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Tango Therapeutics Announces First Patient Dosed in TNG456 Phase 1/2 Trial in Patients With MTAP-deleted Glioblastomas and Other Solid Tumors
Globenewswire· 2025-05-21 11:00
Core Insights - Tango Therapeutics has initiated the dosing of the first patient in the TNG456 Phase 1/2 trial targeting MTAP-deleted solid tumors, particularly glioblastoma (GBM) [1][2] - TNG456 is a next-generation PRMT5 inhibitor designed to penetrate the brain and is expected to offer a new treatment option for patients with GBM, where current survival rates are below 10% [2] - The trial aims to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and antitumor activity of TNG456 both as a monotherapy and in combination with abemaciclib [2] Company Overview - Tango Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on discovering novel drug targets and developing precision cancer medicines [3] - The company employs the genetic principle of synthetic lethality to create therapies aimed at critical cancer targets [3]
Cancer Patients Face Elevated Risk of Carrying Antimicrobial Resistant 'Superbugs'
Prnewswire· 2025-05-21 10:38
Core Insights - The studies published in The Lancet Oncology and Cancer Medicine reveal that cancer patients are at a significantly higher risk of developing antimicrobial resistant (AMR) infections compared to non-cancer patients, highlighting the urgent need for improved infection control measures in this vulnerable population [1][2][4]. Study Findings - The studies are the first large, multi-center investigations quantifying AMR among cancer patients in the U.S., providing strong evidence that superbugs pose a substantial risk across various healthcare settings [2][6]. - AMR rates among key pathogens were found to be 1 to 3 times higher in outpatient cancer patients, with some specific pathogen-source combinations showing up to 5 times greater rates compared to non-cancer patients [6][8]. - Hospitalized cancer patients were found to be 1.5 to 2 times more likely to encounter AMR infections than their non-cancer counterparts [6][8]. Implications for Cancer Care - The emergence of AMR threatens the effectiveness of antibiotics, which are crucial for treating infections and preventing complications during cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and surgery [3][4]. - The findings suggest that the rapid rise of AMR could undermine new cancer therapies, including CAR T-cell therapy and other immunotherapies, due to the associated risks of immunosuppression and opportunistic infections [3][4]. Recommendations - The studies emphasize the need for enhanced infection prevention programs, focused antibiotic stewardship, and the increased use of rapid diagnostic tools to better manage AMR risks in cancer patients [4][6].
Orion’s collaborator, MSD, expands clinical development program for opevesostat to women’s cancers
Globenewswire· 2025-05-21 04:30
ORION CORPORATION INVESTOR NEWS 21 MAY 2025 at 07.30 EEST Orion’s collaborator, MSD, expands clinical development program for opevesostat to women’s cancers Orion’s collaborator, MSD, has expanded the development program for opevestostat (MK-5684) to now include women’s cancers. A new Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of opevesostat for the treatment of breast, endometrial and ovarian cancers has been posted to ClinicalTrials.gov database. The study is not yet recruiting patients. ...
Aura Biosciences(AURA) - 2025 FY - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-20 19:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company raised $75 million recently, extending its runway into the first half of 2027, indicating strong market demand and investor support [37]. Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on its viral drug conjugate platform, particularly Belsar, which is designed for early-stage cancer treatment, showing promising results in ocular oncology and bladder cancer [3][20]. - In the Phase II trial for choroidal melanoma, 80% of patients treated with Belsar showed complete cessation of tumor growth, and 90% preserved vision, highlighting the efficacy of the treatment [13][16]. Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The ocular oncology market presents a significant opportunity, with over 65,000 patients across three main indications having never received therapeutic intervention [6][9]. - The company is also exploring bladder cancer treatment, with Phase I data showing complete responses in 4 out of 5 treated lesions, indicating strong immune responses [22]. Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to build a franchise in ocular oncology, leveraging its tumor-agnostic platform to transform treatment paradigms for early-stage tumors [6][10]. - There is a strategic focus on expanding into gastrointestinal cancers and other solid tumors, with plans for future partnerships to enhance development [34][36]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the Phase III program for Belsar, with a primary endpoint of time to tumor progression, and anticipates good tumor control compared to sham treatments [15][17]. - The company is committed to a focused approach on its four deliverables of data across its indications, emphasizing the importance of derisking the program before seeking partnerships [38][39]. Other Important Information - The company has a Special Protocol Assessment (SPA) agreement with the FDA for its Phase III trial, which is currently enrolling patients in 18 countries [15]. - The treatment workflow for Belsar is designed to be convenient for both patients and physicians, potentially expanding the funnel of treating physicians over time [19][30]. Q&A Session Summary Question: How does Belsar's delivery system and safety profile shift the treatment paradigm? - Management highlighted that Belsar offers a positive safety profile with minimal adverse events, allowing for earlier intervention and preservation of vision compared to traditional radiotherapy [12]. Question: What does success look like in the Phase III trial? - The primary endpoint is time to tumor progression, with hopes to achieve similar or better results than the Phase II trial, where significant tumor control was observed [14][16]. Question: How does Belsar fit into the treatment workflow for retinal specialists? - Management indicated that Belsar can be administered in a routine clinical setting, allowing for easier integration into existing practices and potentially increasing the number of treating physicians [18][19]. Question: What are the unique aspects of Belsar compared to other treatments? - The company emphasized that Belsar's mechanism allows for immediate immune response due to tumor-specific antigen release, differentiating it from traditional therapies that require tumor removal first [29][30]. Question: What can investors expect in the next 6 to 12 months? - Investors can anticipate data releases across all four indications, with a focus on ocular oncology and bladder cancer, and potential NDA filings as the company progresses [37][38].
