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LONGi Scored ‘A-‘ Leadership Level for Water Security by global non-profit organization CDP

XI’AN, China, Feb. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — 7th February,2025, The global leading authority and non-profit organization CDP released the 2024 scores for the Climate Change, Water Security, and Forests questionnaires. According to the report, LONGi has scored ‘A-‘ Leadership Level for Water Security (Top 1 in Chinese renewable/PV industry) for the first time, and also scored ‘B’ Management Level for Climate Change for the second year.

CDP is a global non-profit that runs the global independent environmental disclosure system for companies, capital markets, cities, states and regions to manage their environmental impacts. As the world’s largest, most comprehensive dataset on environmental action, CDP dedicates to empowering investors, companies, cities, and national and regional governments to make Earth-positive decisions.

The CDP scores companies on three themes: climate change, forests, and water security. The scores are widely used in investment and procurement decisions, helping companies enhance their ESG (environmental, social, and corporate governance) performance and reduce financing costs. In 2024, the number of Chinese companies disclosing information through the CDP exceeded 3,600.

LONGi has scored ‘A-’ Leadership Level for Water Security (Top 1 in Chinese renewable/PV industry) for the first time, and also scored ‘B’ Management Level for Climate Change for the second year.
LONGi has scored ‘A-’ Leadership Level for Water Security (Top 1 in Chinese renewable/PV industry) for the first time, and also scored ‘B’ Management Level for Climate Change for the second year.

According to a CDP report, 6/10 countries are at risk of having unsustainable water resource usage by 2050. In the process of promoting sustainable development practices such as water resource management and climate action, LONGi attaches great importance to sustainable information disclosure to stakeholders such as customers and investors. The company has established a water resource management policy of “environmental compliance, priority to water saving, economical discharge, and scientific governance.” LONGi conducts an annual inventory of water resources in its factories worldwide based on the World Resources Institute (WRI) water risk atlas, and takes the risk levels of water resources as an important reference in the setting of conservation targets.

In 2023, by analyzing the water-saving potential of all production processes and adopting measures such as exploring alternative water sources and optimizing capacity utilization rate, LONGi carried out 118 water-saving process projects within the whole group and saved 5.5293 million tons of water annually. As a result, the overall water consumption of the whole group decreased by 12.75% year-on-year, and 33.52% compared with the base year.

Since 2020, LONGi has actively participated in the CDP questionnaire of Climate Change and Water Security. Through continuous progress in sustainable development practices, LONGi has obtained the “Leadership Level” for Water Security for the first time. In the future, LONGi will continue to promote sustainable development related issues, uphold a beneficial attitude towards the earth, and work together with all parties to create a sustainable future.

About LONGi

Founded in 2000, LONGi is committed to being the world’s leading solar technology company, focusing on customer-driven value creation for full scenario energy transformation.

Under its mission of ‘making the best of solar energy to build a green world’, LONGi has dedicated itself to technology innovation and established several business sectors, covering mono silicon wafers cells and modules, commercial & industrial distributed solar solutions, green energy solutions and hydrogen equipment. The company has honed its capabilities to provide green energy and has more recently, also embraced green hydrogen products and solutions to support global zero carbon development. www.longi.com

McDonald’s China Triumph: Harnessing Tencent Cloud’s Partnership in Digital Transformation and Consumer Engagement

Enhancing McDonald’s China digital ordering system to efficiently manage both regular peak times and promotional surges

HONG KONG, Feb. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Tencent Cloud, the cloud business of global technology company Tencent, has been a trusted partner of McDonald’s China since 2017 – a partnership that has helped McDonald’s China bolster its operational efficiency and be at the leading edge of digital innovation in food service. Leveraging its expertise in digitalization and cloud computing, Tencent Cloud supports the seamless operation of McDonald’s digital and store expansion initiatives. Moreover, it enhances McDonald’s China digital ordering system to efficiently manage both regular peak times and promotional surges.

