On July 28, 2025 BeOne Medicines Ltd. (NASDAQ: ONC; HKEX: 06160; SSE: 688235), a global oncology company, reported that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency issued a positive opinion recommending approval of TEVIMBRA (tislelizumab), in combination with platinum-containing chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment and then continued as monotherapy as adjuvant treatment, for the treatment of adult patients with resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) at high risk of recurrence (Press release, BeOne Medicines, JUL 28, 2025, View Source [SID1234654579]). This recommendation is based on the Phase 3 RATIONALE-315 study (NCT04379635).

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"Patients with resectable, early-stage NSCLC face an urgent challenge – despite surgery and current therapies, recurrence rates remain alarmingly high," said Dr. Mariano Provencio, Head of the Medical Oncology Department at Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro and Professor at the Faculty of Medicine of Universidad Autonoma de Madrid in Spain. "The significant clinical benefit observed in the RATIONALE-315 study has important implications for patients. If approved, perioperative tislelizumab will offer oncologists a powerful new option to improve outcomes and potentially alter the course of this difficult-to-treat disease."

RATIONALE-315 is a double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, Phase 3 study that randomized 453 patients with resectable NSCLC 1:1 to receive either TEVIMBRA plus platinum-based doublet chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment followed by TEVIMBRA as adjuvant treatment or placebo plus platinum-based doublet chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment followed by placebo as adjuvant treatment. As previously reported at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Congress Virtual Plenary in February 20241, the dual primary endpoints of event-free survival (EFS) and major pathologic response (MPR) were met at the interim analyses of the RATIONALE-315 study. Results include:

Statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in MPR and pathological complete response (pCR) rates:
56.2% of NSCLC patients treated with TEVIMBRA in combination with chemotherapy before surgery achieved MPR compared to 15.0% of patients treated with chemotherapy in combination with placebo (difference: 41.1%; 95% CI: 33.2-49.1, p<0.0001)
40.7% of patients on the TEVIMBRA-based regimen achieved pCR, compared to 5.7% of patients treated with chemotherapy in combination with placebo (difference: 35.0%; 95% CI: 27.9-42.1, p<0.0001)
Statistically significant EFS (HR [95% CI], 0.56 [0.40–0.79]; 1-sided P=0.0003) and trend for overall survival (OS) (HR [95% CI], 0.62 [0.39–0.98]; 1-sided P=0.0193) benefits favoring TEVIMBRA in early data.
Consistent safety profile of the TEVIMBRA arm with that of individual therapies, with 72.1% of patients in the TEVIMBRA arm (vs. 66.4% in the placebo arm) experiencing grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) and 15.5% of patients in the TEVIMBRA arm (vs. 8.0% in the placebo arm) experiencing serious TRAEs. There were no new safety signals identified with this regimen, and the most common Grade 3 or 4 TRAEs (≥ 10%) in the TEVIMBRA arm were decreased neutrophil count and decreased white blood cell count.
No impact on the feasibility and completeness of surgery, a key concern around neoadjuvant treatment.
Updated EFS and OS data from the pre-planned final analysis of RATIONALE-315 will be submitted for presentation at an upcoming medical conference.

"TEVIMBRA is already approved in the EU across multiple settings in NSCLC, the most common form of lung cancer, and this positive CHMP opinion expands its potential to help patients earlier in their treatment journey," said Mark Lanasa, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer, Solid Tumors at BeOne. "As the foundational asset of our solid tumor portfolio, TEVIMBRA continues to demonstrate its strength and versatility across the continuum of care, bringing us closer to our goal of delivering more comprehensive and effective cancer treatment to more patients."

