Tracer Biotechnologies Announces Strategic Partnership with QIAGEN to Advance Blood-Based MRD Testing for Solid Tumors

On June 5, 2025 Tracer Biotechnologies, a leader in blood-based molecular diagnostics for cancer, reported a strategic partnership with QIAGEN (NYSE: QGEN; Frankfurt Prime Standard: QIA) to co-develop and commercialize minimal residual disease (MRD) assays for solid tumors on QIAGEN’s QIAcuity digital PCR platform (Press release, Qiagen, JUN 5, 2025, View Source [SID1234653749]).

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This collaboration aims to deliver highly sensitive, cost-effective, and decentralized MRD testing solutions that enable oncologists to monitor cancer recurrence and guide personalized treatment decisions using minimally invasive blood samples.

"Partnering with QIAGEN enables Tracer to bring our solid tumor MRD expertise to a broader market using a robust digital PCR platform in QIAcuity," said Mark Kaganovich, CEO of Tracer Biotechnologies. "With QIAcuity’s sensitivity and scalability, we can deliver high-quality companion diagnostics that integrate seamlessly into clinical workflows and offer new options to oncologists and patients."

Tracer offers two complementary MRD solutions:

Tracer dPCR, a tumor-informed, multiplexed digital PCR assay that allows institutions to run bespoke MRD tests internally using their own digital PCR instruments;
Tracer WGS, an AI-powered whole-genome ctDNA platform that enables ultra-sensitive tumor-agnostic detection and tracking with no need for prior tissue.
"This new partnership represents an important step in further establishing QIAGEN’s major role in oncology. We are bringing innovative MRD technologies into drug development through our companion diagnostic partnerships," said Jonathan Arnold, Vice President, Head of Partnering for Precision Diagnostics at QIAGEN. "In particular, we want to strengthen our scalable, cost-effective solutions based on our QIAcuity digital PCR system and enable our pharmaceutical partners to use MRD insights for guiding personalized treatment decisions for cancer patients."

Tracer’s mission is to turn every digital PCR machine and next-generation sequencer into a sensitive MRD assay—empowering institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and clinicians with the tools to decentralize testing, accelerate treatment decisions, and personalize cancer care.

Kelun-Biotech Announces Approximately US$250 Million Placement

On June 5, 2025 Sichuan Kelun-Biotech Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd. ("Kelun-Biotech" or the "Company", 6990.HK) reported the placement of 5,918,000 H shares under its general mandate, representing approximately 2.54% of the enlarged share capital of the Company post the placement (Press release, Kelun, JUN 5, 2025, View Source [SID1234653748]). The shares were placed at HK$331.8 per share, raising net proceeds of approximately US$250 million.

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Highlights of the placement include:

The offering was widely recognized by a broad-based investors including domestic and international institutional investors. The transaction was multiple times oversubscribed with robust participation from high-quality investors including global long only funds, sovereign wealth funds, and healthcare specialist funds;
Due to the robust booking demand, the deal size was upsized from the initially targeted US$200 million at launch to US$250 million, making it the largest follow-on offering in the biopharma industry in the Hong Kong market over the past 12 months;
The final offer price represents a 7.58% discount to the last closing price and a 0.89% premium to the average closing price over the past five trading days.
The Company primarily intends to use the net proceeds of the placing (i) for the research and development, clinical trials, registration filings, manufacturing and commercialization of its products; (ii) to enhance its internal research and development technology capabilities, strengthen external collaboration, and expand its product pipeline portfolio.

Dr. Michael Ge, CEO of Kelun-Biotech, commented: "We are pleased to see continued support from our key existing shareholders, alongside the addition of new, high-profile investors. This reflects the strong recognition of Kelun-Biotech’s long-term investment value by international capital markets and specialist investors. With the support of this financing, we aim to further strengthen our pipeline strategy and accelerate global clinical development. This will enable us to unlock the potential of cutting-edge therapies and deliver innovative treatments to benefit more cancer patients."

Hengrui Pharma Showcases Global Impact at the 2025 ASCO: 72 Study Results Highlight Chinese Cancer Innovation

On June 5, 2025 Hengrui Pharma reported a strong international presence, featuring 15 innovative drugs and 72 research outcomes at the 2025 ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting successfully concluded in Chicago on June 3 (local time) (Press release, Hengrui Pharmaceuticals, JUN 5, 2025, View Source [SID1234653747]). These included 4 oral presentations, 5 rapid oral presentations, 27 poster presentations, and 36 online publications. Multiple groundbreaking research advances has elicited widespread discussion among global experts.

