59th CIFF Guangzhou: Power the Next. Celebrating 30 years, CIFF Guangzhou looks ahead to a new era of design, innovation and global business

GUANGZHOU, China, Sept. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The 59th China International Furniture Fair (CIFF Guangzhou) will be held in Guangzhou Pazhou in two phases, on March 18–21 and March 28–31, 2027, marking an important milestone: 30 years since the foundation of CIFF.

Under the theme "Power the Next", the 2027 edition will celebrate three decades of continuous evolution while looking firmly towards the future. Across 850,000 sqm, CIFF Guangzhou will once again bring together the entire furniture industry, connecting design, new lifestyles, advanced manufacturing and global business.

The new edition builds on the strong results achieved in 2026, when the 57th CIFF Guangzhou welcomed 353,106 professional visitors from 185 countries and regions, including a record 64,291 overseas attendees, up 13.2% year on year, alongside more than 5,100 brands from 36 countries and regions.

A strong foundation for an edition designed to take CIFF Guangzhou's international development one step further.

Intelligence and sustainability will run across the entire 59th CIFF Guangzhou — from smart homes and workplaces to advanced manufacturing, new materials and increasingly sustainable approaches to production and exhibition design.

Design and new lifestyles

During Phase 1, March 18–21, Home Furniture will offer a comprehensive overview of contemporary living, bringing together leading brands and new products across high-end design, whole-house customization, upholstery, living and dining furniture.

Original design will remain a major focus, with a new Designer Sourcing Zone creating direct connections between brands, designers, manufacturers and buyers.

At the same time, CIFF will continue to explore some of the fastest-evolving areas of contemporary living, including smart furniture, healthy and elderly-friendly living, pet living and new retail.

Homedecor & Hometextile will present a broad spectrum of interior decoration and textile solutions, while Outdoor Furniture, Sunshade & Leisure will showcase the evolution of outdoor living through furniture, sunshade systems, materials and leisure products.

New scenarios for work and commercial spaces

During Phase 2, March 28–31, Office & Commercial Space will explore the transformation of workplaces and public environments, with particular attention to design, wellbeing, flexibility, smart technologies and sustainability.

From integrated office solutions and seating — including a dedicated E-sports Seating Zone — to expanded solutions for education and hospitality environments, the exhibition will present new approaches to the rapidly changing ways in which people work, interact and experience shared spaces.

Smart manufacturing and material innovation

Completing the entire furniture supply chain, CIFM/interzum guangzhou will bring together leading companies in furniture machinery, hardware and materials.

Automation, flexible production, smart home hardware and innovative materials will demonstrate how technology is transforming furniture manufacturing, improving efficiency, customization and product quality while supporting the industry's transition towards more sustainable production models.

Strengthening global connections

Internationalisation will remain at the heart of CIFF Guangzhou's strategy.

Building on the record international attendance achieved in 2026, CIFF will further develop its relationships with international buyers, professional communities, industry associations, designers and media, while strengthening sourcing, matchmaking and networking opportunities.

Online and offline initiatives will increasingly connect exhibitors and buyers before, during and after the fair, reinforcing CIFF Guangzhou's role as a year-round platform for international trade and industry exchange.

30 years of evolution. The next chapter begins

Over three decades, CIFF has evolved alongside the furniture industry itself, becoming a global platform connecting Design Trends, Global Trade and the Complete Supply Chain. Today, this evolution extends well beyond the eight exhibition days.

Through its "8+365" service model, CIFF connects the physical exhibition with continuous sourcing, matchmaking, industry insights and cross-border collaboration, creating new opportunities for exhibitors and buyers throughout the year.

With "Power the Next", the 59th CIFF Guangzhou will celebrate this journey by looking decisively ahead — towards new design cultures, smarter technologies, sustainable development, changing lifestyles and increasingly interconnected global markets.

For free registration and more information on CIFF please visit: www.ciff-gz.com

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SOURCE CIFF Guangzhou

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Aljazira Bank Selects Thunes to Power Next-Generation Global Remittances from Saudi Arabia

Strategic collaboration to boost remittance payment speed, transparency, and international coverage for Aljazira Bank customers through Thunes' trusted Network.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Thunes, the Smart Superhighway to move money around the world, has signed a new agreement with Aljazira Bank, one of Saudi Arabia's leading financial institutions, to modernize and expand its international remittance services.

