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From Hit Identification to Lead Optimization: Building Scientific Continuity in Early Drug Discovery

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SHANGHAI, May 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On May 20, 2026, Viva Biotech hosted a V-Experts in Conversation webinar, “Managing Complexity in Modern Drug Discovery: A Practical Approach to Integrated Screening & Chemistry.” Moderated by Victoria Ouroutzoglou, the roundtable featured Dr. Bing Xia, Vice President & Head of Early Discovery Platforms, and Dr. Tim Dwight, Senior Director of Medicinal Chemistry & Business Development.

The discussion focused on how teams can make informed decisions when target biology, assay readiness, chemical tractability, and development requirements evolve in parallel. The speakers discussed how an integrated screening and medicinal chemistry workflow can support decision-making from hit identification through lead optimization.

Dr. Xia emphasized that hit identification is highly target-dependent. Strategy selection should begin with target context, including biological validation, tractability, assay readiness, structural information, protein availability, resource constraints, and the IP and competitive landscape. Depending on the target, fragment-based drug discovery, virtual screening, HTS, DEL, ASMS, or SPR may each provide suitable entry points.

The webinar also highlighted V-DEL-facilitated target triage as one of Viva Biotech’s practical approaches for early target and modality assessment. By integrating DEL screening outcomes, protein science expertise, protein QC and conformational-state assessment, and an AI-powered V-DEL Friendly Index, this approach can help assess ligandability, rank targets or constructs, prioritize resources, and inform suitable modality directions.

The speakers noted that primary screening readouts are only the starting point. To advance a hit with confidence, teams need layered validation, including purity and liability checks, dose-response confirmation, orthogonal assays, selectivity and counter-screening, cytotoxicity assessment, and biophysical binding studies. Viva Biotech’s internal “promiscuous frequent hits” dataset also supports informed triage and helps reduce the risk of advancing misleading hits.

From the medicinal chemistry perspective, Dr. Dwight emphasized that design–make–test–analyze cycles require clear hypotheses and close coordination across medicinal chemistry, AIDD/CADD, biology, DMPK, and project teams. Structure-based design, SAR analysis, FEP, MD simulations, ADMET prediction, and AI/ML-supported modeling can all contribute to focused compound prioritization.

The discussion reinforced that integration is less about placing capabilities under one roof, and more about connecting the right data, expertise, and decision points, including go/no-go criteria. Through integrated protein science, structural biology, screening, medicinal chemistry, AIDD/CADD, biology, and DMPK, Viva Biotech supports a continuous discovery workflow from target understanding to validated hits and lead optimization with greater rigor, efficiency, and scientific discipline.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/from-hit-identification-to-lead-optimization-building-scientific-continuity-in-early-drug-discovery-302783853.html

SOURCE Viva Biotech

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FIBRA Prologis Declares Quarterly Distribution

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MEXICO CITY, July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — FIBRA Prologis (BMV:FIBRAPL 14), a leading owner and operator of Class-A industrial real estate in Mexico, declared today a cash distribution of Ps. 1,220.1 million (US$70.1 million), or Ps. 0.7314 per Certificado Bursátil Fiduciario Inmobiliario (“CBFI”) (US$0.0420 per CBFI).

The distribution is payable August 4, 2026, to CBFI holders.

Ex-dividend date of August 3, 2026.

Record date of August 3, 2026.

Legal Basis

Concept

Generated

Payment
Date

Total Amount
(Ps$)

Number of
CBFIs

Ps$/CBFI

Article 187, section VI, ISR Law

Fiscal Result Distributed in cash

Jun-26

4-Aug-26

$      1,220,115,676.63

1,668,204,310

$                   0.7314

Fiscal Result Distributed in Certificates

Jun-26

4-Aug-26

$                                 –

 Total Distributed Fiscal Result (subject to withholding as applicable)

$      1,220,115,676.63

1,668,204,310

$                   0.7314

Article 188, section IX, ISR Law

Capital reimbursement

Jun-26

4-Aug-26

$                                 –

$                            –

Total amount distributed (Fiscal Result + Capital Reimbursement)

