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CHARLES LECLERC AND CHIVAS REGAL HIT THE RIGHT NOTE IN NEW GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP

Chivas Regal welcomes Charles Leclerc as Global Brand Ambassador with an exclusive pop-up piano bar ahead of the first Grand Prix of the season, with an appearance from the self-taught pianist.

LONDON, March 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Luxury Scotch whisky, Chivas Regal, has announced leading Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc as its Global Brand Ambassador in a multiyear partnership, highlighting the brand’s growing influence in modern sports culture.

Charles Leclerc, Global Brand Ambassador at Chivas Regal
Charles Leclerc, Global Brand Ambassador at Chivas Regal

Throughout the collaboration, Chivas Regal and Charles will encourage fans to forge their own paths in redefining success. The partnership will celebrate the achievement of personal goals and creativity along the way, exploring Charles’ passion points off the racetrack, with the first being music.

As a talented and self-taught pianist and composer, Charles has been sharing his love of music with fans over the past few years that has seen him release multiple tracks. The time, precision and passion he puts into mastering the notes on a piano is reflective of the craftmanship required to blend the notes of an iconic whisky.

To celebrate this blending of success, Charles and Chivas Regal are hosting an exclusive, one-night-only pop-up piano bar which brings together the worlds of music and whisky. Dubbed Leclerc’s, the bar will open on March 11th in Melbourne, ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 season opener in the city later that week.

The immersive event will give VIP guests and a limited number of lucky fans the chance to enjoy bespoke Chivas Regal x Charles Leclerc whisky cocktails, while experiencing a unique evening, centred around music, inspired by Leclerc’s passion for the piano. The event will also feature a special guest appearance from Charles himself, marking the first of many moments he and Chivas Regal will celebrate together.

Those heading to Leclerc’s will have the opportunity to experience a new side of the racing legend as they explore the fusion and notes of whisky and music like never before, in an evening that celebrates the artistry of piano and the craft of whisky.

Nick Blacknell, Global Marketing Director, for Chivas Regal, at Chivas Brothers says: “It’s no secret Charles has had incredible success in his life, but it is his tenacious spirit, commitment to excellence and off-track passions that inspired this partnership. The 88 notes of the piano draw perfect parallels with the 85 flavour notes of our iconic Chivas 18 Year Old expression, showing how both music and whisky blend passion with precision. We’re excited to bring fans on the journey to celebrate our wins together – the ethos that lies at the heart of Chivas Regal.”

Charles Leclerc, Global Brand Ambassador at Chivas Regal, adds: “Success is about blending all the right notes – on and off the track. My craft demands time, precision, and dedication, but what truly drives me is the journey, my passions, and the moments shared along the way. Chivas Regal embodies this same ethos, encouraging people to find their own rhythm and celebrate every win, big or small. I’m excited to redefine success together and share this experience with fans through our partnership.”

To be in with a chance of winning a coveted spot at Leclerc’s in Melbourne and meet Charles, fans can head TimeOut Melbourne to enter and find out more. Closing date for entry is Saturday 8th March.

This marks the start of a collaborative partnership between Charles Leclerc and Chivas Regal, with further moments of celebration to come. Fans can keep up to date with the new partnership by following @ChivasRegal on Instagram or visiting Chivas.com

Please enjoy Chivas Regal responsibly and never drink and drive.

Notes to Editors           

For more information please contact: clcxchivas@wearetheromans.com 

For imagery please see HERE.

About Chivas

Chivas Regal is the original luxury blended Scotch whisky. Launched in 1909, Chivas has been integral to the growth of the Scotch whisky category worldwide – with a retail sales value today of over €2.07bn.

Chivas believes in celebrating the next generation of whisky drinkers who elevate themselves and those around them to forge new paths to success – which is why Chivas’ ethos is ‘I Rise, We Rise’, a nod to the importance of hard work, community and ripping up the rule book. These values were instilled by founding brothers James and John Chivas who pioneered the art of whisky blending in 19th century Scotland and became pillars of the community due to their tireless work ethic, hustle, and drive. Chivas continues this vision of collective success through its long-standing association with global sports culture, having enjoyed partnerships with Premier League football clubs for many years, and now in its latest move as ‘Official Team Partner’ of the Scuderia Ferrari HP Formula 1 team in a new global partnership.

Chivas blends its spiritual home in Speyside, Scotland, with more than 100 countries across the globe, who together have made Chivas the global success it is today. The Chivas range blends timeless classics with modern innovation and includes: Chivas 12, Chivas Extra, Chivas XV, Chivas Mizunara, Chivas 18, Chivas Ultis XX, Chivas 25, and Chivas Regal The Icon Chivas.

I Rise, We Rise.

www.Chivas.com

About Leclerc’s 

To celebrate Charles Leclerc as Chivas Regal’s Global Brand Ambassador, the racing legend and the luxury Scotch whisky are hosting an exclusive, one-night-only piano bar pop-up in Melbourne on March 11th, ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 season. The event brings together the two worlds of whisky and music, signalling the start of a collaborative partnership and marking the first of many moments he and Chivas Regal will celebrate together. 

