Technology
COLLPLANT BIOTECHNOLOGIES REPORTS 2024 THIRD QUARTER FINANCIAL RESULTS AND PROVIDES CORPORATE UPDATE
Published
2 years agoon
By
-Promising results obtained from the pre-clinical study with CollPlant’s commercial sized rhCollagen-based regenerative breast implants, demonstrating significant implant vascularization and rapid ingrowth of native tissue
-Innovative breast implant technology designed to address a $3.0 billion market opportunity
-Cash and cash equivalents balance as of September 30, 2024 was $15.4 million
-Conference call to be held today at 10:00 a.m. U.S. EDT –
REHOVOT, Israel, Nov. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — CollPlant Biotechnologies (Nasdaq: CLGN), a regenerative and aesthetics medicine company developing innovative technologies and products based on its non-animal-derived collagen for tissue regeneration and medical aesthetics, today announced financial results for the third quarter ending September 30, 2024, and provided a corporate update.
“We are now one step closer to advancing our breast implant program into human studies, after developing a biocompatible commercial-sized, 3D-printed implant with a natural feel that has shown promising results in preclinical trials,” commented Yehiel Tal, Chief Executive Officer of CollPlant Biotechnologies. “So far, the study is showing encouraging outcomes three months post implantation, with evidence of significant implant vascularization and rapid ingrowth of native tissue, both of which are critical factors in enabling effective integration of the implant with the physiological system and supporting long-lasting regenerative processes. We are looking forward to reporting additional results from this program in the first quarter of 2025. “
Mr. Tal, continued, “We have recently adjusted our development and operation plans so that the Company is capitalized for a period of at least one year from today. In addition, we are prioritizing raising non-dilutive cash through the creation of additional collaborations and to that end we are engaging in dialog with companies in the medical and aesthetics fields that have interest in our rhCollagen technology. “
Dr. Sachin M. Shridharani, board-certified Plastic Surgeon, founder of LUXURGERY© New York and Associate Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine added, “CollPlant’s novel, 3D-printed, biocompatible and regenerative breast implant technology is an incredibly exciting development with multiple applications. There is an unmet need in aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery for highly biocompatible materials to be employed for breast augmentation and reconstruction. Eliminating immune responses to materials implanted in the breast or any portion of the body serves as a holy grail in plastic surgery.”
Q3 and Recent Program Highlights
In August, CollPlant announced the launch of a pre-clinical study with 200cc commercial-sized breast implants printed using CollPlant’s bioinks and Stratasys’ (Nasdaq: SSYS) Origin 3D printer. The collaboration between CollPlant and Stratasys has been focused on the development of a bioprinting solution for CollPlant’s regenerative breast implants. In addition, the companies aim to develop solutions for scaling-up the implant bioprinting process. If successfully developed, the novel implants could provide a revolutionary alternative to the implants that are currently on the market.
To date, the study has shown promising results three months post implantation, demonstrating significant implant vascularization and rapid ingrowth of native tissue, both of which are critical factors in enabling effective integration of the implant with the physiological system and supporting long-lasting regenerative processes.
Collaboration Updates
The collaboration with AbbVie continues to develop a dermal and soft tissue filler product for the medical aesthetics market. According to the agreement between the parties, CollPlant granted AbbVie worldwide exclusive rights to use its rhCollagen for the production and commercialization of a final dermal filler product. In return, CollPlant is entitled to receive, among other terms, up to $50 million and a fixed-fee royalty payment for each product commercialized. As of today, $24 million has been paid to CollPlant. AbbVie is responsible for all the costs of the dermal and soft tissue filler product candidate development, including the costs of clinical trials.On November 11, 2024, CollPlant presented at the ISBF (International Society for Biofabrication) 2024 conference. ISBF is a professional society promoting biofabrication research and development for medical applications. During the conference, CollPlant demonstrated its technology platform for mass production of human collagen and biofabrication of its innovative regenerative breast implants.
On July 29, 2024, CollPlant announced the release of its inaugural Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) and Sustainability Report covering the fiscal year 2023. The report reflects CollPlant’s wide commitment to fostering environmental sustainability and enhancing human health, as well as advancing social and corporate governance objectives that contribute to the Company’s impact.
