Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinom a (PDAC), frequently detected at advanced stages, has a 5-year survival rate of 12%. Metastases are common, including hepatic metastasis, which is particularly lethal due to the liver’s immune-tolerant environment and rich blood supply that facilitate tumor growth.

Curevac NV announced that the FDA has cleared its IND application for a phase I clinical study of CVHNLC in patients with squamous non-small-cell lung cancer (sqNSCLC). CVHNLC is Curevac’s investigational mRNA-based precision immunotherapy.

Tharimmune Inc. has announced preclinical data from its expanded pipeline with HS-1940, a dual-target multispecific biologic engineered to bind to both programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and HS-3215, a dual-target biologic binding to HER2 and HER3 receptors. Both use the proprietary Epiclick technology, a multispecific antibody engineering platform.

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.

AT-rich interactive domain-containing protein 1A (ARID1A) encodes a switch/sucrose nonfermentable (SWI/SNF) complex and is mutated in around 10% of colorectal cancers. ARID1A deficiency damages DNA damage repair increasing tumor mutation burden in ovarian and gastrointestinal cancers.

Although CAR T-cell therapies have reached significant clinical success in hematological malignancies, their utility in solid tumors remains limited. One of the main challenges is the scarcity of truly cancer-specific antigens for precise targeting of solid tumors. The use of engineered small, specific antigen-binding domains, such as nanobodies, could be a potential strategy to improve the specificity and efficacy of CAR T cells against 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.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are monoclonal antibodies activating the immune system to kill tumor cells, representing a major advancement in cancer treatment. However, by activating T-cell immunity, ICI treatment can lead to immune-related adverse events affecting the several organs, including the heart.

Researchers from Chinese Academy of Sciences detailed the creation of a new dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-based mouse model of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy-associated colitis.

Chinese pharmaceutical companies are making significant inroads into the global oncology market, particularly with the development and approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors. These treatments, which have shown strong efficacy in various cancer indications, are not only transforming the oncology landscape in China but are also gaining traction in high-value international markets, including the U.S.