AI-assisted international press reviewPress review

Leighton Asia Wins Best Fundraising Trophy at the Lap Dog Challenge

Congratulations to the Leighton Asia team – Sean Angbuhang, Threwston Liu, Kenny Zeng, Vladimir Emmer, and Ronald Lam – for their epic achievement of 540 laps at the 10th anniversary of the Lap Dog Challenge in Hong Kong! This charity event brought together construction professionals to support the Lighthouse Club, the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation, and the victims of the Tai Po fire. Proud to win the 'Best Fundraising' trophy, a symbol of our commitment to more sustainable communities. Thank you to our runners, supporters, and organizers for these solidarity laps!

Source: Cimic - 22 December 2025

Sanofi Lowers Drug Prices in the USA to Boost Innovation

Sanofi seals a historic agreement with the United States to reduce drug prices and boost innovation. Average savings of 61% on treatments for diabetes, cancer, and more, through platforms like TrumpRx.gov, while strengthening American manufacturing and investments. A major advancement for healthcare access and economic growth.

Source: Sanofi, published under the title "Press Release: Sanofi reaches agreement with the US governme..." - 20 December 2025

Novartis Commits to Reducing Drug Prices in the USA

Novartis has signed a major agreement with the United States to lower prices on innovative drugs and boost investments in R&D and manufacturing. The company pledges to expand access through direct platforms and support pharmaceutical innovation while maintaining its global commitments. A decisive step towards more equitable healthcare access.

Source: Novartis, published under the title "Novartis and US government reach agreement on lowering drug ..." - 20 December 2025

GSK Signs Agreement to Lower Respiratory Drug Prices in the USA

GSK has finalized a voluntary agreement addressing four of Trump's demands: reducing drug costs for Americans, targeting the 40 million patients suffering from asthma and COPD. This commitment enhances global access to treatments, staying true to GSK's long-standing mission for accessible health for all.

Source: Gsk, published under the title "GSK enters agreement with U.S. government to lower drug pric..." - 20 December 2025

Johnson & Johnson Supports Innovative Registry for Atrial Fibrillation in Electrophysiology

The initiative by the Heart Rhythm Society, backed by Johnson & Johnson, aims to generate cutting-edge clinical insights to accelerate innovation in atrial fibrillation treatment, promoting data-driven practices and improving patient outcomes. This collaboration marks a decisive step towards more effective and personalized electrophysiology.

Source: J&j, published under the title "Johnson & Johnson Backs HRS Registry to Advance Real-World E..." - 19 December 2025

Energy & Construction

Enel Completes Share Buyback Program with 10.8 Million Shares Purchased

Enel S.p.A. announced the purchase of 10,855,665 treasury shares on December 15 and 16, 2025, as part of a buyback program aimed at rewarding shareholders beyond dividends. This program, initiated in August 2025, has allowed for the acquisition of a total of 122,469,633 shares, representing approximately 1.2046% of the share capital, bringing the total treasury shares held to 133,554,875, or 1.3137% of the capital.

Source: Enel, published under the title "Enel informs about the purchase of treasury shares made on D..." - 19 December 2025

Kate Novakova: Building a Life-Changing Hospital

Kate Novakova: From Prague to Dunedin, a passionate engineer shaping the future Originally from Prague and hailing from a family of engineers, Kate Novakova found her calling in New Zealand, where she contributes to landmark projects like the New Dunedin Hospital. As a Quality Engineer, she oversees quality and compliance, transforming post-earthquake challenges into symbols of hope for communities. A mother of two, she balances family life and professional ambitions, stating, "This project represents progress and improves lives." With ongoing work, Kate embodies the commitment that drives sustainable construction. Her pride? Showing her children the infrastructures she has helped create. An inspiring story of resilience and innovation.

Source: Cimic, published under the title "Quality Engineer Kate Novakova is proud to be building somet..." - 19 December 2025

Decline in Agricultural Prices: Wheat and Rapeseed in General Retreat

Grain and oilseed prices are plummeting ahead of the holidays: soft wheat at 186 euros per ton on Euronext, returning to September 2020 levels, while rapeseed and corn struggle on global markets, influenced by a slowdown in collection activities and global factors. This decline, from Chicago to European markets, alerts agritech stakeholders to upcoming challenges for resilient crops.

Source: La France Agricole, published under the title "Du blé au colza, repli général des prix sur les marchés agri..." - 18 December 2025

Europe

Europe Accelerates Biocontrol Deployment with Its Omnibus

On December 16, 2025, the European Commission presented a set of measures aimed at "increasing the competitiveness of the agri-food industry and farmers." Among these are provisions favorable to the deployment of biocontrol. The IBMA, the international biocontrol association, welcomed the proposal.

Source: La France Agricole, published under the title "Une proposition européenne favorable au déploiement du bioco..." - 18 December 2025

Europe

Mercosur: The EU Strengthens Agricultural Safeguards for Europe

As Brazil grows impatient and the European Council convenes in Brussels, European institutions have bolstered protective measures for the EU-Mercosur agreement, aiming to safeguard European agriculture against massive imports. This agreement, sealed on December 17, could mark a turning point for innovation in agritech, promoting sustainable practices and fair competition amid rising climate challenges. Technological advancements in plant biotechnology and crop management may thus become essential to counter economic impacts.