Shihong Chen, Chief Information and Experience Officer of McDonald’s China (right)
Shihong Chen, Chief Information and Experience Officer of McDonald’s China (right)

Over the past 70 years, McDonald’s has become a leading retail food service giant with over 40,000 locations worldwide. Shihong Chen, Chief Information and Experience Officer of McDonald’s China, stated, “McDonald’s China chose to create an in-house digital department instead of acquiring a digital system from external suppliers. At the same time, a highly skilled cloud computing partner is still essential to McDonald’s China, for the partnership on architecture and technology while fully understanding the company’s business requirements.”

In the food service industry, consumers expect quick ordering and food pickup. Today, more than 90% of transactions at McDonald’s China are from digital channels. Therefore, McDonald’s digital ordering system must be robust enough to handle both regular peak times and promotional surges to ensure a consistently positive customer experience. However, simply increasing server bandwidth to boost capacity would lead to escalating costs. David Su, Industry General Manager of Tencent Smart Retail, said, “By leveraging Tencent Cloud’s capabilities, the two companies collaborate on auto scaling to reduce costs during low-traffic periods while maintaining an optimal ordering experience during peak times. In complex and variable offline network environments, where network quality could be very low, ensuring that consumers can quickly access McDonald’s China’s online ordering APP and Mini Program presents a big challenge and is a key focus for Tencent Cloud. Additionally, during promotional periods, Tencent Cloud provides extensive technical support to safeguard applet data and protect consumers, while ensuring that product discounts reach genuine customers rather than being exploited by ‘coupon hunters.’ We work very closely with McDonald’s. Whenever new challenges arise, the Tencent Cloud team is there working together on finding the best solution from both a product and technical perspective.”

By the end of 2024, McDonald’s China currently manages over 6,800 stores and has set ambitious plans to expand to 10,000. By leveraging Tencent Cloud big data solution, McDonald’s China is now capable of conducting intelligent assessments of over one thousand factors for a smarter store location selection. Su explained, “For a specific location, we can assist the brand in determining the rationality of the site selection, as well as the specific store scale, format, and operational direction, based on desensitized environmental and demographic big data. Tencent Cloud is dedicated to empowering its clients through the strategic use of big data.”

McDonald’s China digital transformation journey signifies not only a commitment to technological innovation but also a profound reimagining of its traditional business model. From the introduction of self-service ordering kiosks to today’s constantly evolving, comprehensive digital strategy, McDonald’s China has consistently prioritized consumer needs, leveraging technology to innovate and optimize the dining experience. Throughout the ongoing collaboration, Tencent Cloud has provided McDonald’s China with robust technical support and invaluable experience, serving as a model for other foodservice enterprises seeking to drive digital transformation. The partnership between Tencent Cloud and McDonald’s China exemplifies how digital continues to shape and drive efficiency and innovation at the leading edge of the food service industry.

About Tencent Cloud:

Tencent Cloud, one of the world’s leading cloud companies, is committed to creating innovative solutions to resolve real-world issues and enabling digital transformation for smart industries. Through our extensive global infrastructure, Tencent Cloud provides businesses across the globe with stable and secure industry-leading cloud products and services, leveraging technological advancements such as cloud computing, Big Data analytics, AI, IoT, and network security. It is our constant mission to meet the needs of industries across the board, including the fields of gaming, media and entertainment, finance, healthcare, property, retail, travel, and transportation.

ViewQwest Enhances Malaysia Commercial Leadership Team to Drive Growth

Appoints Simon Ang as Head of Enterprise Sales


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 February 2025 – ViewQwest, a leading telecommunications, network, and security services provider in Southeast Asia, has announced the appointment of Simon Ang as Head of Enterprise Sales in Malaysia. This strategic appointment underscores ViewQwest’s commitment to strengthening its commercial presence and accelerating business growth in a key market for its rapidly expanding managed services portfolio. Ang will lead the company’s enterprise engagement strategy, driving deeper partnerships and delivering innovative solutions that support Malaysia’s digital transformation.

