Research Introduces 577 Epigenetic Mechanism for Asian Skin

SHANGHAI, Feb. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The IMCAS World Congress 2026, an internationally recognized forum for aesthetic medicine and clinical research, opened on January 31 in Paris. As a global platform supporting collaboration in dermatology, plastic surgery, and aging science, IMCAS facilitates the exchange of interdisciplinary research and clinical best practices. This year, Chinese skincare brand CHANDO participated in the congress by presenting a long-term research outcome: the identification of a novel epigenetic pathway for skin brightening, termed the 4-Butylresorcinol (577) Pigment Management Mechanism. The research presentation reflects the continued engagement of Chinese industry and research organizations in international scientific dialogue on precision skincare.

Global Forum for Scientific Exchange: CHANDO Research Presented at IMCAS

The IMCAS World Congress serves as a professional convening platform for plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and aesthetic practitioners, supporting the dissemination of medical research and clinical innovation at an international level. The event is designed to encourage professional exchange, continuing education, and the sharing of evidence-based technologies across disciplines.

At this year’s congress, which hosted 225 scientific sessions and attracted 21,764 professionals, CHANDO’s research was reviewed through the IMCAS scientific evaluation process. Selected for a keynote presentation in the main forum, CHANDO skin research scientist Dr. Youssef introduced the study titled “Epigenetic Skincare: A Novel Root-Cause Brightening Mechanism of 4-Butylresorcinol (577) via microRNA Regulation in Asian Populations.” The presentation outlined the company’s long-term research approach to the epigenetic factors influencing skin pigmentation in Asian populations.

Decoding the Biology of Asian Skin: A Targeted Research Approach to Brightening

CHANDO’s research focused on three persistent challenges identified through long-term observation of Asian skin characteristics: stubborn dark spots, susceptibility to sallowness, and a fragile barrier that often leads to rebound darkening. While conventional brightening ingredients tend to take a generalized approach, CHANDO directed its research toward underlying biological mechanisms, studying how environmental factors like UV exposure influence gene expression. In his address, Dr. Youssef explained that since 2014, CHANDO has employed high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics to analyze Asian skin. The team pinpointed a specific microRNA that plays a central role in UV-induced pigmentation by regulating three key enzymes (MITF, TYR, TYRP1) involved in melanin production.

The pivotal finding: CHANDO’s signature ingredient, 4-Butylresorcinol (577), was shown in laboratory and clinical testing to inhibit this microRNA’s abnormal expression, curbing melanin overproduction at its source. This mechanism differentiates 577 from conventional brightening approaches and provides a targeted strategy relevant to post-sun or post-procedure pigmentation management in Asian skin. Notably, the ingredient also demonstrated high tolerability in clinical testing, making it suitable for sensitive skin types prone to irritation. It effectively reduced dark spots and sallowness while minimizing common side effects like redness or rebound pigmentation.[1]

This recognition follows CHANDO’s earlier designation as the “Global 577 Brightening Leader” by Shangpu Group, an independent research organization, based on the ingredient’s technological innovation and commercial impact.[2] The IMCAS presentation represents an additional instance of consumer-facing research from China contributing to international scientific exchange.

A Decade of Science-Based Research for Asian Skin

For over ten years, CHANDO has invested in foundational research focused on the physiological characteristics of Asian skin. The 577 compound represents more than a functional ingredient—it reflects an applied research outcome derived from epigenetic study and skin biology. Today, 577 is integrated into CHANDO’s Cellcrystal Whitening Radiance Series, demonstrating how laboratory research has been translated into consumer skincare applications designed for pigment management at the biological source.

Looking ahead, CHANDO has indicated its intention to continue participating in skin science research, with the goal of supporting clinically evaluated skincare development and ongoing international collaboration.

Notes:

[1] Data from third-party testing. Among 32 subjects aged 18–60 using the Cellcrystal Whitening Radiance Rejuvenating Serum for 4 weeks, instrumental measurement showed a 21.47% reduction in skin melanin and a 34.92% improvement in brightness. Results may vary individually.
[2] Shangpu Group’s research, finalized April 2025, compared global market performance of 577-based facial brightening products (Jan 1–Dec 31, 2024). CHANDO was recognized as the Global 577 Brightening Leader based on market presence, technology, and product influence. 

