EQS via SeaPRwire.com / 27/03/2026 / 16:02 UTC+8 Sands China, Amap and Macau Pass Sign Strategic Cooperation Memorandum to inject new vitality into Macao’s development as a City of Gastronomy (27 March 2026, Macao) Amap and Macau Pass held the “Macao City Life Launch Event” at The Londoner® Macao on March 27. The event was co-organized by Sands China Ltd. and supported by the Macao Government Tourism Office. Meanwhile, Amap, Macau Pass, and Sands China held a signing ceremony for a tripartite strategic cooperation memorandum. At the event, Amap unveiled the world’s first citywide “Flying Street View” and, together with Macau Pass, launched the “Macao Authentic Delicacies” Ranking and the “Macao City Life Support Program”. These initiatives aim to leverage AI and digital technologies to deepen the integration of culture and tourism across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, setting a new benchmark for high-quality development in the regional service sector. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office, said Macao is stepping up efforts to integrate tourism and gastronomy, making the debut of Amap Street Stars in the city—its first stop in the Greater Bay Area—particularly meaningful. “The newly launched ‘Macao Authentic Delicacies’ Ranking will help visitors discover distinctive local businesses with greater precision and further unlock tourism spending,” she said. “Macao will continue working with all sectors to advance the high-quality development of its tourism industry.” Photo caption: “Macao City Life Support Program” Officially Launched Real Data Builds Trust, Helping Visitors Discover Macao Through Food Macao recorded over 40 million visitor arrivals in 2025, reaching a new high. To help travelers better explore the city through its culinary offerings, Amap and Macau Pass introduced the “Macao Authentic Delicacies” Ranking, covering six categories: popular dim sum restaurants, specialty dessert shops, wok-hei eateries, street-side noodle shops, local milk tea and coffee spots, and neighborhood cha chaan tengs—offering a comprehensive view of Macao’s diverse food scene. Unlike conventional rankings that rely on subjective reviews or commercial promotion, Amap Street Stars operates on a “vote with their feet” mechanism, drawing on large volumes of real navigation and in-store visit data to create a credible, data-driven evaluation system for offline services. This approach captures the essence of Macao as a "City of Gastronomy," helping visitors discover the distinctive flavors hidden in the alleyways and rich with local spirit—so travelers can truly taste authentic Macao in every choice they make. In Macao, the rankings currently cover 985 merchants, with 96 restaurants, attractions, and hotels selected for the top-tier “Champion List.” The rankings are also integrated with major attractions and curated “Citywalk” routes via a newly launched “Explore Macao with Amap Street Stars” page—creating a seamless, one-stop experience that connects discovery, decision-making, navigation, and in-store visits. World’s First Citywide “Flying Street View”: Technology Enhances the Cultural Tourism Experience Another highlight of the event was the launch of Amap’s citywide “Flying Street View” in Macao, powered by its self-developed world model. This feature allows users to explore 360-degree aerial views of the city and preview landmarks such as the Ruins of St. Paul’s and St. Dominic’s Church, while virtually navigating neighborhoods to experience local shops and street life. It is designed to simplify trip planning and significantly reduce the time and effort required to decide where to go. The feature also provides merchants with a powerful new way to showcase their businesses, helping improve customer conversion. Pastelaria Yeng Kee, a heritage brand with a 98-year history, reported a 23% increase in average daily sales at its Rua das Estalagens location after adopting the feature. Similarly, local brand Matcha Macau leveraged Amap’s digital location tools and in-store reservation features to address map positioning inaccuracies and customer loss caused by overlapping street names, successfully attracting more visitors from the Chinese mainland. “Macao City Life Support Program” Aims to Help Quality Merchants Get Seen Since the launch of Amap Street Stars in September 2025, the platform has driven over 380 million visits to restaurants, attractions, and hotels across the Greater Bay Area’s 11 cities. During the 2026 Chinese New Year holiday, Macao welcomed an average of 114,000 daily visitors from the Chinese mainland, with Zhuhai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen contributing the largest shares—highlighting the impact of the Greater Bay Area’s “one-hour living circle” on Macao’s tourism growth. To help merchants capture this growing demand, Amap and Macau Pass jointly launched the “Macao City Life Support Program,” focusing on well-known brands, heritage shops, and quality neighborhood businesses. The program provides support through four key initiatives: First, it builds “AI-powered digital storefronts”, using Flying Street View and AI service tools to help merchants improve efficiency and increase revenue. Second, it provides operational tools and professional offline training to enhance digital capabilities. Third, it invests millions in consumer vouchers and delivers tens of millions of traffic exposure to help merchants turn traffic advantage into order growth during peak travel seasons. Fourth, it collaborates with Amap’s “Authentic Explorer” influencers to create high-quality content and amplify brand visibility. Amap and Macau Pass Join Forces with Sands China to Boost Macao's Cultural-Tourism Industry with Digital Technology At the event, Amap, Macau Pass, and Sands China signed a strategic cooperation memorandum to further bolster the digital transformation of Macao’s cultural tourism industry. As a leading integrated resort operator in Macao, Sands China integrates its newly launched Sands Lifestyle membership platform into Amap’s digital ecosystem. The partnership will focus on brand marketing, smart navigation, and the digital upgrade of commercial districts. Sands China has long placed strong emphasis on the development of its F&B segment, with over 150 restaurants that range from fine dining to regional specialties. Looking ahead, Sands China will further integrate with Amap’s digital ecosystem to create a seamless, one-stop smart experience—from precise online outreach to immersive offline experiences. Dr. Wilfred Wong, Executive Vice Chairman of Sands China Ltd., said: " We are honored to be the first integrated resort operator in Macao to establish such a deep partnership with Amap. This partnership marks an important step toward empowering our dining offerings with digital technology and support the broader development of Macao’s culinary industry. Sands China will continue to deepen its digital practices, enabling visitors to explore the culinary delights of Sands China and Macao through smart technology, while injecting new momentum into Macao’s development as a Creative City of Gastronomy." Guo Ning, CEO of Amap, said “Street Stars was created to build a trusted offline service ecosystem based on real consumer choices. By enabling users to ‘vote with their feet,’ we aim to ensure that quality businesses receive the recognition they deserve. Meanwhile, this partnership marks the deep integration of Amap’s digital capabilities with Macao’s cultural tourism industry. In the future, we plan to expand cooperation into more areas and look forward to working with our partners to transform Macao’s unique appeal into measurable and shareable trust assets, setting a new model for tourism innovation across the Greater Bay Area.” As a key driver of Macao’s digital transformation, Macau Pass is leveraging over 20 years of experience in local consumer services together with Amap’s AI-powered mobility solutions. The collaboration makes it easier for visitors to discover specialty merchants on digital maps while streamlining payments to enhance customer conversion. Sun Ho, Chairman and CEO of Macau Pass, stated that the partnership with Amap and Sands China aims to harness digital technology to support local businesses, showcase Macao’s unique charm to more visitors, and invigorate the city’s economic vitality. Photo caption: Signing Ceremony of the Tripartite Strategic Cooperation Memorandum between Guo Ning, CEO of Amap; Dr. Wilfred Wong, Executive Vice Chairman of Sands China Ltd.; and Sun Ho, Chairman and CEO of Macau Pass. ### About Sands China Ltd. Sands China is the largest operator of integrated resorts in Macao. The Company’s integrated resorts on the Cotai Strip comprise The Venetian® Macao, The Plaza® Macao, The Parisian® Macao and The Londoner® Macao. The Company also owns and operates Sands® Macao on the Macao peninsula. The Company’s portfolio features a diversified mix of leisure and business attractions and transportation operations, including large meeting and convention facilities; a wide range of restaurants; shopping malls; world-class entertainment at The Venetian Arena, The Londoner Arena, The Venetian Theatre, The Parisian Theatre, the Londoner Theatre and the Sands Theatre; and a high-speed Cotai Water Jet ferry service between Hong Kong and Macao. The Company’s Cotai Strip portfolio has the goal of contributing to Macao’s transformation into a world centre of tourism and leisure. For more information, please visit www.sandschina.com. About Amap China's leading provider of digital map, navigation, real-time traffic information and lifestyle services Founded in 2002, Amap is a leading provider of digital map, navigation, real-time traffic information and lifestyle services in China. With a focus on "promoting technological innovation and advancing with the ecosystem," Amap has evolved into an integrated one-stop travel and lifestyle service platform. The platform provides various transportation services covering driving, ride-hailing, buses, subways, cycling, walking, trains, and flights, as well as quality lifestyle services including dining, hotel & travel, and gas/charging. Amap is dedicated to building a new offline service credit system based on users voting with their feet. Amap will continue to develop public welfare initiatives such as barrier-free transportation and eco-friendly transportation, which have received positive recognition from the industry and users. About Macau Pass Group Holdings Limited Macau Pass Group Holdings Limited is a diversified group company engaged in various fields, including financial technology, payment services, local lifestyle services, tourism services, and cultural performances. Macau Pass Group is committed to continuous innovation and development, aiming to serve as a bridge connecting Macao with the world and promoting the common prosperity of the regional economy and culture. One of subsidiaries of Macau Pass Group, Macau Pass S.A, has issued the first contactless smart electronic payment card in Macao, the mCard, with a cumulative issuance exceeding five million cards, meeting the payment needs of all residents and tourists at nearly 30,000 payment points in Macao. Its sub-brand, MPay, registered users accounting for over 90% of the total local population and is also the local app with the highest daily active users in Macao. Macau Pass Group also operates a highly recognized and utilized membership points system in Macao, mCoin, which has partnered with various cultural, sports, and exhibition events. mPass integrates a variety of one-stop local services, providing consumers visiting Macao with a diverse range of products and services, including dining, cultural entertainment, transportation, shopping, and travel vacations, taking consumers to explore the vibrant life in Macao. Media contacts: Public Relations, Sands China Ltd. Dan Li Tel: +853 8118 2056 Email: dan.li@sands.com.mo Public Relations, Amap Song Guangping Email: songguangping.sgp@alibaba-inc.com Public Relations, Macau Pass Group Holdings Ltd. May Email: myt455242@alibaba-inc.com 27/03/2026 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.Media archive at www.todayir.com
New “L00 Series” Train for the Seibu Railway’s Yamaguchi Line Begins Commercial Operation
The Frst New Leo Liner "L00 Series"TOKYO, Mar 27, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has completed delivery of the first trainsets L00 Series ("Leo-kei") trains (4 cars per trainset, total 12 cars) ordered by Seibu Railway Co., Ltd. for its Yamaguchi Line, an automated guideway transit (AGT) system. Commercial operation of the first train began on March 27th. That same day, Seibu Railway held a commemorative ceremony for the start of commercial operation, attended by Tokorozawa City Mayor Masatoshi Onozuka and Higashimurayama City Mayor Takashi Watanabe.The new L00 Series are being manufactured at MHI's Mihara Machinery Works in Hiroshima Prefecture, and are scheduled to be delivered sequentially by FY2027. The seating arrangement has been changed from the bench seats used in the existing 8500 Series vehicles to longitudinal seats to increase transport capacity to BELLUNA DOME baseball stadium and Seibuen Amusement Park. To meet diverse passenger needs, wheelchair spaces, children's seats, and in-car information displays have been installed to enhance convenience.In addition, the new trains incorporate many unique specifications designed by MHI especially for AGT system vehicles, including aluminum bodyshells, the MHI bogie,(1), a ceiling duct air conditioning system,(2) and A-MVCS (Advanced Mitsubishi Vehicle Control System). The A-MVCS in particular, in addition to the vehicle control function, has monitoring and commissioning functions for each piece of on-board equipment, allowing it to flexibly meet the needs of railway operators.Further, a large glass window has been installed in the partition wall between the driver's cab and the children's seat, allowing children to enjoy the view from the front window and driver's seat, enhancing the sense of excitement for passengers.This AGT system utilizes rubber tires for a smooth ride and low noise. In addition, as a type of clean mobility with low CO2 emissions, the system has a reduced environmental impact, supporting the realization of a decarbonized and energy-efficient world. The adoption of vehicles that combine excellent design and environmental performance also enhances the impression of the surrounding facilities.Going forward, MHI Group will continue to strive for technological innovation, and through services that safely and comfortably transport people and goods, contribute to the development of public transport that supports the lives of people around the world.(1) A bogie developed by MHI for AGT systems. It is compatible with general rubber tire operation for AGTs.(2) A system that directs air through ducts behind the ceiling to provide air conditioning.About MHI GroupMitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
Modern Dental Group Announces 2025 Annual Results, Net Profit Surges 47.7% on Digitalization-Driven Operational Efficiency Gains
