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Why the Boeing 737 Max has been so problematic

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Just over five years ago, 346 people were killed in two plane crashes that happened five months apart in Indonesia and Ethiopia. Both were Boeing 737 Max 8 planes.

Then in January 2024, a near catastrophe occurred when a door plug blew off an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9 plane at 16,000 feet, shortly after it took off from Portland, Oregon. A preliminary report from U.S. accident investigators said the door panel that flew off the Max 9 was missing four key bolts.

The Department of Justice has opened a criminal investigation into the Alaska Airlines incident, and the Federal Aviation Administration said it found quality control problems in its audit of Boeing and fuselage maker Spirit AeroSystem‘s 737 Max production process. The FAA has said it won’t let Boeing expand production until it is satisfied with its quality control.

Boeing announced major management changes in the wake of the door plug accident, which has further slowed deliveries of new jets and sparked criticism from the bosses of some of Boeing’s top airline customers.

Dave Calhoun, who became CEO in early 2020 to get the company out of the Max crisis after the two deadly crashes, late last month said that he will step down at the end of 2024. Boeing also replaced its chairman and the head of its all-important commercial airplane unit.

CNBC explores how Boeing’s 737 Max crisis unfolded and what the future holds for Boeing’s best-selling jet.

Watch the video to learn more.

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Why the Boeing 737 Max has been such a mess

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Boeing’s 737 has been around since the 1960s. There have been many variations of the aircraft but the 737 Max, which debuted in 2017, has encountered problem after problem over the last five years. From two fatal Max 8 crashes in 2018 and 2019 to the more recent incident of a door plug falling off a plane during take off from Portland, Oregon. CNBC explores how the 737 Max crisis unfolded and what the future holds for Boeing’s best-selling jet.

15:04

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Boeing CEO Calhoun took home $5 million last year, compensation package hit by Max crisis

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Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun speaks with reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., before meeting with a group of senators on Jan. 24, 2024.

Jim Watson | AFP | Getty Images

Outgoing Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun’s take-home pay fell to $5 million last year after declining a bonus, compared with $7 million in 2022, and his latest compensation package is taking a hit from the prolonged safety crisis surrounding the company’s bestselling jetliner, the 737 Max.

Calhoun’s total compensation last year rose 45% to $32.8 million, up from $22.6 million in the prior year. But Boeing said the 2023 sum is closer to $23.5 million, as it includes long-term incentives such as stock. Shares of the plane-maker are down almost 30% this year.

Total compensation for Stan Deal, whom Boeing last month replaced at the top of the commercial airplanes division, rose 42% to $12.5 million.

Calhoun last month said he would step down by the end of the year. His departure is part of a broad shake-up in which the company also replaced its chairman and head of its commercial airplane unit. The manufacturer is grappling with the fallout of a door plug panel that blew out midair from a 737 Max operated by Alaska Airlines in January.

Boeing disclosed the take-home pay, which did not include a 2023 bonus Calhoun declined that was valued at $2.8 million, and executive compensation in a filing Friday. The company said it will now more closely tie executive compensation to safety goals.

“I promise that I personally, and we as a Board, will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to get this company where it needs to be,” newly named Boeing Chairman Steve Mollenkopf said in a message to shareholders in a filing Friday.

The Jan. 5 accident has slowed deliveries of new jets and Boeing has said it will burn more cash than it previously expected. The company is scheduled to release first-quarter results April 24.

Calhoun took the helm at Boeing in January 2020 after his predecessor was ousted for his handling of the aftermath of two fatal crashes of the 737 Max. In addition to the Covid-19 pandemic’s devastating effect on the aviation industry, Boeing has also had a host of quality defects on its aircraft. Those have slowed deliveries of new planes to customers clamoring for fresh jets as travel snapped back, hurting Boeing’s cash flow.

The Alaska Airlines door plug near-catastrophe was the most serious issue since the crashes. The Justice Department is investigating the Alaska Airlines accident and the Federal Aviation Administration has capped Boeing’s 737 Max production until it signs off on Boeing’s quality control.

Boeing said on Friday that “operational performance metrics for all business units will be focused exclusively on quality and safety goals” this year and that long-term executive incentives could be reduced to zero if goals are not met.

Boeing last posted an annual profit in 2018.

Clarification: CEO Dave Calhoun’s total 2023 compensation is closer to $23.5 million. An earlier version contained a figure that was later updated by Boeing.

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Antengene Presents Four Preclinical Posters at AACR 2024

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SHANGHAI and HONG KONG, April 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Antengene Corporation Limited (AntengeneSEHK: 6996.HK), a leading innovative, commercial-stage global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing first-in-class and/or best-in-class medicines for cancer, today announced the presentation of four preclinical posters at the 2024 American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting (AACR 2024), taking place from April 5th to April 10th at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California, the United States. The posters showcased four of Antengene’s high-potential emerging programs, including ATG-042, tracking to a H1 2025 IND filing; ATG-022, in Phase II dose expansion studies in China and Australia; AnTenGagerTM platform, Antengene’s proprietary T-cell engager (TCE) platform; and ATG-102, which could be the first IND candidate from AnTenGagerTM platform.

