GlycoNex and Hokkaido University Hospital Launch Study to Advance Glycan-Directed ADC Development in Gastric Cancer

On November 24, 2025 GlycoNex, Inc. (4168, hereinafter referred to as GNX), a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on the development of glycan-directed cancer immunotherapies, reported a collaborative research agreement with Hokkaido University Hospital to support the development of its next-generation antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) GNX1021 in gastric cancer patients and lay the groundwork for future clinical trials in Japan. As part of the effort, the two parties will conduct a retrospective study evaluating the expression of branched Lewis B/Y (bLeB/Y) glycan antigen in gastric cancer patients and assess its association with established clinical biomarkers.

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According to the National Cancer Center Japan (NCC), gastric cancer is the third most common cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Japan. In 2024, it is projected to account for 115,100 new cases and 39,900 deaths, highlighting the urgent need for new treatment options. Through this collaboration, GlycoNex and Hokkaido University Hospital will evaluate the prevalence and distribution of bLeB/Y expression in these Japanese gastric cancer patients and compare it to established clinical biomarkers, including HER2, CLDN18, PD-L1, and MMR. The goal is to better define the patient population most likely to benefit from GNX1021 treatment, ultimately enhancing the probability of clinical success.

"Our collaboration with Hokkaido University Hospital marks an important step in understanding how bLeB/Y expression can guide treatment strategies for gastric cancer patients," said Dr. Mei-Chun Yang, CEO of GlycoNex. "By building a stronger scientific foundation for GNX1021, we aim to advance the development of glycan-directed therapies that expand treatment options beyond today’s HER2- and CLDN18-based approaches, ultimately addressing significant unmet needs in oncology."

GNX1021 has demonstrated potent tumor-suppressive activity across multiple preclinical gastric cancer models, including settings resistant to existing HER2- and CLDN18-targeted therapies. Building on these findings, GlycoNex has advanced the program through pre-fill and toxicology testing and is preparing for regulatory submissions in Taiwan and Japan. Phase I clinical trials are planned to begin in 2026, with the goal of delivering a novel treatment option for gastric cancer patients who remain underserved by current targeted approaches.

(Press release, GlycoNex, NOV 24, 2025, View Source [SID1234660916])

Menarini Group Announces New Data on ELZONRIS® (tagraxofusp-erzs) to be Presented at the 67th American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting and Exposition

On November 24, 2025 The Menarini Group ("Menarini"), a leading international pharmaceutical and diagnostics company, and Stemline Therapeutics, Inc. ("Stemline"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Menarini Group, focused on bringing transformational oncology treatments to cancer patients, reported that the company will present new data related to ELZONRIS (tagraxofusp-erzs) at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting and Exposition in Orlando, December 6-9th.

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The presentations include an oral session highlighting results from a triplet therapy combining tagraxofusp, azacitidine, and venetoclax, which demonstrated both efficacy (high response and bridge to transplant rates) and tolerability in individuals with blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN).

"At Menarini Stemline, our commitment to transforming the lives of people living with difficult-to-treat cancers is unwavering," said Elcin Barker Ergun, CEO of the Menarini Group. "These data demonstrate that tagraxofusp plays an important role in both monotherapy and combination settings for the treatment of BPDCN, and that it also has potential to help patients living with other aggressive hematologic malignancies, where more effective treatment options are desperately needed."

See below for full details of the Menarini Group/Stemline Therapeutics’ upcoming presentations and publication:

American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2025

Lead Author

Title and Publication Number

Session Name

Presentation Details

Navarro Vicente I, et al.

Disease Presentation and Immunophenotype Characteristics in 257 Patients with
Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm: a PETHEMA/PALG Study*

Publication Number: 218

618. Acute Myeloid Leukemias:
Biomarkers and Molecular Markers
in Diagnosis and Prognosis:
Redefining AML: Genetic, Phenotypic
and Response-Based Insights

Oral Presentation

December 6, 2025

2:15 PM – 2:30 PM

OCCC – W414AB

Lane A, et al.

Tagraxofusp, azacitidine, and venetoclax (TAG-AZA-VEN) triplet therapy shows
efficacy, tolerability, and transplant potential in patients with blastic plasmacytoid
dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN): Results of a phase 2 trial*

Publication Number: 653

616. Acute Myeloid Leukemias:
Investigational Drug and Cellular
Therapies: Immunotherapy and
chemotherapy combinations in AML

Oral Presentation

December 7, 2025

5:30 PM – 5:45 PM

OCCC – Chapin Theater (W320)

Stein A, et al.

Longer Survival with Tagraxofusp versus Venetoclax in Patients with Blastic
Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm (BPDCN): Results of A Real-World Analysis

Publication Number: 4612

908. Outcomes Research:
Myeloid Malignancies: Poster II

Poster Presentation

December 7, 2025

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

OCCC – West Halls B3-B4

Wang E, et al.