RESULTS HIGHLIGHTS:- The Revenue for the year ended 31 December 2025 was approximately HK$3,736.5 million, representing an increase of approximately 11.1% as compared with the same period last year.- The Gross Profit Margin for the year ended 31 December 2025 was approximately 55.8%; the gross profit was approximately HK$2,085.0 million, representing an increase of approximately 15.9% as compared with the same period last year.- The Group’s EBITDA for the year ended 31 December 2025 was approximately HK$938.1 million, representing an increase of approximately 32.4% as compared with the same period last year.- The Group’s net profit for the year ended 31 December 2025 was approximately HK$601.2 million, representing an increase of approximately 47.7% as compared with the same period last year.- Basic earnings per share for the year ended 31 December 2025 amounted to approximately HK63.7 cents, representing an increase of approximately 47.5% as compared with the same period last year.- The Board recommended the payment of a final dividend of HK15.0 cents per ordinary share for the year ended 31 December 2025.- For the year ended 31 December 2025, the Group recorded approximately 1,039,000 cases digital solution cases produced from the Group’s production facilities in Mainland China, Thailand and Vietnam, reflecting an increase of 32.7% as compared with the same period in 2024 as a result of our clients’ continued adoption of intra-oral scanners.HONG KONG, Mar 27, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - 26 March 2026, Modern Dental Group Limited (“Modern Dental” or “the Group”, stock code: 03600.HK), a leading global dental prosthetic device provider, announces its annual results for the year ended 31 December 2025 (“the year”).During the year ended 31 December 2025, the Group’s multi-dimensional strategies and continuous enhancement of operational efficiency and productivity as supported by the ongoing trend of digitalization in the dental industry have resulted in the Group reporting record revenues, net profit and EBITDA numbers during this period. This occurred in a period of challenging macro-economic environment with general softness in demand for dental procedures and trade war uncertainties. The Group has been proactive in its approach to deal with the unprecedented international trade environment leveraging its international production facilities located in Thailand, Vietnam and Mainland China.The global digitalization trend continues to drive consolidation within the dental prosthetics industry, enabling the Group to further expand its market share. Our ongoing digital transformation initiatives are enhancing both customer and patient experiences while improving operational efficiency, further differentiating the Group from competitors and positioning us to outperform industry peers. The Group’s underlying fundamentals remain solid, and we are well positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities going forward.European BusinessesDuring the year ended 31 December 2025, the European market recorded a revenue of approximately HK$1,887.0 million, representing an increase of approximately HK$268.0 million as compared with the year ended 31 December 2024. This geographic market accounted for 50.5% of the Group’s total revenue. The increase of revenue from the European market was mainly attributable to the increase in sales order volume driven by the launch of new products, such as digital dentures, and our state-of-the-art digital workflows.The Group has been the frontrunner to provide comprehensive digital solutions offerings, ranging from numerous minimal invasive and aesthetic prosthetic solutions to intra-oral scanners and clear aligners, and is well positioned to capture the opportunities arising from the accelerated digitalization trend of the dental industry. The Group continues to aggressively gain market share from international and domestic competitors through our established dental ecosystem solutions with a focus on education and digitalization, which is available within close proximity to our clients; effectively meeting our clients’ high expectations through our various onshore and offshore resources. The Group is committed and will continue to equip ourselves to provide the state-of-the-art digital solutions offerings to the dental community in the market.North American BusinessesDuring the year ended 31 December 2025, the North American market recorded a revenue of approximately HK$696.4 million, representing a decrease of approximately HK$55.7 million as compared with the year ended 31 December 2024. This geographic market accounted for approximately 18.6% of the Group’s total revenue.A significant portion of our business in the North America region comprises higher-end products manufactured domestically by MicroDental Laboratories, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“MicroDental Group”). While demand for discretionary cosmetic treatments remained soft throughout 2025, our centralized digital workflows and network-wide production oversight enabled us to deliver enhanced service quality and operational efficiencies to our North American customers.Our diversified supply bases in the US, China, Vietnam and Thailand continue to provide greater flexibility to navigate US tariff uncertainties — an advantage that sets us apart from competitors. Although digitalization of imported product lines drove growth in mass market cases, implementation of the US tariff in April 2025 introduced new uncertainties and contributed to a slow growth in sales for our import-focused business unit.Greater China BusinessesFor the year ended 31 December 2025, the Greater China market recorded a revenue of approximately HK$615.4 million, representing a decrease of approximately HK$46.8 million as compared with the year ended 31 December 2024. This geographic market accounted for approximately 16.5% of the Group’s total revenue.The Mainland China market faced headwinds from the volume-based procurement policies and a prolonged period of intense price competition and the situation started to stabilize in the second half of 2025. This also led to aggressive promotions for dental implant treatments by Mainland China dental clinics in Hong Kong (which experienced a notable decrease in patient visits in Hong Kong). The Group’s has deliberately pivoted away from low-margin segments and stay focused on serving mid- and high-value customers, ensuring long-term sustainable profitability of the Group’s business.The Group is optimistic in its mid/long-term outlook for this market in particular where the latest procurement-related government measures are expected to (i) standardize the pricing of dental prosthetics and develop price transparency, which would level the playing field; (ii) allow the Group’s leading brand name and reputation to be a key consideration for its client and customer; and (iii) have the Group benefit from its large production team and its ability to allocate resources efficiently according to the customer or client.Australian BusinessesFor the year ended 31 December 2025, the Australian market recorded a revenue of approximately HK$289.1 million, representing an increase of approximately HK$24.4 million as compared with the year ended 31 December 2024. This geographic market accounted for approximately 7.7% of the Group’s total revenue. The increase in revenue from Australia reflected a strong uptake of new digital products driven by the digitalization trend in dental industry and the revenue contribution from the acquisition of Digital Sleep which is partially offset by the depreciation of AUD against HK$ by 2.4% compared with the year ended 31 December 2024.Through our various brands, which offer onshore-and offshore-made products, at multiple price points ranging from economy and standard to premium/boutique, the Group is able to effectively penetrate the entire Australian market. We have invested in local production capacity to provide faster service to our customers, and to provide choices around where the products are made. The Group is one of the largest players in the Australian market and is a preferred supplier to the major corporate dental groups in the market.Other MarketsOther markets primarily include Thailand, Indian Ocean countries, Malaysia, Taiwan and Singapore. For the year ended 31 December 2025, these markets recorded a revenue of approximately HK$248.9 million, representing an increase of approximately HK$182.4 million as compared with the year ended 31 December 2024. This geographic market accounted for approximately 6.7% of the Group’s total revenue. The increase in revenue from Other markets was primarily driven by the revenue contribution from the newly acquired Hexa Ceram.Future Prospects and StrategiesThe global macroeconomic environment remains uncertain, with geopolitical tensions and potential tariff changes continuing to create headwinds. However, the Group’s geographically diversified production footprint and global distribution network position us strongly to navigate these challenges. Unlike many competitors reliant on single-country manufacturing, our operations across China, Vietnam and Thailand (including the newly acquired Hexa Ceram) provide superior resilience and flexibility. This strategy, combined with our ability to adapt quickly to local market conditions, enables the Group to mitigate risks and capitalize on opportunities across regions.The dental industry has continued to demonstrate remarkable resilience, underpinned by irreversible demographic trends, including aging populations and increasing awareness of oral health, which drive consistent long-term demand. Building on our record 2025 performance, the Group is well placed to sustain momentum and further strengthen its market leadership.Digitalization remains an irreversible industry trend that is accelerating consolidation of the dental prosthetics industry. We are at the forefront of this transformation, with digital solution cases now representing approximately 35–40% of total volume. Our centralized digital workflows, intra-oral scanner partnerships, proprietary solutions and global education centers have enhanced operational efficiency, reduced turnaround times and delivered superior customer experiences. These initiatives create high entry barriers and will continue to drive margin expansion and market share gains in the coming years.Following the successful integration of Hexa Ceram (Thailand’s largest dental laboratory, acquired in January 2025) and Digital Sleep Design (Proprietary nylon oral appliance to treat obstructive sleep apnea), our Southeast Asian presence and specialized capabilities have been significantly strengthened. This expansion, coupled with our diversified supply bases in the US, China, Vietnam, and Thailand, provides enhanced flexibility to address potential trade and geopolitical risks while supporting faster regional delivery.Looking ahead, the Group remains committed to reinforcing its worldwide leading position through a multi-dimensional approach. We will continue to pursue selective acquisitions, joint ventures and partnerships to expand and complement our product offerings, particularly in our high-growth clear aligner, Trioclear, while strengthening our distribution and sales networks. Ongoing investments in mass-scale production facilities, AI, automation, research and development, and digital innovation will drive efficiency gains and secure our position at the forefront of the industry.About Modern Dental GroupModern Dental Group Limited (Stock code: 03600.HK) is a leading global dental prosthetics provider, distributor and consultant with a focus on providing custom-made prostheses to customers in the growing prosthetics industry. Our product portfolio is broadly categorized into three product lines: fixed prosthetic devices, such as crowns and bridges; removable prosthetic devices, such as removable dentures; and other devices, such as orthodontic devices, sports guards, clear aligners, and anti-snoring devices. Modern Dental Group has a global portfolio of respected brands, including Labocast, Permadental and Elysee Dental in Western Europe, YZJ Dental in China, Modern Dental Lab in Hong Kong, Modern Dental USA and MicroDental in the United States, Modern Dental Pacific in Australia and New Zealand, Modern Dental SG in Singapore, Modern Dental TW in Taiwan, Apex Digital Dental in Malaysia and Hexa Ceram in Thailand. We have grown these brands by providing premium and consistent quality products and superior customer service. We have more than 80 service centers in over 28 countries and serve over 35,000 customers. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
JF SmartInvest Holdings Ltd Adjusted Profit Leaps 191.8% to RMB1.02 Billion ‘Technology + Investment Research’ Dual-Driver Strategy Delivers Remarkable Results, Overseas Expansion Ushers in a New Chapter of Globalisation
HIGHLIGHTS:- Total gross billings amounted to approximately RMB3,955.0 million, representing an increase of approximately 12.8% from approximately RMB3,505.9 million for the corresponding period.- Total revenue was approximately RMB3,430.1 million, representing an increase of approximately 48.7% from approximately RMB2,306.0 million for the corresponding period.- The profit attributable to Shareholders of the Group was approximately RMB921.8 million, representing an increase of approximately 238.5% from approximately RMB272.4 million for the corresponding period.- Non-HKFRS adjusted profit for the year (excluding the share-based compensation expenses) was approximately RMB1,022.5 million, representing an increase of approximately 191.8% from approximately RMB350.5 million for the corresponding period.- Taking into account the financial and cash flow positions of the Group, the Board recommends the payment of a final dividend of approximately HKD168.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, representing HKD0.36 per share (in cash), and the proposed final dividend is subject to consideration and approval by Shareholders at the AGM.HONG KONG, Mar 27, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - JF SmartInvest Holdings Ltd (the “Company” ; together with its subsidiaries, the "Group" or “we”) is pleased to announce its consolidated annual results for the year ended December 31, 2025 (the “Reporting Period”). During the Reporting Period, leveraging its “technology + investment research” dual-drive strategy, the Group achieved outstanding performance. Supported by robust cash flow and profitability, the Board has proposed a final dividend of HK$0.36 per share, bringing the total dividend for the full year to approximately HK$407.4 million when combined with the interim dividend already paid, reflecting its commitment to delivering returns to shareholders.Strong Financial Performance with Substantial Profitability ImprovementDuring the Reporting Period, the Group continued to advance product innovation, AI applications, and investment research capabilities, driving solid growth across its business. Total revenue for the year reached RMB3,430.1 million, representing a YOY increase of 48.7%. Gross profit amounted to RMB2,821.0 million, up 48.9% YOY, while the gross profit margin remained at a high level of 82.2%, indicating the favourable economies of scale and earnings quality of the Group’s business model.In terms of profitability, profit attributable to equity shareholders surged by 238.5% YOY to RMB921.8 million. Excluding share-based compensation expenses, non-HKFRS adjusted profit for the year reached RMB1,022.5 million, representing a YOY increase of 191.8%, fully demonstrating the effective strategy execution and market adaptability of the Group.The Group places great emphasis on shareholder returns. The Board recommends the payment of a final dividend of approximately HKD168.