Through this collaboration, Aljazira Bank will significantly enhance the speed and reliability of consumer remittances and broaden its payment catalogue with new endpoints and destinations around the world. By leveraging Thunes' trusted Direct Global Network, the bank's retail customers will gain real-time access to pay to billions of bank accounts and mobile wallets worldwide, with optimised cross-border rails spanning key, high volume corridors in Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Thunes continues to expand its relationships in Saudi Arabia, supporting established, highly regulated local institutions to meet a surge in market demand as the Kingdom solidifies its position as a global hub for digital finance under Vision 2030. According to research by Thunes and Juniper Research, Saudi Arabia has one of the highest volumes of cross-border payment activity globally, with 56% of residents sending money internationally in the past year.

The agreement with Aljazira Bank reinforces the profound trust that Saudi Arabia's premier banking players place in Thunes to power their core cross-border capabilities instantly, securely and at scale.

Fahad Almutairi, Head of Retail Digital Banking and Payments at Aljazira Bank, said: "At Aljazira Bank, our focus is on providing our customers with world-class financial services that are fast, secure, and convenient. Leveraging Thunes' trusted Direct Global Network will enable us to upgrade our cross-border payment capabilities significantly. With the growth of new payment innovation and soaring international popularity of mobile wallets, we are prioritizing our customers' unprecedented access and faster account transfers across key international corridors."

Ahmad Yaacoub, VP MENA and Country Head for Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at Thunes, said: "We are honored to be chosen by Aljazira Bank, a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's banking sector. This agreement reflects the deep trust that established financial institutions place in Thunes to support their digital strategy. Together, we are connecting the Kingdom to the world, transforming how millions of people send money home. It's a seamless experience that empowers the Kingdom's essential migrant workforce and fuels the broader KSA economy."

Find out more about Thunes: https://www.thunes.com/

SOURCE Thunes

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CAPE TOWN, South Africa, Sept. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Globeleq, a leading independent power company in Africa, today announced the appointment of Edouard Wenseleers as Chief Development Officer (CDO), effective 10 August 2026. In this role, he will join the Executive Committee and lead the company's Business Development activities across the continent.

Wenseleers brings over 15 years' experience in the African power sector and has played a leading role in advancing Globeleq's development portfolio since joining the company in 2018. Most recently serving as Managing Director, Business Development and Head of East Africa, he has led numerous development, acquisition and investment initiatives that have strengthened Globeleq's position as one of Africa's leading energy transition platforms. He also had overall responsibility for the company's operations and asset management in Kenya. Wenseleers succeeds John Smelcer, who has decided to step away from the business to prioritise family commitments, following a highly successful tenure leading Globeleq's development activities.

During his time at Globeleq, Wenseleers played a key role in the financial close and construction of the 52 MWp Malindi Solar project and successfully led the financial close of the 35 MW Menengai geothermal project in Kenya, while also overseeing strategic acquisitions and growth opportunities across East Africa and Zambia. He played a leading role in the acquisition of Norfund's 51% stake in Lunsemfwa Hydro Power Company. Prior to joining Globeleq, Wenseleers spent ten years with ENGIE, where he contributed to the successful development of major power projects in Morocco before establishing and leading the company's East Africa presence from Nairobi.

Jonathan Hoffman, Chief Executive Officer of Globeleq, said:

"Edouard's appointment reflects both his significant contribution to Globeleq over the past eight years and the depth of leadership talent within our organization. He has consistently demonstrated the ability to originate, develop and deliver complex projects in some of Africa's most dynamic markets. As we continue to expand our development portfolio and pursue new opportunities, I believe Edouard is the right leader to get the most out of our team and deliver value for our business and the communities we serve."

Edouard Wenseleers, Chief Development Officer:

"Globeleq has built one of the strongest development platforms in Africa, with a diverse pipeline of projects that can deliver meaningful value for our shareholders, customers and host countries. I am excited to work with our teams and partners across the continent to advance high-quality opportunities, reach key project milestones and convert our pipeline into operating assets that contribute to economic growth and energy security."