With over 30 years of experience in IT and telecommunications, Ang brings extensive expertise in enterprise sales, business development, and strategic account management. Prior to joining ViewQwest, he served as Director of Carrier Relations at DCConnect, overseeing telecom network wholesale operations in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. He also led Platform and Managed Services at NTT MSC Sdn Bhd’s Cloud Services Division, and held leadership roles at global firms such as IBM, HP, and PCCW, where he drove market expansion, digital transformation, and operational excellence.

“Simon’s leadership and deep understanding of enterprise solutions come at a pivotal time for ViewQwest,” said Benjamin Tan, Chief Commercial Officer of ViewQwest. “As we accelerate our commercial efforts in Malaysia, his expertise will be instrumental in strengthening our market position and ensuring our solutions effectively address enterprise needs.”

Ang expressed enthusiasm for his new role, stating, “I’m excited to join ViewQwest at this transformative stage of its growth. With our innovative suite of services tailored for the Malaysian market, we are uniquely positioned to help businesses optimize their networks and enhance cybersecurity. A key focus will be on revitalizing the Enterprise Sales team, equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and strategies needed to drive meaningful business impact.”

His appointment reinforces ViewQwest’s commitment to investing in both commercial and technical talent to support its rapid growth as a trusted partner for network and security transformation. With Ang’s deep experience in business development and partner management, the company aims to strengthen channel partnerships and expand strategic alliances, further solidifying its leadership in the region.

“I am confident that with Simon on board, our Enterprise Sales team will be even more empowered to drive growth and success,” added Tan.

Hashtag: #ViewQwest

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

About ViewQwest

ViewQwest is an award-winning telecommunications, network, and security services provider driven by a vision to make the world a better place, powered by a safer, better internet. Founded and headquartered in Singapore since 2001, it has expanded operations and market coverage in Malaysia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and other countries in North and Southeast Asia.

ViewQwest builds and manages high-performing network and security infrastructure for the digital enterprise, securely connecting corporate sites and workforces wherever they are needed. It is a trusted partner of global and regional multinational corporations (MNCs) and top companies across Asia, delivering fit-for-purpose connectivity and security to power their digital future. ViewQwest also provides market-leading residential and SME broadband connectivity and cybersecurity services in Singapore and Malaysia.

ViewQwest received the 2024 Network and Security integration of the Year Award – Singapore, and the 2023 Singapore Broadband Telecom Provider of the Year recognition at the Asia Telecom Awards for its service innovation and excellence in network and security.

For more information, visit

Fosun International Continues to be Recognized in the S&P Global’s Sustainability Yearbook 2025

HONG KONG, Feb. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On 12 February 2025, S&P Global released the Sustainability Yearbook 2025. Fosun International Limited (HKEX Stock Code: 00656, “Fosun International”) was successfully selected into the yearbook for the second consecutive year for its continuous efforts in environmental, social and governance (ESG).

Now in its 21st year, the S&P Global’s Sustainability Yearbook continues to provide investors with quantifiable sustainability performance evaluation by providing insights based on comprehensive, detailed, and credible data. This year, 7,690 companies across 62 industries were assessed in the 2024 Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA), with 780 companies ultimately selected for inclusion in the Sustainability Yearbook 2025. Notably, only 10 companies within the industrial conglomerates sector were selected.

Due to its ongoing commitment to ESG initiatives, Fosun International’s S&P Global CSA score has improved annually since 2018, positioning it as an industry leader. In the 2024 S&P Global CSA, Fosun International scored an excellent score of 70. As of December 2024, Fosun International ranks in the top 5% among global peers and continues to maintain a leading position in the industry, significantly ahead of the industry average by around 40 points.

In the past year, Fosun International also ranked top 1% in the S&P Global’s Sustainability Yearbook 2024 (China Edition) and was recognized as an “Industry Mover”.

In recent years, Fosun International has consistently achieved excellent results in global ESG ratings. As of now, Fosun International’s MSCI ESG rating has remained AA since 2021. It received an HSI ESG rating of AA- and has been included in the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Benchmark Index for years. Furthermore, Fosun International’s FTSE Russell ESG score was consistently higher than the global industry average and it has been continuously selected as a constituent stock of the FTSE4Good Index Series.

