On September 25, 2025 AIM ImmunoTech Inc. (NYSE American: AIM) ("AIM" or the "Company") reported that the Japan Patent Office has issued a patent covering the Company’s proprietary use of Ampligen (Rintatolimod) in combination with checkpoint inhibitors (anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 antibodies) for the treatment of cancer (Press release, AIM ImmunoTech, SEP 25, 2025, View Source [SID1234656229]).

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"We remain committed to strengthening our global intellectual property protection for Ampligen as we continue to advance its clinical development. This Japan patent – which does not expire until December 20, 2039 – further strengthens our intellectual property portfolio in one of the world’s largest oncology markets and enhances exclusivity around combination therapies that address high-need cancer indications. Importantly, this patent further reinforces our ability to advance our clinical pipeline, secure strategic collaborations, and capture value in the growing global immuno-oncology sector. The scope of this patent enhances the value for any future strategic oncology transactions," AIM ImmunoTech CEO Thomas K. Equels stated.

The allowed claims in Japan cover an agent for treating cancer consisting of Ampligen in combination with a checkpoint inhibitor. The claims are broad, encompassing multiple cancer types, including pancreatic cancer, skin cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, melanoma, breast cancer/triple negative breast cancer, head and neck tumors, bladder cancer, renal cell carcinoma, and lung cancer. The claims also capture specific dosing regimens, administration routes, and synergistic therapeutic effects observed when Ampligen is combined with checkpoint inhibitors.

AIM also holds a U.S. patent (expires August 9, 2039) for methods involving use of Ampligen as part of a combination oncology therapy when paired with an anti-PD-L1 antibody and a patent in the Netherlands (expires December 19, 2039) for the use of Ampligen as a combination cancer therapy with checkpoint blockade inhibitors, such as Keytruda (pembrolizumab), Opdivo (nivolumab) and Imfinzi (durvalumab).

The combination of these compounds is designed to work synergistically to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment. AIM believes this novel approach could revolutionize the treatment landscape for cancers that have historically been challenging to treat, such as pancreatic cancer and advanced recurrent ovarian cancer. In fact, in collaboration with AstraZeneca, Ampligen is in a Phase 2 clinical trial combined with AstraZeneca’s durvalumab (an anti-PD-L1) for the treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer. AIM recently released a DURIPANC Mid-Year Interim Clinical Progress Update showing promising signs of superior Progression-Free Survival and Overall Survival, as well as no significant toxicity.

Similarly, a Phase 2 study in collaboration with Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC in advanced recurrent ovarian cancer combing Ampligen with Keytruda has been completed and we expect the final data report within the next two months.

On September 24, 2025 Lantheus Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: LNTH) and GE HealthCare (NASDAQ: GEHC) reported an exclusive licensing agreement for GE HealthCare to develop, manufacture, and commercialize Lantheus’ piflufolastat F18 (PYLARIFY in U.S. market) in Japan for prostate cancer diagnostics and companion diagnostic use. PYLARIFY is used for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positive lesions in men with prostate cancer.

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The agreement includes the transfer of regulatory dossiers, manufacturing competencies and technical support to enable GE HealthCare to drive clinical development in Japan, towards potential regulatory submissions and commercial launch. GE HealthCare will draw on its extensive manufacturing network and R&D expertise following its acquisition in March 2025 of Nihon Medi-Physics Co., Ltd. (NMP), a leading radiopharmaceutical company in Japan.

Prostate cancer is the fourth most common cancer worldwide, with Japan recording the third highest number of cases in the world in 2022, after the U.S. and China.1

"This partnership is expected to meaningfully extend the reach of our diagnostic imaging agent in key international markets," said Brian Markison, CEO of Lantheus. "GE HealthCare and NMP’s deep regional expertise will enable us to advance the detection and care of prostate cancer and drive significant impact in an important market."

"Bringing targeted PET imaging agents to new geographies supports Lantheus’ Purpose to Find, Fight and Follow disease to deliver better patient outcomes," added Jean-Claude Provost, Chief Science Officer at Lantheus. "By aligning with GE HealthCare, we’re addressing a critical clinical need in Japan, and helping to lay the foundation for a more personalized approach to prostate cancer detection, diagnosis and monitoring."