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Sun Life and charity partner join hands to bounce into the Chinese New Year and connect the community through joy

Over 1,000 gift vouchers distributed in celebration of Sun Life’s milestone as it looks ahead to its 135^th anniversary in Hong Kong

HONG KONG, Feb. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The “Sun Life ‘The Big Bounce’ World Tour – Hong Kong” officially kicked off today at the Great Lawn of the Art Park in the West Kowloon Cultural District. Featuring the Guinness World Record-certified World’s Biggest Bounce House, the event blends sports, music, and anime for a vibrant and joyful Chinese New Year celebration. As title sponsor, Sun Life invited hundreds of students and parents from Yan Chai Hospital-affiliated kindergartens and childcare centers to be among the first to enjoy the bouncing extravaganza.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon marked the official opening of the world’s largest inflatable castle and a range of amusement facilities, kicking off 17 days of bouncing fun. The ceremony was officiated by Adley Low, Chief Client and Marketing Officer at Sun Life Hong Kong Limited and Jeffrey Li, Group President of INCUBASE Studio. 

Adley Low, Chief Client and Marketing Officer of Sun Life Hong Kong Limited, said: “As Sun Life approaches its 135th anniversary next year, we are delighted to see the community’s enthusiasm for our flagship celebratory event, the “Sun Life ‘The Big Bounce’ World Tour – Hong Kong”. Sun Life is committed to promoting health and wellbeing, and we firmly believe that nurturing the healthy development of young people is essential to enhancing community resilience. This event provides families with a joyful space to

play together, and by inviting students and parents from Yan Chai Hospital’s affiliated facilities to be the first to experience the fun, we hope to spread happiness across every corner of the community. We hope this event inspires the public to embrace a healthy and active lifestyle, leaping into the Chinese New Year with us, and bringing more vitality to society.”

Jason Leung, Chief Executive of Yan Chai Hospital Board, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Sun Life: “Yan Chai is honored to receive the generous donation of tickets for this big event. It provides parents and children from Yan Chai’s kindergartens with a great opportunity to enjoy quality family time together in this joyful environment, creating cherished childhood memories for our children.” 

Furthermore, to celebrate Sun Life’s upcoming 135th anniversary, starting on 9 February, the company is launching a series of online game activities on social media, giving away 1,350 vouchers to the public. For details, please refer to Sun Life’s official social media channels.

The “Sun Life ‘The Big Bounce’ World Tour – Hong Kong” runs from 6 to 22 February 2026 at the Great Lawn of the Art Park in the West Kowloon Cultural District. The event site covers over 100,000 square feet and features four mega inflatable play zones, including the World’s Biggest Bounce House spanning over 16,000 square feet, certified by Guinness World Records; “The Giant”, Hong Kong’s longest inflatable obstacle course stretching over 150 meters; “Sport Slam”, an arena for sports enthusiasts; and the outer-space themed “airSPACE Pink Alien”. The event also offers dedicated daytime family sessions, “After Dark Bigger Kids” sessions, and CantoPop-themed “After Dark Party” sessions.

About Sun Life

Sun Life is a leading international financial services organisation providing asset management, wealth, insurance and health solutions to individual and institutional Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including: Canada, the U.S., the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, Mainland China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of September 30, 2025, Sun Life had total assets under management of $1.62 trillion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com.

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF. Sun Life Financial Inc. is the holding company of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada. Sun Life Hong Kong Limited (incorporated in Bermuda with limited liability) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada and operates in Hong Kong.

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• Since announcing its Corporate Value-Up Plan in 2025, Coway has been seeing tangible progress across revenue growth, shareholder returns, financial soundness and governance
• To date, the company has executed KRW 247.3 billion in shareholder returns, achieving the 40% return rate goal
• Starting in FY2026, Coway will prioritize cash dividends to secure high-dividend company status and tax benefits for shareholders
• Reporting an enhanced compliance rate on key governance indicators of 74%, Coway targets 93% by 2027

SEOUL, South Korea, Feb. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Coway Co., Ltd., the “Best Life Solution Company,” today announced an assessment of the implementation status of its Corporate Value-Up Plan, outlining concrete achievements to enhance shareholder value and detailing its mid- to long-term strategic roadmap.

Last year, Coway unveiled its Corporate Value-Up Plan, which includes the following key indicators to be achieved by 2027: achieving revenue exceeding KRW 5 trillion; maintaining a 40% shareholder return rate; managing a net debt-to-EBIT ratio of up to 2.5; and enhancing its governance frameworks.

Since announcing the plan, Coway has conducted several internal reviews of its implementation progress and has proactively prepared supplementary measures to enhance execution efficacy. This disclosure aims to transparently communicate an assessment of results to date, to convey future plans to shareholders and the market, and to reaffirm the credibility and positive impact of its value-up initiatives.