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In the field of breast cancer, results from 19 studies evaluating the company’s innovative drugs—pyrotinib, dalpiciclib, camrelizumab, apatinib, adebrelimab, Trastuzumab rezetecan (SHR-A1811), and SHR-2017, either in combination with each other or with chemotherapies, were presented at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2025. Notably, 7 studies involving pyrotinib and 6 studies involving dalpiciclib were selected, with both agents consistently demonstrating promising efficacy, reinforcing their established roles in breast cancer treatment. Furthermore, studies evaluating SHR-A1811 and adebrelimab were selected for rapid oral presentations, attracting considerable attention from the industry.

In the field of gastrointestinal cancers, drugs such as camrelizumab, apatinib, adebrelimab, and SHR-8068 were featured in a total of 30 accepted studies. Notably, camrelizumab was included in 21 of these studies, demonstrating its broad therapeutic profile and potential while reinforcing its position as a key focus at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper). This further solidifies the achievements of China-developed PD-1 inhibitors on the global stage. Additionally, adebrelimab, which has achieved significant breakthroughs in lung cancer in recent years, is actively expanding into new indications. At this year’s ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper), five related studies exploring adebrelimab’s efficacy in indications such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) , and pancreatic cancer were presented. The ongoing emergence of cutting-edge research on both established and emerging agents holds promise for improving clinical outcomes for patients with gastrointestinal tumors.

Across a wide range of disease areas—including lung cancer, gynecologic cancers, lymphoma, bladder cancer, head and neck cancer, melanoma, sarcoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, chordoma, salivary gland cancer, thymic cancer, desmoid tumors, and salivary duct carcinoma—Hengrui Pharma’s innovative oncology portfolio (camrelizumab, apatinib, adebrelimab, pyrotinib, dalpiciclib, fluzoparib, famitinib, SHR-A1811, SHR-1501, SHR-1701, SHR-1826, SHR-A1912, and SHR-A2102) was featured in 22 research presentations at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2025. These comprised 4 oral presentations, 2 rapid oral presentations, 12 poster presentations, and 4 online publications, collectively demonstrating the company’s robust R&D capabilities. Additionally, one online publication highlighted ondansetron oral soluble film, underscoring its favorable efficacy in preventing and treating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV).

For 15 consecutive years, Hengrui Pharma has consistently presented its cutting-edge research at the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, highlighting the company’s global leadership in oncology drug research and development while showcasing China’s robust pharmaceutical innovation capabilities to the international academic community. The inclusion of 70 Hengrui-sponsored studies at this year’s meeting reflects the strong foundation laid by the company’s portfolio of 23 marketed innovative drugs and a robust pipeline of over 90 candidates currently in development. Looking ahead, Hengrui will remain committed to its patient-centric approach, striving to develop advanced therapeutics that support the "Healthy China" initiative and enhance clinical outcomes for patients globally.

Hengrui Pharma Showcases Global Impact at the 2025 ASCO: 72 Study Results Highlight Chinese Cancer Innovation

On June 5, 2025 Hengrui Pharma reported a strong international presence, featuring 15 innovative drugs and 72 research outcomes at the 2025 ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting successfully concluded in Chicago on June 3 (local time) (Press release, Hengrui Pharmaceuticals, JUN 5, 2025, View Source [SID1234653747]). These included 4 oral presentations, 5 rapid oral presentations, 27 poster presentations, and 36 online publications. Multiple groundbreaking research advances has elicited widespread discussion among global experts.

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Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

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In the field of breast cancer, results from 19 studies evaluating the company’s innovative drugs—pyrotinib, dalpiciclib, camrelizumab, apatinib, adebrelimab, Trastuzumab rezetecan (SHR-A1811), and SHR-2017, either in combination with each other or with chemotherapies, were presented at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2025. Notably, 7 studies involving pyrotinib and 6 studies involving dalpiciclib were selected, with both agents consistently demonstrating promising efficacy, reinforcing their established roles in breast cancer treatment. Furthermore, studies evaluating SHR-A1811 and adebrelimab were selected for rapid oral presentations, attracting considerable attention from the industry.

In the field of gastrointestinal cancers, drugs such as camrelizumab, apatinib, adebrelimab, and SHR-8068 were featured in a total of 30 accepted studies. Notably, camrelizumab was included in 21 of these studies, demonstrating its broad therapeutic profile and potential while reinforcing its position as a key focus at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper). This further solidifies the achievements of China-developed PD-1 inhibitors on the global stage. Additionally, adebrelimab, which has achieved significant breakthroughs in lung cancer in recent years, is actively expanding into new indications. At this year’s ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper), five related studies exploring adebrelimab’s efficacy in indications such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) , and pancreatic cancer were presented. The ongoing emergence of cutting-edge research on both established and emerging agents holds promise for improving clinical outcomes for patients with gastrointestinal tumors.