"This collaboration represents a strategic advancement for GE HealthCare as we expand our pipeline of radiopharmaceuticals and continue to deliver on our commitment to improving patient access to innovative diagnostics," said Kevin O’Neill, President & CEO of the Pharmaceutical Diagnostics (PDx) segment of GE HealthCare and President of NMP. "Working alongside Lantheus gives us access to one of the best-in-class PET imaging agents that is already approved in the U.S. and in Europe, and if approved locally, could provide clinicians and their patients with a powerful new option for detecting and monitoring prostate cancer."

Under the terms of the agreement, GE HealthCare will pay Lantheus an upfront license fee, development milestones and tiered royalties based on product sales in Japan. The companies will also establish a Joint Steering Committee to oversee development and commercialization activities.

Piflufolastat F 18 (also known as 18F-DCFPyL, PYLARIFY or PYLCLARI) was FDA-approved in 2021 and is marketed as PYLARIFY. PYLARIFY has made a profound impact on the lives of patients battling prostate cancer and is the number one utilized PSMA PET imaging agent in the U.S. It is a proven diagnostic backed by real-world experience, including in over 500,000 scans across 48 states. In 2023, it was approved in the European Union and is marketed there as PYLCLARI. The European rights were licensed to Curium from Progenics Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Lantheus company.

About PYLARIFY (piflufolastat F 18) Injection
PYLARIFY (piflufolastat F 18) injection (also known as 18F-DCFPyL or PYLCLARI) is a fluorinated small molecule PSMA-targeted PET imaging agent that enables visualization of lymph nodes, bone and soft tissue metastases to determine the presence or absence of recurrent and/or metastatic prostate cancer. For men with prostate cancer, PYLARIFY PET combines the accuracy of PET imaging, the precision of PSMA targeting and the clarity of an F 18 radioisotope for superior diagnostic performance. The recommended PYLARIFY dose is 333 MBq (9 mCi) with an acceptable range of 296 MBq to 370 MBq (8 mCi to 10 mCi), administered as a bolus intravenous injection.

PYLARIFY (piflufolastat F 18) Injection in the U.S.

Indication

PYLARIFY (piflufolastat F 18) Injection is a radioactive diagnostic agent indicated for positron emission tomography (PET) of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positive lesions in men with prostate cancer:

with suspected metastasis who are candidates for initial definitive therapy.
with suspected recurrence based on elevated serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level.

Important Safety Information

Contraindications
None.

Warnings and Precautions

Risk of Image Misinterpretation
Imaging interpretation errors can occur with PYLARIFY imaging. A negative image does not rule out the presence of prostate cancer and a positive image does not confirm the presence of prostate cancer. The performance of PYLARIFY for imaging of patients with biochemical evidence of recurrence of prostate cancer seems to be affected by serum PSA levels. The performance of PYLARIFY for imaging of metastatic pelvic lymph nodes prior to initial definitive therapy seems to be affected by risk factors such as Gleason score and tumor stage. PYLARIFY uptake is not specific for prostate cancer and may occur with other types of cancer as well as non-malignant processes and in normal tissues. Clinical correlation, which may include histopathological evaluation of the suspected prostate cancer site, is recommended.

Hypersensitivity Reactions
Monitor patients for hypersensitivity reactions, particularly patients with a history of allergy to other drugs and foods. Reactions may be delayed. Always have trained staff and resuscitation equipment available.

Radiation Risks
Diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including PYLARIFY, expose patients to radiation. Radiation exposure is associated with a dose-dependent increased risk of cancer. Ensure safe handling and preparation procedures to protect patients and health care workers from unintentional radiation exposure. Advise patients to hydrate before and after administration and to void frequently after administration.

Adverse Reactions
The most frequently reported adverse reactions were headaches, dysgeusia and fatigue, occurring at rate of ≤2% during clinical studies with PYLARIFY. In addition, a delayed hypersensitivity reaction was reported in one patient (0.2%) with a history of allergic reactions.