Early Progress Toward Revenue Goals: Accelerating the KRW 5 Trillion Roadmap

In 2025, Coway recorded KRW 4.96 trillion in revenue, a 15.2% year-over-year increase. This performance significantly outpaces the company’s targeted compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5%, placing Coway well ahead of schedule to exceed its KRW 5 trillion goal by 2027.

Coway sustained solid growth in 2025 through strengthened competitiveness in its domestic business and the continued expansion of its overseas operations. In the domestic market, steady growth in water purifier rental accounts served to reinforce the foundation of the company’s core business, while on the global front, revenue growth was driven by continual expansion at existing overseas subsidiaries, as well as rapid growth from newer entities.

This strong performance was fueled, in particular, by BEREX, Coway’s sleep and wellness brand, first launched in 2022 as part of Chairman Junhyuk Bang’s strategic vision to secure new growth engines. In 2025, BEREX generated KRW 719.9 billion in combined domestic and overseas revenue.

Alongside the launches of BEREX products to international markets and the expansion of product lineups across a variety of categories, in line with the Chairman’s strategy for global expansion, the contribution of overseas markets to Coway’s overall revenue increased to approximately 40% in 2025, further strengthening Coway’s presence on the global stage.

Delivering a 40% Shareholder Return Rate Through Balanced Execution

Coway successfully achieved a 40% total shareholder return rate in 2025, comprising KRW 247.3 billion. This was achieved through a balanced mix of KRW 137.3 billion in cash dividends and KRW 110.0 billion in treasury stock acquisitions. Notably, the company retired approximately 1.9 million treasury shares acquired in 2017 and 2024 in order to directly boost per-share value.

While maintaining the 40% return rate through 2027, Coway will prioritize cash dividends to satisfy “High-Dividend Company” requirements that enable the shareholders to benefit from separate taxation on dividend income. The company will also maintain a dividend payout ratio of at least 25% and increase the total dividend amount by more than 10% year-over-year. The remaining 15% of the return pool will be flexibly allocated between treasury stock purchases and additional cash dividends to maximize shareholder tax benefits and total yields.

Maintaining Financial Soundness and Stable Capital Structure Management

Alongside the expansion of growth investments and shareholder returns, Coway is working to manage its target capital structure in a manner that ensures financial stability. As of 2025, the company’s net debt-to-EBIT ratio stood at 2.1, and Coway plans to manage it up to 2.5 by 2027 through continued and consistent capital structure management.

In order to secure funds for growth investments, working capital and shareholder returns, Coway actively utilizes debt financing to enhance capital efficiency, all the while rigorously maintaining its credit rating risk so as to further strengthen long-term fiscal viability.

Strengthening Compliance Rates for Key Governance Indicators

Since first announcing its Corporate Value-Up Plan, Coway has reported an increase in its compliance rate on key governance indicators to 74%, a rise driven by an increase in the proportion of outside directors to 67% as well as the establishment of a Compensation Committee composed entirely of outside directors.

Coway has also outlined a mid- to long-term roadmap for its corporate governance advancement. In 2026, the company plans to establish an Internal Transaction Committee and a Senior Independent Director system to further enhance its corporate governance, and will also undertake amendments to its articles of incorporation in line with the recent revisions to South Korea’s Commercial Act. By 2027, Coway aims to reach a compliance rate on key governance indicators of 93% through measures such as the adoption of electronic voting and cumulative voting systems.

A Coway official said, “Since announcing our Corporate Value-Up Plan, we have delivered tangible results across our growth rate, shareholder returns and governance standards. Going forward, we will continue to monitor implementation of the plan closely using key indicators, and remain dedicated to a balanced approach that reinforces both investment in future growth engines and shareholder returns, thereby ensuring the steady enhancement of corporate value over the mid to long term.”

For additional details about Coway’s Corporate Value-Up Plan, please visit the company’s Investor Relations Page.

About Coway Co., Ltd.

Established in Korea in 1989, Coway, the “Best Life Solution Company,” is a leading home environment appliances company making people’s lives healthy and comfortable with innovative home appliances such as water purifiers, air purifiers, bidets, and mattresses. BEREX, the company’s sleep & wellness brand, aims to improve the quality of life through cutting-edge mattresses and massage chairs. Since being founded, Coway has become a leader in the home environment appliances industry, with intensive research, engineering, development, and customer service. The company has proven dedication to innovation with award-winning products, home health expertise, unrivaled market share, customer satisfaction, and brand recognition. Coway continues to innovate by diversifying product lines and accelerating overseas business in Malaysia, the USA, Thailand, China, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Europe, based on the business success in Korea. In 2025, the company launched Coway Life Solution, a premium elder care platform offering personalized care solutions tailored to different life stages. For more information, please visit http://www.coway.com/ or http://newsroom.coway.com.

