Archives March 2026

business

EIG’s MidOcean Energy Announces Initial Equity Raise of $1.2 billion Versus $1.0 billion Cover

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Business Wire India

MidOcean Energy (“MidOcean” or the “Company”), a liquefied natural gas (LNG) company formed and managed by EIG, today announced an equity capital raise of more than $1.2 billion.

 

This equity raise includes:

 

 

  • a $500 million commitment from Idemitsu Kosan, a highly respected global energy company with a long-standing presence across the energy value chain; and
  • additional commitments of $790 million from both new and existing investors.

 

 

This represents a significant milestone in MidOcean’s capital formation program and reflects continued interest from both new and existing investors in the Company’s strategy to seek to build a diversified, resilient, long-life global LNG platform.

 

There is significant further momentum from additional investors currently in documentation. MidOcean will continue to raise capital, with a cumulative target of up to $2 billion from new investors. The Company has received substantial interest from investors seeking long-term exposure to the LNG sector, supported by strong demand fundamentals, constrained supply growth and LNG’s role in supporting energy security and the energy transition. Recent events only reinforce the strength of the MidOcean investment thesis.

 

 

De la Rey Venter, CEO of MidOcean, said: “We are delighted to welcome Idemitsu Kosan as a strategic investor in MidOcean. The success of this equity raise is a strong validation of MidOcean’s strategy, asset base and transaction pipeline. The level of participation from both new investors and our existing shareholder base signals confidence in our strategy and our company. We look forward to welcoming more investors into the company as we progress toward final close.”

 

 

Important Notice

 

 

This announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to subscribe for or purchase any securities. Any offering will be made only pursuant to applicable offering documents and in compliance with applicable securities laws.

 

 

About EIG

 

 

EIG is a leading institutional investor in the global energy and infrastructure sectors with $25.4 billion assets under management as of December 31, 2025. EIG specializes in private investments in energy and energy-related infrastructure on a global basis. During its 43-year history, EIG has committed over $53.4 billion to the energy sector through 425 projects or companies in 44 countries on six continents. EIG’s clients include many of the leading pension plans, insurance companies, endowments, foundations and sovereign wealth funds in the U.S., Asia and Europe. EIG is headquartered in Washington, D.C. with offices in Houston, London, Sydney, Rio de Janeiro, Hong Kong and Seoul.

 

 

About MidOcean Energy

 

 

MidOcean Energy, an LNG company formed and managed by EIG, seeks to build a diversified, resilient, cost- and carbon-competitive global LNG portfolio. It reflects EIG’s belief in LNG as a critical element of a lower carbon, competitive and more secure global energy system. MidOcean Energy has diverse LNG interests, including in LNG Canada, Gorgon LNG, Pluto LNG, QCLNG and Peru LNG. The company is headed by De la Rey Venter, a 27-year industry veteran who has held a variety of senior executive roles, including Global Head of LNG for Shell Plc.

 

 

For additional information, please visit MidOcean Energy’s website at www.midoceanenergy.com or EIG’s website at www.eigpartners.com.

 

 

 

 

 

business

The Spirit of Seoul curated by Chef U Geon Jin takes over Conrad Pune as the hotel celebrates Ten years of luxury hospitality

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The Spirit of Seoul curated by Chef U Geon Jin takes over Conrad Pune as the hotel celebrates Ten years of luxury hospitality

Pune, Mar 17th: A decade of redefining luxury hospitality in the city, Conrad Pune has quietly shaped Pune’s hospitality landscape, becoming a destination where global perspectives, world class experiences and international flavours come together to create memorable dining moments. As the hotel celebrates ten years in Pune, it marks the milestone with an experience that reflects its international spirit of bringing the culinary soul of Seoul to the city.

This March, the hotel’s award-winning pan-Asian destination k-o-j-i presents The Spirit of Seoul, an immersive dining experience curated by Chef U Geon Jin of Conrad Seoul. Taking place from 20th to 29th March, this special takeover offers guests a rare opportunity to experience Korean cuisine through one of Seoul’s most refined culinary voices.

For Conrad Pune, this exclusive dining experience reflects a philosophy that has defined the property since its opening: that dining is far more than what appears on a plate. It is about culture, stories and the moments shared on the table. Over the years, the hotel has welcomed culinary leaders and traditions from around the world, transforming its restaurants into spaces where global gastronomy unfolds with authenticity and elegance. With The Spirit of Seoul, that journey turns towards Korean cuisine that is celebrated for its balance of flavours, quiet complexity and deep-rooted traditions.

At the heart of the experience is Chef U Geon Jin, whose culinary philosophy is rooted in precision and deep respect for tradition. With years of experience in Korean fine dining, his cooking reflects the delicate interplay of fermentation, technique and ingredients that define the cuisine. Known for presenting dishes that celebrate both complexity and simplicity of Korea’s culinary heritage, Chef U draws inspiration from traditional Korean kitchens, allowing the natural character of each ingredient to shine while preserving the integrity of time-honoured methods.

For the anniversary menu of The Spirit of Seoul, Chef U Geon Jin curates a menu that offers diners an intimate introduction to Korean cuisine and its culinary heritage. The journey begins with a refreshing soup Doenjang Guk (Korean Bean Paste Soup with Spinach) or Kimchi Jjigae (Cabbage Kimchi Soup with Pork), moving to cold appetizers Jooksoon Chae and Saeu Naengchae and hot appetizers Dubu Gangjeong, Dak Gangjeong and Tteokbokki. Every dishe highlights the crisp textures and bright flavours served at the beginning of a Korean meal. From there, the experience unfolds through handcrafted Kimbap to Mandu Dumplings (savoury), vibrant Naengchae salads and deeply comforting dishes like Jjigae Stews, bowls of Bibimbap, Myeon and more, each layered with flavour and tradition. The menu concludes with the gentle sweetness of Hotteak, a beloved Korean dessert that brings warmth and nostalgia to the table. Each dish reflects the essence of Korean dining where food is meant to be savoured slowly and enjoyed in the company of loved ones.

