Memo Therapeutics - C-Suite Changes, Nov 5, 2024
Memo Therapeutics has appointed Frits van Alphen, MD, as Chief Development Officer, succeeding Dr. Gerald P. Parzmair. With 30 years of experience in clinical development, including roles at Vifor Pharma and Roche, Frits brings expertise in nephrology and rare diseases. His appointment comes as MTx advances potravitug, its lead asset, into late-stage clinical development for BK viremia in kidney transplant recipients. CEO Erik van den Berg highlighted Frits’s experience as pivotal for this next phase, with MTx currently running the largest-ever Phase II trial in this indication.
Full Article: Memo Therapeutics Appoints Frits van Alphen as Chief Development Officer
Allogene Therapeutics - Clinical Trial Updates, Nov 8, 2024
Allogene Therapeutics reported Phase 1 data for its CAR-T therapy, ALLO-316, showing a 33% response rate in heavily pretreated solid tumor patients. However, the trial also saw three treatment-related deaths, including cardiogenic shock and sepsis. Despite these safety concerns, Allogene remains optimistic, citing a 50% best overall response in patients with high CD70 expression and highlighting the potential of its CD70 Dagger technology to improve cell expansion and reduce chemotherapy needs.
Full Article: Allogene Links Shelf CAR-T Responses and Deaths in Phase 1 Solid Tumor Trial
Nammi Therapeutics - Clinical Trial Updates, Nov 8, 2024
Nammi Therapeutics has dosed the first patient in its Phase 1 trial (NCT06582017) for QXL138AM, an immunotherapy using its Masked-Immunocytokine (MIC) technology. The trial will evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of QXL138AM in patients with advanced CD138-expressing cancers, including multiple myeloma and solid tumors. The goal is to enhance the therapeutic potential of interferon alpha 2 while minimizing toxicity.
Full Article: Nammi Therapeutics Announces First Patient Dosed with QXL138AM in Phase 1 Study
March Biosciences - Series A Investment, Nov 7, 2024
March Biosciences closed a $28.4 million Series A funding round, led by Mission BioCapital and 4BIO Capital, with participation from several other investors. This brings the company's total funding to over $51 million. The funds will support the Phase 2 development of MB-105, an engineered CAR-T therapy for relapsed and refractory CD5-positive T-cell lymphoma. March Bio also announced a partnership with Volnay Therapeutics to optimize the manufacturing process for MB-105. The company aims to expand its clinical data and advance its pipeline, with plans for a Phase 2 trial starting in 2025.
Full Article: March Biosciences Raises $28.4 Million in Series A to Combat Cancers
CrossBridge Bio - Seed Funding, Nov 6, 2024
CE-Ventures co-led a $10 million funding round for CrossBridge Bio, a Houston-based biotech developing dual-payload antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for targeted cancer therapies. The investment will support the advancement of CrossBridge Bio’s lead candidate, CBB-120, for solid tumors, expand its dual-payload ADC pipeline, and further develop its proprietary linker technology. Other participants in the round include TMC Venture Fund, Portal Innovations, and Alexandria Ventures. CrossBridge Bio plans to use the funding to move CBB-120 into preclinical toxicology studies, with the goal of transforming cancer therapy through its innovative drug delivery approach.
Full Article: CrossBridge Bio Raises $10M to Advance Cancer Therapies
Viracta Therapeutics - Workforce Reduction/ Layoffs, Nov 6, 2024
Viracta Therapeutics announced a strategic shift to focus on its Nana-val program for relapsed or refractory EBV-positive peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL), resulting in a 42% workforce reduction and an estimated $0.7 million in severance costs. The company has also resized its Board of Directors from ten to six members to streamline operations. Despite these changes, Viracta remains committed to advancing its clinical trials, including a Phase 2 trial for EBV-positive lymphoma and other cancer indications. The company also appointed Michael Faerm as CFO and reported $30 million in cash reserves as of Q2 2024.