Source: Coway Co., Ltd.

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MUMBAI, India, Feb. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Piramal Critical Care, Inc. (PCC), an overseas subsidiary of Piramal Pharma Limited, and Blue-Zone Technologies Ltd. (Blue-Zone) announced an agreement to collaborate on full lifecycle technology to capture and recycle waste anaesthetic gases.

By combining the innovative waste anaesthesia gas capture, collection, and processing technology developed by Blue-Zone, with the global manufacturing and marketing capabilities of Piramal, this collaboration will support customers’ efforts to minimize the environmental impact of volatile anaesthetics.  This collaboration will also help ensure that these essential products remain the primary method of providing general anaesthesia for patients around the world.

Pending regulatory approval in Europe of Blue-Zone’s Phoenix Deltasorb® waste anaesthetic gas capture system, Blue-Zone will offer these systems to PCC’s customers in Europe, initially in France and Germany. Blue-Zone will be responsible for all activities involving the supply and use of its systems in healthcare facilities. PCC will process captured waste anaesthetic gas using Blue-Zone’s technology to produce Sevoflurane USP for human use in Canada.

The parties anticipate that the scope of the waste anaesthetic gas capture, collection and recycling, and the marketing of Sevoflurane USP using waste anaesthetic gas, will expand into additional geographies. 

Jeff Hampton, President and COO Piramal Critical Care, commented:

“Piramal Critical Care is proud to partner with Blue-Zone on this innovative waste anaesthetic gas capture, collection, and recycling technology to help reduce waste and minimize environmental impact. By introducing gas capture technology, hospitals can choose the inhaled anaesthetic that best meets clinical needs while also supporting more sustainable healthcare goals.

Inhaled anaesthetics are vitally important medicines that enable essential treatment for patients around the world. As a leading global manufacturer of general anaesthesia products, Piramal Pharma is committed to supporting clinicians, hospitals, and health systems with solutions that balance clinical performance and environmental responsibility. Our focus is to ensure that patients continue to receive the critical care they need while advancing more sustainable approaches to anaesthesia.”

About Piramal Critical Care:

PCC is a global leader in anaesthesia, pain management and intrathecal therapy. PCC maintains a wide global footprint, delivering continuous supply to hospitals in more than 100 countries around the world. PCC’s product portfolio includes inhaled anaesthetics, intrathecal treatments for spasticity and pain management, plasma volume expanders, and a variety of other injectables and generics. PCC has strong manufacturing and process development capabilities with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Bethlehem, PA, United States, Digwal, India, and Dahej, India with global regulatory accreditations and adherence to strict GMP regulations. In addition, PCC partners with leading pharmaceutical development and manufacturing organizations around the world.

For more information and updates, please visit: www.piramalcriticalcare.com

About Piramal Pharma Ltd:

Piramal Pharma Limited (PPL, NSE: PPLPHARMA I BSE: 543635), offers a portfolio of differentiated products and services through its 17 global development and manufacturing facilities and a global distribution network in over 100 countries. PPL includes Piramal Pharma Solutions (PPS), an integrated contract development and manufacturing organization; Piramal Critical Care (PCC), a complex hospital generics business; and the India Consumer Healthcare business, selling over the counter consumer and wellness products. In addition, one of PPL’s associate companies, Abbvie Therapeutics India Private Limited, a joint venture between Abbvie and PPL, has emerged as one of the market leaders in the ophthalmology therapy area in the Indian pharma market. Further, PPL has a strategic minority investment in Yapan Bio Private Limited, that operates in the biologics / bio-therapeutics and vaccine segments.

For more information visit: Piramal Pharma | LinkedIn

* Includes one facility via PPL’s minority investment in Yapan Bio.

For queries:

Madiha Vahid, Lead – Branding & Communications
Madiha.Vahid@piramal.com

Gagan Borana, Investor Relations & Enterprise Risk Management
Gagan.Borana@piramal.com

About Blue-Zone Technologies Ltd.

Blue-Zone, based in Ontario, Canada, is an innovative cleantech pharma business focused on the capture, recovery, and processing of waste anaesthetic gas (WAG). Our goal is to protect the environment and produce volatile anaesthetics. With strategic investors and leadership, an experienced and committed team, anaesthetic drug approvals in Canada, and business and technology partners around the world, Blue-Zone develops and markets equipment and processes to provide the full life cycle of volatile anaesthetics. Blue-Zone supports collection of WAG at healthcare facilities using volatile anaesthetics and conversion of the WAG into approved anaesthetic drugs.

