Top-line data from the phase II Kickstart study of Effector Therapeutics Inc.’s tomivosertib as a frontline treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer failed to produce data strong enough to continue development in the indication. The company has decided to halt the study, move ahead with a separate, investigator-sponsored study of tomivosertib in acute myeloid leukemia and focus on another drug in its pipeline for treating breast cancer. Effector’s stock (NASDAQ:EFTR) crumpled on the NCSLC news as shares plunged 82% on April 4 to close at $2.96 each. The closing value was the lowest the company has seen in the past 12 months.

Eilean Therapeutics LLC has announced clearance by the Human Research Ethics Committee in Australia for a first-in-human phase I trial of balamenib (ZE63-0302), an oral small-molecule inhibitor of the menin-KMT2A interaction.

Kling Biotherapeutics BV has presented preclinical data on an antibody, KBA-1413, which recognizes a specific glycoform of CD43 that is shared among acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and solid tumor cells.

Because selective BET inhibitors present better efficacy and safety than pan-BET inhibitors, current research is focused on the development of BD1- or BD2-selective inhibitors.

Kurome Therapeutics Inc. has received FDA clearance of its IND for KME-0584.

Auron Therapeutics Inc. has nominated its first development candidate, AUTX-703, which is being developed for the treatment of patients with small-cell lung cancer, neuroendocrine prostate cancer and acute myeloid leukemia.