About Globeleq

Globeleq is a leading developer, owner, and operator of electricity generation in Africa, delivering tailored energy solutions and supporting the region's energy transition. Since 2002, Globeleq has built a diverse portfolio of independent power plants, currently generating 1,660 MW across 17 power plants in seven countries, with 665 MW under construction and more than 2,000 MW in development. Globeleq is owned by British International Investment and Norfund, the UK and Norwegian development finance institutions. For more details: www.globeleq.com

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10 WORKING DAYS TO READ: PRIVACY FINE PRINT BEHIND A FAMILY'S DIGITAL DAY MORE THAN SHAKESPEARE'S COMPLETE WORKS, NEW STUDY FINDS

UK family would need about 83 hours, or 10.4 working days, to read 257 consumer privacy and terms documents linked to one ordinary day

ZURICH, Sept. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A UK family would need more than 10 full working days to read the privacy small print attached to the digital services and systems involved in one ordinary day, according to a new Web3 Foundation study.

The modelled family scenario involved 257 documents containing 1,184,835 words. That is about 83 hours of reading, or 10.4 eight-hour working days, and 34% more than the 884,647 words in William Shakespeare's complete works.

The White Paper, Everyday Surveillance: What One Ordinary Day May Reveal About You, mapped six model households in the UK and US. Researchers identified 1,195 relevant consumer privacy and terms documents containing more than 5.38 million words.

Across 143 companies and institutions, 83% describe the ability to use personal data for marketing or advertising, 80% to combine it with other information, 71% to sharing with commercial partners and at least 24% have documents stating that user data may be used to train or improve AI or machine-learning systems.

The study does not claim to be a national survey or to describe the practices of every user. It examines documented capabilities and permissions across evidence-led model scenarios involving ordinary digital services and systems in the UK and US.

Gavin Wood, founder of Web3 Foundation, said: "We did what consumers are told to do: we read the privacy policies. For the modelled UK family, one ordinary day means more than ten working days of reading. None of this is hidden. Rather, it is disclosed, in public, in full, and at a volume that functions as concealment."

Bill Laboon, Vice President of Technical Operations at Web3 Foundation, said: "What is striking is how much data may be generated around completely ordinary digital activity. The report raises the question of whether we can build services differently, for example, by allowing people to prove what is needed without routinely disclosing the underlying information."

The White Paper and Technical Methodology: https://web3.foundation/insights/

Media enquiries: Tom Collins, [email protected], +44 7904 496117

About Web3 Foundation: Web3 Foundation supports a fairer internet.

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Arcadis deepens Autodesk collaboration to accelerate AI and data-led delivery for clients

AMSTERDAM, Sept. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Arcadis (EURONEXT: ARCAD), the world's leading company delivering data-driven sustainable design, engineering and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets, today announced an expanded collaboration with Autodesk to accelerate the use of artificial intelligence, connected data and digital workflows across the built and natural environment, whilst keeping human expertise and judgment at the center of delivery for clients. By aligning Arcadis' industry expertise and growth ambitions with Autodesk's platform innovation, the collaboration is designed to create shared value and support the long-term success of both companies.

The collaboration combines Arcadis' embedded domain expertise in design, engineering, sustainability and project delivery with Autodesk's Design and Make platform and Autodesk AI, including Autodesk Assistant, which understands geometry, engineering intent and project history. It is an accelerator of Arcadis' AI and Data & Knowledge strategy, helping the company bring its own knowledge, standards and client experience into the digital workflows where project decisions are made. One example is See Through Walls, a joint project using AI, sensor data and predictive modeling to infer the condition of what is hidden inside existing buildings, supporting material reuse, circularity and decarbonization.

For clients, this work is designed to make digital and AI-enabled delivery more practical, consistent and valuable across complex projects. Arcadis applies its asset knowledge, judgment, client standards and sector expertise needed to apply digital and AI tools to real-world challenges. That work runs on the Autodesk platform, where AI outputs can be checked against real project data and the conditions a design must meet. Together, this helps clients make better informed decisions, improve quality and resilience, reduce delivery risk, and increase productivity.

Technology alone does not create value. Adoption does. Arcadis' people remain central to how AI and digital capabilities are translated into better, reviewed and verified outcomes for clients, enabling teams to apply their expertise in new ways while improving speed, accuracy and consistency in delivery. This strategic partnership between industry leaders, stronger platform approach utilizing Arcadis domain expertise, practical AI advancements and joint research activities bring differentiated value for Arcadis clients.