$      1,220,115,676.63

1,668,204,310

$                   0.7314

ABOUT FIBRA PROLOGIS

FIBRA Prologis is a leading owner and operator of Class-A industrial real estate in Mexico. As of June 30, 2026, the company’s portfolio comprised 515 Investment Properties, totaling 87.3 million square feet (8.1 million square meters). This includes 352 logistics and manufacturing facilities across 6 industrial core markets in Mexico, comprising 66.6 million square feet (6.2 million square meters) of Gross Leasing Area (GLA) and 163 buildings with 20.7 million square feet (1.9 million square meters) of non-strategic assets in other markets.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The statements in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the industry and markets in which FIBRA Prologis operates, management’s beliefs and assumptions made by management.  Such statements involve uncertainties that could significantly impact FIBRA Prologis financial results. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, which generally are not historical in nature.  All statements that address operating performance, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future — including statements relating to rent and occupancy growth, acquisition activity, development activity, disposition activity, general conditions in the geographic areas where we operate, expected distributions, and our debt and financial position, are forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Although we believe the expectations reflected in any forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that our expectations will be attained and therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. Some of the factors that may affect outcomes and results include, but are not limited to: (i) national, international, regional and local economic climates, (ii) changes in financial markets, trade relations, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, (iii) increased or unanticipated competition for our properties, (iv) risks associated with acquisitions, dispositions and development of properties, (v) maintenance of real estate investment trust (“FIBRA”) status and tax structuring, (vi) availability of financing and capital, the levels of debt that we maintain and our credit ratings, (vii) risks related to our investments (viii) environmental uncertainties, including risks of natural disasters, (ix) risks related to global pandemics, and (x) those additional factors discussed in reports filed with the “Comisión Nacional Bancaria y de Valores” and  the Mexican Stock Exchange by FIBRA Prologis under the heading “Risk Factors.” FIBRA Prologis undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statements appearing in this release.

Non-Solicitation – Any securities discussed herein or in the accompanying presentations, if any, have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 or the securities laws of any state and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements under the Securities Act and any applicable state securities laws. Any such announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities discussed herein or in the presentations, if and as applicable.

 

SOURCE FIBRA Prologis

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Agoda Reveals Growing Travel Interest Ahead of Japan’s Summer 2026 Fireworks Festivals

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― Searches for Nagaoka during the Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks up 50x, as interest in “fireworks travel” expands nationwide ―

SINGAPORE, July 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Agoda Company Pte. Ltd. (Headquarters: Singapore; CEO: Omri Morgenshtern), which operates the digital travel platform Agoda, revealed growing travel interest during Japan’s fireworks season among domestic and international travelers, based on accommodation search data related to major fireworks festivals taking place across Japan in summer 2026.

According to Agoda’s latest data, accommodation searches saw an increase as fireworks festival dates approached. In particular, Nagaoka City in Niigata Prefecture, the host location of the Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks, recorded a 50x increase compared to searches conducted before the event period, marking it the highest growth among the fireworks festival destinations coming up this summer.

Accommodation searches also grew in other regional destinations hosting fireworks festivals across Japan, including the Lake Biwa Great Fireworks Festival, Numazu Summer Festival and Kano River Fireworks Festival, Kanmon Straits Fireworks Festival, and Matsue Suigosai Fireworks Festival.

Agoda’s findings show that interest is growing among domestic and international travelers to destinations where they can enjoy “fireworks travel” experiences that combine fireworks viewing with local sightseeing, dining, and overnight stays.

The data compares accommodation searches made between 90 and 60 days before each fireworks festival date with accommodation searches for check-ins on the day before and the day of each event.

Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks Leads with a 50x Increase in Searches

Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture | Searches up 50x

Known as one of Japan’s three great fireworks festivals, the Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks continues to attract domestic and international travelers with its breathtaking scale. Highlights include the “Shosanjakudama,” a massive firework with a diameter of approximately 650 meters, and the “Phoenix Fireworks for Recovery,” which stretch roughly two kilometers across the banks of the Shinano River. In addition to the fireworks, travelers can enjoy Echigo’s rich natural scenery, local sake, and regional cuisine, making Nagaoka a highly popular destination for overnight trips combined with fireworks viewing.

Interest in “Fireworks Travel” Destinations Expands Across Japan

Lake Biwa Great Fireworks Festival, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture | Searches up 7x

Held over Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake, this festival features approximately 10,000 fireworks and attracts many travelers with its magical reflections on the water and scenic lakeside setting. Its convenient access from Kyoto also makes it a popular choice for travelers looking to combine the event with sightseeing in the surrounding area.

Numazu Summer Festival and Kano River Fireworks Festival, Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture | Searches up nearly 3.5x

Held along the Kano River, which runs through the heart of Numazu City, this fireworks festival offers visitors an up-close and powerful viewing experience, with launch sites located near spectator areas. Numazu is also known for its fresh seafood and serves as a popular base for exploring the Izu area.

Kanmon Straits Fireworks Festival, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture and Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture | Searches up nearly 3.5x

The Kanmon Straits Fireworks Festival is a rare fireworks event jointly hosted by two cities, with approximately 15,000 fireworks launched from both sides of the Kanmon Straits. Its dynamic location spanning Kyushu and Honshu, combined with local cuisine and charming port-town scenery, makes it an attractive travel destination.

