical trial of OT-C001, an allogeneic natural killer (NK) cell therapy, in combination with an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, Rituximab.

The upcoming phase 1 study (C00101 study) will enroll patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), who have relapsed after, or are refractory to CAR-T cell therapy, or ineligible for CAR-T cell infusion. OT-C001 will be evaluated with Rituximab across various dose levels. The trial will also examine cellular kinetics and biomarkers to characterize the specific mechanism associated with therapeutic responses.

“We are delighted to have reached an important milestone of entering clinical development of OT-C001 following our strategic investments in Emercell since 2021,” said Dr. C. Grace Yeh, Chairman and CEO of Onward Therapeutics,”This Phase 1 trial may validate Emercell’s patented platform technology for meaningful clinical outcomes. Along with the continued optimization of industrial manufacturing, these efforts will strengthen our ability to form strategic partnerships and advance this promising therapy.”

“OT-C001 sets itself apart by utilizing a pool of multiple umbilical cord blood (UCB) samples, offering both diversity in the product and consistency across GMP batches,” said Dr. Patrick Henno, Founder and ex-President of Emercell, “unlike the complex manufacturing processes of many engineered cell therapy products, OT-C001 provides a safe and scalable solution to unmet medical needs in targeted indications.”

“We are excited to initiate this multicenter phase 1 trial in one of the most common and aggressive forms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma,” said Dr. Alain Herrera, President of Emercell and CMO of Onward Therapeutics, “despite challenges in the cell therapy market, this achievement advances our mission to provide novel treatments for DLBCL patients in need of new therapeutic options. OT-C001 has the versatility to act as a universal platform through combinations with various monoclonal antibodies or targeted therapies; it may benefit patients across multiple indications beyond DLBCL.”

About OT-C001

OT-C001 is an allogeneic cell therapy of highly activated and expanded NK cells from UCB, manufactured using a patented expansion and activation process. It targets tumor cells through direct and indirect cytotoxicity, when combined with a monoclonal antibody targeting tumor specific antigens. OT-C001 is being evaluated as a potential new treatment for advanced hematologic malignancies with monoclonal antibodies. In non-clinical in vitro, in vivo models, and toxicology studies, it was well tolerated and displayed promising anti-tumor activities.

About Onward Therapeutics

Onward Therapeutics (www.onward-therapeutics.com) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative cancer therapies. Led by a seasoned team in translational science and drug development, the company advances promising candidates through a fast-track development model. Its portfolio includes a bispecific antibody (OT-A201) licensed from Biomunex, alongside an equity investment; and an allogeneic NK cell therapy (OT-C001) developed via its majority-owned subsidiary, Emercell. Additional programs in immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and onco-metabolism are in early development. Headquartered in Switzerland, Onward Therapeutics also operates in Paris and Taipei.

About Emercell

Emercell (www.emercell.com) develops off-the-shelf allogeneic NK cell therapies. Based at the IRMB at Saint-Éloi University Hospital Center in Montpellier, France, its lead candidate OT-C001 targets lymphoma patients resistant to standard treatments. The patented platform pre-activates and expands NK cells. In 2023, Emercell received support from Bpifrance under the France 2030 “Biotherapies and bioproduction of innovative therapies” acceleration strategy and the Occitanie Region.