Three- and Nine-Month-Period Ended September 30, 2024 Financial Results
GAAP revenues for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024, were $4,000 compared to $43,000 for the third quarter ended September 30, 2023. The decrease in revenues is mainly related to the decrease in sales of rhCollagen to the Company’s largest customer. The deliveries to this customer are in accordance with the development plan of the customer, and in the third quarter no deliveries were planned or made. In accordance with the plan, CollPlant is prepared to supply rhCollagen to this customer this quarter, during December 2024.
GAAP revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, were $351,000 compared to $10.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease of approximately $10.3 million is related to the achievement of a milestone in 2023, which triggered a $10 million payment under the AbbVie Agreement, as well as an approximate $300,000 decrease in sales of rhCollagen and VergenixFG.
GAAP cost of revenues for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024, was $272,000, compared to $278,000 for the third quarter ended September 30, 2023.
GAAP cost of revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was $1.4 million, compared to $1.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in cost of revenues in the amount of approximately $200,000 mainly comprised of (i) a $452,000 increase related to inventory impairment, offset by (ii) a decrease of $308,000 in royalty expenses to the IIA, mainly related to the milestone payment received from AbbVie in 2023.
GAAP gross loss for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024, was $268,000, compared to $235,000 in the third quarter ended September 30, 2023.
GAAP gross loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was $1.0 million, compared to gross profit of $9.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
GAAP operating expenses for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024, were $4.3 million, compared to $4.4 million in the third quarter ended September 30, 2023. The decrease of approximately $100,000 is mainly related to (i) a decrease of $213,000 in employees’ salaries expense and related share-based compensation expenses, offset by (ii) an increase of $358,000 in research and development activities mainly related to the breast implants program. On a non-GAAP basis, operating expenses for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024 were $3.8 million, compared to $3.9 million for the third quarter ended September 30, 2023. Non-GAAP measures exclude certain non-cash expenses.
GAAP operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, were $12.3 million, compared to $11.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increase of approximately $400,000 is mainly related to an increase in research and development activities mainly related to the breast implants program. On a non-GAAP basis, operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, were $11.0 million, compared to $10.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
GAAP financial income, net, for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024, totaled $216,000, compared to $225,000 in the third quarter ended September 30, 2023.
GAAP financial income, net, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, totaled $546,000, compared to $114,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in financial income is due to interest received from the Company’s short-term cash deposits and exchange rate differences.
GAAP net loss for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024, was $4.3 million, or $0.38 basic loss per share, compared to a net loss of $4.4 million, or $0.38 basic loss per share, for the third quarter ended September 30, 2023. Non-GAAP net loss for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024, was $3.8 million, or $0.33 loss per share, compared to a net loss of $4.0 million, or $0.35 basic loss per share, for the third quarter ended September 30, 2023.
GAAP net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was $12.7 million, or $1.11 basic loss per share, compared to a net loss of $2.3 million, or $0.2 basic loss per share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Non-GAAP net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was $11.5 million, or $1.0 loss per share, compared to a net loss of $1.2 million, or $0.11 basic loss per share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
Balance Sheet and Cash Flow
Cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2024 were $15.4 million. The cash balance represents a company cash runway that will satisfy the Company’s operations requirements at least until the end of 2025, based on currently contemplated operations and plans. If the Company does not obtain additional funding sources when necessary to support its cost structure, it will implement cost reduction measures. These plans may include organizational adjustments and additional cost reductions if needed.
Cash used in operating activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was $10.6 million compared to $418,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
Cash used in investing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was $481,000 compared to $784,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and related primarily to the purchases of property and equipment.
Cash provided by financing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $9,000 compared to $1.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
Conference call information
To participate in the conference call, please use the dial-in information below:
U.S. investors: 1-877-407-9716
Investors outside of the U.S.: 1-201-493-6779
Israel investors: 1-809-406-247
Conference ID: 13749096
Note, you can avoid long wait times for the operator by using the Call me™ feature and clicking the link below 15 minutes prior to the scheduled call start time:
https://callme.viavid.com/viavid/?callme=true&passcode=13728588&h=true&info=company-email&r=true&B=6
Webcast information
A live webcast will also be available in listen-only mode and can be accessed here or via the link to be posted on the News & Events section of the CollPlant Investor relations website. A replay of the webcast will be available following the conclusion of the live broadcast and will be accessible on the Company’s website for a limited time.
