SAN CARLOS, Calif., July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CARGO Therapeutics, Inc. (“CARGO” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: CRGX), a biotechnology company that has focused on developing CAR T-cell therapies, today announced that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement (the “Merger Agreement”) with Concentra Biosciences, LLC (“Concentra”), whereby Concentra will acquire CARGO for $4.379 in cash per share of CARGO common stock, par value $0.001 per share (“CARGO Common Stock”), plus one non-transferable cont ...

Core Viewpoint - A new Florida law effective July 1, 2025, allows physicians to provide investigational stem cell therapies for orthopedics, wound care, and pain management, with strict safety and ethical standards in place [1][2]. Group 1: New Legislation - The law permits the use of stem cell therapies not yet approved by the FDA, with strict limits on the sources of stem cells, which must come from FDA-registered facilities [2][4]. - Physicians are required to obtain informed consent from patients before administering these therapies [2]. Group 2: Company Positioning - Celularity Inc. is prepared to supply ethically sourced stem cells for these treatments and has a facility that complies with the new law's requirements [2][4]. - The company has extensive knowledge and real-world data from clinical trials related to the therapies authorized under the new law [3][4]. Group 3: Industry Impact - The Florida Medical Association was involved in crafting the legislation to balance public protection against ineffective therapies and avoid overregulation of physicians [4]. - The law is seen as a potential model for other states, emphasizing the role of physicians in assessing the best therapeutic approaches for patients [4]. Group 4: Company Overview - Celularity Inc. specializes in regenerative and cellular medicine, focusing on placental-derived cell therapies and advanced biomaterial products [5]. - The company aims to address significant unmet global needs for effective and affordable therapies by utilizing the unique biology of the placenta [5].

Core Viewpoint - Plus Therapeutics (PSTV) has received an upgrade to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating a positive trend in earnings estimates which is a significant factor influencing stock prices [1][2]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Price Movement - The Zacks rating system is based on the correlation between changes in earnings estimates and stock price movements, making it a valuable tool for investors [2][3]. - Institutional investors utilize earnings estimates to determine the fair value of stocks, leading to price movements based on their buying or selling activities [3]. Company Performance Indicators - The upgrade for Plus reflects an improvement in the company's underlying business, which is expected to positively influence its stock price [4]. - Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Plus has increased by 78.7%, indicating a significant upward revision in earnings expectations [7]. Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank system categorizes stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with a strong historical performance, particularly for Zacks Rank 1 stocks which have averaged a +25% annual return since 1988 [6]. - Plus's upgrade to Zacks Rank 2 places it in the top 20% of Zacks-covered stocks, suggesting a strong potential for market-beating returns in the near term [9].

Core Points - Celularity Inc. has terminated its Chief Financial Officer, David Beers, effective immediately, without cause, and this decision is not related to the company's financial performance or reporting practices [1] - Joseph DosSantos, the current Senior Vice President of Finance, has been appointed as the interim CFO while the company searches for a new CFO [2] - The company has retained CFO Squad, a financial and business advisory firm, to provide outsourced accounting and consulting services during this transition period, focusing on SEC and financial reporting support [3] Company Overview - Celularity Inc. is a regenerative and cellular medicine company that develops and commercializes advanced biomaterial products and allogeneic, cryopreserved, placental-derived cell therapies, utilizing the postpartum placenta [4]

PitchBook Data, Inc. Nizar Tarhuni Executive Vice President of Research and Market Intelligence Paul Condra Global Head of Private Markets Research James Ulan Director of Emerging Technology Research Institutional Research Group Analysis Kazi Helal, Ph.D. Senior Research Analyst, Biotech and Pharma Data Sara Good Data Analyst pbinstitutionalresearch@pitchbook.com Publishing Designed by Jenna O'Malley Published on May 29, 2025 Contents | Key takeaways | 1 | | --- | --- | | Introduction: Biotech VC fund ecosy ...

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lyell Immunopharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: LYEL), a clinical-stage company advancing a pipeline of next-generation CAR T-cell therapies for patients with cancer, announced today that members of its senior management team will present and participate in the Goldman Sachs 46th Annual Global Healthcare Conference on Wednesday, June 11th at 10:00 am ET. A live webcast of the presentation can be accessed through the Investors section of the Company's website ...

