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Made in Singapore cancer drug could help cure blindness, trial in country to start soon

Made in Singapore cancer drug could help cure blindness, trial in country to start soon

Yahoo6 days ago
SINGAPORE, July 14 — A drug developed for the treatment of cancer has showed promise in treating blindness.
According to The Singapore Times, the drug PRL3-zumab was developed by the A*Star Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB) and was created as a broad-spectrum anti-cancer drug that could treat not one but multiple types of cancer.
In a Singapore trial of the drug, patients with either wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or diabetic retinopathy will receive a shot of the medicine intravenously.
Globally, these two conditions are among the most common causes of loss of sight.
How does it work? According to pre-clinical studies published in Nature Communications as PRL3-zumab reduced leakage from damaged blood vessels.
Currently both Wet AMD and diabetic retinopathy are treated with periodic injections into the sclera or white part of the eye periodically to reduce leakage and abnormal growth in blood vessels.
The intravenous method, according to the studies, led to an 86 per cent greater reduction in blood vessel leakage compared to injections.
After being granted approval by Singapore's Health Sciences Authority on June 16, a safety trial is set to begin by late 2025 with more human trials following to test the drug's efficacy.
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Antengene Announces Poster Presentation of ATG-022 (Claudin 18.2 ADC) at ESMO 2025
Antengene Announces Poster Presentation of ATG-022 (Claudin 18.2 ADC) at ESMO 2025

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Antengene Announces Poster Presentation of ATG-022 (Claudin 18.2 ADC) at ESMO 2025

SHANGHAI and HONG KONG, July 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Antengene Corporation Limited ("Antengene", SEHK: a leading innovative, commercial-stage global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing and commercialising first-in-class and/or best-in-class medicines for cancer, today announced that an abstract featuring the latest data from a Phase I/II study of the Claudin 18.2 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), ATG-022, has been accepted for poster presentation at the 2025 European Society for Medical Oncology Annual Congress (ESMO 2025), taking place from October 17th to October 21st at the Messe Berlin in Berlin, Germany. Details of the Poster Presentation: ATG-022 (Claudin 18.2 antibody-drug conjugate)Title: Phase I/II study of Claudin 18.2 ADC ATG-022 in patients with advanced gastric/ gastroesophageal junction cancer (CLINCH)Abstract Number: 2907Presentation Number: 2113PDate: October 19, 2025 About ATG-022 ATG-022 is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) designed to target CLDN18.2, a member of the Claudin family of cell adhesion molecules. Under normal conditions, Claudins are located within tight junctions between cells, forming a barrier to regulate cell permeability. However, in cancer, Claudins are aberrantly expressed on the cell surface due to changes in cell polarity. CLDN18.2 is frequently overexpressed in a range of primary malignant tumors, including gastric, esophageal, cholangiocarcinoma, and pancreatic cancers. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has awarded Orphan Drug Designations to ATG-022, for gastric and pancreatic cancers. Data from the ongoing CLINCH study demonstrated that ATG-022 delivers robust efficacy across all levels of CLDN18.2 expression in gastric cancer patients, including those with high, low, and ultra-low expression. This broad activity positions ATG-022 as a potential market leader, capable of addressing the largest patient population with CLDN18.2-positive tumors. Furthermore, the strong efficacy observed in patients with low CLDN18.2 expression suggests promise for treating other tumor types with similar expression profiles. About Antengene Antengene Corporation Limited ("Antengene", SEHK: is a leading commercial-stage R&D-driven global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, manufacturing and commercialization of innovative first-in-class/best-in-class therapeutics for the treatment of hematologic malignancies and solid tumors, in realizing its vision of "Treating Patients Beyond Borders". Antengene has built a pipeline of 9 oncology assets at various stages going from clinical to commercial, including 6 with global rights, and 3 with rights for the APAC region. To date, Antengene has obtained 31 investigational new drug (IND) approvals in the U.S. and Asia, and submitted new drug applications (NDAs) in 11 Asia Pacific markets, with the NDA for XPOVIO® (selinexor) already approved in Mainland of China, Taiwan China, Hong Kong China, Macau China, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Australia. Forward-looking statements The forward-looking statements made in this article relate only to the events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this article. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. You should read this article completely and with the understanding that our actual future results or performance may be materially different from what we expect. In this article, statements of, or references to, our intentions or those of any of our Directors or our Company are made as of the date of this article. Any of these intentions may alter in light of future development. For a further discussion of these and other factors that could cause future results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement, please see the other risks and uncertainties described in the Company's Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2024, and the documents subsequently submitted to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. For more information, please contact: Investor Contacts: Donald LungE-mail: Mobile: +86 18420672158 PR Contacts:Peter QianE-mail: Mobile: +86 13062747000 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Antengene Corporation Limited Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

