Normunity Raises $75M in Series B to Advance Solid Tumor T-Cell Engagers, Jan. 14, 2025
Normunity has raised $75 million in a Series B funding round to advance the clinical development of NRM-823, a potential first-in-class T-cell engager targeting solid tumors. Co-led by Samsara BioCapital and Enavate Sciences, with participation from Pfizer Ventures and others, this funding will support the initiation of a Phase I trial in 2025. NRM-823, which redirects T cells to attack cancer cells, shows promise for treating cancers that are challenging to address. The company’s total funding now reaches $140 million, positioning Normunity to expand its pipeline targeting tumor-specific immune suppression.
Full Article: Normunity Series B Funding
Eli Lilly Acquires Scorpion’s PI3K Inhibitor Program for $2.5B, Jan. 13, 2025
Eli Lilly has acquired Scorpion Therapeutics' PI3Kα inhibitor program, including STX-478, in a $1 billion upfront deal, with potential milestones bringing the total to $2.5 billion. STX-478, a small molecule targeting PI3Kα mutations via a novel binding site, is in Phase I/II trials for breast cancer and solid tumors. This move aims to overcome safety and toxicity challenges faced by earlier PI3K inhibitors and bolster Lilly's oncology pipeline. Scorpion will spin out its non-PI3K work into a new entity, while Lilly retains a minority stake.
Full Article: Eli Lilly Acquires PI3K Inhibitor
Egle Therapeutics Appoints Christophe Quéva as CEO, Jan. 13, 2025
Egle Therapeutics has appointed Christophe Quéva, Ph.D., as CEO, bringing over 20 years of immuno-oncology expertise to the clinical-stage biotech. As Egle transitions its lead candidates, EGL-001 and EGL-003, into clinical trials, Dr. Quéva's leadership and experience in advancing innovative therapies will be pivotal. “Egle is uniquely positioned to demonstrate the therapeutic potential of regulatory T cells,” Dr. Quéva stated. The appointment marks a key moment for Egle’s evolution in oncology and autoimmune disease therapeutics.
Full Article: Egle Therapeutics Appoints CEO
SE Immunotherapeutics Appoints Dr. Sonya Montgomery as CDO, Jan. 13, 2025
OSE Immunotherapeutics has appointed Dr. Sonya Montgomery as Chief Development Officer to lead the company’s preclinical and clinical portfolio development. With over two decades of experience in R&D strategy, Dr. Montgomery will oversee key assets and coordinate development efforts across various teams. “OSE is uniquely positioned to deliver first-in-class immunotherapeutic drug candidates in immuno-oncology and immuno-inflammation,” Dr. Montgomery stated. Her extensive expertise in advancing assets from discovery to regulatory approval will drive the company’s strategic growth.
Full Article: OSE Immunotherapeutics Appoints CDO
Umoja Biopharma Closes $100M Series C to Advance In Vivo CAR T Therapy, Jan. 14, 2025
Umoja Biopharma has secured $100 million in Series C funding to advance its in vivo CAR T cell therapy pipeline. The financing will support clinical milestones for its CD22 UB-VV400 program and aims to improve CAR T therapy access and effectiveness for oncology and autoimmune diseases. This oversubscribed round, co-led by Double Point Ventures and DCVC Bio, includes participation from ARK Invest and SoftBank Vision Fund. Dr. Campbell Murray joins the board to further advance the company’s immunotherapy goals.
Full Article: Umoja Biopharma Series C Financing
Pasithea Expands Phase 1 Trial for MEK Inhibitor in Europe, Jan. 15, 2025
Pasithea Therapeutics has expanded its Phase 1 trial for PAS-004, a next-generation macrocyclic MEK inhibitor, by opening new clinical trial sites in Eastern Europe. The sites in Romania and Bulgaria, in collaboration with Arensia Exploratory Medicine, will join four U.S. sites in recruiting patients with MAPK pathway-driven advanced solid tumors. The company has completed initial dosing in Cohort 4A (15mg capsule) and is actively recruiting for Cohort 4B (4mg tablet). Interim safety and pharmacokinetic data from these cohorts are expected in Q1 2025.
Full Article: Pasithea Expands MEK Inhibitor Trial
Telix Pharmaceuticals Receives European Approval for Illuccix, Jan. 17, 2025
Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited (TLPPF) has received European marketing authorization for its prostate cancer PET imaging agent, Illuccix (allium-68 gozetotide injection). This approval follows the successful decentralized procedure with Germany’s BfArM acting as the Reference Member State. Illuccix will aid in detecting PSMA-positive lesions in prostate cancer patients, including in primary staging, recurrent disease, and progressive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). The approval paves the way for the commercial launch of Illuccix in Europe, further strengthening Telix’s position in prostate cancer care.
Full Article: Telix Receives European Approval for Illuccix