Heather Polinsky, CEO, Arcadis, said: "Our clients choose Arcadis because of the knowledge, judgment and experience of our people. That expertise remains at the heart of how we create value. Working with Autodesk, we are bringing that knowledge directly into the workflows where our teams design and decide. By combining our expertise with AI, data and digital capabilities, we can help our teams work smarter, more efficiently and with greater accuracy, giving them more time to focus on the complex challenges our clients need us to solve."

Andrew Anagnost, President and CEO, Autodesk, said: "Arcadis and its strong leadership team are clearly organizing for the future, not simply adopting new technology. They understand that AI creates the most value when grounded in deep industry expertise, trusted data, and real-world context. That's how AI becomes project intelligence, helping people make better decisions and deliver better outcomes for clients."

Arcadis is connecting its own Model Context Protocol (MCP) capabilities with Autodesk Assistant, a flexible approach that lets Arcadis' knowledge, standards, and guidance be applied within AI-powered workflows while retaining full ownership of what it builds.

Arcadis' wider digital ecosystem includes partnerships with other leading organizations. Together, these capabilities support Arcadis' services model, bringing domain experts, product teams, data specialists and client teams together to redesign workflows that can create repeatable and scalable value across clients, sectors and geographies.

Existing AI and automation initiatives across Arcadis in North America and Europe, are already delivering measurable efficiencies. In one example, automation has reduced quality reviews from five days to approximately half a day, demonstrating the potential to release capacity, improve consistency, and support faster project delivery.

Arcadis creates value for clients by combining a focused group of world-class digital technology partners, including Autodesk, with fast-moving startup solution partners and Arcadis' engineering expertise. This approach enables Arcadis to integrate proven platforms with emerging innovations and sector knowledge, creating practical, well-connected solutions that improve project delivery, support better decision-making, and deliver real outcomes for customers.

ABOUT ARCADIS

Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering data-driven sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets. We are around 34,000 architects, data analysts, designers, engineers, project planners, water management and sustainability experts, all driven by our passion for improving quality of life. As part of our commitment to accelerating a planet positive future, we work with our clients to make sustainable project choices, combining digital and human innovation, and embracing future-focused skills across the environment, energy and water, buildings, transport, and infrastructure sectors. We operate in over 30 countries, and reported €4.9 billion in gross revenues for 2025. www.arcadis.com

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DUBAI, UAE, Sept. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Following a highly active two-day exhibition, Aurra Markets announces its successful conclusion at Forex Expo Dubai 2026. Held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from the 22nd to the 23rd of September, the event marked a major milestone in our global expansion, highlighted by Aurra Markets receiving the 'Best Emerging Broker' award.

Award Recognition for Trading Infrastructure

In a highly competitive industry, being recognized as the Best Emerging Broker highlights our operational standards and commitment to advancing trading technology. By consistently delivering sub-12ms execution, maintaining raw spreads from 0.0 pips, and holding fully segregated client funds, Aurra Markets is rapidly positioning itself as a broker of choice for active market participants.

Meeting Global Market Demands

"We are pleased to receive the Best Emerging Broker award at Forex Expo Dubai," stated a spokesperson for Aurra Markets. "This recognition is a direct result of our mission to build a multi-asset ecosystem that prioritizes the trader's success by combining Tier-1 liquidity with technical stability. Winning this award in a major financial hub like Dubai proves that our transparent, high-performance infrastructure meets global market demands."

Showcasing Technology at Booth 21

Throughout the expo, our Diamond Sponsor space at Booth 21 served as a primary focal point for investors, media buyers, and financial professionals reviewing modern trading technology.

Volume-Based Rebates for Affiliates

Our dedicated affiliate managers held continuous consultations with introducing brokers and network builders. These professionals were eager to review our Partnership Programme, specifically our highly competitive volume-based rebates and comprehensive partner tracking portal designed to scale affiliate revenue.

Interactive On-Booth Networking

To complement the high-level business discussions, Booth 21 featured a lively atmosphere driven by our interactive activities. Expo attendees participated in these networking sessions, resulting in hundreds of visitors walking away with exclusive Aurra Markets merchandise, further establishing our brand presence in the region.

Building on Global Momentum

Aurra Markets extends its gratitude to the organizers of Forex Expo Dubai, our dedicated global team, and the thousands of traders and partners who visited our booth. We look forward to leveraging this momentum as we continue to push the boundaries of financial technology.

For more information about our award-winning forex platform and multi-asset ecosystem, please visit www.aurra.markets.

