Ly6E is a cell‑surface protein involved in tumor growth and immune evasion that is overexpressed across multiple solid tumor types, with limited expression in normal tissues. At AACR, researchers from Merck KGaA presented the preclinical characterization of M-7437, an anti-Ly6E ADC with a topoisomerase 1 (TOP1) inhibitor payload.

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.

PD-1 and LAG-3 are both inhibitory immune checkpoints known for limiting T cell activity in cancer. Blocking PD-1 and LAG-3 reprograms suppressive macrophages and sustains antitumor efficacy independently of T cells. Chinese researchers reported the development of BsPep-IMDQ, a bispecific peptide-drug conjugate (PDC) designed to target LAG-3 and PD-1 simultaneously.

Astrazeneca plc has exercised an option under its collaboration with Pinetree Therapeutics Inc. to obtain an exclusive global license to develop and commercialize PTX-299, a first-in-class bispecific antibody degrader targeting EGFR. The option exercise triggers a $25 million payment to Pinetree.

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.

Innervation by the sympathetic nervous system is typically a boon to tumors. But researchers from Weill Cornell Medicine and colleagues have shown that in some cases, the relationship between tumors and the nervous system is more complex. Depending on context, innervation can either assist or obstruct tumor growth. “The nervous system typically has been considered as a driver of cancer growth, but here we’ve found that it can be a brake on cancer growth in some contexts,” said David Simon, an assistant professor of biochemistry and biophysics at Weill Cornell Medicine.