Explore The Trades Brings the Plan to Revitalize the HVAC Workforce to "All Access hosted by Andy Garcia"

Shop Classes Faded, Then the Workforce Thinned.

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A new Public Television feature examines how a national nonprofit is reintroducing plumbing, HVAC, and electrical careers to American classrooms, and why the coming decade of workforce demand makes that conversation urgent for students, parents, and educators alike.

Explore The Trades will be featured in an upcoming segment of "All Access hosted by Andy Garcia", set to film on October 2, 2026 at the "All Access" Boca Raton, Florida, studio location and slated for distribution to Public Television stations nationwide. The Minnesota-based nonprofit was started in 2005 by residential home service contractors who had already read the labor forecasts and did not like what they saw. Their answer was to work upstream, at the classroom level, long before a student picks a path.

The feature covers how that work happens now. Poster kits, produced in English and Spanish with a separate series for grades K through 5, have reached more than 1.3million students since 2021 and now sit in over 3,400 school districts, roughly a quarter of the country. The Skills Lab Program, Supported by industry partners like plumbing and HVAC distributor Ferguson and the Comfort Systems USA Foundation, has placed equipment grants in 53 schools across 21 states since 2022. Contractors get recruiting toolkits of their own. Counselors, career and technical education instructors, and administrators are as much the audience as the students themselves, because they are the ones fielding the questions.

"When a student hears the word 'trades,' we want them to picture diagnostics, innovation, and a spirit of entrepreneurship, because that's what these careers look like now. Tradespeople built this nation, and as technology keeps advancing, plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical professionals will keep building it for generations to come. The skilled workforce of tomorrow is sitting in classrooms today. These aren't just jobs. They're career continuums that can grow from apprentice to technician to business owner, and our communities simply can't operate without them," Kate Cinnamo, Executive Director, Explore The Trades.

The context matters. Construction and trades coursework disappeared from thousands of schools in the early 2000s, pushed aside by a college-for-all consensus that treated a four-year degree as the only respectable outcome. Districts are now reversing course, helped along by rising federal investment in career and technical education. Meanwhile the shortage that contractors predicted two decades ago has arrived and is expected to persist for at least another ten years. Somebody has to install the systems that heat hospitals, move water through schools, and carry power to everything else. The question of who promotes those careers remains genuinely unsettled between industry and education.

Perception is the other obstacle, and it is stubborn. Plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work now involve diagnostics, connected equipment, energy modeling, and an expanding role for artificial intelligence in product design and service delivery. Technicians read data. Many go on to own businesses. Sustainable infrastructure and smart building systems depend on people who understand both the physics and the software. Yet the word trades still conjures grime for plenty of parents. Explore The Trades argues that industry and education partnerships pay both sides back, giving schools expertise and equipment while giving local employers a durable pipeline of talent.

About "All Access hosted by Andy Garcia": "All Access hosted by Andy Garcia" is a short-form educational documentary series distributed to Public Television stations across the country. Each feature profiles organizations, institutions, and companies whose work is reshaping their fields, presenting the subject matter in plain terms for a general audience. The series favors substance over promotion, giving viewers a working understanding of industries and issues they encounter but rarely see explained. More information about the program is available at allaccessptv.com.

About Explore The Trades: Explore The Trades is a national nonprofit working to close the technical talent gap in the plumbing, HVAC, and electrical industries. Founded in 2005 by home service contractors, the organization connects education and industry through classroom career resources, equipment grants for middle and high school programs, and workforce development toolkits for employers. Its programs serve students in grades K through 12 along with the counselors, instructors, and administrators who guide them. Details on the Poster Kit Program, the Skills Lab Program, and how to request materials for a local school are available at www.explorethetrades.org.

SOURCE All Access

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Performance Brokerage Services, the leader in dealership buy-sell activity, announces the sale of Genesis of Glenview, Illinois, to Joe Ghaben.

IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Performance Brokerage Services, North America's highest volume dealership brokerage firm, is pleased to announce the sale of Genesis of Glenview, Illinois, to Joe Ghaben.

Founded in 2004, Ghaben Auto Group is an Illinois-based automotive group led by Joe Ghaben, who for more than two decades has built a presence throughout the Chicago area. The group operates Volkswagen of Oak Lawn and Volkswagen of Orland Park, Illinois, as well as Ultimo Motors, a luxury pre-owned dealership with locations in Northbrook and Westmont.

