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2023 VinFuture Special Prize Laureate Prof. Daniel Drucker: Ample room remains for innovation in GLP-1 therapies

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HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Neswire – 14 April 2025 – Together with world-renowned scientists including Prof. Joel F. Habener, Prof. Jens Juul Holst and Assoc. Prof. Svetlana Mojsov, Prof. Daniel Drucker at the University of Toronto and the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, has discovered the role of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), leading to life-changing therapies for people with diabetes and obesity while stimulating emerging applications for neurodegenerative diseases. This groundbreaking innovation has garnered significant recognition for him and the GLP-1 research group, exemplified by the prestigious 2023 VinFuture Special Prize for Innovators with Outstanding Achievements in Emerging Fields, and the 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences, awarded earlier this April.

Prof. Daniel Drucker, 2023 VinFuture Special Prize Laureate for Innovators with Outstanding Achievements in Emerging Fields, continues to receive recognition with the 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences

In this interview, he reflects on the impact and influences of the VinFuture Prize on his further research, as well as the challenges and prospects of expanding GLP-1 accessibility. As global scientific recognition continues to evolve, he shares insights into the vital role of initiatives like the VinFuture Prize in inspiring the next generation of scientists.

VinFuture: Recognizing transformative science

The 2023 VinFuture Prize holds the distinction of being the first major international science and technology award to recognize and honor the scientists behind the discovery of the role of GLP-1. Following the VinFuture Prize, the GLP-1 research group has continuously received recognitions with numerous other prestigious accolades, including their listing among the 2024 Time 100 Most Influential People.

Reflecting on this, Prof. Drucker expressed deep appreciation, noting that these awards provide invaluable support in pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery.

“As the VinFuture Prize gains prominence, having GLP-1 science acknowledged as a recipient also helps elevate the global understanding of how it can transform healthcare,” he emphasized.

Continuing its commitment to recognizing impactful advancements, the 2024 VinFuture Prize honored innovators in the biomedical field for their development of CAR T-cell therapy for cancer and other diseases. According to Prof. Drucker, this innovation stands as “a remarkable example of how immunological science can revolutionize the treatment of many cancer types.”

“With the honoring of AI and CAR T cell therapy, the trends I observe are consistent with other international awards, where similar innovative themes are celebrated around the same time or within a few years. This alignment reinforces the importance of these breakthroughs.” Prof. Drucker commented.

Among the youngest international science-technology awards, now in its fifth year, the VinFuture Prize is steadily establishing its significance and reputation, evidenced by the increasing number of laureates continuing to receive recognition from prestigious international awards, most notably the Nobel Prize. Prominent examples include Dr. Katalin Karikó and Prof. Drew Weissman (Laureates of the 2021 VinFuture Grand Prize and 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine), Dr. Demis Hassabis and Dr. John Jumper (Laureates of the 2022 VinFuture Special Prize and 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry), and Prof. Geoffrey Hinton (Laureate of the 2024 VinFuture Grand Prize and 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics).

“Despite being a relatively new award, the VinFuture Prize has done an exceptional job of highlighting high-quality science. The recognition of AI, coinciding with its recent recognition by the Nobel Prize, highlights its transformative impact on numerous aspects of society,” Prof. Drucker said. “So I think the VinFuture Prize council really has its finger on the leading edge of science in many areas.”

Beyond diabetes

2024 was a landmark year for GLP-1 research, with several exciting clinical trials demonstrating benefits extending far beyond obesity to include the treatment of patients with heart disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and knee osteoarthritis. Additionally, Prof. Drucker hinted at early promising results for patients with metabolic liver disease and noted ongoing studies exploring GLP-1’s effects on Alzheimer’s disease, with results expected soon.

“The continuous wave of new findings will provide deeper insights into the full potential of GLP-1-based therapies.” Prof. Drucker commented, stating that each study will contribute to refining our understanding of this science.

Furthermore, Prof. Drucker highlighted GLP-1’s neurological effects and its potential clinical application in addressing mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and compulsive behaviors. He noted that preliminary, early-stage trials with small patient groups investigating GLP-1’s potential in reducing cravings and treating addiction-related disorders have yielded promising initial results.

