Technology

PRISM BioLab and Elix Join Forces to Accelerate AI-Driven Drug Discovery for Protein-Protein Interaction Targets

Published

2 weeks ago

April 14, 2025

Strategic Partnership Aims to Create Novel Drug Discovery Pipeline for Unmet Medical Needs by Combining PPI Control Technology with AI Drug Discovery Platform

TOKYO, April 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — PRISM BioLab, Co. Ltd. (“PRISM BioLab”), a leading discovery and development biotechnology company designing small molecule inhibitors of protein-protein interaction (PPI) targets, today announced that it has entered into a drug discovery collaboration with Elix, Inc. (“Elix”), effective April 1, 2025.

This partnership will accelerate research on these challenging molecular targets by combining PRISM BioLab’s proprietary peptide mimetic technology for controlling protein-protein interactions with Elix’s cutting-edge AI drug discovery platform.

In drug discovery, generating a clinical candidate molecule typically takes long time and requires synthesis of hundreds to thousands of compounds, making research and development efficiency a critical challenge. Through this partnership, PRISM BioLab’s proprietary small molecule peptide-mimetic PepMetics® technology will be integrated with Elix’s AI drug discovery platform “Elix Discovery™.” This collaboration will expand the AI search range to include previously unconsidered small molecules, enabling efficient identification of promising compounds for traditionally difficult targets and accelerating the creation of breakthrough drug candidates. By leveraging both companies’ AI capabilities and medicinal chemistry expertise, the partnership aims to reduce time and costs and improve success rate of drug discovery, ultimately delivering innovative treatments for unmet medical needs.

Comments from Executives

Elix co-founder and CEO Shinya Yuki, Ph.D.:

In our previous pilot project with PRISM BioLab, we achieved breakthrough results by creating novel compound candidates with an efficiency that would be unimaginable using conventional approaches. This success clearly demonstrated that the combination of our companies’ technologies and expertise holds tremendous potential in drug discovery. I am genuinely looking forward to this business partnership, where we can leverage our complementary strengths to pursue outcomes that neither company could achieve alone.

PRISM BioLab CEO Dai Takehara:

As we challenge ourselves to ‘create new areas of drug discovery’ with peptide-mimetic small molecules, AI utilization is essential. We expect our efforts to be significantly accelerated through collaboration with Elix, whose mission is to ‘rethink drug discovery.’ Our pilot project has already demonstrated the synergistic effect of our technologies and team collaboration, and we will continue to pursue the early creation of groundbreaking new drugs together.

PRISM BioLab CTO Tatsuya Toma Ph.D.:

Improving drug discovery efficiency is an eternal challenge. Delivering better medicines to patients and healthcare professionals as quickly as possible requires innovation. Our PepMetics® technology has characteristics that are highly compatible with AI applications. Elix is not only a professional in AI and machine learning but also expanding their knowledge and understanding of drug discovery while maintaining a flexible corporate culture. They have shown great interest in PepMetics® features, and I believe we can advance comprehensive drug discovery research together, leveraging PepMetics® characteristics to accelerate the process.

About Elix

Elix is an AI drug discovery company with the mission of “Rethinking drug discovery”. Through their flagship software platform, Elix Discovery™, and collaborative consulting engagements, they work with leading pharmaceutical companies and biotech startups to reduce the enormous costs and time associated with drug discovery, while improving the rate of successful outcomes. They achieve these goals via their company’s unique blend of AI engineering and medicinal chemistry expertise that allows them to stay at the forefront of development in both fields, and offer the solutions of tomorrow to the problems of today.

https://www.elix-inc.com/

About PRISM BioLab

PRISM BioLab is a discovery and development biotechnology company utilizing proprietary PepMetics® technology to discover orally available small molecule inhibitors of protein-protein interaction (PPI) targets and transform lives of patients suffering from cancer, autoimmune, fibrosis and other diseases. PepMetics® are a unique class of small molecules that mimic three-dimensional structures of alpha-helix and beta-turn, the peptide structures commonly found in intracellular PPI interphases and receptor-ligand interactions. By combining proprietary chemistry, know-how around PPI targets and AI-supported design, PepMetics® technology can deliver inhibitors of challenging PPI targets. The technology holds promise to expand the field of drug discovery by turning previously undruggable PPIs into targets readily druggable with small molecules and by generating oral small molecule alternatives for injectable biologics.

PRISM BioLab is collaborating on new PPI targets with global and Japanese pharmaceutical companies. PepMetics® targeting CBP/beta-catenin PPIs licensed to Eisai Co., Ltd. and Ohara Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. are in clinical development for cancer and liver disease, respectively.

www.prismbiolab.com

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SOURCE PRISM BioLab Co., Ltd.

