LOTTE rent-a-car, No.1 in market share for rental cars in Korea… Equipped with professional manpower for foreign customers "What about CDW coverage?" Introducing the most frequently asked questions from foreign tourists Recommended tourist destinations in the Seoul metropolitan area, Busan, and Jeju Island for foreign tourists visiting Korea

SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Korea is a popular travel destination visited by numerous foreigners every year. They visit Korea to enjoy its diverse culture, historical heritage, and beautiful scenery. According to the Korea Tourism Organization, the number of foreign tourists who visited Korea in July was 1,032,188, exceeding 1 million per month for the first time since COVID-19.

Foreign tourists’ interest in Korea has increased significantly. LOTTE rent-a-car, Korea’s No. 1 rental car brand, introduces in detail the entire process of renting a car when traveling in Korea. It also contains the most frequently asked questions by foreign tourists. We recommend the Seoul metropolitan area, Busan, and Jeju Island, which are the most preferred travel destinations for foreign tourists and where you can travel by rental car.

Korea’s No.1 rental car brand, LOTTE rent-a-car
LOTTE rent-a-car is the company with the largest share of the rental car market in Korea. As the use of short-term rental cars by foreigners visiting Korea is increasing, we have professional response staff and rental manuals for foreign customers. We operate a 24-hour customer center so we can respond to incidents at any time.

The sales network is spread across the country, making it convenient to use. Lotte Rent-a-Car can be used at 5 airports, including Incheon, Gimpo, and Gimhae Airport, and 17 train stations, including Seoul Station, Busan Station, and Gangneung Station.

What are the most common questions asked by foreign tourists renting a car in Korea?
So, what are foreign tourists most curious about when visiting Korea and traveling by rental car? We divided it into rental car reservation, payment, and use and asked LOTTE rent-a-car Seoul Station branch and Incheon International Airport Sales Office, which has a high proportion of foreign customers.

[Rental car reservation]

1. What is required to rent a car?

A driver’s license and identification (passport or residence card) are required. An ‘International Driving Permit(IDP)’, which is a license that allows you to drive in a country other than the country where you own the driver’s license, is also recognized. For IDP holders, a ‘passport’ or ‘passport information certificate’ to prove the date of entry is required. You must bring the original IDP when picking up the vehicle. Copies, PDFs, or photos of the IDP cannot be used. The vehicles that can be used vary depending on the IDP level. For grade B, you are allowed to drive up to a nine-seater vehicle and grade D, you are allowed to drive up to a twelve-seater vehicle.

2. Is the Taiwanese International Driving Permit accepted?

From February 2022, Taiwan International Driving Permit is accepted.

3. Is the European Union International Driving Permit accepted?

European Union International Driving Permit is not accepted.

[Payment and use of rental car]

1. When renting a car, is it possible to pay in cash or with Apple Pay?

It is not possible. Payment can only be made by credit or debit card. If you don’t have a card, you can purchase a Wow Pass card near Seoul Station.

2. How do I use the navigation?

English GPS is installed. You can search by address, phone number, or postcode. If you want to save it, you can save the destination to GPS when searching for it.

3. In the case of an SUV or VAN, how many people can ride and how many suitcases can it carry?

Compact and standard vehicles can generally seat 4 people and carry 2 large and 1 small piece of luggage. The SUV can seat 5 people and carry 3 large pieces of luggage and 1 small piece of luggage. A van can typically seat 6 people and carry 3 large pieces of luggage and 1 small piece of luggage. As each vehicle is different, please refer to the car class on the LOTTE rent-a-car website.

4. How do I pay highway tolls?

Purchase a Hi-Pass card and pay. You can purchase it when renting a car at a LOTTE rent-a-car branch. It can also be purchased at convenience stores and highway rest areas. For cards purchased at a branch, 30,000 won is charged, and the price of the charged card is 35,000 won. There will be no refund if you return the card. You can pay in cash at the tollgate, but there are often unmanned tollgates, so you need to check. Tollgate toll fees can be found through GPS.

5. Are there any special benefits available to foreign customers?

We are conducting a free charging promotion for all foreign customers who rent electric vehicles at LOTTE rent-a-car branches at Jeju Auto House, Seoul Station, Incheon International Airport, Busan Station, Haeundae, and Gimhae Airport. A charging card is provided to foreign customers who rent an electric vehicle.