"Working with Performance Brokerage Services on the acquisition of Genesis of Glenview was a great experience," Joe Ghaben said. "Their team was professional, responsive, and solutions-oriented throughout the transaction, working through the details to help get the deal across the finish line.

We're excited to open a brand-new Genesis facility in Glenview and look forward to a very bright future for the brand. I appreciated working with Performance Brokerage Services and would gladly work with their team again."

Over the last 5 years, Performance Brokerage Services has advised on the sale of nearly 450 dealerships, making it the highest volume dealership brokerage firm in North America. Paul Kechnie and Matt Willis, the Texas & Midwest Partners of Performance Brokerage Services, were the exclusive sell-side advisors for this transaction.

Matt Willis shared, "It was a privilege for our Midwest and Texas team to represent the seller confidentially and bring together two parties who shared a commitment to getting the transaction across the finish line. Our responsibility was to identify the right buyer — one with the experience, financial strength, and long-term vision to navigate a complex transaction and successfully carry the dealership forward. Joe Ghaben proved to be exactly that. His professionalism, persistence, and enthusiasm for the Genesis brand made him an excellent fit, and we are proud to have connected the parties and helped create an exciting new chapter for Genesis of Glenview."

Genesis of Glenview will continue to operate under the same name and will be relocated to 2929 Patriot Boulevard in Glenview, Illinois.

About Performance Brokerage Services

Performance Brokerage Services, Inc. is North America's highest volume dealership brokerage firm, specializing in buy-sell activity for automotive, RV, marine, powersports, commercial truck, and equipment dealerships.

With over 30 years of experience, more than 900 dealerships sold, and a 90% closing rate, the company's reputation is unmatched and governed by the utmost ethical conduct and integrity.

The company offers a unique approach by providing complimentary estimates of value with no upfront fees or retainers, no reimbursement of costs, and paid a success fee only after the transaction closes.

Headquartered in Irvine, California and supported by 12 regional offices across the United States and Canada, clients benefit from national exposure with local representation.

As trusted and respected experts in the field, the company utilizes an extensive network of industry related attorneys, accountants, hundreds of registered buyers, and longstanding relationships with various vehicle manufacturers.

For more information about the services offered by Performance Brokerage Services, visit https://performancebrokerageservices.com.

Media Contact: 

April Miller

(949) 212-6582

[email protected]

SOURCE Performance Brokerage Services, Inc.

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Sweden Opens Travel Agency for Introverts

STOCKHOLM, Sept. 29, 2026 New research reveals a growing demand for quieter travel: 67% of travellers prefer destinations where social interaction feels optional, 53% would pay extra for more peace, privacy or fewer crowds, and 41% identify as introverts.

/PRNewswire/ -- Sweden is opening The Introvert Travel Agency, designed to help travellers discover, book and recharge in Sweden—with less social pressure and more freedom to explore on their own terms.

According to a recent YouGov survey, only 14% describe themselves as extroverts, while 41% identify as introverts and another 45% as a mix of both. Nearly half say they sometimes need a "vacation from their vacation" to recover after travelling. The research also shows that 67% of travellers prefer destinations where social interaction feels optional rather than expected.

"For introverts, recharging is often less about being alone and more about having control over when and how we interact with others," says Mattias Lundberg, a licensed psychologist and Associate Professor of Psychology at Umeå University. "Environments with less social pressure, more personal space and the possibility to withdraw can make it easier to preserve and regain energy. Sweden naturally offers many of these qualities, which makes it particularly well suited to travellers who want to experience a destination on their own terms."

In Sweden, silence does not automatically need filling. Having a coffee alone is unremarkable; personal space is generally respected. Sweden's low population density and the right of public access, allemansrätten, allow visitors to experience nature independently at their own pace.

"Many travellers are looking for something surprisingly simple: the freedom to decide when they want company and when they don't," says Susanne Andersson, CEO of Visit Sweden. "Sweden has always offered that kind of space, in our nature, our cities and our social culture. The Introvert Travel Agency makes it easier to experience Sweden in your own way. Here, being social is an option, not an obligation."