SM Lee: Electing more opposition MPs to check Govt is 'wrong direction'; More teen births in 2024, gradual increase from 2022: Singapore live news
SM Lee: Electing more opposition MPs to check Govt is 'wrong direction'; More teen births in 2024, gradual increase from 2022: Singapore live news

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SM Lee: Electing more opposition MPs to check Govt is 'wrong direction'; More teen births in 2024, gradual increase from 2022: Singapore live news

Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong acknowledged on 26 July that the opposition is now a permanent feature of Singapore politics. He said the growing number of opposition Members of Parliament (MP) reflects a growing public desire for alternative voices in Parliament, a sentiment he described as "quite natural" and "quite understandable." He cautioned that this shift could lower the quality of governance and jeopardise Singapore's future. SM Lee said, "You can elect more opposition MPs to check the Government... but once you are set on that path, you are heading in the wrong direction." More teenagers in Singapore are becoming mothers, marking a reversal of a steady decline in teen births in the past 20 years, according to the Report on Registration of Births and Deaths 2024 released by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. In 2024, 244 babies were born to teens aged 19 or younger, up 7 per cent from 228 in 2023. There were 218 teen births in 2022. The Health Ministry also noted that in the past five years, the average age of pregnant teens was 18. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. More teen births in 2024, gradual increase from 2022 More teenagers in Singapore are becoming mothers, marking a reversal of a steady decline in teen births in the past 20 years, according to the Report on Registration of Births and Deaths 2024 released by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. In 2024, 244 babies were born to teens aged 19 or younger, up 7 per cent from 228 in 2023. There were 218 teen births in 2022. The Health Ministry also noted that in the past five years, the average age of pregnant teens was 18. Ms Melisa Wong, executive director at Babes Pregnancy Crisis Support, cited multiple factors behind the rise. She said that during the Covid-19 pandemic, many teens felt isolated or struggled with other negative emotions, and some may have engaged in unprotected sex to seek connection or to cope with whatever they were going through. Ms Wong added that while teens are exploring relationships at younger age, some may not use contraceptives for various reasons. She also pointed out that part of the increase in teen births may also be due to a decline in abortions. For more on Singapore's teen pregnancy stats, read here. SM Lee: Electing more opposition MPs to check Govt is 'wrong direction' Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong acknowledged on 26 July that the opposition is now a permanent feature of Singapore politics. He said the growing number of opposition Members of Parliament (MP) reflects a growing public desire for alternative voices in Parliament, a sentiment he described as "quite natural" and "quite understandable." Despite the rise in opposition presence, the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) must continue to perform well and earn voter support to ensure the country's continued success, he said at a National Day dinner in Serangoon. Following the 2025 General Election, the 15th Parliament will have 12 opposition MPs, including two Non-Constituency MPs – the same number as in the 2020 General Election. SM Lee stated, "The opposition is here to stay in Singapore politics. But in order for Singapore to keep on doing well, the Government has to continue to hold its own, and to win votes and to win seats in elections." If the ruling party weakens, it could become more difficult to form teams, govern well, and garner support for policies, he warned. He cautioned that this shift could lower the quality of governance and jeopardise Singapore's future. SM Lee said, "You can elect more opposition MPs to check the Government... but once you are set on that path, you are heading in the wrong direction." SM Lee urged called for striking the right balance between having stronger alternative voices in government, and supporting and electing an effective government that can make tough, long-term decisions in the nation's interest. He stressed that the country needs a capable government to maintain high standards and navigate challenges, especially given global uncertainties. SM Lee concluded by saying he was heartened that Singaporeans recognised the importance of strong leadership and had given the PAP a firm mandate in the May election, where it received 65.57 per cent of the popular vote – up from 61.24 per cent in 2020. For more on SM Lee's National Day dinner remarks, read here. More teen births in 2024, gradual increase from 2022 More teenagers in Singapore are becoming mothers, marking a reversal of a steady decline in teen births in the past 20 years, according to the Report on Registration of Births and Deaths 2024 released by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. In 2024, 244 babies were born to teens aged 19 or younger, up 7 per cent from 228 in 2023. There were 218 teen births in 2022. The Health Ministry also noted that in the past five years, the average age of pregnant teens was 18. Ms Melisa Wong, executive director at Babes Pregnancy Crisis Support, cited multiple factors behind the rise. She said that during the Covid-19 pandemic, many teens felt isolated or struggled with other negative emotions, and