ATG-042, an oral small molecule MTAPnull-selective PRMT5 inhibitor holding the promise as a best-in-class drug. Study results showed that ATG-042 has the potential to elegantly target tumor cells while sparing healthy cells, with an attractive developability profile. ATG-022 is an Claudin 18.2 antibody-drug conjugate. The detailed updated data of the Claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2) companion diagnostic antibody candidate for ATG-022 showed that the antibody has higher sensitivity compared to commercially available kits. AnTenGagerTM, Antengene’s proprietary TCE platform with the ability to induce target-dependent T-cell activation, has potent anti-tumor effects and lower risk of cytokine release syndrome (CRS). ATG-102, a LILRB4 x CD3 TCE, is being developed for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Details of the posters:

ATG-042 (MTAPnull-selective PRMT5 Inhibitor)

Title: Preclinical characterization of ATG-042, a novel MTAPnull-selective PRMT5 inhibitor

Abstract: 4592 

Session Category: Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics

Session Title: HDAC and Methyltransferase Inhibitors

Date: April 9, 2024

Time: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM (Pacific Time)

          12:00 AM – 3:30 AM, April 10, 2024 (Beijing Time)

Location: Poster Section 24

  • This preclinical study was designed to test the in vitro/in vivo efficacy, and preclinical pharmacokinetic (PK) properties of ATG-042.
  • According to the results, ATG-042 demonstrated a potent and selective inhibitory effect on the proliferation of MTAP knockout cells, showed high permeability, good metabolic stability, a low risk of drug-drug interaction (DDI), and high oral bioavailability. Importantly, ATG-042 demonstrated good brain penetrability. In CDX models, ATG-042 also potently and selectively inhibited tumor growth without inducing weight loss.
  • These data suggest that ATG-042 is an orally administered, MTAPnull-selective PRMT5 inhibitor with potent efficacy against MTAP-null tumors, as well as demonstrating good tolerability and favorable preclinical PK profiles.

Companion Diagnostic Antibody for ATG-022 (Claudin 18.2 ADC)

Title: Development of a novel companion diagnostic immunohistochemistry antibody for Claudin 18.2-targeted therapies

Abstract: 1032

Session Category: Clinical Research

Session Title: Diagnostic Biomarkers 1

Date: April 7, 2024

Time: 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM (Pacific Time)

           4:30 AM – 8:00 AM, April 8, 2024 (Beijing Time)

Location: Poster Section 42

  • Despite the substantial correlation between the expression of CLDN18.2 and the efficacy of therapies targeting CLDN18.2, no companion diagnostic (CDx) antibodies specific to CLDN18.2 have been approved to date. This poster presents the discovery and validation of a novel, highly sensitive immunohistochemistry (IHC) antibody that selectively identifies CLDN18.2.
  • According these data, the monoclonal antibody (mAb) clone 43F11 showed positive cell surface IHC staining on CLDN18.2-expressing cells following fixation but demonstrated no staining on CLDN18.1-expressing cells. Moreover, the 43F11 antibody accurately identified the expression level of CLDN18.2 in an IHC assay, utilizing tumor tissues and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) samples with predetermined expression levels of CLDN18.2. When compared to the commercially available IHC antibody EPR19202, the 43F11 antibody demonstrated greater sensitivity, enabling positive staining on cancer tissues with significantly lower expression levels of CLDN18.2.
  • These data suggest that the 43F11 antibody possesses superior sensitivity compared to the benchmark antibody and has the potential to serve as an effective patient stratification tool.

AnTenGagerTM Platform

Title: AnTenGagerTM, a novel “2+1” T cell engager platform, enables conditional T cell activation with reduced risk of CRS

Abstract: 6343

Session Category: Clinical Research

Session Title: Antibodies 2

Date: April 9, 2024

Time: 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM (Pacific Time)

           4:30 AM – 8:00 AM, April 10, 2024 (Beijing Time)

Location: Poster Section 41

  • This poster presents an in-depth overview of the design and mechanism of action for the proprietary AnTenGagerTM T cell engager (TCE) platform. These TCEs are specifically designed to produce an anti-cancer effect with a lower risk of systemic CD3 activation and cytokine release syndrome (CRS), potentially paving the way for use in solid tumors.
  • AnTenGagers TCE constructs are designed to induce cytotoxicity by forming a T cell receptor (TCR)-independent immune synapse. AnTenGagers do this by simultaneously binding tumor associated antigens (TAAs) on cancer cells and specific conformational epitopes on CD3+ T-cells.
  • Presented data show that AnTenGagers are able to effectively bind to specific CD3 confirmational epitopes and demonstrate higher cytotoxicity compared to benchmark compounds.
  • AnTenGagers are compatible with a range of TAAs, and that AnTenGagers have improved cytotoxicity compared to benchmark compounds, as demonstrated in cellular assays and a murine myeloma model. Data from the murine models also showed that AnTenGagers resulted in significantly lower concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines, further supporting a lower risk of CRS.
  • AnTenGagers also have good “developability” properties based on good stability under stress conditions.
  • Together, these data support the potential for AnTenGagers to be used in solid tumors, based on their ability to simultaneously bind TAAs and specific CD3+ confirmational epitopes, resulting in higher TAA-dependent cytotoxicity compared to benchmarks and the reduced risk of CRS, opening the door to a broad new class of cancer therapies.

