SAN FRANCISCO and SUZHOU, China, March 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Innovent Biologics, Inc. (“Innovent”) (HKEX: 01801), a world-class biopharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures, and commercializes high-quality medicines for the treatment of oncologic, autoimmune, cardiovascular and metabolic, ophthalmologic, and other major diseases, announces the non-covalent (reversible) Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, Jaypirca® (pirtobrutinib), has received approval by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in China for a new indication for the treatment of adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) after at least one line of systemic therapy including a Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor.

Pirtobrutinib is a highly selective kinase inhibitor that utilizes a novel non-covalent binding mechanism to extend the benefit of targeting the BTK pathway in CLL/SLL patients previously treated with a covalent BTK inhibitor (ibrutinib, acalabrutinib, or zanubrutinib).^[1],[2] Pirtobrutinib received approval from the U.S. FDA in January 2023 as a non‑covalent (reversible) BTK inhibitor. In October 2024, pirtobrutinib was approved in China as a monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who have previously received at least two prior systemic therapies, including a Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor.

The approval of this new indication is based on results from the international, multicenter, randomized, Phase 3 BRUIN CLL‑321 study. BRUIN CLL‑321 is the world’s first randomized Phase 3 trial conducted in patients with CLL/SLL who had previously been treated with a covalent BTK inhibitor (cBTKi). The study enrolled a total of 238 patients and evaluated the efficacy and safety of pirtobrutinib monotherapy versus investigator’s choice of IdelaR (idelalisib plus rituximab) or BR (bendamustine plus rituximab). The results demonstrated that pirtobrutinib significantly prolonged median progression‑free survival (PFS) compared with the investigator’s choice regimen (14.0 months vs 8.7 months; hazard ratio [HR] = 0.54). In addition, the discontinuation rate due to treatment‑related adverse events was lower with pirtobrutinib (5.2% vs 21.1%), further supporting its efficacy and tolerability advantages in patients previously treated with a covalent BTK inhibitor.^[3]

Professor Lu-Gui Qiu, Principal Investigator of the BRUIN CLL‑321 study in China, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, stated, “BTK inhibitors have become the preferred first‑ or second‑line treatment for patients with CLL/SLL, yet some patients still experience disease progression and have a poor prognosis. Studies have shown that the median overall survival for patients after discontinuing a covalent BTK inhibitor is only about 22.7 months.^[4] Therefore, there is an urgent clinical need for new treatment. As a next‑generation, non‑covalent and reversible BTK inhibitor, pirtobrutinib represents an important advancement for patients with relapsed or refractory CLL. The BRUIN CLL‑321 study demonstrated its therapeutic potential in CLL/SLL. We believe it will offer an important treatment option for patients with CLL/SLL in China and help meet the needs of long‑term disease management in the future.”

Dr. Li Wang, Lilly Corporate Senior Vice President, Head of Lilly China Drug Development & Medical Affairs Center, states, “The approval of pirtobrutinib for the CLL/SLL indication in China marks an important milestone in the treatment journey for Chinese CLL/SLL patients. It means that patients who continue to experience disease progression after covalent BTK inhibitor therapy can now gain timely access to this globally innovative treatment option. Supported by the efficacy and safety demonstrated in the BRUIN CLL‑321 study, we are pleased to offer a new therapeutic choice for CLL/SLL patient population with significant unmet medical needs in China. Looking ahead, Lilly will remain committed to accelerating the introduction of cutting‑edge therapies to help patients with hematologic malignancies in China achieve longer and better quality of survival. This is our enduring commitment to patients in China.”

Dr. Hui Zhou, Chief R&D Officer of Oncology in Innovent, stated, “Jaypirca (pirtobrutinib) is a next-generation, non-covalent (reversible) BTK inhibitor. It offers a novel treatment option for patients who have previously received covalent BTK inhibitor therapy. The approval in China for CLL/SLL represents a significant breakthrough in this field, which ensures that CLL/SLL patients in China have timely access to this global therapeutic innovation. We will fully leverage Innovent’s leading brand presence and commercialization capabilities in oncology, to accelerate the accessibility of this innovative therapy, thereby benefiting more cancer patients in need.”

