On May 28, 2025 Theralase Technologies Inc. (TSXV: TLT) (OTCQB: TLTFF) ("Theralase" or the "Company"), a clinical stage pharmaceutical company pioneering light, radiation, sound and drug-activated therapeutics for the treatment of cancer, bacteria and viruses reported promising new preclinical results (Press release, Theralase, MAY 28, 2025, View Source [SID1234653882]). The Company’s latest research demonstrates that radiation-activated Rutherrin is up to 100 times more effective at destroying cancer cells than radiation therapy alone in comparable models.

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This data will be showcased at the 2025 American Society for Radiation Oncology ("ASTRO") 67th Annual Meeting, the world’s largest gathering of radiation oncology professionals, taking place in late September in San Francisco, California. ASTRO has selected the Theralase abstract titled, "Rutherrin Activated by Radiation Therapy Induces Synergistic Tumor Regression through Direct Destruction and Immune Activation in Multiple Preclinical Cancer Models", for presentation in a scientific poster session.

The study highlights the potent anti-cancer effects of Rutherrin—a ruthenium-based small molecule drug formulated with recombinant human transferrin for intravenous administration. Once activated by ionizing radiation through a process known as Radio Dynamic Therapy ("RDT"), Rutherrin initiates a two-phase cancer-killing response: the generation of Reactive Oxygen Species ("ROS") for immediate cytotoxicity, followed by Immunogenic Cell Death ("ICD") to stimulate a durable immune response.

Key Findings from the Preclinical Research:

Selective Tumor Targeting: Rutherrin preferentially accumulates in tumor tissues, sparing healthy cells.
Blood-Brain Barrier Penetration: Demonstrated 10x higher concentrations in Glio Blastoma Multiforme ("GBM") tumors than in healthy brain tissue.
Synergistic Mechanism: Combines direct tumor cell destruction with robust immune activation.
Improved Survival Rates: Statistically significant survival benefits compared to radiation therapy alone.
Resistance Overcoming: Effectively inhibits mechanisms associated with multidrug and radiation resistance.
Adaptive Immune Activation: Induces long-term immunity, as evidenced by resistance to tumor rechallenge.
Mark Roufaiel, Ph.D., research scientist at Theralase commented, "These results are highly encouraging. Rutherrin not only enhances the effectiveness of radiation therapy, but also activates a sustained immune response, offering a powerful, dual-action strategy against aggressive and treatment-resistant cancers."

Arkady Mandel, M.D., Ph.D., D.Sc., Chief Scientific Officer of Theralase, added, "Our focus is to bring this innovative platform to clinical application. Rutherrin represents a major advancement in oncologic treatment, potentially enabling radiation oncologists to dramatically improve patient outcomes. This research provides a strong foundation for integrating Rutherrin with existing cancer therapies to deliver more effective, long-lasting solutions."

Roger DuMoulin-White, B.Sc., P.Eng., Pro.Dir., President and Chief Executive Officer of Theralase, stated, "Based on this compelling data, we are fully committed to completing GLP toxicology studies in 2025. This critical milestone will support the launch of clinical studies in early 2026 targeting GBM, lung, pancreatic, lymphoma and colorectal cancers. We’re excited to continue advancing Rutherrin toward commercialization and transforming cancer care."

About ASTRO

Founded in 1958, ASTRO’s mission is to advance the practice of radiation oncology by promoting excellence in patient care, providing opportunities for educational and professional development, promoting research, disseminating research results and representing radiation oncology in a rapidly evolving health care environment.

The ASTRO Annual Meeting is the premier event in radiation oncology, bringing together leading scientists, clinicians and industry partners to share groundbreaking research and technological innovations. The 2025 meeting in San Francisco will showcase cutting-edge advances in radiation biology, translational medicine and cancer therapeutics.

About Rutherrin

Rutherrin is a patented formulation of Theralase’s lead ruthenium-based small molecule (Ruvidar) combined with recombinant human transferrin making it suitable for intravenous delivery. It has the ability to selectively accumulate in cancer cells versus healthy cells and when radiation-activated provide a one-two punch to cancer, by first destroying the cancer cell through oxidative stress and then activating the immune system for destruction of residual cancer cells. Rutherrin is slated to enter clinical studies in early 2026 for the destruction of deadly cancers; including: brain, lung, pancreatic, colorectal and lymphoma.

On May 28, 2025 Invectys, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering novel cancer immunotherapies, reported that MD Anderson Investigators Drs. Samer Srour and Aung Naing will present a Trial-in-Progress poster at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, taking place May 30–June 3 in Chicago, Illinois (Press release, Invectys, MAY 28, 2025, View Source [SID1234653612]).

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The presentation will detail the ongoing Phase 1/2a clinical trial evaluating IVS-3001, Invectys’ first-in-human chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy targeting HLA-G, a non-classical MHC class I molecule overexpressed in various solid tumors. HLA-G functions as a powerful immune checkpoint, enabling tumor cells to evade immune surveillance. By engineering CAR T cells to recognize and eliminate HLA-G–expressing cancer cells, IVS-3001 aims to restore the immune system’s ability to combat tumors.

Presentation Details:

Abstract Title: Safety and efficacy of HLA-G–targeted CAR T cells (IVS-3001) in patients with advanced HLA-G–positive solid tumors: Clinical trial in progress
Abstract Number: TPS2679
Session: Developmental Therapeutics—Immunotherapy
Session Type: Poster Session
Poster Board Number: 320b
Date and Time: Monday, June 2, 2025, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM CDT
Location: McCormick Place Convention Center, Chicago, IL
The Phase 1/2a trial is designed to assess the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of IVS-3001 in patients with advanced solid tumors expressing HLA-G. The study also aims to evaluate the therapy’s pharmacokinetics and immunogenicity.

