A new molecule combines the action of two incretins, GLP-1 and GIP, hormones that regulate glucose and appetite, with lanifibranor, a triple agonist of peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPAR α/γ/δ). GLP-1-GIP-Lani enables targeted delivery of the PPAR agonist to cells that express incretin receptors, enhancing weight loss, improving glucose control and reducing inflammation in obese mice. In these models, it surpassed the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide and GLP-1-GIP co-agonists such as tirzepatide in reducing body weight, improving glycemic control and enhancing metabolic outcomes during active treatment. Read More
Tacalyx GmbH has selected its first clinical candidate, TCX-201, and secured €11 million (US$12.8 million) in a first closing of its seed extension round to support the program’s progression through preclinical development. TCX-201 is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) against an undisclosed tumor-associated carbohydrate antigen (TACA). Read More
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. Read More
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. Read More
Activating the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in immune cells enhances anti-inflammatory pathways and limits pathogenic immune responses. Equillium Inc. has recently presented data for their AhR agonist EQ-504 for the potential treatment of immune-related diseases. Read More
Genomics Ltd. has established a strategic relationship with Grey Wolf Therapeutics Ltd. (Greywolf) to develop first-in-class treatments for autoimmune diseases. Read More
Alceptor Therapeutics Inc. has patented new pyrazol-5-amine α2B-adrenoceptor agonists reported to be useful for the treatment of pain and hypertension. Read More
Pharmability AB (formerly Tirmed Pharma AB) has completed its GLP toxicology program for TIR-C, the company’s cutaneous drug candidate for atopic dermatitis, confirming a favorable safety profile. Read More
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. Read More
Work at Pheon Therapeutics Ltd. has led to the development of new antibody-drug conjugates comprising an antibody or antigen binding fragment targeting CUB domain-containing protein 1 (CDCP1) covalently linked to cytotoxic drug. They are intended for use in the treatment of cancer. Read More
University of Western Australia has identified new lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) analogues acting as 5-HT2A and 5-HT2B modulators reported to be useful for the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Read More
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. Read More
Ono Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. has synthesized bridged bicyclic compounds acting as endosomal/lysosomal proton channel TMEM175 activators. As such, they are described as potentially useful for the treatment of inflammatory disorders, lysosomal storage diseases, autoimmune disease and Parkinson’s disease. Read More
Beijing Innocare Pharma Tech Co. Ltd. has synthesized new antibody-drug conjugates comprising antibody or antigen-binding fragment covalently linked to eukaryotic peptide chain release factor GTP-binding subunit ERF3A (GSPT1) degradation inducer potentially useful for the treatment of cancer. Read More
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. Read More