ATG-102 (LILRB4 x CD3 T Cell Engager)

Title: ATG-102, a novel LILRB4 x CD3 T cell engager, targeting two non-overlapping epitopes of LILRB4, for the treatment of monocytic AML

Abstract: 2372

Session Category: Clinical Research

Session Title: Antibodies 1

Date: April 8, 2024

Time: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM (Pacific Time)

          12:00 AM – 3:30 AM, April 9, 2024 (Beijing Time)

Location: Poster Section 38

  • The use of TCEs to treat AML (acute myeloid leukemia) has been limited the difficulty in identifying specific antigens that are expressed on AML and leukemic stem cells but not normal hematopoietic stem cells. The preferential expression of LILRB4 on M4/M5 subtype acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells renders it a highly attractive target for the treatment of AML. These data show that an AnTenGagerTM based TCE, which binds to two distinct epitopes of the LILRB4 receptor, can induce potent T-cell dependent cellular cytotoxicity (TDCC) to produce potent anti-tumor efficacy in vitro and in vivo.
  • The poster outlines the design and structural characteristics of ATG-102 comprised of two LILRB4 epitopes and an anti-CD3 single chain fragment variable (scFv) inserted in the hinge region on one of the LILRB4 heavy chains. Characterization data include:

-Binding epitope and affinity studies showing that ATG-102 binds to the target TAA epitopes as well as conformational CD3 epitopes. 
-T cell binding and T-cell dependent cytotoxicity assays show that compared to the benchmark, ATG-102 demonstrated less non-specific T cell binding or activation, whilst inducing more potent TDCC against LILRB4+cells and enhanced in vivo anti-AML efficacy.

  • These data highlight the structural characteristics of ATG-102 and demonstrate potent in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor efficacy which support further clinical evaluation of ATG-102.

About Antengene

Antengene Corporation Limited (“Antengene”, SEHK: 6996.HK) is a leading commercial-stage R&D-driven global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, manufacturing and commercialization of innovative first-in-class/best-in-class therapeutics for the treatment of hematologic malignancies and solid tumors, in realizing its vision of “Treating Patients Beyond Borders”.

Since 2017, Antengene has built a pipeline of 9 oncology assets at various stages going from clinical to commercial, including 6 with global rights, and 3 with rights for the APAC region. To date, Antengene has obtained 29 investigational new drug (IND) approvals in the U.S. and Asia, and submitted 11 new drug applications (NDAs) in multiple Asia Pacific markets, with the NDA for XPOVIO® (selinexor) already approved in Mainland of China, Taiwan China, Hong Kong China, Macau China, South Korea, Singapore and Australia.

Forward-looking statements

The forward-looking statements made in this article relate only to the events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this article. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. You should read this article completely and with the understanding that our actual future results or performance may be materially different from what we expect. In this article, statements of, or references to, our intentions or those of any of our Directors or our Company are made as of the date of this article. Any of these intentions may alter in light of future development. For a further discussion of these and other factors that could cause future results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement, please see the other risks and uncertainties described in the Company’s Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2023, and the documents subsequently submitted to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

Investor Contacts: 
Donald Lung
E-mail: Donald.Lung@antengene.com  
Mobile: +86 18420672158

PR Contacts:
Peter Qian
E-mail: Peter.Qian@antengene.com 
Mobile: +86 13062747000

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People are reporting vertigo, dizziness and nausea after Friday’s 4.8 magnitude East Coast earthquake. Here’s why.

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A 4.8 magnitude earthquake hit New Jersey on Friday morning, shaking the Garden State and sending lesser rattles through New York City and other parts of the Northeast. In its wake, people in the affected areas have taken to social media to report symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, nausea and just generally feeling a bit weird. While some Californians are dismissing East Coasters’ complaints, there’s real scientific evidence that earthquakes — even minor ones — can have some odd effects on our bodies.

What does research say about this, how long do symptoms typically last and what can people who are still feeling off do? Here’s what to know.

Can earthquakes cause dizziness, nausea and other symptoms?

In short, yes. In fact, one study published in 2021 went so far as to call similar symptoms “post-earthquake dizziness syndrome.” More than 42% of the 3,656 people that Japanese researchers surveyed in the 12 weeks following massive earthquakes in Kumamoto in 2016 said they felt an “illusion sway” after the quakes. What the study authors called an “illusion sway” involved a range of symptoms, including vertigo, dizziness and the sensation of swaying or moving while holding still on solid ground.