Matsue Suigosai Fireworks Festival, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture | Searches up more than 3x

Known as one of western Japan’s leading fireworks festivals, the Matsue Suigosai Fireworks Festival is celebrated for its water-based fireworks over Lake Shinji and the enchanting reflections that appear on the lake’s surface. With nearby attractions such as Matsue Castle and Tamatsukuri Onsen, the area continues to be popular as an overnight travel destination.

These results suggest that as Japan’s fireworks festivals season approaches, these regional destinations are gaining attention as travelers seek opportunities to experience “fireworks travel” and enjoying local sightseeing, dining, and accommodations.

Tadashi Ikai, Senior Country Director, Agoda International Japan, shared, “Japan’s fireworks festivals are one of the country’s signature summer experiences for both domestic and international travelers. Agoda’s latest search data shows that interest is growing in destinations that offer a ‘fireworks travel’ experience that combines the events with local scenery, cuisine, and sightseeing.

The increase in searches for regional cities such as Nagaoka, Matsue, and Numazu also indicates growing interest for travel experiences that allow visitors to discover the unique appeal of local destinations. With great deals on accommodation, flights, and activities, Agoda will continue to support travelers in enjoying more fulfilling summer journeys.”

Agoda offers travelers access to a wide range of travel products, including hotels, private homes, flights, and activities. By booking activities in advance through Agoda, travelers can better plan their itineraries and enjoy a smoother, more fulfilling travel experience in their chosen destinations.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/agoda-reveals-growing-travel-interest-ahead-of-japans-summer-2026-fireworks-festivals-302822621.html

SOURCE Agoda

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BIT Brokerage Launches U.S. Stock Options Trading with Highly Competitive Rates

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GELEPHU MINDFULNESS CITY, Bhutan, July 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — BIT Brokerage today announced the official launch of U.S. stock options trading, offering zero-commission trading on both buy and sell orders as a standard feature rather than a temporary promotion. Platform fees are set at an industry-competitive $0.30 per contract — approximately half the market average charged by major retail brokerages. The minimum transaction fee is $0.99 per order, aligning with BIT Brokerage’s standard U.S. equity trading fees, imposing no additional surcharge for options.

This launch marks the platform’s latest expansion into equity derivatives following the earlier introduction of its U.S. margin trading services.  

BIT Brokerage is rolling out its options offerings in phases, initially covering approximately 2,000 U.S. equities. The initial phase focuses exclusively on options buying strategies — long calls and long puts. Options selling (short positions) will not be available during this initial launch.

Long options positions allow investors to hedge existing portfolios or participate in market volatility with defined, downside-protected exposure. Unlike margin trading, fully paid long options provide market exposure without borrowing, with the maximum loss limited to the premium paid even during sharp market moves.

“Options are, at their core, a risk management tool rather than a purely speculative one,” said Elio Cui, Head of Brokerage at BIT. “From margin trading to options, what we want to build for users isn’t a single trading feature, but a comprehensive toolkit of U.S. equity products tailored to different risk appetites and stages of an investor’s journey. Starting with options buying reflects our commitment to helping users fully grasp the underlying risk dynamics before moving into more complex strategies, fully aligned with the disciplined, iterative approach we take across our business.”

BIT Brokerage will continue to progressively expand its options ecosystem to include options selling and complex trading strategies, subject to ongoing market conditions, user demand, and further validation of the platform’s risk control systems.

Disclaimer: Options trading involves risk and may result in the loss of the entire premium paid. Please use investment and financing tools appropriately based on your own investment objectives and risk tolerance.

About BIT Brokerage

BIT Brokerage is dedicated to providing global investors with a secure and efficient one-stop U.S. stock investment service. With zero-commission U.S. stock trading and a transparent, low-cost fee structure at its core, the platform covers over 10,000 U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs, and innovatively supports near-instant stablecoin (USDT/USDC) deposits and withdrawals alongside traditional USD wire transfer. This allows users to transfer funds seamlessly without relying solely on traditional banking channels, while providing access to shareholder rights, including dividends and voting privileges.

BIT Brokerage is part of the BIT Group. Founded in 2019, BIT is a premier global digital asset financial services group bridging traditional finance and digital markets. BIT manages over US$6 billion in assets under custody and management, driving a monthly trading volume exceeding US$7 billion (as of Q4 2025).

Media Contact
BIT Brokerage Department
Email: pr.brokerage@bit.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/bit-brokerage-launches-us-stock-options-trading-with-highly-competitive-rates-302832036.html

SOURCE BIT

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