Findings provide scientific insights into the contributions of IDO1 and PD-L1 vaccination to PD-1 blockade for the treatment of metastatic melanomaFive-year analysis of median progression free survival was 25.5 monthsThese results reinforce the potential of immune-modulatory vaccination NEW YORK, Dec. 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- IO Biotech (Nasdaq: IOBT), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel, immune-modulatory, off-the-shelf therapeutic cancer vaccines, today announced the publicatio ...

Core Viewpoint - Arcus Biosciences is facing challenges following the discontinuation of the Phase 3 STAR-221 study, which has led to a significant decline in its stock price, but the company remains committed to its research and development efforts in cancer therapies and immunology [2][5]. Group 1: Company Overview - Arcus Biosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative cancer therapies, collaborating with Gilead Sciences in the field of immuno-oncology [1]. - The company is recognized for its pioneering work in the oncology space despite competition from other biotech firms [1]. Group 2: Recent Developments - Citigroup has maintained a "Buy" rating for Arcus Biosciences, adjusting its price target from $56 to $44 due to the recent discontinuation of the Phase 3 STAR-221 study [2][5]. - The STAR-221 study evaluated a combination of anti-TIGIT antibody domvanalimab, anti-PD-1 antibody zimberelimab, and chemotherapy, but did not show improved overall survival compared to nivolumab plus chemotherapy, leading to its discontinuation [3]. Group 3: Stock Performance - Following the discontinuation of the STAR-221 study, Arcus Biosciences' stock price dropped approximately 14.38%, closing at $21.53 [4][5]. - The stock fluctuated between $20.35 and $23.98 during the trading day, with a market capitalization of approximately $2.32 billion and a trading volume of 7.16 million shares [4]. - Over the past year, the stock reached a high of $26.40 and a low of $6.50 [4]. Group 4: Future Focus - Despite recent setbacks, Arcus Biosciences continues to focus on its research and development efforts, particularly in its inflammation and immunology portfolio [4][5].

Core Viewpoint - Arcus Biosciences, Inc. is facing challenges following the discontinuation of its Phase 3 STAR-221 study, which has negatively impacted investor sentiment and stock performance, despite a previously strong market position. Group 1: Stock Performance - Truist Financial has set a price target of $30 for Arcus Biosciences (RCUS), indicating a potential upside of 34.74% from its current trading price of $22.27 [1][5] - Following the announcement of the study's discontinuation, RCUS stock experienced a significant decline, dropping to $21.77, a decrease of 13.42% or $3.38 from its previous value [2][3] - The stock fluctuated between $20.35 and $24 during the trading day, reflecting market volatility [3] Group 2: Study Discontinuation - Arcus announced the discontinuation of its Phase 3 STAR-221 study in collaboration with Gilead Sciences, as the Independent Data Monitoring Committee found no improvement in overall survival with the tested combination [2][5] - The decision to halt the study has adversely affected investor sentiment, despite the safety profiles being similar [2] Group 3: Future Focus - Arcus is shifting its focus to research and development investments in Casdatifan and its emerging inflammation and immunology portfolio [4][5] - The company's market capitalization is approximately $2.35 billion, with a trading volume of 5,619,062 shares on the day of the announcement [4]

Core Insights - Arcus Biosciences has announced the discontinuation of the Phase 3 STAR-221 study due to futility, following a recommendation from the Independent Data Monitoring Committee after an interim analysis of overall survival [1][2]. Study Discontinuation - The STAR-221 study evaluated the combination of anti-TIGIT antibody domvanalimab and anti-PD-1 antibody zimberelimab with chemotherapy against nivolumab plus chemotherapy for untreated patients with advanced gastric and esophageal cancers [2]. - The interim analysis revealed that the domvanalimab-based combination did not improve overall survival compared to nivolumab plus chemotherapy, with a similar safety profile and no new safety findings [3]. Future Directions - Arcus will focus its R&D efforts on casdatifan, a potential best-in-class HIF-2α inhibitor, which has shown strong single-agent activity in over 120 late-line clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) patients in the ARC-20 Phase 1/1b study [5]. - Key milestones for casdatifan include additional analyses in early 2026, more mature combination data by mid-2026, and potential initiation of a Phase 3 trial in late 2026 [6][7]. Oncology Pipeline - Arcus is advancing quemliclustat, a small-molecule CD73 inhibitor, with the Phase 3 PRISM-1 trial in first-line metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma having completed enrollment earlier this year, with results expected in 2027 [8]. Immunology and Inflammation Pipeline - The immunology and inflammation portfolio includes several oral small-molecule programs, with two candidates expected to enter clinical trials in the near future [10][11].

