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Akeso Announces Completion of Patient Enrollment in Phase III Clinical Trial for Ivonescimab as First-Line Treatment for Biliary Tract Cancer Compared to PD-L1 Therapy
Prnewswire· 2025-09-02 08:00
Core Insights - Akeso has completed patient enrollment in a Phase III study for ivonescimab, targeting advanced biliary tract cancer, comparing it with durvalumab combination therapy [1] - Ivonescimab has shown significant positive results in previous Phase III studies, leading to its approval for PD-L1-positive non-small cell lung cancer [2][3] - The drug targets both PD-1 and VEGF, providing a synergistic anti-tumor effect, establishing it as a leader in immunotherapy [4] Company Overview - Akeso is a biopharmaceutical company focused on innovative biological medicines, with a robust pipeline of over 50 assets in various disease areas [10] - The company utilizes a unique integrated R&D innovation system and has developed a GMP-compliant manufacturing system [10] - Akeso aims to provide affordable therapeutic antibodies globally while creating commercial and social value [10] Development Strategy - Akeso is implementing a dual-path strategy to maximize ivonescimab's value, focusing on domestic commercialization in China and global development partnerships [5] - The company has an extensive clinical foundation with over 20 Phase II studies across more than 10 tumor types, facilitating rapid transition to registrational studies [3]
OSE Immunotherapeutics Reaffirms its Strategic Priorities and Publishes Shareholder Q&A to Restore Information Ahead of AGM
Globenewswire· 2025-08-29 06:00
Core Viewpoint - OSE Immunotherapeutics is reaffirming its strategic priorities and addressing shareholder concerns ahead of its Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for September 30, 2025, amidst shareholder activism and misinformation campaigns [1][3][4] Company Strategy - The company aims to leverage its two main programs, Tedopi® and Lusvertikimab, through strategic partnerships and financing, positioning itself as a leading European biotech in immunotherapy for oncology and inflammation [2][5] - OSE's strategy focuses on maintaining strategic optionality for its lead assets while balancing near-term financing and value creation to avoid premature dilution of shareholder value [5][6] Shareholder Activism - OSE has faced significant shareholder activism, including a misinformation campaign by minority shareholders, which has created confusion ahead of the AGM [3][8] - The company has initiated legal actions to protect all shareholders and ensure a fair debate, as the activist group has allegedly acted against sound governance principles [8][10] AGM and Legal Proceedings - The AGM has been postponed to September 30, 2025, to ensure fair voting conditions based on accurate information regarding the intentions of the activist shareholders [9][11] - Legal proceedings have been initiated to investigate the actions of minority shareholders, with potential implications for their voting rights if irregularities are confirmed [10][11] Financial and Development Plans - Tedopi® is in a pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial for non-small cell lung cancer, with enrollment completion expected in the second half of 2026 and initial readouts anticipated by the end of 2027 [14] - Lusvertikimab's development includes a Phase 2b trial in ulcerative colitis, expected to start in 2026, with readouts in 2027 and 2028 [14] - The company has clarified that the expected cost for the Lusvertikimab trial is in the tens of millions of euros, significantly lower than misleading figures circulated by activist shareholders [14] Governance and Communication - OSE emphasizes its commitment to transparent governance and has published a Shareholder Q&A to counter misinformation and provide clear information on its strategy and financial trajectory [7][12] - The company is dedicated to maintaining open dialogue with shareholders and encourages them to review the Q&A document for accurate information [13]
Quest PharmaTech Announces Results from AGM
Globenewswire· 2025-08-27 18:57
Core Points - Quest PharmaTech Inc. held its annual general meeting on August 25, 2025, where four directors were re-elected to the Board of Directors [1] - The company reported that approximately 50,288,000 shares were voted, representing about 29.7% of the eligible shares [2] - Quest granted 1,900,000 stock options to Directors and Officers at an exercise price of $0.05 per share, expiring in 10 years, pending TSX Venture Exchange approval [3] Company Overview - Quest PharmaTech Inc. is a Canadian biopharmaceutical company focused on developing products to enhance quality of life through proprietary technologies and investee companies [4] - The company is developing MAb-AR9.6, a theranostic agent targeting MUC16 for cancer, which is currently in late preclinical stage development [4] - Quest holds a 42.5% interest in OncoQuest Inc., which sold its immunotherapy technology assets in April 2020, and a 23% interest in OncoVent, a joint venture in China focused on antibody-based immunotherapeutic products for cancer [4]
BriaCell's Bria-OTS+™ Mechanism of Action Validated in Highly Rated Peer Reviewed Cancer Journal
GlobeNewswire News Room· 2025-08-26 11:30