About BRUIN CLL-321
BRUIN CLL-321 is a Phase 3, randomized, open-label study of Jaypirca versus investigator’s choice of idelalisib plus rituximab (IdelaR) or bendamustine plus rituximab (BR) in covalent Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor pre-treated patients with relapsed and refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). The trial enrolled 238 patients, who were randomized 1:1 to receive Jaypirca (200 mg orally, once daily) or investigator’s choice of either IdelaR or BR per labeled doses. This trial’s primary endpoint is progression-free survival (PFS) per 2018 International Workshop on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (iwCLL) criteria, as assessed by blinded independent review committee (IRC). Secondary endpoints include PFS, as assessed by investigator; overall response rate (ORR) and duration of response (DoR); event-free survival; overall survival (OS) and time to next treatment (TTNT); safety and tolerability; and patient-reported outcomes (PRO).  

About Jaypirca (pirtobrutinib)
Jaypirca (pirtobrutinib, formerly known as LOXO-305) (pronounced jay-pihr-kaa) is a highly selective (300 times more selective for BTK versus 98% of other kinases tested in preclinical studies), non-covalent (reversible) inhibitor of the enzyme BTK.^[2] BTK is a validated molecular target found across numerous B-cell leukemias and lymphomas including mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).^[5],[6]

In China, pirtobrutinib was developed by Eli Lilly and Company and is commercialized in mainland China by Innovent Biologics.

About Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) are forms of slow-growing non-Hodgkin lymphoma that develop from white blood cells known as lymphocytes.^[7] In China, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) represents approximately 6%–7% of non-Hodgkin lymphoma cases.^[8] SLL is identical to CLL from a pathologic and immunophenotypic standpoint, with the main difference between them being the location of the cancer cells. In CLL, the cancer cells are present in the blood, and in SLL, the cancer cells are found in the lymph nodes.^[7]

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 18 products in the market. It has 4 assets in Phase 3 or pivotal clinical trials and 15 more molecules in early clinical stage. Innovent partners with over 30 global healthcare companies, including Lilly, Sanofi, Incyte, 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.

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.

References

1. Jaypirca. Prescribing Information. Lilly USA, LLC.
2. Mato AR, Shah NN, Jurczak W, et al. Pirtobrutinib in relapsed or refractory B-cell malignancies (BRUIN): a phase 1/2 study. Lancet. 2021;397(10277):892-901. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(21)00224-5
3. Sharman JP,et al.2024 ASH Oral presentation #886
4. Woyach JA, Ruppert AS, Guinn D, et al. BTKC481S-mediated resistance to ibrutinib in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. J Clin Oncol. 2017;35(13):1437-1443. doi:10.1200/JCO.2016.70.2282
5. Hanel W, Epperla N. Emerging therapies in mantle cell lymphoma. J Hematol Oncol. 2020;13(1):79. Published 2020 Jun 17. doi:10.1186/s13045-020-00914-1
6. Gu D, Tang H, Wu J, Li J, Miao Y. Targeting Bruton tyrosine kinase using non-covalent inhibitors in B cell malignancies. J Hematol Oncol. 2021;14(1):40. Published 2021 Mar 6. doi:10.1186/s13045-021-01049-7
7. Mukkamalla SKR, Taneja A, Malipeddi D, et al. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. [Updated Feb 18, 2023]. StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470433
8. CACA. 中国肿瘤整合诊治指南（CACA）- 白血病 2022.

• Dr. Samir J. Serhan named CEO effective today by Acwa Board of Directors.
• Dr. Serhan was previously President of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East at Acwa, and formerly Chief Operating Officer of US-based Air Products.
• Marco Arcelli, CEO of Acwa since March 2023, remains as an advisor to the Chairman of the Board of Directors to ensure a smooth transition.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, March 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Acwa, the world’s largest private water desalination company, a leader in energy transition, and a first mover into green hydrogen, announced the appointment of Dr. Samir J. Serhan as chief executive officer effective March 1, 2026. In line with the natural progression of executive leadership terms and Acwa’s disciplined governance framework, the Board of Directors of the Saudi-listed company made this appointment as part of a planned and structured leadership transition and succession process overseen by the company’s Board Nomination and Remuneration Committee. The Board and the former CEO Marco Arcelli agreed to implement the planned succession process to ensure continuity and stability. The company’s long-term direction remains unchanged.