The Introvert Travel Agency is available online and will launch as a pop-up experience, bringing Sweden's nature, space and relaxed social culture to life for visitors looking to plan a quieter kind of holiday. The pop-up will visit:

- Berlin, October 14 – 17

- Paris, October 21 – 24

- London, October 28 – 31

More information: visitsweden.com/the-introvert-travel-agency/

Video: https://youtu.be/SUG2ACZotP8

Press images 

Source: Survey, June/July 2026, VisitSweden/YouGov

SOURCE Visit Sweden AB

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Hengrui Pharma and Novo Enter Exclusive License Agreement for Once-Weekly Oral GLP-1/GIP Dual Receptor Agonist HRS-1596

- HRS-1596 is a phase I-ready GLP-1/GIP dual receptor agonist for once-weekly oral dosing

- Total potential deal value is up to 2.6 billion US dollars, including 300 million dollars upfront, as well as potential sales royalties

SHANGHAI, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hengrui Pharma (600276.SH; 01276.HK) today announced that it has entered into a license agreement with Novo Nordisk (Novo) for HRS-1596, a phase I-ready glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptor (GIPR) dual agonist, with potential for once-weekly oral dosing.

Under the terms of the agreement, Novo will obtain exclusive rights to develop, manufacture and commercialise HRS-1596 globally, excluding the Chinese mainland, the Hong Kong SAR, the Macao SAR and Taiwan Region. The potential total value of the agreement is up to 2.6 billion US dollars contingent on the achievement of applicable development, regulatory and commercial milestones. This includes a 300 million dollars upfront payment. In addition, Hengrui Pharma is eligible to receive royalties based on net sales of HRS-1596 within the licensed territory.

"We are committed to continuous innovation, bringing better treatments to patients. HRS-1596 reflects this commitment in metabolic diseases, with the potential to offer the convenience of once-weekly oral administration," said Frank Jiang, MD, PhD, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of Hengrui Pharma. "This collaboration brings together Hengrui's innovation strengths and Novo's global leadership in GLP-1 therapies and obesity care. Together, we aim to advance this innovative therapy for patients worldwide."

"Novo has pioneered the field of oral peptides and as leaders, we continuously look to advance our broad and deep oral pipeline across obesity, diabetes and other cardiometabolic diseases through our strong internal capabilities and leading external innovation," said Martin Holst Lange, MD, PhD, Executive Vice President, Research & Development and Chief Scientific Officer at Novo. "Hengrui Pharma has a proven track record of discovering and advancing innovative therapies with the patients in the center, and we are excited to add HRS-1596 to our growing pipeline and to explore its potential to raise the bar for convenience in the field."

HRS-1596 is designed to reduce weight and improve glycemic control through multiple mechanisms, including appetite suppression, stimulation of insulin secretion, and improved insulin sensitivity, supporting its potential use in obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic diseases. HRS-1596 has potential to be developed for once-weekly oral administration, which would substantially reduce dosing frequency and improve convenience compared with current offerings. Hengrui Pharma has received approval in China to initiate phase I clinical trials with HRS-1596 for weight management and type 2 diabetes.

The license agreement is subject to clearance under the U.S. Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026.

About Novo

Novo is the global healthcare company that believes lasting health starts now. For over a century, we've combined leading scientific expertise with a deep understanding of people's lives. We develop treatments and support that help millions of people make progress they can see, feel and sustain now and in the future. Every day, over 67,000 employees around the world advance our purpose to drive change for lasting health. Through our partnerships, programmes and investments, we're working to prevent disease, expand access to treatments and reduce our environmental impact to help even more people live healthier lives. For more information, visit novonordisk.com and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Facebook, X and YouTube.

About Hengrui Pharma

Hengrui Pharma is an innovative, global pharmaceutical company dedicated to the research, development and commercialization of high-quality medicines to address unmet clinical needs. Its therapeutic areas of focus include oncology, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, immunological and respiratory diseases, and neuroscience. Driven by a patient-focused philosophy since its founding in 1970, Hengrui Pharma remains committed to advancing human health by striving to conquer diseases, improve health, and extend lives through the power of science and technology. For more information, visit us at Hengrui.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Hengrui Pharma Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements that reflect Hengrui Pharma's beliefs or expectations about the future or future events as of the respective dates indicated therein ("forward-looking statements"). These forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions about Hengrui Pharma's operations, its future development plans, market (financial and otherwise) conditions and growth prospects, and are subject to significant risks, uncertainties and other factors beyond Hengrui Pharma's control, and accordingly, actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by these forward-looking statements. No reliance should be placed on such statements, which reflect the view of the management of Hengrui Pharma as at the date of this press release. Hengrui Pharma does not undertake any obligation to update these forward-looking statements for events or circumstances that occur subsequent to such dates.

