Myc-associated factor X (MAX), the protein that forms dimers with Myc, could hold the key to blocking one of the most intractable oncogenes. Scientists at the University of Chicago have designed a synthetic molecule that effectively mimics a module of MAX's binding domain. In parallel, the Omomyc protein OMO-103, developed by researchers at the Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO) in Barcelona, successfully completed a phase I clinical trial. From different therapeutic perspectives, both approaches corner Myc and predict the advance of this slow line of research.

Biocytogen Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd.’s subsidiary Eucure Biopharma Co. Ltd. has granted Isu Abxis Co. Ltd. rights to use its humanized agonistic anti-CD40 antibody YH-003 to develop cancer drugs.

New and updated preclinical and clinical data presented by biopharma firms at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer Annual Meeting including: Affimed, Compugen, Genenta, Geneos, Hummingbird, Iovance, Nextcure, Nouscom, Oncolytics.

Mirati Therapeutics Inc. has described GTPase KRAS (G12C mutant) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer, in particular non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

The Cleveland Clinic Foundation has disclosed citron rho-interacting kinase (CRIK; CIT) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of medulloblastoma and prostate cancer.

Navrogen Inc. has entered into a cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) with researchers at the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Under this CRADA, Navrogen will sponsor the clinical investigation of the experimental antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) NAV-001, under supervision of the NCI.