Netflix (NFLX.US)'s US$72 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD.US)'s assets will face a consumer class action, alleging that the proposed transaction may reduce choices for subscription streaming platforms in the US.

Some members of Congress have also questioned Netflix's acquisition proposal, anticipating that the deal will face strict scrutiny under US antitrust laws.

Moreover, Paramount Skydance (PSKY.US) launched a hostile takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, offering an all-cash bid of US$30 per share, equivalent to a corporate value of US$108.4 billion.

Netflix issued a statement asserting that the lawsuit is baseless and merely a tactic by the plaintiffs' lawyers to exploit market attention on the deal.
~

AASTOCKS Financial News
Website: www.aastocks.com

Amazon (AMZN.US) announced plans to invest over USD35 billion in all its operations in India by 2030.

The funds will primarily be used to drive business expansion, AI-driven digital transformation, export growth, and support local employment.

It is expected that Amazon's investment will create 1 million direct, indirect, derivative, and seasonal job opportunities by 2030.
~



AAStocks Financial News
Web Site: www.aastocks.com

The global foldable smartphone market is set to experience explosive growth next year, with a YoY increase of up to 30%, according to market research firm IDC's report. Apple (AAPL.US)'s first foldable phone, iPhone Fold, is expected to gain a 22% market share.

IDC forecasted that global shipments of foldable smartphones will reach 20.6 million units in 2025, up 10% YoY, while 2026 will become the true turning point for the market.
~

AASTOCKS Financial News
Website: www.aastocks.com

Howard Marks, Co-founder of Oaktree Capital, wrote in a blog warning that the market assumes a productivity boom from AI, yet overlooks issues such as millions of people becoming unemployed and who will purchase the additional goods produced.

He is concerned that a small group of billionaires living on the US East and West coasts, who are highly educated, are creating technologies that could lead to massive unemployment.

Some companies, in order not to fall behind in this 'winner-takes-all' AI arms race, are forced to take on 'aggressive' amounts of debt, Marks added.

Marks also believed that investors' current behavior has a 'speculative' nature, as the actual demand growth for AI technology is completely unpredictable. He suggested that it is too early to judge whether the current enthusiasm for AI is excessive, and it will take years to determine if the craze is rational.
~

AASTOCKS Financial News
Website: www.aastocks.com

SAN FRANCISCO and SUZHOU, China, Dec. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Innovent Biologics, Inc. (Innovent) (HKEX: 01801), a world-class biopharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures and commercializes high-quality medicines for the treatment of oncology, cardiovascular and metabolic, autoimmune, ophthalmology and other major disease areas, announced that the first participant has been successfully dosed in a Phase 1 clinical trial of IBI3011, an anti-human Interleukin 1 receptor accessory protein (IL-1RAP) monoclonal antibody developed by Innovent.

This study is a single ascending dose (SAD) study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of IBI3011 for the first-in-human administration, so as to support the subsequent clinical development of IBI3011. A total of 40 healthy volunteers and 24 patients with gout flares are planned to be enrolled.

With economic development and rising living standards, the number of gout patients in China is increasing. By 2019, the estimated number of patients had exceeded 3 million.^[1],[2] When serum uric acid rises above its saturation point, urate crystals can deposit in joints, triggering local inflammation and tissue damage and causing gout flares.^[3] Recurrent flares can lead to joint destruction and functional impairment, limiting patients' social roles and seriously reducing quality of life.

At present, first-line pharmacologic treatments for gout flare mainly consist of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and colchicine, to which certain patients have contraindications or cannot tolerate, lacking targeted therapies. Second-line therapies as glucocorticoids are also associated with numerous adverse effects. In addition, only one IL‑1β–targeted agent has been approved in China for the treatment of gout flare, and there remains a large unmet need in clinical practice.

IL-1RAP, a member of the IL-1 family, serves as a co-receptor that forms receptor complexes with IL-1R1, ST2, and IL-36R and mediates downstream signaling pathways triggered by IL1α/β, IL33 and IL36, respectively. These cytokines are implicated in a broad spectrum of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases including acute gouty arthritis, hidradenitis suppurativa, etc. Compared with anti‑IL‑1β antibodies, targeting IL‑1RAP can simultaneously block multiple IL‑1 family inflammatory pathways, with the potential to rapidly control inflammation, relieve gout symptoms, and enable earlier initiation of urate‑lowering therapy.

