• Following approval by the European Commission, Prestige Biopharma’s Herceptin biosimilar Tuznue® would become the first biosimilar from a Singaporean company to be authorized in the European Union.

SINGAPORE, Aug. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Prestige Biopharma, a pioneer in biopharmaceuticals, announced that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended marketing authorization for Tuznue®, a Herceptin (trastuzumab) biosimilar. This milestone positions Prestige Biopharma to become the first Singaporean firm to commercialize its biosimilar in the European Union.

The CHMP’s positive opinion is based on clinical evidence from Phase 1 and Phase 3 clinical studies that tested the biosimilarity of Tuznue^® to Herceptin^®. The Phase 1 clinical PK study in healthy volunteers demonstrated PK equivalence, as well as similarity in safety and immunogenicity. Finally, the global Phase 3 confirmatory efficacy and similarity study met its primary endpoint and demonstrated similarity in efficacy, PK, safety, and immunogenicity in HER2-positive patients with early breast cancer. This favourable decision is a crucial step toward final approval from the European Commission (EC). Once approved, Tuznue^® will be commercialized across Europe.

Prestige Biopharma has already established licensing agreements with major pharmaceutical partners for global marketing and sales. These agreements are set to generate immediate milestone payments and provide early revenue for the company. Negotiations are also underway to ensure a strong market entry for Tuznue^® in Europe.

“Receiving a positive CHMP opinion for Tuznue^® marks a major milestone for Prestige Biopharma, significantly advancing our revenue generation strategy and accelerating future pipeline approvals,” said Lisa Park, the CEO of Prestige Biopharma. “This recognition solidifies our position as a leading biosimilar developer. We are committed to leveraging this achievement to enhance our market presence and drive continued success.”

About TUZNUE® (HD201, Herceptin biosimilar)

Tuznue® is a biosimilar of Herceptin® (trastuzumab), developed to offer a more cost-effective therapeutic alternative for patients. It maintains comparable efficacy and safety profiles to the original branded medication. Tuznue® is indicated for the treatment of patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC), HER2-positive early breast cancer (EBC), and HER2-positive metastatic gastric cancer (MGC).

About Prestige Biopharma:

Established in 2015 in Singapore and listed in the Korea Exchange in 2021 (KOSPI: 950210), Prestige Biopharma Limited is a biopharmaceutical company with a diversified portfolio, including biosimilars (HD204 Avastin biosimilar in filing stage, PBP1502 Humira biosimilar in clinical stage) and new antibody drugs. Among its many pipelines, a first-in-class antibody drug and key biosimilars referencing blockbuster drugs are ongoing clinical development. Notably, the first-in-class, PAUF-based antibody drug, Ulenistamab, has been granted Orphan Drug Designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) in Korea, as well as Fast Track Designation by the U.S. FDA. A global Phase 1/2a clinical trial is currently underway in the United States, Europe, and Asia, with the aim of bringing this innovative therapy to the clinic.

Contacts

Prestige Biopharma Group
Donghee Im
donghee.im@prestigebio.com 

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• Uluṟu’s desert landscape brings an Indigenous artwork interpretation to life 
• Immersive Indigenous laser, light and sound story-telling experience uses latest animation technology
• Collaboration between renowned leading  Aṉangu artists and leading visual experience creator, Mandylights

High res. images and video available for download here

ULURU, Australia, July 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Sunrise Journeys, the all-new immersive Indigenous laser, light and sound show that celebrates connection to Country has premiered in the spiritual heart of Australia — Ayers Rock Resort, Uluṟu.

The early morning sensory experience transforms the desert landscape into a giant canvas the size of three football fields (200m by 300m), as a modern Indigenous artwork is interpreted into a kaleidoscope of colour and sound using state-of-the-art animation technology that showcases the artistic expertise of Aṉangu — the Traditional Owners of Uluṟu.

The two-hour story-telling experience sets the scene for nature’s most spectacular show — the dawn of a new day as Uluṟu glows fire-ember red.

Art, Nature and Culture – A Modern Homage:

A deep understanding and appreciation of the natural environment is intrinsic to Aṉangu culture.

