Shanghai Ailux Biotechnology Co. Ltd. and Ailux Inc. have presented preclinical data regarding the characterization of ALX-006, a 2+2 symmetric IgG1 PD‑1×VEGF bispecific antibody developed and designed for dual PD‑L1 and VEGF blockade as a cancer immunotherapeutic.
Laguna Biotherapeutics Inc. has obtained IND clearance from the FDA for its cancer immunotherapeutic LGNA-100 (QUAIL-100). The planned first-in-human phase I study will evaluate LGNA-100 in pediatric and young adult participants with high-risk acute leukemias and myelodysplastic syndromes following αβ-depleted hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) to prevent leukemic relapse.
Tacalyx GmbH has selected its first clinical candidate, TCX-201, and secured €11 million (US$12.8 million) in a first closing of its seed extension round to support the program’s progression through preclinical development. TCX-201 is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) against an undisclosed tumor-associated carbohydrate antigen (TACA).
Astrazeneca AB has reported new antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) comprising an antibody or antigen-binding fragment covalently linked to cytotoxic drug potentially useful for the treatment of cancer.
T-cell engagers (TCEs) drive synthetic antitumor immunity by bypassing endogenous T-cell priming and directly inducing tumor cell killing. In prostate cancer, targeting prostate-restricted antigens such as STEAP2, combined with CD8-guided TCE formats that favor cytotoxic T-cell engagement, offers a strategy to reduce cytokine release while maintaining antitumor activity.
Evolveimmune Therapeutics Inc. has announced the nomination of a development candidate against a solid tumor target as part of its ongoing partnership with Abbvie Inc., triggering an $18 million milestone payment to Evolveimmune.
Researchers from Hangzhou DAC Biotechnology Co. Ltd. reported preclinical efficacy data for DXC-016, a next-generation, subcutaneously administered, dual-payload c-Met-targeting antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) derived from the DXA-016 anti-c-Met nanobody.
Tumor-associated calcium signal transducer 2 (TROP2) is a transmembrane glycoprotein involved in different signaling pathways that promote proliferation, migration and invasion of tumoral cells, and its overexpression is associated with poor prognosis in multiple cancer types. Astellas Pharma Inc. has developed a TROP2-targeting antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), ASP-2998, and recently presented preclinical data on the candidate.
Taiho Oncology Inc., Taiho Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. and Araris Biotech AG have announced completion by the FDA of the IND review period for ARC-02, enabling initiation of a phase I trial by Taiho Oncology.
Codeable Therapeutics Inc. has developed new antibody-drug conjugates comprising an antibody covalently linked to a cytotoxic drug for potential use in the treatment of cancer.