Tempest Therapeutics Inc. has outlined plans to advance its newly acquired CAR T assets. While prioritizing development of its clinical-stage dual-targeting CD19/BCMA CAR-T program, TPST-2003 (ERI-2003), the company will also expand its portfolio into next-generation modalities.

Nextpoint Therapeutics Inc. has obtained IND clearance from the FDA to initiate clinical development of NPX-372, a first-in-class B7-H7-targeted T-cell engager (TCE) for the treatment of patients with solid tumors.

Scientists at Ghent University have created a mouse model that incorporates human versions of the receptors that recognize the fragment crystallizable region of immunoglobulin G, one of the most abundant antibodies in the blood and a key mediator of essential immune functions such as cellular activation, pathogen elimination and the regulation of inflammatory responses.

Third Arc Bio Inc. has closed a $52 million series A extension to advance its pipeline of multifunctional antibodies for a range of oncology and immunology & inflammation (I&I) indications.

Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine produced by antigen-presenting cells that plays a central role in shaping cell-mediated immune responses. It promotes the activation and effector function of natural killer cells and cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes and drives the differentiation of CD4+ T cells toward a T helper 1 phenotype.

IL-10-based approaches have shown promise in cancer immunotherapy by activating exhausted CD8+ T cells, but severe hematological toxicities have limited their clinical use. Recent strategies aim to harness IL-10’s antitumor effects while reducing these toxicities.

Scientists at Ghent University have created a mouse model that incorporates human versions of the receptors that recognize the fragment crystallizable (Fc) region of immunoglobulin G (IgG), one of the most abundant antibodies in the blood and a key mediator of essential immune functions such as cellular activation, pathogen elimination and the regulation of inflammatory responses. These human Fcγ receptors allow the humanized mouse to more accurately reproduce IgG-driven biology, enabling more reliable and safer preclinical assays before evaluating monoclonal antibodies in clinical trials with people.

Kahimmune Therapeutics SAS has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Gustave Roussy and SATT Paris-Saclay. Created at the end of last year as a spin-off of Gustave Roussy and SATT Paris-Saclay, Kahimmune builds on the latest discoveries in immunology relating to the dark genome.

ABL Bio Inc. has submitted an IND application to the FDA seeking clearance to begin a phase I trial of ABL-209 (NEOK-002). Pending approval, the trial is expected to begin by mid-year in the U.S.

Onchilles Pharma Inc. has obtained IND approval from the FDA for N-17350, enabling initiation of first-in-human studies in patients with advanced solid tumors. The study will enroll patients in the U.S. and Australia with advanced solid tumors.