Chivas Regal x Charles Le Clerc Signature Serve – ‘The Monaco Spritz’ 

Charles Leclerc’s signature serve. A twist on an Italian classic fit for the French Riviera. 

  • 30ml Chivas Regal 18 Year Old
  • 30ml Elderflower Cordial
  • 20ml Lime Juice
  • 60ml Champagne
  • Glass: Stemmed Glass
  • Garnish: Mint Sprig

CJ Olive Young Gangnam Town Introduces Multilingual ‘Personal Shopper’ Service on a Trial Basis

  • Customized and multilingual shopping service available at ‘Olive Young Gangnam Town’ until the end of March
  • Service offered in four languages: Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese… Specialized staff provide personalized K-beauty shopping assistance through close counseling
  • Olive Young, “We aim to enhance shopping convenience for global customers, both online and offline, to further expand interest in K-beauty”

SEOUL, South Korea, March 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CJ Olive Young (hereafter referred to as Olive Young), the leading platform for K-beauty, is introducing a personalized and multilingual shopping service for global customers.

▲ A foreign customer experiencing the ‘Olive Young Personal Shopper’ service at Olive Young Gangnam Town
▲ A foreign customer experiencing the ‘Olive Young Personal Shopper’ service at Olive Young Gangnam Town

Olive Young announced on the 27th that ‘Olive Young Gangnam Town,’ its flagship store in Seoul’s Gangnam area, (429 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea), will run the ‘Olive Young Personal Shopper’ service on a trial basis until March 31.

Situated in an area surrounded by numerous dermatology and plastic surgery clinics, Olive Young Gangnam Town is a mecca for beauty shopping, frequently visited by international customers. Due to detailed and frequent inquiries from foreign customers about product efficacy and functionality across categories ranging from skincare to makeup and wellness products, Olive Young introduced the ‘Personal Shopper’ service, aiming to provide direct and personalized assistance.

The ‘Olive Young Personal Shopper’ service features staff specialized in counseling who provide personalized and attentive K-beauty shopping assistance. It is offered in four languages: Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese. Customers can book this service for free in advance through the travel and leisure platform, ‘Klook’. During the 30-minute session, personal shoppers guide customers through key displays and pop-up sections within the store. They also recommend popular products in categories of interest identified through a pre-service survey, while providing tailored product suggestion and consultations based on the customer’s skin type.

Customers who use the service will receive a ‘Welcome Kit’ containing samples of popular brand products in a pouch. Those who purchase products worth over 500,000 KRW will receive a VIP gift, while purchases exceeding 1,000,000 KRW are eligible for free hotel delivery. Olive Young plans to monitor customer feedback on the Personal Shopper service to evaluate the possibility of expanding it to other large stores frequently visited by global customers.

An Olive Young representative stated, “We hope that foreign tourists visiting Korea will be able to experience the power of K-beauty products through Olive Young. To achieve this, we are actively introducing various initiatives, including the free Personal Shopper service.” The representative added, “As a leading K-beauty platform, we will continue to improve shopping convenience for global customers.”

Since 2019, Olive Young has operated the ‘Olive Young Global Mall,’ an online platform that enables international customers across 150 countries to conveniently purchase K-beauty products.

 

Pulnovo Medical Announces Closing of Nearly $100 Million Series C Financing

SHANGHAI, March 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Pulnovo Medical, a globally recognized pioneer in medical devices for pulmonary hypertension (PH) and heart failure (HF), has announced the closing of nearly $100 million Series C financing. This round was co-led by Qiming Venture Partners and existing shareholder Lilly Asia Ventures, with existing investors OrbiMed and Gaorong Capital participating on a super pro-rata basis. The proceeds will be used to advance Pulnovo Medical’s global clinical trials, international business expansion and strategic initiatives.

The financing round was oversubscribed by two times, marking one of the largest fundraises in the Asia-Pacific innovative medical device sector in recent years. This reflects leading institutions’ confidence in Pulnovo Medical’s global strategy and technical capabilities.

Founded in 2013, Pulnovo Medical is a pioneering medtech company recognized in international guidelines. The company leverages its extensive clinical expertise to drive scientific advancements and global commercialization. The company focuses on developing superior therapeutic solutions for various stages of HF to enhance patient outcomes.

Pulnovo Medical’s core product, PADN (Pulmonary Artery Denervation) technology, is an innovative and effective minimally invasive treatment for PH that has successfully obtained market approval.PH is a condition that can lead to heart failure and mortality, with limited treatment options. PADN uses radiofrequency ablation to target the pulmonary vascular endothelial sympathetic nerve, effectively reducing pulmonary artery pressure and slowing disease progression.

PADN received FDA Breakthrough Device designation for Group I, Group II, and Group IV PH in 2021. PADN was included in European Society of Cardiology and European Respiratory Society Guidelines in 2022. In 2023, Pulnovo Medical achieved the Humanitarian Use Exemption Device designation for Group I PH. The RF catheter and RF generator received market approval in China in late 2023, becoming a commercially available interventional device in the field globally. In 2024, Pulnovo Medical’s accessory product, the 9F sheath, received FDA clearance.