IBI3011 is the first anti-IL‑1RAP monoclonal antibody in China aimed to address inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Preclinical data show that IBI3011 can significantly suppress gout flares in models of acute gouty arthritis, highlighting its clinical potential for the treatment of gout flares. In this therapeutic area, Innovent plans to initiate a Phase 3 trial of IBI128 (tigulixostat) in gout patients with hyperuricemia. Previously, the Phase 2 clinical results of IBI128 were presented at APLAR 2025 showing strong efficacy in reducing serum uric acid in patients with gout. On top of that, IBI3011 has the potential to further suppress gout flares, complementing tigulixostat's uric acid-lowering effect to provide a more comprehensive treatment approach for patients with hyperuricemia and gout. Additionally, Mazdutide could also provide the benefit of reducing blood uric acid in the obesity population. Together, these assets provide more personalized treatment options for patients with gout and hyperuricemia. With IBI3011 now entering the clinical stage, Innovent will further strengthen its pipeline in metabolic and autoimmune diseases.

Dr. Lei Qian, Chief R&D Officer of General Biomedicine of Innovent Biologics, stated, "I am very pleased that the first participant has been dosed in the Phase 1 clinical study of IBI3011, and I look forward to its result supporting the development of treatments for gout flares and other indications. Innovent Biologics' general biomedicine pipeline reflects a well-structured, echeloned and matrix-like strategy across the fields of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases (CVM), autoimmune diseases, and ophthalmology. For gout, a metabolic and immune-related condition, IB3011 complements the promising Phase 2 clinical results of IBI128 (tigulixostat), which demonstrated excellent efficacy in targeting XOI and is now advancing to Phase 3. By focusing on next-generation global innovations, Innovent is accelerating the development of high-potential molecules and the synergy of these products is expected to bring more innovative therapies that improve the quality of life to patients around the world."

About IBI3011

IBI3011 is a monoclonal antibody targeting IL‑1RAP. As a co‑receptor, IL‑1RAP forms receptor complex with IL‑1R1, ST2, and IL‑36R, hence mediating activation of the IL‑1α/β, IL‑33, and IL‑36α/β/γ signaling pathways and contributing to the development of multiple autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Consequently, targeting IL‑1RAP can simultaneously block several IL‑1 family inflammatory pathways, with the potential to rapidly control inflammation, alleviate gout symptoms, and allow earlier initiation of urate‑lowering therapy. Preclinical data indicate that IBI3011 can significantly suppress gout flares in models of acute gouty arthritis, underscoring the clinical potential of IBI3011.

About Innovent Biologics

Innovent is a leading biopharmaceutical company founded in 2011 with the mission to empower patients worldwide with affordable, high-quality biopharmaceuticals. The company discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes innovative medicines that target some of the most intractable diseases. Its pioneering therapies treat cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic, autoimmune and eye diseases. Innovent has launched 17 products in the market. It has 1 new drug applications under regulatory review, 4 assets in Phase 3 or pivotal clinical trials and 15 more molecules in early clinical stage. Innovent partners with over 30 global healthcare companies, including Eli Lilly, Roche, Takeda, Sanofi, Incyte, LG Chem and MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Guided by the motto, "Start with Integrity, Succeed through Action" Innovent maintains the highest standard of industry practices and works collaboratively to advance the biopharmaceutical industry so that first-rate pharmaceutical drugs can become widely accessible. For more information, visit www.innoventbio.com, or follow Innovent on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Statement: Innovent Biologics does not recommend the use of unapproved drugs/indications.

Forward-Looking Statement

This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements that are, by their nature, subject to significant risks and uncertainties. The words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend" and similar expressions, as they relate to Innovent, are intended to identify certain of such forward-looking statements. Innovent does not intend to update these forward-looking statements regularly.

These forward-looking statements are based on the existing beliefs, assumptions, expectations, estimates, projections and understandings of the management of Innovent with respect to future events at the time these statements are made. These statements are not a guarantee of future developments and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond Innovent's control and are difficult to predict. Consequently, actual results may differ materially from information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of future changes or developments in our business, Innovent's competitive environment and political, economic, legal and social conditions.

Innovent, the Directors and the employees of Innovent assume (a) no obligation to correct or update the forward-looking statements contained in this site; and (b) no liability in the event that any of the forward-looking statements does not materialize or turn out to be incorrect.

SpaceX, founded by Tesla (TSLA.US)'s founder Elon Musk, is planning to push forward with an IPO raising over USD30 billion, which, if achieved, will surpass Saudi Aramco to become the largest IPO of all time, Bloomberg reported, citing sources.