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, representing HKD0.36 per share (in cash). Together with the interim dividend of approximately HK$238.9 million already distributed, the total dividend for 2025 will amount to approximately HK$407.4 million. The steady dividend policy fully reflects the Group’s ample cash reserves and its firm confidence in future development prospects.Continued Optimisation of Product Matrix and Enhancement of Diversified Service SystemDuring the Reporting Period, the Group continued to build a diversified product matrix, enriching its product portfolio in response to different customer needs. VIP products 'Stock Navigator, Super Investor' were steadily optimized, with the addition of several quantitative products and AI-powered products. We also launched a 24/7 AI intelligent customer service system, which significantly improved service efficiency. The live streaming system was upgraded, with sessions increasing by 36% YOY and average daily unique viewers exceeding 100,000.Relying on an integrated “AI + content + service + tools” solution, the Enjoy-Stock Pad recorded net sales volume exceeding 75,000 units during the Reporting Period. The Jiuyao Stocks launched over 80 lightweight products, converting professional investment research capabilities into standardised products. The SmartInvest APP completed its strategic transformation from a tool to a platform, with monthly active users increasing by more than 40% YOY and the 30-day retention rate remaining above 50%.The Group further enhanced its product matrix with two new products, Decision Master and Star-tier Services, filling the gap in the mid-tier product system and enabling a seamless trading service experience. Decision Master focuses on three AI+ investment research modules - themes, value investing and quantification - comprehensively enhances investment decision-making capabilities of individual investors. Star-tier Services collaborates with multiple securities brokerages and partners to create a fully integrated closed-loop ecosystem of“tools-services-trading”, serving over 50,000 users during the Reporting Period.Guided by Technological Innovation, Striving Towards “Investment Advisory Intelligent Agent 2.0”The Group regards innovation and technological R&D as its core driving force, accelerating its transformation towards “digital intelligence”, and advancing towards the era of “investment advisory intelligent agent 2.0”. During the Reporting Period, R&D expenses amounted to approximately RMB356 million, with R&D personnel reaching 624, a YOY increase of approximately 42.8%. The Group held 158 software copyrights and patents in AI, big data and product features, with 22 new items added on a year-on-year basis.The self-developed FinSphere Agent Large Model Assistant V3.0 passed the Large Model Assistant Functionality Completeness Test conducted by the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, becoming the first large-model application in the securities industry. During the Reporting Period, it served approximately 664,000 customers with cumulative services of 22.58 million. The digital intelligent investment robo-advisor “Jiu Ge” served approximately 600,000 customers with cumulative services exceeding 19 million. The Group also launched stock diagnosis intelligent agent 4.0, AI Xiaoce Q&A assistant, and established an intelligent compliance and risk control platform covering the entire business workflow, indicating that the group's AI capabilities have gradually been implemented in core scenarios.To strengthen its technological foundation, the Group established a technology subsidiary, Jiufang Zhiqing, and set its foothold in “Shanghai Foundation Model Innovation Center”, China’s first large model innovation ecosystem community. The subsidiary serves as the Group’s core AI vehicle for operating a native service technology system, promoting the deep application of AI in scenarios such as investment research, investor education, and risk control.Deep-Rooted Investment Research as the Cornerstone, Adhering to Buyer-Side Advisory and Deepening the “1+N” Investment Research SystemThe Group continues to deepen its “1 research institute and N business lines” investment research system, with the JF Financial Research Institute as investment research hub. The Institute has established a pyramidal-structured professional talent echelon led by Chief Economist Dr. Xiao Lisheng, comprising 4 experts, 8 super-IPs and 128 professionals. As of the end of the Reporting Period, the Group had 576 employees holding securities investment advisory qualifications and 2,628 employees holding securities practitioners, maintains a leading team scale and structure in the industry.During the Reporting Period, The Institute conducted more than 300 research activities, covering more than 2,000 listed companies. The Institute authored approximately 1,200 in-depth research reports and 45 sets of thematic courses with a total duration of 2,000 minutes, continuously enhancing the professional capabilities of buyer-side consultants.Multi-Dimensional, Full-Funnel Traffic Operation to Unlock New Growth DimensionsDriven by AI technology, the Group positions refined MCN-based traffic operations as a central hub connecting users with its business, building an integrated, synergistic omni-channel traffic ecosystem comprising “public-domain MCN (multi-platform) + private-domain + proprietary APP”. On the technological front, the Group applied AIGC to restructure content production, shifting from manual creation to “human-machine collaboration” model, and established a data flywheel integrating “advertising data, model training and operational automation”. During the Reporting Period, the Group consolidated its leading position on online short-video and live streaming platforms’ operations, established a multi-platform coordinated traffic matrix, and developed a multi-tiered, high-quality content ecosystem. It also pioneered e-commerce models for the Enjoy-Stock Pad and AppStore models for the APP, driving deep integration between traffic operations and product features.Future OutlookMr. Chen Wenbin, chairman of the Board and chief executive officer of JF SmartInvest Holdings Ltd, said: “In 2025, we remained committed to the dual-drive strategy of ‘technology + investment research’. Not only did we achieve leapfrog growth in performance, but we also successfully led the industry into the era of ‘Investment Advisor Agent 2.0’. Leveraging artificial intelligence and big data technologies, we developed AI products such as the JF Robo-Advisor, FinSphere Agent and FinSphere Report, achieving industry-leading innovations and scenario-based applications, helping users accomplish the critical transition from ‘cognitive improvement’ to ‘decision optimisation’. At the same time, we transformed our professional investment research capabilities into easily accessible lightweight services, realising a strategic shift ‘from tool to platform’. We uphold the principles of rational investing, value investing and long-term investing, assisting clients in developing sound investment philosophies.“In the future, the Group will focus on four key strategic dimensions. First, deepening AI-driven empowerment across all scenarios, accelerating the iteration of AI agents and their commercialisation on the consumer side, and driving the Group’s digital and intelligent transformation. Second, leveraging Forthright Securities and Forthright Capital’s licenses, advancing the globalisation strategy by exporting the Jiufang’s core models, accelerating overseas business expansion. Meanwhile, promoting license upgrading and strategic investment layout to further improve the construction of digital asset infrastructure. Third, strengthening product-driven business diversification and synergies, deepening cooperation with licensed financial institutions such as securities brokerages, and building a service closed loop covering pre-investment, in-investment and post-investment. Fourth, continuing to optimize the customer operation system, unlocking the value of traffic through full-funnel traffic initiatives, and achieving long-term customer retention. We are dedicated to making investing simpler and more professional while enhancing investors’ sense of fulfillment in investment and wealth management.”About JF SmartInvest Holdings Ltd (Stock Code: 9636)JF SmartInvest Holdings Ltd is a new generation stock investment assistant. The Company is engaged in the provision of equity investment instruments, securities investment advisory, investor education and other services to individual investors. The products include stock quote software, the AI Stock Machine, Stock Navigator, Super Investor and Jiuyao Stocks. The Company adopts the technology + investment research model, develops JF Robo-Advisor, FinSphere Agent, FinSphere Report and other products based on artificial intelligence (AI) and big data technology, which are applied to the industry in terms of innovative practice and scenario application.For enquiries, please contact:Financial PR (HK) LimitedEmail: ir@financialpr.hkTel: 852 2610 0846Fax: 852 2610 0842 Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
How to Choose the Right Savings Account for Your Money Goals in Singapore
SINGAPORE, Mar 27, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Choosing where to place your savings in Singapore is an important financial decision that requires careful consideration. With many banks offering different types of accounts, it is easy to get confused. However, picking the right one is the first step to reaching your financial goals, whether you are saving for a dream wedding, a new home, or a retirement fund.The good news is that you no longer need to spend a whole afternoon waiting at a bank branch. You can now open a bank account online in just a few minutes using your phone or computer. Here is a simple guide to help you choose the best account for your needs in 2026.Identify Your Financial HabitsBefore focusing on interest rates, consider how you manage your money on a daily basis. Savings accounts in Singapore usually fall into two categories:The Active Saver: These accounts give you high interest rates, but you have to make a few mandatory transactions each month. Usually, you need to credit your salary and spend a set amount on your credit card.The Passive Saver: These accounts help you earn bonus interest just for keeping your money in the account and letting it grow. You do not need to worry about credit card spending or paying bills.Compare Interest RatesBefore opening a bank account online, make sure you compare the interest rates. Many basic accounts offer low interest rates. To make your money grow, you should look for bonus interest.For example, a high-interest account can offer between 2% and 5% depending on the rules you follow. If you have SGD 50,000, the difference between a basic account and a high-interest one could be hundreds of dollars in extra cash every year. Always check the effective interest rate, which tells you the real amount you will earn after all the levels are counted.Look for Welcome PromotionsBanks in Singapore are always competing for your business. When you open a bank account online, you can often grab a welcome gift, such as cash credits or rewards. These promotions are a great way to get a head start on your savings. Just make sure to check the dates, as many of these flash deals only last for a few months.Check the Fees and MinimumsEven a great account can lose you money if you are not careful about fees. Before you sign up, check for these three things:Minimum balance: Most accounts require maintaining a certain amount of money in the account at all times. If the balance drops below this limit, the bank may charge you a monthly fee.Initial deposit: Some accounts require at least SGD 1,000 to get started.ATM access: Make sure the bank has plenty of ATMs near your home or office so you do not get charged for using the machine of another bank.Open an Account OnlineOnce you have picked the right account, the final step is to fill out your application. In Singapore, you can use Singpass MyInfo to fill out your application automatically.When you open a bank account online, your details, such as your NRIC, address, and income, are pulled directly from the government database, thus reducing paperwork. Most accounts are approved almost instantly, and you can start using your new digital card right away.Final ThoughtsChoosing a savings account is not just about finding the highest interest rate. It is about finding the one that fits how you live. If you are a busy professional who already uses a credit card, an active account is perfect. If you just want to set your money aside and forget it, a passive account is better.By taking 10 minutes to compare your options today, you can ensure that every dollar you earn works as hard as you do.Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not have any regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any specific person. The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author. This article shall not be regarded as an offer, recommendation, solicitation or advice. You may wish to consult your own professional advisers about this article, in particular, a financial professional before making financial decisions. Any past events, trends and/or performance referred to in this article may not necessarily be indicative of future events, trends or performance. This article is based on certain assumptions and reflects prevailing conditions as at the time of publication, which are subject to change at any time without notice. The author and publisher of this article as well as any other parties associated with this article make no representation or warranty of any kind, whether express, implied or statutory, in respect of this article and accept no liability or responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of this article or any error, inaccuracy or omission relating to this article and/or any consequence, injury, loss or damage howsoever suffered by any person relating to this article, in particular, arising from any reliance by any person on this article. Publishers or platforms may be compensated for access to third party websites.Contact Information:Name: Sonakshi MurzeEmail: Sonakshi.murze@iquanti.comJob Title: ManagerSOURCE: iQuanti Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
Everest Medicines Enters into Asset Purchase Agreement for Etripamil Nasal Spray, Expanding Cardiovascular Footprint
HONG KONG, March 23, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Everest Medicines today announced that it has entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with Corxel Pharmaceuticals Hong Kong Limited ("CORXEL"). Under the agreement, the Company has acquired the rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize CARDAMYST™ (etripamil) nasal spray in Greater China, including Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan region.Under the terms of the agreement, Everest will pay CORXEL an upfront payment of US$30 million (equivalent to approximately RMB344,895,000), as well as potential development milestone payments of up to US$20 million (equivalent to approximately RMB137,958,000). As part of this agreement, Everest will be assigned and transferred rights, interests, claims, duties, obligations and liabilities (other than certain excluded liabilities) under the Milestone License Agreement entered into by CORXEL in May 2021 and certain related ancillary agreements.CARDAMYST™ (etripamil) nasal spray is a novel, rapid-acting calcium channel blocker as administered as needed via a convenient, portable nasal spray. It offers rapid onset of action, favorable tolerability, and the potential for at-home self-administration, enhancing patient accessibility. In December 2025, CARDAMYST was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), becoming the first and only self-administered nasal spray in more than 30 years capable of converting paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) to sinus rhythm in adults. As a rapid-acting treatment option, CARDAMYST can be self-administered outside the emergency department or other healthcare settings, enabling patients to actively manage episodes and gain greater control over their condition. In addition to its approved indication for PSVT, etripamil nasal spray is also under clinical development for atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response (AFib-RVR). Phase II trials have shown encouraging results, and Phase III trials are planned, with the potential to further extend its therapeutic impact to a broader patient population.In China, the New Drug Application (NDA) for etripamil nasal spray was accepted by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) on January 17, 2025 and is expected to receive approval in the third quarter of 2026.PSVT is characterized by abnormalities in the heart's electrical system that cause sudden unexpected and often severely symptomatic episodes of rapid heart rate. There are currently no approved self-administered, fast-acting, non-injectable therapies for acute PSVT, leaving patients with limited treatment options beyond emergency care. Approximately 2.3 to 4 per 1,000 individuals are affected by PSVT, representing an estimated 3 to 6 million patients in China.AFib-RVR is a type of irregular heart rhythm, characterized by an irregular and elevated heart rate. Its onset is typically gradual, episodes are less likely to terminate spontaneously, and the condition tends to recur, significantly increasing the risk of thromboembolism and serious complications such as stroke and heart failure. In China, atrial fibrillation affects an estimated 1.6% of the population, representing nearly 20 million patients, and is expected to increase with an aging population. Both PSVT and AFib-RVR are associated with a loss of control and a significant psychological burden for patients.Overall, the combined patient population for PSVT and AFib-RVR exceeds 25 million, representing a significantly unmet clinical need that urgently requires more convenient and more effective treatment options.In terms of clinical data, the NDA for etripamil nasal spray was accepted by the NMPA based on data from the pivotal global Phase 3 RAPID study and the China Phase 3 JX02002 study. Both trials met their primary endpoints. Overall, the treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were comparable between the etripamil and placebo groups. The FDA approval of CARDAMYST was supported by a robust clinical program that included safety data from more than 1,800 participants across more than 2,000 PSVT episodes. This included the Phase 3 RAPID trial, a global, randomized, double-blind comparison of etripamil versus placebo, published in The Lancet in 2023. The RAPID trial achieved its primary endpoint, with 64% of participants who self-administered etripamil (N=99) converting from supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) to sinus rhythm within 30 minutes