Cynthia Chen, Chairlady, Executive Chairwoman and President of Pulnovo Medical, announced that the proceeds of this round will support two upcoming FDA trials for Group I PH and Group II PH (chronic heart failure combined with PH) planned this year. Under the leadership of the executive team, the company has transformed from a laboratory to a globally structured firm with offices in the US, Singapore, as well as Hong Kong SAR and four cities in Chinese Mainland, including Beijing and Shanghai.

William Hu, Managing Partner of Qiming Venture Partners, said, “Pulnovo Medical’s breakthroughs in interventional treatments for PH and HF are impressive. The company’s PADN technology is now commercially available in Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, and Macau, and in 2024, global multicenter trials were initiated in Portugal, Serbia, Georgia, and Southeast Asia. Following the FDA Breakthrough Device designation, the global clinical trials further validate the technology’s leadership and clinical value. As a long-term healthcare investor, Qiming is committed to supporting innovators with global visions. We are confident in Pulnovo Medical’s potential and will support its international expansion and commercialization, bringing new hope to patients worldwide.”

Head-to-Head Against Pembrolizumab: Innovent Announces First Patient Dosed in the First Pivotal Study of IBI363 (PD-1/IL-2α-bias Bispecific Antibody Fusion Protein) in Melanoma

SAN FRANCISCO and SUZHOU, China, March 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Innovent Biologics, Inc. (“Innovent”) (HKEX: 01801), a world-class biopharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures, and commercializes high-quality medicines for the treatment of oncology, autoimmune, cardiovascular and metabolic, ophthalmology, and other major diseases, announced that the first patient has been dosed in its registrational study evaluating IBI363, a first-in-class PD-1/IL-2α-bias bispecific antibody fusion protein, as monotherapy versus pembrolizumab (Keytruda®) in patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic mucosal or acral melanoma who have not received prior systemic therapy. This is IBI363’s first pivotal study and a significant milestone for China’s innovative immuno-oncology (IO) therapy in addressing the global challenge of treating “cold tumors.”

This is a randomized, multicenter, pivotal study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of IBI363 monotherapy versus pembrolizumab monotherapy in patients with unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic mucosal or acral melanoma who have not received prior systemic therapy. The primary endpoint is progression-free survival (PFS), as assessed by an Independent Radiology Review Committee (IRRC) based on RECIST v1.1 criteria.

IBI363 has demonstrated outstanding efficacy signals in immunotherapy (IO)-naïve melanoma patients across two earlier clinical trials (Phase 1a/1b study NCT05460767 and Phase 2 study NCT06081920), which enrolled a total of 26 patients with advanced acral or mucosal melanoma:

  • The overall objective response rate (ORR) was 61.5%, and the disease control rate (DCR) was 84.6%—significantly higher than current domestic immunotherapy standards.
  • Prolonged follow-up revealed sustained tumor responses and long-term benefits, suggesting the potential superiority of IBI363 over existing standard therapies.

These preliminary data were presented at SITC 2024[1], and updated follow-up results will be shared at international conferences in 2025.

IBI363 has also demonstrated a manageable safety profile. To date, IBI363 monotherapy or combination therapy has been administered to hundreds of patients with advanced solid tumors globally. The overall safety profile remains consistent with known toxicities of PD-1/PD-L1 and IL-2 therapies, with common treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) including arthralgia, anemia, thyroid dysfunction, and rash—all of which are manageable with routine clinical care.

Professor Jun Guo, Principal Investigator of the Study and Director of Peking University Cancer Hospital, stated: “Melanoma has a high mortality rate in China, and its incidence is rising annually. IO-naïve melanoma patients currently have a median PFS of only around three months, reflecting a significant unmet clinical need. Moreover, non-cutaneous subtypes like mucosal melanoma—which are more prevalent in China—are particularly resistant to immunotherapy with limited clinical benefits. IBI363 has shown the potential to convert ‘cold tumors’ into ‘hot tumors’ by the dual activation of PD-1 and IL-2 pathways. Encouraging efficacy observed in Phase 1a/1b and 2 studies suggest its potential as a next-generation IO therapy for melanoma. Along with my fellow investigators, I hope this trial will lead to more effective treatment options for patients with acral and mucosal melanoma.”

Dr. Hui Zhou, Senior Vice President of Innovent, stated, “As Innovent’s first-in-class next-generation IO therapy, IBI363 simultaneously and selectively inhibits the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway and activates the IL-2 pathway. In previous studies, IBI363 has demonstrated outstanding efficacy and safety in melanoma and multiple cancer types. This pivotal trial, through a head-to-head comparison with pembrolizumab, aims to validate IBI363’s potential as a superior treatment option for melanoma patients over the current standard-of-care. We are also accelerating the global development of IBI363 across multiple tumor types, with the goal of extending the benefits of China’s innovation to patients worldwide.”