SOURCE Hengrui Pharma

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YR Fitness Plans to Expand One-Stop Gym Solutions With Design and Fit-Out Services

SHANGHAI, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- YR Fitness has announced plans to expand its existing one-stop commercial gym solution with design and fit-out services, allowing gym owners to manage more of a complete project through one partner.

The new services will be introduced in phases based on market and project needs.

"Opening a gym already means managing enough moving parts," said George Yang, founder and chief designer of YR Fitness. "If we can make equipment sourcing, planning, delivery and after-sales easier, we should. The next step is helping customers manage more of the project through the same team."

A Complete Equipment Offering, Under One Commercial Standard

YR's product foundation is strength equipment, which it has developed and manufactured in-house for nearly 30 years.

For cardio and accessories, YR works with specialist manufacturing partners focused on those categories. A treadmill, a dumbbell and a strength machine require different manufacturing expertise, so YR works with the right specialists while keeping product standards and responsibility under YR.

YR is involved in supplier selection, specifications, key components, sample and durability testing, final inspection and product improvements based on customer feedback.

Different categories can come from different specialists. But whatever YR supplies, YR takes responsibility for.

Fewer Suppliers, Fewer Things to Manage

Customers can source strength equipment, cardio, accessories, gym planning and layout, customization, shipping and after-sales support through YR, either as a complete package or by category.

For gym owners, that can mean fewer suppliers, fewer handoffs, fewer shipments to coordinate and fewer after-sales systems to manage. Technical support, spare parts and product issue resolution are coordinated through one channel.

One partner. One commercial standard. One after-sales team.

YR also considers long-term supply consistency for operators opening new locations or replacing equipment over time.

The Next Step in the One-Stop Model

Design and fit-out are the next planned extension of this model. The goal is to help customers manage more of the journey from an empty space to an operating commercial gym through the same partner, while keeping equipment, project coordination and after-sales connected.

About YR Fitness

Founded in 1997, YR Fitness provides one-stop commercial gym solutions, supplying strength equipment, cardio and accessories together with planning, customization, delivery and after-sales support. YR specializes in original strength-equipment design and serves customers in more than 110 countries.

Website: www.yanrefitness.com

SOURCE YR Fitness

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Zoomlion Signs US$300 Million Credit Insurance Policy and Initial US$50 Million Non-Recourse Factoring Agreement

SHANGHAI, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. ("Zoomlion") signed a US$300 million portfolio credit insurance policy and an initial US$50 million non-recourse factoring agreement at the Zoomlion 2026 Global Financial Partners Summit and Signing Ceremony in Shanghai on September 11, establishing a tiered insurance-and-financing framework for overseas installment receivables as its international business grows.

Developed over six months with international insurers and financial institutions, the arrangement combines portfolio credit insurance with non-recourse factoring. In practical terms, overseas installment receivables covered by the insurance policy can be factored with an overseas bank on a non-recourse basis. This gives Zoomlion a structured way to manage and finance overseas receivables rather than handling them transaction by transaction. The framework is designed to turn these receivables into scalable, standardized and replicable investment-grade assets.

At the signing ceremony, the US$300 million policy was signed with a double-A-rated international insurer and leading institutions, while the initial US$50 million non-recourse factoring agreement was signed with an overseas bank.

The agreements come as Zoomlion continues to expand internationally. In the first half of 2026, the company's international revenue rose 12.45% year over year to RMB 15.54 billion (approximately US$2.31 billion), accounting for 57.25% of total revenue.

Zoomlion CFO Du Yigang reviewed the company's cooperation with global financial partners and outlined its progress and future plans for overseas financial and insurance services.

"Zoomlion will continue to uphold the values of Integrity, Dedication, Inclusiveness and Responsibility and deepen mutual trust with our financial partners," said Du.

More than 40 financial and insurance partners from Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, France, Kazakhstan, Hong Kong SAR and other markets attended the summit. Discussions covered the global macroeconomic outlook, overseas financial and insurance strategies, regional market opportunities, exchange and interest rate trends, and insurance innovation. The Economist Corporate Network (ECN) led a morning session on macroeconomic and geopolitical trends, while representatives from Radana and Alfa-Bank shared perspectives on market and financing developments.

Xu Xiaoming, General Manager of Zoomlion's Financial Business Management Department and Credit Insurance Department, discussed future cooperation, while Deputy General Manager Yan Xin introduced the company's overseas third-party financing and insurance strategy and cooperation models.

