• Proprietary analytical method for precise Factor XI (FXI) measurement published in the Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• Novel IgG Blocker eliminates heterophilic antibody interference, ensuring clinical-grade purity and mitigating thromboembolic risks

YONGIN, South Korea, April 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — GC Biopharma (006280.KS), a global leader in plasma-derived protein therapies, today announced a significant advancement in the safety monitoring of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). The company has developed and validated a proprietary enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that effectively mitigates heterophilic antibody interference to precisely measure Factor XI (FXI) levels—a critical impurity linked to thromboembolic risks.

The study, titled “Development and Validation of an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Measuring Factor XI in Intravenous Immunoglobulin Products by Mitigating Heterophilic Antibody Interference,” was published in the April 2026 issue of the Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology (JMB).

Thromboembolic events associated with IVIG therapy have been linked to activated coagulation factors, prompting global regulatory bodies, including the U.S. FDA, to mandate rigorous monitoring of FXI levels. However, traditional analytical methods often encounter technical limitations due to high-concentration IgG—the primary component of IVIG—interfering with detection signals. This interference frequently results in “false-positive” readings or an inability to detect trace impurities, which can hinder accurate quality control during manufacturing.

To address these challenges, GC Biopharma’s R&D team engineered an enhanced assay incorporating a selective IgG Blocker. This innovative approach suppresses non-specific protein reactions, allowing for the isolated and precise measurement of FXI regardless of the IgG concentration in the sample. The platform has been fully validated in accordance with ICH Q2(R2) guidelines.

“By establishing this advanced analytical framework, we have significantly elevated our quality control capabilities for immunoglobulin therapies,” said Jae Uk Jeong, Head of R&D at GC Biopharma. “We remain committed to leveraging validated, precision-driven technologies to supply high-quality plasma derivatives to the global market, prioritizing patient safety and clinical excellence above all.”

About GC Biopharma

GC Biopharma (formerly known as Green Cross Corporation) is a biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Yong-in, South Korea. The company has over half a century of experience in the development and manufacturing of plasma derivatives and vaccines, and is expanding its global presence with successful US market entry of Alyglo^®(intravenous immunoglobulin G) in 2024. In line with its mission to meet the demands of future healthcare, GC Biopharma continues to drive innovation by leveraging its core R&D capabilities in engineering of proteins, mRNAs, and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) drug delivery platform to develop therapeutics for the field of rare disease as well as I&I (Immunology & Inflammation). To learn more about the company, visit https://www.gcbiopharma.com/eng/

This press release may contain biopharmaceuticals in forward-looking statements, which express the current beliefs and expectations of GC Biopharma’s management. Such statements do not represent any guarantee by GC Biopharma or its management of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors. GC Biopharma undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement contained in this press release or any other forward-looking statements it may make, except as required by law or stock exchange rule.

GC Biopharma Contacts (Media)

Sohee Kim
shkim20@gccorp.com

Yelin Jun
yelin@gccorp.com

Yoonjae Na
yjy6520@gccorp.com

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SEOUL, South Korea, April 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Visa, a global leader in digital payments, is strengthening its chemistry with K-pop as the Worldwide Tour Sponsor for “BTS WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG'”. It marks the comeback of the decade for pop royalty BTS.

Promotional visual for “BTS WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG'”

“BTS WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG'” is poised to be a worldwide phenomenon, featuring 82 shows in 34 regions. The reunion has had a powerful start, with 18.4 million tuning in online to “BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE｜ARIRANG” on 21 March in the heart of Seoul^[1]. Visa data also showed foreign travel to South Korea surged over 25% on the week of the concert compared to an average week, while travel spending climbed around 20% from an average week^[2], showing that BTS is as much a magnet for music fans worldwide as they are a springboard for tourism wherever they go.

As Worldwide Tour Sponsor for “BTS WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG'”, Visa brings its trusted global network to a truly worldwide celebration, enabling a global audience to access the tour through seamless and secure payments. With “BTS WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG'” hitting eight cities in Asia Pacific – Kaohsiung, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Jakarta, Sydney, Hong Kong, and Manila – Visa cardholders stand to win complimentary tickets through Visa and its issuing partners in these markets and enjoy an upsized Visa presence at the concerts with special merchandise and booths.

Danielle Jin, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Asia Pacific at Visa said, “When it comes to music, few inspire the world as much as BTS. Every step in their journey is marked by passion, creativity, and a determination to make great music. It is their pursuit of excellence and connection that brought them to the pinnacle of pop, aligning perfectly with Visa’s belief that the small and deliberate choices we make every day define success. Visa is thrilled to bring seamless and secure payments to the “BTS WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG'”, enabling anyone to be part of the moment at the biggest music reunion in the world.”