About IBI363 (First-in-class PD-1/IL-2α-bias bispecific antibody fusion protein))

IBI363 is a first-in-class drug candidate independently developed by Innovent Biologics. It is a PD-1/IL-2 bispecific antibody fusion protein designed to enhance efficiency while minimizing toxicity. The IL-2 arm of IBI363 has been engineered to optimize therapeutic effects with reduced side effects, while the PD-1 binding arm enables PD-1 blockade and selective IL-2 delivery. By simultaneously inhibiting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway and activating the IL-2 pathway, IBI363 facilitates more precise and efficient targeting and activation of tumor specific T cells. Preclinical studies have shown that IBI363 exhibits strong anti-tumor activity across multiple tumor-bearing pharmacological models, including those resistant to PD-1 inhibitors and metastatic models. Additionally, it has demonstrated a favorable safety profile in preclinical models.

Clinical trials of IBI363 are currently underway in China, the United States, and Australia to evaluate its safety, tolerability and preliminary efficacy in subjects with advanced malignancies. The first pivotal study of IBI363 has been initiated, for the treatment of IO-naive mucosal or acral melanoma. Furthermore, IBI363 has received two fast track designations (FTD) from the U.S. FDA, for the treatment of squamous non-small cell lung cancer and melanoma, respectively.

About Melanoma

Melanoma is a malignant tumor that develops from melanocytes. Although melanoma accounts for only 3% of all types of skin cancer, it has the highest motality rate of all types and is the most likely to metastasize. In China, the incidence and mortality rate of melanoma continue to rise. Melanoma is classified into three main subtypes:  cutaneous, acral and mucosal. The characteristics of melanoma in Chinese patients differs greatly from those seen in European and American Caucasian populations in terms of pathogenesis, biological behavior, histological morphology, treatment response and prognosis[4]. For advanced cutaneous and acral melanomas, patients with the BRAF V600 mutation typically receive BRAF inhibitor combined with MEK inhibitors as the preferred molecular targeted therapy. For those without the BRAF V600 mutation, chemotherapy combined with anti-angiogenic drugs can be is a first-line treatment option. Notably, immunotherapy has not yet been approved as the first-line treatment indication for advanced melanoma in China. For second-line treatment, therapies not previously used in first-line settings are recommended. Patients who have not received PD-1 monoclonal antibody in the first-line setting may be treated with PD-1 inhibitors as a second-line option. For advanced mucosal melanoma, chemotherapy or PD-1 monoclonal antibody combined with anti-angiogenic drugs can be considered first-line treatment. For those with BRAF V600 mutation, BRAF inhibitor ±MEK inhibitor can be selected. Currently, posterior treatment options for melanoma are very limited.

About Innovent

Innovent is a leading biopharmaceutical company founded in 2011 with the mission to empower patients worldwide with affordable, high-quality biopharmaceuticals. The company discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes innovative medicines that target some of the most intractable diseases. Its pioneering therapies treat cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic, autoimmune and eye diseases. Innovent has launched 14 products in the market. It has 4 new drug applications under regulatory review, 2 assets in Phase III or pivotal clinical trials and 17 more molecules in early clinical stage. Innovent partners with over 30 global healthcare companies, including Eli Lilly, Sanofi, Incyte, Adimab, LG Chem and MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Guided by the motto, “Start with Integrity, Succeed through Action,” Innovent maintains the highest standard of industry practices and works collaboratively to advance the biopharmaceutical industry so that first-rate pharmaceutical drugs can become widely accessible. For more information, visit www.innoventbio.com, or follow Innovent on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Statement:

1) Innovent does not recommend the use of any unapproved drug (s)/indication (s).

2) Ramucirumab (Cyramza) and Selpercatinib (Retsevmo) and Pirtobrutinib (Jaypirca) were developed by Eli Lilly and Company.

 Disclaimer: Innovent does not recommend any off-label usage.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements that are, by their nature, subject to significant risks and uncertainties. The words “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend” and similar expressions, as they relate to Innovent, are intended to identify certain of such forward-looking statements. Innovent does not intend to update these forward-looking statements regularly.

These forward-looking statements are based on the existing beliefs, assumptions, expectations, estimates, projections and understandings of the management of Innovent with respect to future events at the time these statements are made. These statements are not a guarantee of future developments and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond Innovent’s control and are difficult to predict. Consequently, actual results may differ materially from information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of future changes or developments in our business, Innovent’s competitive environment and political, economic, legal and social conditions.

Innovent, the Directors and the employees of Innovent assume (a) no obligation to correct or update the forward-looking statements contained in this site; and (b) no liability in the event that any of the forward-looking statements does not materialize or turn out to be incorrect.

