DODGEN Reports POE Devolatilization Milestones Across Three Industrial Projects in China

SHANGHAI, Oct. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- DODGEN supplied devolatilization technology to three Chinese polyolefin elastomer (POE) projects in 2026: two successfully started up at CNPC Daqing Petrochemical and Xingchuan New Materials, while Shaanxi Yuneng signed a supply contract with DODGEN. The projects highlight the role of devolatilization in plant start-up, product consistency and operating performance.

Three Projects, Three Distinct Milestones

CNPC Daqing Petrochemical's 30,000-tonne-per-year industrial demonstration plant completed its full process flow on September 23 and produced on-specification product on September 26, marking a successful first-attempt start-up. DODGEN engineered and supplied proprietary core equipment for the plant's devolatilization section.

Xingchuan New Materials' 10,000-tonne-scale hyperbranched POE (H-POE) plant produced its first on-specification products on September 12, also achieving a successful first-attempt start-up, according to the company's official announcement. DODGEN supplied the complete process solution for the plant's polymer devolatilization unit, based on its DSXL devolatilization platform.

On May 21, DODGEN signed an agreement with Shaanxi Yuneng Energy and Chemical New Materials Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Yulin Energy Group, to supply the devolatilizer system for a planned 100,000-tonne-per-year POE unit. The system is designed to remove heptane solvent, ethylene and other volatile impurities from the product. The POE unit forms part of Phase I of the customer's epoxy-resin integration project in the Shenmu High-Tech Industrial Development Zone. This remains a contract milestone; subsequent operating progress will be reported separately.

Why Devolatilization Matters

After solution polymerization, polymer solutions or melts still contain solvents, unreacted monomers and other volatile components. Removing these components to product-specific residual limits requires management of high viscosity, heat-transfer limitations, narrow temperature windows and continuous operation. Devolatilization directly affects residual levels, molecular-structure preservation, pelletizing stability, batch consistency and energy consumption.

DODGEN's DSXL platform combines high-efficiency heat transfer for viscous fluids, static mixing, uniform melt distribution, and single- or multi-stage flash and vacuum devolatilization. Key evaluation factors include feed rheology; product-specific residual limits and test methods; capacity, operating flexibility and downstream constraints; and the system boundary covering vacuum, condensation, solvent recovery, melt discharge and pelletizing.

About DODGEN

Headquartered in Shanghai, DODGEN specializes in process intensification and separation. Its engineering team brings more than 20 years of experience in reaction and separation engineering. Its technologies serve new-energy materials, biodegradable plastics, bio-based chemicals and fine chemicals. Visit https://dgchemtech.com/devolatilization-technology.html.

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National class action law firm offers free, confidential case evaluations to current and former Lumara Bio USA employees whose information may have been exposed.

PRINCETON, N.J., Oct. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Edelson Lechtzin LLP, a national class action law firm, is investigating data privacy claims arising from a data breach at Lumara Bio USA, Inc., the Princeton, New Jersey-based oncology therapeutics division of Germany-based ITM Isotope Technologies Munich SE. Anyone who received a breach notice or believes their information may have been exposed can request a free case evaluation.

What Happened

On September 12, 2026, ITM SE, the parent company of Lumara Bio USA, became aware of a cyber-attack affecting certain ITM information technology systems. The company took the affected systems offline, engaged external cybersecurity experts, and began an investigation. The ongoing forensic investigation identified unauthorized access to ITM systems containing personal information relating to current and former Lumara Bio USA employees.

Lumara Bio USA mailed written notices to affected individuals on October 26, 2026, and reported the incident to the Massachusetts Attorney General. The notice does not state when the unauthorized access began, and the company has said its investigation is continuing.

What Information Was Exposed

According to Lumara Bio USA, the personal information involved may include:

- Names

- Addresses

- Dates of birth

- Social Security numbers

- Driver's license numbers or other government identification information

- Financial account information

Salary and Other employment-related information

Because Social Security numbers and financial account information are among the most sensitive categories of personal information, their exposure heightens the risk of identity theft and financial fraud for affected individuals.

Who May Be Affected

The investigation focuses on current and former Lumara Bio USA employees whose personnel records were maintained on the affected systems. Lumara Bio USA is offering affected individuals a complimentary 24-month membership to Experian IdentityWorks, with an enrollment deadline of January 29, 2027.