Looking ahead, Zoomlion plans to deepen cooperation with global financial and insurance partners and further develop scalable and replicable financial and insurance solutions to support its international growth.

SOURCE Zoomlion

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NKT reaffirms strategic direction and presents capital allocation priorities at Investor Day 2026

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, NKT hosts Investor Day 2026 in Karlskrona, Sweden, providing additional insights into the execution of its Charging Forward strategy and presents capital allocation priorities to support long-term value creation.

Company Announcement

29 September 2026

Announcement No. 13

Since launching Charging Forward in 2025, NKT has continued the strategy execution to strengthen its position as a leading pure-play power cable systems provider. Building on its leading position in Europe and capturing opportunities globally, NKT is focused on ensuring long-term sustainable competitiveness through the strategic pillars Execute, Excel and Evolve. Investor Day 2026 provides further insight into how the strategy supports long-term profitable growth, cash generation and value creation.

"Today, we reaffirm the strategic direction and medium-term ambitions set out with Charging Forward. The fundamentals supporting the electrification of societies remain strong, and NKT is well positioned to create value from its leading market position as a pure-play power cable systems provider. As our cash generation capabilities are expected to increase in the coming years, the capital allocation priorities presented today provides a clear framework for balancing growth investments, financial strength and shareholder distribution," says Claes Westerlind, President and CEO of NKT.

During the investor day, NKT provides additional details on the path towards these ambitions, including the importance of continued excellence in execution of its EUR 2bn investment programme, cash generation and capital discipline. NKT also provides an update on the expansion in Karlskrona, Sweden, which will make the site the world's largest offshore power cable factory. Commercial operation is now expected to commence in Q2 2027, slightly ahead of the original plan, supporting the execution of the Transmission order backlog and the delivery of NKT's financial ambitions for 2030.

The medium-term financial ambitions communicated in Company Announcement No. 25 of 19 November 2025 remain unchanged.

Capital allocation priorities

Cash generation capabilities are expected to increase over the coming years, supported by the execution of the company's order backlog and completion of major investment projects. Therefore, NKT presents its capital allocation priorities supporting the company's strategic development while maintaining financial flexibility and creating long-term shareholder value.

NKT will allocate capital by fulfilling four priorities:

- Maintain a robust balance sheet with a financial leverage, net interest-bearing debt to operational EBITDA below 0x.

- Allocate capital to value-enhancing investments through organic growth initiatives and strategically aligned, value-accretive acquisitions.

- Pay dividends to shareholders with a minimum annual distribution of 20% of adjusted net profit and an ambition to keep a stable dividend per share.

- Return excess cash to shareholders through share buybacks or extraordinary dividends when appropriate.

The financial outlook for 2026 communicated in Company Announcement No. 11 of 13 August 2026 remains unchanged.

Investor Day webcast and materials

Details on the Investor Day held on 29 September 2026 can be found at investors.nkt.com. The presentation material will be released before 08.00 CET on 29 September.

Contact

Investors

Jacob Johansen, Head of Investor Relations

+45 2169 3591 / [email protected]

Press

Louise Westh Naldal, Head of Group Communications

+45 2982 0022 / [email protected] 

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

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iRegene Therapeutics's NouvSight001 Cleared for Clinical Trials in the U.S. and China for Retinitis Pigmentosa

- Following its Parkinson's disease program, iRegene advances another off-the-shelf cell therapy into clinical development in the U.S. and China.

CHENGDU, China, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- iRegene Therapeutics Co., Ltd. ("iRegene" or the "Company"), a biotechnology company pioneering chemically induced allogeneic cell therapy, today announced that its investigational cell therapy NouvSight001 has received clearance from China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for a Phase I/III clinical trial in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) to evaluate its safety, tolerability and preliminary efficacy.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also cleared NouvSight001 for a Phase I/II clinical trial for the same indication and granted a special exemption.

NouvSight001 is an allogeneic, off-the-shelf photoreceptor cell therapy developed using iRegene's proprietary "AI + Chemical Induction" ("AI + Chem") platform. As a cell replacement therapy, NouvSight001 is not limited to patients with a specific disease-causing genotype. The regulatory clearances in the U.S. and China mark another milestone in iRegene's global product development.

The company has built a regenerative medicine pipeline focused on major diseases associated with the structural burden of an aging global population, including Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple system atrophy (MSA), retinal degenerative diseases and ischemic stroke. Its pipeline now spans the central nervous system, visual system and neurovascular system.