Reference:

[1].Lian B, Chen Y, Fang M, et al1502 Efficacy and safety results of first-in-class PD-1/IL-2α-bias bispecific antibody fusion protein IBI363 in patients with immunotherapy-naïve advanced melanoma. J IMMUNOTHER CANCER. 2024;12:doi: 10.1136/jitc-2024-SITC2024.1502

[2].Cui C, Chen Y, Luo Z, et al. Safety and efficacy of Pucotenlimab (HX008) – a humanized immunoglobulin G4 monoclonal antibody in patients with locally advanced or metastatic melanoma: a single-arm, multicenter, phase II study. BMC Cancer. 2023;23(1):121. Published 2023 Feb 6. doi:10.1186/s12885-022-10473-y

[3].CSCO黑色素瘤诊疗指南(2023 年版)

 

Yuewen Global IP Awards Creator Forum: The Rise of China’s Global IP Ecosystem

SINGAPORE, March 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As a pivotal component of the “2024 Yuewen Global IP Awards”, the “Yuewen Global IP Awards Creator Forum” was grandly held at Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore on March 1. Representatives from China and Singapore’s IP industry partners, creators, academia, and industry leaders convened at the forum with the shared goal of jointly exploring new avenues for the globalization of Chinese IPs.


“As a crucial carrier of cultural exchanges, web novel has forged a global IP industry ecosystem through global reading, global writing, and global IP development,” remarked Hou Xiaonan, CEO and President of Yuewen. “IP transcends being merely a cultural phenomenon – it represents a living form of cultural expression. By deeply integrating with diverse industries, it drives coordinated advancements in content and commerce, fostering harmonious growth between culture and industry.”


Ho Chee Hin, CEO of Business China, asserts that the globalization of China-originated IPs boasts unparalleled market potential while wielding significant cultural influence. He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to propel these IPs from mere awareness to deeper appreciation.


At the forum, Yuewen and Resorts World Sentosa announced a strategic partnership. Lee Shi Ruh, President of Resorts World Sentosa, emphasized that the collaboration will forge synergies between rich literary IPs and innovative tourism experiences, pioneering a groundbreaking “Story + Scene” urban cultural and tourism paradigm.

C-Dramas sweeping the globe: New opportunities for Chinese TV series and films

In China, web novel serves as the primary source of IP adaptation for animations, TV and films. In the past year, TV series adapted from Yuewen web novels, such as Joy of Life 2, The Double, Blossom, Guardians of the Dafeng, Flourished Peony – captivated audiences worldwide, topping the ratings charts of video platforms in many countries across Southeast Asia, Europe and America.

Among the upcoming 2025 TV dramas on China’s three major streaming platforms—Tencent Video, iQiyi, and Youku—37 titles adapted or produced by Yuewen accounted for approximately 10% of the total market share, reflecting the indispensable role of Yuewen’s literary IPs in the industry.


The first panel discussion, themed “New Global Opportunities for Chinese-language IPs”, highlighted shifts in international cultural dissemination. Karen Fu, CEO of Huace Group, underscored the need to enhance production standards and globalize premium IPs by aligning content formats with local preferences and leveraging efficient distribution channels, echoing strategies of “cultural integration” and “local partner collaboration” proposed in recent industry analyses.

Bo Li, General Manager of Weibo TV & Streaming Business, observed that the overseas expansion of TV dramas has advanced from traditional copyright licensing to a “global synchronization + localized operation” model. This evolution aligns with broader trends of rising global demand for Chinese IPs.

Huangfu Yichuan, President and Editor-in-Chief of Contemporary Cinema, emphasized that the internationalization of Chinese IPs must evolve from “going global” to “strategic integration into the global market” to foster meaningful cross-cultural participation.

Wang Qiao, Vice President of New Classics Media (Yuewen’s subsidiary), argued that successful global expansion requires abandoning a one-size-fits-all approach. By aligning content distribution with local consumption habits and cultural preferences, Chinese dramas can achieve organic reach and resonance.

Hui Min, Head of Licensing at Yuewen, concluded that the industry’s global trajectory has shifted from isolated “individual breakthroughs” to holistic “ecosystem-level cultivation”. Her remarks echoed the forum’s overarching theme, underscoring that sustainable success hinges on industry-wide collaboration.

The integration of online and offline channels accelerates the commercial development of IPs

Currently, the “Goods Economy” craze is sweeping the world. Young people’s demands for cultural consumption are becoming increasingly diversified, bringing new opportunities for the commercial development of IPs. In response to this trend, Yuewen created YUEWEN WONDERLAND in Singapore, attracting global fans to “eat goods” (i.e., purchase IP peripherals). The GMV of the Chinese New Year and Singapore-themed series products has exceeded 5 million yuan.


The second panel discussion, themed “IP Embracing New Global Cultural Consumption”, delved into how IPs are revolutionizing cultural consumption. Ao Ran, Executive Vice President and Secretary General of China Audio-Video and Digital Publishing Association, asserted that content transformed into innovative IP-driven formats resonates deeply with Gen Z, offering emotional value and proven commercial viability.

Zhao Fan, Director and Chief Innovation Officer of Kingnet Network Co., Ltd., emphasized that the “stickiness” of IP fandom demands proactive engagement with fan communities to glean insights for game development, arguing that co-creation with audiences is key to unlocking value across merchandise sales, offline events and more.