Central to Sunrise Journeys is a bespoke painting created by three renowned female Aṉangu artists — Selina Kulitja (Maruku Arts), Denise Brady (Kaltukatjara Art), and Valerie Brumby (Walkatjara Art).

Titled Ngura Nganampa Wiru Mulapa, which translates from Pitjantjatjara to English as “our Country is truly beautiful”, the painting depicts a modern telling of the artists’ shared connection to these lands. During Sunrise Journeys, this painting is interpreted on the desert landscape using laser, light and video projections, while narration from the artists themselves enhances guests’ understanding of the rhythms of the natural world.

Denise Brady, Kaltukatjara Art, says of the Sunrise Journeys collaboration: “Our hearts burn with passion to share our Country and knowledge with the world. We have created Sunrise Journeys to invite people into our culture and share our way of life.”

The accompanying musical score is composed by local Aṉangu musician, Jeremy Whiskey, from Indulkana community in the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara-Yankunytjatjara Lands.

Cutting-Edge Tech in the Outback

The group’s creative efforts have been brought to life by renowned Australian visual experience team Mandylights. World-leaders in light artistry, the organisation has illuminated iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge as well as creating the large-scale “Dark Spectrum” installation for Sydney’s Vivid 2024. Other famous projects include the Backstreet Boys’ Las Vegas residency, Dubai New Year’s Eve, and the Chayong International Light Festival in Beijing.

As one of the world’s most remote locations, the landscape of Uluṟu brings both unique challenges and opportunities for technological artistry. At a sustainably constructed open-air amphitheatre, six 30w lasers, seven 12kw projectors and 30 bright field lights work in tandem to tell a spectacular visual story. Meanwhile a state-of-the-art audio-surround system with spatialised audio tracks gives audiences the sensation of being completely immersed or surrounded, as they would in a movie theatre.  

To create the stunning visuals, Mandylights designers traced a high-resolution photograph of the painting by hand and divided it into over 170 digital “pieces”. These were animated with video and laser software to match the music’s pace and artists’ narration.

“When the audience witnesses finches emerge from the bush plants, a flock of cockatoos rise in laser lights, and the rippling lines of dry creek beds and sand dunes, they are seeing elements from the original artwork brought to life with the latest animation technology,” says Richard Neville, CEO, Mandylights.

Respecting Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property

The modern yet culturally rich encounter expands on Ayers Rock Resort’s commitment to community engagement, leadership and respectful tourism. The company set an industry benchmark for Indigenous collaboration and respecting Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property (ICIP) with the launch of Wintjiri Wiru in May 2023, and Sunrise Journeys continues this commitment.

Matt Cameron-Smith, CEO of Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia (operators of Ayers Rock Resort, Uluṟu): “Sunrise Journeys elevates our commitment to authentic, meaningful and responsible cultural tourism. It’s a real honour and privilege to be able to work with leading artists of the region and share their unique connection to the natural environment.”

“For thousands of years, art has played such an important part in telling Aṉangu stories and keeping culture strong. Artwork painted in this region now hangs in galleries all over the world, so we’re thrilled to be able to showcase this piece in such a unique way – here, in its desert home. “

“We’re grateful to Denise, Selina, Valerie and Jeremy for sharing their art with the world, and for the opportunity to deepen visitors’ appreciation for Aṉangu culture and the natural beauty of Uluṟu.”

Commencing 1 August 2024, the daily, two-hour Sunrise Journeys experience is priced at AUD$125 per adult and AUD$75 per child. It includes return coach transfers and a seasonal breakfast, with the 2024 menu featuring delights like Quandong Chia and Coconut Pudding; Smoked Kangaroo, Vintage Cheddar and Bush Tomato Croissant; and Australian Chai tea. Sunrise Journeys is timed conveniently before flight schedules to allow guests to fit in a morning tour even on departure day.