From a Single Global Program to a Repeatable Global R&D Model

iRegene's "AI + Chem" platform is designed to identify and characterize key biological networks that determine cell fate and function, and to precisely regulate these networks using small molecules.

Through this approach, iRegene aims to make complex cell differentiation processes more predictable, controllable, reproducible and scalable for therapeutic manufacturing.

As multiple programs generated from the same platform move into international clinical development, iRegene is beginning to show the platform's applicability across different cell types and disease areas.

NouvSight001 expands iRegene's pipeline into retinal regenerative medicine, an area with significant unmet medical need. The program has now been cleared for clinical development in both the U.S. and China. This marks another step toward iRegene's "one platform, multiple products, global development" model, a key capability for a global platform biotech.

Advancing Global Clinical Execution Across the U.S. and China

Following FDA Orphan Drug Designation in 2024, NouvSight001 has now received clinical trial clearances from both the NMPA and FDA, as well as a special exemption from the FDA. This further demonstrates iRegene's ability to advance internally developed therapies into U.S. clinical development under global regulatory and development standards.

Although iRegene's programs address different diseases, target tissues and clinical settings, they share a common set of underlying capabilities: global regulatory strategy; CMC and quality systems established to meet FDA and NMPA requirements; manufacturing capabilities for allogeneic, off-the-shelf cell therapies; cross-border cold-chain and supply-chain capabilities; clinical development capabilities in the U.S. and China; and an R&D platform designed to continuously generate new therapeutic candidates.

For iRegene, globalization is therefore moving beyond regulatory clearance into what it calls "global clinical execution." This requires coordination across R&D, manufacturing, quality, regulatory affairs, supply chain and clinical operations.

Building a Global Regenerative Medicine Pipeline for Aging-Related Diseases

As populations age worldwide and healthcare needs evolve, iRegene is focused on the fundamental challenge of restoring cells and tissue functions lost to disease and aging.

Rather than developing a single cell therapy, iRegene aims to build a technology platform capable of continuously generating new regenerative medicine products. The company has built a pipeline across several major disease areas. Its programs seek to restore functions lost to disease, including neural circuits and vision, and to repair damaged neural tissue.

Through these programs, iRegene is building a regenerative medicine portfolio around key functions lost to aging and disease. The company aims to move more of these therapies into global development while building toward commercial scalability.

"Globalization has been embedded in our R&D system since the company was founded," said Tianshi Ruan, Chief Financial Officer of iRegene Therapeutics. "NouvNeu001 has given us hands-on experience advancing an iPSC-derived cell therapy across both the NMPA and FDA regulatory frameworks. NouvSight001 allows us to apply that experience to ophthalmology, a very different disease and tissue setting."

"The same underlying technology platform allows us to advance our pipeline globally and more efficiently. Going forward, we will continue to advance our core programs in clinical development in the U.S. and China, while actively exploring global multicenter studies and international commercial partnerships." Ruan added.

About Retinitis Pigmentosa

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited retinal degenerative diseases affecting approximately 1.5 million people worldwide. It typically begins with night blindness and progresses to peripheral vision loss and, in some cases, blindness. The only approved therapy is limited to patients with biallelic RPE65 mutations, who represent a small fraction of the RP population. Most patients still have no disease-modifying treatment options.

About iRegene Therapeutics

iRegene Therapeutics is a platform biotechnology company developing regenerative medicines for major aging-related diseases worldwide. At the core of the company is its proprietary "AI + Chem" platform, combining artificial intelligence, systems biology and chemical biology to identify and control key biological networks that determine cell fate and function. iRegene uses this approach to develop allogeneic, off-the-shelf cell therapies designed for standardized, scalable manufacturing.

Media Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE iRegene therapeutics

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Segway Powersports Brings Latin American and Canadian Media and Creators from Factory Floor to Real-World Terrain

CHANGZHOU, China, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Segway Powersports hosted 14 media representatives and creators from Canada, Chile, Peru, Panama, Brazil and Argentina from September 14–19 for the SEGWAY POWERSPORTS CHINA TOUR-2026 LATAM & CANADA EDITION, an immersive program connecting behind-the-scenes manufacturing insights with a full-lineup off-road riding experience.

The program began at Segway Powersports' manufacturing facility in Changzhou, China, where participants explored production, assembly, vehicle testing and final inspection. The visit offered a closer look at the manufacturing processes, quality controls and traceability practices behind Segway Powersports vehicles.