Sharing his thoughts Chef U Geon Jin says, “Bringing the warm and flavours of Korean cuisine to Pune is a special experience for me. It offers an opportunity for guests here to discover the heart of Korean cooking, a cuisine that is deeply rooted in balance, tradition and joy of sharing food together. My hope is that diners not only enjoy the flavours but also leave with a sense of the warmth and generosity that define our culinary culture.”

As the hotel celebrates a decade of welcoming guests from around the world and creating memorable experiences, Abhishek Sahai, General Manager, Conrad Pune reflects on the milestone, “As we celebrate ten years of Conrad Pune, it felt natural to mark the occasion through the language we know best – exceptional dining experience. Over the past decade, our restaurants have brought global culinary traditions to the city, offering guests the opportunity to discover new flavours and cultures. The Spirit of Seoul is a wonderful extension of that vision, bringing the expertise of Chef U Geon Jin from Conrad Seoul to Pune and creating an experience that feels both distinctive and memorable.”

Set against the contemporary elegance of k-o-j-i, The Spirit of Seoul promises an experience that feels intimate and immersive where precision and technique meet heartfelt hospitality and where the vibrant culinary culture of Seoul finds a place in the heart of Pune. As Conrad Pune steps into its next decade, this experience stands as a reflection of the hotel’s vision of creating journeys that bring the world a little closer, one thoughtfully curated dish at a time.

Listing Details:

What: The Spirit of Seoul Marking the 10-year anniversary of Conrad Pune

Venue: k–o-j-i, Conrad Pune

Dates: 20th – 29th March, Lunch – 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm & Dinner – 7:00 pm to 11:30 pm

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business

Indian Stock Market: From Record Highs to Volatility — A Winter of Contrasts (Dec 2025–Mar 2026)

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The period between December 2025 and March 2026 proved to be one of the most eventful quarters for India’s stock market in recent years. It was a season that began with optimism and record-breaking milestones but soon transitioned into a phase of correction, global uncertainty, and renewed resilience. For investors, the winter months offered a vivid reminder of how rapidly market sentiment can shift in a globally connected financial ecosystem.

A Rally That Reached New Heights

As 2025 drew to a close, Indian equity markets were riding on strong momentum built throughout the year. Robust corporate earnings, resilient domestic consumption, and steady inflows from domestic institutional investors helped propel the benchmarks to historic levels.

The BSE Sensex surged past the 86,000 mark, while the Nifty 50 climbed above 26,000, reflecting investor confidence in India’s economic trajectory. Banking, financial services, and infrastructure stocks led the rally, supported by strong balance sheets and expectations of sustained credit growth.

Retail participation in the equity markets also continued to rise. Systematic investment plans (SIPs) into mutual funds remained strong, cushioning the market from volatility and reducing dependence on foreign capital flows. For much of December, the mood on Dalal Street was unmistakably bullish.

Indian Stock Market: From Record Highs to Volatility — A Winter of Contrasts (Dec 2025–Mar 2026)

The Turn: Profit Booking and Global Headwinds

However, the exuberance did not last long. As the calendar turned to January 2026, markets began to show signs of fatigue. After months of sustained gains, investors started booking profits, triggering a correction in benchmark indices.

Global developments added to the pressure. Rising crude oil prices, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, and uncertainty surrounding global interest rate policies created nervousness among investors. Foreign institutional investors (FIIs), who had previously supported the rally, began pulling out funds from Indian equities.

The correction was swift. Both the Sensex and Nifty retreated significantly from their record highs, reflecting broader concerns about global growth, inflation risks, and elevated market valuations.

Market strategists noted that the correction was not entirely unexpected. After an extended rally, valuations in several sectors had become stretched, leaving equities vulnerable to external shocks. The pullback, many analysts argued, was a natural phase in a longer-term bullish cycle.

Sectoral Divergence Becomes Visible

During the correction phase, the performance gap between sectors became more evident. Technology and export-oriented companies faced pressure amid global economic uncertainty, while sectors linked to domestic demand — such as banking, infrastructure, and capital goods — remained relatively resilient.

Large-cap stocks, particularly those in the banking and financial services space, continued to attract investor interest. Their strong earnings visibility and relatively stable balance sheets made them preferred picks during volatile market conditions.

Meanwhile, mid-cap and small-cap stocks experienced sharper fluctuations as investors reassessed valuations and rotated capital toward safer large-cap counters.

March: Signs of Stability and Recovery

By March 2026, signs of stabilization began to emerge in the Indian equity market. Select heavyweight stocks helped drive a recovery in benchmark indices, supported by renewed buying from domestic investors and value-seeking institutional participants.

Banking and financial stocks played a crucial role in the rebound. Market leaders across the sector witnessed renewed interest as investors looked for fundamentally strong companies capable of delivering consistent earnings growth.

The recovery also reflected confidence in India’s broader economic fundamentals. Despite global uncertainty, India’s macroeconomic indicators remained relatively stable. Economic growth projections continued to outpace many other major economies, reinforcing the country’s position as one of the most attractive emerging markets for long-term investors.

Domestic Strength vs Global Uncertainty

The December–March quarter highlighted a defining characteristic of India’s modern equity market: its growing resilience, driven largely by domestic capital.

In the past, sharp foreign investor outflows could trigger steep market declines. Today, strong domestic institutional participation — including mutual funds, insurance companies, and retail investors — has created a more balanced market structure.