Jason Lin, Founder of Guangdong Jason Entertainment Development Co., highlighted that Eastern mythological stories – like Ne Zha 2 – are highly sought after by overseas consumers, with cultural exports poised to generate substantial sales dividends in overseas markets.

Samuel Huang, CEO and Founder of ELSKA, highlighted that Chinese IP derivatives products at international exhibitions have exceeded expectations, underscoring the need for more hit IPs to attract global attention.

Lee Shi Ruh, President of Resorts World Sentosa, reaffirmed the resort’s commitment to “leverage IP storytelling to pioneer immersive experiences and redefine ways to enjoy integrated resort ecosystems.” She pledged to “curate high-quality peripheral products and embed outstanding IPs into every corner of the property to deliver memorable experiences for every guest.”

William Hou, Head of Merchandise at Yuewen, concluded that “only deep cultural resonance, cutting-edge technological integration, and consumer-centric innovation can transform IPs into global cultural bonds uniting youth worldwide.”

Under this vision, YUEWEN GOODS, Yuewen’s IP derivative brand, recently secured domestic distribution rights for Ne Zha 2’s derivatives.

Web Novel, One of The “Three Driving Forces” of China’s Cultural Globalization

Web novel, film and television, and gaming have become the “three driving forces” for the overseas expansion of China’s cultural industry. As a pioneer, Yuewen not only exports Chinese web novels but also cultivates global original authors. As of November 2024, WebNovel, Yuewen’s overseas online reading platform, has launched approximately 6,000 translated works of Chinese web novel, hosted about 449,000 overseas online authors, and attracted nearly 300 million visitors across more than 200 countries and regions.

Hou Xiaonan revealed that Yuewen’s global author network includes 2,417 Singaporean contributors and that Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia rank the top countries with the highest numbers of Yuewen-affiliated writers. Notably, the Philippines alone accounts for over 100,000 authors on WebNovel, underscoring the region’s vibrant creative landscape.


The last panel discussion kicked off the creative exchanges between China and foreign countries. JKSManga, a British web novelist, emphasized that web novels empower universal storytelling, letting readers shape value and bypass traditional publishing constraints.

Yow Cheun Hoe, Associate Professor at Nanyang Technological University, highlighted how web novels evolve through reader participation—transforming fragmented content into epic, collaborative narratives spanning hundreds of thousands or even millions of words.

Heng Sao Tian Ya, Yuewen Platinum Author, distilled online literature’s essence into five pillars: “New” (digital-first formats); “Extensive” (cross-generational appeal and universal accessibility); “Fast” (real-time updates and dynamic content evolution); “Abundant” (vast libraries, epic-length narratives, and daily fresh content); and “Satisfying” (immersive, emotional resonant experiences).

Zhi Zhi, another Yuewen Platinum Author, likened web novel authors to “dream-makers” who craft emotional safe havens and outlets for readers. She stressed that authentic emotional expression is key to unlocking cross-cultural acceptance of narratives.

CKtalon (Jeremy Oon), the English translator of Lord of Mysteries from Singapore, reiterated that web novels serve as a vital cultural bridge, fostering international dialogue. He expressed his aspiration for sustainable global development of web novels, envisioning them as an even stronger cultural adhesive that transcends borders and enriches cross-cultural understanding.

The “2024 Yuewen Global IP Awards” was held on February 28, attracting over 3,000 attendees from cultural, industry, and fan communities. The event was live broadcasted on Tencent Video and its overseas platform WeTV, reaching more than 40 million viewers globally. It celebrated the achievements of Chinese IP creators and adaptations while highlighting the growing global influence of Chinese-originated IPs, with approximately 92% of the awarded works having been internationalized.

Media Contact: Wendy Liu
Email: ywpr@yuewen.com

About Yuewen

Yuewen (HKEX: 0772 China Literature Limited) is a culture and entertainment group that was founded in March 2015. It focuses on creating and developing intellectual property (IP) derived from online literature. Yuewen has a diverse portfolio of well-known brands, such as QQ Reading, Qidian, New Classics Media, and Tencent Animation & Comics. It serves as a platform for tens of millions of creators and a rich reserve of literary works across 200 genres, catering to hundreds of millions of users. Yuewen is renowned for its celebrated IP portfolio, which includes popular titles like Joy of Life, My Heroic Husband, Candle in the Tomb, The King’s Avatar, Soul Land, and Nirvana in Fire. It has successfully expanded its reach across various media formats, including audiobooks, animation, comics, films, drama series, games, and offline merchandise.

For more information, please visit https://www.yuewen.com/en/.

ANICAV to participate in Foodex Japan 2025 with Cooking Demos and Tasting Sessions highlighting Red Gold Tomatoes from Europe

TOKYO, March 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ANICAV, the Italian National Association of Canned Vegetable Industries, is thrilled to announce its participation in Foodex Japan 2025, taking place from 11 to 14 March 2025.