Submit questions to management in advance of the call
To ask management a question ahead of the call, please email Dan Ferry at LifeSci Advisors LLC up until 24 hours before the event at daniel@lifesciadvisors.com.
COLLPLANT BIOTECHNOLOGIES LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
September 30,
December 31,
2024
2023
(Unaudited)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
15,371
$
26,674
Restricted deposit
241
241
Trade receivables, net
5
–
Inventories
454
714
Other accounts receivable and prepaid expenses
426
393
Total current assets
16,497
28,022
Non-current assets:
Restricted deposit
115
57
Operating lease right-of-use assets
3,225
3,070
Property and equipment, net
2,460
2,789
Intangible assets, net
145
188
Total non-current assets
5,945
6,104
Total assets
$
22,442
$
34,126
COLLPLANT BIOTECHNOLOGIES LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except share data)
September 30,
December 31,
2024
2023
(Unaudited)
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Current liabilities:
Trade payables
$
1,009
$
980
Operating lease liabilities
798
624
Accrued liabilities and other
1,262
1,647
Total current liabilities
3,069
3,251
Non-current liabilities:
Operating lease liabilities
2,455
2,535
Total non-current liabilities
2,455
2,535
Total liabilities
5,524
5,786
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders’ Equity:
Ordinary shares, NIS 1.5 par value – authorized: 30,000,000 ordinary shares as of
September 30, 2024 (unaudited) and December 31, 2023; issued and outstanding:
11,454,512 and 11,452,672 ordinary shares as of September 30, 2024 (unaudited)
and December 31, 2023, respectively
4,983
4,982
Additional paid in capital
122,376
121,068
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(969)
(969)
Accumulated deficit
(109,472)
(96,741)
Total shareholders’ equity
16,918
28,340
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
22,442
$
34,126
COLLPLANT BIOTECHNOLOGIES LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
Nine months ended
September 30
Three months ended
September 30
2024
2023
2024
2023
Revenues
$
351
$
10,660
$
4
$
43
Cost of revenues
1,353
1,218
272
278
Gross profit (loss)
(1,002)
9,442
(268)
(235)
Operating expenses:
Research and development
7,972
7,371
2,869
2,695
General, administrative and marketing
4,303
4,515
1,405
1,672
Total operating loss
(13,277)
(2,444)
(4,542)
(4,602)
Financial income, net
546
114
216
225
Net loss for the period
$
(12,731)
$
(2,330)
$
(4,326)
$
(4,377)
Basic and diluted net loss per ordinary share
$
(1.11)
$
(0.20)
$
(0.38)
$
(0.38)
Weighted average ordinary shares
outstanding used in computation of
basic and diluted net loss per share
11,454,069
11,367,767
11,454,512
11,443,023
COLLPLANT BIOTECHNOLOGIES LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
Nine months ended
September 30
2024
2023
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss
$
(12,731)
$
(2,330)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
796
818
Share-based compensation to employees and consultants
1,295
1,373
Net loss from financing expenses
201
568
Changes in operating asset and liability items:
Decrease (increase) in trade receivables
(5)
5
Decrease (increase) in inventories
265
(107)
Decrease (increase) in other accounts receivable and prepaid expenses
(33)
50
Decrease in operating right of use assets
468
387
Increase (decrease) in trade payables
29
(389)
Decrease in lease liabilities
(529)
(669)
Decrease in accrued liabilities and other payables
(385)
(124)
Net cash used in operating activities
(10,629)
(418)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment
(424)
(725)
Investment in restricted deposits
(57)
(59)
Net cash used in investing activities
(481)
(784)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Exercise of options and warrants into shares
9
1,108
Net cash provided by financing activities
9
1,108
Exchange differences on cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
(202)
(578)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
(11,303)
(672)
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and at the beginning of the period
26,674
29,653
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at the end of the period
$
15,371
$
28,981
COLLPLANT BIOTECHNOLOGIES LTD.