compared with 31% on placebo (N=85) (HR = 2.62; p<0.001). The median time to conversion was 17 minutes (95% CI: 13.4, 26.5) for etripamil versus 54 minutes (95% CI: 38.7, 87.3) for placebo. Etripamil nasal spray is also under clinical development for AFib-RVR. In the randomized, controlled Phase-2 ReVeRA study, etripamil demonstrated rapid and significant reduction in ventricular rate in patients with AFib-RVR, achieving its primary endpoint. A greater number of patients receiving etripamil achieved a ventricular rate of less than 100 bpm (58.3%) than those receiving placebo (4%). The safety profile was consistent with previous studies.From a strategic perspective, this transaction is also seen as an important step for the Company in implementing 2030 Strategy. Driven by its 2030 Strategy, and led by Mr. Yifang Wu, Chairman of the Board, Everest is accelerating growth through a dual-engine approach that combines strategic business development partnerships with in-house R&D. This transaction further strengthens Everest's expanding cardiovascular franchise, building on recent strategic initiatives and reinforcing the Company's disciplined approach to constructing focused therapeutic verticals with meaningful lifecycle expansion potential. Through continued advancement of its pipeline and product portfolio globally, Everest aims to deliver innovative therapies to more patients, create sustainable long-term value, and advance its position to become a leading global biopharmaceutical company."We are pleased to collaborate with CORXEL, this agreement marks an important step in our continued expansion in the cardiovascular field and a meaningful milestone in advancing our growth 2030 strategy," said Mr. Rogers Yongqing Luo, Chief Executive Officer of Everest Medicines. "CARDAMYST is currently the only therapy designed for at-home self-administration to enable the acute termination of PSVT and AFib-RVR episodes, addressing a significant unmet medical need among patients in China. We will leverage our clinical development expertise and established commercialization platform to accelerate its advancement and future launch in Greater China, while further strengthening our cardiovascular franchise and unlocking its broader potential across atrial arrhythmias."As the registration and commercialization of Etripamil nasal spray progress, the company aims to further expand its cardiovascular portfolio. Leveraging its established clinical development and commercialization capabilities, Everest Medicines will accelerate the delivery of innovative assets, advance its 2030 strategy, and bring more treatment options to patients. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
Rubio Meets G7 Ministers in France Amid U.S. Leadership on Iran: Allies Criticized for Half-Hearted Response
(SeaPRwire) - Secretary of State Marco Rubio landed in France on Friday to take part in the G7 foreign ministers’ gathering, where he plans to convey a distinct message about U.S. priorities regarding the ongoing conflict with Iran.In the run-up to the gathering, other G7 members have adopted notably different stances on the conflict. Almost all of Washington’s allies—Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan—have responded cautiously to the U.S.-Israeli military campaign and refused to join offensive operations, even as they denounce Iran’s actions.Before leaving on Thursday, Rubio indicated a defiant stance for the discussions: "I don’t serve France, Germany, or Japan… the only people I care about pleasing are the citizens of the United States. I work for them," he stated in a video shared on X.This divide has frustrated President Donald Trump, who has pushed allies to do more, especially in securing critical maritime pathways like the Strait of Hormuz. Although some nations have expressed a willingness to back defensive or maritime security initiatives, they have refrained from joining direct military attacks."The U.S. is always being asked to assist in conflicts, and we have. But when we needed help, NATO didn’t give us positive replies. A few leaders said Iran’s war isn’t Europe’s problem. Well, Ukraine isn’t our war either, but we’ve given more to that struggle than any other country," Rubio added."The Strait of Hormuz could be open as soon as tomorrow if Iran ceases threatening global shipping—an act that’s an outrage and a breach of international law. All these countries that claim to care about international law should take action on this issue," he said prior to boarding his flight to France.These comments set the tone for a summit already characterized by increasing tensions between Washington and some of its closest allies over how to address the Iran conflict. Rubio has cast the stakes in blunt terms. "Iran has been waging war against the U.S. for 47 years… Iran has killed Americans and launched attacks on Americans all over the world," he stated during a White House cabinet meeting, noting that letting Tehran acquire nuclear weapons would be "an unacceptable risk to the world."Yet even before Rubio reached the gathering, European officials were indicating a notably different strategy."We need to get out of this war, not escalate it further, because the consequences for everyone globally are extremely serious," European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas stated during a Thursday briefing on the sidelines of the G7."The only solution is a diplomatic one… we need to sit down and negotiate a way out," she added.The contrast between Rubio’s framing and Kallas’s message encapsulates the central tension defining the gathering.U.S. officials note that Rubio is entering the discussions with a wider agenda that extends beyond Iran.Per a State Department spokesperson who spoke to Digital on condition of anonymity, Rubio will utilize the gathering to "advance key U.S. interests" and drive conversations about the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, along with "international burden sharing" and the G7’s overall effectiveness.The U.S. is also set to highlight maritime security—including freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea—while encouraging allies to assume a larger share of responsibilities in conflict zones and international bodies, the spokesperson noted.European officials, however, have focused on the wider risks posed by the conflict.French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated that G7 discussions would build upon a recent joint statement denouncing Iran’s actions while also tackling maritime security issues.He noted that the "discussions will offer a chance to revisit positions already agreed upon at the G7 level… including the unjustifiable attacks Iran has launched against Gulf nations… which we condemned in the strongest terms possible."Barrot further noted that ministers would also prioritize securing global shipping lanes."We will also have the chance to tackle maritime security and freedom of navigation… including an international mission… to guarantee the smooth movement of maritime traffic in a strictly defensive stance, which will help alleviate pressure on energy prices," he stated.Kallas echoed this global perspective. "Every country in the world is affected by this war in some way… it’s in everyone’s interest for this war to end," she stated.Her comments also highlighted the interconnected nature of the crisis. "Russia is assisting Iran with intelligence… and is now also supporting Iran with drones," she stated, drawing a link between the Iran conflict and the war in Ukraine.This uncertainty is already impacting the summit’s structure, as officials have scrapped plans for a unified final communiqué to avoid revealing divisions, according to Reuters.Analysts note that these differences mirror deeper structural tensions within the alliance. "Europe has criticized Donald Trump’s ‘maximum pressure’ strategy toward Iran while pursuing a failed diplomatic approach that has allowed the regime to expand its terrorist networks and move closer to nuclear threshold status," Barak Seener, a senior research fellow at the Henry Jackson Society, told Digital."This points to a lack of European ability to project power in the region, especially when it comes to protecting the Strait of Hormuz."Seener further added that years of depending on Washington have left Europe more and more vulnerable as the U.S. shifts its strategic priorities. "Years of underinvesting in defense and relying on the U.S. have created a dependency that Washington increasingly sees as a betrayal of the peace it has ensured for Europe since World War II," he stated."As the U.S. values its relationship with Israel more than its ties to NATO, the outcome could be further erosion of the alliance, less support for Ukraine, and growing economic pressure on Europe."He warned that the immediate test will be the G7 itself. "Divisions over how to respond to Iran and any U.S. request for support are likely to reveal a deeper transatlantic rift," Seener stated."Operation Epic Fury has demonstrated President Trump’s ability to put together a coalition of allies to eliminate a shared threat—in this case, the Iranian regime—and stabilize international trade," Jacob Olidort, chief research officer and director of American security at the America First Policy Institute, told Digital."Western Europe’s failure to take part in securing the Strait of Hormuz is especially egregious because those nations rely on it more than we do," he added."At the same time, the historic successes of Operation Epic Fury have sparked a new confidence in our Middle East partners to eliminate threats from the Iranian regime and collaborate to build a more peaceful and prosperous region." This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
Fujitsu develops high-sensitivity, high-resolution infrared sensor to expand monitoring capabilities in defense and disaster prevention
KAWASAKI, Japan, Mar 27, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Fujitsu today announced the development of a world-leading, high-sensitivity and high-resolution infrared sensor to expand monitoring capabilities in the defense and disaster prevention fields. This sensor is a Type-II superlattice (T2SL) infrared sensor with over 1 million pixels, capable of detecting both mid-wavelength infrared (MWIR) and long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) light. Its high-sensitivity allows it to clearly capture minute thermal differences of 0.05°C or less, enabling high-precision monitoring day and night. This over 1-megapixel dual-band T2SL infrared sensor is the first of its kind in the world.The newly developed technology boasts dramatically enhanced detection and identification performance, with applications spanning a wide range of fields. For example, when applied to optical sensor systems mounted on satellites or aircraft, it can contribute to the creation of new value across diverse areas, including early assessment of disaster situations and environmental monitoring.Integrating this sensor into monitoring devices for defense and disaster prevention enables accurate detection of thermal changes, such as identifying precursors to human activity or object movement, locating people during disasters, detecting early forest fires, and monitoring tsunamis. This contributes to improving information gathering capabilities and strengthening defense and disaster prevention. Additionally, by visualizing thermal distribution and changes over time with exceptional precision, the sensor is anticipated to play a vital role in tackling societal issues like infrastructure inspection and problems with analytical equipment, while also driving progress in scientific research.This technology was developed under contract as part of the "PROTOTYPE OF WIDE BAND AND HIGH RESPONSIVITY PHOTO-DETECTORS" from Acquisition Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA), Japan Ministry of Defense, to which Fujitsu has completed delivery of the prototype sensor.Starting in fiscal year 2026, Fujitsu plans to leverage the manufacturing technology of this sensor to develop new products and market them for use in monitoring cameras.BackgroundIn the security sector, which underpins a safe and secure society, there is a demand for advanced sensing technologies that can detect various threats early and accurately capture their precursors. However, with the diversification of monitoring scenarios and the increasing complexity of targets, there is a need for even higher resolution sensors and improved identification capabilities through simultaneous detection of multiple wavelengths. The ATLA initiated a research prototype project to establish technology that enables target detection and identification over longer distances and wider areas than existing systems. Fujitsu, which has developed and mass-produced high-sensitivity infrared sensors, was awarded this project and has now successfully completed its development.Overview of the developed sensorInfrared sensors capture infrared radiation spontaneously emitted by objects with heat, visualizing their surface temperature distribution. Fujitsu has leveraged the characteristics of T2SL, a compound semiconductor with a superlattice structure that allows for material property control, to develop a unique dual-band sensor. The superlattice structure, where different semiconductor materials are layered at the nanometer (one billionth of a meter) level, offers high sensitivity, as well as excellent control over detection wavelengths and manufacturability. By selecting a combination of semiconductor materials with a large energy offset in their band structure (i.e., Type-II Superlattice, T2SL), it is possible to detect infrared light, which has lower energy than visible light.This sensor can detect MWIR and LWIR wavelength bands, with high-sensitivity capable of detecting temperature differences of 0.05°C or less. By simultaneously detecting two wavelengths with a single pixel, it can accurately detect and identify targets that would otherwise be obscured by background noise during detection with single-wavelength sensors. Furthermore, by advancing miniaturization of elements through the development of manufacturing processes and mounting technologies suitable for delicate T2SL materials, Fujitsu has achieved high-resolution with over 1 million pixels, enabling the capture of more distant targets.This infrared sensor, simultaneously achieving high-sensitivity, high-resolution, and dual-band detection, is suitable for monitoring applications in defense, disaster prevention, and other fields requiring high discrimination performance.Furthermore, this world-first technology from Fujitsu will drive further advancements in the sensitivity, multi-band and high-resolution capabilities of conventional infrared sensors, enabling a diverse range of product developments.Figure: Dual-band T2SL infrared sensor and example imagesAbout FujitsuFujitsu’s purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers around the globe, our 113,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: AI, Computing, Networks, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$23 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: global.fujitsuPress ContactsFujitsu LimitedPublic and Investor Relations DivisionInquiries Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
12 Years On, a Cult Horror Phenomenon Gets Its Long‑Awaited Sequel