[CDW(Car Damage Waiver)]

1. What is the coverage of the CDW(Car Damage Waiver)?

CDW is a system that protects customers against car accidents caused by their own mistakes. For the convenience of foreign customers, they must sign up with complete exemption. If you sign up for CDW, you will be exempt from liability for vehicle damage, but there are exceptions, such as tire problems, vehicle replacement, and interior damage. All LOTTE rent-a-car vehicles are in full coverage insurance, so in the event of a traffic accident, third party liability can be insured up to unlimited coverage, property damage up to 20 million won, and personal injury up to 15 million won.

2. How much is the compensation fee for inoperable vehicle?

If an accident occurs, you will have to pay for business losses during the car repair period. You are responsible for 50% of the standard rental fare corresponding to the period required for the repair of inoperable vehicle in case of accident. The contract will be automatically terminated when the vehicle is inoperable, and we do not provide substitution vehicle.

Recommended travel destination_ The heart of Korea, the metropolitan area
Seoul, the capital of Korea, is the most popular tourist destination in Korea for foreigners. According to the foreign tourist survey report conducted by the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute, the regions visited by foreign tourists visiting Korea in 2022 were Seoul (81.7%), Busan (22.8%), Gyeonggi (15.3%), and Jeju (13%). (Multiple responses).

Recommended places in Seoul and other metropolitan areas are LOTTE WORLD TOWER and Nami Island.

LOTTE WORLD TOWER is the world’s 5th tallest skyscraper, with a total of 123 floors and a height of 555 meters. There is the five-star hotel ‘Signiel Seoul’, ‘Seoul Sky’, an observatory where you can see the splendid night view of Seoul, ‘Avenuel’, the largest luxury department store in Korea, and ‘LOTTE DUTY FREE’, which has the largest area among duty free shops in Korea. It is a famous spot where you can enjoy sightseeing. Among these, the most popular attraction is Seoul Sky, which offers a 360-degree view of the city of Seoul. LOTTE rent-a-car has prepared various benefits for the VISIT KOREA YEAR 2023-2024. When the customer rents any vehicle for 3 days or more (72 hours or more) or a premium vehicle(Genesis GV70, G80, GV80, G90) for 1 day or more (24 hours or more) via LOTTE rent-a-car at Incheon International Airport, Gimpo Airport branch, or branch offices in Seoul, two complimentary tickets to The Seoul Sky Observatory are provided.

Nami Island is a travel destination where culture, art and natural ecology are alive. As it became known as a filming location for the drama "Winter Sonata," which aired in 2002, the number of domestic tourists as well as travelers from Asian countries and regions such as Japan, Taiwan, Mainland China, and Southeast Asia increased rapidly. As foreign tourists account for half of all tourists, the service for foreigners is well provided." Information services are provided in 10 languages, including English, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and Vietnamese.

Recommended travel destination_ Busan, the second largest city in Korea
Along with Seoul, Busan is also a destination visited by many foreign tourists. Busan is Korea’s representative maritime city and the second largest city in Korea. Haeundae Beach and Haedong Yonggungsa are also worth visiting.

Haeundae Beach is known as the pinnacle of Busan’s beaches. It is a place where you can feel the dynamic atmosphere of Busan more than any other place. It is well-equipped with recreational and auxiliary facilities centered around a 1.5㎞ long white sandy beach, so many people visit regardless of nationality and age. The view of Marine City at night from The Bay 101 is also a course not to be missed. It is recommended to park in a public parking lot near the beach and visit the food stall village and traditional market.

Haedong Yonggungsa is a temple representing Busan and a coastal temple representing Korea. Most temples are located in the mountains, but Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is built on a cliff on the coast of Gijang, offering an outstanding view. This place, with its clear East Sea and beautiful scenery, has become a must-visit destination for those visiting Busan. On the bridge, many visitors make wishes by throwing coins. There is a saying that if you pray earnestly, your wish will come true.

Recommended travel destination_ Jeju Island, a world-famous volcanic island
Jeju Island is a world-famous volcanic island. There are many tourist attractions that display Jeju Island’s topographical characteristics, such as Oreum, a parasitic volcano created by volcanic activity, and Lava Tube, a cave formed beneath the surface of hardened lava. Among them, Seongsan Ilchulbong and Halla Mountain are representative tourist destinations in Jeju.

Seongsan Ilchulbong is shaped like a towering fortress amidst the blue sea. When you reach the top, you can see a huge bowl-shaped crater at a glance. It was named ‘Seongsan’ because it looks like a huge castle, and ‘Ilchulbong’ because the view of the sun rising is spectacular.

Halla Mountain, the highest mountain in Korea, is also popular with foreign tourists. At the top of the mountain is a crater lake, a lake filled with water caused by a blocked volcanic vent. Since the temperature varies greatly depending on the height of Halla Mountain, various plants are distributed there.