Your Legal Options

Edelson Lechtzin LLP is investigating a potential class action on behalf of individuals whose data may have been compromised. A successful case could recover compensation for losses such as lost time, out-of-pocket costs, and loss of privacy, and could press Lumara Bio USA to strengthen its data protection. The firm evaluates claims at no cost.

Recommended Steps to Protect Yourself

Watch for the notice from Lumara Bio USA by mail and keep the enclosed activation code for the complimentary Experian IdentityWorks membership.

- Place a free fraud alert or credit freeze with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, and obtain your free reports at AnnualCreditReport.com.

- Review your bank, card, and tax records for anything you do not recognize, and report suspected identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov.

Contact Us for a Free Case Evaluation

Speak confidentially with a data privacy attorney: Marc Edelson, Esq., Edelson Lechtzin LLP, 411 S. State Street, Suite N-300, Newtown, PA 18940; Phone: 844-696-7492; Email: [email protected]; or click HERE to request a free consultation.

About Edelson Lechtzin LLP

Edelson Lechtzin LLP is a national class action law firm with offices in Pennsylvania and California. Beyond data breach litigation, the firm handles class and collective actions involving securities and investment fraud, antitrust violations, ERISA benefit plans, wage theft, and consumer fraud.

Media and Partnership Inquiries: Use the contact information above regarding interviews, co-counsel opportunities, and referral partnerships.

Legal Notice: This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

SOURCE Edelson Lechtzin LLP

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Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies 2026 Preview and Predictions

Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies — An All-American Match Race

Friday, Oct. 30 (3:35 p.m. ET/12:35 p.m. PT)

A dozen well-bred young fillies square off in this Grade 1 $2 million stakes at 1 1/16 miles on Keeneland dirt. For those seeking a hotly contested, coast vs. coast duel between two outstanding young fillies, you’ve come to the right race.

Representing the West is MISS MONICA (5-2), the princess of Del Mar, where she won both previous starts, including the G1 Debutante, by nearly a half-dozen lengths on average. The regally bred granddaughter of Gun Runner, she’s trained by super horseman Bob Baffert and will be ridden for the first time by recent Keeneland leading jockey Flavien Prat. As she stretches out to a mile, backers believe coed will handle the extra ground without missing a beat. Recent works indicate she’s ready for a threepeat.

Speaking of which, representing the East is undefeated (3 for 3) EMPHATIC (9-5). She’s trained by highly respected horseman Brendan Walsh; excellent rider Tyler Gaffalione returns to the saddle. The 3YO granddaughter of Uncle Mo sports steadily improving speed figures and is the race’s top earner, having banked more than $400K. Her most recent triumph was in the G1 Alcibides Stakes over the fast Keeneland surface, where she’s been training for the past two weeks. She’s a proven commodity at today’s distance and deservingly has been made the morning line favorite.

In addition to the top pair, Dominion Expansion and Lexi’s Charm merit long-shot consideration.

Mr’s Ed’s Selections:

1. Emphatic

2. Miss Monica

3. Lexi’s Charm.

Breeders’ Cup Juvenile 2026 Preview and Predictions

Breeders’ Cup Juvenile – Five Expected to Contend for Title

No. 9 Friday, Oct. 30 (4:55 p.m. ET/1:55 p.m. PT)

Unlike the distaff version of this contest, dominated by a pair of speedy fillies, as many as five boys here could crowd the Finish Line. While trainer Bob Baffert’s HUGHES (1-1) is the prohibitive morning line favorite, four others are considered to be legitimate contenders. The son of super-sire Into Mischief has won all four of his previous races, including a pair of G1s vs. the best-of-the-west (all vs. weaker fields). Tip-top jock Flavien Prat will ride, breaking mid-pack.

Right next to him will be AMERICAN HISTORY (9-2) for trainer Todd Pletcher with veteran rider Johnny Velazquez onboard. He’s not to be discounted.

Next to him in the gate will be highly regarded, KY-bred, son of Tapit, sharp COACH POPE (4-1). Second in the BC Futurity at Keeneland. According to trainer Kenny McPeek, this guy’s got plenty of upside. Jose Ortiz rides.

The undefeated SALAHUDIN (6-1), also for Baffert, should not be dismissed.