In lung cancer, TEVIMBRA is already approved in the EU for the first-line treatment of patients with squamous NSCLC, for the first-line treatment of patients with non-squamous NSCLC with PD-L1 high expression, for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC after prior platinum-based therapy, and as a first-line treatment for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). It is also approved as a first-line treatment for patients with gastric or gastroesophageal junction (G/GEJ) adenocarcinoma, as a first-line treatment for unresectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), as a second-line treatment in ESCC after prior platinum-based chemotherapy, and as a first-line treatment for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

About NSCLC

Lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide.2 In Europe, lung cancer is the third most frequent cancer with 484,306 new cases diagnosed in 2022.3 NSCLC accounts for 80–90% of all lung cancers4, of which resectable NSCLC patients at diagnosis represent around 25–30%5.

About TEVIMBRA (tislelizumab)

TEVIMBRA is a uniquely designed humanized immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) monoclonal antibody with high affinity and binding specificity against PD-1. It is designed to minimize binding to Fc-gamma (Fcγ) receptors on macrophages, helping to aid the body’s immune cells to detect and fight tumors.

TEVIMBRA is the foundational asset of BeOne’s solid tumor portfolio and has shown potential across multiple tumor types and disease settings. The global TEVIMBRA clinical development program includes almost 14,000 patients enrolled to date in 35 countries and regions across 70 trials, including 21 registration-enabling studies. TEVIMBRA is approved in 46 countries, and more than 1.5 million patients have been treated globally.

Important Safety Information

The current European Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) for TEVIMBRA is available from the European Medicines Agency.

This information is intended for a global audience. Product indications vary by region.

On July 28, 2025 Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ARWR) reported that it has earned a $100 million milestone payment from Sarepta Therapeutics (NASDAQ: SRPT) (Press release, Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, JUL 28, 2025, View Source [SID1234654578]). The milestone was triggered when Arrowhead reached the first of two prespecified enrollment targets and subsequent authorization to dose escalate in a Phase 1/2 clinical study of ARO-DM1, an investigational RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutic for the treatment of type 1 myotonic dystrophy (DM1), the most common adult-onset muscular dystrophy. Arrowhead currently expects to achieve the second enrollment target by the end of 2025, which would trigger an additional $200 million milestone payment from Sarepta.

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In accordance with the license and collaboration agreement, Arrowhead expects to receive this payment within 60 days.

About the Arrowhead-Sarepta Agreement

Arrowhead and Sarepta signed a global licensing and collaboration agreement in November 2024, which closed in February 2025, whereby Sarepta received rights to multiple investigational treatments that leverage Arrowhead’s leading Targeted RNAi Molecule (TRiMTM) platform. The agreement covers multiple clinical and preclinical programs in rare, genetic diseases of the muscle, central nervous system, and the lungs, and also allows Sarepta to select up to six new targets for Arrowhead to conduct discovery and preclinical development activities in areas complementary to Sarepta’s leadership in precision genetic medicine for rare diseases.

Summary Financial Terms

Upon closing, Arrowhead received a $500 million upfront payment and $325 million through the purchase by Sarepta of Arrowhead common stock priced at $27.25 per share, representing a 35% premium to the 30-day volume weighted average price (VWAP) when the agreement was signed. Arrowhead will also receive $250 million to be paid in annual installments of $50 million over five years, and has the potential to receive an additional $300 million in near-term milestone payments associated with the continued enrollment of certain cohorts of a Phase 1/2 study of ARO-DM1, $100 million of which has now been earned.

Arrowhead is also eligible to receive further development milestone payments of between $110 million and $180 million per program, sales milestone payments of between $500 million and $700 million per program, and tiered royalties on commercial sales up to the low double digits.