SOURCE Aurra Markets

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PECHOIN Marks Its 10th Year at IFSCC, Showcasing Advances in Asian Skin Research

PERTH, Australia, Sept. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- PECHOIN, a Chinese skincare brand with a long-standing commitment to research focused on Asian skin, returns to the Congress of the International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists (IFSCC) for its 10th year. Building on a decade of participation and sustained investment in fundamental research, PECHOIN will present its latest scientific achievements and highlight how research rooted in the characteristics of Asian skin is being translated into skincare innovation.

Nine Years, Seven Awards: A Decade of Scientific Research

IFSCC is one of the most prestigious international academic organizations in cosmetic science and technology, representing rigorous global standards in fundamental research and technological innovation in the cosmetics industry.

Over the past decade, PECHOIN has received IFSCC international scientific awards seven times over nine years, marking a sustained record of recognition on the global cosmetics science stage.

PECHOIN became the first IFSCC Gold Member in China and has three times been recognized as the only Gold-level partner in Asia. Over the past 10 years, the brand has submitted nearly 200 research papers to IFSCC Congresses, with close to 100 accepted by the Congress. PECHOIN is also the first Chinese brand to have received the IFSCC Young Scientist Award three times.

Through continued research investment and academic collaboration, PECHOIN has brought scientific exploration of Asian skin to a broader international academic audience, contributing to the growing body of research focused on the specific characteristics and needs of Asian consumers.

Translating Cutting-Edge Research into Product Innovation

For PECHOIN, the value of fundamental research ultimately lies in its ability to address real consumer needs.

Among the 12 research papers selected for this year's IFSCC Congress, one research achievement has already been translated into a core technology for PECHOIN's strategic new product, Exquisite Jade Face Cream 2.0.

Designed around the physiological characteristics of Asian women, including a relatively thicker dermis and comparatively flatter skeletal contours, PECHOIN has moved beyond the conventional approach of simply supplementing collagen.

By integrating traditional Chinese wisdom with modern biology, the brand has developed a full-process contour-focused anti-aging approach centered on "Clear • Replenish • Nourish".

Exquisite Jade Face Cream 2.0 has undergone human clinical testing conducted by professional third-party institutions and Grade III Class A hospitals. Supported by clinical data demonstrating its firming and anti-aging efficacy, the product represents a pathway from cutting-edge research to advanced skincare application.

95 Years of Heritage, from Eastern Beauty to Global Scientific Dialogue

Founded in 1931, PECHOIN celebrates its 95th anniversary in 2026.

For nearly a century, PECHOIN has remained focused on the skincare needs of Asian women, exploring the integration of Eastern herbal traditions with efficacy-driven skincare technology.

For consecutive years, PECHOIN has been the only Chinese brand ranked among the Top 15 of Brand Finance's "World's Most Valuable Cosmetics and Personal Care Brands."

More than a decade ago, PECHOIN partnered with universities to establish a database on the baseline skin characteristics of Chinese women. The brand has also led the development of industry standards including Evaluation Methods for Facial Contouring Firmness and Isoline Technology in Cosmetics and the White Paper on Holistic Anti-Aging for Asian Women, contributing to the continued scientific and quantitative exploration of anti-aging for Asian skin.

As PECHOIN reaches its 10th year of engagement with IFSCC, its participation in the international academic event marks more than a presentation of the brand's latest research achievements. It reflects PECHOIN's continued effort to connect rigorous scientific research with product innovation and to bring research centered on Asian skin to the global stage.

About PECHOIN

Founded in 1931, PECHOIN is a leading skincare brand in China with a long heritage. With over 90 years of scientific innovation and breakthroughs, PECHOIN has achieved a seamless integration of Oriental herbal ingredients and efficacy-driven technology, offering a wide range of products tailored to address the diverse skincare needs of Oriental women.

PECHOIN has been listed for 7 consecutive years in the Brand Finance Global Top 50 Most Valuable Cosmetics and Personal Care Brands, and remains the only Chinese brand within the Top 15. In the Worldpanel Consumer Index, it has ranked as the No.1 preferred skincare brand for consumers for 9 consecutive years.

The brand has also received multiple international honors at the IFSCC, often referred to as the "Nobel Prize of the cosmetics industry," achieving 7 awards in 9 years, ranking first among Chinese brands.