"We are excited to share our progress on IVS-3001 at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2025. Patients with solid tumors have profound unmet clinical need. HLA-G is an especially exciting target for cell therapy, as it is both a widely expressed tumor marker and a potent immune checkpoint. Thus, HLA-G directed therapies have the potential to treat a vast variety of solid tumors." said Dr. Jake Kushner, CEO of Invectys. "This study represents a key step forward in our mission to develop innovative immunotherapies that address unmet needs in oncology."

On May 28, 2025 Defence Therapeutics Inc. ("Defence" or the "Company"), (CSE: DTC, OTCQB: DTCFF, FSE: DTC) a Canadian biopharmaceutical company developing advanced cancer therapeutics and drug delivery technologies, reported that its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer will be attending the prestigious BIO International Convention, taking place in Boston from June 16-19, 2025 (Press release, Defence Therapeutics, MAY 29, 2025, View Source;utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=defence-therapeutics-to-attend-bio-international-convention-in-boston-june-2025 [SID1234653484]). This event brings together global leaders in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, providing a unique opportunity for Defence to engage with key stakeholders and showcase its innovative technologies.

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The BIO International Convention is recognized as the largest and most comprehensive event in the biotechnology sector, attracting over 20,000 industry leaders from around the world. The conference serves as a vital platform for networking, fostering collaborations, and exploring investment opportunities. The event offers invaluable opportunities for both chance encounters and pre-scheduled meetings with investors, partners, and collaborators, making it an essential event for companies seeking to expand their reach and impact within the biotech and pharma industries.

At this year’s convention, Defence will highlight the significant potential of its Accum technology, designed to enhance the efficacy of antibody-drug conjugates ("ADCs") and improve tumor-killing capabilities—even with ADCs previously considered to have limited therapeutic potential. By participating in BIO 2025, Defence seeks to advance discussions with prospective partners and investors, furthering its mission to deliver next-generation cancer therapies.

On May 28, 2025 Archeus Technologies, a company developing multiple differentiated radiopharmaceutical therapies, and the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF), the patenting and licensing arm of the University of Wisconsin–Madison (UW), reported a strategic collaboration to advance ART-101 – a promising receptor-based targeting molecule – into clinical development (Press release, Archeus Technologies, MAY 28, 2025, View Source [SID1234653474]).

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ART-101 was discovered and developed at the Advanced Radiotheranostics Lab at UW–Madison, led by Dr. Reinier Hernandez, assistant professor of medical physics at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Aided by robust support from WARF through the WARF Accelerator, ART-101 has demonstrated enhanced pharmacology in preclinical studies, including significantly higher tumor uptake and retention relative to FDA-approved prostate cancer treatment Pluvicto (177Lu-PSMA-617). It has also shown superior pharmacokinetics, dosimetry and normal tissue toxicity profiles.

Through a collaboration agreement with WARF, Archeus Technologies will lead Phase 1 clinical development of this asset with trial initiation planned for 2025. ART-101 is a next-generation prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeting small molecule. It is being evaluated as a radiopharmaceutical agent with the potential to deliver alpha-emitting isotopes with greater tolerability compared with current standards of care.

"With strong preclinical data supporting the continued development of ART-101, Archeus is eager to lead the evaluation of this novel candidate through first-in-human studies," said Evan Sengbusch, Ph.D., chief executive officer of Archeus Technologies. "Leveraging our team’s proven experience ushering new radiopharmaceutical agents from concept through clinical translation, paired with our close collaboration with UW as a world-class radiopharmaceutical research organization, Archeus is uniquely positioned to progress ART-101 into the next stage of development. This asset adds to our Phase 1-ready portfolio of differentiated radiopharmaceutical therapies with the potential to provide curative responses to cancers that are particularly challenging to treat."

"WARF is committed to investing in cutting-edge technologies and therapeutic candidates, like ART-101, that have significant potential to advance the theranostics landscape as well as treatment options for patients in need," said Jeanine Burmania, senior director of intellectual property and licensing at WARF. "Encouraging preclinical data suggest that ART-101 could help increase lifespan and be more effective in treating prostate cancer than current therapies. We’re pleased to partner with Archeus Technologies to continue the development of this innovative asset and look forward to better understanding its role to potentially improve outcomes for prostate cancer patients."

ART-101 is compatible with multiple therapeutic isotopes, including actinium-225, lutetium-177 and terbium-161. When paired with these isotopes, preclinical data show that ART-101 provides significant potential benefit that could lead to improved outcomes for prostate cancer patients.

On May 28, 2025 Vir Biotechnology, Inc. (Nasdaq: VIR), reported that Marianne De Backer, M.Sc., Ph.D., MBA, Chief Executive Officer, will participate in a fireside chat at the Goldman Sachs 46th Annual Global Healthcare Conference 2025 on Tuesday, June 10 at 1:00 p.m. PT / 4:00 p.m. ET in Miami Beach, Florida (Press release, Vir Biotechnology, MAY 28, 2025, View Source [SID1234653473]).

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A live webcast of the fireside chat will be made available under Events & Presentations in the Investors section of the Vir Biotechnology website and will be archived for 30 days.