Choi Jin-hwan, CEO of LOTTE rental, stated, "LOTTE rental is striving to create an environment where foreign customers can use a variety of services more conveniently. We will provide convenient rental car services so that foreign tourists visiting Korea can experience the charm of Korea by using LOTTE rent-a-car."  

About LOTTE rental

LOTTE rental, the only comprehensive rental company in Korea, provides better value with various business portfolios, including auto mobility services that encompass car life, business solution services that support more effi­cient businesses.

LOTTE rent-a-car is creating an innovative car life as the No.1 car rental brand. Greencar, Korea’s ‑first car-sharing brand, is drawing a better mobility service.

LOTTE rental is moving forward as a mobility leader that connects customers’ precious lives.

For more information about LOTTE rental, please visit: https://www.lotterental.com/

Source : LOTTE rent-a-car guides foreign tourists on how to use Korean rental cars smartly

This content was prepared by our news partner, Cision PR Newswire. The opinions and the content published on this page are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Siam News Network

SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — CrossAngle, the operator of the crypto data intelligence platform Xangle, announced today the release of the "The Giant of Southeast Asia, Indonesia Web3 Market Report." This report is a collaborative effort with Asian Web3 market consulting firm Tiger Research.

CrossAngle and Tiger Research partnered in April and have been actively working together to create and share Web3 industry-related content.

The joint report aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of the unique and intricate structure of Indonesia’s Web3 market. Key topics covered in the report encompass an overview of the Indonesian Web3 market, the Indonesian Web3 infrastructure ecosystem, cryptocurrency exchanges in Indonesia, and the Indonesian NFT market.

As per the report, Indonesia boasts the most vibrant cryptocurrency exchange market compared to other sectors. Presently, there are over 30 operational exchanges, catering to approximately 10 million crypto customers, equivalent to roughly 4% of the Indonesian population. This number aligns closely with the count of investors participating in the Indonesian stock exchange.

Nonetheless, the Indonesian NFT market is currently experiencing an unprecedented low due to the recent market downturn, and local marketplaces have struggled to gain substantial traction. Additionally, the developer ecosystem remains relatively modest, with numerous unicorns outsourcing development work overseas.

However, the research team behind the joint report holds the belief that Indonesia’s Web3 market possesses significant untapped potential. With the world’s fourth-largest population, a sprawling market, a youthful and engaged demographic with a median age of 30, and a backdrop of political stability coupled with Web3-friendly policies, Indonesia presents a promising landscape. In recent years, the Indonesian government has displayed a favorable stance toward the Web3 industry. They have introduced multiple incentives to foster its growth and have established a dedicated committee for the blockchain sector under the Indonesia Financial Services Authority.

The Indonesia Web3 market analysis report results from a week-long research expedition to Indonesia. During this time, the research team conducted in-person interviews with local experts and entrepreneurs. Beyond presenting precise data, the report incorporates real-life perspectives gathered during these on-the-ground interactions, enhancing its practical value.

The complete report is available for reference on both Xangle’s website and Tiger Research’s website.

Source : Xangle and Tiger Research Co-Publish "The Giant of Southeast Asia, Indonesia Web3 Market Report"

This content was prepared by our news partner, Cision PR Newswire. The opinions and the content published on this page are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Siam News Network

BEIJING, Oct. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Birol, a local Chinese-language tour guide in Istanbul, Türkiye, considers black tea an indispensable part of his daily routine. Actually, it’s not just Birol. In a typical Turkish household, preparing a cup of black tea using a special tea kettle known as "çaydanlık" is a treasured aspect of everyday life.

CGTN: Diffusion of tea and its culture along the Silk Road

Black tea is a constant presence from breakfast to dinner and a customary beverage for welcoming guests and hosting parties, said Briol.

In Türkiye, tea has a rich history spanning over two centuries and has become a vital element of the local culture, deeply ingrained in the daily lives of its people. Today, the country is one of the world’s leading consumers of tea.

This significance has been further highlighted through Türkiye’s participation in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Historically renowned for its strong tea-drinking traditions, it has witnessed the BRI opening doors to increased trade and cultural exchanges.

Besides Türkiye, since China proposed the BRI in 2013, this initiative has played a vital role in mobilizing resources, enhancing connectivity among countries and unlocking potential growth prospects.

Over the past decade, trade and investment have seen consistent growth. From 2013 to 2022, the total value of imports and exports between China and other BRI countries reached $19.1 trillion, maintaining an average annual growth rate of 6.4 percent, according to a white paper released by China’s State Council Information Office on October 10.

