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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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VF 8 Is Connecting a New Global VinFast Community

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VinFast’s electric SUV is earning loyalty from Vietnam to the Middle East by fitting seamlessly into real lives, long drives, and daily routines.

HAI PHONG, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 January 2026 – VinFast’s VF 8 is traveling well, winning over drivers across markets with everyday performance, thoughtful design, and uncommon peace of mind.

A VF 8 owner belong to a relatively exclusive, self-selecting club that its maker VinFast have built across the globe. It is the kind of club formed less by marketing than by shared curiosity and a willingness to move early. Owners tend to recognize one another not by badges or decals, but by the confidence that comes from having made a deliberate choice.

The VF 8 holds a special place for VinFast. It was the brand’s first fully international offering, the vehicle tasked with introducing a young Vietnamese automaker to demanding markets abroad. As a result, the car was designed to travel well. Styled in collaboration with Pininfarina, the VF 8 favors clean proportions over visual noise. Beneath the surface, its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system and 402 horsepower provide performance that feels reassuring.

In Vietnam, the VF 8 has appealed to high-mileage drivers like Nguyen Phuong Hoang Dung, a Ho Chi Minh City-based construction project manager who covers about 5,000 kilometers a month. “When you drive that much, comfort and stability directly affect your health, your mindset, and how well you work,” he said. Having spent years with gasoline cars, he switched to the VF 8 in August 2025, drawn by its smooth throttle response and calm, seamless acceleration. Now, with more than 20,000 kilometers behind him, he said, “The more I drive it, the more confident I am that choosing the VF 8 was the right decision.”

As the VF 8 expanded into North America and Europe, it increasingly settled into a simpler role: a dependable everyday vehicle. Robert, who has driven his for more than a year and a half, said it has been “a great vehicle,” adding that “you will not find another this size in the price range they offered it.” For Jonathan, the VF 8 fits neatly into daily routines. “For us it’s a city vehicle with short rides every day, and it answers our needs,” he said. “Very comfortable, impressive performance, good in snow, and strong overall.”

In the Middle East, the VF 8’s appeal sharpens as VinFast pairs the car with ownership benefits that are rare in the segment, including complimentary maintenance coverage for five years or 100,000 kilometers. These are not small details in markets where peace of mind often matters as much as design. “The maintenance package made the decision easy,” said an owner in Dubai. “You know exactly where you stand.”

The idea of a VF 8 community is beginning to take shape. Across markets, it connects drivers in Vietnam, Europe, North America, and the Middle East through a shared understanding of what modern electric ownership can be. Thoughtful design. Capable performance. A clear push toward sustainability without asking drivers to compromise their routines.

For those inside the club, the VF 8 is not simply a statement car. No, something even better. A car that makes sense, day after day, in very different parts of the world.

Hashtag: #VF8 #VinFast

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

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ONYX Hospitality Group Partners with Yee Fung Group to Launch “Y Hotel Nanshan Shenzhen”, Expanding its Portfolio in China

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BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 January 2026 ONYX Hospitality Group, a leading Southeast Asian hospitality management company specialising in hotels, resorts, serviced apartments, and luxury residences, is proud to announce its new partnership with Yee Fung Group to operate Y Hotel Nanshan in Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China.

ONYX Hospitality Group oversees renowned brands including Amari, OZO, Shama, and Oriental Residence across key destinations in the Asia–Pacific region. This agreement marks another significant milestone in strengthening ONYX’s presence in the Chinese market. Scheduled to open in Q4 2026, the hotel supports ONYX’s long-term growth strategy as it works toward its target of managing more than 75 properties by 2030.

Mr Yuthachai Charanachitta, Chief Executive Officer of ONYX Hospitality Group, commented: “This collaboration reflects the strong confidence Yee Fung Group has in ONYX, following our successful partnership in managing Y Hotel Hong Kong. It represents a significant step forward in building on that success and further expanding ONYX’s presence in the Greater China market. At the same time, this partnership reinforces ONYX’s position as a distinctive ‘Regional Player’, well-positioned for stable and sustainable growth across the region.”

Y Hotel Nanshan Shenzhen featuring 82 thoughtfully designed guest rooms and suites, located within YEE FUNG PLACE on a strategically significant site surrounded by key national infrastructure. The area is supported by five major national sea and land ports, including Shekou, Chiwan and Mawan, servicing more than 150 shipping routes. It is also situated at the heart of one of China’s leading innovation and industrial hubs, home to sectors such as integrated circuits, artificial intelligence, biomedicine and the marine economy, alongside more than 50 specialised industrial parks.

