Gain-of-function mutations and overexpression of the EZH2 gene lead to H3K27Me3 accumulation, which in turn initiates tumorigenesis and tumor progression, thus making it a promising target for therapy.
Activin receptor-like kinase 5 (ALK5) is a member of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family associated with tumor development and progression that impacts cancer immune response within the tumor microenvironment.
Researchers from Canwell Biotech Ltd. presented preclinical data for CAN-2109, a novel long-acting immunogenic cell death inducer being developed for the treatment of cancer.
The use of interleukin-2 (IL-2)-directed therapies has been associated with systemic toxicities, regulatory T cell (Treg) activation and limited efficacy so far. Researchers from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. have described REGN-10597 (PD1-IL2Ra-IL2), a programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)-targeted, receptor-masked IL-2 immunocytokine.
Astellas Pharma Inc. presented the first preclinical data on ASP-1002, a bispecific antibody targeting claudin-4 (CLDN4) and CD137, for the treatment of patients with metastatic or locally advanced solid tumors.
Six main cell types form glioblastomas (GBM), the most aggressive brain cancer due to its high rate of recurrence. Of these six, quiescent cancer stem cells are responsible for resistance to therapy and the reappearance of the tumor, according to a study that identified the six groups and highlighted the importance of these stem cells for the design of more effective therapies.
Autolus Therapuetics plc has been granted FDA approval for Aucatzyl (obecabtagene autoleucel) for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in adults, becoming the first marketed CAR T therapy that does not have a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy attached to its label. The approval of Aucatzyl was based on results of the Felix clinical trial in relapsing/remitting ALL, which showed a strong safety profile compared to existing CAR T-cell therapies. The conduct of the trial was dogged by the COVID-19 pandemic, but of the 65 patients from an initial dosed cohort of 95 for whom efficacy was evaluated by the FDA, 63% achieved overall complete remission.
Alteogen Inc. scored another deal for its human recombinant enzyme, ALT-B4, on Nov. 8, reeling in Daiichi Sankyo Co. Ltd. in a potential $300 million deal including $20 million up front and up to $280 million in milestone payments, along with royalties based on net sales.
Radiopharmaceutical biotech and contract development and organization firm Duchembio Co. Ltd. filed a securities report to South Korea’s Financial Services Commission Nov. 11, kickstarting the IPO process to list on the Korea Exchange.
Zap Surgical Systems Inc. reported closing a $78 million series E funding round led by Qingdao Baheal Medical Inc., with participation from other strategic investors. The new funds will be used to commercialize the company’s Zap-X gyroscopic radiosurgery platform for the non-invasive treatment of brain tumors.
RSS