For more information about Blue-Zone, please contact health@blue-zone.ca or visit www.blue-zone.com.

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Taps In Chinese Rap Powerhouse SKAI ISYOURGOD for a Vibrant “Blueprint Supreme” CNY Remix Redefining Festive Storytelling

Click here to download high-resolution images

HONG KONG, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Carlsberg is set to celebrate the Year of the Horse with limited edition Lunar New Year packaging. To honour the year ahead, the Danish brewer unveils special bottles, cans, and packs for customers to enjoy at home or when on an adventure with friends and family.

The Year of the Horse is a powerful symbol of energy, freedom, bravery and good fortune, and these themes have been creatively woven into the design. The motif of the Horse can be seen riding high above the sky, below Carlsberg’s Hop Leaf seen transformed into the shape of lucky clouds. Set on a dark green background with red and gold accents, the latter are associated with happiness and wealth for the year ahead.

The design was inspired by the historic Gilding Lacquer Art Technique, traditionally used on luxury items as a symbol of affluence across Asian societies. But, by combining it with artificial intelligence to create the final design, it creates a juxtaposition of the past and present, blending traditional and modern-day techniques.

Carlsberg has also teamed up with SKAI ISYOURGOD, the renowned Chinese rapper, to compose a Lunar New Year-inspired remix of his viral hit ‘Blueprint Supreme.’ Reimagined with festive, Carlsberg‑name-forward lyrics and an upbeat Lunar New Year attitude, the track takes center stage in our latest TV commercial—blending pop culture with the spirit of celebration to mark the arrival of the New Year. 

Crystal Lee, Marketing Director, Carlsberg China says, “We spotted a unique opportunity with SKAI ISYOURGOD when we saw how strongly his music and personality resonate with younger consumers in China. His rise as one of the most-streamed Mandarin artists made him the perfect cultural bridge for Lunar New Year. By anchoring our campaign to his viral track and transforming it into a Carlsberg-name-forward remix, we created a youth-centric ecosystem that feels natural to how they consume culture today.”

“The remix carries a memorable Carlsberg lyric‑led sonic hook that travels across platforms, ensuring our brand shows up consistently in their daily moments. Music brings emotional lift and repetition builds recall. Together, they create powerful pathway for participation and conversion throughout the festive season.”

Jeff Chong, Director, International Premium Brands, Carlsberg Asia says, “At Carlsberg, we are committed to celebrating the moments that matter most to our customers. Lunar New Year is a regional story lived locally, and we are proud to once again bring a unifying brand experience to markets across Asia.” 

“By partnering with SKAI ISYOURGOD – the most streamed Mandarin artist on Spotify in 2025 with over 4 million monthly listeners – we created a powerful creative platform that our markets can activate with speed and consistency. The partnership provides a unified sonic identity, modular edits and key visuals that each market can tailor to their own festive rituals while staying unmistakably Carlsberg. The result is a modern, cohesive Lunar New Year expression that travels seamlessly across Asia – flexible for local nuance, strong for regional scale, and designed to covert festive attention into meaningful brand impact across every channel.”

This is the sixth year Carlsberg has celebrated Lunar New Year. Since 2021, Carlsberg has consistently celebrated this occasion by releasing its Chinese zodiac limited edition packs, making every festive moment more meaningful. Carlsberg’s Lunar New Year campaign has commenced in key markets across Asia, including Mainland China, Hong Kong S.A.R., Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam since late December 2025. The campaign will also include various touchpoints to engage consumers and enhance the festive spirit, including activations on social media.

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About Carlsberg Group:

Established in 1847 by brewer J.C. Jacobsen, the Carlsberg Group is one of the leading brewery groups in the world, with an attractive portfolio of beer and other beverage brands. With over 37,000 employees, and with a presence in more than 125 markets, the Group has a purpose of brewing for a better today and tomorrow Doing business responsibly and sustainably supports that purpose – and drives the efforts to deliver value for shareholders and society.

Carlsberg Asia is a dynamic and diverse region comprising of 8 operating markets: Cambodia, Mainland China, Hong Kong S.A.R., Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore and Vietnam. Altogether we have 34 breweries and some 12,000 employees spreading across the Asian markets. The Asia Regional Office is based in Hong Kong. 

For further information, visit carlsberggroup.com 

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