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.

Everest Medicines Ltd. has obtained IND clearance from the FDA for EVM-14, an off-the-shelf mRNA cancer vaccine targeting multiple tumor-associated antigens and designed to treat various cancers, including non-small-cell lung cancer and head and neck cancer.

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.