By the end of August 2023, more than 80 countries and international organizations had endorsed China’s Initiative on Promoting Unimpeded Trade Cooperation Along the Belt and Road. The country had also signed 21 free trade agreements with 28 countries and regions, further promoting economic cooperation and trade connectivity within the BRI framework.

Thriving global tea market

China’s tea exports witnessed stable growth in 2022. The country exported a total of 375,300 tonnes of tea, marking a 1.59 percent increase compared with that of the previous year, data from the General Administration of Customs shows.

In breakdown, green tea exports amounted to 313,900 tonnes, taking up 83.6 percent of China’s total tea exports. Meanwhile, the exports of black tea and oolong tea constituted 8.9 percent and 5.2 percent, respectively.

BRI-participating countries have also been seeing a surge in their tea exports. Kenya, for instance, exported 1.4 million kilograms of tea to China in 2022, data from the Tea Industry Committee of the China Association for the Promotion of International Agricultural Cooperation shows.

As a prolific tea producer, Kenya yields over 450 million kilograms of tea annually. The tea industry accounts for approximately 23 percent of Kenya’s total foreign exchange earnings, according to the Tea Directorate. The sector also supports the livelihoods of roughly 5 million individuals in Kenya, both directly and indirectly, in a country with a population of 53 million.

This year, Kenya foresees a further boost in its tea export volume due to a growing shipment of Kenyan orthodox and black teas to China, according to the Agriculture and Food Authority of Kenya.

Apart from tea, other trades are also flourishing between the two countries, thanks to the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) that launched in 2017, an early fruit of the BRI. The railway has facilitated the seamless movement of imported bulk cargo to the hinterland, improved logistics and supply chains, and provided a fast, efficient and cost-effective means of transporting bulk cargo.

In the first eight months of 2023, China’s trade in food products, including tea, with BRI countries reached 553.82 billion yuan ($76.10 billion), a 10.4 percent increase compared to the same period last year and a 162 percent increase compared to 2013, official data shows.

In 2022, China’s trade in food products with BRI countries reached 786.31 billion yuan, up 135.3 percent compared to 2013, according to the General Administration of Customs.

As of June this year, China has signed over 200 BRI cooperation agreements with 152 countries and 32 international organizations, expanding the diversity and scale of food trade.

Historical tea roads promote the spread of tea culture

Throughout history, Chinese tea culture has been closely connected to trade expeditions along historic routes like the Tea Horse Road. The route commences in China’s southwestern provinces of Sichuan and Yunnan, meandering along the eastern foothills of the Hengduan Mountains, a center of tea production in China, before extending to India, which is situated to the south of the Himalayas.

Another historical route, the ancient tea road, originated in the Wuyi Mountains in southeast China’s Fujian and spanned approximately 13,000 kilometers. It comprised a web of trading and caravan routes that crisscrossed China to reach Europe, playing a crucial role in spreading Chinese tea to foreign lands.

The ancient tea road was a vital trade route that combined water and land transport to facilitate tea trade, meeting the demands of diverse ethnic communities residing in northwest China, Russia and Europe, according to Huang Baiquan, professor at the School of History and Culture, Hubei University.

This commercial route spans various climates and landscapes, serving as a platform for the harmonious coexistence of diverse economic activities and addressing the livelihood needs of people residing along the route, Huang noted.

The historical trade route aligns closely with the northern route of China’s Silk Road Economic Belt and is an important part of the BRI. It has fostered economic diversity and encouraged multidimensional exchanges of ideas and knowledge between southern and northern China, Russia and Europe.

During the process of tea cultivation and processing, transportation, trade, and consumption, people from diverse nationalities and countries along the ancient tea road have crafted and carried forward a vibrant and diverse tea culture, Huang added.

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2023-10-14/Diffusion-of-tea-and-its-culture-along-the-Silk-Road-1nTdXYsPlYY/index.html

Source : CGTN: Diffusion of tea and its culture along the Silk Road

This content was prepared by our news partner, Cision PR Newswire. The opinions and the content published on this page are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Siam News Network

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Oct. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The 21st Vietnam International Plastics and Rubber Industry Exhibition will be held at SECC – Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center in Ho Chi Minh City from October 18 to 21. Organized by the Ministry of Industry & Trade, Vinexad National Trade Fair & Advertising J.S.C (VINEXAD), and Yorkers Trade & Marketing Service Co., Ltd., co-organized with Vietnam Plastics Association (VPA), supported by related international associations from China, Korea, Vietnam and Taiwan.

VietnamPlas 2023 – The 21st Vietnam International Plastics and Rubber Industry Exhibition will be held at SECC – Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center in Ho Chi Minh City from October 18 to 21.