Visa champions the moments that bring fans closer to the passions they love, from sports and music to fashion and entertainment. Guided by a fan-first approach to partnerships, Visa designs experiences that deepen connection and make participation seamless, secure and accessible for audiences around the world. Through high impact partnerships, Visa helps shape cultural moments while enabling effortless, cross-border commerce. Visa’s partnership with “BTS WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG'” builds on its affinity with music and K-pop such as MAMA AWARDS, the world’s no.1 K-pop awards, allowing it to create more meaningful experiences that bring fans closer to the artists they love.

About Visa

Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com. 

About BTS

BTS, an acronym of Bangtan Sonyeondan or “Beyond the Scene,” are a GRAMMY-nominated South Korean boyband that has been capturing the hearts of millions of fans globally since their debut in June 2013. The members of BTS are RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook. Gaining recognition for their authentic and self-produced music, top-notch performances, and their deep connection with fans, the band has established a legacy as 21st century pop icons breaking countless world records. While imparting a positive influence through activities such as the LOVE MYSELF campaign and the UN ‘Speak Yourself’ speech, the band has mobilized millions of fans across the world (named ARMY), earned six No.1 Billboard Hot 100 singles since 2020, and performed multiple sold-out stadium shows across the world. They were also named TIME’s Entertainer of the Year 2020. BTS are 5-time GRAMMY nominees (63rd to 65th GRAMMY Awards) and have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards like the Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards (Artist of the Year 2021) and MTV Video Music Awards. Released in March, 2026, BTS’ massively successful fifth studio album ARIRANG debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, with its lead single “SWIM” also debuting at No. 1. With a world tour to follow, BTS’ return is set to be etched in pop culture history.

Source: Visa Worldwide Pte. Limited

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SHANGHAI, April 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 93rd China International Medical Equipment Fair (CMEF) will be held from April 9 to 12 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) in Shanghai. As the largest global medical device industry chain exhibition, this year’s event under the theme of “Innovation Fusion, Boundless Evolution,” will focus on cutting-edge technologies and international trade cooperation.

Covering a total area of over 320,000 square meters, it will bring together nearly 5,000 brands and companies from more than 20 countries and regions and is expected to attract over 200,000 professional visitors and buyers from 150 countries and regions.

This year’s CMEF highlights the rapid rise of AI, with a new lineup of “AI + healthcare” products reshaping the industry. Making its global debut, an AI agent capable of “one scan, multiple diagnoses” enables simultaneous detection of conditions across different parts of the body. A specialized AI diagnostic software suite is already in clinical use, while an integrated AI training and inference platform will enhance computing capabilities for healthcare institutions.

With advances in medical robotics, the exhibition will showcase new products across surgery, rehabilitation, and elderly care, driving the field toward greater intelligence and precision.

For the first time, CMEF is setting up a Future Tech Arena focusing on three key tracks: BCI, embodied intelligence, and university innovation achievements. The exhibition zone will showcase cutting-edge products such as AI-assisted MRI diagnostic systems for Alzheimer’s disease, brain-computer interface systems for cognitive impairment assessment and training, and exoskeleton robots.

CMEF also serves as a premier trade hub for enterprise globalization and industry collaboration. The International Zone will host exhibitors from over 20 countries and regions, showcasing the latest global innovations, including Germany, the U.S., South Korea, Japan, the U.K., France, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand.

CMEF’s upgraded “We” series of international brand activities will host the “WeTalk Stage,” featuring representatives from foreign consulates, leading industry associations, and multinational corporations; the “WeMatch Hub” is designed to enable targeted matchmaking based on verified buyer demand; and the “International WeTour” customizes tours to help international visitors explore exhibitor offerings. During the show, CMEF will also partner with the international departments of several leading hospitals to provide tailored medical services, ensuring comprehensive healthcare support for global attendees.

Hundreds of forums will be held during the fair, bringing together global experts and industry leaders to explore the evolving healthcare landscape.

Global Harmonization Working Party (GHWP) and the Ministry of Health of Malaysia will convene to co-host a series of high‑level events, including the 3rd GHWP Innovative Medical Device Seminar and the ASEAN Forum on Medical Device Innovation and Collaboration (Shanghai). On‑site sessions will deliver targeted insights into regulatory policies and market access opportunities across key global markets, supporting the convergence and alignment of international medical device regulatory frameworks and facilitating more efficient global trade.

For registration, visit: https://reg.reed-sinopharm.com/pc/#/login?id=0fe1fc984f9147b49ad107cda4d97a88&channelUuid=744003af4a2b4310a819f2d14ff447f1

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• Resumes services to Fukuoka, Japan from September 2026 after nearly two decades
• Expands China footprint with new direct services to Shenzhen and Changsha, commencing July 2026
• “MAG Arena” showcases Asia’s Largest Airline Pavilion at MATTA Fair 2026, featuring the region’s premier sports partnership activation by an airline
• Increases frequencies across ASEAN, South Asia, Australia and New Zealand and Europe to further strengthen global connectivity

SINGAPORE, April 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Malaysia Airlines is significantly expanding its East Asia footprint with the return of direct flights to Fukuoka, Japan, and the launch of new services to Shenzhen and Changsha, China. Commencing between July and September 2026, these additions bring the airline’s China network to nine key gateways and reinforce its commitment to providing greater travel flexibility across the region.