Radius-TWC(SeaPRwire) - Forgive the play on words, but the concept of an It Follows sequel has been trailing Maika Monroe for quite some time. Filmed in Detroit’s suburbs, with a rising director behind the lens and an emerging star in front, the film debuted at the Cannes Film Festival in 2014. By the time it reached theaters nine months later, it had already become a cult favorite, part of a fresh and thrilling wave of independent horror films (see also: The Babadook, The Witch) that was redefining the genre back then. Critics adored it, and fans engaged in endless debates on Reddit, dissecting the details of how the film’s shape-shifting “It” — an inescapable evil transmitted between people via sexual contact — functioned. Monroe leveraged that experience into roles in both major (she co-starred in 2016’s Independence Day: Resurgence) and smaller films, reestablishing her “scream queen” title as the lead of Longlegs in 2024. Mitchell has been less active, releasing just one feature film, the polarizing Under the Silver Lake (2018), since then. (To be fair, he has another project, The End of Oak Street, set for an August release.) Throughout this period, interviewers have repeatedly posed the same question to the pair: When will they create a sequel to the film that launched both of their careers? At last, in 2023, the pair had a concrete answer: A sequel titled They Follow was in development via NEON, with filming set for summer 2024. The distributor even hinted at a foreboding title card for the film, simply stating it was “coming soon.”Two years on, “soon” has passed. Yet at a Q&A during this year’s SXSW, Monroe casually revealed that They Follow is set to film this summer: “I made this small film called It Follows early in my career,” she stated. “We’re shooting the sequel this summer.” She added, “Reading the script and discovering what this character—who’s been so significant to me and transformed my life in countless ways—has been up to over the last decade has been really cool.” Monroe also confirmed this on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, noting that They Follow is “the next project” on her schedule. “It’s quite dark,” she added. “We’re definitely pushing the limits here. Even when reading the script, you get that same nostalgic vibe” — It Follows is set in an ambiguous era, merging 1970s and 1980s aesthetics with futuristic elements like the iconic clamshell e-reader — “the slow camera work, all of it. I think it might be great,” she said with a chuckle. This marks the first time Monroe has revisited a character from a prior film, and Mitchell’s first time writing and directing a sequel to one of his own works. Details about the film’s plot remain scarce, though Monroe told Entertainment Weekly back in February that "It's not at all what I anticipated where you’d find [her original character, Jay Height], which I found really intriguing ... I know this might sound cliché, but it’s staying true to the original by reuniting the same team… The story is still very much within that universe, just on a larger scale." As long as Mitchell brings his knack for striking compositions and unsettling imagery, and Monroe brings the courage and resolve that make her horror characters so unforgettable, it follows (apologies for the pun) that all should go smoothly. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
17 Years Later, A Cult-Classic Horror Film Has Just Received An Exciting Sequel Update
20th Century Fox(SeaPRwire) - Though Jennifer’s Body underperformed at the box office, it has since become a pivotal cultural artifact. Karyn Kusama’s story of feminine anger—written by Juno’s Diablo Cody—tapped into themes that deeply connected with its audience: misogyny, retribution, queer love, and the sheer difficulty of navigating life as a teenage girl. There was also plenty of blood. And a rock band.Nearly a decade has passed since Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried brought Jennifer and Needy to life, yet the movie’s allure has not faded. There was even a live table read of the film featuring modern-day "It Girls" Rachel Sennott and Ella Purnell. Demand for a sequel is evident, and Diablo Cody has shared an exciting update on the follow-up’s progress.Diablo Cody is hard at work on the script for a sequel to Jennifer’s Body. | AFF-USA/ShutterstockDuring an appearance on Bloody Disgusting’s The Boo Crew podcast, Diablo Cody discussed her writing process for a potential Jennifer’s Body sequel. “It’s not a typical sequel approach, where you’re focused on ‘protecting’ elements from the first movie,” she said. “Instead, it’s about breaking free from the constraints I faced with the original. It feels less like caution and more like joyful abandon.”Reflecting on the film’s cult status, she suggested it wasn’t a flop—just ahead of its time. “Jennifer’s Body is deeply important to me. I love it, and I feel the culture has finally caught up to what we were trying to do with that movie,” she said. “Now I can really stretch my creative legs. Writing this script was a delight; not a single moment felt like work, which is unusual for me these days.”Megan Fox starred as Jennifer in the original 2009 film. | Doane Gregory/Fox Atomic/Kobal/ShutterstockSo, what’s in the script? According to Cody, it’s not a reboot—we’ll actually learn what happened to Jennifer and Needy. “Thematically, the whole film responds to the rediscovery of the first movie,” Cody said. “Every movie has an undercurrent beyond its surface story, but this one isn’t just about Jennifer and Needy—it’s about me.”Development is still in its early stages, but this offers a first clue: Jennifer’s eerie world re-entering a society that has finally evolved to understand its essence. With the audience it deserves, this potential sequel could become a sleepover classic, just like its predecessor.Jennifer’s Body is now streaming on Tubi. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
The Super MarioGalaxy Movie Unveils Its Unexpected Cameo
Universal Pictures(SeaPRwire) - While the 1993 live-action Super Mario Bros. was a notorious disappointment, the 2023 animated The Super Mario Bros. Movie demonstrated that the franchise could be a cinematic powerhouse. Despite receiving a variety of critical responses, the film resonated with audiences and achieved massive box-office results, further cementing the current trend of successful video game adaptations, much like the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise.Illumination and Nintendo are now aiming to maintain that momentum with The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, which draws inspiration from the critically acclaimed Super Mario Galaxy games. Early glimpses suggest the film will significantly broaden the scope of its predecessor by introducing iconic figures like Bowser Jr. (voiced by Benny Safdie), Yoshi (voiced by Donald Glover), and Princess Rosalina (voiced by Brie Larson). Furthermore, it has been revealed that a character from a different legendary Nintendo space series will also make an appearance.The leader of the Star Fox squadron. | Universal PicturesA recently unveiled poster for the film confirms that Fox McCloud, the lead of the Star Fox series, is set to appear in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. Since debuting in 1993 on the SNES, the Star Fox franchise has followed Fox and his mercenary crew as they defend the Lylat system from the villainous Andross. Star Fox 64, in particular, remains one of the most beloved titles from the Nintendo 64 era.In a past interview, Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto discussed the company's general policy of keeping its various franchises in separate universes, with the Super Smash Bros. series being the primary exception. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie appears to be deviating from this rule, as Pikmin are also slated to appear alongside Fox McCloud. With a Legend of Zelda adaptation currently in the works, there is growing speculation that Nintendo may be moving toward a shared cinematic universe, potentially mirroring the crossover appeal of their famous fighting game series.There is a strong possibility of Fox performing his signature aerial stunts. | NintendoGiven Fox McCloud's popularity, his role in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie could potentially serve as a springboard for a standalone Star Fox film. A family-oriented animated space epic would likely be a significant success for the studio. While there is currently no confirmation regarding appearances by other team members like Falco Lombardi or Slippy Toad, they could be reserved for a future project. At this stage, fans can anticipate a major cinematic event when the new movie debuts.The Super Mario Galaxy Movie premieres in theaters on April 1st. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
The Best Spy Thriller of the 2010s Is Getting an Unexpected International Remake
(SeaPRwire) - The 2010s truly represented the final significant decade for cable television before streaming services gained dominance. This era brought us shows like *Mad Men* and *Orange is the New Black*, alongside *Breaking Bad* and *House of Cards*. Now, streaming has largely absorbed cable TV; for instance, while *Game of Thrones* began on HBO via traditional television, its successor, *House of the Dragon*, is now watched on HBO Max. However, during cable TV's waning years, one series successfully bridged the gap between these two eras — and it's now entering this new decade with a completely new remake that promises an exciting transformation of its core premise. In 2013, *The Americans* premiered on FX. It followed the lives of Elizabeth Jennings (Keri Russell) and Philip Jennings (Matthew Rhys), who appeared to be ordinary travel agents raising their two children, Paige and Henry, in suburban Washington, DC during the 1980s. Yet, this couple living the American dream were secretly Soviet sleeper agents, often donning (rather unconvincing) wigs and undertaking clandestine missions for their homeland. The series ran for five years and six seasons, a period long enough for its lead actors to fall in love in real life. The Jennings’ secret will be transported from Northern Virginia to Korea. | FXDespite eight years having passed since its final season, *The Americans* is set for an international resurgence. According to *The Hollywood Reporter*, Disney+ has given the green light to *The Koreans*, a high-budget, localized adaptation of the series set in South Korea. The show will star Lee Byung-hun (*No Other Choice*) and Han Ji-min (*Love Scout*) as “a pair of North Korean spies masquerading as a happily married couple in 1990s South Korea.” While this adaptation is set a decade later, its temporal distance from the present day is comparable to that of *The Americans'* 1980s setting at the time of its original release. Nevertheless, the premise feels more current: unlike the defunct U.S.S.R., the D.P.R.K. remains a very real entity. This will be a Korean-language series, but American audiences should still be able to watch it — as it's being developed by Disney+ overseas, it's likely to be available on Hulu, the same streaming service where *The Americans* can be watched since Hulu acquired FX. Though the story centers on the relationship between the main couple, The Americans is still an action-packed, nail-biting spy thriller. | FXUnlike many other international remakes, this one will demand considerably more effort to integrate into a different culture. After all, "American" is in the title. But in this instance, that's a strength, not a weakness. With a completely new setting and a distinct political climate, fans of *The Americans* will be kept guessing. The only remaining question is: who will be the Korean equivalent of Margo Martindale? *The Americans* is currently available for streaming on Hulu. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
Hua Medicine Announces 2025 Annual Results
- Annual sales of HuaTangNing exceeded 4 million packs, a year-on-year increase of 91%, with revenues reaching RMB 492.9 million, a year-on-year increase of 93%, marking outstanding results from the Company’s fully independent commercialization operation.- Delivered record financial performance, with profit before tax reaching RMB 1,106.4 million; maintained a robust bank balance and cash position of RMB 1,092.3 million at year-end, laying a solid foundation for sustainable operations and growth.- Gross margins rose to 56.9%, and selling expenses as a percentage of revenue were optimized to 33.6% from 59.9%, significantly enhancing profitability.- HuaTangNing renewed its listing in the new National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL) at the same price in 2025 for the calendar years 2026 and 2027, reaffirming its clinical and innovative value.- With the approval of PTE, market exclusivity in China granted another 5 years to April 2034, further strengthening commercial certainty.- Dorzagliatin was approved for commercialization in Hong Kong as HYHOMSIS®, accelerating its global expansion toward South-East Asia.- Multiple real-world evidence published to demonstrate therapeutic advantage of dorzagliatin.- Continuous expansion of therapeutic potential of glucose homeostasis and initiation of new first-in-disease indications study covering diabetes prevention, rare diseases, mild cognition impairment and frailty.SHANGHAI, Mar 27, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – Hua Medicine ("the Company", Hong Kong Stock Exchange Stock Code: 2552) announces the audited consolidated results of the Company and its subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2025 (the “Reporting Period”). During the Reporting Period, the commercialization of HuaTangNing (dorzagliatin tablets), the Company’s core product – the global first-in-class innovative anti-diabetes medicine, glucokinase activator (GKA) – advanced comprehensively across all fronts, the Company’s independent commercialization team was efficiently and seamlessly established in its first year of operations, the Company’s R&D pipeline continued to be enriched, and the Company’s financial performance achieved a historic breakthrough, successfully entering a new stage of profitability, injecting strong momentum into the innovative development of the global diabetes treatment field.Dr. Li CHEN, Founder and CEO of Hua Medicine, stated: “2025 is a remarkable year in the commercialization operation of Hua Medicine. The Company has successfully advanced from R&D to commercialization driven organization and achieved the fully independent capacity in commercialization of global first in class novel glucose homeostasis regulator HuaTangNing. With strong market execution and product competitiveness, we have achieved nearly triple-digit growth in sales volume and revenue over 2024 when the commercialization was farmed out to sales and marketing partners. At the same time, the Company has made key progress in global market expansion through registration of drozagliatin in Hong Kong and position it toward 700 M population in south-east Asia. We continue to expand the clinical application of glucose homeostasis regulation technology and engage in new indications such as early-stage Alzheimer’s disease and Frailty. The first-in-disease efforts in GCK-MODY and Frailty set the new innovation course of Hua Medicine in the next 5 years.” Business Highlights and Operational Progress- Fully Powered Commercialization, Historic Breakthrough in ProfitabilityOn January 1, 2025, the Company assumed full responsibility for the commercialization of HuaTangNing, allowing the company to consolidate both operational and strategic control over market execution in China. The Company successfully built a professional sales team covering 10 sales regions around the country, focusing on marketing, medical affairs and commercial operation. Through an AI-empowered digital commercialization platform, operational efficiency and sales productivity were greatly enhanced, injecting new vitality into the Company’s commercial development.Reimbursement coverage under the NRDL has significantly increased accessibility, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 hospitals, and played a critical role in accelerating patient adoption. Since its launch in October 2022, HuaTangNing has been prescribed to over 500,000 patients through 3,000+ hospitals, community centers, pharmacies and online channels.Sales performance exceeded expectations, with 4.011 million packs of HuaTangNing sold during the reporting period, representing a 91% increase over the fiscal year 2024. This growth was achieved at the same price for both periods, underscoring strong demand and successful execution of Hua’s commercial strategy.In terms of profitability, the Company’s gross profit reached approximately RMB280.4 million, a year-on-year increase of 125%. Thanks to expanded production scale and optimized manufacturing processes, the Company’s gross margin improved to 56.9%, increasing by 8.2 percentage points as compared to 48.7% for the year of 2024. Selling expenses increased only by RMB12.3 million to RMB165.5 million, reflecting a significant positive trend towards profitability when our selling expenses in the 2025 fiscal year represents only 33.6% of revenue, whereas in the 2024 fiscal year, our selling expenses represented approximately 59.9% of revenue. In fiscal year 2025, our commercialization efforts achieved profits of approximately RMB114.9 million (as defined by gross profits less selling expenses). Although we expect to continue to increase personnel to our commercialization team, we expect this profitability trend in our commercial operations in mainland China to continue.Following the termination of the collaboration with Bayer at the end of 2024, dorzagliatin achieved a record-high sales volume. Profit before tax increased to RMB1,106.4 million for the fiscal year 2025. We ended fiscal year 2025 with a cash position of approximately RMB1,092.3 million.