This year, the exhibition has attracted the participation of more than 625 exhibitors from 22 countries and regions, including Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Cambodia, China, Czech Republic, France, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United States, and Vietnam. With an impressive number of over 1,100 booths, covering an exhibition area of 23,000 square meters, this represents a doubling in the number of booths and exhibition space compared to 2022. It truly showcases Vietnam as a high-potential and fast-growing market in the industry.

VietnamPlas 2023 will gather a wide range of solutions under one roof, including machinery and equipment for the production and processing of plastics and rubber from prominent companies, such as Tan Huy Thinh, Chuan Lih Fa, Ningbo Bole, LK IMM, Topstar, Fu Chun Shin, Full Shine, and Yizumi for injection molding machines. Zhang Jia Gang Xinhe, Shubham Extrusion Technik, Leader Extrusion Machinery, and Shanghai CMIC for extrusion lines. Nhat Minh, Silstar and Kim Minh for plastic film machines. Jing Day and Pan Stone for rubber injection machines. Additionally, Song Song represents multiple international brands, including Jomar, for injection molding machines and plastic processing auxiliary equipment in Vietnam.

In terms of raw materials, including exhibitors like Daisaku Trading, Polymer Sell, PGPICC and Sakai Chemical. The recycling machinery category includes Polystar and Lung Meng, among others. Many other prominent exhibitors and categories from the plastics industry are also participating in VietnamPlas this time.

The exhibition will host two seminar series concurrently. The VPA Seminar will focus on addressing the challenges in operational management for enterprises manufacturing and distributing raw materials & additives in plastic products, along with providing solutions for these challenges. The Market Insights Seminar will discuss supply chain management, digital transformation trends, and export strategies. Besides, the exhibition offers fun experiences for visitors, including free VietnamPlas canvas bag, fun selfie, and the chance to receive free drink vouchers during the event.

For more information about the exhibition, please visit the official website at: https://chanchao.tw/58EM9F

Source : VietnamPlas returns in its largest scale ever on October 18 with innovations in the plastics and rubber industry

This content was prepared by our news partner, Cision PR Newswire. The opinions and the content published on this page are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Siam News Network

SHANGHAI, Oct. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Everest Medicines (HKEX 1952.HK) announced today that its licensing partner, Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for VELSIPITY™ (etrasimod), an oral, once-daily, selective sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator for adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC). Importantly, VELSIPITY™’s label does not include the "titration is required for treatment initiation" language found in other S1P modulator’s label. Everest is conducting a multi-center Phase 3 clinical trial of etrasimod in Asia and aims to file New Drug Application as soon as possible.

"We congratulate our partner for achieving this significant milestone for UC patients who are in urgent need of new and effective treatment options, and prefer the convenience of a once-daily pill. Etrasimod is a proven advanced treatment with a favorable safety profile." said Rogers Yongqing Luo, Chief Executive Officer of Everest Medicines. "Everest will advance our late-stage study as quickly as possible towards registration in China and other Asian markets as the incidence of ulcerative colitis has been rapidly increasing in the region in recent years."

"Etrasimod’s FDA approval marks an important milestone for moderately to severely active UC patients who need new treatments for this chronic condition. Etrasimod provides those patients with the treatment option of an oral, once-daily pill that has a favorable benefit-risk profile," said Prof. Wu Kaichun with the First Affiliated Hospital of AFMU who is the principal investigator for etrasimod’s clinical trial in Asia. "The Asia Phase 3 clinical trial has completed patient enrollment and we look forward to having etrasimod available in China and other Asian countries to benefit more patients."

The number of UC patients in China is expected to more than double from 2019 to reach approximately one million by 2030, highlighting the need for novel treatments for the disease. Etrasimod was developed by Arena Pharmaceuticals, which was acquired by Pfizer in 2022. Everest Medicines obtained exclusive rights from Arena to develop, manufacture and commercialize etrasimod in Greater China and South Korea in 2017.

The U.S. FDA approval was based on results from the ELEVATE UC Phase 3 registrational program (ELEVATE UC 52 and ELEVATE UC 12) that evaluated the safety and efficacy of etrasimod 2 mg once-daily on clinical remission in UC patients who had previously failed or were intolerant to at least one conventional, biologic, or Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor therapy. Nearly two-thirds of patients in ELEVATE UC 52 and ELEVATE UC 12 were naïve to biologic or JAK inhibitor therapy, and these studies were also the only studies for advanced therapies for ulcerative colitis to include patients with isolated proctitis. Both studies achieved all primary and key secondary efficacy endpoints, with a favorable safety profile consistent with previous studies of etrasimod.