Y Hotel Nanshan Shenzhen is ideally suited for leisure travellers, offering convenient accessibility just 35 minutes from Shenzhen Baoan International Airport and 31 minutes from Shenzhen North Railway Station, and only 650 metres from Lilin Subway Station. The surrounding area features vibrant food markets and nightlife destinations such as Nanyi Fang, Shekou Sea World, Green World and Houhai, as well as cultural and recreational attractions including Shenzhen Poly Theatre, Shenzhen Talent Park, Nanshan Museum, Nanshan Park and Shenzhen Bay Park. Guests will also find leading shopping centres nearby, including Walmart, Xinhe Shopping Plaza, Garden City, Haiya Mega Mall, Coastal City and Shenzhen Bay MixC.

Furthermore, the hotel is located close to the headquarters of major national technology companies such as ZTE, Tencent, Huawei, Alibaba, Han’s Laser and Mindray, as well as Shenzhen University, positioning it as both a relaxing retreat and a strategic hub for business travellers seeking comfort alongside a distinctive lifestyle experience.Hashtag: #ONYXHospitalityGroup #YeeFungGroup #YHotel #HospitalityManagement #HotelManagement #LifestyleHotel



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

About ONYX Hospitality Group:

ONYX Hospitality Group, a reputable force in Southeast Asia’s hospitality industry, operates a collection of comprehensive yet complementary brands – Amari, OZO, Shama and Oriental Residence – catering to the distinctive needs of discerning business and leisure travellers in Southeast Asia where their expertise lies. In addition to its brand portfolio, ONYX Hospitality Group also operates additional hospitality services across spa and food and beverage. With over five decades of management experience, the company extends its innovative solutions throughout the region, upholding internationally recognised standards and ensuring optimal operational manoeuvrability. By fostering enduring relationships with like-minded business partners, ONYX Hospitality Group delivers unparalleled experiences in a dynamic and competitive market, meeting the ever-evolving demands of travellers.

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AFERIY Unveils Next-Generation Portable Power Station Nomad1800 at CES

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LAS VEGAS, US – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 January 2026 – As the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 officially opened, AFERIY, an innovative global brand in the portable clean energy sector, announced the launch of its next-generation portable power station, the Nomad1800, drawing widespread attention from industry professionals and the media.

More Compact Size, Greater Power Output

The AFERIY Nomad1800 keeps the same battery capacity while boosting power output by 50% through system and structural optimization. Weighing 11.6 kg, it is about 10% lighter than the previous model.

Despite its lighter design, it delivers 1800 W rated AC output (peak 3600 W), powering appliances like rice cookers, kettles, car refrigerators, and induction cooktops for camping, RVs, and home emergencies.

Fast Charging: 0–80% in 36 Minutes

The Nomad1800 adopts a hybrid fast-charging solution supporting both AC grid power and solar input. It can charge from 0% to 80% in just 36 minutes, significantly reducing charging time. This fast-charging capability allows the Nomad1800 to adapt to short stops, travel intervals, and unexpected power outages, providing users with efficient and predictable energy support.

Safe and Durable LiFePO₄ Battery

The Nomad1800 is equipped with a 1024 Wh lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) battery supplied by EVE Energy. After more than 4,000 charge and discharge cycles, the battery retains up to 80% of its capacity.

An intelligent BMS monitors voltage, current, and temperature to ensure safe, stable operation even under high load or fast charging.

Industry-Leading Seven-Year Warranty

AFERIY offers the Nomad1800 an industry-leading seven-year warranty on core components and systems, reflecting confidence in its quality, safety, and durability.

Comprehensive Power and Safety Protection

The Nomad1800 features multiple output ports, enabling simultaneous power supply to multiple devices. It also supports UPS functionality, switching within 10 milliseconds during grid power interruptions to protect sensitive equipment such as computers and routers.

Under low-load operation, noise levels remain below 30 dB. In addition, the unit includes built-in LED lighting and an SOS flashing mode to enhance safety during nighttime and emergency use.

For more information, please visit the official AFERIY website or AFERIY on Amazon.

Hashtag: #AFERIY

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

About AFERIY

AFERIY is a global brand focused on portable energy storage and clean energy solutions, committed to providing efficient, safe, and reliable power for outdoor activities, home emergency use, and professional applications.

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