Drug interactions
Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and other therapies targeting the androgen pathway, such as androgen receptor antagonists, may result in changes in uptake of PYLARIFY in prostate cancer. The effect of these therapies on performance of PYLARIFY PET has not been established.

To report suspected adverse reactions for PYLARIFY, call 1-800-362-2668 or contact FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. Please read the accompanying full Prescribing Information also available at PYLARIFY.com.

(Press release, Lantheus, SEP 24, 2025, View Source [SID1234662958])

On September 24, 2025 ITM Isotope Technologies Munich SE (ITM), a leading radiopharmaceutical biotech company, and TerThera BV, a leading provider of GMP-grade Terbium-161, reported a supply agreement for non-carrier-added (n.c.a.) Terbium-161 (Tb-161), a novel medical radioisotope with distinct chemical properties and emerging potential in radiopharmaceutical therapy. Under the terms of the agreement, TerThera will supply Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-compliant n.c.a. Tb-161 to ITM to support the development of its Terbium-based pipeline candidates, complementing ITM’s established manufacturing capabilities in cooperation with the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI).

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"Driving innovation across isotopes, targeting molecules and cancer indications keeps ITM at the forefront of the rapidly evolving radiopharmaceutical industry," said Dr. Andrew Cavey, CEO of ITM. "We see strong potential in Terbium-161 as a critical new isotope for targeted radiopharmaceutical therapy, and our partnership with TerThera will allow us to advance its use in our pipeline. With supply of Terbium-161, we are well-positioned to harness its radiation properties to deliver meaningful advances for people living with cancer."

Currently, Tb-161-based radiopharmaceuticals are being clinically investigated for various types of cancers. Tb-161 is gaining attention in the radiopharmaceutical field for its unique emission profile. Like Lu-177, it emits medium-range beta particles and has a similar half-life. However, Tb-161 also emits low-energy Auger and internal conversion electrons, delivering highly localized radiation that can effectively target isolated cancer cells and micro-metastases with minimal off-target effects.

"As industry interest in Terbium-161 grows, a safe and sustainable supply of this radionuclide is crucial to support the development of new treatment options and strategies and we see this as our core mission," added Philippe van Overeem, CEO of TerThera. "ITM is a true innovator in the dynamic radiopharmaceutical field and we look forward to supplying them with our GMP-grade Terbium-161 as they advance their pipeline candidates and make progress in bringing the benefit of this valuable isotope to patients."

(Press release, ITM Isotopen Technologien Munchen, SEP 24, 2025, View Source [SID1234661163])

On September 24, 2025 Akari Therapeutics, Plc (Nasdaq: AKTX), an oncology biotechnology company developing novel payload antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), reported key preclinical data demonstrating the potential of its novel antibody drug conjugate (ADC) spliceosome modulating payload, PH1, for the treatment of tumors fueled by alternative splicing-drivers, such as the Androgen Receptor splice variant 7 (AR-V7) in prostate cancer (Press release, Akari Therapeutics, SEP 24, 2025, View Source [SID1234656230]).

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AR-V7 is a key driver for progression of metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). During progression of hormone-sensitive prostate cancer, many patients fail to respond to current first-line therapies known as Androgen Receptor Pathway Inhibitors (ARPIs), which include enzalutamide (Xtandi, $6B/annual sales), apalutamide (Erleada, $3B/annual sales) and darolutamide (Nubeqa, $1.6B/annual sales). Importantly, as patients lose ARPI response, their tumors transform and significantly increase in AR-V7 expression. As a result, there is an increasing and significant unmet need for targeted therapy options in ARPI-resistant hormone refractory patients, where there are currently limited options such as traditional chemotherapy like taxanes.

As referenced in the Company’s recent patent filing, preclinical data demonstrated that Akari’s ADC payloadPH1 is able to suppress the expression levels of the AR-V7 receptor in a hormone-refractory mCRPC model called 22Rv1. As a control, ARPIs had no effect on AR-V7 receptor expression in these experiments, which was expected given the refractory nature of these prostate cancer cell lines.