In ELEVATE UC 52, clinical remission was 27.0% for patients receiving etrasimod compared to 7.0% for patients receiving placebo at week 12 (20.0% differential, P˂.001) and was 32.0% compared to 7.0% at week 52 (26.0% differential, P=˂.001). In ELEVATE UC 12, clinical remission was achieved among 26.0% of patients receiving etrasimod compared to 15.0% of patients receiving placebo (11.0% differential, P=<.05). All key secondary efficacy endpoints were met at week 12, including endoscopic improvement and mucosal healing. The safety of etrasimod was consistent with previous studies, with the most common adverse reactions being headache, elevated liver tests, and dizziness (incidence ≥ 5%).

About Etrasimod

Etrasimod is a once-daily, oral, sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator that selectively binds with S1P receptor subtypes 1, 4, and 5. Regulatory applications for VELSIPITY in ulcerative colitis have been submitted to countries around the world for review, including Canada, Australia, Mexico, Russia, Switzerland, and Singapore. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has accepted the Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) for etrasimod, with a decision anticipated in the beginning of 2024.

About ELEVATE UC 52 and ELEVATE UC 12

ELEVATE UC 52 and ELEVATE UC 12 are pivotal trials that are part of the ELEVATE UC Phase 3 registrational program.

ELEVATE UC 52 is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that utilized a treatthrough design comprising of a 12-week induction period followed by a 40-week maintenance period. Subjects were randomized to VELSIPITY or placebo and continued on treatment without re-randomization for the entire duration of the study. Beginning at week 12, all patients could continue their randomized treatment; patients whose disease had not improved or had worsened compared to baseline could discontinue and, if eligible, enroll in an open-label extension study. The primary objective of this trial was to assess the safety and efficacy of etrasimod 2 mg once daily on clinical remission after both 12 and 52 weeks. The primary endpoint is based on the 3-domain, modified Mayo score (MMS). In ELEVATE UC 52, clinical remission was 27.0% for patients receiving etrasimod compared to 7.0% for patients receiving placebo at week 12 (20.0% differential, P˂.001) and was 32.0% compared to 7.0% at week 52 (26.0% differential, P˂.001). Statistically significant improvements were attained in all key secondary endpoints, including endoscopic improvement and mucosal healing at weeks 12 and 52, and corticosteroid-free remission and sustained clinical remission at week 52.

ELEVATE UC 12 is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess the efficacy and safety of etrasimod 2 mg once-daily in subjects with moderately-to-severely active UC. The primary objective of this trial was to assess the safety and efficacy of etrasimod on clinical remission at 12 weeks assessed by the FDA-required, 3-domain, MMS. In ELEVATE UC 12, clinical remission was achieved among 26.0% of patients receiving etrasimod compared to 15.0% of patients receiving placebo (11.0% differential, P <.05). All key secondary endpoints were met at week 12, including endoscopic improvement and mucosal healing.

In ELEVATE UC 12, a similar proportion of patients experienced treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs) between etrasimod 2 mg and placebo treatment groups, while in ELEVATE UC 3 52, it was higher in the etrasimod 2 mg group compared to placebo. The proportion of patients experiencing serious AEs was similar between treatment groups in both trials. The most common treatment-emergent AEs in 3% or more of etrasimod-treated patients and greater than placebo up to week 52 in either trial were headache, elevated liver tests, worsening of UC, COVID-19 infection, dizziness, pyrexia, arthralgia, abdominal pain and nausea. Data support that initiation of etrasimod treatment does not require a complex up-titration regimen.

Nearly two-thirds of patients in ELEVATE UC 52 and ELEVATE UC 12, respectively, were naïve to biologic or JAK inhibitor therapy.

About Everest Medicines

Everest Medicines is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing transformative pharmaceutical products that address critical unmet medical needs for patients in Asian markets. The management team of Everest Medicines has deep expertise and an extensive track record from both leading global pharmaceutical companies and local Chinese pharmaceutical companies in high-quality clinical development, regulatory affairs, CMC, business development and operations. Everest Medicines has built a portfolio of potentially global first-in-class or best-in-class molecules, many of which are in late-stage clinical development. The Company’s therapeutic areas of interest include cardio-renal diseases, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. For more information, please visit its website at www.everestmedicines.com.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This news release may make statements that constitute forward-looking statements, including descriptions regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company or its officers with respect to the business operations and financial condition of the Company, which can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "confident" and similar statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, or other factors, some of which are beyond the control of the Company and are unforeseeable. Therefore, the actual results may differ from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors and assumptions, such as future changes and developments in our business, competitive environment, political, economic, legal and social conditions. The Company or any of its affiliates, directors, officers, advisors or representatives has no obligation and does not undertake to revise forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or circumstances after the date of this news release, except as required by law.