Across a wide range of disease areas—including lung cancer, gynecologic cancers, lymphoma, bladder cancer, head and neck cancer, melanoma, sarcoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, chordoma, salivary gland cancer, thymic cancer, desmoid tumors, and salivary duct carcinoma—Hengrui Pharma’s innovative oncology portfolio (camrelizumab, apatinib, adebrelimab, pyrotinib, dalpiciclib, fluzoparib, famitinib, SHR-A1811, SHR-1501, SHR-1701, SHR-1826, SHR-A1912, and SHR-A2102) was featured in 22 research presentations at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2025. These comprised 4 oral presentations, 2 rapid oral presentations, 12 poster presentations, and 4 online publications, collectively demonstrating the company’s robust R&D capabilities. Additionally, one online publication highlighted ondansetron oral soluble film, underscoring its favorable efficacy in preventing and treating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV).

For 15 consecutive years, Hengrui Pharma has consistently presented its cutting-edge research at the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, highlighting the company’s global leadership in oncology drug research and development while showcasing China’s robust pharmaceutical innovation capabilities to the international academic community. The inclusion of 70 Hengrui-sponsored studies at this year’s meeting reflects the strong foundation laid by the company’s portfolio of 23 marketed innovative drugs and a robust pipeline of over 90 candidates currently in development. Looking ahead, Hengrui will remain committed to its patient-centric approach, striving to develop advanced therapeutics that support the "Healthy China" initiative and enhance clinical outcomes for patients globally.

Hoth Therapeutics to Spotlight HT-001 in Investor-Focused KOL Event Addressing Breakthrough Combating Cancer Treatment Skin Toxicities

On June 5, 2025 Hoth Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: HOTH), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company pioneering breakthrough therapies to improve the lives of patients, reported a Key Opinion Leader (KOL) event showcasing HT-001, its novel topical therapeutic, designed to treat debilitating skin toxicities caused by EGFR inhibitor cancer therapies (Press release, Hoth Therapeutics, JUN 5, 2025, View Source [SID1234653746]).

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These common treatment-limiting side effects—such as rash and inflammation—often force patients to reduce or stop potentially life-saving cancer therapy. HT-001 offers a targeted solution aimed at protecting patients’ quality of life and ensuring continued access to their critical oncology treatments.

The overall chemotherapy drug market was valued at USD 10.87 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 18.35 billion by 2031. A significant portion of this market will involve patients who experience skin toxicities.*
Supportive care needs: The rise in chemotherapy treatments naturally drives demand for supportive care drugs to manage side effects, including skin rashes.*
Unmet needs: While supportive care drugs exist, chemotherapy-induced skin rash, particularly conditions like Acral erythema (hand-foot syndrome), can be severe and debilitating, highlighting the potential for novel or improved treatment options.*
Robb Knie, CEO of Hoth Therapeutics, remarked "HT-001 Presents the first of its kind treatment for cancer patients suffering with skin toxicities associated with EGFR therapies. We are excited to present the groundbreaking case study and interim Phase 2a results. We believe our data highlights HT-001’s strong safety profile and the potential for it to set a new standard of care in this underserved area."

The upcoming event will feature expert commentary from leading derm-oncology and dermatology specialists Jonathan Hale Zippin M.D., Ph.D. and Adam Friedman, M.D., F.A.A.D., who will highlight the urgent clinical need and the promising role of HT-001 in cancer care, including the preliminary data results showing safety and efficacy in the open-label cohort of the ongoing clinical trial for HT-001. Investors will gain an inside look at how HT-001 could reshape the treatment landscape for cancer-related dermatologic side effects and become a prophylactic treatment option used by oncologists prescribing EGFR inhibitors to patients.

In tandem with clinical momentum, Hoth recently received a USPTO Filing Receipt for a new patent application covering HT-001’s unique formulation—further reinforcing its expanding intellectual property portfolio and strategic market protection for this asset.

Key Highlights:

Addressing an unmet need with HT-001
Strong IP strategy underway, expanding protection around HT-001
Compelling mechanism of action to treat EGFR-inhibitor-induced toxicities
Near-term clinical and development milestones to be discussed at the KOL event
The KOL event will also provide an update on Hoth’s pipeline progress, IP strategy, and Phase 2 trial that is underway.

Investors, media, and potential partners along with healthcare professionals are invited to attend this event, information on how to join will be released as we near the event date, June 24, 2025, at 3:30PM EST.

*=View Source,in%20increased%20demand%20for%20chemotherapy.