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SandboxAQ Partners with The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in $25 Million Initiative to Develop Novel Treatments

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SandboxAQ collaborating with the University of Dundee through The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s LRRK2 Investigative Therapeutics Exchange (LITE) program to improve its inhibitor for the gene most commonly associated with Parkinson’s

PALO ALTO, Calif., Oct. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — SandboxAQ announced today it has signed a $25 million research grant through The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) LRRK2 Investigative Therapeutics Exchange (LITE) program to advance drug candidates for Parkinson’s disease (PD.) The partnership brings SandboxAQ’s expertise in neurodegenerative diseases and its Large Quantitative Models (LQMs) to cutting-edge research in the field of Parkinson’s research where, despite important biological and genetic discoveries, effective new therapeutics have yet to be approved.

As part of the partnership, SandboxAQ will collaborate with University of Dundee in Scotland to improve the potency and specificity of its LRRK2 inhibitors and to identify innovative compounds acting as allosteric modulators. LRRK2 is a gene identified in 2004 as being the most commonly associated with Parkinson’s, however, no new therapy targeting this protein has reached the market.

This research grant is to support an MJFF program focused on bridging basic science advances to industry-led drug development. LITE will include tens of millions of dollars in grant support and has already attracted more than 30 academic and clinical collaborators and more than a dozen companies. The program aims to develop new approaches to targeting the LRRK2 gene with therapies while also supporting the development of LRRK2-relevant clinical biomarkers to measure progress.

The initiative will take advantage of recent LRRK2 structures to identify or design new drug candidate molecules and complete pre-clinical investigation, with the goal of optimizing four inhibitors with distinct modes of action within the next two years. The agreement includes a license for SandboxAQ’s LQMs, with key milestones to be delivered over the 24-month engagement period.

“By combining MJFF’s network and expertise with SandboxAQ’s AI and computational capabilities, we have a powerful force joining us and creating a unique opportunity to accelerate the development of new therapies for Parkinson’s,” said Professor Dario Alessi, Director of the MRC Protein Phosphorylation Unit at the University of Dundee and LITE program leader. “This collaboration represents a significant step forward in our understanding and treatment of this challenging disease.”

SandboxAQ’s LQMs integrate AI tools with physics-based scoring functions, allowing the creation of detailed protein-ligand complex models, the rapid screening of millions of compounds, ligand identification, and small molecule design.

These technologies will help advance the research being conducted across the LITE Consortium, whose projects are led by scientists from the University of Dundee and attract more than 30 global academic and clinical collaborators as well as more than a dozen companies. SandboxAQ is one of the first commercial partners to join the LITE consortium.

“We are confident that SandboxAQ’s Large Quantitative Models and AI simulation techniques will enable us to translate academic discoveries into new drugs and ultimately help people who have Parkinson’s disease,” said Nadia Harhen, GM of AI Simulation at SandboxAQ. “Our partners at the University of Dundee have done extraordinarily important preclinical research, and we are excited to help them translate their discoveries into breakthrough therapies to help patients affected by PD.”

The collaboration with the University of Dundee is SandboxAQ’s second research partnership with the MJFF. Also today, SandboxAQ shared a collaboration with Belgium-based KU Leuven‘s Vangheluwe Lab to identify small molecule modulators capable of restoring the function of the ATP10B gene, another key gene linked to PD.

About SandboxAQ
‍SandboxAQ is a B2B company delivering AI solutions that address some of the world’s greatest challenges. The company’s Large Quantitative Models (LQMs) deliver critical advances in life sciences, financial services, navigation, cyber and other sectors. The company emerged from Alphabet Inc. as an independent, growth capital-backed company in 2022, funded by leading investors including T. Rowe Price, Eric Schmidt, Breyer Capital, Guggenheim Partners, Marc Benioff, Thomas Tull, Section32, and others. For more information, visit http://www.sandboxaq.com.