some may have engaged in unprotected sex to seek connection or to cope with whatever they were going through. Ms Wong added that while teens are exploring relationships at younger age, some may not use contraceptives for various reasons. She also pointed out that part of the increase in teen births may also be due to a decline in abortions. For more on Singapore's teen pregnancy stats, read here. More teenagers in Singapore are becoming mothers, marking a reversal of a steady decline in teen births in the past 20 years, according to the Report on Registration of Births and Deaths 2024 released by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. In 2024, 244 babies were born to teens aged 19 or younger, up 7 per cent from 228 in 2023. There were 218 teen births in 2022. The Health Ministry also noted that in the past five years, the average age of pregnant teens was 18. Ms Melisa Wong, executive director at Babes Pregnancy Crisis Support, cited multiple factors behind the rise. She said that during the Covid-19 pandemic, many teens felt isolated or struggled with other negative emotions, and some may have engaged in unprotected sex to seek connection or to cope with whatever they were going through. Ms Wong added that while teens are exploring relationships at younger age, some may not use contraceptives for various reasons. She also pointed out that part of the increase in teen births may also be due to a decline in abortions. For more on Singapore's teen pregnancy stats, read here. SM Lee: Electing more opposition MPs to check Govt is 'wrong direction' Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong acknowledged on 26 July that the opposition is now a permanent feature of Singapore politics. He said the growing number of opposition Members of Parliament (MP) reflects a growing public desire for alternative voices in Parliament, a sentiment he described as "quite natural" and "quite understandable." Despite the rise in opposition presence, the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) must continue to perform well and earn voter support to ensure the country's continued success, he said at a National Day dinner in Serangoon. Following the 2025 General Election, the 15th Parliament will have 12 opposition MPs, including two Non-Constituency MPs – the same number as in the 2020 General Election. SM Lee stated, "The opposition is here to stay in Singapore politics. But in order for Singapore to keep on doing well, the Government has to continue to hold its own, and to win votes and to win seats in elections." If the ruling party weakens, it could become more difficult to form teams, govern well, and garner support for policies, he warned. He cautioned that this shift could lower the quality of governance and jeopardise Singapore's future. SM Lee said, "You can elect more opposition MPs to check the Government... but once you are set on that path, you are heading in the wrong direction." SM Lee urged called for striking the right balance between having stronger alternative voices in government, and supporting and electing an effective government that can make tough, long-term decisions in the nation's interest. He stressed that the country needs a capable government to maintain high standards and navigate challenges, especially given global uncertainties. SM Lee concluded by saying he was heartened that Singaporeans recognised the importance of strong leadership and had given the PAP a firm mandate in the May election, where it received 65.57 per cent of the popular vote – up from 61.24 per cent in 2020. For more on SM Lee's National Day dinner remarks, read here. Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong acknowledged on 26 July that the opposition is now a permanent feature of Singapore politics. He said the growing number of opposition Members of Parliament (MP) reflects a growing public desire for alternative voices in Parliament, a sentiment he described as "quite natural" and "quite understandable." Despite the rise in opposition presence, the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) must continue to perform well and earn voter support to ensure the country's continued success, he said at a National Day dinner in Serangoon. Following the 2025 General Election, the 15th Parliament will have 12 opposition MPs, including two Non-Constituency MPs – the same number as in the 2020 General Election. SM Lee stated, "The opposition is here to stay in Singapore politics. But in order for Singapore to keep on doing well, the Government has to continue to hold its own, and to win votes and to win seats in elections." If the ruling party weakens, it could become more difficult to form teams, govern well, and garner support for policies, he warned. He cautioned that this shift could lower the quality of governance and jeopardise Singapore's future. SM Lee said, "You can elect more opposition MPs to check the Government... but once you are set on that path, you are heading in the wrong direction." SM Lee urged called for striking the right balance between having stronger alternative voices in government, and supporting and electing an effective government that can make tough, long-term decisions in the nation's interest. He stressed that the country needs a capable government to maintain high standards and navigate challenges, especially given global uncertainties. SM Lee concluded by saying he was heartened that Singaporeans recognised the importance of strong leadership and had given the PAP a firm mandate in the May election, where it received 65.57 per cent of the popular vote – up from 61.24 per cent in 2020. For more on SM Lee's National Day dinner remarks, read here.