Even during periods of foreign selling, domestic investors have stepped in to absorb supply, helping stabilize market movements.

Nevertheless, global developments continue to influence short-term sentiment. Fluctuations in oil prices, geopolitical conflicts, and changes in global monetary policy remain key variables that investors closely monitor.

The Road Ahead

Looking forward, market experts believe that the next phase of growth in Indian equities will depend less on valuation expansion and more on sustained corporate earnings growth.

Infrastructure spending, manufacturing expansion, and continued digital transformation across sectors are expected to support long-term economic growth. These structural drivers could provide a strong foundation for equity markets in the coming years.

For investors, the winter of 2025–26 served as an important lesson. Markets may move in cycles of enthusiasm and caution, but the broader story of India’s economic rise continues to attract global attention.

In many ways, the events of the past few months reaffirm a simple truth about financial markets: while volatility is inevitable, strong fundamentals often provide the most reliable anchor for long-term confidence.

business

March Liquidity Tightness May Create Opportunities for Short-Term Debt Investors

Neel Achary 0 Comment

India’s fiscal year-end liquidity dynamics may present a window of opportunity for investors in short-term debt instruments, particularly through liquid and money market mutual funds. Historically, the period between December and March has been one of the most favorable for such investments due to temporary liquidity pressures in the financial system that tend to push short-term yields higher.

According to market data, yields on money market instruments often rise during the final months of the financial year as banks, corporates, and financial institutions adjust their balance sheets and liquidity positions. This seasonal tightening typically leads to higher yields on instruments such as commercial papers (CPs), certificates of deposit (CDs), and treasury bills.

Seasonal Yield Spike Around Fiscal Year-End

The year-end period coincides with several liquidity-draining events across the economy. Companies and individuals make tax payments, corporates distribute dividends, and governments increase treasury bill issuance to manage fiscal cash flows. At the same time, banks adjust their liquidity ratios ahead of quarter-end reporting. These combined factors create a temporary spike in short-term borrowing costs in the money market.

Historically, this pattern has led to yields peaking around March and early April, before stabilizing as liquidity returns to the system. For debt investors, this window can offer an opportunity to lock in higher yields in short-duration instruments.

Active Portfolio Management Gains Importance

Fund managers often respond to this seasonal trend by adjusting portfolio maturity profiles. Instead of maintaining a constant duration strategy, some actively manage maturities to capture the yield spike. This involves increasing average maturity around March–April and reinvesting proceeds from maturing instruments at elevated rates.

For example, money market funds may hold instruments with slightly longer maturities during this phase to benefit from favorable rate movements, while liquid funds may deploy rolling maturities to reinvest proceeds into higher-yielding short-term securities.

Current Yield Environment

As of February 28, 2026, a money market fund cited in the report was running a yield to maturity (YTM) of about 6.69% with a Macaulay duration of 164 days, while a liquid fund was operating at around 6.18% YTM with a much shorter duration of 39 days. These figures reflect the typical short-duration positioning of such funds while they aim to benefit from seasonal yield movements.

While absolute yields are slightly lower compared with previous years, expectations of possible rate easing combined with fiscal year-end liquidity dynamics could still support performance in the near term, analysts note.

Outlook

With fiscal year-end liquidity tightening and potential interest-rate adjustments on the horizon, short-term debt funds may continue to attract investor interest. Market participants say strategies that dynamically manage maturity and reinvestment timing could be better positioned to capture yield spikes during the March–April period while maintaining liquidity and credit discipline.

However, experts caution that returns in debt funds remain linked to market conditions, and investors should consider their risk appetite and investment horizon before allocating funds to such instruments.

business

Xiaomi India Announces Sale of Xiaomi Pad 8, Redefining the Future of Portable Computing

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Mar 17: Xiaomi India today announced that its latest tablet, the Xiaomi Pad 8, will go on sale starting March 17, 2026. Designed to meet the evolving needs of modern users, the device introduces a new era of portable computing that combines performance, mobility, and intelligent user experience.

Built for Life on the Go

Powered by Xiaomi HyperOS 3 and the Snapdragon® 8s Gen 4 Mobile Platform, the Xiaomi Pad 8 delivers a seamless and intuitive computing experience. The updated interface features refreshed lock screens, customizable widgets, and smoother animations, ensuring a responsive and personalized user journey.

The tablet supports both vertical and horizontal split-screen modes, enabling efficient multitasking with multiple applications running simultaneously—ideal for productivity, communication, and entertainment.

Enhanced Performance and Productivity

With significant improvements in CPU and GPU performance, the Xiaomi Pad 8 is designed to handle demanding tasks with ease. Advanced memory and storage technologies ensure faster file access, smoother app transitions, and enhanced performance for creative and professional workflows.

The introduction of Workstation Mode transforms the tablet into a productivity-focused environment, offering:

  • An enhanced dock for quick access to frequently used tools

  • Seamless navigation across multiple applications

  • PC-level browser capabilities, including mouse-hover previews and right-click functionality

These features create a desktop-like experience, enabling users to efficiently manage tasks such as document editing, project work, and online collaboration.

A Flexible Device for Work and Creativity

Designed for professionals, students, and creators alike, the Xiaomi Pad 8 supports advanced accessories such as the Xiaomi Focus Pen Pro, which offers ultra-low latency, high pressure sensitivity, and intuitive controls for sketching, note-taking, and creative expression.

Additionally, compatibility with keyboard accessories allows users to transform the tablet into a laptop-like device, enhancing productivity across different use cases.

