NovaBridge Also Included in the Highly Regarded Nasdaq Biotech Index, Emphasizing its Position as an Industry Leader Opening the first trading session of the New Year marks an excellent beginning to 2026 for NovaBridgeInclusion in the Nasdaq Biotech Index (NBI) enhances NovaBridge’s visibility and emphasizes the Company’s position as an industry leader ROCKVILLE, Md., Dec. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NovaBridge Biosciences (Nasdaq: NBP) (NovaBridge or the Company) a global biotechnology platform company co ...

Core Insights - NovaBridge Biosciences announced new data from the Phase 1 dosing study of ragistomig, a bispecific 4-1BB X PD-L1 antibody, showing consistent antitumor activity and improved safety profile with a new dosing schedule [1][2][3] Group 1: Study Results - The new Q6W dosing schedule demonstrated a disease control rate (DCR) of 58.8%, comparable to the 64.3% DCR observed with the previous Q2W schedule [7] - Only 5% of patients experienced Grade ≥3 liver function test (LFT) elevations with the Q6W regimen, compared to 40% with the Q2W regimen [13] - The study achieved its objective of extending the therapeutic window, supporting the advancement of ragistomig into combination studies [2][3] Group 2: Immunological Data - The Q6W dosing showed positive immunological data, including expansion of effector memory and CD8+ T cells, indicating durable immune engagement [7][13] - The study reported no cases of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) with either dosing schedule, highlighting the favorable safety profile [7][13] Group 3: Patient Characteristics - The study included 20 heavily pre-treated subjects receiving 3 mg/kg Q6W ragistomig, with 100% previously treated with immuno-oncology therapies [12] - Among the 17 evaluable patients on the Q6W regimen, the objective response rate was 11.8%, while the Q2W regimen had a 28.6% response rate [9] Group 4: Future Directions - The ongoing evaluation of the 5 mg/kg Q6W dosing cohort and future combination studies is anticipated to further assess the efficacy of ragistomig [8]

Core Insights - NovaBridge Biosciences announced new data from the expanded Phase 1 dosing study for ragistomig, a bispecific antibody targeting 4-1BB and PD-L1, to be presented at ESMO-IO 2025 [1][2] - The study successfully extended the therapeutic window for ragistomig, demonstrating strong anti-tumor efficacy and improved tolerability, including enhanced hepatic safety [2][3] - Ragistomig aims to provide new treatment options for patients resistant to checkpoint inhibitors, a significant drug class in cancer therapy [3][5] Company Overview - NovaBridge is a global biotechnology platform focused on accelerating access to innovative medicines, combining business development expertise with clinical development [8] - The company is developing a differentiated pipeline, including ragistomig and givastomig, targeting various cancers and conditions [8][9] - Ragistomig is being developed in collaboration with ABL Bio, utilizing advanced bispecific antibody technology to minimize off-tumor toxicity [5][6] Clinical Study Details - The Phase 1 study of ragistomig is ongoing in the U.S. and South Korea, with a primary focus on defining dose-limiting toxicity and adverse event profiles [5][6] - The new dosing schedule, Q6W, has shown promising results in PD-L1 non-responders, balancing safety and sustained efficacy [6][7] - Interim results, including immunological data, are expected to be presented at the upcoming ESMO-IO meeting [6][7]

Core Insights - NovaBridge Biosciences announced the appointment of Dr. Cadmus C. Rich as Chief Medical Officer and Dr. Carlos Quezada-Ruiz as Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board for its subsidiary Visara, Inc. [1][2][3] Company Developments - The appointments of Dr. Rich and Dr. Quezada-Ruiz highlight Visara's commitment to developing innovative ophthalmic therapies, particularly the VIS-101 program targeting wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) [2][5][12] - Dr. Rich aims to accelerate the development of new ophthalmology treatments and is focused on completing the Phase 2 study of VIS-101 [2][12] - Dr. Quezada-Ruiz brings extensive experience in retinal therapies and emphasizes the need for more durable treatment options for retinal diseases [2][10] Product Pipeline - VIS-101 is a bifunctional biologic targeting VEGF-A and ANG-2, with potential applications in wet AMD, diabetic macular edema (DME), and retinal vein occlusion (RVO) [5][12][17] - The drug is expected to be Phase 3-ready in 2026, following the completion of its current Phase 2 study [5][12] Leadership Expertise - Dr. Rich has a strong background in ophthalmology and drug development, having previously held leadership roles in various biopharmaceutical companies [4][6][7] - Dr. Quezada-Ruiz has significant experience in the global development of retinal therapies and has held senior positions at major pharmaceutical companies [8][9][10] Strategic Vision - The appointments are part of NovaBridge's strategic transformation into a global biotech platform, showcasing its ability to attract top-tier talent in the industry [3][5] - The company aims to deliver value to shareholders through its innovative "hub-and-spoke" strategy [3]