The new experience delivers even more options for a visit to Uluṟu, with over 100 tours and experiences now on offer — including Wintjiri Wiru, the award-winning nightly show that sees 1000 drones to tell an ancestral chapter of the Mala story; Field of Light by world renowned artist Bruce Munroe; and the recently hatted dune-top fine-dining experience, Tali Wiru.

For more information, visit your local travel agent, www.ayersrockresort.com.au or phone 1300 134 044.

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BEIJING, July 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The second episode of the fourth season of Youth Power, “The Fresh Olympic Spirit of Global Gen Z” was broadcast on July 30. Gen Zers from China, Finland, France, Germany, Greece and the United States gathered in a sports arena and built cross-national friendships through sport. In this encounter, the openness and inclusivity of the sporting spirit was to the fore, as were the innovations, organizational brilliance and technological applications that are all part of staging modern sporting events.

In the Olympics in Paris now on, breakdancing has been added as a Games sport, and skateboarding, surfing and competitive climbing have been retained following their inclusion in the previous Olympics in Tokyo. Stefanie Perner, a Gen Zer from Germany, voiced high expectations for the skateboarding contests. “People used to regard skateboarding as a rebellious sport, or maybe not even sport, just things that kids will do on the street,” she said. “But to me it’s a culture, a community, a way for you to communicate with your cities through your board.”

Emerging technologies such as cloud broadcasting and AI-assisted training are also adding to the spectacle of the Games. Elijah Van Knowles from the United States, who has long practiced wushu at Shanghai University of Sport, said, “From the very university here at Shanghai University of Sports we’ve started going into the deep development of using AI to judge athletes, and it as a way to substitute for human judges.”

The Gen Z guests agreed that technologies should be used in sports in a very discrete way so that the spontaneity and entertainment that are so important to them are not dissipated. Thomas Mattei, a Frenchman studying at Fudan University in Shanghai, said, “Sport is also about spontaneity, and advances are a good part of the Olympics. If you stop (an event) just because the machine says you should, then technology is de-naturing the sport.”

Indeed, the magic of sports lies in their very unpredictability. Anais Fernandez-Laaksonen, a student at Tsinghua University in Beijing who comes from a Finnish family of athletes, said: “People really have a love-hate relationship with sports. There are unpleasant parts, very painful, all the failures and all the injuries. You need to have the perseverance and the bravery to commit to every single decision you make.”

For the Gen Zers in the program, the sporting spirit highlights inclusivity, fair play, solidarity and kindness, encouraging people, in particular the young, to embrace the opportunities of life. Susan St Denis, an American studying at Tsinghua University, said that when she was teaching swimming, children were keen to emulate the US Olympian Michael Phelps, popularly known as the Flying Fish. She then joined a rowing team and was impressed by the women’s rowing in the Olympics in Brazil in 2016.

The host of the episode, Wang Licheng, who studies at Peking University, said, “In the Paris Olympics, for the first time we have the same number of women and men athletes.” St Denis responded, “It wasn’t until 1976 that women were able to compete in rowing at the Olympics. However, even now women athletes do not get the attention they deserve. We don’t get (the same attention) as male athletes do. We don’t get the same amount of coverage.”

The wushu exponent Elijah Van Knowles said wushu holds beauty as an art “not just for fighting people, but also for preserving peace”. He hopes that wushu, with its profound historical and cultural significance, can be included in the Olympics.

Jim Mathiopoulos from Greece, who is studying at Shanghai University of Sport, said he has practiced wushu at his father’s kungfu school since he was young. He dreams of promoting wushu to a wider audience in the birthplace of the Olympics, he said.

“Going into those competitions is not wanting that first place, but for this burning passion and showing what you’ve tried.”

Mathiopoulos is studying Chinese philosophy and history, and says he hopes to bring wushu to the public through online seminars and master classes.

Youth Power, organized by China Daily and first broadcast in June 2021, aims to build a global platform of communication and exchange, focusing on the interests and ideas of Generation Z. The program comes in the form of interviews, forums and speeches, with topics related to anything of current interest in the world.