Pasta with Sardines in Tomato & Basil Sauce. Enjoy!
Pasta with Sardines in Tomato & Basil Sauce. Enjoy!

Foodex Japan serves as an ideal platform for ANICAV to connect with food industry professionals, culinary enthusiasts, and consumers who appreciate the rich flavours and nutritional benefits of EU and Italian canned tomatoes. Visitors to the ANICAV booth E2 – V28 will have the opportunity to experience firsthand the versatility of Red Gold Tomatoes from Europe through interactive cooking demonstrations led by the renowned chefs Viviana Marrocoli and Ikuko Kaitani.

In the first 11 months of 2024, Japan imported canned tomatoes from Italy worth 132.7 million euros (approximately 99,607 tonnes). Projecting the result also to the missing month (December), a final value of around 144.8 million is estimated in 2024 representing a growth compared to 2023 of 14.1%. The growth in volume (tonnes of canned tomatoes) exported to Japan (final 2024 estimate is 108,662 tonnes) is equal to 10.9%. The difference between the growth in value and volume is explained by a slight increase in prices per tonne of exported canned tomatoes.

Daily Programme Highlights:

  • Cooking Demonstrations: Each day, the two chefs will create delicious recipes using a variety of Italian canned tomatoes: whole peeled, cherry, chopped, passata and concentrate. Attendees will learn how to incorporate these ingredients into their everyday cooking, transforming simple meals into gourmet experiences.
  • Tasting Sessions: Following each demonstration, attendees will have the chance to sample the featured dishes, allowing them to appreciate the rich flavors and quality of Italian canned tomatoes.
  • Educational Insights: Throughout the event, ANICAV representatives will provide information on the sustainable practices and quality standards upheld by the Italian canned tomato industry, emphasizing the commitment to producing quality, safe, healthy and environmentally friendly products.

“We are excited to bring a taste of Italy to Foodex Japan 2025,” said Giovanni De Angelis, Director General at ANICAV. “Our cooking demos and tasting sessions are designed to highlight the incredible quality and versatility of canned tomatoes and to share our passion for quality ingredients with the Japanese market.”

ABOUT RED GOLD FROM EUROPE & ANICAV

RED GOLD is the name of the EU (European Union) programme to raise awareness about EU preserved (canned) tomatoes 100% Made in Europe.

ANICAV – the Italian Association of Canned Vegetable Industries – members account for over 60% of all the processed tomatoes in Italy, and nearly all of the whole peeled tomatoes produced.

With a focus on quality, innovation, and sustainability, ANICAV advocates for the growth and recognition of Italian canned products both domestically and internationally.

For more information visit our website https://redgoldfromeurope.jp https://anicav.it

Follow us on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/redgoldjapan

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redgoldjp/

X: https://x.com/RedGoldJapan1

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@redgoldfromeuropejp

 

Spaghetti with Tomato & Basil Sauce. Enjoy!
Spaghetti with Tomato & Basil Sauce. Enjoy!

 


 


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Dive into sound with Suunto Aqua

SYDNEY, March 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Suunto brings high-quality underwater audio with the Suunto Aqua. This advanced bone-conduction headset elevates audio technology to new heights, offering a seamless experience for swimming. Dive deeper into your workout while staying engaged with the world around you.

The Suunto Aqua is designed for athletes and adventurers, enhancing the audio experience. It smoothly combines entertainment, performance tracking, and communication in a sleek and durable package, making it the perfect companion for the active lifestyle.

Weighing just 35 grams, the Suunto Aqua ensures comfort during extended wear. With 32GB of storage (up to 8,000 songs) and 30 hours of battery life (including 20 hours with the charging pod), guarantees uninterrupted entertainment. Rated IP68 waterproof, it can withstand depths of up to 5 meters for 2 hours, making it ideal for underwater use.

Endless Power with Extended Battery Life
Supercharged with 30 hours of battery life (10 hours of playtime and 20 hours with the included charging pod), Suunto Aqua charges quickly—taking less than an hour for a full charge, and just 10 minutes of charging gives 3 hours of music. It also serves as a power bank for other devices, eliminating battery anxiety during outdoor activities. Its lightweight design and durable construction make it a reliable choice for long adventures.

Effortless Control with Hands-Free Convenience
The Suunto Aqua tracks key swimming metrics, including posture, head pitch, breath frequency, and glide time, providing insights to enhance performance through the Suunto app. An AI-powered algorithm tracks mobility and muscle fatigue to help optimize workouts. Additionally, head movement control allows you to answer calls, switch songs, and more, ensuring you stay focused and in control.

The Suunto Aqua redefines your active lifestyle with seamless audio, smart performance tracking, and exceptional durability. Whether swimming, running, or cycling, it enhances every workout, keeping you connected and focused.

The Suunto Aqua is available from the Suunto Australia and selected retailers nationwide for AU$299.

