Ependymoma is a brain cancer that occurs during childhood and is usually resistant to cytotoxic therapy. Molecular profiling has helped in better understanding the mechanisms behind the disease and has unveiled EPH receptor B2 (EPHB2) as a critical player in driving disease.

Rgenta Therapeutics Inc. has received IND clearance by the FDA for RGT-61159, which is being developed for adenoid cystic carcinoma, colorectal cancer and other solid tumors, as well as acute myeloid leukemia.

Ipsen SA and Foreseen Technology (Beijing) Co. Ltd. have entered into an exclusive global licensing agreement for FS-001, an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) that targets a novel tumor-associated antigen highly expressed across a range of solid tumors that was identified through the application of Foreseen’s proprietary proteomic platforms.

N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) is the most widely distributed RNA modification in eukaryotes and its dysregulation has been tied in gastric cancer protumorigenic processes, as well as drug resistance and metastasis. Vir-like m6A methyltransferase associated, also known as KIAA1429, is a crucial regulator of the m6A complex, and thus hypothesized to be involved in the progression of gastric cancer.

The industry is looking, with renewed hope, to the “promise” of messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics for a wide range of diseases beyond COVID-19, and not only in vaccine form but also for gene and cell therapies.

Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc. is adding one more income stream to its portfolio, with the $100 million acquisition of Apeiron Biologics AG, owner of royalty rights to Qarziba, a treatment for high risk neuroblastoma that is currently marketed in 35 countries and is en route to approval in the U.S.

Myricx Bio Ltd. has closed the largest series A for a European biotech this year, raising £90 million (US$115.4 million), to take forward antibody-drug conjugates based on novel payload chemistry.