The experience then moved to Keping County in Aksu, Xinjiang, where participants took the full Segway Powersports lineup across desert terrain, gravel sections and water crossings. Driving multiple models in varied conditions allowed them to experience power delivery, handling, terrain capability and comfort firsthand—connecting what they had seen on the production line with how the vehicles perform in real-world environments.

Beyond the factory and riding experience, the program created a two-way exchange between Segway Powersports and its international guests. Participants shared perspectives on local riding environments, user expectations and product needs directly with the brand's marketing, product, R&D and after-sales teams, bringing insights from six markets into the discussion.

"Seeing how a vehicle is built is one thing; experiencing it in real terrain is another," said Ethan Zhang, Vice President of Marketing & Sales at Segway Powersports. "By bringing these experiences together, we want media and creators to understand our products more completely. At the same time, their local perspectives help us better understand what riders in different markets really need."

Segway Powersports plans to extend similar programs to more markets, strengthening relationships with media and creators while bringing real-world perspectives into ongoing product and service development.

About Segway Powersports

Segway is a global leader in micro-mobility, powersports, and consumer robotics, known for its innovation and user-focused products. Segway Powersports focuses specifically on the design and manufacturing of next-generation powersports vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and side-by-side vehicles (SxS) for both utility and sport applications. As a high-tech enterprise, Segway Powersports integrates a superior supply chain with its own manufacturing capabilities, managing the full lifecycle of its products – from R&D and production to sales and after-sales service.

For more information, please visit https://powersports.segway.com

SOURCE Segway Powersports

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Meet Jordic: The Unlikely Voice of a Heart-Health Warning Men Need to Hear

Launching today on World Heart Day, JOE Media Group's 'Listen to Jordic' turns a commonly ignored symptom into a captivating folk anthem about cardiovascular risk.

LONDON, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- What if an early warning sign of heart disease was not in your chest, but in your pants?

That is the provocative question behind 'Listen to Jordic', a new heart-health awareness campaign from JOE Media Group. Taking its cue from the Nordic pronunciation of "J" as "Y", the campaign introduces Jordic (pronounced "YOR-dik"), an unlikely Viking messenger who gives a voice to the part of the body men may be least willing to discuss. His message is intended to get more men talking about erectile dysfunction (ED) and recognising it as a potential health warning: for some men, ED can be an early sign of underlying cardiovascular disease.1–3

To make the warning difficult to ignore, Jordic takes centre stage in an epic folk-style song and music video, using humour to challenge the shame and stigma surrounding ED.

Backed by his merry Viking companions, Jordic delivers his warning:

"When I'm low, can't grow,

Don't doubt, find out

If this problem down below

Is telling you something you need to know."

The campaign reframes ED from a source of embarrassment into a potentially useful health signal: evidence that the body may already be trying to communicate something important. By meeting JOE's predominantly male audience through the cheeky, entertainment-led language familiar from the media and comedy they grew up with, 'Listen to Jordic' aims to make a serious message easier to hear, share and act on.

Paul McDonnell, Commercial Director UK & Ireland, JOE Media Group, explained why the campaign felt like a natural fit for JOE's audience:

"Sometimes, the most important health message is the one we're least comfortable hearing - and men, in particular, aren't always great at listening to those messages. That's what we really liked about the 'Listen to Jordic' campaign. It takes an issue that can feel embarrassing or 'unmanly' and approaches it in a light-hearted, disarming way, without losing the seriousness of the message behind it. 

That felt like a natural fit for JOE's comedic and playful tone of voice, allowing us to cut through the noise of the everyday social feed and reach our unrivalled male-focused audience in a way that feels authentic to them. Jordic is essentially your best mate looking out for you - telling you something you might not necessarily want to hear, but something that could genuinely save your life. If we can use JOE's platform to get more men to listen, get a quick check and find out what's going on, then hopefully we can make a real difference." 