Core Insights - BriaCell Therapeutics Corp. has published research on the mechanism of action of its next-generation personalized off-the-shelf immunotherapy, Bria-OTS+, in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) [1][2] - The study highlights that semi-allogeneic dendritic-cell vaccines enhance anti-tumor effects by recruiting alloreactive CD4⁺ T-cells, which strengthens CD8⁺ T-cell responses against tumors [2] - The findings validate the design principle of Bria-OTS+, emphasizing the importance of partial HLA matching for effective tumor-antigen presentation and robust CD4⁺ helper responses [2] Company Overview - BriaCell is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel immunotherapies aimed at transforming cancer care [5] - The lead candidate, Bria-IMT, is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1/2a study for patients with metastatic recurrent breast cancer, which includes both monotherapy and combination therapy cohorts [4] Research and Development - The publication in JCI Insight provides insights into the mechanism of action of Bria-OTS+, aligning with the encouraging clinical results reported in the Phase 1/2a study for metastatic breast cancer [2][4] - Bria-OTS+ is characterized as a novel personalized, off-the-shelf, semi-allogeneic cellular immunotherapy that may address urgent unmet medical needs for cancer patients [7]
BriaCell’s Bria-OTS+™ Mechanism of Action Validated in Highly Rated Peer Reviewed Cancer Journal
Globenewswire· 2025-08-26 11:30
Data from BriaCell and the US National Cancer Institute (NCI) support the cancer cell killing potential of BriaCell’s Bria-OTS+ platformBria-OTS+, a novel personalized, off-the-shelf, semi-allogeneic cellular immunotherapy may address urgent unmet medical needs for patients with cancer This study was conducted in collaboration with the NCI PHILADELPHIA and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BriaCell Therapeutics Corp. (Nasdaq: BCTX, BCTXW, BCTXZ), (TSX: BCT) (“BriaCell” or the “C ...
PDS Biotech Announces Final Topline Survival Data from VERSATILE-002 Phase 2 Trial in Head and Neck Cancer
Globenewswire· 2025-08-25 12:30
Core Insights - PDS Biotechnology Corporation announced final topline survival data from its VERSATILE-002 Phase 2 clinical trial, showing a median overall survival (mOS) of 39.3 months in patients with CPS ≥ 1, significantly outperforming the best published result of 17.9 months with standard care pembrolizumab or pembrolizumab + chemotherapy [1][2][7] Company Overview - PDS Biotechnology is a late-stage immunotherapy company focused on transforming immune system responses to cancer, particularly through its lead investigational product PDS0101 (Versamune HPV) [5] - The company is advancing its lead program in advanced HPV16-positive head and neck squamous cell cancers, with ongoing pivotal clinical trials [5] Clinical Trial Details - The VERSATILE-002 trial is an open-label, multi-center Phase 2 study evaluating the safety and efficacy of PDS0101 in combination with pembrolizumab for unresectable, recurrent or metastatic HPV16-positive head and neck squamous cell cancer [4] - The trial enrolled 53 patients, with PDS0101 administered via subcutaneous injection alongside IV infusion of pembrolizumab during the first four treatment cycles [7] Survival Data and Efficacy - The mOS of 39.3 months was achieved in patients with CPS ≥ 1, with a 95% confidence interval lower limit of 23.9 months [7] - The durable patient survival is attributed to high levels of long-lasting, multifunctional HPV16-specific CD8+ T cells induced by PDS0101, consistent across various patient demographics and clinical characteristics [7] Market Position and Future Outlook - PDS Biotech is positioned for leadership in the rapidly growing segment of HPV16-positive head and neck cancer, addressing a significant unmet medical need [3] - The combination therapy of PDS0101 and pembrolizumab is reported to be well tolerated, with no patients discontinuing due to treatment-related adverse events [3]
HCW Biologics to Showcase its Novel Second-Generation Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Identified as a Potential Gateway to a Multi-Billion Dollar Market
Globenewswire· 2025-08-25 12:00
Core Insights - HCW Biologics has developed a second-generation, pembrolizumab-based immune checkpoint inhibitor that shows promise against solid tumors, particularly pancreatic and ovarian cancer, utilizing its proprietary TRBC product discovery platform [1][3][4] - Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been recognized as a breakthrough in cancer therapy since 2011, but their efficacy is limited, with less than 20% of patients responding durably to treatment [2][3] - The new pembrolizumab-based fusion molecules aim to enhance the immune response by neutralizing immunosuppressive cytokines and promoting immune cell infiltration into tumors, potentially outperforming existing therapies [3][4] Company Overview - HCW Biologics Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel immunotherapies to combat diseases linked to chronic inflammation, particularly age-related conditions [7] - The company has created over 50 molecules using its TRBC platform, which allows for the construction of various classes of immunotherapeutic compounds targeting cancer and other diseases [7] - The lead product candidate, HCW9302, was developed using the legacy TOBI platform, while the TRBC platform represents a new approach to immunotherapy [7] Market Context - Immune checkpoint inhibitors generated over $40 billion in global sales in 2024, indicating a significant market presence despite their limited efficacy [3] - The ongoing research into second-generation ICIs reflects a broader trend in the industry to improve treatment outcomes for patients with difficult-to-treat solid tumors [4][5]