SOURCE PECHOIN

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Ancient Wushu Meets AIGC: How Cangzhou Is Reimagining Its Cultural Story

CANGZHOU, China, Sept. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from Xinhuanet:

The 12th China Cangzhou International Wushu Competition came to a close on September 13 at Cangzhou Stadium, bringing together 4,352 athletes and coaches from 295 teams across 40 countries and regions. From 4-year-old newcomers to 82-year-old masters, four generations of wushu practitioners took to the same stage, showing how Chinese martial arts can transcend generations, borders and cultures.

For Cangzhou, an international wushu competition is also a way to open a conversation with the world about its cultural heritage. In recent years, the city has been exploring new media and cultural experiences to bring traditional wushu beyond the competition arena and introduce it to a wider international audience.

Ahead of this year's competition, Cangzhou released Iron Lion: The Sentinel of Time, a 17-minute AI-generated short film that weaves the city's wushu heritage into a story created for an international audience. Bringing fictional characters together with Cangzhou's urban landscape, wushu traditions and memories of the Grand Canal, the film explores how traditional culture can be reimagined through storytelling in the age of artificial intelligence.

Released on September 5, the film also served as an extension of the competition's international outreach. It has since garnered more than 5.51 million views across platforms, drawing attention from online audiences. One commenter, "Siwei Jiaoyu," wrote: "I never expected AI could create such an atmospheric Chinese kung fu short film. What a pleasant surprise!"

The film is part of a broader effort in Cangzhou to explore contemporary ways of presenting traditional culture. By combining storytelling, AI-generated visuals and immersive experiences, the city is looking for ways to move wushu beyond simply being displayed—and towards being seen, understood and experienced.

The same approach can be found in Cangzhou's tourism offerings. Canghai Qixia Town, located in Yunhe District, draws on the city's history and wushu traditions to develop the "Seven Heroes of Canghai" IP. The cultural tourism destination offers more than 60 performances and interactive experiences, combining immersive storytelling and street performances with wushu, intangible cultural heritage, local cuisine and cultural products. As one of the key cultural tourism projects of the 10th Conference of Hebei Tourism Industry Development, Canghai Qixia Town represents another effort to bring traditional culture into contemporary tourism.

From international competitions and AI-generated films to immersive tourism experiences, Cangzhou is experimenting with different ways to carry its thousand-year-old wushu tradition into the present—using wushu not only as a form of martial arts, but also as a language for cultural exchange, urban experiences and contemporary storytelling.

SOURCE Xinhuanet

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Akeso Announces First Patient Enrolled in Global Phase III Trial of Cadonilimab Versus Nivolumab in First-Line Gastric Cancer

HONG KONG, Sep. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Akeso, Inc. (9926.HK) ("Akeso" or the "Company") today announced that the first patient has been enrolled in COMPASSION-37 (AK104-311), a global, multicenter Phase III head-to-head trial evaluating cadonilimab, Akeso's first-in-class PD-1/CTLA-4 bispecific antibody, in combination with chemotherapy versus chemotherapy with or without nivolumab as first-line treatment for patients with HER2-negative, previously untreated, unresectable or metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction (G/GEJ) adenocarcinoma.

The study is designed to further evaluate the efficacy and safety of cadonilimab as first-line therapy for advanced gastric cancer across geographically and ethnically diverse patient populations worldwide, and to investigate whether dual PD-1/CTLA-4 immune checkpoint blockade can further improve outcomes beyond the current standard of care.

COMPASSION-37 is co-led by a distinguished international group of global principal investigators, including Dr. Yelena Y. Janjigian, Chief of the Gastrointestinal Oncology Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK); Professor Markus Möhler of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany; Professor Jiafu Ji, Director of the Gastrointestinal Cancer Center at Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute; and Professor Lin Shen, Director of the Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology at Peking University Cancer Hospital.

Dr. Janjigian, Professor Möhler, and Professor Shen were investigators on the CheckMate 649 trial, which established the clinical value of nivolumab plus chemotherapy as first-line treatment for advanced gastric, gastroesophageal junction, and esophageal adenocarcinoma and led to the adoption of PD-1 inhibitor plus chemotherapy as a key first-line treatment strategy for HER2-negative advanced gastric cancer.

As immunotherapy has become widely adopted in the first-line setting for gastric cancer, the relationship between PD-L1 expression and treatment benefit has drawn increasing attention. Studies including CheckMate 649 have shown that the benefit of PD-1 inhibitor plus chemotherapy is more pronounced in patients with high PD-L1 expression, while how to further improve immunotherapy outcomes in patients with low PD-L1 expression remains an important area of clinical investigation.