It is understood that SpaceX's management and advisors are actively seeking to list as early as mid to late next year, with a target valuation of around USD1.5 trillion.
~



AAStocks Financial News
Web Site: www.aastocks.com

US stocks rattled narrowly on Tuesday, as Wall Street awaited the Fed's decision on interest rate. The S&P 500 edged down 6 points to 6,840 at close. The Nasdaq was the only index among the three major indices that recorded upswing, increasing by 30 points or 0.1% to end at 23,576. The DJIA shed 179 points or 0.4% to 47,560.

JPMorgan (JPM.US) anticipated spending US$105 billion next year, more than street consensus. The stock closed down 4.7%, weighing the DJIA down.

The US allows NVIDIA (NVDA.US) to sell AI chips H200 to China, with NVIDIA slightly down 0.3%. Alphabet's (GOOG.US) subsidiary Google plans to launch its first AI smart glasses next year, shoring up its stock by 1%. Meta (META.US), which had previously collaborated with Ray-Ban to launch smart glasses, fell 1.5%.
~



AASTOCKS Financial News
Website: www.aastocks.com

Meta Platforms (META.US) is developing a new successor model to Llama and a frontier AI model codenamed "Avocado", according to CNBC.

The report cited sources indicating that the release of Avocado had been postponed from the originally expected end of 2025 to 1Q26. It is also understood that some insiders at Meta were dissatisfied with China's DeepSeek, which earlier this year released the R1 model using part of Llama's architecture. They emphasized the idea that Meta should completely change its strategy.
~



AAStocks Financial News
Web Site: www.aastocks.com

Apple (AAPL.US) was previously blasted for its unclear AI strategy, Bloomberg reported. However, as AI trading is being reassessed by the market, Apple's cautious approach to AI plans has turned from a disadvantage into an advantage.

In the first half of this year, Apple was the second worst-performing tech stock among the "Magnificent Seven", with a total decline of 18% by the end of June. However, the situation briskly improved, and Apple's current market cap reached US$4.1 trillion, making it the second-largest component of the S&P 500 by weight, surpassing Microsoft (MSFT.US) and approaching Nvidia (NVDA.US).

Bill Stone, Chief Investment Officer of Glenview Trust Company, one of Apple's shareholders, stated that Apple will certainly add more AI features to its phones in the future but is avoiding the AI arms race and the substantial capex it requires.
~



AASTOCKS Financial News
Website: www.aastocks.com

Anniversary publication marks long-term SME support for diversified development

MACAO, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sands China celebrated the 10th anniversary of its Local Small, Medium and Micro Suppliers Support Programme with a ceremony Tuesday at The Londoner Macao^®, together with the launch of a 10th anniversary booklet showcasing the programme's success stories. The event also featured the 2025 Sands Supplier Excellence Awards to honour outstanding suppliers, appreciation certificates to recognise long-term suppliers, and a cocktail and business networking session to further connect local businesses and company representatives for future cooperation opportunities.

The Local SME Suppliers Support Programme: A Decade of SME Empowerment

As the largest integrated tourism and leisure enterprise in Macao, Sands China has long championed a development model that enables large and small businesses to thrive together, introducing a variety of effective measures to foster the steady growth of SMEs. The Local Small, Medium and Micro Suppliers Support Programme, co-launched in 2015 with the Macao Chamber of Commerce, is a landmark programme under this vision.

The programme launched as Macao's first SME-focused initiative led by a tourism and leisure enterprise, and targets three types of local businesses: small and micro suppliers, "Made in Macao" companies and Macao young entrepreneurs. It aims to support the Macao SAR government's SME policies while further strengthening Sands China's commitment to local business development. Its key projects include the F.I.T. programme, introduced in 2017, which provides financial support, invitational matching, as well as training and development to help local SME suppliers upskill and expand their business opportunities.

Since its inception, the programme has successfully deepened collaboration with local SMEs, generating remarkable results: a total of MOP 119.4 billion in procurement, with local procurement accounting for 83 percent, involving 4,700 SMEs.

Tuesday's event unveiled the programme's 10th anniversary booklet – outlining a decade of development and success stories – intended to inspire the city's SMEs to attain greater achievements.

"SMEs are a vital pillar of Macao's economy, securing the foundation of the city's diversified industries," said Grant Chum, chief executive officer and executive director of Sands China Ltd. "For more than 20 years, Sands China has remained committed to supporting the growth of local SMEs by leading the industry in prioritising local procurement, building promotional platforms for local businesses, and sharing our business expertise and experience to help them achieve independent development.