Roche provides update on FDA Advisory Committee meeting on Columvi combination for people with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Globenewswire· 2025-05-20 18:40
Columvi is the first bispecific antibody to show a statistically significant and clinically meaningful 41% survival benefit in R/R DLBCL in the phase III STARGLO study1,2There is an urgent need for effective, immediately available therapies that are broadly accessible to people with transplant-ineligible R/R DLBCLThis first-of-its-kind Columvi combination could provide a much-needed, off-the-shelf and fixed-duration treatment option for patients who face poor prognosisThe clinical and disease characteristic ...
Verastem(VSTM) - 2025 FY - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-20 17:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported approximately $193 million in cash, bolstered by a recent $75 million capital raise, which is expected to support operations into the second half of 2026 [41][42][44] - The stock price fluctuated, dropping to $4 before recovering to around $8, influencing the decision to raise funds earlier than initially planned [42][43] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The lead combination therapy ofatumumab plus defecanib received accelerated approval from the FDA for low-grade serous ovarian cancer, indicating a significant milestone for the company [1][5] - The company is actively working on the launch of the approved therapy, with initial orders and positive feedback from the physician community [10][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately 80% of patients are already being tested for KRAS mutations, which is crucial for the therapy's application, indicating a well-established testing framework in the market [21][22] - The company is planning to pursue approvals in international markets, with Japan being the next target due to a relatively straightforward approval process [23][24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to remove barriers to access for its therapies by proactively engaging with payers and large group purchasing organizations [12][14] - Future investments will focus on larger programs contingent on positive results, while the current funding supports the launch of the LGSOC business [44] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the early launch of the therapy, noting that it has gone as well or better than expected, with significant interest from healthcare providers [9][10] - The company is preparing for an upcoming ASCO conference to report data on its frontline pancreatic cancer study, which is anticipated to be a key event for the company [6][28] Other Important Information - The company is developing a companion diagnostic for the therapy, which is a post-marketing commitment but is not required for the initial launch [18][22] - The company is also exploring additional indications beyond ovarian cancer, including lung and pancreatic cancers, with promising preclinical data [26][27] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the next steps for commercialization? - The company aims to see a good trajectory on uptake by the end of the year and is working to remove barriers with payers and large systems [12][14] Question: How important is the companion diagnostic for the drug? - The companion diagnostic is necessary for regulatory compliance, but a significant proportion of patients are already being tested for KRAS mutations [18][21] Question: What are the plans for international markets? - The company is focusing on Japan for the next approval and is also engaging with European regulators for potential orphan drug designation [23][24] Question: What is the company's cash position and runway? - The company has approximately $193 million in cash, which is expected to support operations and the launch of its therapies into 2026 [41][42][44]
VERAXA Biotech Appoints Rick Austin as Chief Scientific Officer
GlobeNewswire News Room· 2025-05-20 16:10
Company Overview - VERAXA Biotech AG is an emerging leader in designing novel cancer therapies and is the proposed de-SPAC acquisition target of Voyager Acquisition Corp [1][4] - The company focuses on next-generation antibody-based therapeutics, including bispecific antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and T-cell engagers, utilizing transformative technologies [3] Leadership Appointment - Rick Austin, Ph.D., has been appointed as Chief Scientific Officer, effective May 1st, bringing over 25 years of experience in oncology discovery and early development [1][2] - Dr. Austin's previous roles include Vice President of Research at Harpoon Therapeutics and various positions at Amgen, where he led tumor immunology projects [2] Strategic Goals - The appointment of Dr. Austin is seen as pivotal for advancing VERAXA's BiTAC platform and clinical-stage pipeline, aiming to enhance the therapeutic window of cancer treatments while minimizing off-tumor toxicity [2][3] - The company is committed to tapping into the U.S. biopharma talent pool and expanding its scientific footprint [2] Business Combination - On April 22, 2025, VERAXA entered into a definitive business combination agreement with Voyager Acquisition Corp, which will lead to VERAXA becoming a publicly traded company on NASDAQ upon closing [4]
IO Biotech Announces Participation in Cowen 6th Annual Oncology Innovation Summit and Jefferies Global Healthcare Conference
Globenewswire· 2025-05-20 12:05
NEW YORK, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- IO Biotech (Nasdaq: IOBT), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel, immune-modulatory, off-the-shelf therapeutic cancer vaccines, announced today that Mai-Britt Zocca, PhD, the company’s President and CEO, along with Amy Sullivan, the company’s CFO, and Qasim Ahmad, MD, the company’s CMO, will be participating in a fireside chat at the TD Cowen 6th Annual Oncology Summit: Insights for ASCO & EHA being held virtually May 27-28, 2025. Additionally ...