About the LRRK2 Investigative Therapeutics Exchange (LITE) Program
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research launched LITE in 2024 to support new approaches to targeting the LRRK2 gene with therapies, while also supporting the development of LRRK2-relevant clinical biomarkers to measure progress. Mutations in the LRRK2 gene were first linked to PD 20 years ago, and they are now understood to be the most common causes of inherited PD. The LITE program, which will provide tens of millions of dollars of grant support, paves the way for new cooperation on LRRK2, attracting more than 30 academic and clinical collaborators as well as more than a dozen companies expressing interest at launch. The program connects companies that are developing LRRK2-targeting therapies with key opinion leaders and provides preclinical and clinical resources to establish best practices for advancing LRRK2 therapeutics. LITE will be led by Dario Alessi, PhD, of the University of Dundee in the United Kingdom. Alessi, a global leader in the study of kinases, leads a project focusing on LRRK2 signaling pathways as part of the Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network (CRN), creating a point of collaboration across initiatives as he continues to build on this work in the space. The LITE program also will benefit from collaboration with other ASAP initiative-supported programs including the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiatives (PPMI) and the Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program (GP2). Learn more here.

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The Ultimate Send-off to Summer: CSTS Debuts Global Entertainment IP PremierX at New York’s Pier 17, Ushering in a New Era of Live Entertainment

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October 24, 2026

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NEW YORK, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CSTS Enterprises (‘CSTS’), a New York-based sports, entertainment, integrated media and travel technology group, today announced the official launch of PremierXTM, its flagship live entertainment brand, with a landmark Halloween Weekend event “AFTER DARK” at The Rooftop at Pier 17 in New York on October 30, 2026.

Capping off Seaport’s 2026 Summer Season in unforgettable fashion, the grand finale brings a powerhouse lineup of stars to the PremierXTM stage at Pier 17, featuring Lil Xan, Armani White, DJ Soda, Nate Wyatt, and surprise A-list guest headliners. Set against the iconic Manhattan skyline, the landmark eventing unites chart-topping hip-hop and high-octane electronic music for a festival-grade experience as The Rooftop at Pier 17 transforms into the city’s premier live music destination.

Building on the momentum of the PremierXTM After Party for the 2026 World Cup Final that took place in New York on July 19th, “AFTER DARK” signals the official debut of PremierXTM, a proprietary, New York – born global entertainment IP created by CSTS to deliver defining cultural experiences at the intersection of music, sport, art and lifestyle. Centred on the power of cultural crossover, PremierXTM serves as an international bridge connecting East and West, modern innovation and timeless classical, while uniting world-class artists, creators, performers and audiences through the universal language of entertainment and premium live experiences.

The launch also marks the beginning of a promising relationship with Pier 17, providing a world-class stage for PremierXTM to accelerate its growth in the U.S. and engage international audiences over the long term. By combining PremierXTM’s global entertainment vision with Pier 17’s iconic waterfront setting, the partnership aims to create a premier destination for live experiences, empowering both platforms to expand their global reach, deepen audience engagement, and drive sustainable growth.

As a key pillar of CSTS’ integrated ecosystem spanning entertainment, sports, travel, integrated media and marketing solutions, PremierXTM further strengthens the Group’s ability to create high-impact experiences that connect audiences, destinations and brand partners. With the global live entertainment market projected to grow from approximately US$203 billion in 2025 to US$270 billion by 2030[1], PremierXTM is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for premium, experience-led entertainment while creating long-term value to the Group through recurring audience engagement, tourism and brand partnerships.

“PremierX TM represents a significant milestone in CSTS’ evolution from a leading operator of global sports and hospitality platforms into a creator of world-class entertainment experiences,” said Abel Zhao, Group CEO and Executive Director at CSTS Enterprises. “The season finale at Pier17 marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for CSTS as we expand our entertainment footprint and introduce a platform designed to deliver iconic live experiences and bring together artists and audiences from across the globe.”