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SUZHOU, China, July 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — On July 29, 2024, Porton Advanced Solutions (“Porton Advanced”) announced that it had reached a strategic cooperation with Guangzhou Geneseed Biotech Co., Ltd (“Geneseed Biotech”). Both sides will combine their respective strengths in the field of gene therapy to jointly provide better drug development services. Leveraging Porton Advanced’s end-to-end cell and gene therapy CDMO service platform and resource advantages, combined with Geneseed Biotech’s comprehensive core patented technologies in circRNA drug concept validation and process development, the two companies will jointly propel technological innovation and clinical translation, thereby accelerating the implementation of innovative circRNA therapies.

Proton Advanced is committed to providing end-to-end CDMO services for cell and gene therapy, and has extensive experience in nucleic acid therapy process development and GMP production, covering various types including mRNA, saRNA, circRNA, and more. Porton Advanced can provide comprehensive CMC services from preclinical to clinical production. Geneseed Biotech, relying on its profound technology and robust original R&D capability, has broken through the technical bottleneck of circRNA drug development and possesses independent intellectual property rights over its core circularization technology. In this cooperation, both parties will establish a comprehensive strategic partnership to deeply expanding technological cooperation and resource sharing in the field of circRNA. This will further strengthen Porton Advanced’s end-to-end CDMO platform, from innovation in research and technology to high-quality project delivery, thereby providing more valuable services to customers.

 “We are very pleased to have entered into a strategic collaboration with Porton Advanced.” said Liu Ming, founder and CEO of Geneseed Biotech. “CircRNA is recognized by the industry to be the next-generation RNA platform for vaccines, rare disease therapies, and anti-tumor therapies due to its high stability, low immunogenicity and cost-effective production in drug development. As a pioneering leader in circular RNA research and development, Geneseed Biotech has consistently delved deep into this area, ranging from scientific research to drug development, catering to the evolving demands of our customers. Porton Advanced possesses extensive service experience and profound technical expertise in CGT. Our collaboration across the industrial chain can fully leverage each other’s professional and resource strengths, facilitating the development of circRNA drugs and accelerating the industrialization of circRNA technology.”

“Collaborating with upstream and downstream enterprises across the industrial chain to realize win-win cooperation and deliver more valuable services to our customers is the core significance of Porton Advanced’s efforts in constructing a vibrant CGT ecosystem.” said Chen Hui, CFO of Porton Advanced. “We are delighted to forge a strategic partnership with Geneseed Biotech, an excellent CRO enterprise. Geneseed Biotech possesses robust and innovative RNA synthesis technologies, coupled with extensive project experience and platform advantages in the scientific research and application translation of circRNA. By integrating our respective technological strengths and platform resources, we aim to further refine and enhance platform capabilities of Porton Advanced, providing comprehensive CRDMO solutions for the development of innovative RNA therapeutics from early-stage research to clinical and commercial production, empowering our global customers.”

About Porton Advanced

Founded in 2018, Porton Advanced is a subsidiary of the globally recognized CDMO Porton Pharma Solutions Ltd. (SZSE Stock Code 300363). Located in Suzhou, China, Porton Advanced offers a cGMP-compliant manufacturing platform for plasmids, cell therapy, gene therapy, and mRNA therapy, enabling different development stages for global companies.

Porton Advanced operates on a “Customer First” approach to cell and gene therapy (CGT) manufacturing, anchored by its core principles of “Compliance, Expertise, and Open Collaboration”. The company operates to rigorous, internationally harmonized Quality Management and IP protection standards, bringing innovative manufacturing solutions to the complex challenges in the CGT space. For more information about Porton Advanced, please visit: www.portonadvanced.com.