Seamless Connectivity and Long-Term Reliability

With Xiaomi Hyperconnectivity, users can enjoy seamless file transfers and cross-device workflows. The device is also built for long-term use, supported by extended operating system and security updates, ensuring reliability and performance over time.

Power That Keeps Up

Equipped with a large battery, the Xiaomi Pad 8 is designed to support extended usage across work, study, and entertainment. Fast charging support ensures minimal downtime, allowing users to stay productive throughout the day.

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business

1NCE & LEOTEK Accelerate Global Deployment of AI-Enabled Smart Lighting Infrastructure

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Business Wire India

1NCE, the global company offering a plug-and-play platform for creating and managing the world’s best IoT products, together with its exclusive APAC sales partner SoftBank Corp., today announced a strategic collaboration with LEOTEK, a global leader in intelligent traffic solutions. The partnership aims to accelerate the international deployment of the LEOLink Intelligent Lighting System (ILS).

 

At the 2026 Smart City Summit & Expo, the partners are showcasing a unified architecture that integrates 1NCE with LEOTEK’s AI-driven management. This allows municipalities to turn traditional street lighting into high-performance digital grids with zero-touch global deployment. By integrating the 1NCE platform, LEOTEK eliminates the need for local carrier contracts, allowing thousands of devices to be deployed instantly across 170+ countries.

 

 

1NCE’s software and connectivity platform has become a new industry standard, delivering hassle-free IoT. For LEOTEK, this means AI-driven lights can be shipped, installed, and connected instantly worldwide. “Smart infrastructure projects benefit when connectivity is simple to deploy and straightforward to operate,” said Hitoshi Ono, Senior Vice President of 1NCE. “By supporting LEOTEK’s connected lighting deployments with global cellular IoT connectivity, we help enable efficient rollout and scalable operations – so cities can focus on outcomes like improved maintenance planning and better asset visibility.”

 

 

By collaborating with 1NCE, LEOTEK can deploy AI-powered sensors and management tools worldwide without the complexity of managing local carrier contracts or roaming hurdles. Torrent Chin, President and Chief Sustainability Officer of LEOTEK, added: “By combining our intelligent lighting capabilities with global IoT connectivity, we aim to help municipalities modernize street lighting with better operational transparency and long-term efficiency.”

 

 

The integrated 1NCE and LEOTEK model is operational across high-density urban environments and critical energy projects. Deployments in Boston, Syracuse, and Fort Wayne upgraded traditional lamps to smart nodes with remote monitoring. The solution has also been adopted by the DTE Energy project in Michigan and expanded to San Francisco. Cross-border connectivity has enabled extensions across metropolitan areas in Mexico and South America.

 

 

About 1NCE

 

 

1NCE delivers the fundamental software and connectivity platform for customers to create and manage the world’s best intelligent products. The software platform enables customers to easily, securely and reliably collect device data across 170+ countries and turn it into actionable intelligence. Learn more at www.1NCE.com and follow on Facebook, LinkedIn and X.

 

 

About LEOTEK

 

 

LEOTEK, a subsidiary of LITEON Technology, is headquartered in Silicon Valley and Taipei. It is a global leader in AI-driven smart traffic and sustainable lighting solutions. Since its founding in 1992, the company has expanded its footprint to over 30 countries and 300 cities across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania. LEOTEK provides infrastructure solutions that integrate AI, IoT sensing, and predictive maintenance. With a vision of “Intelligent Sustainable Infrastructure,” LEOTEK continues to lead cities toward a safer, greener, and net-zero future.

 

 

For more information, please visit: https://leotek.com/, Linkedin

 

 

 

 

 

news

WaterCAN to Launch 2026 Schools Water Testing Week to Promote Safe Drinking Water

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Environmental organization WaterCAN has announced its upcoming 2026 Schools Water Testing Week, a nationwide initiative designed to engage schools in monitoring the safety of their drinking water and raising awareness about potential contamination risks., according to media reports.

The program invites students, teachers, and community volunteers to participate in hands-on water testing activities, using specially designed kits to examine drinking water sources at schools. Schools and participants can also access professional testing support through facilities such as Water Testing Lab in Bhubaneswar, which provide accurate water quality analysis and guidance on maintaining safe drinking water. By involving young people directly, WaterCAN aims to foster scientific curiosity, encourage civic responsibility, and highlight the importance of maintaining safe water for health and learning.

WaterCAN to Launch 2026 Schools Water Testing Week to Promote Safe Drinking Water

Water testing is crucial because contaminated water can carry harmful bacteria, viruses, and chemical pollutants that pose serious health risks, especially to children. Regular testing helps identify unsafe water sources, prevent waterborne diseases, and ensure compliance with national and international safety standards. In schools, where students spend significant time consuming drinking water, routine testing is a key measure to protect health, enhance learning, and promote overall well-being.

Previous WaterCAN initiatives revealed that a significant portion of tested school water samples were unsafe for consumption, underscoring the need for routine testing and proactive measures. The 2026 Schools Water Testing Week seeks to expand participation and reach more communities, ensuring that students gain firsthand experience in protecting their water quality.

Organizers emphasize that regular water monitoring and community engagement are key to safeguarding children from waterborne illnesses. The initiative also aims to inspire local authorities to address infrastructure challenges and ensure clean, reliable drinking water in schools.

Details about registration, participating schools, and specific dates for the 2026 event will be announced in the coming weeks. WaterCAN’s effort reflects a growing commitment to empowering communities and promoting the right to safe, clean water for all students.