Source: La France Agricole, published under the title "Mercosur : un petit pas pour améliorer les mesures de sauveg..." - 18 December 2025

Mechanization & Robotics

Grégoire Besson Unveils the Helios T80 Subsoiler at Agritechnica

Grégoire Besson showcased the Helios T80 subsoiler (7.5 m version) for the first time at Agritechnica 2025 in Germany. This semi-mounted tool is designed for soil subsoiling in agriculture, enhancing soil structure and promoting better crop yields.

Source: La France Agricole, published under the title "Grégoire Besson décline son décompacteur Helios T80 en 7,5 m" - 18 December 2025

Abbott Receives FDA and CE Mark Approval for Amplatzer Piccolo System for Premature Babies

Abbott is revolutionizing the treatment of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in premature infants: The first delivery system designed for precise placement of the Amplatzer Piccolo occluder, targeting the smallest babies and affecting about 20% of premature newborns. A minimally invasive advancement that simplifies procedures and reduces risks for these vulnerable patients.

Source: Abbott, published under the title "Abbott's Amplatzer Piccolo™ Delivery System Receives FDA Cle..." - 18 December 2025

Europe

Collective Entrepreneurship: The Key to Sustainable Territories

FRANCE. Groups of farmers are innovating for sustainable agriculture. From circular economy to local jobs, entrepreneurial initiatives like GIEE and cooperatives strengthen community ties to address territorial challenges. Exclusive interview with Sandrine Jean, management expert.

Publié par Le réseau CERFRANCE, Source: Pleinchamp, published under the title "L’entrepreneuriat collectif, moteur d’activité durable" - 18 December 2025

Soils, Inputs & Water

Ginkgo and Agricen Optimize Agricultural Fermentation

Ginkgo Bioworks and Agricen have completed a process optimization for complex bacterial strains, resulting in a low-cost and efficient method that simplifies production while maintaining performance standards.

MADISON HONG, Source: Igronews, published under the title "Ginkgo Bioworks and Agricen Complete Collaboration to Optimi..." - 18 December 2025

Investors

Ardabelle Capital Acquires Plymag to Support European Biosolutions Development

Ardabelle Capital has acquired a majority stake in Plymag, a European company specializing in biostimulants, crop nutrition, and biological protection based on algae technologies, with Sofiprotéol and Capagro as minority shareholders. Plymag will remain operationally independent, supported by its founding family.

SEPEHR ACHARD, Source: Igronews, published under the title "Ardabelle Capital Acquires Majority Stake in Plymag to Build..." - 18 December 2025

Investors

Cordulus Raises €6.8M to Expand Its Weather AI into Energy Sector

Cordulus, based in Denmark, has raised €6.8 million in Series A funding, with Delphinus Venture Capital as a new investor, to extend its hyper-local weather forecasting solutions from agriculture to the energy sector. This key advancement aims for ultra-precise forecasts, supported by Danish Agro and other partners.

SEPEHR ACHARD, Source: Igronews, published under the title "Cordulus Secures €6.8M Series A to Expand AI Weather Solutio..." - 18 December 2025

AgrifoodEurope

EU Agricultural Outlook Towards 2035

The Commission has unveiled its report on productivity growth hindered by climate change and input costs. It proposes a simplified and more targeted Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for the post-2027 period to address ongoing challenges.

Source: European Commission Common Agricultural Policy, published under the title "EU Agricultural Outlook 2025-35: EU agriculture navigates ch..." - 18 December 2025

Finley Choi: An M&E Engineer at the Heart of Constructive Innovation in Hong Kong

Finley Choi: An innovative engineer at Leighton Asia who is revolutionizing ventilation and air conditioning systems for the North Hospital extension project in Hong Kong. Inspired by construction challenges, she oversees design, installation, and commissioning while promoting gender equality and support for women through initiatives like WOICE. Her collaborative and impactful journey demonstrates how the industry can evolve towards greater inclusion and sustainability, partnering with external stakeholders to train the next generation of experts. A motivating story of passion and innovation at the heart of modern construction.

Source: Cimic - 18 December 2025

Johnson & Johnson: FDA Approves TRUFILL for Chronic Hematoma

TRUFILL n-BCA: A Major Advancement in the Treatment of Chronic Subdural Hematomas! FDA approval for embolization of the middle meningeal artery as a complement to surgery, providing a minimally invasive and effective option based on conclusive clinical trials. Johnson & Johnson MedTech thus strengthens its leadership in neurovascular care to improve patient outcomes.

Source: J&j, published under the title "Johnson & Johnson Receives FDA Approval for TRUFILL n‑BCA Li..." - 18 December 2025

Leadership Change in Marketing at Unilever: Challenges and Outlook

Unilever, a major player in the agri-food sector, announces a significant change within its marketing leadership team. This reshuffle raises questions about the company's strategy in the face of market challenges, particularly regarding product innovation and sustainability. As the sector evolves rapidly, it is crucial to understand how this new leadership will influence Unilever's initiatives in bioproduction and innovative ingredients.

Source: Unilever, published under the title "Unilever marketing leadership change" - 18 December 2025