“Several academic research centers are actively studying GLP-1’s effects on substance use disorders, and major pharmaceutical companies such as Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk have begun clinical trials to explore these applications further.” Prof. Drucker shared, “It will likely take 12 to 18 months before we gain a clearer picture of whether these medicines can be clinically effective in helping individuals reduce or quit substance use.”

Prof. Drucker also highlighted compelling research indicating GLP-1’s interaction with the brain, extends beyond appetite regulation, suggesting a range of potential therapeutic applications.

“Ongoing trials are underway in people with substance use disorders, including alcohol, nicotine, cannabinoids, and opioids, conditions for which existing medicines are not always very effective.” He elaborated, “We have trials underway for Alzheimer’s disease with oral semaglutide, which are expected to conclude by the end of 2025. These investigations will significantly enhance our understanding of GLP-1’s neurological impact and potential clinical applications.”

Overcome barriers to maximize impact

Despite the global excitement for the “Ozempic era”, there are many challenges hindering the widespread impact for GLP-1 medicines. These include the current high cost and limited accessibility of the treatments, the reliance on primarily two main drug options (semaglutide and tirzepatide), and the practical limitations of refrigeration and pen-based delivery for most formulations, as Prof. Drucker pointed out.

“A key priority is the democratization of these treatments so that everyone who could benefit from them has access. To achieve this, we are working on small-molecule pills that are easier to manufacture and should be more affordable.” He explained.

Prof. Drucker anticipated that increased competition in the GLP-1 market will lead to lower prices, development of newer versions that are easier to use, including once-monthly injections, thereby improving accessibility and convenience for millions worldwide.

“Most initial launches have occurred in countries with well-established healthcare and reimbursement systems. Only now are we seeing manufacturing capacity expand enough to increase availability, but costs remain a significant barrier.” He stated, emphasizing the critical need to advance these medicines not only to enhance their efficacy in areas like weight loss and cardiovascular health but also to make them more convenient to take, more affordable, and more broadly accessible to patients globally.

Another major challenge that Prof. Drucker identified is determining the appropriate dosage for extending the therapeutic applications of GLP-1 to conditions beyond diabetes and obesity. While the dosage effective for weight loss may not be suitable for other disorders like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, alcohol use disorder, anxiety, or depression, understanding the dose-response relationship for these conditions requires time and further investigation.

Additionally, research is underway to reduce adverse effects, making GLP-1 treatments safer and more comfortable for patients. Prof. Drucker elaborated, “One key strategy is starting patients on very low doses and gradually increasing them to minimize side effects. Additionally, some companies are researching ways to reduce further adverse effects, such as developing co-formulated anti-nausea compounds to improve tolerability.”

Future research for GLP-1 therapies presents numerous possibilities; however, the translation from research to clinical application for neurodegenerative and substance use disorder treatments still presents unmet needs with a lack of evidence for progress. According to Prof. Drucker, with clinical trials underway, they may yield valuable insights within the next 12 to 24 months regarding the potential extension of GLP-1 therapy benefits from glucose control to complex disorders of the central nervous system.

He identified, “The key lies in understanding how to effectively engage the brain, identifying which regions can respond to GLP-1 signaling, and how to optimize that communication.”

In conclusion, Prof. Drucker highlighted the promising contemporary landscape of scientific research, emphasizing the crucial need to inspire the next generation to embrace science and pursue research careers. In this context, the 2023 VinFuture Special Prize Laureate commended the VinFuture Prize for its valuable contribution in motivating individuals within the scientific community and engaging younger generations in science.

“When we visited Vietnam, we met with many young scientists, and I was impressed by VinFuture’s strong efforts to inspire and connect with them. I encourage VinFuture to continue and expand these efforts because investing in young talent is the key to a future filled with groundbreaking innovations.” He stated.

Hashtag: #VinFuture

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

VinFuture

The VinFuture Foundation, established on International Human Solidarity Day on December 20th, 2020, is a non-profit organization co-founded by billionaire Mr. Pham Nhat Vuong and his wife, Mrs. Pham Thu Huong. The Foundation’s core activity is awarding the annual VinFuture Prize, which recognizes transformative scientific and technological innovations capable of making significant positive changes in the lives of millions of people worldwide.

The nomination period for the 2025 VinFuture Prize will close at 2:00 PM on April 17, 2025 (Vietnam time, GMT+7). Submit your nominations here: . Outstanding nominators will be honored through the VinFuture Nominator Recognition Program.The VinFuture Prize consists of four prestigious awards presented each year. The most esteemed is the VinFuture Grand Prize, valued at US$3 million, making it one of the largest annual prizes globally. Additionally, there are three Special Prizes, each valued at US$500,000, specifically dedicated to honoring Women Innovators, Innovators from Developing Countries, and Innovators with Outstanding Achievements in Emerging Fields.

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Compax MVNE continues to support Airalo’s eSIM platform

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20 hours ago

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02/03/2026

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VIENNA, AUSTRIA – Newsaktuall – 2 March 2026 – Compax, a leading solution provider in the MVNO and telco space, will continue to support Airalo, the world’s first and largest eSIM platform.

Airalo and Compax have extended their partnership for another five years, ensuring Airalo continues to run on the powerful Compax backend platform. This technology allows Airalo to quickly launch and manage data plans across more than 200 destinations. By using the Compax real-time charging system, Airalo can accurately track data usage and set custom pricing independently, without having to rely on the technical systems of local phone carriers. This total control ensures that Airalo can offer its 20 million users the most flexible and competitive travel eSIM rates on the market.

Compax is proud to support Airalo as it continues to launch new products and services, ensuring its 20M+ customers can stay connected seamlessly across more than 200 destinations, regardless of their travel plans.

“At Airalo, our goal is to provide our customers with reliable connectivity and a seamless experience. Extending our partnership with Compax MVNE for another five years ensures we have the technical foundation to keep that promise,” explained Peter Nussbaumer, VP of Networks at Airalo. “Compax MVNE’s platform gives us the independence to launch new products and manage complex global data plans in real-time, allowing us to stay agile and focus on what matters most: keeping our 20 million users connected, no matter where their journey takes them.”

“The Airalo team set out to transform the way travelers enjoy connectivity abroad forever and they are not falling short on their goal. It’s an absolute pleasure for us to be a part of their journey and assist them on their mission. Connectivity is at the heart of everything we do in our modern ways of life and the Airalo offering is perfectly tuned to that beat.” said Werner Kohl, CEO of Compax.

Hashtag: #CompaxMVNE

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Compax

Compax is a leading BSS/OSS software provider for the telecommunications industry. Its business software suite covers the full spectrum required to cover areas such as DSL, FTTH, MVNO and related industries: Apps and portals for customer orders and selfcare, convergent product catalog, CPQ, order management, CRM, contact center, billing, accounting, payments, online charging, and retail management. Compax enables operators to bring new services, offers, and brands to market with a quick turnaround and covering B2B, B2C, and B2B2X scenarios. Relying on proven agile methodology, Compax successfully serves top brands around the globe.

About Airalo
Airalo, founded in 2019, is the world’s largest travel eSIM platform. Trusted by over 20 million travelers, Airalo offers eSIM packages in 200+ destinations, empowering users to connect to mobile networks worldwide instantly. With a remote team of over 300 people, spanning more than 50 countries, Airalo is committed to making mobile connectivity on the move easier, more affordable, and accessible to all.

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Many happy returns as Kai Tak Sports Park celebrates first anniversary

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20 hours ago

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02/03/2026

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Over 120 event days in first year of operation

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 March 2026 – Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) celebrated its milestone first anniversary on Sunday (1 March), successfully hosting nearly 50 major events and delivering over 120 international and local sports and entertainment days since its grand opening.

KTSP has established a unique identity as the city’s new “Home Venue” for major sports and entertainment events. Highlights have included the Hong Kong Sevens (rugby), the Hong Kong Football Festival featuring top teams such as Liverpool, AC Milan, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as concerts by British rock band Coldplay, Mandopop rock band Mayday, singer Jay Chou and global pop icons BLACKPINK.

Kai Tak Sports Park has established a unique identity as Hong Kong’s new “Home Venue” for major sports and entertainment events

Sports activities at the Park have welcomed more than 840,000 participants so far. In terms of sports activities, the three major facilities—Kai Tak Stadium, Kai Tak Arena and Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground—together with the bowling centre, outdoor sports facilities and open spaces in the precinct, are expected to surpass 200 event days from the Park’s opening through to the end of March 2026.

In the past year, the utilisation rates of the Kai Tak Stadium and Kai Tak Arena have reached close to 90%. Kai Tak Stadium has already attracted over 1.8 million attendees, rapidly becoming a powerful new driving force in advancing Hong Kong’s sports industry, events economy, and tourism development.