"In addition to recognising outstanding suppliers, we would also like to take this opportunity to honour and extend our heartfelt gratitude to our 40 long-term business partners. We sincerely thank the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR, the Macao SAR Government, and all sectors of society for their longstanding guidance and support. We are likewise grateful for the enduring collaboration of the Macao Chamber of Commerce, whose dedication has helped numerous local SMEs grow from seedlings into flourishing enterprises. We look forward to continuing our partnership and achieving even greater shared successes in the years to come."

Ma Chi Ngai, president of the board of directors of the Macao Chamber of Commerce, said: "Ten years ago, the Macao Chamber of Commerce partnered with Sands China to launch the local SME support programme, applying the philosophy of supporting the development of local SME suppliers and prioritising local procurement, opening a new chapter of symbiotic growth between integrated tourism and leisure enterprise and local SMEs. Through a series of innovative support measures, including large-scale exhibition platforms, professional training, and technical guidance, we have built a comprehensive support system to help SMEs enhance their capabilities. Together, we have faced market changes and challenges side by side, forming a cooperative ecosystem of complementary strengths and mutual benefit. Looking ahead, we will continue to support Macao SAR government in helping local SMEs explore new pathways in digital transformation, brand upgrading, and international expansion, contributing our efforts toward Macao's economic diversification."

At the event, Sands China executives presented certificates of appreciation to 40 SME partners – many of whom have worked with the company for over two decades. The certificates were presented by Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd.; Grant Chum; Dave Sun, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Sands China Ltd. and managing director of Venetian Macau Limited; and Norbert Riezler, senior vice president and chief procurement officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp.

2025 Sands Supplier Excellence Awards

The Sands Supplier Excellence Awards are an annual initiative of Las Vegas Sands Corp., acknowledging the cooperation and services of some of Sands' most noteworthy suppliers worldwide. A judging committee composed of Sands China executive management selects Macao's award recipients each year. At Tuesday's ceremony, Sands China awarded seven winners:

• Corporate Culture & Sustainability:
  China Travel Service (Macao) Ltd

• Innovation:
  Tech (Macau) Limited

• Cost Management:
  Companhia de Obras de Decoracoes Wai Yun Lda.

• Quality Management:
  Anglo-East Trading Co. (HK) Limited

• Project Management:
  Vodatel Holdings Ltd

• Service Excellence:
  Express Marine Electronics Company Limited

• Small/Medium Enterprise (SME):
  Hight Tea International Development Company Limited

Guests at the event included: Sun Yaohua, director of the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR; Yau Yun Wah, director of the Economic and Technological Development Bureau of the Macao SAR government; Ma Chi Ngai; Victoria Kuan, director-general of the Macau Productivity and Technology Centre; Sam Lei, acting president of the Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute of the Macao Special Administrative Region; Paulo Coutinho, director and editor-in-chief of Macau Daily Times; and Lam Io Meng, deputy general manager of Macao Daily News.

Following the ceremony, a group of local enterprises joined a cocktail and business networking session to connect with representatives from various Sands China departments, including procurement and supply chain. Sessions like these over the years have enabled Sands China and local suppliers to explore and develop new mutually beneficial partnerships.

Sands China remains committed to prioritising local procurement and supporting the long-term growth of Macao's SMEs, as an integral part of the company's corporate social responsibility.

###

About Sands China Ltd.

Sands China Ltd. (Sands China or the Company) is incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability and is listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (HKEx: 1928). Sands China is the largest operator of integrated resorts in Macao. The Company's integrated resorts on the Cotai Strip comprise The Venetian^® Macao, The Plaza^® Macao, The Parisian^® Macao and The Londoner Macao^®. The Company also owns and operates Sands^® Macao on the Macao peninsula. The Company's portfolio features a diversified mix of leisure and business attractions and transportation operations, including large meeting and convention facilities; a wide range of restaurants; shopping malls; world-class entertainment at The Venetian Arena, The Londoner Arena, The Venetian Theatre, The Parisian Theatre, the Londoner Theatre and the Sands Theatre; and a high-speed Cotai Water Jet ferry service between Hong Kong and Macao. The Company's Cotai Strip portfolio has the goal of contributing to Macao's transformation into a world centre of tourism and leisure. Sands China is a subsidiary of global resort developer Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS).

For more information, please visit www.sandschina.com.

Media contacts:
Corporate Communications, Sands China Ltd.
Mabel Wu
Tel: +853 8118 2268
Email: [email protected] 

Jesse Chiang
Tel: +853 8118 2054
Email: [email protected]