Zymeworks Inc. has obtained IND clearance from the FDA for ZW-171, a novel T-cell targeting bispecific antibody for mesothelin (MSLN)-expressing cancers. Clinical development will begin this year, and additional applications will be filed in the second half of the year seeking trial clearances in other territories.

Acepodia Inc.’s antibody cell conjugation platform could change the way CAR T-cell therapies are manufactured, clearing the way for an off-the-shelf model to treat numerous cancers that is safer and cheaper than current CAR Ts, Acepodia CEO Sonny Hsiao told BioWorld.

The FDA has granted orphan drug designation to Be Biopharma Inc.’s BE-101, a novel engineered B-cell medicine being developed for the treatment of hemophilia B.

Pierre Fabre Laboratories (Pierre Fabre SA) has filed an IND application to the FDA to initiate a first-in-human trial with PFL-002 (VERT-002) for solid tumors, including non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Bluesphere Bio Inc. has received FDA clearance of its IND application for BSB-1001 for patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphocytic leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes, in conjunction with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT).

Avirmax Biopharma Inc. has received IND approval from the FDA to initiate a phase I/IIa trial for its gene therapy treatment targeting wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), including polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).

Actym Therapeutics Inc. has obtained IND clearance from the FDA to begin a phase I trial of ACTM-838. The first-in-human study will enroll patients in the U.S. and Australia with advanced solid tumors who have failed prior lines of therapy and have no clinically beneficial treatment options.

Georgiamune Inc. has gained FDA clearance for its IND application for GIM-531, a first-in-class oral regulatory T cell (Treg) inhibitor that enables the restoration of a strong immune response against cancer.