SELLAS Life Sciences to Participate in Fireside Chat at the A.G.P. Virtual Healthcare Company Showcase
Globenewswire· 2025-05-20 12:00
Core Insights - SELLAS Life Sciences Group, Inc. is a late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapies for various cancer indications [2] - The company’s lead product candidate, GPS, targets the WT1 protein and has potential applications as both a monotherapy and in combination with other therapies for hematologic malignancies and solid tumors [2] - SELLAS is also developing SLS009, a differentiated small molecule CDK9 inhibitor, which shows promise in treating AML patients with unfavorable prognostic factors [2] Event Participation - Dr. Angelos Stergiou, President and CEO of SELLAS, will participate in a fireside chat at the A.G.P. Virtual Healthcare Company Showcase on May 21, 2025, at 8:20 am ET [1][2] Company Overview - SELLAS Life Sciences Group, Inc. is dedicated to the development of innovative therapeutics for a wide range of cancer types [2] - The company’s lead candidate, GPS, is licensed from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and targets a protein present in various tumor types [2] - SLS009 is positioned as potentially the first and best-in-class CDK9 inhibitor with reduced toxicity and increased potency compared to existing options [2]
Alpha Tau Announces First Quarter 2025 Financial Results and Provides Corporate Update
GlobeNewswire News Room· 2025-05-19 20:01
Core Insights - Alpha Tau Medical Ltd. has reported significant interim results from trials of its Alpha DaRT® therapy for pancreatic cancer, achieving over 90% disease control rate and a 75% systemic objective response rate in combination with Keytruda® [1][3][13] - The company has received FDA approvals for multiple Investigational Device Exemptions (IDE) to conduct clinical studies in pancreatic cancer and recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) [5][6][13] - Alpha Tau completed a $36.9 million financing round to support its ongoing clinical and manufacturing activities [6][11] Company Developments - The CEO of Alpha Tau highlighted the company's progress in expanding manufacturing capabilities and preparing for commercial activities, with four active U.S. IDEs approved by the FDA [3] - The company achieved MDSAP certification for its Jerusalem facility, which may expedite the commercialization process in multiple international markets [5][6] - Alpha Tau is set to begin U.S. trials for newly diagnosed pancreatic cancer and recurrent GBM patients soon [3][5] Financial Performance - For Q1 2025, Alpha Tau reported R&D expenses of $7.2 million, an increase from $6.4 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to higher employee compensation and production costs [8] - The company recorded a net loss of $8.7 million, or $0.12 per share, compared to a net loss of $8.0 million, or $0.11 per share, in the same period last year [10][22] - As of March 31, 2025, Alpha Tau had cash and cash equivalents totaling $54.8 million, down from $62.9 million at the end of 2024 [11] Clinical Trial Updates - Interim results from trials showed a 37.5% complete response rate in a combination trial of Alpha DaRT with Keytruda for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, significantly higher than historical benchmarks [1][13] - The company announced the initiation of a U.S. pilot study for Alpha DaRT in combination with first-line chemotherapy for newly diagnosed pancreatic cancer, expanding the trial from 12 to 30 patients [13] - Alpha Tau is also preparing for a multicenter clinical trial in France for locally advanced pancreatic cancer [13]