Core Insights - NovaBridge Biosciences announced the appointment of Dr. Cadmus C. Rich as Chief Medical Officer and Dr. Carlos Quezada-Ruiz as Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board for its subsidiary Visara, Inc. [1][2][3] Leadership Appointments - Dr. Rich and Dr. Quezada-Ruiz are recognized leaders in ophthalmology and drug development, enhancing Visara's capabilities in clinical functions and scientific advisory [2][5] - Dr. Rich aims to accelerate the development of innovative ophthalmology treatments, particularly focusing on the VIS-101 program [2][12] - Dr. Quezada-Ruiz has extensive experience in developing retinal therapies and is committed to advancing VIS-101 into registrational development [2][10] VIS-101 Program - VIS-101 is a novel bifunctional biologic targeting VEGF-A and ANG-2, with potential applications in treating wet AMD, DME, and RVO [5][12] - The program is expected to be Phase 3-ready by 2026, following the completion of a Phase 2 study [5][12] - The dual targeting mechanism of VIS-101 is anticipated to provide more durable treatment benefits compared to current standards of care [12][18] Strategic Transformation - The appointments of Dr. Rich and Dr. Quezada-Ruiz reflect NovaBridge's strategic transformation into a global biotech platform and its commitment to delivering shareholder value [3][5] - The ability to attract distinguished leaders underscores the potential of VIS-101 and the company's innovative "hub-and-spoke" strategy [3][5] Company Overview - Visara, Inc. is focused on developing best-in-class ophthalmic therapeutics and is majority-owned by NovaBridge, which controls global rights to VIS-101 outside of Greater China [13][18] - NovaBridge is dedicated to accelerating access to innovative medicines through a combination of business development expertise and agile clinical development [15][16]

Core Insights - NovaBridge Biosciences is focused on developing immuno-oncology agents for cancer treatment, with several projects in various clinical trial stages [1] - The company has strategic partnerships with industry leaders, enhancing its research and development capabilities [1] Price Target Changes - The consensus price target for NovaBridge's stock has decreased from $7.75 to $7.00, indicating a shift in analyst sentiment [2][5] - This decline in price target suggests potential influences from recent developments or broader market conditions affecting the biotech sector [2] Investment Considerations - Investors should monitor NovaBridge's ongoing clinical trials and strategic partnerships, as these factors could significantly impact future performance and stock valuation [3][5] - New announcements or updates from NovaBridge may provide further insights into potential stock movements [3] Comparative Analysis - In contrast, IMab has received a positive outlook from analysts, with a price target set at $8, reflecting increased optimism about its earnings prospects [4] - This comparison highlights the importance of analyst ratings and price targets in assessing biotech stocks [4][5]

Core Insights - NovaBridge Biosciences is focused on developing immuno-oncology agents for cancer treatment, with several projects in various clinical trial stages [1] - The company has established strategic partnerships with major players in the industry to enhance its research and development efforts [1] Price Target Analysis - The consensus price target for NovaBridge's stock has decreased from $7.75 to $7.00 over the past month, indicating a more cautious short-term outlook from analysts [2][5] - Despite the recent decrease, the price target has remained stable over the past year, suggesting a consistent long-term view of the company's potential [2] Comparative Analysis with IMab - IMab has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), with a new price target of $8 set by analyst Kumaraguru Raja, reflecting increased optimism about its earnings potential [3][5] - The contrasting outlooks for NovaBridge and IMab highlight varied analyst sentiments based on recent developments in the biotech sector [4][5]