“PremierXTM was built from the ground up as a bespoke platform to champion multicultural talent and visionary creative performers.” said Jason Liu, Regional Director of CSTS USA. “Starting from New York, we are building a scalable global brand that brings iconic live experiences to audiences worldwide while expanding our presence across key entertainment hubs in North America, Asia and Europe.”

Following its New York launch, PremierXTM plans to expand through a broader international rollout across North America, Asia and Europe, with future editions planned as part of a growing network of recurring live entertainment properties and flagship cultural events.

For ticket information on PremierXTM: “AFTER DARK”, visit
https://www.axs.com/events/1644912/after-dark-tickets

About CSTS Enterprises

CSTS Enterprises is an integrated media, entertainment, sports, and travel technology group. Headquartered in New York City, the company develops and partners with intellectual properties and brands to deliver compelling experiences that connect with audiences across the world. In addition to its own initiatives, including Generation CTM and PremierXTM, it collaborates with international IPs including FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Championship, and Formula 1.

CSTS integrates experiential marketing, travel, data, and technology to deliver seamless end-to-end audience experiences. The company engages consumers across physical events and digital channels, executing at scale worldwide, turning complex activations into co-ordinated, measurable outcomes.

[1] Source: Industry research by Markets and Markets, Live Entertainment Market Size, Share, Latest Trends & Growth Analysis, 2025-2030, Live Entertainment Market Size, Share, Latest Trends & Growth Analysis, 2025-2030.

 

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Swanson Vitamins Launches Swanson Vitamins Nexus Pro to Champion Registered Dietitians and Licensed Nutritionists at Every Stage of Their Careers

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October 24, 2026

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New network for health and nutrition professionals offers CPEU-accredited continuing education, profession-wide promotion, practicum support and exam scholarships

FARGO, N.D., Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Swanson Vitamins today launched Swanson Vitamins Nexus Pro, a network for health and nutrition professionals. The new initiative champions registered dietitians and licensed nutritionists through every stage of their careers, from students to providers with decades of experience. Created by nutrition professionals for nutrition professionals, Swanson Vitamins Nexus Pro offers educational resources, incentives and investments to support practitioners who share Swanson’s commitment to uncompromising integrity.

Swanson Vitamins Nexus Pro offers tailored resources for both practicing professionals and students. For practicing registered dietitians and licensed nutritionists, the program provides CPEU-accredited continuing education, along with profession-wide promotion of the experts who guide consumers’ wellness decisions. For dietetics and nutrition students, Swanson is investing in the next generation of the profession through practicum support and scholarships toward licensing or credentialing exam fees.

As consumers take a more active role in their health, they are increasingly turning to registered dietitians and licensed nutritionists for accurate, science-backed guidance. Through Swanson Vitamins Nexus Pro, Swanson aims to help nutrition professionals strengthen their credentials and build expertise in areas where consumers are seeking trusted nutritional support.

“Since 1969, we have been committed to uncompromising integrity in service of everyone’s journey to real wellness, and we believe real wellness starts with the experts who guide it,” said Erin Del Ponte, EVP Brand Marketing at Swanson Vitamins. “Registered dietitians and licensed nutritionists translate nutrition science into practical, personalized guidance that helps people make informed decisions about their health. With Swanson Vitamins Nexus Pro, we are proud to support these professionals at every stage of their careers, from students preparing for their credentialing exams to seasoned providers building expertise in the areas that matter most to consumers today.”

Swanson Nexus Pro program highlights

CPEU-accredited continuing education for registered dietitians and licensed nutritionistsProfession-wide promotion of registered dietitians and licensed nutritionistsPracticum support for dietetics and nutrition studentsScholarships to help offset licensing or credentialing exam fees

Applications for Swanson Vitamins Nexus Pro are open and can be submitted HERE. Additional details, including scholarship award amounts and practicum support details, will be announced in the coming weeks.