Photo by Mikhail Nilov: 

business

AMWC 2026: Galderma Showcases Category‑leading Innovation With a Comprehensive Portfolio and Holistic, Future‑focused Aesthetic Strategies

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Business Wire India

  • Galderma will present nine posters spanning its full aesthetics portfolio at AMWC 2026, highlighting the regenerative benefits of Sculptra®, the long-lasting efficacy of Restylane®, and the advanced clinical performance of Relfydess® (RelabotulinumtoxinA) 1-9
  • The data reinforce Galderma’s future-focused approach to innovation, addressing emerging patient needs from menopause‑related skin changes to rising interest in body injectables and regenerative treatments
  • A series of symposia and Masterclasses will further highlight Galderma’s leadership in aesthetics, showcasing how the portfolio supports complex patient profiles and evolving global trends

 

Galderma (SIX: GALD) will present nine abstracts at the Aesthetic & Anti‑Aging Medicine (AMWC) World Congress 2026 in Monaco, showcasing innovative and robust scientific data across its aesthetics portfolio, alongside three symposia, and multiple Masterclasses and Meet‑the‑Expert sessions, all highlighting the expanding benefits of Sculptra, Relfydess and the Restylane range.1-9 This comprehensive scientific presence reflects Galderma’s holistic, trend‑led approach to innovation, and its commitment to addressing emerging needs such as menopause‑related skin changes, the growing interest in regenerative treatments, and the rising demand for body injectables.

 

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260316497387/en/

 

“Patients’ needs are changing faster than ever, whether that’s navigating the skin changes associated with menopause, seeking regenerative benefits, or looking for aesthetic harmony beyond the face. The data we’re presenting at AMWC highlight how our portfolio is uniquely positioned to meet these expectations with effective and holistic treatment regimens. At Galderma, we’re committed to leading the industry with innovations that reflect real-world patient priorities.”

 

BILL ANDRIOPOULOS, PH.D.
HEAD OF GLOBAL MEDICAL AFFAIRS
GALDERMA

 

Relfydess: consistent efficacy across patient profiles and new insights into real-world value
Galderma will share new economic modelling data, reflecting real‑world experience of Relfydess from aesthetic clinics across multiple markets.1 The analysis shows that switching from traditional powder toxins to Relfydess’ ready‑to‑use formulation could generate an annual profit increase, driven by faster onset, longer duration, higher patient satisfaction and therefore increased capacity for new appointments.1

 

Data demonstrating Relfydess’ equally strong efficacy in both toxin‑naïve and previously treated patients will also be shared, showing high response rates, rapid onset from Day 1 and sustained improvements through six months.2 Galderma will also present expert‑led consensus recommendations that address key unmet needs in real‑world clinical practice, offering clear, practical guidance for optimal dosing, injection patterns and treatment planning with Relfydess across the upper face.3

 

Comprehensive data showcase innovation and best practice across Sculptra and certain Restylane treatments for face and body
Results from an expert review will be presented, reinforcing Sculptra’s ability to deliver regenerative benefits across all three skin layers, by activating fibroblasts and stimulating the production of type I collagen, elastin, proteoglycans and other extracellular matrix components, while influencing local adipose tissue.4 These effects underpin the long‑term improvements seen with Sculptra, including increased elasticity, skin thickness, and overall improvements in the mechanical properties of the skin.4

 

In the wake of the EU MDR certification of Sculptra expanding its use to the body, guidance developed by 13 international experts will be shared at AMWC.5 The guidance is designed to support safe practice for comprehensive body rejuvenation, providing standardized injection protocols for or Sculptra in the posterior thighs, upper arms and gluteal area, as well as the décolletage, where its benefits can be complemented with Restylane SkinboostersTM .5 Additional data evaluating the effectiveness and safety of Restylane Skinboosters for correction of moderate-to-severe wrinkles in the décolletage will also be shared, highlighting the product was well tolerated and highly efficacious, with high patient satisfaction.6

 

In a dedicated symposium, international experts will explore this topic further, discussing best practices for use of Sculptra, Restylane Skinboosters and Alastin™ for body indications. The session will explore patient assessment, treatment planning, and practical approaches to optimizing outcomes, with live injections to provide real-time insight into techniques and clinical decision-making. The symposium will take place Thursday, March 26, from 2:00 – 4:00 PM CET, in Camille Blanc.

 

Additional data from Galderma’s versatile Restylane hyaluronic acid (HA) injectable range in the face will also be presented.7.8 Restylane Lyft™ demonstrated non‑inferiority to a comparator HA injectable for chin profile improvement at Month 3, and sustained aesthetic improvement and subject satisfaction through Month 12.7 Meanwhile, Restylane Volyme™ was shown to be well tolerated and effective for correcting temple hollowing, delivering high and long‑lasting aesthetic results through Month 18 alongside strong patient satisfaction.8

 

Empowering clinicians with evidence-based guidance for increasingly complex patient profiles
At the congress, Galderma will share insights into complex patient profiles, including findings from a global survey of over 4,300 women across five continents linking menopause to several skin changes, such as wrinkles, loss of firmness, dryness and dull skin, and the growing relevance of aesthetic treatments in addressing these concerns.9

 

This, and other complex profiles will be explored in depth in a symposium titled ‘The AART of Precision Aesthetics’ on Thursday, March 26, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM CET, in Prince Pierre. Focusing on groups such as menopausal patients and those affected by medication‑driven weight loss, the session, including live injections, will encourage physicians to rethink treatment planning to answer to these increasing patient needs and explore the key trends shaping the aesthetics industry.

 

A medical symposium, titled ‘A Holistic Approach to Skin Quality’ [TBC], will take place on Friday, March 28, from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM CET, in Genevoix. The session will feature new data on menopause and addressing medication-driven weight loss on the body, and will explore the clinical principles behind Galderma’s holistic treatment philosophy, examining how skin quality interventions can be integrated for personalised, high impact results.