As part of this expansion, the airline will introduce new services between Kuala Lumpur and Shenzhen (SZX) and Changsha (CSX) in China, alongside the resumption of services to Fukuoka (FUK) in Japan, which the airline last operated in September 2006. With the launch of these destinations, Malaysia Airlines consolidates its presence across a total of nine strategic destinations in China, including Beijing (PKX), Shanghai (PVG), Guangzhou (CAN), Xiamen (XMN), Hong Kong (HKG), Taipei (TPE), and Chengdu Tianfu (TFU). Ticket sales for the new services commence today, supporting the growing travel demand and strengthening connectivity between Malaysia and these high-growth regional hubs.

Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar, President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), said, “This expansion reflects our strategic focus on scaling our presence in key growth markets across East Asia while cementing Kuala Lumpur’s position as a key strategic gateway. Both Shenzhen and Changsha align perfectly with our network strategy, driven by robust demand across both business and leisure segments. The return to Fukuoka further enhances our network depth. As the only carrier operating direct flights on this route, we are proud to offer passengers a seamless non-stop experience that eliminates the need for transit. These developments demonstrate our ongoing commitment to optimising our network and delivering a more integrated travel experience for our customers.”

Beyond the East Asia expansion, Malaysia Airlines is increasing flight frequencies across key routes namely Brisbane, Australia; Manila, Philippines and Colombo, Sri Lanka to meet rising demand while supporting growing tourism and trade links. In addition, the airline will operate ad-hoc Kuala Lumpur–London flights on 18 and 22 April 2026 to accommodate passengers affected by recent Middle Eastern carrier disruptions.

As the returning Official Airline Partner and Premier Sponsor of MATTA Fair 2026, MAG unveiled its most ambitious presence yet with the launch of the MAG Arena, recognised by both the Asia Records and ASEAN Records as Asia’s Largest Airline Trade Pavilion at a consumer travel fair.

Spanning approximately 46,000 square feet, nearly three times the scale of its participation in September last year, the expanded pavilion transforms the MATTA Fair experience into a fully immersive destination showcasing curated experiences and next-generation travel technology that brings journeys to life before travellers even board the aircraft. Visitors will be able to explore destinations, discover travel innovations and experience the warmth of Malaysian Hospitality through interactive engagements designed to inspire their next journey.

In addition, the pavilion will host Asia’s largest sports partnership activation by an airline, celebrating Malaysia Airlines’ collaborations with global clubs like Manchester United and national sporting icons Datuk Azizulhasni Awang and others. The dedicated sports experience zone will allow football fans and travellers to engage with legends and their favourite sports personalities — reinforcing how sport and travel connect people across borders and generations.

Through the expansion of its network and increased flight frequencies, the airline continues to strengthen Kuala Lumpur’s position as a key gateway to Asia and beyond, while supporting Malaysia’s tourism ambitions under Visit Malaysia 2026 and advancing its journey towards becoming one of the world’s Top 10 global airlines by 2030.

-ENDS-

New Routes

Malaysia Airlines’ Additional Frequencies

About Malaysia Aviation Group

Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) is a global aviation organisation comprising three core business portfolios: Airline Business, Loyalty & Travel Services, and Aviation Services.

The Airline Business portfolio serves global, domestic, and segmented markets through Malaysia Airlines – the national carrier; Firefly – the regional airline focused on connecting communities across Malaysia and ASEAN; and Amal by Malaysia Airlines – the leading one-stop pilgrimage travel solutions centre.

The Aviation Services portfolio offers a full suite of capabilities, comprising MAB Engineering, the maintenance, repair and overhaul services provider; MASkargo, the cargo and logistics solutions provider; AeroDarat Services, the ground handling services provider; MAG Culinary Solutions, overseeing all F&B-related strategies, operations and services across MAG; and MAB Academy, the centre of excellence for aviation and hospitality training.

The Loyalty & Travel Services portfolio delivers end-to-end travel solutions and loyalty programmes, strengthening MAG’s core expertise in airline and aviation services. It includes Journify – an integrated digital platform offering travel and lifestyle experiences; Enrich – Malaysia Airlines’ award-winning travel and lifestyle loyalty programme; and MHholidays – the Group’s dedicated flight and hotel package platform.

With its clear business portfolios, MAG is committed to realising its vision of becoming Asia’s Leading Travel and Aviation Services Group by delivering exceptional customer experiences, nurturing a culture that empowers its people, and ensuring sustainable, profitable growth.

For more information, visit www.malaysiaaviationgroup.com.my

Issued by Group Communications, Malaysia Aviation Group.

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