Another study found “disturbances in equilibrium function” following a magnitude 9 earthquake that struck Japan in 2011. People there reported balance issues for weeks and even months after the quake. Research has shown spikes in rates of mental health problems in the aftermath of earthquakes, including increases in reports of anxiety, PTSD and mood disorders, as well as sleep issues.

It’s worth noting that research on these post-earthquake symptoms was done in the aftermath of much larger earthquakes than the one that hit New Jersey on Friday.

Earthquakes disrupt the vestibular system and put us off-kilter

What people experience during and after earthquakes is, effectively, motion sickness, Larry Brown, a professor of geophysics at Cornell University, tells Yahoo Life. “It’s kind of like being seasick on a boat: Your body is not expecting it when the ground starts to move, and that can be very destabilizing,” he says.

That destabilization happens because your sense of physical place and balance is getting thrown for a loop. When there is unexpected movement, it can throw off our vestibular system, which takes in sensory information to tell us where in space our head is and how it’s moving in order to tell us how to maintain balance, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

But feeling waves under us while we’re in the cabin of a boat, or standing on ground that’s shaking amid an earthquake, creates a “conflict” in the sensory information that that system is using to help us balance, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Our eyes tell us the world around us looks like it should be stable, but our head may bob up and down or side to side with the motion, creating the sensation of movement. Those mixed signals throw off our balance and lead to nausea and dizziness.

Post-earthquake dizziness and vertigo shouldn’t last long

Brown tells Yahoo Life that symptoms like dizziness should dissipate quickly — in a matter of minutes to hours — after an earthquake. But, he notes, a few factors could make dizziness worse or longer-lasting. For one, people who are at a higher level in a building will feel the effects of an earthquake more acutely, he says. Plus, some people are naturally more prone to motion sickness, so they’ll likely be more sensitive to the tremors of an earthquake.

What to do to relieve post-earthquake symptoms

There isn’t enough research on post-earthquake symptoms to suggest treatments specific to them. But, since these symptoms are effectively caused by motion sickness, the same methods used to treat that may work to alleviate unpleasant sensations after an earthquake.

Training your eyes on something distant, like the horizon, lying down, or sipping cold or hot liquids may help bring relief from an earthquake “hangover,” Dr. Munetaka Ushio of the University of Tokyo Hospital told the Wall Street Journal in 2011. If the symptoms persist, you could also try motion sickness pills, he added.

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OPTIC 2000 & AUSTRALIEGAD LAUNCHED AN ORIGINAL CHALLENGE AT THE GAMERS ASSEMBLY TO RAISE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF VISUAL IMPAIRMENT

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PARIS, April 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — At the Gamers Assembly in Poitiers, France, Optic 2000 & AUSTRALIEGAD set the best video game players an ambitious challenge: to take on a blind player, equipped with an innovative device, in one of the most legendary games. It was an inspiring experience, designed to change the way people look at visual impairment.

 

Video from BRUT Media

“OPTIC 2000 CHALLENGER”

Optic 2000 is committed to supporting the development of technological innovation to help visually impaired people live independently. Since 2023 the company has been supporting the start-up Artha and its mobility aid for the visually impaired: a belt that transforms images into impulses.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C5B8SoFN3oW/?hl=fr

This weekend, Optic 2000 and Artha launched the “Optic 2000 Challenger” challenge with Salim Ejnaïni, the first visually impaired player equipped with an Artha belt, taking on able-bodied players on the famous Trackmania game. 

This partnership reflects Optic 2000’s commitment to low vision and its desire to innovate on a daily basis to support and promote the independence of visually impaired people.

“As well as being proud to be behind this major first, it’s a great opportunity to help change the way people view visual impairment. Our mission is to support our customers throughout their lives, to provide them with the best possible visual comfort.”

Benoit Jaubert, Managing Director of Groupement Optic 2000.

A stand dedicated to raising public awareness

This major event was also an opportunity to raise public awareness of visual impairment and the risks of overexposure to screens.

On the Optic 2000 stand, visitors could find out more about how to protect their eyesight and opticians were available on site to carry out eye tests.

  • The public could also enjoy an inclusive experience with a workshop designed to raise awareness of visual impairment: by wearing special glasses simulating visual problems (macular degeneration, glaucoma, etc.), visitors could slip into the shoes of a visually impaired person whilst playing a game to raise awareness and understanding of this handicap.

Throughout the weekend, AUSTRALIEGAD’s cameras followed Salim behind the scenes at the Optic 2000 Challenger, from preparation to the tournament itself. The video will be available next week on the OPTIC 2000 networks.

Media Contact: jallain@australiegad.com 

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India’s Vistara cuts flights as pilots’ protest over salary revision leads to cancellations, delays

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Tata Group currently owns a 51% stake in Vistara, and the remaining 49% is owned by Singapore Airlines.

Nurphoto | Nurphoto | Getty Images

India’s Vistara airline has cut flights following cancellations and delays all week as pilots have been on a strike of sorts over salary revisions. 

Pilots have called in sick to protest the terms of their new contract that will come into effect following the carrier’s upcoming merger with Air India, causing the airline to cancel 150 flights, while as many as 200 have been delayed since Sunday, according to local media reports.

