HONG KONG, Aug. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A research team led by Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) has discovered that phosphocholine, an important component in the body’s metabolism, could counteract the adverse effects of PM2.5 toxicity on lung cells. This discovery highlights the therapeutic potential of phosphocholine in treating lung diseases associated with PM2.5 such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer, and contributes to developing health measures against air pollution.

The research findings have been published in the international academic journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

PM2.5 increases health risks

The World Health Organisation has linked air pollution to an estimated seven million deaths annually, and recognising it as the leading environmental risk factor globally. PM2.5, a major air pollutant, increases the risk of health problems such as heart and lung diseases. Every type of PM2.5 component possesses distinct impacts on human health. However, the understanding of the toxicity effects of individual PM2.5 components remains limited, and the respective preventive solutions for PM2.5-associated health problems are lacking.

To understand the effects of different PM2.5 components on the underlying cell metabolism associated with lung diseases, a team led by Professor Cai Zongwei, Chair Professor of the Department of Chemistry and Director of the State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, and Dr Yang Zhu, Assistant Professor of the Department of Biology at HKBU, analysed a total of 82 components in PM2.5 samples collected from Taiyuan in Shanxi Province and Guangzhou in Guangdong Province between 2017 and 2018.

It was found that the overall PM2.5 profiles were similar in both cities. Inorganic ions are the most abundant pollutants, followed by metals and organic compounds polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). However, a large difference was observed in the relative proportions of PAHs and their derivatives.

PM2.5 composition contributes to toxicity

The research team discovered that the proportion of PAHs was significantly higher in Taiyuan, especially during the heating season. Since the abundance of PAHs is closely associated with coal combustion, the result suggested that coal combustion was one of the major sources of PM2.5 in the city. Conversely, the seasonal variance of PAHs in Guangzhou was significantly lower. Traffic emissions were the predominant PM2.5 in Guangzhou.

Given the disparity in pollutant composition, the research team conducted toxicity and health risk analysis of PM2.5 samples from both cities. A cytotoxicity test revealed that the PM2.5 from winter Taiyuan exhibited much stronger toxicity than the samples from Guangzhou or from other seasons of Taiyuan with the same PM2.5 concentration, as indicated by cell viability which measures the proportion of healthy living cells. Assessment using the incremental lifetime cancer risk model, which estimates increased cancer risk from carcinogen exposure, highlighted that the regional difference in cancer risks linked to PAHs and its derivatives nitro-PAHs’ concentration was much higher than the variation in overall PM2.5 concentration. These findings underscore that PM2.5 toxicity cannot be solely attributed to its concentration but also to its composition.

Phosphocholine counteracts PM2.5 toxicity

The research team further employed correlation analysis to examine the impact of specific PM2.5 components on metabolic alterations in lung cells, and identified 11 metabolites that showed a significant correlation with PM2.5 components. Among these metabolites, the researchers focused on the functions of eight ones whose amount reduced significantly after PM2.5 exposure. Subsequent experiments demonstrated that only supplementing phosphocholine to PM2.5-exposed cells was effective in both rescuing cell viability and stimulating adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. ATP is a critical molecule for energy storage, which provides the energy needed for a wide range of cellular processes within living cells.

Under normal circumstances, lung cells primarily rely on glucose for energy production. However, PM2.5 conditions might impair energy supply from glucose. Fatty acid oxidation is a process in cells that breaks down fatty acids to generate energy. Under normal conditions, the utilisation of fatty acid oxidation pathway contributes minimally to energy production in lung cells. It was found that phosphocholine can reprogramme cellular metabolism to increase fatty acid oxidation to meet the shortfall in energy supply during the PM2.5 challenge, which helps to alleviate cellular dysfunction induced by PM2.5.

Professor Cai said: “Our findings highlighted the potential of phosphocholine as a therapeutic agent for lung diseases associated with PM2.5. As air pollution caused by PM2.5 has been recognised as a significant global health risk factor, our discovery provides the prospect of developing novel treatments for related health issues, potentially helping to address this public health challenge.”