 

More information about Galderma’s activities at AMWC 2026 can be found here.

 

About Sculptra
Sculptra is the first proven regenerative biostimulator, with a unique poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA-SCA™) formulation, to provide progressive and sustained regenerative effect across all three skin layers.10-17 Sculptra reverses aging processes in the skin, including degradation of the extracellular matrix, which results in volume loss, laxity, and the appearance of wrinkles.10-12,18-20 Sculptra progressively rebuilds the skin’s structural foundation by encouraging the remodeling of components of the extracellular matrix, such as elastin and collagen, helping to gradually restore natural volume, firmness, radiance and overall skin quality, and the look of fullness to wrinkles and folds over time.10-12,21-25 Sculptra has been shown to provide visible improvements as early as one month after treatment, with results lasting up to two years.10,16,23,25,26

 

About the Restylane portfolio
Restylane HA treatments are designed differently to go beyond volumizing for natural-looking results.27-30 Our HA is minimally modified and our innovative manufacturing process preserves its biocompatibility while creating individual products designed for a specific purpose.31-34 Powered by NASHA®, NASHA HD™, OBT™ and SB-NASHA™ technologies, Restylane offers a range of gels from the highest firmness to the highest flexibility, enabling personalized treatments that deliver structural support, natural-looking results, and a healthy glow.35-38 Trusted for almost three decades, our HA gels work in sync with your skin for 100% natural-looking results.27,39,40

 

About Relfydess (RelabotulinumtoxinA)
Pioneered by Galderma, Relfydess is the first and only ready-to-use liquid neuromodulator created with PEARL Technology that is designed to preserve molecule integrity.41 PEARL Technology is designed to deliver a highly active, innovative, complex-free molecule, with up to 39% of patients seeing effects from day one and up to 75% of patients maintaining improvements for six months.41-43 Relfydess is optimized for simple volumetric dosing, without reconstitution, to increase ease-of-use and help ensure consistent dose/volume every time. 44,45 It was entirely created and manufactured by Galderma to expand its neuromodulator portfolio as part of the broadest Injectable Aesthetics portfolio on the market. Relfydess has received a marketing authorization in many markets. Authorization conditions vary internationally.

 

About Galderma
Galderma (SIX: GALD) is the pure-play dermatology category leader, present in approximately 90 countries. We deliver an innovative, science-based portfolio of premium flagship brands and services that span the full spectrum of the fast-growing dermatology market through Injectable Aesthetics, Dermatological Skincare and Therapeutic Dermatology. Since our foundation in 1981, we have dedicated our focus and passion to the human body’s largest organ – the skin – meeting individual consumer and patient needs with superior outcomes in partnership with healthcare professionals. Because we understand that the skin we are in shapes our lives, we are advancing dermatology for every skin story. For more information: www.galderma.com.

 

References

 