Core Insights - Replimune Group, Inc. presented biomarker data and updated clinical data from the IGNYTE clinical trial of RP1 plus nivolumab at the SITC 2025 meeting, indicating potential to reverse resistance mechanisms to PD-1 blockade in advanced melanoma patients who previously failed anti-PD-1 therapy [1][2] Company Overview - Replimune Group, Inc. is a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel oncolytic immunotherapies, with its lead product candidate RP1 based on a proprietary strain of herpes simplex virus [4][6] - The company aims to transform cancer treatment by maximizing tumor killing potency and activating systemic anti-tumor immune responses through its RPx platform [6] Clinical Trial Insights - The IGNYTE phase 2 cohort included 140 patients with stage IIIB-IV cutaneous melanoma who had confirmed progression on anti-PD-1 therapy for over 8 weeks [3] - RP1 was administered intratumorally every two weeks for up to 8 doses, combined with intravenous nivolumab, which was then given alone for up to 2 years [3] Efficacy and Response Rates - The combination of RP1 and nivolumab demonstrated a clinically meaningful overall response rate (ORR) of 33.6% and a median duration of response of 24.8 months, with consistent results across different tumor types [5] - The treatment showed comparable efficacy in BRAF-mutant and BRAF-wild-type advanced melanoma, with greater activity observed in BRAF-naïve patients [5] Mechanism of Action - RP1 plus nivolumab was shown to upregulate gene signatures associated with responsiveness to PD-1 blockade, reversing multiple resistance mechanisms that were not addressed during prior anti-PD-1 therapy [5]

Core Insights - The NEO-CYT trial is a randomized, multi-centre study evaluating MDNA11 as a neoadjuvant immunotherapy for early-stage melanoma patients, sponsored by Fondazione Melanoma Onlus and led by Professor Paolo A. Ascierto [1][2] - MDNA11 is believed to significantly reduce the risk of cancer recurrence post-surgery, based on positive results from the ABILITY-1 study [1][2] - The trial will assess MDNA11 in combination with nivolumab and possibly ipilimumab, focusing on Major Pathologic Response (MPR) as a primary endpoint, which is indicative of long-term survival [1][2] Company Overview - Medicenna Therapeutics is a clinical-stage immunotherapy company developing Superkines for cancer treatment, with MDNA11 being a long-acting IL-2 Superkine designed to activate immune effector cells while minimizing immunosuppressive effects [6][8] - The company has a cash runway expected to last until at least mid-2026, ensuring continued operations and development of its clinical programs [1] Clinical Development - The NEO-CYT trial aims to provide early, actionable data on the efficacy of MDNA11 in enhancing standard cancer immunotherapy, potentially expanding its market to include high-risk melanoma patients [2][5] - The trial is positioned to evaluate the combination of MDNA11 with established checkpoint inhibitors, which may improve pathologic responses and curative benefits post-surgery [2][5] Research and Collaboration - The Fondazione Melanoma Onlus, a non-profit organization, is sponsoring the NEO-CYT trial, emphasizing the collaborative effort in advancing melanoma research and treatment [7] - The trial is expected to generate significant clinical data that could redefine the role of IL-2 in early-stage melanoma treatment [2][3]

Delcath Systems (NasdaqCM:DCTH) Update Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Delcath Systems - **Industry**: Oncology, specifically focusing on treatments for metastatic uveal melanoma Key Points from the Call Chopin Trial Results - The Chopin trial involved 76 patients randomized to receive either percutaneous hepatic perfusion (PHP) alone or a combination of PHP with ipilimumab and nivolumab [6][8] - **Primary Endpoint**: One-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 54.7% in the combination group versus 15.8% in the PHP group [9] - **Overall Survival**: The combination therapy showed a median overall survival of 23.1 months compared to 19.6 months for PHP alone [9] - **Response Rates**: Best overall response rates were 76.3% for the combination group versus 39.5% for PHP alone [9] - **Adverse Events**: Grade 3 or higher treatment-related adverse events were more frequent in the combination group (81.6% vs. 40.5%) but were manageable [9][18] Implications for Clinical Practice - The results are considered practice-changing, suggesting that the combination of ipilimumab and PHP should be offered to eligible patients [21] - There is a need for further studies to understand the immune versus cytotoxic mechanisms behind the observed efficacy [20] - The combination therapy may be particularly beneficial for patients with both hepatic and extrahepatic disease [21] Financial Results and Guidance - **Q3 2025 Preliminary Results**: Revenue of $20.5 million, gross margins of 87%, net income of $0.8 million, and positive adjusted EBITDA of $5.3 million [32] - **Cash Position**: As of September 30, 2025, the company reported $88.9 million in cash and equivalents [33] - **Revenue Guidance**: The company lowered its revenue guidance for 2025 to $83 million to $85 million due to a slowdown in new patient starts and the impact of 340B discounts [35] - **Treatment Volume Projection**: Total HEPZATO KIT treatment volume is projected to increase by approximately 150% compared to 2024 [36] Market Dynamics - There was a noted decrease in new patient starts per site, attributed to seasonality and scheduling issues [34][50] - The company is optimistic that the Chopin trial data will encourage quicker adoption of combination therapies among oncologists [39][41] - Interest from major cancer centers remains strong, with expectations to have 40 operational centers by the end of next year [33] Additional Insights - The combination therapy's efficacy may lead to a shift in treatment paradigms for other cancers with liver metastases [27][29] - The company is focused on training additional healthcare professionals to administer HEPZATO KIT to mitigate scheduling conflicts [34] - The feedback from oncologists indicates that HEPZATO KIT addresses a significant unmet need in the treatment landscape [35] Conclusion Delcath Systems is positioned to leverage the positive results from the Chopin trial to enhance its market presence and treatment adoption for metastatic uveal melanoma. The financial outlook reflects challenges but also opportunities for growth as the company navigates the complexities of patient recruitment and treatment administration.