Chemotherapy with or without a PD-1 inhibitor remains the international standard of care for advanced gastric cancer; however, the disease is biologically and clinically heterogeneous. In the U.S., first-line PD-1 inhibitor indications in advanced gastric cancer are currently limited to PD-L1-positive patients, and current NCCN and ESMO guidelines preferentially recommend nivolumab-based regimens for patients with PD-L1 CPS ≥5. Consequently, effective immunotherapy options for PD-L1-low advanced gastric cancer remain a significant global unmet need.

"Immunotherapy has transformed the treatment of stomach and esophagus cancers, helping patients live longer and better," said Yelena Y. Janjigian, MD, FASCO, Chief of the Gastrointestinal Oncology Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) and global principal investigator for the COMPASSION-37 study. "Through our evaluation of cadonilimab as a potential first-line treatment for advanced disease, we aim to better understand its potential to improve outcomes and support longer-term survival for patients." Dr. Janjigian previously served as the lead principal investigator for the CheckMate 649 trial, which established nivolumab-based therapy as a global standard of care.

Professor Jiafu Ji said: "COMPASSION-15 has already shown that cadonilimab plus chemotherapy significantly improves overall survival in patients with HER2-negative advanced gastric cancer, with a favorable survival trend also seen in patients with PD-L1 CPS 5, suggesting that dual PD-1/CTLA-4 blockade may expand the population that benefits from immunotherapy. COMPASSION-37 takes this further by evaluating the regimen in a global, multicenter, head-to-head Phase III trial against current international standards of care. Its greater value lies in rigorously testing the evidence we have generated on a worldwide scale. As clinicians, the key question is whether this innovation can offer more effective and broadly applicable first-line options for patients with advanced gastric cancer across different PD-L1 levels, regions, and populations. We look forward to COMPASSION-37 providing high-quality global evidence that can help bring clinically meaningful treatments to patients worldwide."

"Advanced gastric cancer is characterized by substantial biological and clinical heterogeneity. Previous studies have shown that the magnitude of benefit from PD-1 inhibitor therapy is closely associated with PD-L1 expression, and that there remains room to further improve outcomes, particularly in patients with low PD-L1 expression. How to broaden the population that effectively benefits from immunotherapy is an important and not yet fully addressed clinical question in gastric cancer. We look forward to COMPASSION-37 further clarifying the value of dual PD-1/CTLA-4 immune checkpoint blockade across PD-L1 expression subgroups," said Professor Lin Shen.

From COMPASSION-15 to COMPASSION-37: From Chinese Phase III Evidence to Global Head-to-Head Validation

COMPASSION-15 is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase III study that enrolled 610 patients with HER2-negative advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma. The study enrolled a notably high proportion of patients with low PD-L1 expression (49.8%) and PD-L1-negative disease (23%), far exceeding rates in comparable historical studies. This provides strong support for the benefit of cadonilimab in the overall population, irrespective of PD-L1 expression.

Results from COMPASSION-15 study showed that, in the overall population, cadonilimab plus chemotherapy significantly reduced the risk of death compared with the control group, regardless of PD-L1 expression status. These findings suggest that dual PD-1/CTLA-4 immune checkpoint blockade may offer new therapeutic options for gastric cancer patients across different PD-L1 expression levels and provide an important scientific basis for further international head-to-head Phase III validation.

Gastric Cancer Immunotherapy: From "Whether" to "Who Benefits Most"

At present, PD-1 inhibitor plus chemotherapy has become one of the key first-line treatment strategies for HER2-negative advanced gastric cancer. However, multiple studies consistently suggest that the magnitude of immunotherapy benefit is closely associated with PD-L1 expression, with more definitive survival benefits in high-expressing patients and relatively modest absolute benefit in low-expressing patients.

PD-L1 expression thresholds and treatment recommendations vary across regions and guidelines. A single CPS cutoff should not be applied uniformly across all settings.This means that the central question in gastric cancer immunotherapy is gradually shifting from "whether immunotherapy should be added" to "how to select the most appropriate immunotherapy strategy based on tumor biology, and how to further broaden the population that truly derives long-term benefit." COMPASSION-37 is being conducted against this backdrop.

