https://www.bioworld.com/rss en-us Separate research teams have reported new insights into resistance mechanisms to the antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) Padcev (enfortumab vedotin, Astellas Pharma Inc./Pfizer Inc.), and possibly to ADCs more broadly. Urothelial cancer drug Padcev, which targets the cell adhesion molecule Nectin-4, was approved in 2019 and is currently one of Pfizer’s top 10 medicines and vaccines, generating $1.94 billion in 2025. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732450 Tue, 07 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732450-target-high-but-uptake-defective-state-identified-in-adc-resistance 3D rendering of an antibody-drug conjugate Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is still a highly lethal cancer with limited therapeutic options. Its lethality mainly stems from activating KRAS mutations and a metabolic dependence on nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). Researchers from Remedy Plan Inc. have presented data on RPT-E-037, which exerts dual targeting of NAD metabolism through Nampt inhibition and KRAS signaling inhibition using a pan-RAS inhibitor (RMC-6236). http://www.bioworld.com/articles/731236 Thu, 21 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/731236-rpt-e-037-shows-promise-as-pdac-therapeutic Pancreas Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) with a dual payload, which deliver two distinct cytotoxic agents via a single antibody, are emerging therapeutics developed to address the limitations of classic ADCs. Primelink Biotherapeutics (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd. recently presented data for their dual-payload ADCs, highlighting PLB-015, which carries a TOP1 inhibitor and an ATR inhibitor with an anti-HER2 antibody and is designed to inhibit the DNA damage response activated by cancer cells when harmed. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/731163 Tue, 19 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/731163-dual-payload-adc-holds-promise-for-treating-her2-tumors Antibody-drug conjugates floating on light purple background Transforming acidic coiled-coil-containing protein 3 (TACC3) is a core member of multiprotein complexes that regulate microtubule- and centrosome-related processes. Its aberrant expression is found in several cancer types with poor prognosis, thus highlighting it as a candidate therapeutic target. Researchers from Beijing Konruns Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. have presented data for KC-1101, a TACC3 inhibitor for treating aggressive cancers with centrosome amplification. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/731144 Mon, 18 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/731144-kc-1101-has-best-in-class-potential-for-tacc3-expressing-tumors Cancer cell, dropper, test tubes Ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase 1 (USP1) is a synthetic lethality target in cancers with high replication stress, such as tumors with BRCA gene mutations or homologous recombination deficiency (HRD). Targeting USP1 has emerged as a promising approach to overcome resistance observed in BRCA/HRD-driven tumors. Aigen Sciences Inc. developed and presented data for AIG-07025, a potent and selective USP1 inhibitor. BRCA gene mutations or homologous recombination deficiency (HRD). Targeting USP1 has emerged as a promising approach to overcome resistance observed in BRCA/HRD-driven tumors. Aigen Sciences Inc. developed and presented data for AIG-07025, a potent and selective USP1 inhibitor.]]> http://www.bioworld.com/articles/731143 Mon, 18 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/731143-aigens-aig-07025-shows-potential-for-brca-hrd-driven-cancers Microscope with slide Werner syndrome helicase (WRN), belonging to the RecQ helicase family, represents a synthetic lethal vulnerability in MSI-H cancers, providing a strong rationale for therapeutic inhibition. Researchers from Simcere Zaiming Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. reported the discovery and preclinical characterization of ZMS-4084, a novel WRN inhibitor. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/731128 Fri, 15 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/731128-zms-4084-shows-robust-antitumor-efficacy-in-msi-h-cancer-models Cancer cells under magnifying glass Ensem Therapeutics Inc. has presented data for ETX-929, a small-molecule, oral pan-KRAS inhibitor with potent ON and OFF dual-state inhibitory activity for both wild-type and mutant KRAS. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/731125 Fri, 15 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/731125-ensems-etx-929-is-candidate-for-kras-mutant-tumors Resistance to microtubule-targeting agents such as taxanes and vinca alkaloids is often driven by drug efflux and changes in tubulin behavior. Targeting the colchicine-binding site provides an alternative strategy that may circumvent these resistance mechanisms. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/731097 Thu, 14 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/731097-qw-5-70-exhibits-antitumor-activity-in-multidrug-resistant-tumors Precision targeted therapy concept illustrated by dart hitting bullseye of target Mesothelin (MSLN) is a highly expressed protein in several cancer types but with limited expression in normal tissues. Simcere Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. has presented preclinical data on the characterization of SCR-A019, an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) carrying a topoisomerase 1 inhibitor payload and an antibody that binds to membrane Mesothelin (MSLN) over soluble MSLN and has shown robust antitumor efficacy in several cell-derived xenograft models. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/731079 Wed, 13 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/731079-simceres-scr-a019-shows-promise-for-mesothelin-expressing-tumors Cancer cell in the cross-hairs HEC Pharma Co. Ltd. recently presented HEC-201625, a small-molecule PD-L1 inhibitor for cancer immunotherapy that blocks the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway. HEC-201625 was tested in vitro and in vivo in MC38 syngeneic murine model, as well as in xenograft A375 and NCI-H358 models. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/731017 Tue, 12 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/731017-hec-pharma-presents-oral-small-molecule-pd-l1-inhibitor Concept art for cells receptors, inhibitors Cytoskeleton-associated protein 2 (CKAP2) is the most potent microtubule growth factor identified so far and is considered an undruggable protein, often associated with malignant progression in cancer by targeting the FAK-ERK2 signaling pathway. Using its proprietary platform, Soley Therapeutics Inc. has discovered a small molecule that modulates CKAP2 – STX-6398. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/730999 Mon, 11 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/730999-soley-therapeutics-reports-data-on-new-ckap2-modulator-stx-6398 Doctor hand touching virtual molecular structure The interleukin-1 receptor accessory protein (IL1RAP) is expressed in cancer cells within the tumor microenvironment of several cancer types and plays a role in tumor development. DXP-106 is a humanized monoclonal antibody developed by Singlomics Biopharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. that binds to a unique epitope of IL1RAP domain 2 that competes with cytokines. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/730998 Mon, 11 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/730998-singlomics-dxp-106-shows-robust-results-in-preclinical-setting Researchers from Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. detailed the preclinical characterization of TAK-188, a first-in-class anti-CCR8 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) designed to selectively target CCR8+ Tregs, alleviating immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/730954 Fri, 08 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/730954-takedas-anti-ccr8-adc-shows-potent-antitumor-activity 3D Rendering of tumor microenvironment Biolojic Design Ltd. has reported preclinical data for its antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) BD-200, developed using an AI-guided antibody engineering platform named Multibody. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/730953 Fri, 08 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/730953-bd-200-is-strong-dual-targeting-adc-candidate-for-cancer 3D rendering of a drug capsule and flying antibodies Simcere Zaiming Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. has detailed the discovery and preclinical characterization of ZMS-2195, a multiple-RAS inhibitor designed to prevent both mutant and wild-type forms of KRAS, NRAS and HRAS from binding to the RAS-binding domain (RBD) of RAF, which is required to activate downstream MAPK signaling. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/730936 Thu, 07 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/730936-zms-2195-is-a-potent-multi-ras-strategy-for-ras-dependent-tumors RAS protein Biosion Inc. recently presented preclinical data describing their B7H3/PD-L1 bispecific antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) BSI-737 for the treatment of cancer. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/730935 Thu, 07 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/730935-biosions-bsi-737-exerts-strong-antitumor-activity Illustration of cancer cell in crosshairs being destroyed Researchers from Plexium Inc. presented preclinical efficacy data for PLX-61639, a SMARCA2-selective degrader, in SMARCA4-mutant tumor models. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/730933 Thu, 07 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/730933-plx-61639-shows-efficacy-in-smarca4-mutant-tumors Art concept for molecular glue degradation Tumors with strong immunosuppressive microenvironments such as microsatellite-stable colorectal cancer (MSS-CRC) remain unresponsive to immune checkpoint blockade therapy, with <20% of gastrointestinal tumors responding to therapy. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/730886 Tue, 05 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/730886-rct-1213-has-strong-activity-in-tm4sf5-expressing-tumors Art concept for monoclonal antibody cancer treatment Researchers from Flare Therapeutics Inc. presented the preclinical profile of FX-111, a selective active androgen receptor (ARON) degrader, in models of prostate cancer. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/730885 Tue, 05 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/730885-fx-111-targets-persistent-androgen-signaling-in-prostate-cancer 3D illustration showing presence of tumor inside prostate gland 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. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/730817 Mon, 04 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/730817-e-688-potent-toward-b7-h3-expressing-tumors 3D illustration of cancer in crosshairs Researchers at Epics Therapeutics SA reported preclinical findings on EP-102, a METTL3 inhibitor, in models of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC). http://www.bioworld.com/articles/730815 Mon, 04 May 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/730815-mettl3-inhibitor-ep-102-shows-broad-antitumor-activity 3D illustration of pancreatic cancer 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. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/730799 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/730799-mercks-anti-ly6e-adc-m-7437-shows-preclinical-activity Microscope with laptop displaying histology image. 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. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/730798 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/730798-ailuxs-alx-006-exerts-antitumor-activity-in-preclinical-setting Red and blue bispecific antibodies T-cell engagers (TCEs) drive synthetic antitumor immunity by bypassing endogenous T-cell priming and directly inducing tumor cell killing. In prostate cancer, targeting prostate-restricted antigens such as STEAP2, combined with CD8-guided TCE formats that favor cytotoxic T-cell engagement, offers a strategy to reduce cytokine release while maintaining antitumor activity. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/730739 Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/730739-astrazeneca-unveils-safer-cd8-guided-tce-for-prostate-cancer Akeso Pharmaceuticals Inc. has raised the bar for next-generation immuno-oncology, reporting more than 23 months median overall survival in pancreatic cancer with its PD-1/CTLA-4 bispecific antibody cadonilimab, as emerging competitors begin to post earlier signals across solid tumors at the American Association for Cancer Research annual meeting in San Diego April 17 to 22. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/730786 Tue, 28 Apr 2026 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/730786-akeso-sets-durability-bar-as-immuno-oncology-20-race-heats-up Pancreas anatomy illustration Researchers from Hangzhou DAC Biotechnology Co. Ltd. reported preclinical efficacy data for DXC-016, a next-generation, subcutaneously administered, dual-payload c-Met-targeting antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) derived from the DXA-016 anti-c-Met nanobody. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/730723 Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/730723-dxc-016-potent-c-met-adc-for-subcutaneous-use Cancer immunotherapy illustration Tumor-associated calcium signal transducer 2 (TROP2) is a transmembrane glycoprotein involved in different signaling pathways that promote proliferation, migration and invasion of tumoral cells, and its overexpression is associated with poor prognosis in multiple cancer types. Astellas Pharma Inc. has developed a TROP2-targeting antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), ASP-2998, and recently presented preclinical data on the candidate. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/730722 Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/730722-preclinical-data-behind-astellas-asp-2998-for-trop2-cancer Antibodies Researchers from Genfleet Therapeutics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. reported the preclinical profile of GFH-276, a molecular glue designed to function as a pan-RAS(ON) inhibitor. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/730718 Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/730718-gfh-276-shows-broad-activity-in-advanced-ras-mutant-solid-tumors CDKs are central regulators of cell-cycle progression in cancer, with resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors frequently converging on CDK2 activation through cyclin E upregulation or CCNE1 amplification, supporting CDK2 inhibition as a strategy to restore cell-cycle control. Researchers from Novartis AG have revealed the preclinical profile of ECI-830, an oral bioavailable, highly selective ATP-competitive CDK2 inhibitor. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/730700 Mon, 27 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/730700-eci-830-shows-promise-across-ccne1-driven-cancers Cancer cells Homozygous deletion of methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP), present in ~15% of tumors, leads to accumulation of methylthioadenosine and partial inhibition of protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5), creating a synthetic-lethal vulnerability that sensitizes tumors to PRMT5-targeted therapies. Researchers from Beone Medicines Ltd. presented preclinical efficacy data of BGB-58067, an MTA-cooperative PRMT5 inhibitor, in models of tumors with MTAP-deficiency. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/730641 Fri, 24 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/730641-bgb-58067-exerts-relevant-antitumor-activity-in-mtap-deficient-tumors Dividing cancer cells in the cross hairs