Core Viewpoint - The FDA has accepted the resubmission of the Biologics License Application (BLA) for RP1 in combination with nivolumab for advanced melanoma treatment, with a target action date set for April 10, 2026 [1][2] Company Overview - Replimune Group, Inc. is a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel oncolytic immunotherapies, founded in 2015 and headquartered in Woburn, MA [4] - The company's proprietary RPx platform utilizes a potent HSV-1 backbone to enhance immunogenic cell death and systemic anti-tumor immune response [4] Product Information - RP1 (vusolimogene oderparepvec) is Replimune's lead product candidate, engineered from a proprietary strain of herpes simplex virus, designed to maximize tumor killing potency and activate systemic anti-tumor immune responses [3] Regulatory Progress - The resubmission of the BLA for RP1 is considered a complete response to the FDA's complete response letter received in July 2025, with additional data and analyses included to address agency feedback [2]

Core Insights - Replimune Group, Inc. presented new data from the IGNYTE phase 2 cohort of RP1 plus nivolumab at the ESMO Congress 2025, highlighting promising results for acral melanoma patients [1][2] Group 1: Clinical Trial Results - The analysis showed an objective response rate of 44% (8 out of 18 patients) for acral melanoma patients treated with RP1 and nivolumab, with a median duration of response of 11.9 months [2] - The safety profile of the treatment was favorable, with mostly transient grade 1 and 2 treatment-related adverse events [2] Group 2: Background on Acral Melanoma - Acral melanoma is a rare and aggressive form of cutaneous melanoma, accounting for 2-3% of all melanoma cases, often presenting poor outcomes and limited treatment options [3] - Current therapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, typically do not yield effective results for acral melanoma, especially after progression on first-line therapy [3] Group 3: Ongoing and Future Trials - The IGNYTE-3 phase 3 trial is currently recruiting participants to evaluate RP1 plus nivolumab against physician's choice of treatment for melanoma that has progressed on anti-PD1 and anti-CTLA-4 therapy [4] - An additional poster on the efficacy and safety of RP1 plus nivolumab in non-melanoma skin cancers is also being presented at the ESMO Congress [4] Group 4: About RP1 - RP1 (vusolimogene oderparepvec) is Replimune's lead product candidate, engineered from a proprietary strain of herpes simplex virus, designed to enhance tumor killing and activate systemic anti-tumor immune responses [6] Group 5: Company Overview - Replimune Group, Inc., founded in 2015 and headquartered in Woburn, MA, aims to transform cancer treatment through innovative oncolytic immunotherapies [7] - The company's RPx platform is based on a potent HSV-1 backbone, intended to maximize immunogenic cell death and induce a systemic anti-tumor immune response [7]

Core Insights - The interim data from the Phase 1b/2 clinical trial of ciforadenant in combination with ipilimumab and nivolumab shows feasibility and tolerability as a potential first-line therapy for metastatic renal cell cancer (RCC) [1][4][5] Group 1: Trial Overview - The trial enrolled 50 patients with newly diagnosed or recurrent stage IV clear cell RCC, with 8 in Phase 1b and 42 in Phase 2 [2][3] - Patients received ciforadenant 100 mg orally twice daily, ipilimumab 1 mg/kg every three weeks for twelve weeks, and nivolumab 3 mg/kg every three weeks [2] Group 2: Key Findings - The deep response rate was 34%, which is an improvement compared to historical data for the combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab alone [4] - The overall response rate (ORR) was 46%, including two complete responses and 21 partial responses [4] - The median progression-free survival (PFS) was reported at 11.04 months [4] Group 3: Patient Characteristics - The median age of patients in the trial was 61.5 years, with only 54% having undergone prior nephrectomy, indicating more unfavorable disease characteristics [4] - 82% of patients had a poor or intermediate prognosis according to International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium (IMDC) criteria [4] Group 4: Future Directions - The company plans to continue following the 19 patients who remain on therapy to better understand the potential benefits of this treatment approach [2][5]