Summary of Programs Under the License and Collaboration Agreement

Clinical Stage

ARO-DUX4, which is designed to target the gene that encodes the DUX4 protein as a potential treatment for patients with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy type 1, currently dosing patients in a Phase 1/2 clinical study.
ARO-DM1, which is designed to reduce expression of the dystrophia myotonica protein kinase (DMPK), gene in skeletal muscle as a potential treatment for patients with type 1 myotonic dystrophy, currently dosing patients in a Phase 1/2 clinical study.
ARO-MMP7, which is designed to reduce expression of matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP7) in the lung as a potential treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, currently dosing patients in a Phase 1/2 clinical study.
ARO-ATXN2, which is designed to silence expression of the toxic ATXN2 protein in the CNS as a potential treatment for spinocerebellar ataxia 2 (SCA2), currently in a Phase 1/2 study that is open for enrollment.
Preclinical Stage

ARO-HTT for patients with Huntington’s disease, expected to be CTA-ready in 2025
ARO-ATXN1 for patients with spinocerebellar ataxia 1 (SCA1) expected to be CTA-ready in 2026
ARO-ATXN3 for patients with spinocerebellar ataxia 3 (SCA3) expected to be CTA-ready in 2026
Discovery

During the five-year term, Sarepta can propose up to six new CNS or muscle targets for which Arrowhead will perform discovery and preclinical development. Sarepta would then receive an exclusive license to those programs and would be responsible for subsequent clinical development and commercialization.

Drug Manufacturing

Under the terms of the agreement, Arrowhead will manufacture clinical drug supply for all programs arising out of the license and collaboration, and commercial drug product for the four programs currently in clinical trials.

On July 28, 2025 Transgene (Euronext Paris: TNG), a biotech company that designs and develops virus-based immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer, and BioInvent International AB ("BioInvent") (Nasdaq Stockholm: BINV), a biotech company focused on the discovery and development of novel and first-in-class immune-modulatory antibodies for cancer immunotherapy, reported it will jointly present a poster on updated data from the Phase I part of the Phase I/IIa study of BT-001 at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting (Press release, Transgene, JUL 28, 2025, View Source [SID1234654577]). ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) will take place in Berlin, Germany, from October 17 to 21, 2025.

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Poster details

Title: "Updated clinical results of BT-001, an oncolytic virus expressing an anti-CTLA4 mAb, administered in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with advanced solid tumors."

Abstract number: 2828

Authors: C. Lebbe, R. Bahleda, E. Ezine, B. Baroudjian, M. Sakkal, E. Rowinski, A. Vinceneux, S. Champiat, K. Bidet Huang, N. Stojkowitz, H. Makhloufi, A. Sadoun, A. Ropenga, M. Semmrich, A. McAllister, M. Chisamore, P. Cassier

The abstract will be available on ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper)’s website on October 13, 2025, at 00:05 CEST.

BT-001 is an oncolytic virus generated using Transgene’s Invir.IO platform and its patented large-capacity VVcopTK-RR- oncolytic virus, which has been engineered to encode both a Treg-depleting recombinant human anti-CTLA-4 antibody generated by BioInvent’s proprietary n-CoDeR/F.I.R.S.T platforms, and the human GM-CSF cytokine. BT-001 is being co-developed as part of a 50/50 collaboration on oncolytic viruses between Transgene and BioInvent. In the Phase I part of this study, as monotherapy and in combination with MSD’s anti-PD-1 therapy KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab), BT-001 has been shown to be well tolerated. BT-001 also showed the first signs of efficacy with clinical response in two out of six refractory patients, thirteen patients evaluated in total, when given in combination with pembrolizumab, with shrinkage of injected and non-injected lesions. Treatment with BT-001 converted "cold" tumors into "hot" ones, and induced T-cell infiltration, as well as PD(L)-1 expression in the tumor microenvironment (See press release from September 14, 2024 here).

The ongoing Phase I/IIa study (NCT04725331) is a multicenter, open label, dose-escalation study evaluating BT-001 as a single agent and in combination with MSD’s (Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA) anti-PD-1 therapy KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab). The last patient in the Phase I part was enrolled in August 2024.

KEYTRUDA is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA.