The remaining three starters are all without merit — or a chance! The race might end in a multi-horse photo finish, with the upset going for Mr. Ed.

Mr. Ed’s Selections:

1. Coach Pope

2. American History

3. Salahudin

BEIJING, Oct. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- This is a news report from China Daily.

Global South nations should build on their unity and amplify their voice in multilateral mechanisms to better enjoy the dividends of evolving technologies and economic globalization, prominent political figures, scholars and media executives said on Wednesday.

They made the remarks at the Global Strategic Dialogue (2026), a high-end think tank forum held in Beijing. Themed "Unite Global South, Improve Global Governance", the forum was hosted by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and China Daily. It gathered over 100 leading researchers and experts from countries including China, Russia, France and Austria.

Li Xuesong, vice-president of the CASS, noted that China will host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders' Meeting in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, in November and assume the presidency of BRICS next year.

By seizing these opportunities, "China will work with various parties to forge consensus, expand cooperation and advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and inclusive economic globalization", Li said at the opening of the forum.

For global governance, countries should lay a solid foundation through genuine multilateralism, boost quality and efficiency through sustainable and shared development, and fix setbacks through innovative cooperation mechanisms, he said.

Li called for more efforts to oppose politicization and weaponization of economic and trade issues, and "create favorable conditions for Global South countries to integrate into the international division of labor and cooperation and share dividends of economic globalization".

Djoomart Otorbaev, former prime minister of Kyrgyzstan, said that efforts to reform the international system and global governance remain inadequate, and that the Global South should be fairly and appropriately represented in global governance structures.

Regarding the shareholder structure and voting rights of the International Monetary Fund, he said, "Why don't we give the countries of the Global South more voting rights?"

It was remarkable that during the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus" Meeting in September 2025, President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Governance Initiative "not to replace the existing (international) system, but to reform it to reflect our world order", Otorbaev said.

Technologies such as artificial intelligence "are evolving faster than our capacity to govern", he said, adding that "the world is simply changing much faster than the structures meant to guide it".

Xing Zhigang, deputy editor-in-chief of China Daily, said that as key players in knowledge production, policy coordination and discourse shaping, think tanks in the Global South play an irreplaceable role in building collective consensus and optimizing international rules.

"The Global South should build on consensus, speak with one voice, and constantly boost its drive to set international agendas," he said.

Think tanks in the Global South should provide evidence-based policy analysis and research, participate in the process of optimizing international rules, and foster the creation of original perspectives while building an independent discourse system, Xing said.

They should also support multilateral practices, bridge the gap between concepts and institutional implementation, establish platforms for dialogue and foster consensus, he added.

Zou Jiayi, president and chair of the board of directors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, said the Global South can contribute to reshaping development cooperation.

More developing countries are becoming active shareholders and donors of multilateral development banks, and emerging and developing economies are important driving forces behind economic transformation, she said.

Zou said that she visited more than 30 member economies of the AIIB â most of them developing economies â over the past few months, and was encouraged by the consistent message calling for more infrastructure and infrastructure financing.

"Emerging and developing economies play a pivotal role in rebalancing the global economy. When trade protectionism is pervasive in some parts of the world, most developing economies continue to embrace openness in trade and investment," she said.

SOURCE China Daily

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Countertop Reverse Osmosis Leader Bluevua Announces Sponsorship Partnership with the Orlando Solar Bears

Bluevua's first sports partnership brings together clean water, better hydration and active lifestyles while creating new opportunities to connect with fans and the Orlando community.

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Bluevua®, a leader in countertop reverse osmosis water filtration systems, today announced a new sponsorship partnership with the Orlando Solar Bears, marking Bluevua's first partnership with a professional sports organization.

The partnership will span all 36 Solar Bears regular-season home games, which began with the team's home opener on October 18, 2026. Throughout the season, Bluevua will connect with fans through in-arena branding, digital and social content, branded giveaways, fan events and community initiatives.

The partnership reflects Bluevua's continued focus on the connection between clean water, hydration and everyday wellness. By partnering with the Solar Bears, Bluevua aims to bring that message into an environment where hydration, movement and healthy routines naturally come together.

"This partnership represents an important step in Bluevua's commitment to making clean water and better hydration a bigger part of everyday wellness and active lifestyles," said Jeremy Ku, General Manager, DTC & Brand at Bluevua. "Sports bring people and communities together, making the Orlando Solar Bears a natural partner for us. We're excited not only to introduce more fans to Bluevua, but also to become part of the Orlando community and create meaningful connections both inside and outside the arena."