Technology

UK FinTech Week Opens with Major UK-US Innovation and Investment Announcements

Published

14 minutes ago

April 29, 2025

UK FinTech Week 2025 Opens with Major UK-US Innovation and Investment Announcements

LONDON and JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — UK FinTech Week 2025 launches today with major announcements reinforcing the strength of the UK’s fintech ecosystem and its growing ties with US investors, entrepreneurs and innovators.

In a significant development unveiled at the Global Fintech Forum, L Marks, a leader in corporate innovation, announced the launch of JAX Hub, a new initiative in partnership with the City of Jacksonville. Set to open later this year, JAX Hub will establish L Marks’ US operations in Jacksonville, connecting leading financial firms with top-tier global scale-ups and entrepreneurs. Built on L Marks’ proven, award-winning Innovation Lab methodology, JAX Hub will accelerate financial sector innovation, support economic growth, and strengthen Jacksonville’s reputation as a global destination for fintech.

The announcement, made by the UK’s Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Emma Reynolds MP, highlights how the UK’s fintech expertise is driving tangible investment and collaboration in the United States. JAX Hub will form a key pillar of a new UK–Florida FinTech Corridor, a priority initiative stemming from the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2023 between the State of Florida and the UK Government.

Today’s news comes alongside another major UK-US announcement: Coinbase, one of the world’s leading crypto exchanges, has selected the UK as the home for a new multi-million-dollar Web3 accelerator. Developed alongside global technology leaders Fabric Ventures and Animoca Brands, and supported by Founders Factory, the accelerator will invest in the next generation of blockchain and AI startups—cementing the UK’s leadership in digital innovation.

The UK remains the second-largest exporter of financial services globally, Europe’s top destination for fintech investment, and a trusted partner for US companies looking to scale internationally. With a fintech market valued at $393 billion, a world-class regulatory environment, and a thriving startup ecosystem, the UK offers US investors and innovators a reliable and dynamic platform for growth.

To further strengthen transatlantic collaboration, the UK’s Department for Business and Trade is hosting a delegation of leading US fintech firms at UK FinTech Week, including PayPal, Block, Affirm, Circle, Ripple, Marqeta, FIS, Robinhood and Chainalysis—demonstrating the deep and growing ties between the two markets.

As the fintech landscape evolves, the UK remains a committed, proven, and future-facing partner for US investors and innovators.
UK FinTech Week 2025 runs from 28 April – 2 May.

About the Department for Business and Trade (DBT):
The UK’s Department for Business and Trade is an economic growth department. We ensure fair, competitive markets at home, secure access to new markets abroad and support businesses to invest, export and grow. Our priorities are the Industrial Strategy, Make Work Pay, the Trade Strategy and the Plan for Small Business.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/uk-fintech-week-opens-with-major-uk-us-innovation-and-investment-announcements-302440433.html

SOURCE UK’s Department for Business and Trade

Technology

TECO Group Showcases Vehicle Electrification Upgrade Solutions at ACT Expo

Published

14 minutes ago

April 29, 2025

LOS ANGELES, April 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The ACT Expo 2025, the world’s leading event in green transportation and charging technologies, opens on April 28 in California, USA. TECO Electric & Machinery is making its debut at the event, joining forces with its U.S. subsidiaries—TECO-Westinghouse Motor Company and NexE (charging solution sales company), as well as the newly acquired EVK Motor, a company specializing in EV hairpin motors.

The TECO Group will showcase cutting-edge products and services including electric drive axle systems for EV powertrains and high-power fast charging stations. TECO Chairman Morris Li emphasized that the company is committed to electrification solutions for vehicles, with EV powertrain systems and charging infrastructure among the group’s key strategic priorities. The products making their debut at this year’s ACT Expo integrate TECO’s technological and manufacturing strengths from both Taiwan and the U.S., showcasing the company’s capabilities in expanding into international markets.

At the end of last year, TECO acquired EVK Motor, an electric vehicle motor manufacturer. EVK’s third-generation innovative hairpin motor technology features excellent thermal design, high power density, and peak efficiency of up to 97.8%. Making its first public appearance, the hairpin motor unit boasts key features such as a compact size and lightweight build—the complete unit, including the oil pump and radiator, weighs less than 55 kilograms. The motor covers a power range of 50 to 300 kW and a torque range of 150 to 550 Nm. According to TECO, this product is specifically designed for electric axle (E-Axle) solutions used in medium and large commercial vehicles, such as electric buses and electric trucks. It helps automakers overcome challenges related to vehicle capacity, space, and weight, while significantly enhancing the mobility performance of electrified vehicles. The company is targeting the multi-billion-dollar commercial vehicle market in Europe and North America.