Looking back on the past, Fosun has always paid attention to the reform and development of the global policies in the field of sustainable development. It has established a comprehensive ESG management system, integrated ESG management requirements into business management over the years, actively responded to national and global strategies in relation to sustainable development, ensured information security, promoted technology innovation, implemented “dual carbon” goals, protected the rights and interests of employees to promote sustainable management and value creation.

2024 marked the 20th anniversary of the United Nations (UN) Global Compact’s introduction of ESG concept and principles. Year 2024 also marked Fosun’s 10th anniversary as a UN Global Compact member. Since joining the UN Global Compact, Fosun fully supports the ten principles of the UN Global Compact in the areas including human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption, ensuring that it conducts business responsibly. At the same time, Fosun actively engages its member companies in the implementation of ESG strategies.

In November 2024, Fosun’s “Rural Doctors Program Empowering Rural Medical Services” was recognized as one of the selected cases in the UN Global Compact’s “20 Cases of Private Sector’s Sustainable Development in China for 20 Years”. A panel of UN representatives and academics has announced that the 20 selected best projects are exemplary cases of corporate sustainable development that demonstrate excellence in terms of economic viability, practicality, replicability, innovation, and inclusivity.

Looking ahead, Fosun will continue to deepen its core businesses, strengthen innovation, and drive globalization, promoting the long-term sustainable development of its business. By creating lasting value for all stakeholders, Fosun remains committed to fulfilling its mission of “Creating happier lives for families worldwide”.

About S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment

The S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) was launched in 1999 and has developed into the world’s leading corporate sustainability assessment tool and database. As one of the oldest and largest global corporate sustainability assessments, S&P Global CSA covers sustainability assessment standards in 62 different industries, quantifying the information disclosure and performance of companies on various related issues in three dimensions: environment, society, governance and economy, thereby comprehensively reflecting the company’s sustainable development management level.

Axel Klarmeyer Joins Chamlion as CEO, Chamlion International

NANJING, China, Feb. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Chamlion, a pioneer in integrated dental 3D printing solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Axel Klarmeyer as the CEO of Chamlion International, overseeing the company’s international business operations. Axel’s extensive industry experience and leadership will be pivotal in advancing Chamlion’s strategic growth and expanding its footprint globally.

Axel Klarmeyer
Axel Klarmeyer

Axel Klarmeyer brings over 20 years of leadership experience in the dental and medical device sectors. Prior to joining Chamlion, Axel served as the CEO and Chief Sales Officer of BEGO, where he successfully led international expansion efforts and drove product innovation in dental technology. Axel’s extensive expertise in business strategy, market development, and operational excellence will be instrumental in strengthening Chamlion’s position in international markets.

“We are delighted to welcome Axel to Chamlion,” said Lin Wang, Chairman and Founder of Chamlion. “His deep industry knowledge and proven track record in driving business success in the dental industry, combined with his strategic insight and leadership, will be invaluable as we continue to expand globally.”

“Chamlion has built an impressive ecosystem that seamlessly integrates digital workflows with advanced 3D metal printing, revolutionizing the dental manufacturing industry,” said Axel Klarmeyer. “I am excited to join this dynamic team and leverage my experience to further expand Chamlion’s presence first and foremost in Europe and North America. Together, we will drive greater efficiency, innovation, and accessibility in dental prosthetic production worldwide.”

The combination of Axel Klarmeyer’s expertise and Chamlion’s pioneering technology marks a transformative moment for the global dental lab industry. As digital workflows and 3D metal printing rapidly become the new standard, Chamlion is leading the charge in delivering cost-effective, high-precision solutions that enhance production speed and quality. Axel’s leadership will play a crucial role in helping dental labs embrace intelligent manufacturing, streamline processes, and achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency and scalability.

