Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a devastating genetic disorder affecting approximately 1 in 3,500-5,000 newborn males worldwide. It is characterized by progressive degeneration of skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscle, leading to early mortality. A team of researchers from the Technion Israel Institute of Technology has developed a novel approach to combat fibrosis in DMD.

1st Biotherapeutics Inc. and Ligachem Biosciences Inc. have entered into a strategic partnership and licensing option agreement.

Simcere Zaiming Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. has received clinical trial approval from China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for the company’s antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), SIM-0686, for FGFR2b-positive, locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors.

Briacell Therapeutics Corp.’s subsidiary, Briapro Therapeutics Corp., is developing novel, high affinity antibodies to B7-H3 using molecular modeling techniques. As both an immune checkpoint molecule that regulates T-cell activity and a cell surface molecule expressed on many types of cancer cells, B7-H3 is a promising drug target.

ALX Oncology Holdings Inc. has received FDA clearance for the IND application for ALX-2004, the company’s potential best- and first-in-class antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) for the treatment of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-expressing solid tumors.

Sun Pharma Advanced Research Co. Ltd. has filed an IND application with the FDA for SBO-154 for the treatment of solid tumors. A global phase I study is planned in advanced solid tumors.

CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Ltd. has obtained clearance from China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) to conduct clinical trials with SYS-6040 for advanced solid tumors.