Core Points - Celularity Inc. has been notified by Nasdaq for not timely filing its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2025, resulting in non-compliance with Listing Rule 5250 (c)(1) [1] - The notice from Nasdaq does not have an immediate effect on the listing or trading of the Company's shares, and the Company has 60 calendar days to submit a compliance plan [2] - The Company is actively working to complete its Form 10-Q and anticipates maintaining compliance with SEC reporting obligations [3] Company Overview - Celularity Inc. is a regenerative and cellular medicine company focused on developing and commercializing advanced biomaterial products and allogeneic, cryopreserved, placental-derived cell therapies, utilizing the postpartum placenta [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company ended the quarter with a cash balance of $3.2 million, with cash used in operations for the three months ended March 31, 2025, at $1.3 million, reduced from $2.5 million for the same period in 2024 [21] - The net loss for the first quarter of 2025 was $2.8 million or $0.70 per share, compared to a net loss of $3.8 million or $1.10 per share for the first quarter of 2024 [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company made significant progress in clinical trials, particularly in solid tumors, with new data presented at the AACR IO conference showing immune activation and early clinical activity in patients with second-line gastric cancer [6][10] - The company is advancing its INKT cell therapies in multiple areas, including solid tumors and immune-related diseases, with a focus on acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and graft versus host disease (GVHD) [15][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is engaging in confidential discussions for proposals that could extend its runway and accelerate its impact in oncology and immunology [7][9] - The company has observed promising survival rates exceeding 70% in critically ill ventilated patients with ARDS, indicating a potential shift in treatment paradigms [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on advancing its INKT platform in oncology and immunology, with plans to initiate a phase one trial for GVHD and continue developing its CAR NKT and TCR NKT therapies [8][18] - The company aims to diversify capital and reduce dilution through strategic partnerships, which are essential for unlocking the full potential of its technology [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism regarding the regulatory path forward, particularly with the FDA's increased receptivity to novel immune-based approaches [17] - The company is committed to advancing its programs rapidly, guided by scientific conviction and a mandate to bring transformative immune-based therapies to patients in need [19] Other Important Information - The company has been selected for probable funding by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, which is expected to provide critical non-dilutive funding [19] - The company is working to make its therapies accessible through well-designed clinical trials and compassionate use programs [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Duration until complete response observed in testicular cancer patient - Management indicated that the complete response was formally designated at month 24 after the initial treatment, with disease stabilization observed during the 12-month follow-up period [25][26] Question: Status of phase two gastric trial and expected data release - Management confirmed that they are on track for initial efficacy data in the second half of the year, with updates expected by early next year at the latest [29][30] Question: Updates on government funding and potential delays - Management reassured that while there were delays expected, they received formal notification from NIAID regarding probable funding, which remains a high priority for the agency [31][33] Question: Details on GVHD trial and patient enrollment - Management outlined plans to study GVHD in both steroid refractory acute patients and prophylaxis settings, with discussions with regulators imminent [37][39]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company ended the quarter with a cash balance of $3.2 million, with cash used in operations for the three months ended March 31, 2025, at $1.3 million, reduced from $2.5 million for the same period in 2024 [22] - The net loss for the first quarter of 2025 was $2.8 million or $0.70 per share, compared to a net loss of $3.8 million or $1.10 per share for the first quarter of 2024 [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company made significant progress in clinical trials, particularly in solid tumors, with new data presented at the AACR IO conference showing immune activation and early clinical activity in patients with second-line gastric cancer [6][11] - The company is advancing its INKT cell therapies in multiple areas, including solid tumors and immune-related diseases, with a focus on acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and graft versus host disease (GVHD) [16][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is engaging in confidential discussions for proposals that could extend its runway and accelerate its impact in oncology and immunology [10] - The company has observed promising survival rates exceeding 70% in critically ill ventilated patients with ARDS, indicating the potential to change treatment paradigms [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on advancing its INKT platform in oncology and immunology, with plans to initiate a phase one trial for GVHD and continue developing its CAR NKT and TCR NKT therapies [19][20] - The company aims to diversify capital, reduce dilution, and accelerate development through external partnerships, reflecting strong external conviction in the value of its INKT platform [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism regarding the regulatory path forward, particularly with the FDA's increased receptivity to novel immune-based approaches [17] - The company is committed to advancing its programs rapidly, guided by scientific conviction and a mandate to bring transformative immune-based therapies to patients in need [20] Other Important Information - The company has been able to reduce its operating cash burn by about 47% year on year, preserving its ability to invest in core programs [6] - The company expects to receive formal funding from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) by June, which would provide critical non-dilutive funding [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regarding the testicular cancer patient, how long after treatment was the complete response observed? - The complete response was formally designated at month 24 after the initial treatment of AGENT-797, with disease stabilization observed during the 12-month follow-up period [25][27] Question: Is the company still on track for initial efficacy data in the phase two gastric trial in the second half of this year? - The company is on target to present initial efficacy data by the end of this year, with ongoing enrollment in the trial [30][31] Question: Any updates on government funding from NIAID? - The company has received reassurance from NIAID regarding probable funding and expects to hear conclusively in June, indicating that NIAID has not been heavily impacted by recent delays [32][33] Question: Can the company provide details on the GVHD trial and patient enrollment? - The company plans to study GVHD in both steroid refractory acute patients and in prophylaxis settings, with discussions with regulators imminent [37][39]

Core Viewpoint - Zelluna ASA, a company focused on allogeneic T Cell Receptor based Natural Killer (TCR-NK) cells for cancer treatment, announced its first quarter 2025 results, highlighting significant advancements in its manufacturing process and financial performance [1][2]. Financial Update - Total operating expenses for Q1 2025 were MNOK 22.2 [5]. - The net negative cash flow from operations was MNOK 36.0 [5]. - Proceeds from equity issuance amounted to MNOK 51.7, while net cash acquired from the business combination was MNOK 92.3, leading to a net increase in cash and cash equivalents of MNOK 108.0 during Q1 2025 [5]. - Cash and cash equivalents stood at MNOK 135.3 as of March 31, 2025 [5]. - A reverse share split was executed on March 31, 2025, resulting in 20,227,066 outstanding shares, each with a par value of NOK 1 [5]. Business Development - Zelluna successfully completed a business combination with Ultimovacs ASA and Zelluna Immunotherapy AS, along with a private placement that raised gross proceeds of MNOK 51.7 [5]. - The company has developed, scaled, and automated its proprietary manufacturing process for TCR-NK cell therapies, which allows for the production of hundreds of doses from a single batch, enhancing scalability and cost efficiency [5][6]. - The lead program targets MAGE-A4 for the treatment of various solid cancers, marking a significant innovation in the TCR-NK therapeutic field [6].