APPENDICES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
Nine months ended
September 30
2024
2023
Appendix to the statement of cash flows
A. Supplementary information on investing and financing activities not involving
cash flows:
Right of use assets recognized with corresponding lease liabilities
$
623
$
855
Capitalization of Share-based compensation to inventory
$
5
$
34
B. Reconciliation of Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period
Cash and cash equivalents
$
15,371
$
28,981
Total cash and cash equivalents
$
15,371
$
28,981
COLLPLANT BIOTECHNOLOGIES LTD.
RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
Nine months ended
September 30
Three months ended
September 30
2024
2023
2024
2023
GAAP operating expenses:
$
12,275
$
11,886
$
4,274
$
4,367
Change of operating lease accounts
(8)
47
6
14
Share-based compensation to employees, directors
and consultants
(1,295)
(1,373)
(515)
(521)
Non-GAAP operating expenses:
10,972
10,560
3,765
3,860
GAAP operating loss
(13,277)
(2,444)
(4,542)
(4,602)
Change of operating lease accounts
8
(47)
(6)
(14)
Share-based compensation to employees, directors
and consultants
1,295
1,373
515
521
Non-GAAP operating loss
(11,974)
(1,118)
(4,033)
(4,095)
GAAP Net loss
(12,731)
(2,330)
(4,326)
(4,377)
Change of operating lease accounts
(61)
(282)
41
(101)
Share-based compensation to employees, directors
and consultants
1,295
1,373
515
521
Non-GAAP Net loss
$
(11,497)
$
(1,239)
$
(3,770)
$
(3,957)
GAAP basic and diluted loss per ordinary share
$
(1.11)
$
(0.20)
$
(0.38)
$
(0.38)
NON- GAAP basic and diluted loss per ordinary share
$
(1.0)
$
(0.11)
$
(0.33)
$
(0.35)
About CollPlant
CollPlant is a regenerative and aesthetic medicine company focused on 3D bioprinting of tissues and organs, and medical aesthetics. The Company’s products are based on its rhCollagen (recombinant human collagen) produced with CollPlant’s proprietary plant-based genetic engineering technology. These products address indications for the diverse fields of tissue repair, aesthetics, and organ manufacturing, and are ushering in a new era in regenerative and aesthetic medicine.
In 2021, CollPlant entered into a development and global commercialization agreement for dermal and soft tissue fillers with Allergan, an AbbVie company, the global leader in the dermal filler market.
For more information about CollPlant, visit http://www.collplant.com
Use of Non-US GAAP (“non-GAAP”)
Financial results for 2024 and 2023 are presented on both a GAAP and a non-GAAP basis. GAAP results were prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and include all revenue and expenses recognized during the period. The release contains certain non-GAAP financial measures for operating costs and expenses, operating income (or loss), net income (or loss) and basic and diluted net income (or loss) per share that exclude the effects of non-cash expense for share-based compensation to employees, directors and consultants, and change in operating lease accounts. CollPlant’s management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful supplemental information regarding the Company’s performance that enhances management’s and investors’ ability to evaluate the Company’s operating costs, net income (or loss) and income (or loss) per share, and to compare them to historical Company results.
The presentation of this non-GAAP financial information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. Management uses both GAAP and non-GAAP measures when operating and evaluating the Company’s business internally and therefore decided to make these non-GAAP adjustments available to investors. The non-GAAP financial measures used by the Company in this press release may be different from the measures used by other companies.
For more information on the non-GAAP financial measures, please see the “Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this release. This accompanying table has more details on the GAAP financial measures that are most directly comparable to non-GAAP financial measures and the related reconciliations between these financial measures.
The Company’s consolidated financial statements for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024, are presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may include forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements relating to CollPlant’s objectives plans and strategies, as well as statements, other than historical facts, that address activities, events or developments that CollPlant intends, expects, projects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future. These statements are often characterized by terminology such as “believes,” “hopes,” “may,” “anticipates,” “should,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “expects,” “estimates,” “projects,” “positioned,” “strategy” and similar expressions and are based on assumptions and assessments made in light of management’s experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors believed to be appropriate.
Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Many factors could cause CollPlant’s actual activities or results to differ materially from the activities and results anticipated in forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the following: the Company’s history of significant losses, its need to raise additional capital and its inability to obtain additional capital on acceptable terms, or at all, including uncertainties surrounding the methods of fundraising and the Company’s preferences regarding such methods; the Company’s expectations regarding the costs and timing of commencing and/or concluding pre-clinical and clinical trials with respect to breast implants, tissues and organs which are based on its rhCollagen based BioInk and other products for medical aesthetics, and specifically the Company’s ability to initiate its next large-animal study for its breast implants in a timely manner, or at all; the Company’s or Company’s strategic partners’ ability to obtain favorable pre-clinical and clinical trial results; regulatory action with respect to rhCollagen-based bioink and medical aesthetics products or product candidates including, but not limited to, acceptance of an application for marketing authorization review and approval of such application, and, if approved, the scope of the approved indication and labeling; commercial success and market acceptance of the Company’s rhCollagen based products, in 3D Bioprinting and medical aesthetics; the Company’s ability to establish sales and marketing capabilities or enter into agreements with third parties and its reliance on third party distributors and resellers; the Company’s ability to establish and maintain strategic partnerships and other corporate collaborations, including its partnership with AbbVie and its ability to continue to receive milestone and royalties payments under the AbbVie agreement; the Company’s reliance on third parties to conduct some or all aspects of its product development and manufacturing; the scope of protection the Company is able to establish and maintain for intellectual property rights and the Company’s ability to operate its business without infringing the intellectual property rights of others; current or future unfavorable economic and market conditions and adverse developments with respect to financial institutions and associated liquidity risk; the impact of competition and new technologies; general market, political, and economic conditions in the countries in which the Company operates, including, with respect to the ongoing war in Israel, projected capital expenditures and liquidity, changes in the Company’s strategy and development plans and projects,, and litigation and regulatory proceedings. More detailed information about the risks and uncertainties affecting CollPlant are contained under the heading “Risk Factors” included in CollPlant’s most recent annual report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC, and in other filings that CollPlant has made and may make with the SEC in the future. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release and reflect CollPlant’s current views with respect to future events, and CollPlant does not undertake and specifically disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Contacts
CollPlant:
Eran Rotem
Deputy CEO & CFO
Tel: + 972-73-2325600
Email: Eran@collplant.com
Investors:
LifeSci Advisors
Dan Ferry
daniel@lifesciadvisors.com
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SOURCE CollPlant
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New GASA Research: 71% of Adults Surveyed Across 13 Asian Markets Encountered Scams, with Estimated Losses of US$136.5 Billion
Published
9 minutes agoon
October 22, 2026By
Research highlights a gap between confidence in recognizing scams and actual outcomes ahead of the Global Anti-Scam Summit Asia 2026
BANGKOK, Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — New research from the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), developed in collaboration with Gogolook, the developer of Whoscall, reveals the scale and impact of scams across Asia. Among adults surveyed in 13 Asian markets, 71% encountered a scam in the past year. The study estimates that consumers across those markets lost a combined US$136.5 billion to scams over the same period.
The State of Scams in Asia 2026 report, based on a survey of 17,460 adults, also identifies a gap between confidence and outcomes. While 66% of respondents said they were confident in their ability to recognize scams, 62% of those who encountered one interacted with it. Among respondents who interacted with a scam, 26% lost money.
The findings are being released ahead of the Global Anti-Scam Summit Asia 2026, taking place in Bangkok on 10–11 November. Following previous editions in Taiwan and Singapore, the summit will be held in Thailand for the first time, bringing together leaders from across sectors to strengthen the region’s response to evolving scams.
Phone calls and messages remain major points of exposure
Phone calls were the most common channel through which respondents encountered scams (56%), followed by text messages (50%) and instant messaging apps (40%). Shopping, investment and employment scams were the scam types respondents most commonly interacted with.
“Phone and text message scams remain a major challenge across Asia. In Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia, more than six in ten respondents encountered scam calls. As scammers use AI-generated voices and increasingly convincing scripts, identifying suspicious numbers and warning users before they engage becomes even more important,” said Jeff Kuo, CEO of Gogolook. “Whoscall’s observations also suggest that scammers are adapting to tighter SIM registration and identity checks by using international and satellite numbers. That makes continued information sharing across markets essential.”
The harm extends beyond financial losses
The research estimates that consumers across the 13 markets lost US$136.5 billion to scams over the past 12 months. Among respondents who lost money, 51% said they had been scammed more than once.