About Chamlion

Chamlion is a dental 3D solutions provider based in Nanjing, China, offering a comprehensive package that covers the entire workflow of dental 3D printing—from materials to equipment and finished dentures, and a wide range of dental applications, from metal frameworks to zirconia dentures. With a network of over 330 global printing centers spanning France, the United States, Italy, Turkey, South Korea, Canada, and beyond, Chamlion is dedicated to advancing precision, efficiency, and scalability in dental manufacturing.

Lao-Swiss Collaboration: National University launches First ever Dam Safety Course for Next Generation of Experts

Dam Safety Course Project at NUOL

The first-ever dam engineering course in Laos was officially launched on 13 February, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to enhance dam safety and technical expertise. This course is the result of the intensive cooperation on dam safety between Laos and Switzerland, and a recent agreement between the National University of Laos and the Swiss EPFL, one of world’s top technology institutions.

ASEAN Foundation and Google.org Lead Regional Policy Forum to Drive AI Literacy Forward

JARKATA, Indonesia, Feb. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The ASEAN Foundation, supported by Google.org, successfully hosted the 1st Regional Policy Convening of AI Ready ASEAN at ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat, Jakarta, Indonesia, on 12 February 2025.

This event served a key milestone in the implementation of the AI Ready ASEAN initiative, bringing together key stakeholders to foster dialogue and shape policies that will drive AI literacy and innovation across the region.

At the regional forum, policymakers, AI practitioners, and local implementing partners (LIPs) from across ASEAN explored collaborative approaches to developing regulatory frameworks and policy initiatives aimed at accelerating responsible AI adoption, bridging AI literacy gaps, and unlocking opportunities in Southeast Asia.

Key stakeholders include H.E. Prof. Stella Christie, the Vice Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology of Indonesia, H.E. Nararya S. Soeprapto, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs, H.E. Ambassador Bovonethat Douangchak, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the ASEAN Foundation and Permanent Representative of Lao PDR to ASEAN, Dr. Piti Srisangnam, Executive Director of the ASEAN Foundation, and Putri Alam, Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy at Google Indonesia.

To explore ASEAN’s AI landscape, the importance of ethical frameworks, and strategies to deliver AI programmes in local communities, the event featured panel discussions with Andreas Tjendra, Director AI Innovation of KORIKA, Dr. Sak Segkhoonthod, Executive Advisor of Electronic Transaction Development Agency (ETDA) and AI Governance Center of ETDA, Agung Pamungkas, Government Affairs and Public Policy Manager of Google Indonesia, Ilan Asqolani, Senior Programme Manager of ASEAN Foundation, Rajeshpal Singh, Director for Mastercard’s Digital Trust Centre of Excellence APAC, Hazremi Hamid, Senior Officer of Digital Economy Division of the ASEAN Secretariat, and Dr. Yeni Herdiyeni, Head of Artificial Intelligence Study Programme of IPB University. The discussions were moderated by Dr. Piti Srisangnam and Mahmudi Yusbi, Head of Strategic Planning and Business Development of the ASEAN Foundation.

“With the rapid advances in AI and machine learning, it’s more important than ever that young people, educators and parents understand the ways it impacts their lives, the role it will play in their future, and the opportunities it affords. Google.org is a proud supporter of the ASEAN Foundation’ AI Ready ASEAN programme, focused on helping young people and inspiring the next generation of AI innovators to use the technology to make a positive impact in society. This support reflects our commitment to help everyone in the region benefit from the AI Opportunities,” said Marija Ralic, Google.org Lead.

This convention also marked the official commencement of the AI Ready ASEAN initiative, launched in October 2024, which aims to enhance AI literacy in ASEAN member states. With a USD 5 million grant from Google.org, the 2.5-year programme aims to equip 5.5 million individuals with essential AI skills.

The 5th ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting held on 16-17 January 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand, reinforced the region’s commitment to advancing digital transformation and fostering collaboration among policymakers, industry leaders, and experts. Key discussions focused on leveraging AI to unlock ASEAN’s digital economy potential, develop interoperable data protection standards, and promote a secure, inclusive, and innovative digital ecosystem. The meeting also emphasised the vital importance of safeguarding personal data to build trust and inclusivity within the region’s digital landscape.