Since joining Acwa last year as President of Saudi Arabia and Middle East, Dr. Serhan has worked closely with the leadership team and is fully prepared to assume this new responsibility. Previously Dr. Serhan was chief operating officer of the US-based company Air Products where he had global responsibility for the company’s operational business and project execution with P&L accountability for the Americas, Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and India. He also led functions including technology, global engineering, manufacturing, and equipment at Air Products. Earlier in his career he was president, Hydrogen for Praxair. For 14 years prior, he worked for the Linde Group in leadership positions in the US and Germany, culminating in his role as managing director, Linde Engineering. Dr. Serhan brings more than three decades of global leadership experience across large-scale industrial and infrastructure organizations, with a strong track record in driving operational transformation, strengthening institutional capability, and delivering disciplined and profitable growth in complex, capital-intensive environments.

Mohammad Abunayyan, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Acwa, said: “Acwa stands today as a Saudi national champion and a global leader in renewable energy, water desalination, and green hydrogen, and our position continues to strengthen. We are grateful for Marco’s leadership in advancing Acwa’s strategy and accelerating our growth trajectory. This structured leadership transition reflects the strength of our governance and the maturity of our business platform. Our strategic direction remains clear and unchanged. We are pleased to welcome Dr. Samir Serhan to his new role as CEO of Acwa.”

Dr. Samir J. Serhan, the incoming CEO of Acwa, said: “Every day affords us new opportunities to help our customers and meet pressing energy and water needs around the world. I’m honored to lead Acwa at a pivotal moment as the company accelerates profitable global growth in renewable energy, water desalination, and green hydrogen solutions — including advancing green hydrogen to decarbonize heavy industries — to deliver scalable, sustainable impact worldwide. I look forward to working with our talented Acwa teams around the globe to build on the progress we have achieved and shape the next chapter of our journey.”

Marco Arcelli, the outgoing CEO of Acwa, said: “Over the past three years, Acwa’s portfolio has doubled in size, and we are on track to double it again by 2030, scaling both our footprint and our impact. Acwa now produces around 25% of the world’s desalinated seawater. We have expanded into new markets, including Azerbaijan, China, Kuwait, and Senegal, while advancing energy export opportunities from Saudi Arabia, and cementing our leadership in green molecules. What we have achieved reflects the scale of our ambition, the discipline of our execution, the dedication of our people, and the trust of our partners.”

Acwa supports energy and water security as well as supply reliability, which are priorities that are fundamental to economic resilience and community wellbeing worldwide. Today, Acwa provides clean drinking water for nearly 34 million people and power for almost 76 million people every day.

About Acwa

Acwa (TADAWUL: 2082) is a Saudi-listed company and the world’s largest private water desalination company, the first mover into green hydrogen, and a leader in the global energy transition. Registered and established in 2004 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Acwa employs over 4,000 people and is currently present in 15 countries in the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia. Acwa’s portfolio comprises 111 projects in operation, advanced development, or under construction with an investment value of SAR 430 billion (USD 114.8 billion) and the capacity to generate 93 GW of power (of which 52 GW is renewables) and manage 9.3 million m3/day of desalinated water. This energy and water are delivered on a bulk basis to address the needs of state utilities and industries on long-term, off-taker contracts under utility services outsourcing and public-private partnership models.

Learn more: www.acwapower.com

HARBIN, China, March 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As a vanguard of China’s power equipment industry, Harbin Electric Corporation (HE) is accelerating the development of new power systems centered on green and low-carbon vision. As China’s first state-owned enterprise for exporting large-scale power units, HE has been proactively participating in the Belt and Road cooperation as a “Messenger of Light”, contributing to global sustainable growth through technological innovation.