Surprisingly, in a different model, of hormone-sensitive LnCAP cells that express high levels of normal Androgen Receptor (i.e. ARPI sensitive) and lack AR-V7, PH1 demonstrated a benefit as a single agent, and additive effect when combined with either Xtandi or Erleada. The Company believes this combined efficacy data may potentially lead to the development of robust first-line combination regimens of Xtandi or Erleada with a PH1 payload conjugated ADC (PH1 ADC) to target prostate cancer that is sensitive to ARPIs. As progression is often linked to AR-V7 expression, and PH1 reduces AR-V7 expression, it is hypothesized that the combination of ARPI plus PH1 ADCs may slow the development of resistance and AR-V7-driven tumor progression which typically occurs after patients progress on Xtandi or Erleada. Akari has plans to test this hypothesis using PH1 ADCs against different prostate cancer targets in future research.

Abizer Gaslightwala, President and Chief Executive Officer of Akari Therapeutics commented, "We believe these compelling preclinical data support the rationale for Akari to develop a novel ADC with our PH1 spliceosome-modulating payload targeting prostate cancer either alone or in partnership with potential partners. Our goal is to develop the first ADC therapeutic in prostate cancer, either as a first-line combination therapy with ARPIs or a second-line therapy post ARPI failures in tumors driven by AR-V7. We are excited to continue to advance this novel spliceosome modulating payload to drive robust anti-cancer biological mechanisms to treat difficult alternative splicing-driven tumors, for which there are currently no effective treatment options today."

The Company plans to present the preclinical data at an upcoming scientific conference.

On September 24, 2025 Summit Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: SMMT) ("Summit," "we," or the "Company") reported that data from the Phase III HARMONi-6 trial, conducted in China and sponsored by our partner, Akeso, Inc. (HKEX Code: 9926.HK), featuring the novel, potential first-in-class investigational bispecific antibody, ivonescimab, will be featured as part of the Presidential Symposium at the European Society for Medical Oncology 2025 Congress (ESMO 2025) which takes place from October 17–21, 2025, in Berlin, Germany (Press release, Summit Therapeutics, SEP 24, 2025, View Source [SID1234656211]). The presentation will take place on Sunday, October 19 during the Presidential Symposium from 4:30pm – 6:30pm CET (10:30am – 12:30pm EDT).

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HARMONi-6 is evaluating ivonescimab in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy compared with tislelizumab, a PD-1 inhibitor, in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced or metastatic squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) irrespective of PD-L1 expression. HARMONi-6 is a single region, multi-center, Phase III study conducted in China sponsored by Akeso with all relevant data exclusively generated, managed, and analyzed by Akeso.

On April 23, 2025, Akeso announced, via a press release, topline results from HARMONi-6. At a prespecified interim analysis conducted by an Independent Data Monitoring Committee, ivonescimab plus chemotherapy demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in PFS by blinded independent central radiology review committee (BICR) compared to tislelizumab plus chemotherapy. The PFS benefit was demonstrated in patients with either PD-L1-positive or PD-L1-negative tumors. Akeso noted that no new safety signals were identified in this Phase III study. Prior to HARMONi-6, there were no known Phase III clinical trials in NSCLC which have shown a statistically significant improvement compared to PD-(L)1 inhibitor therapy in combination with chemotherapy in a head-to-head setting.

The trial results will be presented by Dr. Shun Lu, MD, PhD, Chief of Shanghai Lung Cancer Center at Shanghai Chest Hospital, Professor of Medicine at Shanghai Jiaotong University, and associate editor for Journal of Thoracic Oncology, Lung Cancer, and editor for The Oncologist.

Summit is currently enrolling patients in the HARMONi-3 study. HARMONi-3 is a multiregional Phase III clinical trial sponsored by Summit which is intended to evaluate ivonescimab combined with chemotherapy compared to pembrolizumab, an anti-PD-1 antibody, combined with chemotherapy in patients with first-line metastatic, squamous and non-squamous NSCLC. HARMONi-3 is currently enrolling patients globally and is conducted with registrational intent for the United States and other regions within Summit’s license territories.