Source : Everest Medicines' Licensing Partner Pfizer Announces U.S. FDA Approves Etrasimod for Adults with Moderately to Severely Active Ulcerative Colitis

This content was prepared by our news partner, Cision PR Newswire. The opinions and the content published on this page are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Siam News Network

NEOM, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The Board of Directors of NEOM, the sustainable regional development taking shape in northwest Saudi Arabia, today announced Leyja, its latest tourism destination, further strengthening and enriching the Kingdom’s ecotourism offering.

The adventure hotel in Leyja NEOMs latest sustainable tourism destination

Located in NEOM and steeped in history and mythology, Leyja starts from the Gulf of Aqaba coast and its alluring waters in the west, then winds inland to form a magnificent natural valley carved between 400m-high mountains that have been crafted over long centuries by the power of nature and water.

Leyja builds on NEOM’s ongoing commitment to becoming a multi-faceted destination and supports the Kingdom’s efforts to build a strong and sustainable tourism industry under Saudi Vision 2030. Aligned with NEOM’s strategy to designate the majority of its land across its destinations and cities as a nature reserve, 95% of Leyja will be preserved for nature and will combine innovative, ecological design and construction techniques to ensure the development seamlessly blends into the landscape.

Leyja’s three hotels have been intelligently and sensitively designed by world-leading architects to complement the surrounding nature, operate sustainably, and provide distinct experiences. The three properties will offer 120 elegant boutique rooms and suites, split equally with 40 keys at each.

The first property is tailor-made for active adventure. The deconstructed design ascends the walls of the wadi like a staircase, its structure effortlessly tracing the topography with minimal disturbance of the terrain’s natural lines. Its unique location, folded into the cliff top and valley sides, lends itself to those seeking rock climbing and other high-octane experiences in the surrounding area.

The second property rises from the rock to sit prominently at the heart of the wadi’s largest oasis, functioning as an enchanting gateway to discovery and exploration of the valley that continues beyond. The impressive staircase ascending from the canyon to the entrance of the property is a journey of discovery, offering unrivalled views of the valley in all its beauty.

The third property is an immersive wellness retreat that promotes longevity, with a high-tech, reflective façade mirroring the surrounding beauty and valley walls. This allows the wadi’s natural passage through the property’s center, providing visitors with a unique and interactive experience.

Once developed, Leyja will offer an extensive selection of refined experiences and activities, including fine dining and contemporary restaurants presented by world-renowned chefs. Wellness facilities and rooftop infinity-style pools across the three properties are also key features. Extensive guided wadi walks, and enthralling hiking trails set in the valley’s dramatic mountain landscapes await guests, with mountain biking and climbing on offer for those looking for adventure.

Leyja is NEOM’s latest development and follows the announcement of the project’s flagship regions, including Sindalah, its luxury island; THE LINE, a cognitive linear city that represents the future of urban living; Trojena, its year-round mountain destination and the first outdoor ski experience in the GCC region; and Oxagon, the reimagined industrial city and home to advanced and clean industries in NEOM.

About NEOM

NEOM is an accelerator of human progress and a vision of what a New Future might look like. It is a region in northwest Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea being built from the ground up as a living laboratory – a place where entrepreneurship will chart the course for this New Future. It will be a destination and a home for people who dream big and want to be part of building a new model for exceptional livability, creating thriving businesses and reinventing environmental conservation.

NEOM will include hyperconnected, cognitive cities, ports and enterprise zones, research centers, sports and entertainment venues and tourist destinations. As a hub for innovation, entrepreneurs, business leaders and companies will come to research, incubate and commercialize new technologies and enterprises in groundbreaking ways. Residents of NEOM will embody an international ethos and embrace a culture of exploration, risk-taking and diversity.

For further information email [email protected] or visit www.neom.com and www.neom.com/en-us/newsroom.

This material is distributed by Teneo Strategy LLC on behalf of NEOM Company. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, DC.

Photo: https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2247391/Adventure_hotel_Leyja.jpg?p=medium600
Photo: https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2247392/Interior_hotel_in_Leyja.jpg?p=medium600

Press Kit – Password: LeyjaEnglish123
Images – Password: LeyjaImages123

The interior of the wellness hotel in Leyja NEOMs latest sustainable tourism department

Source : NEOM announces Leyja, its latest sustainable tourism destination

This content was prepared by our news partner, Cision PR Newswire. The opinions and the content published on this page are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Siam News Network

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, Oct. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — A groundbreaking new study, presented today at UEG Week 2023, has discovered a significant connection between birthweight and the onset of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, now known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), in young people.

