Shenzhen Zhongge Biotechnology Co. Ltd. has synthesized serine/threonine-protein kinase ULK1 inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer, lymphangioleiomyomatosis and tuberous sclerosis.
Kinoteck Therapeutics Co. Ltd. has disclosed Werner syndrome ATP-dependent helicase (WRN; RECQ3; RECQL2) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer.
Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs) are aggressive pediatric brain tumors found in the pontine region of the brainstem. Due to their high intratumoral genetic and cellular heterogeneity and highly invasive phenotype, no curative strategies are currently available. Therefore, understanding how glioma cells interact with the tumor microenvironment (TME) to promote pathogenesis is crucial to developing novel therapeutic approaches.
Hoth Therapeutics Inc. has released preclinical findings demonstrating the efficacy of HT-KIT, a novel targeted therapy for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST).
Celltrion Inc. is on a biosimilar roll with the U.S. FDA this month, having gained clearance of Stoboclo and Osenvelt as products referencing Amgen Inc.’s biologic, denosumab (Prolia, Xgeva), along with Omlyclo becoming the first and only interchangeable biosimilar to omalizumab (Xolair, Genentech Inc. and Novartis AG).
The antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) juggernaut powers on, with Japan’s Taiho Pharmaceutical Co. set to acquire Araris Biotech AG for up to $1.14 billion. Of that, $400 million will be up front, with the remainder tied to milestones with a maximum value of $740 million, around the progress of three ADCs for treating solid and hematological cancers.
Artificial intelligence (AI) drug developer Insilico Medicine raised $110 million in a series E round led by an Asian private equity fund, Value Partners Group, that will see Insilico advance its pipeline and AI platform developments.
Leading pharma companies have pitched into Sofinnova Partners’ new accelerator fund, which has exceeded the target and closed at €165 million (US$180 million). In what is said to be the largest pan-European biotech accelerator fund, Amgen Inc., Bristol Myers Squibb Co. and Pfizer Ventures will get an inside track on startups formed around academic research, as the nascent companies are shaped up for formal investment rounds.
Miracure Biotechnology Ltd. has divulged Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) and/or TLR8 agonists reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer, infections, respiratory disorders and immunological disorders.
Genentech Inc. has disclosed molecular glue compounds with the ability to induce cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2)/protein cereblon (CRBN) interaction for CDK2 degradation reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer.