Hypersialylation in tumor cells is a potent mechanism of tumor immune evasion, pushing cancer progression by suppressing both innate and adaptive antitumor immunity. Shanghai Henlius Biotech Inc. has developed an engineered human sialidase enzyme fused to an anti-B7-H3 nanobody, named E-688 or HLX-316, that improves tumor desialylation, durability and efficacy both in vitro and in vivo, while maintaining a safe profile.

The MTHFD enzyme family is central to one-carbon metabolism, with MTHFD2 showing cancer-selective overexpression linked to poor prognosis. Emerging data also identify MTHFD1 as a therapeutic vulnerability in select tumors, supporting MTHFD-targeted drug development.

Researchers at Epics Therapeutics SA reported preclinical findings on EP-102, a METTL3 inhibitor, in models of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

Dravet syndrome is a rare, severe, lifelong developmental and epileptic encephalopathy that begins in infancy and is marked by prolonged, often fever-triggered seizures that are difficult to control. It is usually caused by mutations in the SCN1A gene and is associated with developmental delay, cognitive and behavioral impairment, and reduced life expectancy.

BLR Bio LLC has presented new data highlighting the potential of BLR-200 for the treatment of systemic sclerosis (scleroderma). The company also presented data on its research on CCN proteins as potential noninvasive biomarkers for systemic sclerosis.

A new vaccination strategy designed to induce antibodies that recognize the apex of the HIV Env protein uses Env trimers displayed on liposomes to increase their density and orient them correctly. This presentation enhanced apex-focused antibody responses in macaques, and the monoclonal antibodies isolated after immunization showed binding modes and structural features resembling human broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs), indicating that the vaccine can steer the antibody response toward this vulnerable site.