HE has offered its clean energy solutions to over 50 countries and regions around the world. In South America, the Minas San Francisco Hydropower Project in Ecuador serves as a cornerstone of the Pacific water system, significantly optimizing the local energy structure. In the Middle East, the Hassyan Clean Energy Project sets a benchmark for regional energy diversification and low-carbon transition through its advanced multi-fuel capabilities and rigorous international standards of environmental protection.

Furthermore, HE’s H-class gas turbine units in Pakistan—the first of its kind in Asia—have set global records for efficiency, construction quality, and deployment speed in heavy-duty gas turbine technologies.

HE has made remarkable progress in expanding its shares in high-end global markets with leveraging its advantages in digital twin technologies, AI-driven smart operations, and strategic layouts in hydrogen energy and large-scale energy storage, which also helps drive the industry toward a zero-carbon future. From “Made in China” to “Intelligent Manufacturing in China“, HE provides the world with high-efficiency equipment while contributing a robust “China Power” to the global fight against climate change through comprehensive, low-carbon energy solutions.

About Harbin Electric Corporation (HE):

As the cradle of China’s power equipment industry, HE remains committed to innovation-driven growth. By delivering full-chain solutions spanning hydro, nuclear, and wind power, as well as integrated energy services, HE leads the global industry towards a sustainable, carbon-neutral future.

YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/DSec-6551bw

• Ericsson joins OCUDU Ecosystem Foundation as a founding premier member under the Linux Foundation to advance open-source CU/DU and U.S. wireless innovation
• Ericsson will contribute architectural guidance, ensure technology neutrality, and support open, interoperable RAN as the industry advances 5G and moves toward AI-native 6G
• Public-private collaboration will drive research, experimentation, and ecosystem development aligned with the U.S. national directive for “Winning the 6G Race”

STOCKHOLM, March 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ericsson today announced it has joined the OCUDU Ecosystem Foundation as a founding premier member, underscoring its commitment to open innovation in radio access network (RAN) software. Ericsson will hold a seat on the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

OCUDU, an open-source initiative under the Linux Foundation, aims to accelerate U.S. leadership in wireless innovation through a portable, open-source CU/DU software stack supporting next-generation RAN capabilities.

Ericsson will help shape OCUDU’s direction to enable research, experimentation, and ecosystem development alongside operators, government agencies, academic institutions, and technology partners. Ericsson’s participation will focus on contributing architectural guidance, ensuring technology neutrality, and advancing research-driven use cases, building on its experience in world-leading solutions deployed globally across governmental, enterprise, and consumer networks. The company remains dedicated to delivering secure, trusted, and high-performance networks and will leverage its industry-leading expertise to advance an open and interoperable ecosystem defining the progression of 5G and the emergence of 6G toward a 6G/AI intelligent fabric.

OCUDU Ecosystem Foundation will help facilitate dual use of commercial 5G technologies in specific defense applications, meeting the requirements of the U.S. Department of War. Ericsson is dedicated to supporting the U.S. government’s efforts to modernize its infrastructure by transitioning from legacy systems to secure, open, and programmable network architectures. This will ensure technology neutrality, strengthen national security standards, and foster a resilient telecommunications ecosystem where AI-driven capabilities can be deployed at scale.

“The OCUDU Initiative is building the base layer software technology stack upon which 6G and future networks can provide scalable commercial-grade connectivity to the DoW and public network consumers in the U.S. and around the world,” says Dr. Tom Rondeau, Principal Director for the DoW’s FutureG Office. “This vision will be realized in part through the formation of the OCUDU Ecosystem Foundation and partnerships with industry leaders like Ericsson, who bring leadership, expertise and experience deploying resilient networks at scale. Through these partnerships, the OCUDU Ecosystem Foundation will help guide development of this open, AI-enabled software stack and enable the DoW to rapidly field networks of the future required to establish dominance in battle and the global economic landscape.”

“Ericsson’s decision to join the OCUDU Ecosystem Foundation as a founding premier member reflects our long-standing commitment to open innovation and the development of trusted, secure networks,” says Erik Ekudden, Group Chief Technology Officer, Ericsson. “Through this community, we are helping advance a technology neutral open RAN foundation that will accelerate innovation for AI-powered 5G and AI native 6G.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

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