At the event, TECO-Westinghouse and NexE are also showcasing their 30kW and 60kW DC fast charger and PowerCube (EV Charger Portable Power distribution system). Those DC Chargers feature high output power, smart charging capabilities, and renewable energy integration, significantly reducing charging time and improving energy efficiency. TECO stated that TECO-Westinghouse and NexE currently offer a full range of charging solutions from 30kW to 480kW. TECO-Westinghouse has already established a charger assembly line at its Texas factory to meet the needs of public institutions, including school bus fleets. Through its participation at ACT Expo, TECO aims to broaden its market exposure and business opportunities.

TECO Group continues to invest in EV powertrain systems with a global market layout that includes Taiwan, North America, India, Europe, and China. In Taiwan, TECO supplies 80% of the electric bus powertrain systems. The nation’s first domestically produced hydrogen electric bus is also powered by TECO’s 235kW SiC direct-drive system, capable of traveling 22 kilometers per kilogram of hydrogen (compared to the international average of about 20 km/kg). In India, TECO delivered prototypes to customers in Q1, with mass production of 200kW and 235kW direct-drive systems slated to begin in Q3. In North America, the company is targeting electric buses and trucks as its key customer base.

TECO website https://www.teco.com.tw/en

TECOWestinghouse website https://www.tecowestinghouse.com/products-home/green-energy-solutions/ev_chargers/

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SOURCE TECO Electric & Machinery Co.

Technology

Vietnam Airlines expands partnership with Adyen

Published

14 minutes ago

April 29, 2025

The airline now taps on Adyen’s extensive global acquiring network to process transactions worldwide

SINGAPORE, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Adyen, the financial technology platform of choice for leading companies, today announced an expanded partnership with Vietnam Airlines, Vietnam’s flag carrier. The airline partnered with Adyen in 2017 for its gateway solution and in 2024, expanded the partnership to leverage Adyen’s global acquiring capabilities, enabling seamless payment experiences in markets like Japan, Australia, the U.S., and Europe, among others.

The single integration with Adyen allows faster, more reliable transactions in credit cards and selected local payment methods like Alipay and WeChat Pay. Adyen’s acquiring capabilities connect businesses directly to Visa and Mastercard card schemes, helping the airline benefit from local market conditions and generate higher authorization rates and lower transaction fees. Since the expansion of partnership, Vietnam Airlines has seen up to a 5% uplift in authorization rates.

“Our strengthened partnership with Adyen represents a significant step forward in Vietnam Airlines’ digital transformation. With Adyen’s global reach and advanced payment solutions, we can offer travelers around the world a smooth, secure, and flexible payment experience—supporting major card networks and emerging payment methods alike. This collaboration enables us to elevate the passenger journey while boosting operational efficiency and fostering innovation,” said Bui Tran Cuong, Deputy Director of Finance and Accounting, Vietnam Airlines.

“We’re honored to further our longstanding collaboration with Vietnam Airlines as their trusted payments partner and our work together is testament to how the right payment solutions can empower businesses to serve a global customer base at scale,” said Warren Hayashi, President, Asia-Pacific, Adyen.

About Adyen

Adyen (AMS: ADYEN) is the financial technology platform of choice for leading companies. By providing end-to-end payments capabilities, data-driven insights, and financial products in a single global solution, Adyen helps businesses achieve their ambitions faster. With offices around the world, Adyen works with the likes of Meta, LVMH, SHEIN, Uber, L’Oréal, Cathay Pacific, Grab, Klook, and Singapore Airlines. This partnership with Vietnam Airlines as described in this merchant update underlines Adyen’s continuous growth with current and new merchants over the years.

About Vietnam Airlines

Vietnam Airlines, a member of Skyteam Alliance, is the flag carrier of Vietnam, connecting the world’s most thriving destinations with nearly 100 routes to 22 domestic and 30 international destinations in 18 countries.

Vietnam Airlines boasts one of the youngest and most modern fleets in Asia, highlighted by their Boeing 787-9 and -10 Dreamliners, Airbus A350-900 XWBs and Airbus A320, A321neos, offering impeccable level of comfort and service throughout every journey.

The carrier is recognized as one of the region’s leading airlines thanks to its modern fleet and its commitment towards innovation, digitalization and development — earning it international acclaim as validated by numerous prestigious awards including Top 25 World’s Safest Airlines for 2025, Top 20 World’s Best Airlines for 2025, World’s Best Value Premium Economy, Top 20 World’s Best Airline by Airline Ratings (2023), Global 5 Star Airline 2023, Major 5 Star Airline 2024 by APEX; Skytrax’s 4 Star Airline for four consecutive years.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/vietnam-airlines-expands-partnership-with-adyen-302439540.html

SOURCE Adyen