Full Article: Viracta Therapeutics Cuts Workforce to Focus on Cancer Program
I-Mab - C-Suite Changes, Nov 6, 2024
I-Mab has appointed Dr. Sean (Xi-Yong) Fu as its permanent CEO, effective November 1, 2024, after serving as Interim CEO since July 2024. With over 20 years of experience in biopharmaceutical development, Dr. Fu has held leadership roles at RVAC Medicines, Luye Pharma, and Merck. He will continue as a Board member and is focused on advancing I-Mab's clinical programs. Dr. Fu holds a PhD in materials science and an MBA from the Wharton School.
Full Article: I-Mab Appoints Dr. Sean Fu as CEO
Tango Therapeutics - Positive Trial Data, Nov 6, 2024
Tango Therapeutics updated on its PRMT5 program, selecting TNG462 for full development based on positive Phase 1/2 trial results in NSCLC and pancreatic cancer. TNG462 showed clinical activity and durability with a median treatment time of 24 weeks. The company is halting TNG908 enrollment, as it did not meet efficacy expectations in glioblastoma, and is introducing TNG456, a next-gen PRMT5 inhibitor for brain tumors. TNG456 will enter clinical trials in 1H 2025. Additionally, Tango is planning combination studies with RAS(ON) inhibitors and standard therapies for broader cancer treatment.
Full Article: Tango Therapeutics Reports Positive TNG462 Clinical Data and Update on PRMT5 Program
Minghui Pharmaceutical - Positive Trial Data, Nov 6, 2024
Minghui Pharmaceutical reported promising Phase I results for MHB039A, a PD-1 x VEGF bispecific antibody in relapsed/refractory solid tumors. The antibody showed strong PD-1 and VEGF inhibition, with tumor reduction in NSCLC patients previously treated with PD-1 inhibitors. MHB039A was well tolerated, with no dose-limiting toxicities. CEO Dr. Guoqing Cao highlighted its potential as a next-gen immunotherapy, especially for combination therapies.
Full Article: Minghui Pharmaceutical Announces Promising Initial Results from Phase I Clinical Trial of MHB039A
C4 Therapeutics - Clinical Trial Updates, Nov 6, 2024
C4 Therapeutics announced that Betta Pharmaceuticals has dosed the first patient in a Phase 1 trial of CFT8919, an oral EGFR L858R degrader for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), in Greater China. Designed to target EGFR mutations, CFT8919 aims to address cases resistant to current EGFR inhibitors. This collaboration with Betta Pharmaceuticals, started in 2023, could bring C4T up to $357 million in milestone payments and royalties, while C4T retains rights outside Greater China.
Full Article: C4 Therapeutics Announces First Patient Dosed in CFT8919 Clinical Trial
Plus Therapeutics - Partnerships & Collaboration, Nov 6, 2024
Plus Therapeutics has partnered with SpectronRx to manufacture Rhenium (186Re) Obisbemeda, an advanced radiotherapy targeting CNS cancers, in preparation for its Phase 1b trial starting early 2025. This strategic alliance aims to ensure a reliable supply for both clinical and commercial demands. Despite progress in its ReSPECT-GBM Phase 1/2 trial and securing a $3 million Department of Defense award for pediatric brain cancer, the company faces financial challenges, including lower Q2 revenues and the need for a Nasdaq equity extension. Plus Therapeutics maintains a cash balance of $8.4 million, anticipates $6–7 million in grant revenue, and has made governance changes by electing six new board members and amending its stock incentive plan to support its ongoing development efforts.
Full Article: Plus Therapeutics Partners with SpectronRx for Cancer Therapy
PrognomiQ - New Collaboration, Nov 6, 2024
PrognomiQ entered a collaboration with Recursion Pharmaceuticals to integrate its high-resolution proteomics and AI-powered insights into Recursion's database for drug discovery. This collaboration will focus on accelerating the identification of new therapeutic targets and drug candidates. By leveraging PrognomiQ's proprietary proteomics platform and AI capabilities, both companies aim to push the boundaries of targeted therapies for various diseases.
Full Article: PrognomiQ Joins Forces with Recursion Pharmaceuticals