Bluevua's flagship ROPOT(UV) Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water System brings advanced reverse osmosis filtration to the countertop without requiring plumbing or installation. Its six-stage purification system combines reverse osmosis filtration, UV-LED treatment and remineralization to help reduce a wide range of contaminants while delivering cleaner-tasting water for everyday use.

As an official partner of the Orlando Solar Bears, Bluevua will receive a strong in-arena presence throughout the season, including LED branding, a TV-visible dasherboard placement and a 30-second pre-game video featured on the center-hung video board during home games.

The partnership also includes Bluevua integrations across Solar Bears digital and social channels, including email features, social media content and a branded fan giveaway. Bluevua will also participate in select on-site and community activations throughout the season, creating additional opportunities to engage directly with Solar Bears fans and the broader Orlando community.

The Solar Bears welcome more than 250,000 fans annually, providing Bluevua with an opportunity to introduce its approach to cleaner water and everyday hydration to a highly engaged sports audience.

About Bluevua

Bluevua believes clean, healthy water should be accessible in everyday life. Built on decades of experience in reverse osmosis technology, Bluevua designs countertop water filtration systems that combine advanced purification with thoughtful, user-friendly design.

From zero-installation countertop systems to portable filtration solutions, Bluevua makes advanced reverse osmosis technology easier to use at home and on the go. Its products are designed around performance, convenience and materials consumers can trust, including glass water containers and easy-to-maintain filtration systems.

Bluevua's mission goes beyond filtration. The brand is focused on helping people feel more confident about the water they drink while supporting healthier everyday habits and reducing reliance on single-use plastic bottles.

To learn more, visit www.Bluevua.com.

Media Contact:

Frank Tortorici

SOURCE Bluevua

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National class action law firm offers free, confidential case evaluations to individuals whose information may have been exposed in the Navigate360 data breach.

NEWTOWN, Pa., Oct. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Edelson Lechtzin LLP, a national class action law firm, is investigating data privacy claims arising from a data breach at Navigate360, a Richfield, Ohio-based school and public safety technology company that provides safety software and anonymous tip-reporting platforms to schools, police agencies, and other organizations. Anyone who received a breach notice or believes their information may have been exposed can request a free case evaluation.

What Happened

On October 23, 2026, Navigate360 issued a public Notice of Data Breach. The company said it became aware of suspicious activity on one of its systems on or about March 18, 2026. An investigation conducted with a cybersecurity firm determined that an unauthorized third party accessed a system and obtained copies of certain data between November 21, 2025 and March 5, 2026 â a window of more than three months. The company then hired a data-mining firm to review the copied files and determined that some may contain personal information.

Navigate360's products include an anonymous tip-reporting platform that students, families, and the public use to report safety concerns. News coverage reported that roughly 8.3 million tip records were taken, and Nevada officials said the incident reached SafeVoice Nevada, the state's anonymous school tip line, compromising about 10 percent of tips submitted between November 2025 and March 2026 that contained personal information, including student information. Navigate360's notice does not state how many individuals were affected, and it has not published the total number. The company said it has no evidence the information was misused for fraud or identity theft, that it implemented mitigation measures and strengthened its safeguards, and that it reported the matter to law enforcement and notified regulators.

What Information Was Exposed

According to Navigate360, the personal information involved may include:

- Names

- Addresses

- Dates of birth

- Social Security numbers

- Telephone numbers

Email addresses and other sensitive information

Navigate360 has said the information involved varies from one individual to the next. Nevada officials have also cited student identification numbers and information related to medical conditions or treatment among the affected tip-line data.

Who May Be Affected

Because the impact depends on what a given record contained, the public notice alone cannot determine whether a person is affected. People who used a Navigate360 tip line, people who were named in a tip, and people whose school or agency used the company's products may all be affected and should watch for a notice letter in the mail. The incident has also been linked to Crime Stoppers programs in the United States and Canada that used the same platform.

Your Legal Options

Edelson Lechtzin LLP is investigating a potential class action on behalf of individuals whose data may have been compromised. A successful case could recover compensation for losses such as lost time, out-of-pocket costs, and loss of privacy, and could press Navigate360 to strengthen its data protection. The firm evaluates claims at no cost.

