Bristol Myers Squibb Co. disclosed in March 2026 that the phase III portion of the seamless phase II/III Successor-2 study testing mezigdomide in combination with carfilzomib and dexamethasone (MeziKd) in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma was successful. Nearly three months later, the magnitude of success for its Pomalyst (pomalidomide) successor is clear.
Umoja Biopharma Inc. performed preclinical studies to evaluate the antitumor activity of UB-VV500, an off-the-shell lentiviral vector CAR T-cell product. It is based on its Vivovec technology and designed to engineer fully human anti-B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)/G protein-coupled receptor class C group 5 member D (GPRC5D) dual-targeting chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, for the potential treatment of multiple myeloma (MM).
Biogen Inc. has consolidated full global rights to felzartamab through an $850 million deal with TJ Biopharma Co. Ltd. April 20, closing the chapter on a complex 10-year license saga.
The already-thriving CAR T space took another big stride forward as Eli Lilly and Co. disclosed its plan to acquire Boston-based Kelonia Therapeutics Inc. for as much as $7 billion in cash, including an up-front payment of $3.25 billion, with the rest coming if clinical, regulatory and commercial goals are reached.
Mabwell (Shanghai) Bioscience Co. Ltd.’s has announced IND acceptance by China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for the company’s LILRB4/CD3 T-cell engager bispecific antibody 6MW5311. The drug candidate is being developed for hematologic malignancies, specifically acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myelomonocytic leukemia and multiple myeloma.
CD47, or integrin-associated protein, is a ubiquitously expressed cell surface protein that is overexpressed in many solid tumors and hematologic malignancies, including multiple myeloma, with higher levels associated with poor prognosis. In a recent study published in iScience, researchers from Westlake University (China) engineered an oncolytic vaccinia virus encoding an anti-mouse CD47 nanobody (OVV-aCD47nb) that combines direct oncolysis with localized CD47-SIRPα axis blockade.
Gilead Sciences Inc. is acquiring partner Arcellx Inc. at a value of up to $7.8 billion, consisting of $115 per share up front and a potential payment of $5 per share through a contingent value right.
In a move that could dramatically shorten some clinical development timelines for drugs targeting multiple myeloma, the U.S. FDA issued a draft guidance on the potential use of minimal residual disease and complete response to support accelerated approvals, following the recommendation of the agency’s Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee, which voted 12-0 in favor of the change in April 2024.
Hanmi Holdings Co. Ltd. has patented proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) comprising a cereblon (CRBN)-binding moiety coupled to a histone acetyltransferase p300 (EP300)-targeting moiety through a linker acting as EP300 degradation inducers reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer.
Oricell Therapeutics Holdings Ltd. announced a $70 million series C1 round to expand its global footprint and speed clinical development of its CAR T therapies. The round was co-led by Beijing Medical and Health Care Industry Investment Fund, Qiming Venture Partners and a leading global health care fund.
