Galera Therapeutics Completes Acquisition of Nova Pharmaceuticals to Expand Oncology Pipeline
Dec. 31, 2024
Galera Therapeutics has acquired Nova Pharmaceuticals, Inc., expanding its oncology pipeline with a pan-NOS inhibitor targeting resistant breast cancers like metaplastic and triple-negative subtypes. A $3 million investment led by Ikarian Capital supports the acquisition, and Galera’s cash reserves are expected to fund operations into 2026. The company’s lead program, a Phase 1/2 trial combining the pan-NOS inhibitor with nab-paclitaxel and alpelisib, will focus on metaplastic breast cancer, with additional trials planned for triple-negative and HR+ advanced breast cancers. This strategic move underscores Galera’s commitment to tackling challenging oncology subsets.
Full Article: Galera Therapeutics Acquisition News
NeoPhore Appoints Michael Shih as CEO to Lead Immuno-Oncology Growth
Dec. 31, 2024
NeoPhore, a neoantigen immuno-oncology company, has appointed Michael Shih as CEO and board member. Shih, with nearly 20 years of experience in corporate development roles at Kite Pharma, Biogen, Sanofi, and others, brings expertise in strategic collaborations and mergers. His leadership comes at a pivotal moment following NeoPhore’s oversubscribed Series B financing supported by Bristol Myers Squibb. Chairman Robert James highlighted Shih’s critical role in driving the company’s growth as it approaches clinical-stage development. NeoPhore is advancing first-in-class small molecule drugs targeting the MMR pathway to enhance cancer immunotherapy outcomes.
Full Article: NeoPhore CEO Appointment
Innovent Biologics Signs $80M Global License Agreement with Roche for Lung Cancer ADC
Jan. 2, 2025
Innovent Biologics has announced a collaboration and exclusive license agreement with Roche to advance IBI3009, a novel DLL3-targeted antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) for small-cell lung cancer. The ADC, developed using Innovent’s proprietary topoisomerase 1 inhibitor platform, has already received IND approvals in Australia, China, and the U.S., with the first patient dosed in December 2024. Under the terms, Roche will have exclusive global rights to develop and commercialize IBI3009, with Innovent receiving an upfront payment of $80 million and up to $1 billion in milestone payments, along with royalties on sales.
Full Article: Innovent Biologics and Roche Agreement
Roche Partners with Innovent Biologics for Lung Cancer ADC Development
Jan. 2, 2025
Roche has entered into an $80 million upfront agreement with Innovent Biologics to advance IBI3009, a DLL3-targeting antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) for small-cell lung cancer. The two companies will collaborate on the early development of the drug, which is currently in a Phase 1 trial. Roche will take over responsibility for later-stage development. Innovent could receive up to $1 billion in milestone payments and tiered royalties on sales. IBI3009 was developed using Innovent's TOPO1i platform and targets DLL3, which is overexpressed in certain cancers but minimally present in healthy tissues.
Full Article: Roche and Innovent Biologics Collaboration
AstraZeneca’s Tagrisso Approved in Europe for New NSCLC Treatment
Jan. 2, 2025
AstraZeneca’s Tagrisso (osimertinib) has received European Commission approval to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with EGFR exon 19 deletions or exon 21 mutations. This approval targets locally advanced, unresectable NSCLC, offering a new standard of care for these patients. Backed by the LAURA trial, which showed an 84% reduction in disease progression or death, Tagrisso provides hope for the 15% of NSCLC patients with EGFR mutations. This approval reinforces AstraZeneca’s leadership in oncology and highlights the importance of timely EGFR testing and targeted therapies.
Full Article: AstraZeneca’s Tagrisso Approval