- Accelerated Global Layout, Strengthened Core Rights and InterestsThe Company took a key step in global expansion. On February 27, 2026, dorzagliatin (trade name: MYHOMSIS®, was successfully approved for marketing by the Hong Kong regulatory authority. The Company plans to officially launch the product in the Hong Kong market by the middle of 2026 and further expand to Asian regions. In addition, the Company submitted a new drug registration application in Macau in 2025.The Company also made new progress in intellectual property protection. In February 2026, the patent term extension (PTE) application for dorzagliatin was formally approved by the China National Intellectual Property Administration, thereby the core patent protection period of dorzagliatin extended to April 2034 and an additional 5-year market exclusivity obtained, which provides a strong guarantee for the product’s long-term market competition.In 2025, dorzagliatin was recognized as national innovation and an effective therapy for chronic diseases by the regulatory authorities in China. Accordingly, the same NRDL price was offered for the calendar years 2026 and 2027. Reimbursement coverage under the NRDL has significantly increased accessibility, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 hospitals, and played a critical role in accelerating patient adoption. The Company will continue to safeguard the product’s market competitiveness and patient accessibility and accelerate the popularization of the drug among patients.- Advancement of Real-World Studies, Continuous Validation of Clinical ValueReal-world evidence (RWE) studies continue to corroborate the key role of dorzagliatin in improving glucose-dependent pancreatic islet secretion function, and demonstrate its efficacy in diabetes prevention, remission, and delaying or preventing diabetes complications.The RWE study sponsored by Hua Medicine HMM0701 with 380 T2D patients was fully enrolled in 2025. The interim analysis, as reported at the 2025 American Diabetes Association (ADA), showed that 86% of such patients were taking two or more antidiabetic drugs and 41% of such patients were using insulin. After a 6-month treatment, a significant improvement of glycemic control was observed with HbA1c reduction from 8.1% to 7.3% with the mean time-in-range (TIR) levels increasing to over 70%. Thus far, the studies have demonstrated that when dorzagliatin is administered in combination with other antidiabetic drugs, such patients have experienced significantly improved post-meal glucose levels and improved β-cell function.Separately, a mechanistic study with dorzagliatin (employing double-tracer measurement) was conducted in the United States to provide scientific evidence of hepatic glycogen formation in T2D patients with an average of 17 years of diagnosed diabetes. In this study, patients were treated with dorzagliatin twice daily for 6 weeks. The results showed that dorzagliatin increased direct glucose flux to hepatic glycogen implying the improvement of restoration of hepatic Glucokinase (GK) function. Together with the clinical research data that dorzagliatin improves early phase insulin release and GLP-1 secretion, recovery of hepatic glycogen synthesis in T2D patients offers an important path in controlling post-meal glucose excursion and provides a unique opportunity in controlling diabetes complications, such as diabetes kidney diseases and mild cognition impairment.The RWE sponsored by Hua Medicine (HMM0601) has completed clinical trials with over 2,000 subjects, with average diabetes duration of 7.9 years and above 30% having disease duration more than 10 years. The initial results suggest that dorzagliatin is safe and well tolerated in Chinese T2DM patients. There were no new adverse effects observed in the study and the incident rate remains as low as what was observed in Phase III clinical trials. Patient adherence was generally high, with a mean adherence rate of approximately 95%. In this study, 80% of the participants have used one or more oral anti-diabetes medicine, and 20% used insulin. Dorzagliatin demonstrated good efficacy and safety not only in the overall population but also in elderly, obese, and hyperglycemic patient populations, whether used as monotherapy or in combination with metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, insulin, and other medications. The topline results will be reported at the 2026 American Diabetes Association.- Deepened Clinical R&D, Continuous Expansion of New IndicationsNew Indication for Dorzagliatin – MODY-2 Patients.Medical experts in mainland China and Hong Kong have conducted independent clinical and preclinical studies of dorzagliatin for MODY-2 treatment. MODY-2, also called GCK-MODY, is a monogenic disease in which patients have a genetic defect of glucokinase gene (GCK) which results in elevated blood glucose and significant reduction of the second phase insulin secretion. The population of GCK-MODY patients is approximately 1.7 million in China. These patients are diagnosed with diabetes at a young age and represent an unmet medical need given that currently available medications are not effective. In clinical studies with MODY-2 patients, China investigators have reported that dorzagliatin is effective in reducing blood glucose levels to normal levels in MODY-2 patients who previously failed to manage their elevated blood glucose levels when treated with metformin, TZD, DPP-IV inhibitors, and SGLT-2 inhibitors. Additional results demonstrated that a single dose of dorzagliatin improved overall glucose sensitivity and second phase insulin secretion significantly in GCK-MODY patients, suggesting a unique mechanism of action of dorzagliatin to regulate GLP-1 secretion. Based on such results, Hua Medicine has communicated and reached a consensus with the CDE at NMPA to file the IND submission of dorzagliatin for MODY-2 patients in 2026.Dorzagliatin for Diabetes Prevention.Prevention of diabetes is an important focus at Hua Medicine. There are approximately 1.12 billion people living with prediabetes worldwide. We have initiated SENSITIZE 3 clinical study in Hong Kong in pre-diabetic (IGT) subjects and in early diabetes patients. These studies represent first-in-disease studies. In this double-blinded placebo-controlled study, we will evaluate the blood glucose management and pancreatic function under IVGTT and OGTT conditions to better define the clinical treatment baseline and endpoints. We expect to complete this study in 2026 and explore the opportunity to file IND applications of dorzagliatin for diabetes prevention in China and Asian Pacific regions thereafter. Dorzagliatin for Neurodegenerative Diseases.MCI shows approximately 15.5% prevalence among elderly people in China and approximately 22% in the US, and is common in T2D patients with a 45% incidence rate. The development of dorzagliatin for neurodegenerative disease is a new focus in our drug discovery efforts. Through the Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) and Mendelian Randomization (MR) study, we have realized the important role of GCK gene activation in the prevention of memory loss and cognitive impairment in humans. It has also come to our attention that post-meal glucose excursion is closely related to Alzheimer disease and dementia. The bio-energy balance in the brain is largely dependent on the glucose homeostasis control in the peripheral organ and the neural network communication in the central and peripheral system via spatial temporal management. Impaired glucose homeostasis and diabetes conditions result in a reduction of glucose transporter expression and insulin receptor expression in the brain, which can be prevented by low dose dorzagliatin. We have realized the potential of dorzagliatin in the treatment of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and will initiate these first-in-disease clinical studies in the future.Dorzagliatin for Frailty.Frailty is an age-related geriatric syndrome characterized by reduced tolerance to internal and external stressors. Approximately 17% of Americans and 11% of Asians over the age of 50 suffer from frailty, while pre-frailty affects roughly 50% and 47% of these populations, respectively. It is not a single-organ disease, but the consequence of dysregulated multisystem homeostasis. Genetic evidence supports the causal effects of glucokinase (GK) activation on lowering frailty risk. We plan to initiate clinical studies in the future to advance dorzagliatin’s application in frailty.Development of combination therapy for diabetes and complications.Dorzagliatin rescues pancreatic function in glucose insulin secretion and GLP-1 secretion, as evidenced by clinical and basic research results. It also improves hepatic insulin sensitivity and reduces hepatic insulin resistance through recovery of hepatic glycogen synthesis in T2D patients. The combination of dorzagliatin with DPP-IV inhibitors, SGLT-2 inhibitors, and GLP-1 agonists have demonstrated effective regulation of lipid metabolism. Studies in combination with anticancer PI3K inhibitors have also offered unique benefits for glucose homeostasis management.- Diversified Product Pipeline, Innovative Layout for Future GrowthHua Medicine continues to enrich its pipeline layout based on core products. The Company has accelerated the R&D of a fixed-dose combination (FDC) of dorzagliatin and metformin as a twice-daily therapy for Type 2 diabetes patients with inadequate glycemic control on metformin alone, to further improve patient medication compliance. The product is supported by the strong results of the loose-dose combination in both Phase III clinical trials and real-world use. The Company has submitted an IND application to NMPA, and the GMP commercial manufacturing process has been successfully carried out, preparing for the pivotal bioequivalence study for NDA filing in 2027. Clinical studies have shown that the combination of dorzagliatin and metformin can better control blood glucose, reduce postprandial blood glucose and improve fasting blood glucose, providing new clinical value for optimizing blood glucose homeostasis endpoints.We have advanced our 2nd generation GKA as a once daily therapy for patients with obesity, leveraging dorzagliatin effects in improved glucose-stimulated GLP-1 secretion in the pancreas and in the intestine. The MAD study of the 2nd generation GKA was initiated in the United States with first-patient-in in December 2025, and we expect to report topline data by the middle of 2026.Meanwhile, the Company is also exploring combination therapy regimens of dorzagliatin with GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT-2 inhibitors and other drugs. In a recently published clinical trial in China, researchers reported the superior benefits of our dorzagliatin in combination with semaglutide as compared to semaglutide alone in a 12-week study. The combination group showed superior results across several key measures, including glycemic control, bodyweight related indicators and β-cell function.Financial Summary- Revenue generated by the Company was approximately RMB 492.9 million from the sale of approximately 4.011 million packs of HuaTangNing, increases of approximately 93% and 91% respectively, as compared with the year ended December 31, 2024.- Gross profit generated by the Company for the year ended December 31, 2025, was approximately RMB280.4 million, representing an increase of approximately 125%, as compared with the year ended December 31, 2024, and gross margins rose to 56.9%.- Profit before tax increased by approximately 542% to approximately RMB1,106.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, as compared with the year ended December 31, 2024.- Bank balances and cash position was approximately RMB1,092.3 million as of December 31, 2025.- Expenditures incurred by the Company for the year ended December 31, 2025, were approximately RMB433.4 million.Forward-Looking StatementsThis document contains statements regarding Hua Medicine's and its products' future expectations, plans and prospects. Such forward-looking statements relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this document and are subject to change in light of future developments. Except as required by law, the Company shall not be obligated to update or publicly revise any forward-looking statements or unforeseen events after the date of such statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or other circumstances. Please read this document carefully and understand that actual future performance or results of the Company may differ materially from expectations due to various risks, uncertainties or other statutory requirements.About Hua MedicineHua Medicine (The “Company”) is an innovative drug development and commercialization company based in Shanghai, China, with companies in the United States and Hong Kong. Hua Medicine focuses on developing novel therapies for patients with unmet medical needs worldwide. Based on global resources, Hua Medicine teams up with global high-calibre people to develop breakthrough technologies and products, which contribute to innovation in diabetes care. Hua Medicine's cornerstone product HuaTangNing (dorzagliatin tablets), targets the glucose sensor glucokinase, restores glucose sensitivity in T2D patients, and stabilizes imbalances in blood glucose levels in patients. HuaTangNing was approved by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China on September 30th, 2022. It can be used alone or in combination with metformin for adult T2D patients. For patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), no dose adjustment is required. It is an oral hypoglycemic drug that can be used for patients with Type 2 diabetes with renal function impairment. In February 2026, dorzagliatin (Trade name: MYHOMSIS®,) was approved for marketing by the Pharmaceutical Services of the Department of Health of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China.For more informationHua MedicineWebsite: www.huamedicine.comInvestorsEmail: ir@huamedicine.comMediaEmail: pr@huamedicine.com Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
CALB (3931.HK) Achieves Mass Production Roll-off of Pioneering Aviation Battery System, Powered by Advanced R46 Cylindrical Batteries
HONG KONG, Mar 26, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – CALB (03931.HK) rolled its pioneering 'R46 cylindrical battery' system off the production line at the Chengdu factory on March 25, an aviation power battery set to power the XPENG ARIDGE X3-F Land Aircraft Carrier flying car. The recently unveiled R46 cylindrical battery technology boasts an energy density of 360 Wh/kg, the highest-density solid-liquid hybrid cylindrical battery in the industry. It achieves an exceptional balance between high safety, high power density and high energy density, meets aviation-grade safety standards, and will be equipped in several of ARIDGE's flying car models.The partnership between the two parties began in 2022, with CALB assisting ARIDGE in completing the world’s maiden flight of an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) flying car. Following rigorous validation, the reliability of CALB’s battery product has been fully verified. Building on this momentum, CALB assembled a team of top researchers to focus on the next-generation advanced R46 cylindrical battery system, tasked with addressing a range of scientific and technological challenges.Taking the lead in collaborating with leading institutions including ARIDGE, CALB has been awarded support by the National Key R&D Program Project, further positioning the technologies at the forefront of global innovation in intrinsic safety and high-specific-energy aviation power batteries. Consequently, the two parties signed a deepened strategic cooperation agreement in April 2025, establishing an exclusive supply relationship for next-generation models.From leading the National Key R&D Program focused on advanced R46 cylindrical battery system technology to achieving the mass production of flying car batteries, CALB is accelerating its expansion into forward-looking emerging sectors. The company's commercialization capability across diversified application scenarios continues to strengthen, opening new growth opportunities in the competition for next-generation energy technologies. CALB Group Co., Ltd. https://en.calb-tech.com/ [03931.HK] Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
Unisound Posts Strong First Annual Results Since Listing: Revenue Surges Nearly 30%, H2 Loss Narrows Significantly by Over 90%, Profitability in Sight, Charting a New Course in Native Agentic AI!