Tata Group, which owns a 51% stake in Vistara — the remaining 49% is owned by Singapore Airlines — announced its merger with Air India in November 2022. Singapore Airlines will have a 21.5% stake in Air India.

In the new salary structure, pilots have been awarded a fixed pay for a minimum 40 hours of flying — earlier the minimum was 70 hours — a source who has been with Vistara for more than five years told CNBC. The source preferred to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the subject.

Pilots used to “get the same amount of money” whether they flew for 10 or 70 hours earlier — even though the minimum was 70 — the source added. The new structure will cut the salary from about $7,400 (for 70 hours but not always enforced) to $5,200 for a strict 40 hours, the source said.

Vistara was not immediately available for comment when contacted by CNBC.

More than 200 pilots have not signed the new contract, another employee at the company, who also preferred to remain anonymous, told CNBC. But the first CNBC source said their salary had been reduced as per the new contract which they hadn’t signed.

Pilots were given just 15 days to sign the new contract, with Vistara’s management sending a “threatening” email on dissidents likely missing out on a one-time payout of $4,000 to $5,000, the first CNBC source said. 

“We did not think this would happen. This is not something you’d hear from any other Tata company in India,” the first CNBC source added.

Poor roster planning

Vistara’s CEO on Wednesday addressed pilots and said that flight cancellations and delays were not just due to pilots reporting illness, but also from planes being grounded and pilots hitting their maximum duty hours. 

He assured them that the problem would be solved in the coming days and apologized for poor schedule planning and overwork, local media said.

“Working in Vistara is nothing like what it is in Singapore Airlines. This is very sad to say since Singapore Airlines has almost 50% ownership of Vistara,” the first CNBC source said. 

“The rostering practices are very, very bad. They can change your schedules on a whim,” they said. CNBC did not immediately receive a response from Vistara when asked about its scheduling processes.

Indian Commercial Pilots’ Association and Indian Pilots’ Guild said in a statement to CNBC Thursday that the concerns highlighted by Vistara pilots “are not isolated incidents but rather indicative of systemic issues that extend across various Tata Group aviation entities.”

Last month, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation slapped Air India with a $95,658 fine for violating flight duty time limitations, Reuters reported.

Aviation boom

India’s aviation sector has grown by leaps and bounds as the world’s most populous country is set to be the fourth-largest global travel spender by 2030, largely due to a growing middle-income population that will see a substantial rise in household earnings.

Indian travelers are projected to take 5 billion leisure trips by 2030, with 99% within the country, according to a report by Booking.com and McKinsey. 

India's on its way to becoming a key pillar in global aviation, says Air India CEO

It’s common to see personnel and operational changes anytime two companies decide to merge … But we don’t anticipate there will be meaningful spillover effect from the ongoing event, even though there are certainly disruptions in the short-term,” said Malcolm Dorson, head of emerging market strategy at investment firm Global X. 

Airlines need to ensure they have enough pilots to keep up with high demand, he added.

— CNBC’s Naman Tandon contributed to this story.

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Galaxy Arena Welcomes First Thai Superstar Solo Concert by Billkin on April 6

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World-Class Performance Continues to Expand Entertainment Horizons to
Captivate International Tourist

MACAU, April 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Galaxy Macau™ is the world-class luxury integrated resort in Macau. Embodying the service philosophy of “World Class, Asian Heart”, it delivers one-stop luxury resort experience as Asia’s most exciting destination for leisure, entertainment, dining, events and conferences.

Galaxy Arena, the landmark of art and entertainment in Macau, has committed to deliver captivating entertainment and leisure experiences to tourist from the world. Since the grand opening last year, Galaxy Arena is thrilled to welcome its first Thai superstar solo concert. The newly-risen Thai singer Billkin will hold his first-ever solo concert “BILLKIN TEMPO TOUR 2024″in Macau on April 6. The concert will be held at Galaxy Arena, the newest and largest indoor arena in Macau with a capacity of 16,000, where Billkin will connect music lovers from around the globe and demonstrating his prowess as “Mr. Everything”.

Billkin’s musical talent first emerged in his early years. Possessing a sweet voice known as the “honey throat” and showcasing remarkable composition abilities, his songs are diverse in style, each filled with personal characteristics and emotional expressions. They contain profound and moving stories that allow fans to find resonance and gain a deeper understanding of Billkin. At this concert, Billkin will present his newly arranged rhythmic music, with high quality surround sound system at Galaxy Arena, fans will be immersed in his musical world. The melodies that moved hearts in his television dramas will be reinterpreted freshly onstage, leading the audience into an energetic evening. Whether it’s lively dance tracks or heartfelt ballads, they will all demonstrate Billkin’s versatility and musical talent as a singer. Whether you are a music lover or a fan obsessed with Billkin’s charm, Billkin Tempo Tour in Macau will be a must-attend musical feast.