On Singapore visit, IAEA head addresses nuclear waste and energy plans
On Singapore visit, IAEA head addresses nuclear waste and energy plans

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On Singapore visit, IAEA head addresses nuclear waste and energy plans

SINGAPORE – Mr Rafael Grossi, director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), was in Singapore on July 25 to meet leaders and deliver a public lecture at NUS. To mark his first visit to Singapore, he also met the local media for an hour-long interview at Shangri-La Singapore. A range of issues were discussed, including on nuclear waste, Asia's bid to harness more nuclear energy and China's nuclear reactor manufacturing. Here are his takes. Q: What are the possible options for nuclear waste disposal in Asean? A: Mr Grossi said there are a number of steps involved in the proper disposal of nuclear waste. 'In the case of a nuclear power plant, for quite a long period, the spent fuel is stored at the site of the nuclear power plant,' he said. Spent fuel refers to nuclear fuel that has been removed after being used in a nuclear reactor. Used fuel is normally stored underwater – with the practice known as wet storage – for at least five years, before it is moved to dry storage, according to the World Nuclear Association. 'Eventually, with time, with decades passing, countries start to look into a final repository,' Mr Grossi said. The IAEA helps countries to determine this through a process known as siting, he added. 'What is done here is a very thorough geological analysis to determine which place (in) a country has geological conditions that would allow for the storage of a few containers of spent fuel that are going to be there without any leaks or without affecting the environment.' Q: What is the appetite for nuclear energy in Asia and South-east Asia? A: Mr Grossi said there is 'a lot of activity' in the region, citing Japan, China and South Korea as examples of countries that are ramping up their nuclear energy capacities. On Asean, he said: 'There is a real interest. I don't know if they're going to be able to deploy (nuclear energy) by the early 2030s, but they are going in that direction.' During a public lecture he delivered at the National University of Singapore on July 25, Mr Grossi said countries such as Indonesia and Vietnam are also planning to have nuclear power plants. 'On the feasibility of each case, (the IAEA) will be seeing it individually. We will be engaged, and we are,' he said. 'The issue of the timeline is a national thing.' The UN nuclear body has a method to assist countries that are considering or planning their first nuclear power plant. The IAEA also guides them through the process, from the decision-making to final investment and construction. Q: China is building small modular reactors. Is this the latest technology for nuclear power plants? A: Small modular reactors (SMRs) are advanced and compact reactors that can be factory-assembled and installed in dense urban areas. They are also known to be safer than traditional large reactors, but are currently still in a research phase. Noting that Chinese technology is 'very developed', Mr Grossi said China might be one of the potential vendors of SMRs for Singapore if the Republic decides to tap nuclear energy. 'I think that China is perhaps the fastest-growing country in terms of the number of units being built at this point in time, and that creates a lot of expertise and a lot of experience,' he said. According to the IAEA's website, China operates 58 civil nuclear reactors and has almost 30 new builds in progress. This represents nearly half of all power reactors currently under construction worldwide. The nation is expected to leapfrog the US to become the world's largest atomic energy generator by the end of the decade, Bloomberg reported in April. Q: How does the IAEA strike a balance between its two roles as the international authority for nuclear power and as the global watchdog for nuclear security? A: Mr Grossi said that the IAEA is an impartial institution. 'I think every country that is operating normally and safely and with no proliferation concerns is a member of the IAEA in good standing,' he said. Nuclear non-proliferation refers to efforts aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology. He added that these countries are transparent and undergo inspection by IAEA. They also carry out safety and security reviews and participate actively in the regulatory activities. 'The IAEA is an impartial institution that is there in support,' Mr Grossi said, adding that the institution will share best practices and advice with countries. Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction Discover how to enjoy other premium articles here

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