HONG KONG, Mar 27, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – 26 March, Unisound (09678.HK) announced its audited annual results for the year ended December 31, 2025. As the Company's first annual results announcement since listing, it underscores strong growth momentum and continued improvement in its financial profile.Revenue Mix Continues to Improve, with Faster Growth in H2For the full year of 2025, Unisound achieved total revenue of $175 million, representing a year-on-year (YoY) increase of 29%. Revenue in the second half of the year increased by 33% YoY to $117 million.It is worth noting that the Company's large language model (LLM) business generated a full-year revenue of $88.43 million, surging by over 10 times YoY. In particular, this business contributed approximately $72.49 million in H2 revenue, five times the level recorded in H1, demonstrating a compelling capacity for large-scale commercial application.Losses Narrowed Significantly, Making the Path to Profitability Increasingly ClearAlongside the rapid revenue growth, the Company's losses improved markedly. In the second half of 2025, the Company's net loss narrowed by 84% YoY, and its adjusted loss narrowed by 92% YoY, approaching break-even. This reflects the Company's ongoing improvements in cost control and operational efficiency.Simultaneously, some of the Company's operating metrics saw marked improvement. The adjusted expense ratio declined significantly by 10 percentage points YoY, while selling expenses decreased rather than increased and accounted for only 5.4%, highlighting a clear improvement in cost-to-efficiency ratio. In 2025, revenue per employee reached $365,300, up 25% YoY from $292,900 in 2024. Employee productivity continued to lead the industry, clearly underscoring the Company's core strengths in technology-driven, lean operations.Dual-Engine Strategy Gains Traction, with AI in Healthcare and AI in Daily Life Advancing in TandemIn 2025, driven by both technological breakthroughs and policy tailwinds, global demand for AI continued to rise. Unisound adhered to its "Strong Foundation Model + Deep Application" strategy, continued to strengthen its multimodal technology foundation, and drove the continuous elevation of the global influence of its proprietary large model matrix in fields such as healthcare, speech, and OCR.On the commercialization front, the Company leveraged its AI-native organization to accelerate business execution, and its dual-engine strategy in AI in Healthcare and AI in Daily Life delivered notable results. During the reporting period:The AI in Daily Life business achieved revenue of $140 million, a YoY increase of 30.8%. Among this, the Transportation segment recorded nearly 40% YoY growth. At present, AI agent applications based on the Shanhai large model have been deployed in more than 10 cities, including Qingdao, Ningbo, Shenzhen and Nanning. In addition, cumulative AI chip shipments exceeded 110 million units, further validating the Company's scale capabilities in endpoint AI products.The AI in Healthcare business achieved revenue of $35.38 million, a YoY increase of 22.3%, with average revenue per customer growing by 53.2% YoY. In 2025, over 70% of the hospitals the Company collaborated with were tertiary hospitals, and more than one-third of customers had maintained continuous cooperation for over three years. The medical-record entry and generation products powered by the medical large model delivered a 10-fold YoY increase in full-annual medical record generation at a single campus of a leading Class III hospital. The commercial insurance AI agent platform recorded a 37-fold YoY increase in case processing volume. In deep cooperation with a leading insurance group, the expense control rate was effectively raised to approximately 20%, delivering more than $145 million in incremental cost management compared with traditional review methods, comprehensively empowering insurance institutions to refine their medical risk management operations.Continued R&D Investment Strengthens the Technology MoatTo consolidate its industry-leading position, the Company continued to invest heavily in R&D in 2025. Full-year R&D expenses exceeded $55.09 million, accounting for 75% of the Company's adjusted operating expenses, while R&D personnel accounted for 69% of the total workforce. This sustained investment drove breakthroughs across multiple technology areas. For example, in the MedBench 4.0 evaluation, the Company ranked first place in three technical paradigms: "Medical AI Agent," "Medical Large Language Model," and "Medical Multimodal Large Model," earning a "Triple Crown."Outlook: Deepening the Technological Foundation and Expanding Application BoundariesLooking ahead, Unisound will continue to deepen its "Strong Foundation Model + Deep Application" strategy. On the technological front, the Company will continue to increase strategic investment in foundational large models and strive to maintain a world-class level. On the application front, it will use the large-scale expansion of MaaS (Model-as-a-Service) and AI agents as its core growth engine, driving exponential growth in its AI in Daily Life and AI in Healthcare businesses. Meanwhile, the Company is actively exploring the establishment of a recurring revenue system through models such as API calls and Token-based billing, and regards opportunities in consumer-facing (C-end) products as a second growth curve to further expand its commercialization boundaries.Between Q2 and Q3 2026, Unisound will launch a native AI agent large model for programming and office applications, which is expected to double both intelligence density and token production efficiency. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
Is That ‘Foundation’ Game’s Link to Books or the Show Weird?
Apple/Skydance/FunPlus International(SeaPRwire) - Isaac Asimov's name is arguably the most iconic in classic science fiction. Before his passing in 1992, the incredibly productive author had penned more than 500 books and countless short stories, many of which were later adapted for the screen, such as 1999’s Bicentennial Man and the 2004 Will Smith action film I, Robot. Despite some controversies surrounding him, Asimov's impact on science fiction is undeniable, shaping the works of numerous writers like Frank Herbert and Timothy Zahn. Even Project Hail Mary author Andy Weir recently acknowledged Asimov as one of his greatest inspirations.Apple TV+ launched the inaugural season of a series in 2021, drawing from Asimov’s profoundly thematic and highly influential novel collection of the same title. This multi-generational epic chronicles the challenges faced by the Foundation—an entity established to preserve all human knowledge—in the distant future. They contend with the schemes of an interstellar Empire, striving to avert a future catastrophe that remains unforeseen, even with psychohistory, an advanced mathematical system intended to forecast major future events.In contrast to many other monumental sci-fi sagas, Foundation distinguishes itself not through massive space conflicts, but by its deep exploration of philosophical and existential dilemmas, alongside the long-term consequences of political and societal choices. This makes the thematic divergence of Foundation: Galactic Frontier, the MMORPG inspired by the franchise, particularly perplexing, given what defines the popularity of both the series and the novels.Galactic Frontier, launched on mobile platforms a year ago and recently on Steam, centers primarily on an anonymous Trader working for Bel Riose, the loyal general of the Galactic Empire. Following a dispute concerning a mysterious child, your character is forced to escape across independent planets. Throughout the game, players can grow their assets from a single vessel to an extensive fleet, enabling exploration of the expansive Foundation universe and encounters with its diverse cast. The game also features space combat and player-versus-player battles involving collectible hero characters.Initially, this approach seems somewhat peculiar. While Foundation does contain references to significant space engagements, it isn't fundamentally a narrative driven by such events. Instead, it delves into the protracted, centuries-spanning conflict between the nascent Foundation and the autocratic Empire—a struggle waged through strategic decisions rather than direct military might. It resembles a grand chess match where humanity's destiny is at stake. Candidly, the franchise appears far better suited to the extended strategic gameplay found in titles like Civilization or Crusader Kings.A combat-heavy RPG doesn’t exactly seem like the best approach for Asimov’s intellectual sci-fi predilections. | FunPlus InternationalThe game also presents inconsistencies with the established canon. Characters such as Hari Seldon exhibit traits more aligned with their book versions—for instance, the game references his past as First Minister, a detail exclusive to the novels—yet his visual representation clearly draws from Jared Harris’ portrayal in the series. The inclusion of robots not featured in the show, alongside other elements found only in the books, suggests either an attempt by the television series to converge with the novels or that the game is set in an entirely distinct universe, merging both interpretations.Regardless of the lore complexities, Foundation: Galactic Frontier doesn't quite capture the sophisticated, intellectual world-building of the books or the intricate TV series. It largely comes across as a standard mobile MMORPG merely adorned with a Foundation theme, which is regrettable given the vast potential for engaging, interactive exploration of this universe. Imagine a mobile game where players utilize the Prime Radiant to forecast the future, or manage the secret of Demerzel, the immortal robot. Or perhaps a game where you serve as a missionary for the Church of the Galactic Spirit, collaborating with intriguing figures like Hober Mallow.Fans can hopefully anticipate a future game that more accurately reflects the complex decisions and existential stakes inherent in the series' centuries-long conflict between the Foundation and the Empire. While Foundation: Galactic Frontier offers an enjoyable and engaging sci-fi mobile experience, it currently feels more like an experiment orchestrated by Hari Seldon than a true embodiment of the narrative.Foundation: Galactic Frontier is currently accessible on Steam and mobile platforms. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
Netflix Just Quietly Dropped the Year’s Most Twist-Filled Horror Series
Netflix(SeaPRwire) - When the Duffer Brothers created the final season of Stranger Things, all fan conversation centered on how the story would conclude. Which characters would survive, which would perish, and what fate awaited the Upside Down? While the ending was clear-cut, a notable portion of the fanbase still found it underwhelming. Just a few months on, the Duffer brothers have returned as executive producers for Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen, a series that takes a completely different approach: its ending is spelled out right in the title. Even though it gives away its own tragic conclusion upfront, the show still manages to deliver the jaw-dropping thrills Stranger Things fans look for, paired with an unapologetically mature twist. The official synopsis for Something Very Bad is Going to Happen states it will do for marriage what Carrie did for womanhood and Rosemary’s Baby did for motherhood. While that sort of claim usually amounts to empty hype, this series actually lives up to the promise. It plays on the visceral fear of binding yourself to another person — and their entire family — for life, then layers in a supernatural twist that drenches the supposed perfect day in gory, buckets-of-blood chaos. The show centers on Rachel (played by Camila Morrone), a young woman with a quirky sense of humor and a painful past. She travels with her fiancé Nicky (Adam DiMarco) through snow-covered rural areas to his family’s holiday cabin, where they intend to hold a small, family-only wedding. As is the case with most weddings, though, the final guest list ends up being far longer than planned. But once Rachel reaches the cabin and is introduced to Nicky’s relatives, it quickly becomes obvious that nothing is what it appears to be. There’s no need to worry that the plot is unoriginal, though: it’s far more similar to I’m Thinking of Ending Things than a lazy “Get Out for white women” knockoff, and it drops plenty of misleading clues for viewers to parse along the way. Nicky’s family is a perfectly assembled group of charmingly off-putting relatives. Matriarch Victoria Cunningham (Jennifer Jason Leigh) is a textbook upper-middle-class family head, married to Boris (Ted Levine), a dedicated physician, and the pair share three children. Jeff Wilbusch portrays oldest son Jules; while the actor’s native accent slips through noticeably at points, his character is pivotal to the story. His wife Nell (Karla Crome), the only other person who has married into the Cunningham clan, becomes Rachel’s most trusted confidante. The Cunningham family proves to be more than Rachel bargained for. | Netflix The real scene-stealer, though, is Portia, the airheaded younger sister played by Gus Birney. Birney’s nasal tone and Paris Hilton-style platinum blonde hair make her the ideal stand-in for the story’s actual big bad: the wedding industrial complex. Portia is fixated on pulling off a flawless rehearsal dinner, a bachelorette party full of coordinated outfits, and a perfectly smooth ceremony. She’s equal parts unsettling and overly cheery, embodying everything Rachel can’t stand — and the dislike is entirely reciprocal. Anyone who has ever tied themselves to the wrong partner, or fears making that mistake, will get that classic “don’t go inside” horror movie tension through the entire first four episodes. Once the series hits its midpoint, though, the dynamic changes entirely. All of a sudden, the stress of meeting adult life milestones and dealing with intrusive in-laws is no longer the main issue — that honor falls to something far more sinister. Put simply, something very bad is on the horizon. This series is by no means a light, easy watch, but by the time the final wedding ceremony rolls around, I was more invested in whether this couple would say “I do” at the altar than I was across 10 entire seasons of Love is Blind. Even after the big reveal of whether they go through with it, there are still plenty more unexpected turns left. If this is the kind of content the Duffer brothers are putting out in their post-Stranger Things era, I’m fully on board for whatever they make next. Something Very Bad to Happen is available to stream on Netflix now. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
Five Years Ago, an Overlooked Superhero Show Redefined Television with a Groundbreaking Revelation