With the world-class one-stop luxury resort experience offered by Galaxy Macau, Galaxy Arena will continue to bring in international top-tier musical events to promote the youthful and diversified development of Macau’s tourism, cultural, entertainment and sports to attract tourist from Thailand and around the world, further showcasing the charm of Macau’s diverse culture.

"BILLKIN TEMPO TOUR 2024 IN MACAU" invites fans to take on a musical utopia adventure with Billkin at Galaxy Arena on April 6
“BILLKIN TEMPO TOUR 2024 IN MACAU” invites fans to take on a musical utopia adventure with Billkin at Galaxy Arena on April 6

At "BILLKIN TEMPO TOUR 2024 IN MACAU", Billkin will present his newly arranged rhythmic music, with high quality surround sound system at Galaxy Arena, fans will be immersed in his musical world.
At “BILLKIN TEMPO TOUR 2024 IN MACAU”, Billkin will present his newly arranged rhythmic music, with high quality surround sound system at Galaxy Arena, fans will be immersed in his musical world.

Galaxy Arena, the newest and largest indoor arena in Macau with a capacity of 16,000. Since the grand opening last year, it rapidly establishs as the landmark of art and entertainment in Macau.
Galaxy Arena, the newest and largest indoor arena in Macau with a capacity of 16,000. Since the grand opening last year, it rapidly establishs as the landmark of art and entertainment in Macau.

About Galaxy Macau Integrated Resort
Galaxy Macau™, The World-class Luxury Integrated Resort delivers the “Most Spectacular Entertainment and Leisure Destination in the World”. Developed at an investment of HK$43 billion, the property covers 1.1 million square metres of unique entertainment and leisure attractions that are unlike anything else in Macau. Eight award-winning world-class luxury hotels provide close to 5,000 rooms, suites and villas. They include Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Hotel™, Hotel Okura Macau, JW Marriott Hotel Macau, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Broadway Hotel, Raffles at Galaxy Macau and Andaz Macau. Unique to Galaxy Macau, the 75,000-square-meter Grand Resort Deck features the world’s longest Skytop Adventure Rapids at 575 metres, the largest Skytop Wave Pool with waves up to 1.5 metres high and 150-meter pristine white sand beach. Two five-star spas from Banyan Tree Spa Macau and The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Macau help guests relax and rejuvenate.

As the dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, exquisite experiences and ingredients of the finest quality with over 120 dining options from Michelin dining to authentic delicacies; Galaxy Promenade is the hottest shopping destination featuring the latest in fashion and curated experiences in Macau. Spanning over 100,000 square meters, luxury flagship stores, lifestyle boutiques and our selection of labels are among the more than 200 world-renowned brands for a world-class shopping journey; Galaxy Cinemas, a 10-theatre 3D Cineplex boasting 4K laser projection; CHINA ROUGE, one-of-a-kind deluxe lounge that evokes the glitz and glamor of Shanghai’s golden era with entertainment in luxury and style; and Foot Hub presents the traditional art of reflexology to make you feel more relaxed and revitalized. For Authentic Macau Flavours & Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau – just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 35 Authentic Macau & Asian Flavours at its Broadway Food Street. The 2,500-seat Broadway Theatre plays host to world-class entertainers and a diverse array of cultural events. Meeting, incentive and banquet groups are also well looked after with a portfolio of unique venues in Galaxy Macau and a professional service staff.

Galaxy Macau is set to begin a new chapter, with the opening of two world-class luxury hotels – Raffles at Galaxy Macau and Andaz Macau. Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) is the latest addition to the Group’s ever-expanding integrated resort precinct and will usher in a new era for the MICE industry in Macau. GICC is a world-class event venue featuring 40,000 sqm of total flexible MICE, and a 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena – the largest indoor arena in Macau.

For more details, please visit www.galaxymacau.com, www.broadwaymacau.com.mo and www.galaxyicc.com.

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HSA approves new asthma indication for GSK’s Trelegy Ellipta, the first once-daily single inhaler triple therapy approved for use in the treatment of both asthma and COPD in Singapore

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SINGAPORE, April 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — GSK Singapore announced that the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has approved a new indication and a new strength for Trelegy Ellipta (fluticasone furoate/umeclidinium/vilanterol ‘FF/UMEC/VI’) for the maintenance treatment of asthma in patients aged 18 years and older who are not adequately controlled with a combination of a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) and an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)1. This adds to its current license for use in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and makes Trelegy Ellipta the first once-daily single inhaler triple therapy approved for use in both asthma and COPD in Singapore.

This approval is based on the CAPTAIN study which has shown that in patients uncontrolled on ICS/LABA, the additional bronchodilation provided by Trelegy had demonstrated significant improvements in lung function compared with fluticasone furoate/vilanterol (FF/VI), in a single daily dose in an easy-to-use inhaler2.

With the new approval, the available HSA-approved strength for either COPD or asthma is fluticasone furoate/umeclidinium/vilanterol 100/62.5/25mcg, and an additional dosage strength newly approved for asthma at fluticasone furoate/umeclidinium/vilanterol 200/62.5/25mcg.