As a trusted partner of Google.org, the ASEAN Foundation joined four other key partners from Southeast Asia at this esteemed forum. Presenting the AI Ready ASEAN programme to the ten ASEAN Digital Ministers, the Foundation received resoundingly positive feedback for its role in promoting digital literacy and empowering communities to thrive in an AI-driven future. The forum reaffirmed the shared vision of a digitally connected and inclusive ASEAN, driving innovation and prosperity for all.

The policy meeting will contribute to the goals of the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025 and ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, which aim to build an inclusive and sustainable digital economy for ASEAN. It also complies with the ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics, which provides member states guidelines on AI adoption, emphasising fairness, transparency, and accountability.

It is the first out of the four regional events under the AI Ready ASEAN programme. It is also the first of the five key activities, which include trainer training, advanced education, a regional AI awareness campaign, national and regional dialogues, and in-depth AI research across the region.

“As we move into a future shaped by new ideas and technology, it’s important that every community, no matter where they are, has the knowledge and skills to succeed in the age of AI. With the AI Ready ASEAN program, we are dedicated to helping young people, teachers, and families across the region, making sure no one is left behind as AI evolves. By working together, we can close the gap in access to technology and help everyone in ASEAN benefit fully from AI,” said Dr. Piti Srisangnam, Executive Director of the ASEAN Foundation.

The convention proved timely, as the growth of AI and the adoption of digital technologies will triple ASEAN’s digital economy, growing from approximately USD 300 billion to almost USD 1 trillion by 2030. Policies in the Digital Economy Framework Agreement  are expected to double the projection, boosting the economy to USD 2 trillion.

Despite the momentum, AI’s maturity in the region remains polarised. The digital divide poses challenges such as poor internet connection and lack of digital literacy programs, slowing down the region’s ambitions to become a premier AI hub. This manifests in the region’s varying level of AI readiness among member states. While Singapore leads the region and ranks second out of 190 countries globally in the Government AI Readiness 2024 Index, Lao PDR, Cambodia, and Myanmar are still in the early stages of AI adoption, ranking at 136th, 145th, and 149th place respectively.

discussion paper from the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia revealed the importance of implementing “policies in bridging the gap to maximise the potential benefits of AI in the region.” To address the disparities, the study urges member states to make collective efforts both among themselves and within their own countries.

This call to regional action aligns with the measures and initiatives explored during the convention, geared towards accelerating AI adoption and boosting AI literacy among the member states.

ASEAN Foundation’s LIP for Singapore, AI Singapore, believes AI should be made accessible to all, ensuring that individuals—from students to executives—understand and leverage AI in their work. Its narrative revolves around “AI for Singapore, AI for the World”, emphasising both local impact and global relevance. AI Singapore champions AI as a key driver of Singapore’s future economy, bridging the gap between research, industry, and government to drive AI adoption, innovation, and talent development.

The Regional Policy Convention on AI Readiness marks a pivotal step toward democratising AI across ASEAN. By fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and the development of essential policies, the initiative aims to bridge the AI divide and pave the way for a more inclusive and innovative future.

In the next two days, LIPs of AI Ready ASEAN will continue their learning journey with a hands-on masterclass led by Code.org, which explored foundational AI concepts and practical strategies to overcome challenges in AI education. The experience was further enriched by a visit to Google Indonesia’s office, where participants witnessed real-world AI applications, gaining valuable insights and deepening their technical understanding of machine learning.