About Suunto
We stand for adventure. Pioneering exploration has been in our DNA since 1936, when Finnish orienteer Tuomas Vohlonen developed a more accurate compass. Today Suunto is at the forefront of design and innovation for sports watches, dive computers, compasses and digital services used by adventurers all over the globe. We are proud that Suunto products can take a beating, but are also designed with an everyday aesthetic that reflects our Nordic identity.

Media Contact
Joy Cai
ANZ Marketing Manager
joy.cai@suunto.com

Breakthrough! Exciting interim Phase II Data of LP-003 in CSU released by Longbio at AAAAI 2025

SAN DIEGO, March 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Longbio Pharma (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. (referred to as “Longbio”), a leading biotech company dedicated to developing innovative biologic treatments for allergy, respiratory, dermatology, hematology, ophthalmology, and other autoimmune and rare diseases, proudly announced the release of interim analysis of CSU (Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria) Phase II data for LP-003, the novel long-acting anti-IgE antibody, at the 2025 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology annual meeting (AAAAI 2025). LP-003 demonstrated superior improvement compared to Omalizumab in mean change of UAS7 (urticaria activity score 7) from baseline and percentage% of patients with UAS7=0 at week 4 and week 12.

The presentation of the poster titled “An interim analysis of Phase II study of LP-003, a novel high-affinity, long-acting anti-IgE antibody for CSU” by LongBio marked a significant moment during the conference.

Title: An interim analysis of Phase II study of LP-003, a novel high-affinity, long-acting anti-IgE antibody for CSU

ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT06228560

Date and Time: March 2nd, 2025, 9:45 am (UTC -5)

Location: Convention Center, Ground Level, Hall A.

Poster Number: 685

Methods: This is a multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase II clinical study, randomized to receive 100 mg Q8W, 200 mg Q8W or 200 mg Q4W of LP-003 or 300mg Omalizumab or placebo (n=40/group). The primary endpoint is the proportion of participants achieving complete absence of wheals and itching (UAS7 = 0) at week 12. Secondary endpoints include mean change of UAS7 from baseline at week 4 and 12, and other efficacy and safety endpoints.

Comparing to the first-generation anti-IgE antibody, omalizumab, LP-003 shows:

  • superior improvement in mean change of UAS7 from baseline at week 12 as well as the percentage% of patients with UAS7=0 at week 4 and week 12.
  • rapid and sustained relief in CSU symptoms in a dose-dependent manner.
  • favorable safety profile, no statistically significant difference in adverse events were found between LP-003 and placebo groups.

These results suggested that LP-003 might become a best-in-class anti-IgE therapy.

In addition, LP-003’s efficacy result was also comparable to barzolvolimab without raising any new safety concerns. Barzolvolimab is an anti-C-KIT mAB developed by Celldex, and intended to explore its application in CSU field. Together with its long-acting profile, LP-003 stands as a strong challenger in CSU market, positioning it at the forefront of the CSU treatment.

CSU stands as a prevalent skin disorder affecting approximately 1–2% of the global population. Not only that, ~35% patients are not well controlled or refractory to the first-line treatment (anti-histamines). The US market size will reach $2 billion USD in 2026 and increase by 8-10% CAGR in next five years. According to the market research from RAPT, even with efficacy 20% below omalizumab, prescribers still prefer less frequent dosing. LP-003 not only with achieving the longer dosing interval than omalizumab, but also showed superior efficacy. It marks a major step forward, positioning the LP-003 at the forefront of the anti-IgE field.

This achievement also marks a significant milestone for LP-003 following its initial success in allergic rhinitis, and LongBio is planning to continue exploring its promising potential in food allergy and asthma. The Phase II trial of asthma has started and the agency (NMPA, China FDA) approved a dosing interval of every 3 months (Q12W). LP-003 also got the IND approval of food allergy last year and planning to initial the clinical trial in the near future.

Food allergy is huge market with great potential (>$10 billion USD) but less competitors. Based on the epidemiology research, there are more than 13.5 million adults and 3.5 million children are suffering food allergy in US and anti-IgE therapy is the only approved MOA by FDA.

With ongoing studies in allergic rhinitis, CSU, asthma and food allergy, Longbio’s innovative approach to biologic therapies continues to show remarkable potential for addressing unmet medical needs across allergic diseases. LP-003 would stand poised to make a significant impact on the global allergy and immunology markets.

About LongBio

LongBio is a biotech company located in Shanghai/Changshu, China. The company, which was founded in 2018, focuses on autoimmune and rare diseases, serving patients and society.

LongBio aims to bring our drugs to both domestic and international markets with our partners, especially to bring patients with more affordable and high-quality bio-medicines. Our leading pipeline is a next generation of anti-IgE antibody (LP-003), which is already in Phase III stage, and prepare for pre-BLA in 2025H2. LP-003 has started clinical studies of several indications, like allergic rhinitis, CSU and asthma. Another pipeline is a bifunctional complement inhibitor, LP-005, with fully inhibition of all three pathways in complement system. The Phase II of PNH of LP-005 is on-going at present, intending to explore renal diseases and neuroinflammations in the near future.

For more information, please visit: www.longbio.com or please contact: bd@longbio.com.