Dr Stephanie Ambrose, Country Medical Director, GSK Singapore, said “There are over 200,000 adults living with asthma in Singapore3,4. Among them roughly 25% are treated with ICS/LABA, and within this group, almost 60% – which amounts to about 35,000 adults – still experience partly-controlled or uncontrolled symptoms5,6. With this latest approval, we are pleased to share that this group of adults will potentially benefit from Trelegy and can look forward to having better control over their symptoms.”

In Singapore, the asthma mortality rate is three times higher than other developed countries such as New Zealand and the United States of America7. This could be attributed to several factors such as low adherence rates to daily medications, poor patient perception of asthma control, misuse of reliever medication and unoptimized treatment.

Locally, it was reported that 25.6% of patients with severe asthma had an emergency hospital visit in the past year8. This clinical burden translates into a substantial economic burden, both in terms of direct costs to the healthcare system and wider societal costs. In 2020, the economic burden of asthma in Singapore was estimated at SGD 1.74 billion (including both direct medical costs and productivity loss); 87% of this cost was attributed to patients with uncontrolled or partly-controlled asthma9.

Dr Ambrose added “People with uncontrolled asthma tend to adapt their lives around their symptoms. This takes a toll on their mental wellbeing as they are often wary of activities that may cause a worsening of their symptoms and result in dreaded trips to the emergency room. As such, new treatment options to empower people living with asthma with more control are crucial in giving them a better quality of life.”

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. Locally, it was reported that 25.6% of patients with severe asthma had an emergency hospital visit in the past year
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. Locally, it was reported that 25.6% of patients with severe asthma had an emergency hospital visit in the past year

About Trelegy Ellipta (FF/UMEC/VI)

FF/UMEC/VI is a combination of three molecules in a single inhaler that only needs to be taken in a single inhalation, once a day. It contains fluticasone furoate, an inhaled corticosteroid, umeclidinium, a long-acting muscarinic antagonist; and vilanterol, a long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist, delivered in GSK’s Ellipta dry powder inhaler.

About the CAPTAIN Study

CAPTAIN (Clinical study of Asthma Patients receiving Triple therapy through A single INhaler) is a randomised, double-blind, active controlled, six-arm parallel group, global multicentre study evaluating FF/UMEC/VI (100/62.5/25 mcg, 200/62.5/25 mcg, 100/31.25/25 mcg, and 200/31.25/25 mcg) versus FF/VI (100/25 mcg and 200/25 mcg) given once-daily to patients whose asthma was inadequately controlled despite treatment with ICS/LABA (>250 mcg/day fluticasone propionate, or equivalent) maintenance asthma medication.

About asthma

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways and is characterised by symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheeze and cough, amongst others10. Asthma affects 262 million people worldwide and despite medical advances, about half of children and youths, and a third of adults affected do not have full control over their symptoms11.

About GSK

GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together. Find out more at gsk.com.

References

  1. TRELEGY Ellipta Singapore Prescribing Information GDS12/IPI13a (SI).
  2. Lee, LA, Bailes, Z, Barnes, N, et al. Efficacy and safety of once-daily single-inhaler triple therapy (FF/UMEC/VI) versus FF/VI in patients with inadequately controlled asthma (CAPTAIN): a double-blind, randomised, phase 3A trial. The Lancet Respiratory Medicine. 2021, 9(1): 69-84.
  3. Wong, QYA, Lim, JJ, Ng, JY, et al. An updated prevalence of asthma, its phenotypes, and the identification of the potential asthma risk factors among young Chinese adults recruited in Singapore. World Allergy Organ J. 2023;16(3):100757.
  4. National Population and Talent Division, Strategy Group, Prime Minister’s Office, Singapore Department of Statistics, Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, Ministry of Manpower. Population in Brief 2023. 2023. 28p.
  5. Koh, MS, Lam, SSW, Xu, X, et al. Comparison of adult asthma receiving primary versus specialist healthcare in Singapore; Data from SingHealth-Duke-NUS-GSK COPD and Asthma Real World Evidence (SDG-CARE) Asthma Registry. Abstract AO24-6. Asian Pacific Society of Respirology. 2023.
  6. Koh, MS, Xu, X, Lam, SSW, et al. Evaluation of risk factors for poor asthma outcomes based on SingHealth- Duke-NUS- GSK COPD and Asthma Real World Evidence (SDG-CARE) Asthma Registry. Abstract AP09-375. Asian Pacific Society of Respirology. 2023.
  7. Koh, MS, Yii, A, Ong, YY. Asthma in Singapore: Past, Present and Future. Annals Academy of Medicine. 2017; 46 (3): 81-83.
  8. Lim, GN; Allen, JC; Tiew, PY et al. Healthcare utilization and health-related quality of life of severe asthma patients in Singapore. J Asthma. 2023;60(5):969-980.
  9. Finkelstein, EA; Lau, E; Doble, B et al. Economic burden of asthma in Singapore. BMJ Open Respir Res. 2021;8(1).
  10. Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention. 2023. Updated July 2023. Available from: www.ginasthma.org 
  11. The Global Asthma Report. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2022; 26:S1-S102.