Recommended Steps to Protect Yourself

Watch for any mail from Navigate360 and keep it, along with any enrollment details for the protection services it offers.

- Place a free fraud alert or credit freeze with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, and obtain your free reports at AnnualCreditReport.com.

- Review your bank, card, and insurance statements for anything you do not recognize, and report suspected identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov.

Contact Us for a Free Case Evaluation

Speak confidentially with a data privacy attorney: Marc Edelson, Esq., Edelson Lechtzin LLP, 411 S. State Street, Suite N-300, Newtown, PA 18940; Phone: 844-696-7492; Email: [email protected]; or click HERE to request a free consultation.

About Edelson Lechtzin LLP

Edelson Lechtzin LLP is a national class action law firm with offices in Pennsylvania and California. Beyond data breach litigation, the firm handles class and collective actions involving securities and investment fraud, antitrust violations, ERISA benefit plans, wage theft, and consumer fraud.

Media and Partnership Inquiries: Use the contact information above regarding interviews, co-counsel opportunities, and referral partnerships.

Legal Notice: This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

SOURCE Edelson Lechtzin LLP

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Johnson Fistel Encourages Long-Term DPZ Shareholders to Discuss Potential Derivative Claims

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson Fistel, PLLP is investigating whether certain officers and directors of Domino's Pizza, Inc. (NASDAQ: DPZ) breached their fiduciary duties to the Company and its shareholders. The investigation concerns whether alleged misconduct involving disclosures about the Company's international growth prospects harmed Domino's and whether shareholders may pursue claims on the Company's behalf.

On October 22, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan denied defendants' motion to dismiss the related securities class action, allowing claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to proceed. The ruling addresses the sufficiency of the allegations and is not a determination of liability.

What Should Long-Term Domino's Shareholders Do?

If you purchased Domino's shares before December 7, 2023, and have continuously held shares since that time, Johnson Fistel invites you to contact the firm for a confidential discussion of your potential rights. A successful derivative action may recover funds for Domino's and secure corporate governance reforms, including stronger internal controls and executive oversight, benefiting the Company and its shareholders. A shareholder who serves as a named plaintiff may also be eligible for an incentive award in recognition of time and effort devoted to the litigation, subject to court approval. An award is not guaranteed.

To learn more, visit: https://www.johnsonfistel.com/investigations/dominos-pizza-dpz/

You may also contact James Baker at [email protected] or (619) 814-4471. There is no cost or obligation for this consultation.

What Is the Investigation About?

The previously filed securities class action alleges that Domino's and certain executives made misleading statements about international growth despite knowing of significant difficulties facing Domino's Pizza Enterprises Limited, a major international franchisee, in Japan and France. On October 22, 2026, the court denied defendants' motion to dismiss, allowing the securities claims to proceed.

Who Is Johnson Fistel, PLLP?

Johnson Fistel, PLLP is a nationally recognized shareholder rights law firm with offices in California, New York, Georgia, Idaho, and Colorado. The firm represents individual and institutional investors in shareholder derivative and securities class action lawsuits. The firm also represents foreign investors who have purchased securities on U.S. exchanges.

Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices. Johnson Fistel, PLLP has paid for the dissemination of this promotional communication, and Frank J. Johnson is the attorney responsible for its content.

Contact:

Johnson Fistel, PLLP

501 W. Broadway, Suite 800

San Diego, CA 92101

James Baker | (619) 814-4471

[email protected]

https://www.johnsonfistel.com/

SOURCE Johnson Fistel, PLLP

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Global Teams Recognized for Innovative Digital Initiatives and Measurable Business Impact

CUPERTINO, Calif., Oct. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Constellation Research today announced the winners of its 16th annual SuperNova Awards, recognizing teams that are driving innovation, tackling complex business challenges, and delivering measurable impact through technology and digital transformation. The 2026 winners were revealed during Connected Enterprise, Constellation Research's flagship executive conference, on October 28.

"SuperNova winners represent the teams turning innovation into meaningful business outcomes," said R "Ray" Wang, CEO and founder of Constellation Research. "What stands out about this year's winners is their ability to move beyond experimentation and put emerging technologies to work against real business challenges. These teams are creating tangible impact today while helping define what's next for the AI Age."