On July 28, 2025 Zetagen Therapeutics, Inc., a private, clinical stage, biopharmaceutical company focused on developing breakthrough therapies, via intratumorally administration, for primary and metastatic breast cancers, reported they have successfully secured the foundational Composition-of-Matter patents and claims from the USPTO for their proprietary breast cancer platform (Press release, Zetagen Therapeutics, JUL 28, 2025, View Source [SID1234654576]).

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"Securing these allowances and composition-of-matter patents for our intratumorally administered breast cancer therapeutics represents a strategic leap forward in our mission to redefine oncologic care," said Joe C. Loy, CEO of Zetagen Therapeutics. "This latest patent protects the molecular uniqueness of our drug ZetaPrime and affirms the disruptive potential in our pursuit to minimize off target side effects of conventional chemotherapeutics. We are proud to advance precision therapies designed to target tumors directly and deliver meaningful hope to patients with limited options."

Zetagen Therapeutics has built a robust intellectual property portfolio anchored in its groundbreaking discoveries in intratumorally drug administration for both primary and metastatic breast cancer. The company’s IP estate—which now includes multiple composition-of-matter patents—focuses on proprietary and established molecules designed to be delivered directly into tumors, reducing systemic toxicity and off-target side effects. This precision method not only protects healthy tissue but also holds the potential to significantly improve survival outcomes by enhancing therapeutic efficacy at the site of disease. Zetagen’ s growing suite of patents underscores its commitment to redefining standards of care and advancing targeted oncology innovation.

"Receiving multiple composition-of-matter patents for our breast oncology candidates is a transformative milestone for our scientific and clinical mission," said Bryan S. Margulies, Ph.D., CSO of Zetagen Therapeutics. "By securing these patents, we validate the unique molecular design of our compounds and strengthen our pursuit of transformative therapies for underserved patient populations."

Zetagen has enlisted Foley & Lardner LLP as its intellectual property counsel and maintains a collaborative professional relationship with Steve Maebius, Esq. Foley & Lardner LLP is a prominent law firm with global reach and specialized expertise in Life Sciences intellectual property and strategic counsel.

About ZetaMet (Zeta-BC-003) – Lead Drug Candidate:
ZetaMet is a groundbreaking molecular pathway drug, targets metastatic breast cancer in bone, ceasing lytic activity, inhibits pain, and regenerates new bone all via locoregional administration, 30-minute outpatient procedure, without systemic limitation, minimizing skeletal related events (SRE) while increasing survival rates.

ZetaMet has been awarded 2x FDA Breakthrough Designations and has been approved in the treatment of 8x Compassionate Use stage 4 cancer patients in the US and Canada. ZetaMet has demonstrated cross-species efficacy at consistent concentrations, with findings published in several peer-reviewed journals—underscoring its translational promise from lab to clinic. Notably, these individuals had previously failed to respond to standard treatments such as chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation.

Zetagen has successfully completed enrollment of phase 2a clinical trial for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer to the spine, University of British Columbia, preliminary results available upon request and full study results anticipated November 2025.

About ZetaMast (Zeta-MBC-005)
ZetaMast is a proprietarydrug-eluting hydrogel carrier designed for locoregional administration, controlled releaseof small molecules in treatment of multifocal, unresectable, liver metastases from breast cancer with potential to increase survival rates.

Zetagen has completed preclinical studies, drug elution refinement, toxicity testing and a dose optimization study, results published in peer-review journal PLOS-One.

Zetagen plans to file an IND with the FDA this fall and upon approval conduct a Phase 1b dose escalation study early 2026.

About ZetaPrime (Zeta-PBC-007)
ZetaPrime is a neo-adjuvant treatment for primary HR+ breast cancer, engineered for a locoregional administration following diagnosis. Utilizing a proprietary hydrogel-like lipid carrier, formulation enables controlled release of two small molecules— one being our novel molecular entity, and the ability to deliver other companies CDK4 or CDK4/6 protein inhibitor and any anticancer therapeutic. Designed for solubility within adipose tissue, approach targets primary breast cancer, aiming to mitigate off-target effects, reduce necessity for lumpectomies and mastectomies, postpone radiation exposure, and enhance patient survival.