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Radisson Hotel Group welcomes back Chinese travelers with new co-branded hotels and bespoke ‘Welcome China’ amenities

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BRUSSELS, April 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Together with its owners and shareholders Jin Jiang International, Radisson Hotel Group announces its “Guan Xin” (Welcome China) program which includes the expansion of its co-branded hotels as well as a new bespoke amenity program to create a home away from home for Chinese travelers. Following the initial launch in 2019, Radisson Hotel Group will be launching eight additional cobranded properties in 2024 in EMEA across select Radisson Blu and Radisson Collection hotels, aligned with the full return of Chinese outbound travel.

Industry experts predict that 2024 will be a key year for outbound Chinese tourism to grow exponentially on the heels of the boom in domestic tourism in 2023. According to Skift, “2023 was the year of China reopening to the world, while 2024 will be the year of consolidating and growing outbound tourism.” [1] Wealthy Chinese travelers are showing a keen interest in EU destinations (13%)[2], in particular France, UK, Germany, and Italy vs other short-haul destinations in Asia, and will be travelling in 2024 with the expectation of bespoke amenities catering to their requirements, tastes, and cultural preferences.[3] 

Following the initial co-branding launch at Radisson Blu Hotel, Frankfurt in 2019, Radisson Hotel Group will be launching eight additional co-branded properties in 2024 in EMEA across its Radisson Collection and Radisson Blu brands in key markets in France, Belgium, Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands, including Radisson Collection Grand Place, Brussels; Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Oslo; Radisson Blu Royal Garden Hotel, Trondheim; Radisson Blu Hotel, Tromsø; Radisson Blu Royal Viking Hotel, Stockholm; Radisson Blu Hotel, Amsterdam; Radisson Blu Hotel, Milan; and Radisson Blu Hotel, Nice.

At each of these co-branded hotels, Chinese guests will find a range of features and amenities specifically designed and curated for them, providing them with a bespoke guest experience to make them feel at home. These new amenities will cover the entire guest experience, from Chinese menus and welcome cards to guests having the ability to pay with Chinese Union pay cards. WeChat Pay and Alipay will also be available at the end of 2024 for online payments. In the guest rooms, personalized touches like the provision of tea kettles, a selection of exquisite Chinese teas, and Chinese television channels will be included at co-branded hotels. The co-branded hotels will also feature a range of new food and beverage options for Chinese speaking travelers, including the addition of traditional dishes like congee and noodles as well as curated selection of dishes available as part of the daily breakfast service. These offerings specifically tailored for the Chinese travelers, will be offered on top of the rich existing amenities for other international travelers, and communication in English and multiple foreign languages.

“We have already started to see a strong increase in demand from Chinese outbound travelers in 2024 searching for unique international experiences over the Lunar New Year. With foreign visas gradually becoming more accessible and increased international flight routes, we are hoping to see the long-awaited return of outbound Chinese travelers to EMEA continue to grow. We look forward to welcoming more Chinese travelers with our new Guan Xin program to make them feel right at home,” says Eric De Neef, EVP and Chief Commercial Officer at Radisson Hotel Group.

In addition to the hotel co-branding program, Radisson Hotel Group will be rolling out the “Guan Xin” amenity program to other Radisson Hotel Group properties in EMEA that wish to opt-in based on the hotels’ guest needs and expectations. Currently nearly 20 hotels across EMEA offer the standard “Guan Xin” program to Chinese guests.

RADISSON HOTEL GROUP

Radisson Hotel Group is an international hotel group, operating in EMEA and APAC with over 1,320 hotels in operation and under development in +90 countries. The international hotel group is rapidly expanding with a plan to significantly grow the portfolio. The Group’s overarching brand promise is Every Moment Matters with a signature Yes I Can! service ethos.

The Radisson family of brands portfolio includes Radisson Collection, art’otel, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and prizeotel brought together under one commercial umbrella brand Radisson Hotels.

Radisson Rewards is Radisson Hotel Group’s loyalty program, which delivers an elevated experience that makes Every Moment Matter. As the most streamlined program in the sector, members enjoy exceptional advantages and can access their benefits from day one across a wide range of hotels in Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific.

Radisson Meetings provides tailored solutions for any event or meeting, including hybrid solutions placing guests and their needs at the heart of its offer. Radisson Meetings is built around three strong service commitments: Personal, Professional and Memorable, while delivering on the brilliant basics and being uniquely 100% Carbon Neutral.

At Radisson Hotel Group we care for people, communities and planet and aim to be Net Zero by 2050 based on the approved near-term Science Based Targets. With unique solutions such as 100% carbon neutral Radisson Meetings, we make sustainable hotel stays easy. To facilitate sustainable travel choices, all our hotels are becoming verified on Hotel Sustainability Basics.

The health and safety of guests and team members remain a top priority for Radisson Hotel Group. All properties across the Group’s portfolio are subject to health and safety requirements, ensuring we always care for our guests and team members.

For more information, visit our corporate website. Or connect with Radisson Hotels on:

LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube

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