About the ASEAN Foundation  

Three decades after ASEAN was established, ASEAN leaders recognised that: there remained inadequate shared prosperity, ASEAN awareness and contact among people of ASEAN. It was of this concern that ASEAN leaders established the ASEAN Foundation during ASEAN’s 30th Anniversary Commemorative Summit in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia on 15 December 1997. ASEAN Foundation is an organisation from and for the people of ASEAN. The Foundation exists because of one vision: to build a cohesive and prosperous ASEAN Community. As an ASEAN body, the Foundation is tasked to support ASEAN mainly in promoting awareness, identity, interaction, and development of the people of ASEAN. For more info about the ASEAN Foundation, visit: www.aseanfoundation.org    

Akeso Announces IND Acceptance for AK139, a Bispecific Antibody Targeting IL-4Rα and ST2 for Respiratory and Skin Diseases

HONG KONG, Feb. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Akeso, Inc. (9926. HK) (“Akeso” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the acceptance of its Investigational New Drug (IND) application by the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for AK139, a bispecific antibody targeting IL-4Rα and ST2. AK139 is under investigation for a number of indications, including respiratory and skin diseases.

AK139 is Akeso’s first innovative bispecific antibody outside the field of oncology to enter clinical development.  It is also Akeso’s seventh bispecific antibody to enter clinical development. As the world’s first IL-4Rα/ST2 bispecific antibody to enter the clinic, AK139 simultaneously targets and blocks both the IL-4/IL-13 pathway (by binding to the IL-4Rα subunit shared by both IL-4 and IL-13 receptor complexes) and the IL-33/ST2-mediated inflammation pathway. Preclinical studies have demonstrated robust synergistic therapeutic effects between these targets. In preclinical studies, AK139 shows clinical potential compared to existing monotherapy drugs targeting these pathways.  AK139 is expected to advance the treatment of respiratory diseases, dermatological conditions, and other disorders where these inflammatory pathways play a critical role in disease pathogenesis. This first in class therapy is set to introduce a “dual-target era” in the treatment of these conditions, providing enhanced therapeutic options for patients with inadequate responses to current treatments.

Innovative Dual-Target Mechanism for Improved Therapeutic Potential

The IL-4, IL-13, and IL-33/ST2 pathways play a central role in the inflammatory processes underlying asthma, COPD, and other related conditions. AK139, as the first bispecific antibody targeting both IL-4Rα and ST2, offers a targeted approach to modulate these pathways. By binding to both IL-4Rα and ST2, AK139 blocks the key signals associated with IL-4, IL-13, and IL-33, addressing the complex inflammation signaling pathways in these related diseases.

  • IL-4Rα Pathway: IL-4 and IL-13 are primarily involved in immune responses mediated by T-helper 2 (Th2) cells. The Th2-mediated inflammatory pathways play a critical role in the pathogenesis and progression of respiratory diseases, skin conditions, and other related diseases. Research has shown that IL-4 and IL-13 share a common receptor, IL-4Rα. AK139 is highly specific in binding to IL-4Rα, blocking the interaction between IL-4Rα and IL-4 or IL-13, as well as inhibiting the downstream signaling pathways mediated by these interactions, and thus exerting therapeutic effects on these diseases.
  • IL-33/ST2 Pathway: Interleukin-33 (IL-33), acting as an alarm signal, binds to its specific receptor ST2, activating downstream signaling pathways that lead to inflammation in multiple human biological systems, including the respiratory, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal systems. IL-33 plays a key role in both type 2 and non-type 2 inflammatory responses. Studies have shown that the expression levels of IL-33 and its receptor ST2 are significantly elevated in inflammatory diseases such as respiratory and skin conditions, where they serve as important mediators of disease response. AK139 specifically binds to ST2, inhibiting the inflammatory response mediated by IL-33.

Preclinical studies have demonstrated that AK139 showcases strong dual-specific antigen-binding activity and promising pharmacological effects in both in-vitro and in-vivo. The antibody has shown remarkable synergy between the targets, significantly outperforming single-target antibodies targeting IL-4 or ST2 in key measures.  These key measures include the inhibition of inflammatory cytokine release and the reduction of tissue infiltration by inflammatory cells. Additionally, preclinical toxicology studies showed that AK139 presents a favorable safety profile.

Based on the pre-clinical data so far, AK139 has the potential to become a breakthrough therapy for respiratory and dermatological diseases.