  1. Milotich A, et al. Economic potential of a next-generation ready-to-use liquid formulation of relabotulinumtoxin type A. Poster presented at AMWC 2026; March 26-28, 2026; Monaco
  2. Grunebaum L D, et al. RelabotulinumtoxinA treatment improved moderate-to-severe glabellar lines and lateral canthal lines regardless of baseline toxin naivety: subgroup analyses of pooled Phase 3 study data. Poster presented at AMWC 2026; March 26-28, 2026; Monaco
  3. Chadha P, et al. Consensus recommendations on the aesthetic use of relabotulinumtoxinA to treat upper face wrinkles. Poster presented at AMWC 2026; March 26-28, 2026; Monaco
  4. Fabi S, et al. Regenerative aesthetic effects of poly L-lactic acid treatment. Poster presented at AMWC 2026; March 26-28, 2026; Monaco
  5. Haddad A, et al. International consensus: PLLA-SCA/SB-NASHA for non-facial rejuvenation. Poster presented at AMWC 2026; March 26-28, 2026; Monaco
  6. Fabi S, et al. Effectiveness and safety of a hyaluronic acid skin quality injectable for the correction of wrinkles in the décolletage area. Poster presented at AMWC 2026; March 26-28, 2026; Monaco
  7. Ablon G, et al. A randomized, comparator-controlled trial to evaluate a hyaluronic acid filler for augmentation of the chin region. Poster presented at AMWC 2026; March 26-28, 2026; Monaco
  8. Nestor M, et al. Safety and effectiveness of an OBT™ hyaluronic acid filler for temple hollowing treatment: a randomized, controlled, clinical investigation. Poster presented at AMWC 2026; March 26-28, 2026; Monaco.
  9. Nikolis A, et al. The potential role of biostimulators/dermal fillers to address menopause-related skin conditions. Poster presented at AMWC 2026; March 26-28, 2026; Monaco
  10. Sculptra®. EU Instructions for Use. 2025. Available online. Accessed January 2026.
  11. Waibel J, et al. Bulk RNA-seq Analysis of Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA-SCA) vs Calcium Hydroxyapatite (CaHA-R) Reveals a Novel, Adipocyte Mediated Regenerative Mechanism of Action Unique to PLLA. Poster presented at ASDS 2024 Annual Meeting; October 17-20, 2024; Orlando, Florida, United States.
  12. Waibel J, et al. Gene Analysis of Biostimulators: PLLA-SCA Triggers Regenerative Morphogenesis while CaHA-R Induces Inflammation upon Facial Injection. Poster presented at ASDS 2024 Annual Meeting; October 17-20, 2024; Orlando, Florida, United States.
  13. Huth S, et al. Molecular Insights into the effects of PLLA_SCA on Gene Expression and Collagen Synthesis in Human 3D Skin Models Containing Macrophages. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(4):285–288. doi: 10.36849/JDD.7791.
  14. Galderma. Data on File. MA-46589.
  15. Vleggaar D, et al. Consensus recommendations on the use of injectable poly-L-lactic-acid for facial and nonfacial volumization. J Drugs Dermatol. 2014;13(4 Suppl):s44–s51.
  16. Widgegrow J, et al. A randomized, comparative study describing the gene signatures of poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA-SCA) and Calcium Hydroxyapatite (CaHA) in the treatment of nasolabial folds. Poster presented at IMCAS World Congress; February 1-3, 2024. Paris, France.
  17. Duracinsky M, et al. Safety of poly-L-lactic acid (New-Fill®) in the treatment of facial lipoatrophy: a large observational study among HIV-positive patients. BMC Infect Dis. 2014;14(474). doi: 10.1186/1471-2334-14-474.
  18. Zhang S and Duan E. Fighting against Skin Aging: The Way from Bench to Bedside. Cell Transplant. 2018;27(5):729–738. doi: 10.1177/0963689717725755.
  19. Shuster S, et al. The influence of age and sex on skin thickness, skin collagen and density. Br J Dermatol. 1975;93(6):639-43. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1975.tb05113.x.
  20. Zarbafian M, et al. The emerging field of regenerative aesthetics—where we are now. Dermatol Surg. 2022;48:101–108. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000003239.
  21. Galderma. Data on File. MA-57540.
  22. Nikolis A, et al. A Prospective, Multicenter Trial on the Efficacy and Safety of Poly-L-Lactic Acid for the Treatment of Contour Deformities of the Buttock Regions. J Drugs Dermatol. 2022;21(3):295–303. doi: 10.36849/JDD.5924.
  23. Beleznay K, et al. Safety and Effectiveness of Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA-SCA) for the Improvement in Appearance of Cellulite – A Pilot Study. Poster presented at the IMCAS World Congress; February 1-3, 2024; Paris, France.
  24. Mazzuco R, et al. Clinical and Histological comparative outcomes after injections of Poly-L-Lactic Acid and Calcium Hydroxyapatite in arms – a split side study. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022;21(12):6727–6733. doi: 10.1111/jocd.15356. Epub 2022 Sep 20.
  25. Fabi S, et al. 24-month clinical trial data on effectiveness and safety after correction of cheek wrinkles using a biostimulatory poly-L-lactic acid injectable implant. Poster presented at IMCAS World Congress; January 26-28, 2023; Paris, France.
  26. Goldberg D, et al. Single-arm study for the characterization of human tissue response to injectable poly-L-lactic acid. Dermatol Surg. 2013;39(6):915–922. doi: 10.1111/dsu.12164.
  27. Di Gregorio C, et al. 25+ years of experience with the Restylane portfolio of injectable HA fillers for facial aesthetic treatment. E-poster presented at AMWC; March 27-29, 2024; Monaco.
  28. Nikolis A, et al. The role of clinical examination in midface volume correction using hyaluronic acid fillers: should patients be stratified by skin thickness? Aesthet Surg J Open Forum. 2020;2(1):1–12. doi: 10.1093/asjof/ojaa005.
  29. Talarico S, et al. High patient satisfaction of a HA filler producing enduring full-facial volume restoration: an 18- month open multicenter study. Dermatol Surg. 2015;41:1361–1369. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000000549.
  30. Restylane. U.S. Instructions for use. Available online. Accessed March 2026.
  31. Edsman K, et al. Gel properties of hyaluronic acid dermal fillers. Dermatol Surg. 2012;38:1170–1179. doi: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2012.02472.x.
  32. Galderma. Data on file. MA-58650. Degree of modification of HA fillers.
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  34. Kablik J, et al. Comparative physical properties of hyaluronic acid dermal fillers. Dermatol Surg. 2009:35S(1):302–312. doi: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2008.01046.x.
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  37. Öhrlund Å et al. Differentiation of NASHA and OBT Hyaluronic Acid Gels According to Strength, Flexibility, and Associated Clinical Significance J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(1):1332–1336. doi: 10.36849/JDD.7648.
  38. Belmontesi M et al. Injectable Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid as a Skin Quality Booster: An Expert Panel Consensus J Drugs Dermatol. 2018;17(1):83–88.
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  42. Ablon G, et al. Treatment of lateral canthal lines with RelabotulinumtoxinA, an investigational liquid botulinum toxin: clinical efficacy and safety results from the READY-2 phase 3 trial. Toxicon. 2024;237(1):107353. doi: 10.1026/j.toxicon.2024.107353.
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business

Fujirebio Announces CE Marking of the Fully Automated Lumipulse® G Nfl Blood Assay

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Business Wire India

H.U. Group Holdings Inc., and its wholly owned subsidiary, Fujirebio Holdings, Inc. (hereinafter “Fujirebio”) today announced that Fujirebio Europe N.V. has obtained a CE Certificate of the Lumipulse G NfL Blood assay under the Regulation (EU) 2017/746 on in vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVDR). This CLEIA (chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay) test allows for the quantitative measurement of Neurofilament light chain (NfL) in plasma and serum.

 

“While our assay menu already features many powerful disease-specific biomarkers, NfL marks a major breakthrough: our first CE-marked blood test that empowers clinicians with insights across a wide range of neurological disorders,” said Christiaan De Wilde, CEO at Fujirebio Europe N.V. “We are excited to bring this test to our customers, further expanding our comprehensive portfolio of fully automated neurological disease testing solutions on the LUMIPULSE G platform. We continue to partner with organizations and clinical experts across the world to enable earlier, easier and more complete neurological disease diagnostic tools.”