Behind the humour is a serious health message. ED can precede heart symptoms by two to five years,4 creating a critical window for men to seek medical advice and better understand their risk. Yet that warning frequently goes unheard. Research found that 63% of men experiencing ED have never spoken to a doctor about it.5 And part of the reason might be because many don't realise ED can signal something more serious: 78% of 2,000 men surveyed in the UK were unaware it can signal an underlying heart problem.6 Coronary heart disease is the UK's leading cause of death in men, claiming around 41,000 lives each year.7,8

Vernon Bainton, Chief Medical Officer at Havas Lynx, explained the medical rationale behind the campaign:

"We know that erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease often share common vascular origins. Crucially, ED can be an early warning, sometimes emerging years before a more serious cardiovascular event. While ED is not a definitive indicator of heart disease, it is a signal that should never be ignored or sidelined by stigma. By normalising this conversation, 'Listen to Jordic' bridges a vital gap, empowering men to recognise these signals correctly and take the proactive step of consulting a healthcare professional."

Following Jordic's performance, audiences will be directed to ListenToJordic.com where they can learn more about the connection between ED and cardiovascular health and understand when to seek medical advice.

"I'm telling you now

I'm begging you please

Erectile dysfunction

could be heart disease."

The video launches today, World Heart Day, exclusively on JOE.co.uk, supported by editorial and social content across JOE's ecosystem. Created by Havas Lynx UK for JOE Media Group, the campaign film was produced by Lightfarm Studios, with music by Jamute. The original track will be released across major streaming platforms through VOLYUM.

About JOE Media

JOE Media Group is Ireland's largest digital media house, reaching every 18+ individual in Ireland at least once per week. Home to JOE, SportsJoe, Lovin, LovinIE, HER and HerFamily, our brands produce and publish influential content that impacts and engages audiences on social. We act as a conduit – connecting brands to our highly engaged communities that span men's lifestyle, politics, culture, women's lifestyle, sport and entertainment.

Campaign Credits

Client: JOE Media Group

Commercial Director UK & IE: Paul McDonnell

Content Director: Ros Madigan

Editorial Director: George Mckay

Deputy Editorial Director: Gerard Brand

Lead Comedy Producer: David Atkinson

Agency: HAVAS LYNX UK (Manchester)

Chief Executive Officer: Claire Knapp

Chief Creative Officer: Alex Okada

Executive Creative Director: Chris Wellard

Senior Creative Curator: Sophia Shaw

Creative Director: Michael Stott

Deputy Creative Director: Bronwynne Evans

Senior Creative Copywriter: Steven Gormley

Senior Art Director: James Danson

Senior Designer: Callum Dawes

Senior Designer: Dan Augey

Designer: Emily Broughton

Senior Artworker: Sam Malpass

Scientific Director: Faye Emery

Planner: Hollie Dalton

Group Account Director: Fliss Barber

Account Executive: Denise Omolara

Animation Production Company: Lightfarm Studios

Music and Sound Production: Jamute

Music Direction: James Feeler

Music Production: James Feeler & Charly Coombes

Singer: Charly Coombes

Executive Producer: Gabriela Alberti

Sound Engineers: Fernanda Galetti, Marcelo Filho and Pedro Cortez

Production Coordinators: Ana Cordeiro and Julianna Zuppo

Music distribution: VOLYUM

Music label: Art of Sound

References:

- Salonia A, Brock G. Erectile Dysfunction: A Harbinger of Cardiovascular Disease Risk. In: Jannini, E.A. The Canary in the Coalmine. Trends in Andrology and Sexual Medicine. p. 27–41. Cham: Springer; 2026.

- De Leonardis F, et al. Biomedicines. 2022;10(8):1848.

- Montorsi F, et al. Eur Urol. 2003;44(3):360–365.

- Jackson G. Erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. Arab J Urol. 2013;11(3):212–216.

- Healthline. Results for Healthline's Survey on Men's Health | Erectile Dysfunction Edition. Accessed August 2026. https://www.healthline.com/health/mens-health-survey-and-ed.

- TRTed. TRTed & The Urology Foundation Survey Results Report. Accessed August, 2026. https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/633aebd8e9bf1113de502a13/649069bfc332d7314ad09560_Results%20Summary%20Report.pdf.

- British Heart Foundation. Global Cardiovascular Disease Factsheet. Accessed August 2026. https://www.bhf.org.uk/-/media/files/for-professionals/research/heart-statistics/bhf-cvd-statistics-global-factsheet-jul26.pdf?rev=8338da85e336432ebb502d6c94d72f8c&hash=D32AF4DD15A77546FE3BCFDD182C3D26.

- British Heart Foundation. Cardiovascular disease Statistics 2026. Chapter 1- Mortality. Accessed August 2026. Available from: https://www.bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/our-research/heart-statistics/heart-statistics-publications/cardiovascular-disease-statistics-2026.

SOURCE Havas Health Network

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