On July 28, 2025 UroGen Pharma Ltd. (Nasdaq: URGN), a biotech company dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative treatments for urothelial and specialty cancers, reported the publication in Reviews in Urology of results from a Phase 3b study evaluating the feasibility of administering ZUSDURI (mitomycin) for intravesical solution (formerly known as UGN-102) in the home setting (Press release, UroGen Pharma, JUL 28, 2025, View Source [SID1234654575]). The study, titled "Home Instillation of UGN-102 for Primary Chemoablation of Recurrent Low-Grade Intermediate-Risk Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: A Single-Arm, Open-Label, Phase 3b Trial," demonstrated that trained home health professionals (HHPs) can safely and effectively administer ZUSDURI outside of a traditional clinical setting.

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"The ability to deliver this treatment safely and effectively at home has the potential to ease the burden on patients and reduce reliance on hospital or clinic resources," said David Morris, MD, lead investigator and practicing urologist at Urology Associates, PC, Nashville, TN. "As physicians, we’re always looking for ways to provide effective care with greater comfort and convenience. These findings represent an important step in that direction."

The study assessed the feasibility, safety, and early efficacy of at-home instillations of ZUSDURI in patients with recurrent LG-IR-NMIBC. Six of eight patients (75%) completed all six scheduled treatments, with five of those six patients indicating they would recommend the home-based approach to others. A 75% complete response (CR) rate was observed at three months (95% CI: 34.9, 96.8), and no new safety concerns were identified. Feasibility questionnaires were completed by patients, and HHPs throughout the study. After each home instillation, patients rated their experience based on comfort, safety, communication, preference compared to office instillation, and overall satisfaction. At study end, they were also asked whether they would recommend home instillation of ZUSDURI to other patients and as an alternative to undergoing TURBT. Investigators assessed the clinical comparability of home versus in-office administration. HHPs provided feedback after each visit and at the study’s conclusion, reporting on their comfort with the procedure, perceived difficulty, and adequacy of training and support.

"This patient-centered approach to care reflects our commitment to redefining how urologic cancers are treated, offering patients access to effective and convenient treatment options," said Mark Schoenberg, MD, Chief Medical Officer, UroGen. "The ability to potentially administer ZUSDURI safely in the home represents a meaningful advancement for patients and caregivers alike, especially those who may face challenges traveling to frequent clinic visits."

In this study, ZUSDURI was administered via urinary catheter once weekly for six weeks, with the first dose administered in the clinic, followed by five at-home instillations by HHPs. Investigators found no meaningful differences between home and office instillation for most patients. The safety profile was consistent with previous studies, with most adverse events being mild-to-moderate urinary symptoms.

Study limitations include, among others, the small sample size of eight patients, and the open-label and single-arm design.

About ZUSDURI

ZUSDURI (mitomycin) for intravesical solution is an innovative drug formulation of mitomycin, approved for the treatment of adults with recurrent LG-IR-NMIBC. Utilizing UroGen’s proprietary RTGel technology, a sustained release, hydrogel-based formulation, ZUSDURI is delivered directly into the bladder in an out-patient procedure by a trained healthcare professional using a urinary catheter to enable the treatment of tumors by non-surgical means. Patients can visit ZUSDURI.com for more information.

About Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC)

LG-IR-NMIBC affects around 82,000 people in the U.S. every year and of those, an estimated 59,000 are recurrent. Bladder cancer primarily affects older populations with increased risk of comorbidities, with the median age of diagnosis being 73 years. Guideline recommendations for the management of NMIBC include TURBT as the standard of care. Up to 70 percent of NMIBC patients experience at least one recurrence, and LG-IR-NMIBC patients are even more likely to recur and face repeated TURBT procedures. Learn more about non-muscle invasive bladder cancer at www.BladderCancerAnswers.com.