In future, the research may also contribute to the development of diagnosis protocol for lung diseases caused by PM2.5 apart from its potential as a therapeutic agent.

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MELBOURNE, Australia, Aug. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX: TLX, Telix, the Company) today announces new leadership appointments as part of an internal reorganisation to align its operations across four business units, reflecting its focus as a therapeutics-led radiopharmaceutical company committed to precision oncology. 

The updated business model comprises: Therapeutics, Precision Medicine (Diagnostics), Lightpoint (Medtech) and Telix Manufacturing Solutions (TMS).

As part of this initiative, the Company announces three leadership changes:

• Richard Valeix, Chief Executive Officer, Telix Therapeutics (formerly Group Chief Commercial Officer)^[1], leading the Company’s therapeutic pipeline commercialisation and business development;
• Kevin Richardson, Chief Executive Officer, Telix Precision Medicine (formerly Chief Executive Officer, Americas), leading the development of the Company’s diagnostics, global marketing and commercial operations in the U.S. and Canada;
• Raphael Ortiz, Chief Executive Officer, Telix International, leading the “rest of world” commercial operations for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Asia Pacific (APAC) and Latin America regions (formerly Chief Executive Officer, EMEA & APAC).

Darren Patti remains Group Chief Operating Officer, with leadership responsibility for Telix’s internal manufacturing operations, including the operations of ARTMS, IsoTherapeutics and Optimal Tracers, which sit under the TMS umbrella.

Dr Christian Behrenbruch, Telix Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer said the new structure will optimise the development and commercialisation of theranostic radiopharmaceuticals. 

“Telix is at an inflection point: momentum in our therapeutics business is growing, with prostate, kidney and brain cancer therapeutic candidates currently in, or advancing to, pivotal clinical trials.  Precision medicine is our global commercialisation engine, to bring personalised, theranostic solutions to market and is underpinned by a growing manufacturing footprint that enables enhanced control over the supply chain. Telix is evolving, and the revised business model reflects our differentiated position, harnessing the power of targeted radiation at every step of the patient journey.”

About Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited

Telix is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialisation of therapeutic and diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals and associated medical devices. Telix is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, with international operations in the United States, Europe (Belgium and Switzerland), and Japan. Telix is developing a portfolio of clinical and commercial stage products that aims to address significant unmet medical needs in oncology and rare diseases. Telix is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: TLX).

Telix’s lead imaging product, gallium-68 (⁶⁸Ga) gozetotide injection (also known as ⁶⁸Ga PSMA-11 and marketed under the brand name Illuccix®), has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)^[2], by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) ^[3], and by Health Canada^[4]. No other Telix product has received a marketing authorisation in any jurisdiction.

Visit www.telixpharma.com for further information about Telix, including details of the latest share price, announcements made to the ASX, investor and analyst presentations, news releases, event details and other publications that may be of interest. You can also follow Telix on X and LinkedIn.

Telix Investor Relations

Ms. Kyahn Williamson
Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited
SVP Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
Email: kyahn.williamson@telixpharma.com

This announcement has been authorised for release by the Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited Disclosure Committee on behalf of the Board.

Legal Notices

You should read this announcement together with our risk factors, as disclosed in our most recently filed reports with the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) or on our website.

The information contained in this announcement is not intended to be an offer for subscription, invitation or recommendation with respect to securities of Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited (Telix) in any jurisdiction, including the United States. The information and opinions contained in this announcement are subject to change without notification.  To the maximum extent permitted by law, Telix disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any information or opinions contained in this announcement, including any forward-looking statements (as referred to below), whether as a result of new information, future developments, a change in expectations or assumptions, or otherwise. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made in relation to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained or opinions expressed in the course of this announcement.