About Geneseed Biotech

Guangzhou Geneseed Biotech. Co.,Ltd., founded in June 2010 and headquartered in Guangzhou Science City, is a pioneer in circRNA scientific research and application transformation. Geneseed is firmly grounded in robust and reliable RNA synthesis innovation technology, consistently empowering subdivisions from bench to bedside. Geneseed has broken through the technical bottleneck of circRNA drug development and independently developed two RNA circularization strategies –circPrecise® (based on Group I intron self-splicing) & circPure® (based on T4 Rnl2). Relying on the original research and development capability, Geneseed has established multiple technology platforms — gene synthesis, raw material synthesis, high-throughput sequencing, and bioinformatics analysis, which can provide one-stop services covering drug screening, sequence design, process development, analytical method development, large-scale production, quality control, and raw material preparation. Geneseed is committed to providing biopharma with full-process solution CRDMO solution from early R&D to commercial production. For more information about Geneseed Biotech, please visit: www.geneseed.com.cn/en/

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BEIJING, July 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — POP MART proudly announced the grand opening of its new store in the Louvre, a historic first for this iconic museum, on July 27, 2024. Strategically located in the Carrousel du Louvre, near the museum’s secondary entrance and the glass pyramid, the store uniquely blends classical and contemporary art. This marks POP MART’s first venture into an art gallery-style retail format, featuring a design inspired by French classical architecture. Exclusive releases such as SKULLPANDA PERMEATE and Labubu’s Artistic Quest celebrate this milestone opening.

The opening ceremony, attended by Wang Ning, Founder and CEO of POP MART International Group, took place during the highly anticipated period, enhancing the store’s visibility. Wang Ning stated, “Opening our store at the Louvre is a significant milestone, enhancing POP MART’s global stature and credibility. Recognition from the Louvre supports our European expansion.” This launch marks a key moment in POP MART’s European strategy and adds a distinctive retail experience to Paris’s cultural landscape.

Louvre Store Where Art Meets Innovative Retail

The Louvre, a premier museum on Paris’s Right Bank, draws approximately 10 million visitors annually, including a substantial international audience. POP MART’s Louvre store merges classical and modern design with a sleek monochrome palette and French architectural elements. A striking marble table and unique product displays, including exclusive Louvre items, enhance the cultural experience of visiting this iconic location.

The store features the return of classical product series THE MONSTERS Art, inspired by timeless masterpieces. On opening day, the store also surprised the visitors with the global exclusive SKULLPANDA PERMEATE. It is noteworthy that SKULLPANDA artist Xiong Miao made her debut visit to Europe and engaged in the first POP MART Fan Signing in France the following day, adding a personal touch to the store’s launch.

Strengthening Europe Presence Through Paris Summer 2024

The opening of POP MART’s Louvre store marks a significant step in its European strategy, complementing its presence with four key Parisian locations: Opéra, Pompidou, Galeries Lafayette, and now the Louvre. The store, along with others in Paris, is adorned with sports-themed decorations and exclusive items, including the MEGA SPACE MOLLY 400% TEAM COCA-COLA and MEGA SPACE MOLLY 100% CHINA WOMEN’S NATIONAL BASKETBALL TEAMs.

Since opening its first French store in Paris on February 26, 2023, POP MART has quickly captivated the local market with its innovative offerings. The SKULLPANDA line, in particular, has driven excitement, leading to the limited edition SKULLPANDA La Porte and special events at Galeries Lafayette and the Louvre.

Following its European debut in London’s Shaftesbury Avenue in January 2022, POP MART has expanded to major markets in the UK, France, Italy, and the Netherlands. The recent openings in Milan and Amsterdam on July 13, 2024, highlight the brand’s growing European footprint. The Louvre store further strengthens this presence, with plans for additional openings later this year, showcasing POP MART’s commitment to engaging European consumers and broadening its global reach.

About POP MART

POP MART has been capturing the hearts of collectors around the world since 2010 with their designer toys and unique toy figures, often designed by well-known artists. With strong visibility on social media and a growing number of physical stores and online outlets, POP MART has built a global fan base. The company represents amazing artists from around the world. Their collection includes dozens of iconic characters, such as MOLLY, DIMOO, SKULLPANDA, THE MONSTERS, HIRONO and more.

The brand currently has more than 500 stores in the capitals of more than 30 countries as well as 2,300 Robo Shops (blind box vending machines). In 2023, international markets accounted for 1.066 billion RMB in revenue, reflecting a 134.9% increase from the previous year. This growth is expected to continue as POP MART expands and localizes its offerings worldwide.

Contacts

info@popmart.com

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