As organizations navigate rapid advances in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, business leaders are under increasing pressure to turn innovation into measurable results. The 2026 SuperNova Award winners demonstrate how organizations are responding to that challenge across data, cybersecurity, employee experience, human capital management, marketing and sales, customer experience, and technology modernization. Their initiatives highlight the creativity, leadership, and execution required to translate technology investments into meaningful business outcomes.

2026 SuperNova Award Winners

Data to Decisions

Thrive Learning

Digital Safety, Governance, Privacy & Cybersecurity

Picarro, Inc.

Future of Work: Employee Experience

Team Air Distributing

Future of Work: Human Capital Management

ecosio

Marketing & Sales Effectiveness

Lumen Technologies

Next-Generation Customer Experience

The Dufresne Group and Jaguar Land Rover

Tech Optimization & Modernization

ABB Ltd

The 2026 winners were selected through a combination of expert evaluation by a distinguished panel of analysts, influencers, media, and industry leaders, along with input from public polling.

For more information on the 2026 SuperNova Awards and this year's winners, visit https://www.constellationr.com/communities/supernova-awards-2026.

ABOUT CONSTELLATION RESEARCH

Constellation Research is a technology research and advisory firm providing strategic insights and practical guidance to business leaders navigating technology and innovation. Our analysts bring deep industry expertise and practitioner experience to help organizations make informed decisions, identify emerging opportunities, and navigate complex business and technology challenges. Constellation serves business leaders through research, advisory services, executive communities, events, and thought leadership spanning emerging technologies, business transformation, artificial intelligence, customer experience, innovation, and the future of work. Constellation also produces DisrupTV, a weekly show hosted by founder R "Ray" Wang and Vala Afshar featuring conversations with influential technology and business leaders.

SOURCE Constellation Research

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TOKYO, Oct. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Health Innovative Technology (GHIT) Fund announced today a total investment of approximately JPY 1.06 billion (USD 6.8 million1) in nine R&D projects for the development of drugs, vaccines and diagnostics for malaria, neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and emerging & re-emerging infectious diseases such as Ebola disease. 2 

Investment of approx. JPY 450 million (USD 2.9 million1) for Clinical Validation, Regulatory Approval and Programmatic Launch of Rapid Diagnostic Test for Trachoma

Trachoma is an NTD caused by infection with the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It remains a public health problem and is responsible for causing blindness or visual impairment in approximately 1.9 million people globally. Currently, nearly 92 million people live in endemic areas and remain at risk of blindness due to trachoma3.

Trachoma control programs currently rely on Mass Drug Administration (MDA) of antibiotics. This creates a critical demand for a point-of-care rapid diagnostic test (RDT) to guide timely and accurate field-level decision-making on when to start or stop MDA.

The GHIT Fund has decided to invest approximately 450 million yen in a project to develop a rapid diagnostic test for trachoma, led by Drugs and Diagnostics for Tropical Diseases (DDTD), Medical & Biological Laboratories Co., Ltd. (MBL), The Carter Center, and Big Eye Diagnostics, Inc. Supported by the GHIT Fund since 2024, the project aims to establish a diagnostic test that fully complies with the WHO Target Product Profile (TPP). This new investment will further accelerate clinical evaluations, regulatory approvals, and programmatic launch.

The GHIT Fund Invests Approximately JPY 210 Million (USD 1.3 million1) to Meet Urgent Need for Rapid Diagnostic Development for Ebola Disease

Ever since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on May 17, 2026 (Japan time) in response to the outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, the GHIT Fund has focused its support on product development for rapid diagnostic technologies and point-of-care (POC) testing for filovirus infections, including Ebola disease.

An outbreak with over 4,500 deaths as of October 21, 2026, has been reported in the DRC4. Rapid diagnosis is essential to prevent transmission, and the GHIT Fund has decided to invest a total of approximately JPY 210 million (USD 1.3 million1) in three projects for the rapid diagnosis of Ebola disease. For details, please refer to Appendix 1.

1) Development of a new RT-LAMP/nucleic acid chromatography diagnostic device for rapid screening of for the Bundibugyo virus led by Medical & Biological Laboratories Co., Ltd. and Nagasaki University in Japan.

2) Development and field investigation of a lateral flow immunoassay for the Ebola hemorrhagic fever Bundibugyo strain in the DRC led by Saitama University in Japan.