This announcement may contain forward-looking statements that relate to anticipated future events, financial performance, plans, strategies or business developments. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of words such as “may”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “outlook”, “forecast” and “guidance”, or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on Telix’s good-faith assumptions as to the financial, market, regulatory and other risks and considerations that exist and affect Telix’s business and operations in the future and there can be no assurance that any of the assumptions will prove to be correct. In the context of Telix’s business, forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements about: the initiation, timing, progress and results of Telix’s preclinical and clinical trials, and Telix’s research and development programs; Telix’s ability to advance product candidates into, enrol and successfully complete, clinical studies, including multi-national clinical trials; the timing or likelihood of regulatory filings and approvals for Telix’s product candidates, manufacturing activities and product marketing activities; Telix’s sales, marketing and distribution and manufacturing capabilities and strategies; the commercialisation of Telix’s product candidates, if or when they have been approved; Telix’s ability to obtain an adequate supply of raw materials at reasonable costs for its products and product candidates; estimates of Telix’s expenses, future revenues and capital requirements; Telix’s financial performance; developments relating to Telix’s competitors and industry; and the pricing and reimbursement of Telix’s product candidates, if and after they have been approved. Telix’s actual results, performance or achievements may be materially different from those which may be expressed or implied by such statements, and the differences may be adverse. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

©2024 Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited. The Telix Pharmaceuticals® and Illuccix® names and logos are trademarks of Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited and its affiliates – all rights reserved.

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From 5-28 September 2024, the Festival will showcase over 20 films from ASEAN’s leading filmmakers with free screenings in Hong Kong

Tickets are now available on the official Festival website

HONG KONG, Aug. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation (HKAF) is delighted to announce the second edition of the ASEAN Film Festival (AFF), taking place from 5 to 28 September 2024. For the first time in Hong Kong, the Festival will feature films from all 10 ASEAN countries, offering free screening of over 20 films to foster cross-cultural understanding and celebrate ASEAN’s diverse cultures. Moreover, filmmakers, directors, and actors from around 10 featured films will participate in special sharing sessions, meeting with local youth and ASEAN students in Hong Kong to enhance their viewing experiences.

AFF 2024, a non-profit initiative themed ‘Collaboration and Co-Creation’, is a collaborative endeavour involving HKAF, the Consulates-General of ASEAN countries in Hong Kong, and more than 20 local and ASEAN partners. Its aim is to inspire and connect audiences through a celebration of film and storytelling.

“China and the ASEAN countries share a rich history of trade and understanding, providing a solid foundation for collaboration. Thanks to our Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, who has driven the efforts to engage different ASEAN countries. Recently, he also led a delegation to ASEAN countries, actively promoting Hong Kong, fostering connections, and opening up new opportunities for various business sectors. It’s with great pleasure that we bring AFF to town again this year, leveraging the power of film to create shared experiences that transcend language barriers, and emphasise Hong Kong’s role as a bridge between ASEAN and China, enhancing its position as a vibrant hub for cultural exchange across the region,” says Mr Daryl Ng, Chairman of HK-ASEAN Foundation. “By showcasing ASEAN’s rich heritage and creative industries to Hong Kong audiences, particularly the younger generation, we hope they can have a unique experience of exploring ASEAN’s culture. I express my deepest gratitude to the Consul-Generals of all 10 ASEAN countries for their personal touch in recommending movies for AFF and facilitating the visit of ASEAN filmmakers to Hong Kong. Thanks also to our esteemed partners, including the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, M+, Asia Society Hong Kong Center, Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Invest Hong Kong, Financial Services Development Council, Our Hong Kong Foundation, and all the chambers and associations, for enriching the Festival’s content and engagement.”

Over 20 films to showcase the vibrant diversity of ASEAN

Many renowned directors and artists from ASEAN have garnered international acclaim for their creativity and unique storytelling approach. From heartwarming comedies and inspirational dramas to suspenseful sci-fi and thrilling action films, the region’s filmmakers have made significant contributions to the ASEAN and global film industries. Hong Kong, recognised as a hub for the Asian film industry and renowned for its rich history and unique cinematic offering, welcomes ASEAN films, the new perspectives they can bring to the community and the opportunities that can be explored for co-creation.