 

 

About NfL

 

 

Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is a biologically relevant biomarker of neuroaxonal injury that can support disease monitoring, prognosis, and treatment evaluation across a wide range of neurological disorders. Its clinical utility depends on interpretation within the appropriate clinical context, using age-related ref values, well-defined clinical decision rules, and longitudinal assessment of change over time.

 

 

Advances in sensitive and fully automated immunoassays have enabled reliable quantification of NfL in serum and plasma, supporting its transition from a research marker to a clinically relevant tool. Across neurodegenerative diseases of different etiologies – inflammatory, vascular, infectious, and traumatic conditions – elevated NfL levels consistently reflect axonal damage largely independent of underlying pathogenic mechanisms.

 

 

About Fujirebio

 

 

Fujirebio is a diagnostics company with over 75 years of experience delivering innovative solutions to healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, and in vitro diagnostics (IVD) partners worldwide. Leveraging world-class expertise in neurology, oncology, infectious diseases, and beyond, and assays available on the robust LUMIPULSE® G platform, Fujirebio’s open business model accelerates access to breakthrough diagnostics through strategic partnerships across the life science industry.

 

 

Part of H.U. Group, Fujirebio combines strong R&D capabilities, regulatory expertise, and scalable manufacturing to deliver high-impact diagnostic solutions. Fujirebio’s flexible CDMO model helps its diagnostic partners bring validated solutions to the market faster—driving better decisions, treatments, and patient outcomes.

 

 

More information can be found at www.fujirebio.com.

 

 

 

 

 

business

KIOXIA Achieves 4.8 Billion High-Dimensional Vector Search Database on a Single Server, with 7.8x Index Build Time Acceleration via GPUs

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Business Wire India

Kioxia Corporation today announced the successful demonstration of achieving high-dimensional vector search scaling to 4.8 billion vectors on a single server with its open-source KIOXIA AiSAQ™ approximate nearest neighbor search (ANNS) technology. Additionally, Kioxia demonstrated a significant reduction in index build time by leveraging GPU acceleration through NVIDIA cuVS. These two achievements mark a significant advancement for retrieval augmented generation (RAG) search solutions. Continued development is underway to support larger-scale deployments beyond 4.8 billion vectors.

 

Index build time on a massive-scale vector database is a crucial pain point for the industry. In collaboration with NVIDIA, Kioxia demonstrated up to 20x improvement in KIOXIA AiSAQ index build time for high-dimensional vectors of 1024 dimensions, and up to 7.8x improvement in end-to-end build times. This 20x improvement represents a reduction from 28.4 days using CPU to 1.4 days using four NVIDIA Hopper GPUs to build the index, and a reduction from 31 days to 4 days in end-to-end testing.1

 

 

AI applications may now rely on larger volumes of vectorized information reaching tens of billions of vectors and beyond stored on SSDs, while DRAM alone becomes impractical even at a billion scale. Kioxia enables a highly scalable storage architecture with KIOXIA AiSAQ technology by achieving billion-scale search, exceeding RAG application latency requirements using a single query server in a Milvus vectorDB environment powered by GPU acceleration on index builds that make large scale deployments practical.

 

 

“Vector databases provide a backbone for applications that need to understand intent, context, and similarity across massive, unstructured datasets in real time,” said Jason Hardy, Vice President, Storage Technologies, NVIDIA. “By leveraging GPU-accelerated indexing with the NVIDIA cuVS library, Kioxia supports high-dimensional vector databases that can scale and build indexes with unprecedented efficiency.”

 

 

First announced last year, KIOXIA AiSAQ open-source software technology addresses RAG scalability challenges by enabling vector search directly from SSDs, with reduced DRAM usage. KIOXIA AiSAQ technology provides high scalability, making it well-suited for both multi-tenant environments and large-scale monolithic index deployments. The technology leverages an innovative Global Index algorithm that combines hybrid clustering and graph search to deliver efficient vector search at extreme scale. With flexible tuning options to balance performance and high-volume vector scalability, KIOXIA AiSAQ software makes large-scale deployments more accessible and easier to expand.

 

 

“Scaling vector databases into the billions requires rethinking both memory and compute,” said Masashi Yokotsuka, Managing Executive Officer, Vice President, SSD Division, Kioxia Corporation. “By combining KIOXIA AiSAQ SSD-based vector search with NVIDIA GPU acceleration for index construction, we provide practical index build at high scale deployments. As industry innovators, we will continue to push the boundaries of AI using flash memory.”

 

 

​​Kioxia remains committed to advancing storage-driven AI solutions that support intelligent data processing at scale and continues to evolve KIOXIA AiSAQ toward trillion-vector deployments.

 

 

Link to download KIOXIA AiSAQ open-source software: https://github.com/kioxia-jp/aisaq-diskann.

 

 

Notes:
 

1. A total of 19.66 TB of vector data was processed for this benchmark. Performance or benchmark results may vary depending on the host device, read and write conditions, data sizes and other factors.
 

KIOXIA AiSAQ is a trademark of KIOXIA.
 

Company names, product names, and service names may be trademarks of third-party companies.
 

 

About Kioxia

 

Kioxia is a world leader in memory solutions, dedicated to the development, production and sale of flash memory and solid-state drives (SSDs). In April 2017, its predecessor Toshiba Memory was spun off from Toshiba Corporation, the company that invented NAND flash memory in 1987. Kioxia is committed to uplifting the world with “memory” by offering products, services and systems that create choice for customers and memory-based value for society. Kioxia’s innovative 3D flash memory technology, BiCS FLASH™, is shaping the future of storage in high-density applications, including advanced smartphones, PCs, automotive systems, data centers and generative AI systems.

 

 

Information in this document, including product prices and specifications, content of services and contact information, is correct on the date of the announcement but is subject to change without prior notice.