Swanson Vitamins Nexus Pro was introduced at the Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ annual conference, held Oct. 24-27 in San Antonio. This initiative builds on Swanson’s longstanding commitment to the nutrition and dietetics community and reflects the company’s continued investment in the professionals who help consumers make informed choices on their journey to real wellness.

Media Assets
Photos HERE

About Swanson Vitamins
Since 1969, Swanson Vitamins has offered high-quality, science-backed vitamins and supplements rooted in one simple belief: proof over promise. Nearly six decades before “wellness” became an industry, Swanson was pioneering trustworthy supplement offerings and upholding uncompromising quality standards through intentional sourcing, rigorous in-house and third-party testing and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

Today, Swanson is a Certified GMP Facility recognized by NSF, backed by an in-house team of nutritionists, dietitians, scientists, chemists and pharmacists with a combined 250-plus years of experience. With more than 1,300 products across 36 categories, Swanson doesn’t chase trends. It sets standards for integrity, quality and clarity in the supplement industry.

Swanson products are available at SwansonVitamins.com, Amazon and iHerb.com. Learn more at SwansonVitamins.com or follow @swansonvitamins on Instagram.

MEDIA CONTACT
Lauren Torrez, Crowe PR
ltorrez@crowepr.com 

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Technology Drives the Future of Travel: JETOUR Continues to Expand Its “Travel+” Ecosystem

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October 24, 2026

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WUHU, China, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Expectations for travel are evolving: vehicles are no longer simply a means of reaching a destination, but travel companions that bring people closer to nature, serving as a “mobile third space.”

JETOUR continues to advance its “Travel+” strategy, integrating technological innovation, product development, and ecosystem building into real travel scenarios. From October 20 to 23, the 2026 JETOUR Global Technology Experience Day, themed “Future Travel Starts Now,” takes place across Wuhu, Anhui and Moganshan, Zhejiang, featuring technology experiences, on-road driving, outdoor living, and conservation activities.

Technological Innovation: Expanding the Possibilities of Travel

Backed by the Group’s expertise in AI, intelligent driving, smart cabins, and AiMOGA Robotics, JETOUR turns cutting-edge technology into experiences users can genuinely feel. The XWD Fully Automatic Intelligent 4WD, with 7+X one-touch modes, tackles mountain roads, gravel, and water crossings, while the GAIA All-Terrain Intelligent Architecture adapts to diverse terrain and C-DM hybrid technology balances performance with efficiency. On October 21, models with these technologies take on mountain-road test drives at Moganshan.

A Diverse Product Lineup: Enriching the Travel Experience

The G700 combines premium comfort with hardcore off-road capability, while the T1 and T2 suit both urban driving and light off-road adventures. Roof tents, onboard refrigerators, and other ecosystem equipment turn the vehicle into an all-round companion. JETOUR also hosts a camping market and a Starry Night Forum, bringing product features into real travel settings.

Ecosystem: Extending the Value of Travel

Travel is about understanding cultures and protecting nature as well as exploration. Participants visit Xiazhu Lake in Zhejiang for a crested ibis conservation initiative. Globally, JETOUR supports cheetah conservation in Africa, turtle conservation in Malaysia, harpy eagle conservation in Panama, and protection of Pakistan’s national animal, the markhor.

JETOUR has also partnered with Chile’s Colo-Colo, FIBA, and the Malaysia Marathon, broadening engagement with local culture, sport, and communities — giving “Travel+” an ever richer meaning.

JETOUR now joins travelers worldwide across city, mountain, and wetland, exploring new possibilities through the deeper integration of technology and travel.

ABOUT JETOUR

Launched in 2018, JETOUR follows the “Travel+” strategy and has entered over 100 countries and regions, with 2,000+ sales and after-sales outlets. Its lineup includes the T Series for light off-road and the G Series for the premium luxury off-road market, covering urban commuting, family road trips, outdoor camping, and long-distance journeys.

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