3) Development of a LAMP-based assay for detection of Bundibugyo virus (BDBV) led by Eiken Chemical Co. Ltd. in Japan.

In addition, the GHIT Fund will invest a total of approximately JPY 400 million (approx. USD 2.5 million1) in the following five R&D projects. These include a project to develop a next-generation vaccine against Lassa fever, which is widespread in West Africa, as well as rapid antigen tests (RAT) for high-priority zoonotic pathogens, specifically the Nipah and Hendra viruses, which pose a risk of severe outbreaks with potential "Disease X" pandemic capacity. Investment will also cover product development for malaria and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), such as dengue fever, chikungunya, and Chagas disease.

- Construct and formulation optimization and efficacy evaluation of a bivalent mRNA-lipid nanoparticle vaccine for Lassa virus led by the University of Osaka (Center for Advanced Modalities and Drug Delivery System [CAMaD], Research Institute for Microbial Diseases [RIMD], and Graduate School of Medicine [UOsaka Med]) and The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB).

- Strategic high-performance immunoglobulins for epidemic and lethal diseases, and to develop a highly accurate rapid antigen test (RAT) for detecting Nipah virus (NiV) and Hendra virus (HeV) infections, both of which have the potential to cause severe outbreaks, led by PATH and iBody Inc.

- Improving antimalarial potency of antisense oligonucleotides through bioinformatics and machine-learning algorithms led by Eisai Co., Ltd. and Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV).

- Innovative approaches to improve success rate in Chagas disease drug discovery led by Nagasaki University, Eisai Co., Ltd., Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative and University of Dundee.

- Rapid whole-blood multiplex antigen test for serotype-specific dengue and chikungunya detection led by VisGene, Ltd., University of Miyazaki, Mahidol University, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos in Peru and Centro de Investigaciones Tecnologicas, Biomedicas y Medioambientales in Peru.

Please refer to Appendix 1 for detailed descriptions of these projects and their development stages.

As of September 30, 2026, there are 53 ongoing projects, including 26 discovery projects, 14 preclinical projects, and 13 clinical trials5 in the GHIT Fund's portfolio. The total amount of investments since 2013 is JPY 48.1 billion (USD 305 million1) (Appendix 2).

1 USD 1 = JPY 157.31, the approximate exchange rate on Sep 30, 2026.

2 These awarded projects were selected and approved as new investments from among proposals to RFP2025-002 and RFP2026-001 for the Target Research Platform, the Screening Platform, the Hit-to-Lead Platform, and the Product Development Platform.

3 WHO: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/trachoma

4 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/ebola/situation-summary/index.html

5 This number includes projects in the registration phase.

The GHIT Fund is a Japan-based international public-private partnership (PPP) fund that was formed between the Government of Japan, multiple pharmaceutical companies, the Gates Foundation, Wellcome, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The GHIT Fund invests in and manages an R&D portfolio of development partnerships aimed at addressing neglected diseases, such as malaria, tuberculosis, and neglected tropical diseases, which afflict the world's vulnerable and underserved populations. In collaboration with global partners, the GHIT Fund mobilizes Japanese industry, academia, and research institutes to create new drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics for malaria, tuberculosis, and neglected tropical diseases. https://www.ghitfund.org/

Appendix 1. Project Details

ID: G2026-104

ID: G2026-124

ID: T2026-193

ID: T2026-194

ID: T2025-257

ID: T2026-152

ID: S2025-211

ID: T2025-261

ID: T2025-283

*All amounts are listed at an exchange rate of USD 1 = JPY 157.31, the approximate exchange rate on September 30, 2026.

Appendix 2. Investment Overview (as of September 30, 2026)

Investments to date

Total investments: JPY 48.1 billion (USD 305 million1)

Total invested projects: 158 (53 active projects and 105 completed projects)

To learn more about the GHIT Fund's investments, please visit

Investment Overview: https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/overview/en

Portfolio: https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/portfolio/en

Advancing Portfolio: https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/advancingportfolio/en

Clinical Candidates: https://www.ghitfund.org/investment/clinicalcandidates/en

For more information, contact:

Katy Lenard at +1-202-494-2584 or [email protected]

Eriko Mugitani at +81-36441-2032 or [email protected]

SOURCE GHIT Fund

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