Author: Sara Simmons

NEW YORK (Business Emerge): U.S. authorities have agreed to conduct a fresh review of National Institutes of Health research grant applications that were paused or denied following a change in internal funding policy. The agreement follows legal action brought by academic researchers and several U.S. states challenging the handling of those applications. Under the settlement terms, the review process will resume for proposals affected during the dispute, while leaving final funding decisions with the agency. The agreement was reached on Monday after months of court proceedings involving the Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institutes of Health.…

HANGZHOU (Business Emerge): Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Leapmotor stated that it has set a long-term objective to reach annual vehicle sales exceeding four million units within the next ten years. The company shared this update during a business briefing in its home city, outlining production scale, product positioning, and international expansion as central elements of the plan. The update was delivered by senior management in Hangzhou, where the company is headquartered and conducts core engineering and manufacturing activities. Leapmotor confirmed that the growth roadmap includes domestic market consolidation and overseas market entry through structured partnerships. The company also indicated that…

Washington DC (Business Emerge): Hedge funds increased selling activity across United States healthcare stocks last week, marking the first instance in more than three months where sales exceeded purchases, as market participants adjusted positions ahead of a scheduled change in health insurance subsidies that affects millions of policyholders. The shift took place during the week ended December 20 and involved hedge funds reducing exposure to healthcare providers, services companies, and pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms operating in the United States. Market data showed that trading activity was concentrated in listed healthcare companies, with selling pressure outweighing new investments across most segments…

WASHINGTON DC (Business Emerge): The United States government has initiated a formal process to adjust how marijuana is treated under federal law, following an executive order signed this week that instructs the attorney general to advance a review of its current classification. The directive sets in motion steps that could place marijuana in a category defined as presenting lower risk compared to its existing status. The executive order, signed in Washington on Wednesday, asks the Department of Justice to work through established procedures to reconsider marijuana’s position under the Controlled Substances Act. Senior officials confirmed that the process would involve…

NEW YORK (Business Emerge): Amazon is engaged in discussions to make a significant financial investment in OpenAI, the artificial intelligence company behind ChatGPT. The talks involve a potential contribution of around $10 billion and could result in OpenAI being valued at more than $500 billion. The discussions are ongoing and remain subject to change, as the terms have not been finalized. The talks are taking place between senior representatives of both companies and relate to a broader relationship that already includes cloud computing arrangements. The discussions are private and no formal agreement has been announced. Neither company has issued a…

NEW YORK (Business Emerge): Kraft Heinz announced a change in its top leadership, naming Steve Cahillane as its next chief executive as the company moves forward with plans to separate its operations into two independent businesses. The company said the appointment will take effect on January 1. Cahillane will succeed Carlos Abrams Rivera, who is scheduled to remain with the company in an advisory capacity until March 6. Along with assuming the chief executive role, Cahillane will join the board of directors as part of the transition. The leadership change follows the company’s September announcement that it intends to divide…

SEOUL (Business Emerge Korea): South Korea’s incoming head of the national media oversight authority has indicated that setting boundaries on teenage use of social platforms will be treated as a central responsibility of the commission if his appointment is approved. The nominee addressed lawmakers during a confirmation hearing and stated that protecting younger users in digital communication spaces would guide the commission’s work. He conveyed that ensuring a safe and orderly environment for public communication, including online platforms, formed part of the statutory role assigned to the regulator. The hearing focused on how the commission may respond to growing concerns…

NEW JERSEY (Business Emerge Report): iRobot has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States as the company moves ahead with plans to be acquired by its primary manufacturing partner. The filing allows the robot vacuum cleaner maker to continue operating while it restructures its financial obligations and completes a proposed ownership transition. The bankruptcy petition was submitted on Sunday in Delaware. iRobot stated that the process is intended to support a sale that will result in the company becoming privately held. The buyer identified in court documents is Picea Robotics, which currently manufactures iRobot products. The transaction…

New Delhi (Business Emerge/Asia): Novo Nordisk has begun commercial sales of Ozempic in India as part of its plan to expand access to treatments for type 2 diabetes and weight-related health risks. The company confirmed that the product is now available in multiple dose strengths, with its lowest weekly dose priced at USD 24.35. The launch took place on Friday, marking Novo Nordisk’s formal entry into a market where the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and rising body-weight-related concerns have created strong demand for medical interventions. The injectable will be supplied in a pen device that delivers 0.25 mg, 0.5…

SHANGHAI (Business Emerge/Asia): JD.com has announced a long-term housing support programme valued at 22 billion yuan that aims to expand accommodation access for its delivery workforce. The company detailed the initiative through an update shared publicly on Friday, framing it as part of an ongoing effort to improve conditions for front-line personnel across its logistics network. The announcement comes during a period of heightened activity in China’s rapid delivery segment, where major technology firms have increased investment throughout 2024. JD.com released the update shortly after Meituan confirmed that it would commit 10 billion yuan over a five-year period to strengthen…