The effects reached beyond the immediate financial loss. Among those who lost money, 72% reported an impact on their mental wellbeing, 77% experienced at least one emotional impact, and 58% experienced at least one financial impact affecting their everyday lives.
“One of the most striking findings is the gap between confidence and behavior. While 66% of respondents feel confident they can recognize scams, 62% of those who encountered one went on to interact with it. This shows why education is important but cannot be our only line of defense. We also need stronger safeguards that protect people throughout the scam journey.” said Brian D. Hanley, Director, Asia-Pacific Chapter, Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA).
Turning regional evidence into action
The findings will inform discussions at the Global Anti-Scam Summit Asia 2026, where representatives from government, law enforcement, financial services, technology, telecommunications, consumer protection and other sectors will explore ways to prevent and disrupt scams.
The research also points to public support for more proactive intervention. Across the markets surveyed, 71% supported allowing banks to block high-value transactions without a customer’s prior permission when they suspect a scam. Another 69% supported allowing telecom operators or messaging apps to block calls and messages they believe are malicious.
Reporting, however, does not always lead to recovery. While 85% of victims reported their scam experience, outcomes varied depending on where they reported it, and recovery and reimbursement remained limited.
Download the full State of Scams in Asia 2026 report here: https://gasa.org/knowledge-base/reports/state-of-scams-in-asia-2026
Registration for the Global Anti-Scam Summit Asia 2026 is open. For the programme and registration details, visit the summit website: https://gasa.org/global-anti-scam-summit-asia-2026
About the research
The State of Scams in Asia 2026 surveyed 17,460 adults across 13 Asian markets: China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. Fieldwork was conducted between March 16 and April 13, 2026. The research was conducted by Opinium for the Global Anti-Scam Alliance and developed in collaboration with Gogolook, the developer of Whoscall.
About the Global Anti-Scam Alliance
The Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) is a nonprofit organization bringing together policymakers, law enforcement, consumer authorities, NGOs, the financial sector, telecommunications operators, internet platforms, cybersecurity organizations and other stakeholders to share knowledge and develop solutions to protect consumers from scams.
GASA Website: https://gasa.org/
About Gogolook
Gogolook is a leading TrustTech company established in 2012. With “Build for Trust” as its core value, Gogolook has expanded its business from Asia to Europe and the Americas. As a foundation member of the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), Gogolook collaborates with law enforcement agencies and public-sector organizations, including the Taiwan National Police Agency, the Royal Thai Police, the Philippines Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, and the Royal Malaysia Police. These partnerships support its commitment to building a scam-free environment.
Gogolook Website: https://www.gogolook.com/
About Whoscall
Whoscall, developed by Gogolook, is a caller ID and digital anti-scam app designed to protect users from scams across various channels, including phone calls, text messages, social media, and links. With over 100 million downloads globally, it features the most comprehensive database in East and Southeast Asia, covering more than 2.6 billion phone numbers.
Whoscall Website: https://web.whoscall.com/en
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SOURCE Gogolook
Technology
Voqalize Says Voice Is Becoming the Default Way People Use Software
Published
9 minutes agoon
October 22, 2026By
Voqalize is infrastructure for making software conversational. Existing applications, websites and AI agents can add a voice interface that listens, sees context, responds and acts, without being rebuilt.
BENGALURU, India, Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Voqalize today said it gives existing applications, websites and AI agents a voice interface that can listen, see context, respond and act, without rebuilding the application. The company says teams can have it running in about an hour, either through Plug & Play, where Voqalize manages the AI agent and the voice experience, or through a developer integration into their own backend.
Imagine telling a clothing app: “I’ve got an outdoor wedding in Napa on the 20th. I need something under two hundred that goes with the shoes I bought in the spring.” The app pulls those shoes from your order history and lays out six options beside them. “Not the floral. Show me the second one in the navy.” It swaps the color and puts the shoes next to it. Then it adds: “You sent back a medium from this brand last time, so I picked the large. It arrives on the 17th.” You look it over and tap buy. That is the shift Voqalize is building for: voice not as input, but as an interface to software.