About the ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) 2025 Presidential Symposium Presentation

Presidential Symposium Presentation
Presentation Title: Phase III Study of Ivonescimab plus chemotherapy versus Tislelizumab plus chemotherapy as First-line Treatment for advanced squamous non-small cell lung cancer (HARMONi-6)
Presenter: Dr. Shun Lu, MD, PhD, Chief of Shanghai Lung Cancer Center at Shanghai Chest Hospital
ESMO Presentation No.: Presidential Symposium 2, #3035
Session Date & Time: Sunday, October 19, 2025, 4:30pm – 6:30pm CET (10:30am – 12:30pm ET)

About Ivonescimab

Ivonescimab, known as SMT112 in Summit’s license territories, North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Japan, and as AK112 in China and Australia, is a novel, potential first-in-class investigational bispecific antibody combining the effects of immunotherapy via a blockade of PD-1 with the anti-angiogenesis effects associated with blocking VEGF into a single molecule. Ivonescimab displays unique cooperative binding to each of its intended targets with multifold higher affinity to PD-1 when in the presence of VEGF.

This could differentiate ivonescimab as there is potentially higher expression (presence) of both PD-1 and VEGF in tumor tissue and the tumor microenvironment (TME) as compared to normal tissue in the body. Ivonescimab’s tetravalent structure (four binding sites) enables higher avidity (accumulated strength of multiple binding interactions) in the TME (Zhong, et al, SITC (Free SITC Whitepaper), 2023). This tetravalent structure, the intentional novel design of the molecule, and bringing these two targets into a single bispecific antibody with cooperative binding qualities have the potential to direct ivonescimab to the tumor tissue versus healthy tissue. The intent of this design, together with a half-life of 6 to 7 days after the first dose (Zhong, et al, SITC (Free SITC Whitepaper), 2023), is to improve upon previously established efficacy thresholds, in addition to side effects and safety profiles associated with these targets.

Ivonescimab was engineered by Akeso Inc. (HKEX Code: 9926.HK) and is currently engaged in multiple Phase III clinical trials. Over 2,800 patients have been treated with ivonescimab in clinical studies globally.

Summit began its clinical development of ivonescimab in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), commencing enrollment in 2023 in two multiregional Phase III clinical trials, HARMONi and HARMONi-3. Additionally, in early 2025, the Company began enrolling patients in the United States for HARMONi-7.

HARMONi is a Phase III clinical trial which intends to evaluate ivonescimab combined with chemotherapy compared to placebo plus chemotherapy in patients with EGFR-mutated, locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous NSCLC who have progressed after treatment with a 3rd generation EGFR TKI (e.g., osimertinib).

HARMONi-3 is a Phase III clinical trial which is intended to evaluate ivonescimab combined with chemotherapy compared to pembrolizumab combined with chemotherapy in patients with first-line metastatic, squamous or non-squamous NSCLC, irrespective of PD-L1 expression.

HARMONi-7 is a Phase III clinical trial which is intended to evaluate ivonescimab monotherapy compared to pembrolizumab monotherapy in patients with first-line metastatic NSCLC whose tumors have high PD-L1 expression.

In addition, Akeso has recently had positive read-outs in three single-region (China), randomized Phase III clinical trials for ivonescimab in NSCLC: HARMONi-A, HARMONi-2, and HARMONi-6.

HARMONi-A was a Phase III clinical trial which evaluated ivonescimab combined with chemotherapy compared to placebo plus chemotherapy in patients with EGFR-mutated, locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous NSCLC who have progressed after treatment with an EGFR TKI.

HARMONi-2 is a Phase III clinical trial evaluating monotherapy ivonescimab against monotherapy pembrolizumab in patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC whose tumors have positive PD-L1 expression.

HARMONi-6 is a Phase III clinical trial evaluating ivonescimab in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy compared with tislelizumab, an anti-PD-1 antibody, in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced or metastatic squamous NSCLC, irrespective of PD-L1 expression.

Akeso is actively conducting multiple Phase III clinical studies in settings outside of NSCLC, including biliary tract cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, small cell lung cancer, and head and neck cancer.

Ivonescimab is an investigational therapy that is not approved by any regulatory authority in Summit’s license territories, including the United States and Europe. Ivonescimab was initially approved for marketing authorization in China in May 2024. Ivonescimab was granted Fast Track designation by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for the HARMONi clinical trial setting.