Biodexa Pharmaceuticals plc has closed an exclusive license agreement with Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. for OPB-171775 (now MTX-240), a phase I-ready molecular glue intended to be developed for the treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) and potentially additional indications.

Researchers from Nirma University in India aimed to discover and develop novel small-molecule telomerase inhibitors derived from known scaffolds with improved efficacy and safety for lung cancer therapy.

Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine produced by antigen-presenting cells that plays a central role in shaping cell-mediated immune responses. It promotes the activation and effector function of natural killer cells and cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes and drives the differentiation of CD4+ T cells toward a T helper 1 phenotype.

IL-10-based approaches have shown promise in cancer immunotherapy by activating exhausted CD8+ T cells, but severe hematological toxicities have limited their clinical use. Recent strategies aim to harness IL-10’s antitumor effects while reducing these toxicities.

Prelude Therapeutics Inc. has received IND clearance from the FDA for PRT-12396, a mutant-selective JAK2 V617F inhibitor being developed for the treatment of patients with certain myeloproliferative neoplasms.

Elevar Therapeutics Inc. appointed Kim Dong-gun (DG) as CEO Jan. 29, as the company focuses on post-NDA strategies for lirafugratinib in bile duct cancer, and the twice-rejected rivoceranib-camrelizumab combination for liver cancer.

Astrazeneca plc is investing $15 billion in China through 2030 to expand R&D and manufacturing, marking one of the largest long-term investments by a multinational pharma company in the country. The U.K.-based company also struck a deal worth up to $3.5 billion with China’s CSPC Pharmaceuticals Group Ltd. to accelerate the development of next-generation therapies for obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Advancell Pty Ltd. has entered into a collaboration and exclusive licensing agreement with 48Hour Discovery Inc. to develop a novel peptide-based lead-212 (212Pb) radiotherapeutic with an initial focus on a gastrointestinal cancer with significant medical need.