Fast facts
Apple’s iOS 27, released in September, lets Siri read what’s on a user’s screen and take actions inside appsGoogle reports that roughly one in five Gemini Live conversations now add a camera or screen share, with voice used in 63% of interactions across Gemini’s 1 billion-plus monthly usersA Censuswide survey of 700 business leaders and consumers for Voices, published Jan. 28, 2026, found that 55% of consumers say voice is their primary AI interface, while only 29% of companies have deployed customer-facing voice AI
Dictation Proved People Will Talk to Their Software
Dictation and notetaking apps are among the fastest-growing categories in consumer AI. Wispr, valued at $2 billion, and Granola, valued at $1.5 billion, have both built large user bases on a simple premise: people would rather talk than type, once the transcription is good enough. Wispr says the habit sticks. After six months, its average user writes 72% of their characters by voice.
The category is already moving past that original pitch. Wispr raised its most recent round on a case for going “beyond dictation.” Granola is expanding from a meeting notetaker into what it describes as a context layer for company AI. Superhuman acquired the notetaker Fathom in September. Talking to software stopped being the hard part. What people do with that voice next, and how directly it’s built into the products they already use, is where the category is headed.
“The next billion people coming online won’t type their way onto the internet. They’ll talk their way on, in whatever mix of languages they speak at home.” Sripathi Krishnan, Co-founder, Voqalize
Voice Is Moving From Typing Substitute to Default Interface
Voqalize’s argument is that voice is moving from a typing substitute into the default way people use an app: a running conversation, not a single dictated sentence, where the app listens, responds and can act on what’s on screen, with the interruptions and mid-task changes of direction that come with a real conversation. That mirrors a broader shift already underway on the phone line, where most current “voice AI” is still built around short, scripted calls that book an appointment or qualify a lead and then hang up. Apple’s iOS 27 and Google’s Gemini Live both point at the same shift: voice agents that can see a screen and act on it rather than just transcribe speech.
How Do You Add a Voice Interface to an Existing App?
An existing application or device connects through Voqalize rather than being rebuilt inside a new platform: Voqalize supplies the two-way voice channel and the ability to read and act on whatever is on screen. Businesses choose how much to hand over. With Plug & Play, Voqalize manages the AI agent and the voice experience. With a developer integration, businesses add Voqalize’s voice capabilities to their own backend while keeping control of their AI agent and workflows.
In some deployments, that voice is paired with a face on screen as well, so the person on the other end has something to talk to, not just a voice in the room. Sripathi Krishnan, the company’s co-founder, has argued that the harder part of that conversation may not be how fluently the agent talks, but how well it listens and knows when to stay quiet. Voqalize also works across Indic languages, because conversations in India often move between languages mid-sentence. A majority of Indian internet users already engage with content in Indic languages. Voice also makes software accessible across languages and across literacy and input constraints.
Building Toward Plug-and-Play Voice, Across Apps and Devices
Today, adding Voqalize to a product means connecting an existing application or device through a single interface, without rebuilding it inside a new platform. Voqalize says its near-term work is on extending that same one-connection model further, so that adding two-way voice to a new app, or to a device beyond the phone and the browser, becomes a plug-and-play step rather than a custom integration. That direction follows a broader move already visible in the industry: voice infrastructure is consolidating around shared frameworks instead of one-off builds, and AI tools are increasingly connecting to each other through standard connectors rather than custom code written for each pairing. Voqalize says it intends to be the layer that makes that same simplicity available for voice specifically, across whatever app or device a company is already building for.
“Soon people will judge an app by how well it understands them, the way you judge a shop by whether the person behind the counter gets what you mean.” Samkeet Jain, Co-founder, Voqalize
Voqalize is available today for teams adding a two-way voice interface to an existing product or AI agent. Early deployments include in-app assistants for mortgage servicing workflows, legal clause review, and authenticated banking support. Voqalize was also named one of the 30 products in YourStory’s Vibecode30 2026, a showcase of emerging AI-native builders in India.
About Voqalize Voqalize is a voice AI platform that makes it easy for businesses to add two-way voice conversations to their applications and AI agents across 60+ Global and Indic languages. With Plug & Play, Voqalize manages the AI agent and voice experience for you. With our developer integration, businesses can add Voqalize’s voice capabilities to their own backend while keeping control of their AI agent and workflows. Go ahead and build your next voice-enabled applications with us on voqalize.com.