Core Viewpoint - Cancer immunotherapy is emerging as a key treatment method for cancer, following surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, and is expected to see significant market growth in the coming years [1][6][7]. Group 1: Industry Definition and Classification - Cancer immunotherapy aims to activate or enhance the immune system to target tumor cells, utilizing methods such as cytokine therapy, cancer vaccines, T-cell therapy, and immune checkpoint inhibitors [2][4]. Group 2: Current Development Status - Cancer remains a leading health threat, with over 10 million deaths annually. The global anti-cancer drug market is projected to grow from $150.3 billion in 2020 to $253.3 billion in 2024, with cancer immunotherapy expected to reach $69.91 billion, accounting for 27.60% of the market [4][6][7]. Group 3: Industry Chain - The cancer immunotherapy industry chain includes upstream activities such as basic research and drug design, midstream development and production, and downstream medical institutions and testing agencies [8]. Group 4: Development Environment and Policies - Cancer is the leading cause of death globally, with a low early diagnosis rate in China. The government has implemented policies to enhance cancer prevention and treatment, such as the "Healthy China Action - Cancer Prevention and Control Action Implementation Plan (2023-2030)" [9]. Group 5: Competitive Landscape - The cancer immunotherapy market is characterized by concentrated leadership and technological differentiation, with key players including Legend Biotech, Akeso, I-Mab, Junshi Biosciences, and others. Notable advancements have been made in CAR-T, bispecific antibodies, and NK therapies [10][11]. Group 6: Future Development Directions - While cancer immunotherapy has transitioned from laboratory concepts to clinical practice, challenges such as resistance, toxicity, and accessibility remain. Future advancements may lead to a shift from "prolonging survival" to "functional cure" through interdisciplinary innovation and policy support [12][13].

Core Insights - NovaBridge Biosciences is focused on developing immuno-oncology agents for cancer treatment, with several projects in clinical trials and strategic partnerships enhancing its capabilities [1] - The consensus price target for NovaBridge's stock has decreased from $7.75 to $7.00 over the past year, indicating a decline in analyst optimism [2][5] - Recent changes in the price target may be influenced by clinical trial developments, strategic partnerships, or broader market conditions affecting the biotech sector [3] Company Overview - NovaBridge is developing promising immuno-oncology agents such as givastomig, uliledlimab, and ragistomig, which are at various clinical trial stages [1] - The company has established strategic partnerships with major players like Ferring International Center SA, Bristol Myers Squibb, ABL Bio, Inc., and TJ Bio [1] Market Comparison - In contrast to NovaBridge, IMab has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), with a price target of $8, indicating increased optimism regarding its earnings potential [4] - The differing analyst views on NovaBridge and IMab highlight the varying expectations within the biotech sector [5]

Core Insights - The recent surge in IPO applications from biopharmaceutical companies in Hong Kong reflects a collective grasp of the financing window amid improved market conditions [2][10] - The influx of applications highlights the survival differentiation and development anxiety among various players in the industry [2] Market Environment - The Hong Kong stock market has seen a significant improvement, driven by rising secondary market stock prices attracting capital and the Federal Reserve's interest rate cuts pushing funds towards emerging markets [2][10] - Daily trading volume in Hong Kong stocks has surged to several hundred billion HKD post-October 2024, significantly increasing institutional investor interest [2] Company Strategies and Focus Areas - The recent IPO applications show a clear specialization in niche areas, with oncology remaining a core battlefield [4] - New Bridge Bio focuses on precision immuno-oncology drugs, targeting a market projected to grow from $15.1 billion in 2024 to $22.3 billion by 2034 [4] - Lupo Pharma is developing a platform for oral cancer and autoimmune disease treatments, maintaining over 82% of its operating expenses on R&D since 2023 [4] Financial Health and Challenges - The financial health of the eight companies reveals a stark divergence, with many unprofitable biotech firms facing ongoing cash burn pressures [5] - New Bridge Bio's cumulative losses are projected to reach $239 million by mid-2025, with a significant drop in R&D spending raising concerns about clinical progress [5] - De Mei Pharma reported a 30.7% revenue increase to 617.5 million CNY in 2024, but its net loss expanded 21 times due to high sales expenses [6] Competitive Landscape and Valuation - The IPO process is just the beginning; valuation and market competition will pose significant challenges for these biopharmaceutical companies [8] - The market has become increasingly stringent regarding valuation logic, as evidenced by recent privatization trends among companies like China Traditional Chinese Medicine and Fuhong Hanlin due to low valuations [8] - Companies must find valuation support through differentiation and commercial prospects, with R&D progress and data quality being critical for valuation ceilings [8] Operational Efficiency and Future Outlook - For traditional pharmaceutical companies, demonstrating sustainable growth is essential, as seen with Jiangxi Biopharmaceutical's focus on balancing stable traditional business with innovative breakthroughs [9] - De Mei Pharma's case illustrates the need for companies to balance market promotion and R&D investment while improving customer and supplier structures to mitigate operational risks [9] - The overall recovery of the Hong Kong biopharmaceutical IPO market injects vital liquidity into the industry, but the rationality of the market has significantly increased [10]