Biotech stocks lit up the after-hours session on September 9, 2025, with several small- and mid-cap names posting sharp gains following fresh clinical updates, insider buying, and investor conference appearances. Companies like Immutep, Nautilus Biotechnology, Pliant Therapeutics, Phio Pharmaceuticals, and Kura Oncology all saw renewed momentum, driven by near-term catalysts that are drawing attention across the healthcare sector. Here's a quick look at the biggest movers and what's fueling their post-mark ...

Core Insights - Immutep Limited has reported a 60.8% response rate and a 90.2% disease control rate in the INSIGHT-003 trial for its immunotherapy treatment in advanced non-small cell lung cancer [1][7] Group 1: Trial Results - The INSIGHT-003 trial evaluated eftilagimod alpha (efti) in combination with KEYTRUDA® and chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer [1] - The trial showed a significant improvement in overall response rates compared to historical controls, with a 60.8% response rate versus 48.0% in previous registrational trials [4] - In patients with PD-L1 expression below 50%, the response rate was 59.6%, compared to a historical control of 40.8% [5] Group 2: Patient Demographics - Approximately 92% of evaluable patients in the INSIGHT-003 study had PD-L1 Tumor Proportion Score (TPS) below 50%, indicating a high unmet medical need [3][7] - The breakdown of PD-L1 expression levels among evaluable patients included 49% with TPS of 1-49% and 43% with TPS below 1% [3] Group 3: Safety and Future Steps - The safety profile of the triple combination therapy remains favorable, with no new safety signals reported [9] - Additional data updates from the INSIGHT-003 trial are expected to be presented at a medical conference later in 2025 [10] Group 4: Company Background - Immutep is a late-stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel immunotherapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases, leveraging its expertise in LAG-3 [14] - Eftilagimod alpha (efti) is a proprietary soluble LAG-3 protein that stimulates both innate and adaptive immunity for cancer treatment [12]