Media Contact: Samkeet Jain / +91 8147514179 / Samkeet@voqalize.com
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/voqalize-says-voice-is-becoming-the-default-way-people-use-software-302915851.html
Technology
Sungrow Advances Integrated C&I Microgrid Solution to Southeast Asia
Published
9 minutes agoon
October 22, 2026By
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As Southeast Asia’s manufacturing sector expands, businesses face growing pressure from rising electricity costs, power supply disruptions and increasingly complex energy demands. Sungrow, a globally leading PV inverter and energy storage system provider, has launched the Integrated C&I Microgrid Solution for Southeast Asia, bringing together PV inverters, energy storage systems, EV chargers, microgrid controllers and cloud platforms. The solution helps businesses access more economical, reliable, and cleaner power.
End-to-End Cost Optimization, Improving Overall Benefits by 12%
For businesses seeking to reduce energy costs without compromising power reliability, system sizing and energy dispatch are critical. Sungrow’s Integrated C&I Microgrid Solution is engineered to make clean energy a more cost-competitive choice for businesses.
Optimized System Sizing: 8,760-hour simulations and intelligent algorithms evaluate tens of thousands of system configurations to optimize the capacity of PV, storage and diesel generation, helping avoid overinvestment and undersized systems.Intelligent Energy Dispatch: PV generation and load forecasts are updated every five minutes. Based on these forecasts and real-time electricity prices, AI dynamically optimizes the dispatch of multiple energy sources, including PV, energy storage and diesel generation, helping businesses meet their energy needs at a lower cost. This boosts overall economic benefits by 12% and shortens project payback periods by 1–2 years.Flexible Market Participation: Open interfaces and support for major electricity market protocols enable participation in diverse market mechanisms and unlock additional revenue streams.
Industry-First Five-Layer Protection for Reliable Power
For factories and commercial facilities, power outages can halt equipment, disrupt production and prolong recovery. Reliable power for critical loads is essential to keeping operations running.
Sungrow’s Integrated C&I Microgrid Solution features an industry-first five-layer protection framework, with tailored control strategies for different levels of grid disturbance. It can withstand three times overload for 10 seconds and severe voltage disturbances, helping protect critical loads from supply disruptions. With seamless grid-to-off-grid switching with no interruption to loads and whole-site black-start capability in just 3 minutes, the solution helps ensure a reliable power supply and rapid recovery during grid disruptions.
Support Throughout the Project Lifecycle
From system design and deployment to long-term operation, Sungrow simplifies the entire project lifecycle with full-stack in-house technologies and global service support.
Simplified Design and Deployment: One-stop system design, plug-and-play installation and one-click cloud connection streamline the journey from planning to commissioning.Smarter Operations: Coordinated PV, storage, EV charging, microgrid control and cloud management enable flexible energy dispatch, unified cloud-based management and automatic fault alerts.Global Service Support: With more than 520 service locations, 24/7 technical support and global spare parts centers, Sungrow helps keep projects running reliably over the long term.
Real-World Applications: Powering Energy Independence
“Sungrow’s Integrated C&I Microgrid Solution has been deployed across multiple locations in Southeast Asia, addressing diverse energy challenges for businesses,” said Huang Wanfeng, director of the Smart Energy Products Department at Sungrow.
In the Solomon Islands, the Solomon Resort Hotel Microgrid enables reliable off-grid hotel operations while helping reduce annual CO₂ emissions by around 1,000 tonnes and fuel costs by an estimated USD 600,000–700,000. Meanwhile, in Indonesia, Sungrow’s microgrid solution helps address power supply challenges in industrial parks, reducing reliance on diesel generation.
With proven experience across diverse applications, Sungrow is committed to helping businesses across Southeast Asia build more reliable, cost-efficient and resilient energy systems.
Contact:
Luly Wang
luly.wang@sungrow-hq.com
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/sungrow-advances-integrated-ci-microgrid-solution-to-southeast-asia-302916312.html
SOURCE Sungrow Power
New GASA Research: 71% of Adults Surveyed Across 13 Asian Markets Encountered Scams, with Estimated Losses of US$136.5 Billion
Voqalize Says Voice Is Becoming the Default Way People Use Software
Sungrow Advances Integrated C&I Microgrid Solution to Southeast Asia
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