Intriguing scientific data continue to roll out in the head and neck cancer space, where the need for therapies has spurred a number of drug firms to try new approaches, which BioWorld examines in part two of a series that began in the Dec. 30 issue.
Though Pyxis Oncology Inc.’s preliminary phase I data with antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) PYX-201 in solid tumors were characterized as positive, findings sent the Boston-based firm’s stock (NASDAQ:PYXS) into a tailspin. Shares dropped from $3.82 to $2.01 between Nov. 20 and the morning of Nov. 21, even as experts along with Wall Street agreed that the compound shows particular promise in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma – a space where developers aplenty remain busy.
Tigatx Inc. has been awarded up to $33.5 million in funding by the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health and a 2-year $2 million Direct to Phase II Small Business Innovation Research grant from the National Cancer Institute.
Genetic alterations in FAT1, YAP1 or WWTR1 genes are commonly seen in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. Targeting Hippo and MAPK pathways in combination has proven effective in preclinical models of HNSCC.
Ideaya Biosciences Inc. has exercised its option for an exclusive worldwide license for Biocytogen Pharmaceuticals (Beijing) Co. Ltd.’s B7H3/PTK7 topo-I-payload bispecific antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), BCG-034 (IDE-034), and nominated it as a development candidate.
Alentis Therapeutics AG has obtained IND clearance from the FDA for ALE.P02, an anti-Claudin-1 (CLDN1) antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) with a tubulin inhibitor payload.
Adcendo ApS has inked a deal with Multitude Therapeutics Inc. and is licensing Multitude’s phase I-ready antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), ADCE-T02, which targets tissue factor. Under the deal, Copenhagen, Denmark-based Adcendo gains exclusive development and commercialization rights for the ADC globally, excluding greater China (mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan) where Multitude retains all rights.
Adcendo ApS has inked a deal with Multitude Therapeutics Inc. and is licensing Multitude’s phase I-ready antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), ADCE-T02, which targets tissue factor. Under the deal, Copenhagen, Denmark-based Adcendo gains exclusive development and commercialization rights for the ADC globally, excluding greater China (mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan) where Multitude retains all rights.
After shares climbed 36% on May 24 following the release of an American Society of Clinical Oncology abstract detailing an impressive phase II overall response rate in first-line head and neck cancer with bispecific antibody petosemtamab in combination with pembrolizumab, Merus NV is raising $400.2 million in an upsized follow-on offering.