The over 20 films to be showcased at AFF 2024 will provide Hong Kong audiences with the opportunity to explore and delve into the diverse communities of the 10 ASEAN countries through a cinematic lens. Each film serves as a window into the cultures it represents, encouraging a greater appreciation and understanding of the traditions and values of the region.

Dive into a month of films and exclusive sharing sessions with the creators

With the support of the Consulates-General of ASEAN countries in Hong Kong and various partners, AFF 2024 will also feature around 10 special sharing sessions where production teams of the films will share their inspiration and the stories behind their creations. During these sessions, filmmakers, directors, and actors from countries like Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, The Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand will engage with stakeholders and students in Hong Kong. These engagements will be complemented by post-screening dialogues with the film crews and prominent Hong Kong film industry professionals such as the director of ‘Still Human’, Oliver Chan and the director of ‘Hong Kong Family’, Eric Tsang, enhancing cultural exchange throughout the Festival.

Hong Kong’s film enthusiasts will have the opportunity to enjoy a diverse lineup of movies, featuring notable selections including Laos’ ‘The Signal’, whose actress earned the Best Actress Nomination at the Asian New Talent Awards of the Shanghai International Film Festival, ‘The Missing’, the Philippines’ first animated film submitted for the Oscars® for Best International Feature, and ‘Malbatt: Misi Bakara,’ billed as Malaysia’s highest-budget film ever produced. Each film offers a distinct narrative, showcasing the vibrant diversity of ASEAN cinema.

Starting today, the public can log on to the official website of the ASEAN Film Festival 2024 to register for free entry tickets on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information about the featured films, please refer to the appendix or visit the AFF 2024 website: https://aseanfilmfest.org/.

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SINGAPORE, Aug. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Trip.com Group CMO Bo Sun has been named ‘Marketing Professional of the Year’ at the 2024 CMO Asia Awards for Excellence in Branding & Marketing. The award, which highlights pioneering individuals and best practices in marketing, was presented to Sun in recognition of his key role in the conceptualisation and realisation of Trip.com Group’s industry-leading innovations in marketing.

The selection committee noted Sun’s role in spearheading the leading online travel services provider’s pivot to content marketing and consumption in the wake of the pandemic, a strategy which has brought together partners from across the industry to revitalise, revamp and rethink the travel experience.

Under Sun’s leadership, Trip.com Group has harnessed its experience and resources to forge meaningful partnerships which connect travellers with destinations and services in immersive ways previously unimaginable. Sun has spearheaded collaborations spanning all aspects of the travel lifecycle, including with key service providers such as Mastercard, as well as various destination and tourism authorities, delivering innovative initiatives such as the ‘Reconnecting with the World’ campaign and the ‘Super World Trip’ livestream series. The success of these initiatives was noted by the selection committee, and has been widely recognised by industry peers, affirming Trip.com Group’s standing as an industry leader and partner of choice.

In line with the mission of the awards, CMO Asia Executive Director Dr. Aalok Pandit said, Sun was selected in recognition of his exemplary leadership, and as a source of inspiration for aspiring marketing professionals: “Under the vision of Mr. Bo Sun, Trip.com Group has forged some of the most innovative, immersive and inspirational campaigns in travel, and led industry-wide transformations. We are thrilled to be able to recognise these achievements and hope that our marketing peers may find inspiration and motivation in Sun’s pioneering efforts.“

The award represents the latest recognition of Sun’s visionary leadership, following his selection as Harvard Business Review China’s ‘Pioneering Figure’ (in 2020, 2021), as well as Campaign’s ‘Most Influential and Purposeful Marketer’ (in 2020, 2021, 2023).

In accepting the award, Sun expressed his appreciation for the selection committee’s nomination: “At Trip.com Group, our guiding mission is ‘to pursue the perfect trip for a better world’, and we are always working towards that goal, with respect to all aspects and stages of the travel experience. It is an honour to be able to have our work recognised alongside such esteemed company. We hope that our peers will continue to join us on our journey towards the perfect trip, and we look forward to celebrating those shared achievements together.“

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