Innovent Biologics Announces U.S. FDA IND Approval for the First Global MRCT Phase 3 Study (MarsLight-11) of IBI363 (PD-1/IL-2α-bias) in Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Prnewswire· 2025-08-25 00:00
Core Viewpoint - Innovent Biologics has received FDA clearance for the IND application to initiate a global Phase 3 clinical trial of IBI363, a novel PD-1/IL-2α-bias bispecific antibody fusion protein, targeting immunotherapy-resistant squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) [1][2][10] Group 1: Clinical Trial Details - The Phase 3 trial, named MarsLight-11, will enroll approximately 600 patients globally, including regions such as China, the U.S., Canada, the EU, the UK, and Japan [3] - The study will compare the efficacy and safety of IBI363 at a dosage of 3 mg/kg as monotherapy against docetaxel in patients with unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic squamous NSCLC who have shown disease progression after platinum-based chemotherapy and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy [3] - The primary endpoint of the trial is overall survival [3] Group 2: Regulatory Approvals and Designations - The IND clearance follows positive feedback from the FDA during the End-of-Phase 2 meeting, with major alignments reached on dose selection and study design [2] - IBI363 has received Fast Track Designation (FTD) from the FDA and Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) from China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for this indication [2] Group 3: Mechanism and Efficacy - IBI363 operates by simultaneously blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway and activating the IL-2 pathway, targeting tumor-specific T cells [9] - Preliminary trials have shown that IBI363 induces tumor remission in some patients and achieves disease stability in the majority, indicating durable anti-tumor activity [8] - Compared to traditional chemotherapy, IBI363 is expected to offer advantages in objective response rate (ORR) and progression-free survival (PFS) [8] Group 4: Broader Development Strategy - Innovent is advancing IBI363 into registrational studies, with ongoing pivotal trials in melanoma and plans for colorectal cancer [5][6] - Multiple Phase 1b/2 trials are evaluating IBI363 as both monotherapy and in combination therapies across various cancer types, including first-line NSCLC and platinum-resistant ovarian cancer [6] - The comprehensive development strategy aims to maximize the value of IBI363 and expand its potential in large global oncology markets [6] Group 5: Company Vision and Pipeline - Innovent's mission is to empower patients worldwide with affordable, high-quality biopharmaceuticals, and it aims to build a global premier biopharmaceutical leader [11] - The company has launched 16 products and has 2 new drug applications under regulatory review, alongside 4 assets in Phase III or pivotal clinical trials [12]
Krystal Biotech: A "Strong Buy" Despite KB707 Melanoma Tumor Targeting Update
Seeking Alpha· 2025-08-22 18:41
Core Viewpoint - The article maintains a "Strong Buy" rating on Krystal Biotech (NASDAQ: KRYS) despite recent updates regarding its immunotherapy candidate KB707, which the company has decided to pause [2]. Company Analysis - Krystal Biotech is currently focusing on its immunotherapy candidate KB707, which has faced a pause in development [2]. - The company is part of a broader analysis service that provides insights into various pharmaceutical companies, including a model portfolio of small and mid-cap stocks [2]. Investment Insights - The Biotech Analysis Central service offers a comprehensive library of over 600 biotech investing articles, aimed at helping healthcare investors make informed decisions [2].
Noble Capital Markets Initiates Equity Research Coverage on Greenwich LifeSciences
Globenewswire· 2025-08-20 13:25
Core Viewpoint - Greenwich LifeSciences, Inc. has announced the initiation of company-sponsored equity research coverage by Noble Capital Markets, focusing on its Phase III clinical trial, FLAMINGO-01, which evaluates GLSI-100 as an immunotherapy for preventing breast cancer recurrences [1] Group 1: Clinical Trial Details - FLAMINGO-01 is a Phase III clinical trial assessing the safety and efficacy of GLSI-100 in HER2 positive breast cancer patients with residual disease or high-risk pathologic complete response after surgery [2] - The trial will involve approximately 500 HLA-A*02 patients randomized to receive either GLSI-100 or a placebo, with an additional arm for up to 250 patients of other HLA types receiving GLSI-100 [2] - The trial aims to detect a hazard ratio of 0.3 in invasive breast cancer-free survival, requiring 28 events for analysis, with an interim analysis planned after 14 events [2] Group 2: Company Overview - Greenwich LifeSciences is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing GP2, an immunotherapy aimed at preventing breast cancer recurrences in patients post-surgery [4] - GP2 is a 9 amino acid transmembrane peptide derived from the HER2 protein, which is expressed in 75% of breast cancers at varying levels [4] - The company is actively conducting the FLAMINGO-01 trial, with plans to expand to 150 clinical sites globally [2][4] Group 3: Breast Cancer Statistics - One in eight U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime, with around 300,000 new cases and 4 million survivors annually [3] - HER2 protein is expressed in 75% of breast cancers, indicating its significance in treatment strategies [3][4]