Prime Video(SeaPRwire) - A pivotal moment in the inaugural episode of Invincible — often referred to as the turning point — reveals the series' true nature. For approximately 40 minutes, the show unfolds as a lighthearted origin story about a teenager named Mark Grayson, who gains powers, trains with his superhero father, receives a costume from a tailor voiced by Mark Hamill, and chooses his superhero name. It features vibrant visuals, an uplifting score, and a distinctly familiar tone.Then, Omni-Man enters a room filled with Earth's most formidable heroes and brutally slaughters every single one of them with his bare hands.This sequence is now legendary, five years to the day since Invincible first aired on Amazon Prime Video. What has been less recognized over the past half-decade, however, is the profound statement that scene made. It transcended a mere plot twist, serving as a foundational argument for the capabilities of animation as a medium, and what it had previously been constrained from achieving.The week of Invincible's debut was not a quiet period for superhero content. WandaVision had just concluded its run on Disney+, and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier had premiered the week prior. Discussions about superhero fatigue were already prevalent. Into this environment, Amazon introduced a series that, on the surface, appeared to be more of the same: an animated superhero show featuring a voice cast that seemed to include half of Hollywood, such as Steven Yeun, J.K. Simmons, and Sandra Oh. The trailers were colorful, and the premise was easily digestible within 30 seconds.The trailers, however, failed to convey the show's authentic character or what would ultimately ensure its lasting success. The very familiarity was, in fact, the intention. The adherence to Saturday morning cartoon conventions might have seemed like a lack of originality, but it was, in reality, the groundwork. The series was constructing something it planned to dramatically subvert.Creator Robert Kirkman and showrunner Simon Racioppa understood that the twist would only be effective if the audience had been gently led to accept the conventions of a different narrative. Every element of Mark's origin — his powers, his costume, his superhero moniker — precisely adheres to the genre's established rules. There's even a scene where Nolan reassures his son that while other children merely imagine being invincible, he genuinely is. This moment lands with the intended warmth. The show deliberately aims for emotional resonance.Invincible understands the genre conventions it blows up. | Prime VideoBecause then the Guardians of the Globe assemble, and Omni-Man enters, systematically and completely eliminating them. By the time he collapses amidst the devastation, the genre's fundamental assurances — that the hero is safe, that the father figure is trustworthy — have been irrevocably shattered. And they will not be restored.The series recognized that this audacious move couldn't solely rely on shock (though it certainly was shocking). While the violence is graphic, the underlying emotional core is grief. The pilot meticulously establishes a father-son relationship with enough sincerity to render Omni-Man's true nature utterly devastating. Mark's affection for his father is genuine before it becomes complex. The sequence resonates because the betrayal it embodies remains entirely unresolved, persisting throughout the entire season and beyond.Invincible stood as one of the pioneering hour-long adult animated dramas in American streaming history. Before its debut, mainstream adult animation in the United States was almost exclusively comedic, featuring shows like South Park, Family Guy, and Rick and Morty. Even BoJack Horseman — the most emotionally profound animated series of its era — adhered to the standard half-hour format. The hour-long runtime was typically reserved for live-action prestige dramas. The notion that animation could sustain such ambitious storytelling was far from guaranteed, but it was a calculated risk.Your relationship with your father can be tricky, especially after a mass murder. | Prime VideoKirkman acknowledged this at the time, describing it as a challenging proposition and commending Amazon for taking a chance on an unprecedented concept. The gamble proved successful. Season 1 achieved a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Both Seasons 2 and 3 boast a perfect 100%. Season 2's premiere reportedly saw its viewership triple that of Season 1, likely fueled by positive word-of-mouth. This mirrors the typical reception pattern of prestige dramas, a fact that remains quietly remarkable for an animated series.With Season 4 recently launched, Invincible has demonstrated greater longevity than most of the content landscape it emerged into. The MCU's Disney+ ventures have yielded diminishing critical returns. The genre of superhero deconstruction has evolved into its own predictable category, complete with familiar tropes and anticipated subversions. Yet, Invincible has maintained its significance because its core narrative — a son grappling with his father's true identity and determining his own path — is rooted in themes that market forces cannot easily deplete.The premiere did more than just launch a show. It helped solidify the adult animated drama as a genre: hour-long, emotionally serious, and formally ambitious, a category that has since inspired numerous imitators and successors. Furthermore, it demonstrated that the medium is capable of conveying profound grief with the same depth it has always handled comedy. This is the hallmark of a truly impactful debut. It alters what follows and establishes its own enduring, indeed, invincible, legacy.Invincible is available for streaming on Prime Video. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
Cult Horror Film “Forbidden Fruits” Is a Supernatural Thriller Taking the Year by Storm
IFC/Shudder(SeaPRwire) - It feels fitting that Diablo Cody's name is associated with Forbidden Fruits. While Cody did not write the film, it is adapted from the provocatively titled play Of the woman came the beginning of sin, and through her we all die by Lily Houghton, which was loosely inspired by Houghton's experiences working at a bohemian retail chain. Meredith Alloway directed the film, marking her transition to feature filmmaking after a series of successful short films. However, Cody, who served as a producer on Forbidden Fruits, also wrote Jennifer's Body, a film that paved the way for movies like Forbidden Fruits.Forbidden Fruits is part of a growing subgenre of horror films that explore femininity and feminine aesthetics, recently termed "girl horror" in Rue Morgue magazine. This subgenre has gained traction in the late 2010s, coinciding with a greater presence of women in the horror genre, both as fans and creators, in what was once a predominantly male space. Concurrently, critics began to re-examine Cody and director Karyn Kusama's 2009 film, establishing them as pioneers for a new wave of unapologetically "girly" horror films such as Raw (2016) and Promising Young Woman (2020).Alloway's work aligns with this tradition; her 2019 short film, Deep Tissue, for instance, uses themes of cannibalism to examine body image and sexuality against a backdrop of flowing pink hotel curtains. Visually, Forbidden Fruits presents a slightly sharper aesthetic, embedding its "girlypop" sensibility within the minimalist style of 21st-century retail. This creates an effect akin to a dazzling set of long acrylic nails—whimsical and feminine, yet also hard and sharp. The film certainly unleashes its sharp edges through its dialogue and, later, in a couple of gruesome sequences that escalate the characters' cattiness to startling new levels.The only aspect of Forbidden Fruits that feels anachronistic is its setting in a mall, an establishment that has largely vanished from most North American cities. Specifically, the film is set in a suburban Dallas, Texas mall, where the dominant figure, Apple (Lili Reinhart), and her employees and confidantes, Cherry (Victoria Pedretti) and Fig (Alexandra Shipp), manage the Free Eden boutique with an iron grip, conveyed through their stylish vinyl attire. Their manager, Sharon (Gabrielle Union), is present because the previous young woman to be part of this inner circle—the unfortunately and whimsically named Pickle (Emma Chamberlain)—experienced a breakdown and was hospitalized following a conflict with the group.Alexandra Shipp reviews Lola Tung’s resume in Forbidden Fruits. | IFC/ShudderConsequently, Free Eden is hiring, and the ambitious Pumpkin (Lola Tung) secures the position after demonstrating she is far too attractive and cool for a pretzel stand. Her name, reminiscent of an autumn fruit, also proves advantageous, as Pickle's departure has created an opening within the coven of witches that Apple and her friends convene in the Free Eden dressing room after hours. The film's witchcraft scenes perfectly encapsulate the blend of light and dark that defines Forbidden Fruits: while the potion Pumpkin must consume for her initiation is brewed in a sparkly cowboy boot, it also contains human blood.Some of the film's edge stems from its characters: the relationship between Apple and Cherry is depicted as abusive, with Apple manipulating Cherry into believing she is too unstable to make even minor decisions. Fig, who holds a physics degree before working at Free Eden, is more cautious and independent. However, she remains complicit, concealing her relationship with her boyfriend to avoid upsetting Apple's obsessive need for control over the coven. The film cleverly satirizes these toxic dynamics by framing them with cheerful slogans about "girls supporting girls," prompting questions about the nature of healthy friendships for the film's target audience of young women.Lili Reinhart gets her witch on in Forbidden Fruits. | IFC/ShudderTowards the end, Forbidden Fruits transitions from a campy, character-focused witchcraft narrative to a slasher film, complete with a classic slasher twist. This shift represents the film's primary weakness, as by the time it introduces its stalk-and-murder sequences, it is too late to effectively build suspense. Had this transition occurred earlier, the film, and its audience, might have had more time to adjust to this new horror style. Regardless, the extravagant set pieces that punctuate this part of the movie are as over-the-top as the outfits the Free Eden employees wear to assert their dominance on the sales floor and in the food court.Featuring a well-chosen ensemble of emerging young actors who deliver the sharp, comedic dialogue with apparent ease, Forbidden Fruits is highly relevant to contemporary culture. Reinhart's performance is particularly noteworthy, evolving from intimidating to terrifying, imbued with the subtle pathos essential for a compelling horror villain. All involved, from the cast to the costume and set designers, fully embrace the film's distinct sensibility, which may not appeal to everyone. However, for teenage girls discovering horror or adult women who wish such films had existed during their youth, both the concept and its execution will resonate strongly. While you might not be invited to join their clique, you likely wouldn't want to anyway.Forbidden Fruits premieres in theaters on March 27, distributed by Shudder and Independent Film Company. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
Who Exactly Is Mr. Charles In ‘Daredevil: Born Again’? Season 2’s Villain Explained
Marvel Studios(SeaPRwire) - Following a fiery season finale where Wilson Fisk and Matt Murdock at last ceased evading their true selves, and after a year-long wait to discover just how New York City would erupt in the aftermath, Daredevil: Born Again has returned to Disney+ with a compelling Season 2 premiere that finds Matt and Karen finally taking the offensive against their longtime foe and resident unshakable force, Wilson Fisk. Both the first and second seasons—serving as both a continuation and a reboot of the original Netflix series—also draw heavily from Chip Zdarsky’s celebrated run on the character, which elevated The Kingpin to New York City mayor and gave him command of a state-approved anti-vigilante secret police unit, while Matt Murdock grappled with the law’s effectiveness amid unfathomable judicial corruption. That run concluded with the Marvel Comics crossover Devil’s Reign, which pitted Daredevil and several of his heroic allies against Kingpin and his forces; after Fisk won the mayoral race in Born Again’s first season, many thought the MCU was heading toward some kind of Devil’s Reign adaptation—though the initial trailer for Spider-Man: Brand New Day might have extinguished that possible plan.Putting aside any possible Spider-Man cameos, Born Again is quickly introducing both new and returning characters—some supporting Daredevil and others aligning with The Kingpin. The season trailer teased the comeback of Krysten Ritter’s Jessica Jones, a door that could open to the return of other Netflix Defenders (no word on that yet), and while a handful of other minor but recognizable faces are set to appear, there’s one enigmatic figure who’s already sparking intense fan speculation even though it’s his first MCU outing.Warning! Spoilers ahead for Daredevil: Born Again Season 2’s premiere.Sorry to disappoint but it doesn’t look like a wedding with Luke Cage is coming anytime soon. | Marvel StudiosIn Season 2’s premiere, Matthew Lillard makes his official MCU debut as the unshakable Mr. Charles, a fixer dispatched from Washington’s upper echelons (directly under Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine) after Daredevil targets a private freighter smuggling illegal weapons (and possibly more) under Mayor Fisk’s authority. The freighter’s sinking catches the eye of individuals far higher up the chain, who send their own operative to monitor Kingpin’s operations—cue Mr. Charles, an extraordinarily composed logistics specialist fearless of nearly everything, including the typically brutal Wilson Fisk.Unsurprisingly, online fans have gone into detective mode to unravel the character’s secret identity, though the truth is far simpler than Mephisto or other common MCU fan theories. Mr. Charles does have a Marvel Comics equivalent, but his only appearance is non-canon: he showed up briefly as a businessman assisting the nefarious Roxxon Corporation in an issue of a special series Marvel released in collaboration with the Army and Air Force Exchange Service. To date, the character has not reappeared, either in non-canon or the main 616 Marvel Universe.He’s certainly no less sinister without a mask or a secret identity. | Marvel StudiosThe Roxxon Corporation has popped up several times in the MCU, from Agent Carter to Captain America: Brave New World, though never in a major way. It’s conceivable that Mr. Charles is the start of a bigger storyline involving the company, but realistically, the character is likely just a name taken from his one comic appearance and repurposed as a type of enforcer, with loyalties to Washington and the political and corporate interests there.Both Daredevil: Born Again Season 1 and the Season 2 premiere center on Wilson Fisk’s efforts to gain legitimacy being thwarted by individuals with far grander ambitions and vastly more resources than him: politicians and billionaires, the ones who truly hold the power to impose their will on the world (for good or ill, but often ill). Only time will reveal if Lillard’s Mr. Charles turns out to be a known villainous figure, but for now, it’s reasonable to say his presence embodies the show’s core true villain: corrupt, weaponized bureaucracy.Daredevil: Born Again Season 2’s premiere is now streaming on Disney+. New episodes drop on Tuesdays. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.


