Notably, babies with a low birthweight were found to be four times more likely to develop MASLD in childhood, adolescence or young adulthood.

Researchers conducted a population-based case-control study of all people aged 25 years and younger, who had been diagnosed with MASLD between January 1992 and April 2017, totalling 165 cases. Each individual with MASLD was matched with up to five controls from the general population based on age, sex, calendar year and county of residence.

Individuals born with a low birthweight (<2500 g/5 lbs 8 oz) were four times more likely to develop MASLD when compared with those born with normal birthweight. Those born as small for gestational age (SGA), falling below the 10th percentile, were also over three times more likely to develop MASLD early in life compared with those with an adequate (10th–90th) birthweight.

In addition, the researchers found that individuals with a low birthweight, or those born as SGA, had an up to ~6-fold higher relative risk of developing more severe stages of MASLD in the form of liver fibrosis or cirrhosis.

Dr Fahim Ebrahimi, first author of the study, comments, "While previous research has established the link between birthweight and major diseases, the connection to MASLD remained unclear. Our study now provides compelling evidence that foetal developmental factors play a significant role in the development of MASLD and progressive liver disease."

Amidst escalating rates of obesity, MASLD has become the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. In Europe alone, it is estimated to affect over 25% of adults, and its prevalence is increasing.

Dr Ebrahimi adds, "It is deeply concerning that individuals born with a low birthweight face a heightened relative risk of this disease at a young age, as early-onset MASLD often persists into adulthood and has been associated with an increased risk of developing cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease. It is important that we develop proactive and effective strategies to identify at-risk individuals and help reduce the burden of this disease."

For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact [email protected] 

Source : UEG Week 2023: Babies with a low birthweight four times more likely to develop fatty liver disease in later life

This content was prepared by our news partner, Cision PR Newswire. The opinions and the content published on this page are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Siam News Network

This partnership powered by Sagitec’s low-code BPM platform, Xelence, will accelerate digital transformation for Cygnus Consulting customers across industries.

VICTORIA, Australia, Oct. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Sagitec Solutions and Cygnus Consulting are delighted to announce a strategic partnership to combine their deep expertise and resources. This dynamic alliance is set to help companies in financial services, insurance, healthcare, and aged care undergo digital transformation. 

Xelence is a low code platform by Sagitec

Cygnus Consulting is an Australian IT consulting and services company pioneering a unique ‘Service Aggregator’ model to provide best-in-class domain and technology solutions to help clients navigate digital transformation.

"Our team of industry partners, technology gurus, delivery experts, work with leading ASX companies to deliver IT and Business Services. We are excited to partner with Sagitec and take Xelence to our clients," said Vikas Sharma, CEO of Cygnus Consulting. "Our clients are looking for solutions that help them transform at pace without spending a fortune and be assured that technology does not become obsolete. Xelence, a leading low-code BPM platform, can help our clients in building complex solutions quickly at a fraction of cost without worrying about technical debt," Vikas continued.

Xelence, a low-code platform by Sagitec, empowers over 35 companies across industries construct simple to intricate applications with ease. With solution displays, comprehensive training, certification, and holistic service, Xelence can help Cygnus Consulting’s ecosystem companies realize their vision with remarkable efficiency.

"We are excited to partner with Cygnus Consulting," shared Deepak Ahuja, Co-founder, Sagitec. "By harnessing the power of Xelence, we are confident that we can catalyse innovation by rapidly turning ideas into working prototypes and transition them easily into robust and secure production deployments that can evolve easily," added Deepak.

The alliance between Cygnus and Sagitec will help companies build applications quickly with Xelence and propel them toward faster market entry and unparalleled digital transformation.

About Cygnus Consulting: Cygnus Consulting is transforming the crowded IT services and consulting market to provide clients with top-tier domain expertise and technical capability to ensure smooth and quality service delivery. For more information, please visit cygnusconsulting.com.au

About Xelence: Xelence is a low-code/no-code BPM platform by Sagitec that helps organizations quickly build small to complex applications and digital business processes with minimal coding. Our comprehensive software development platform offers many features and benefits that can streamline your operations, improve efficiency, and increase transparency. To know more, click on www.xelence.com 

Cygnus Consulting Pty Ltd

Logo – https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2243266/Xelence_by_Sagitec_full_color__1.jpg?p=medium600
Logo – https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2243267/CC_Horizontal.jpg?p=medium600

Source : Sagitec Solutions and Cygnus Consulting Pty Ltd Join Forces in a Strategic Partnership

This content was prepared by our news partner, Cision PR Newswire. The opinions and the content published on this page are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Siam News Network