Advancing Global Clinical Development

In addition to COMPASSION-37, an international study of cadonilimab in the perioperative setting for gastric cancer has also been initiated. A single-arm Phase II study (NCT07631000), led by Dr. Yelena Y. Janjigian at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, is currently enrolling patients in the United States. The study evaluates cadonilimab in combination with FLOT chemotherapy as perioperative treatment in patients with locally advanced, resectable gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma, exploring whether dual PD-1/CTLA-4 immune checkpoint blockade can be extended to earlier-stage, curable gastric cancer.

From the randomized Phase III COMPASSION-15 study conducted in China, to the perioperative Phase II study being conducted in the United States, and now to the global, multicenter, head-to-head Phase III COMPASSION-37 study, the clinical development of cadonilimab in gastric cancer is progressively forming a complete pathway that spans from advanced disease to the perioperative setting and from Chinese evidence to global validation.

Whether COMPASSION-37 can further improve patient survival beyond the current standard of care—and, in particular, whether it can offer a new treatment option for patients with low PD-L1 expression—will ultimately be answered by the results of this rigorous Phase III trial. This is the key scientific question that COMPASSION-37 is designed to answer.

In addition to the COMPASSION-37 study, a Phase II study (NCT07631000) of perioperative cadonilimab with neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with localized, resectable HER2-negative gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) tumors, led by Dr. Yelena Janjigian, is currently enrolling patients in the United States. This study is expected to generate robust clinical evidence to support the initiation of an international multicenter Phase III trial evaluating the cadonilimab-based combination regimen for the perioperative treatment of patients with GC/GEJ adenocarcinoma.

As the first approved bispecific antibody for cancer treatment, cadonilimab continues to demonstrate clinical value across multiple pivotal registrational and Phase III studies. It is currently approved in China for first-line gastric cancer, first-line cervical cancer, and recurrent/metastatic cervical cancer, and is widely used in clinical practice.

- Expansion into France, Germany, Romania and Ecuador strengthens RIMAN's growing presence across two key international regions

SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- RIMAN, the global beauty and wellness company redefining K-Beauty through Korean innovation and heritage ingredients, has expanded its international presence to 22 markets with the launch of France, Germany and Romania on September 9, followed by Ecuador on September 15.

The four-market expansion marks another milestone in RIMAN's international growth strategy, strengthening the company's presence across both Europe and Latin America.

France, Germany and Romania have brought RIMAN's European footprint to seven markets, joining the United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain and Italy. The expansion builds on growing interest in Korean beauty and skincare across Europe and establishes a broader foundation for continued regional growth.

RIMAN's European operations are headquartered in London, providing business training, tools and events for independent Planners across the region. Multilingual customer service and logistics operations in the United Kingdom and Germany further support RIMAN's expanding European network.

In Latin America, Ecuador is now RIMAN's sixth market in the region, joining Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Peru and Costa Rica. The expansion builds on RIMAN's growing regional presence, with its Mexico operation serving as a key support hub and providing infrastructure and operational experience developed through previous market launches.

"The launch of four new markets across Europe and Latin America represents an important milestone in RIMAN's global growth," said Youngsu Hwang, Chief Sales Officer of RIMAN. "Our strategy is about more than entering new markets. We are building the leadership, infrastructure and regional capabilities necessary to create sustainable businesses for the long term, while ensuring each market remains connected to RIMAN's global vision."

With operations now spanning 22 markets, RIMAN will continue investing in its regional infrastructure, developing local leadership and expanding access to its Korean beauty and wellness brands as it advances the next phase of its global growth.

About RIMAN

Founded in South Korea in 2018, RIMAN is a global beauty and wellness direct-selling company redefining K-Beauty through the combination of heritage ingredients, advanced science and Korean innovation. Its portfolio includes skincare brand ICD, personal care brand Botalab and wellness brand Lifening.

At its Jeju Smart Farm, RIMAN oversees the cultivation and development of key proprietary raw materials, including Giant BYoungPool™, its advanced cultivar of Centella asiatica. Giant BYoungPool™ was granted 20-year Plant Variety Protection in South Korea in July 2022 and the United States in September 2025.

Through continued investment in ingredient research, product innovation and vertically integrated capabilities, RIMAN is building a global platform designed to bring its approach to Korean beauty and wellness to consumers and independent Planners around the world.

SOURCE RIMAN

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