“Our first anniversary is not only a major milestone for Kai Tak Sports Park, but also a moment of pride for Hong Kong. Over the past year, we witnessed athletes’ determination, outstanding performances from artists, and the unforgettable energy of cheering audiences. Each event has touched and inspired us.

“As Hong Kong’s largest integrated sports, leisure and entertainment landmark, we are committed to bringing the community together while strengthening Hong Kong’s connection with the Greater Bay Area and the international stage,” said a spokesperson for KTSP.

The centerpiece 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium was ranked third in the world and top in Asia for total ticket sales in 2025 just nine months after its debut, according to Pollstar’s 2025 year-end stadium charts (published mid-December 2025). Pollstar also ranked Kai Tak Stadium No.5 worldwide and No.1 in Asia for total gross revenue (1.25 million passes worth US$191.34 million). Meanwhile, the 10,000-seat Kai Tak Arena, was ranked Asia’s No. 8 in terms of total gross revenue.

“Seeing the Park evolve over the past year into a major sports destination for Hong Kong has been incredibly inspiring,” said Hong Kong, China karatedo team former representative, Lee Chun Ho. “Every time I walk in, I can feel the energy. The professional facilities not only support large-scale events but also make it easier for the public to access different sports, whether they’re beginners or experienced enthusiasts.”

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With an expanding line‑up of exciting events, enhanced visitor experiences and an increasingly compelling programme of global attractions, KTSP will further advance the integration of culture, sports and tourism, ushering in an even brighter and more vibrant chapter for Hong Kong.

Hashtag: #HongKong #BrandHongKong #KTSP #Sports #Entertainment #Landmark #MegaEvents





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Green SM Named “Best EV Carpooling App” In the Asia-Pacific Region

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21 hours ago

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02/03/2026

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Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 March 2026 – GreenSM has been honored at the Sensor Tower APAC Awards 2025 with the title of “Best EV Carpooling App.” The annual awards program, organized by global digital intelligence firm Sensor Tower, recognizes mobile applications demonstrating outstanding performance across the Asia–Pacific region.

Sensor Tower honored Green SM as the “BEST EV CARPOOLING APP” in the Asia-Pacific region. (Photo source: Sensor Tower)

Award recipients are evaluated entirely based on independent performance data, including key indicators such as downloads, monthly active users (MAU), growth rates, in-app purchase revenue, and user engagement. These metrics reflect sustained operational effectiveness and performance over time. Green SM’s recognition not only marks a breakthrough for the brand but also demonstrates consistent growth and sufficient operational stability to be recognized at a regional level.

According to the published results, Green SM achieved 114.4% year-on-year MAU growth in 2025 and ranked No. 1 in downloads among EV-focused carpooling platforms in the region. This performance reflects steady expansion across the company’s operating markets, including Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Behind these growth figures lies a systematically built operational foundation. Green SM maintains that growth is only sustainable when accompanied by the ability to deliver consistent service quality across all operating markets. Scaling its electric fleet while ensuring a uniform and reliable user experience has remained a central priority throughout the company’s development.

This operational stability benefits both sides of the platform. Passengers experience transparent, dependable services, while the Green Driver community operates within a clearly structured, long-term-oriented work environment. For Green SM, growth and quality control are pursued in parallel as two core pillars of sustainable development.

Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh – Global CEO of Green SM stated: “Recognition through an independent data evaluation system affirms that the fully electric mobility model we are pursuing is on the right track. More important than growth speed is the trust we earn from users in every market where we operate. That trust motivates us to continuously refine our fully electric mobility model, ensuring stable operations, structured technology deployment, and sustainable long-term development.”

In the context of an increasingly competitive mobile application landscape, recognition grounded in independent performance data demonstrates that Green SM’s growth is built on a structured, scalable operational platform. The ability of an electric mobility model to achieve strong regional growth while maintaining consistent service quality confirms that this is no longer an experimental alternative, but a practical direction for modern urban transportation.

Previously, Green SM was also honored at the VnExpress Tech Awards 2025 with the titles “Outstanding Ride-Hailing App” and “Vietnamese Tech Brand of the Year,” and received the “CXP Best Customer Experience Award,” which recognized its implementation capabilities and consistent operational standards across the system.

Hashtag: #GreenSM

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