Favorable outcomes including post-transplant survival are seen independent
of baseline skin burden in treatment-naïve patients (pts) with blastic
plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) treated with tagraxofusp (TAG): Subgroup analysis of a pivotal trial

Publication Number: 5221

617. Acute Myeloid Leukemias:
Commercially Available
Therapies: Poster III

Poster presentation

December 8, 2025

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

OCCC – West Halls B3-B4

Cho W, et al,

Tagraxofusp and Low-Intensity Chemotherapy for the Treatment of CD123-Positive
Relapsed or Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia*

Online-only publication

*Denotes investigator sponsored research or collaborative research.

ELZONRIS was approved by the FDA in December 2018 for the treatment of blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) in adult and pediatric patients two years and older, in both treatment-naïve and previously-treated populations. In January 2021, ELZONRIS was approved by the European Commission.

About BPDCN

Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm (BPDCN), is a highly aggressive, orphan hematologic malignancy that primarily affects skin, bone marrow and blood. It can also affect other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, spleen, liver and central nervous system. Approximately 85% to 90% of patients develop skin lesions as a first sign of BPDCN. BPDCN affects all people of all races and geographic locations, with the global prevalence likely in the range of 0.4 – 0.5 per 100,000 people annually. While BPDCN affects both men and women of all ages, 75% of cases occur in men, with a median age at onset of 60-70 years. A key characteristic of BPDCN cancer cells is their high expression of a protein called CD123, which can be observed on the surface of the cells. This makes CD123 a crucial diagnostic marker as well as a prime target for precision therapies to strike the cancer directly.

About ELZONRIS (tagraxofusp-erzs)

U.S. Indication: ELZONRIS (tagraxofusp-erzs) is a prescription medicine used to treat blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) in adults and pediatric patients 2 years and older.

Full prescribing information for the U.S. can be found at www.elzonris.com.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION, ELZONRIS

Boxed WARNING: CAPILLARY LEAK SYNDROME

Capillary Leak Syndrome (CLS) which may be life-threatening or fatal, can occur in patients receiving ELZONRIS. Monitor for signs and symptoms of CLS and take actions as recommended.
Warnings and Precautions

Capillary Leak Syndrome

Capillary leak syndrome (CLS), including life-threatening and fatal cases, has been reported among patients treated with ELZONRIS. In patients receiving ELZONRIS in clinical trials, the overall incidence of CLS was 53% (65/122), including Grade 1 or 2 in 43% (52/122) of patients, Grade 3 in 7% (8/122) of patients, Grade 4 in 1% (1/122) of patients, and four fatalities (3%). The median time to onset was 4 days (range – 1 to 46 days), and all but 5 patients experienced an event in Cycle 1.

Before initiating therapy with ELZONRIS, ensure that the patient has adequate cardiac function and serum albumin is greater than or equal to 3.2 g/dL. During treatment with ELZONRIS, monitor serum albumin levels prior to the initiation of each dose of ELZONRIS and as indicated clinically thereafter, and assess patients for other signs or symptoms of CLS, including weight gain, new onset or worsening edema, including pulmonary edema, hypotension or hemodynamic instability.

Hypersensitivity Reactions

ELZONRIS can cause severe hypersensitivity reactions. In patients receiving ELZONRIS in clinical trials, hypersensitivity reactions were reported in 43% (53/122) of patients treated with ELZONRIS and were Grade ≥ 3 in 7% (9/122). Manifestations of hypersensitivity reported in ≥ 5% of patients include rash, pruritus, and stomatitis. Monitor patients for hypersensitivity reactions during treatment with ELZONRIS. Interrupt ELZONRIS infusion and provide supportive care as needed if a hypersensitivity reaction should occur.

Hepatotoxicity

Treatment with ELZONRIS was associated with elevations in liver enzymes. In patients receiving ELZONRIS in clinical trials, elevations in ALT occurred in 79% (96/122) and elevations in AST occurred in 76% (93/122). Grade 3 ALT elevations were reported in 26% (32/122) of patients. Grade 3 AST elevations were reported in 30% (36/122) and Grade 4 AST elevations were reported in 3% (4/122) of patients. Elevated liver enzymes occurred in the majority of patients in Cycle 1 and were reversible following dose interruption.

Monitor alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) prior to each infusion with ELZONRIS. Withhold ELZONRIS temporarily if the transaminases rise to greater than 5 times the upper limit of normal and resume treatment upon normalization or when resolved.

Adverse Reactions

Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 30%) are capillary leak syndrome, nausea, fatigue, pyrexia, peripheral edema, and weight increase. Most common laboratory abnormalities (incidence ≥ 50%) are decreases in albumin, platelets, hemoglobin, calcium, and sodium, and increases in glucose, ALT and AST.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNING.

(Press release, Menarini, NOV 24, 2025, View Source [SID1234660915])

Phrontline Biopharma Raises $60 Million in Pre-A+ Financing to Advance Global Development of Bispecific and Dual-Payload ADCs

On November 24, 2025 Phrontline Biopharma ("Phrontline"), a next-generation antibody–drug conjugate (ADC) company, reported the closing of a $60 million Pre-A+ financing round. The round was led by Lapam Investment, with participation from Samsung Venture Investment Corporation (SVIC), Guofang Innovation, Hankang Venture Capital, Songqing Capital, Jifeng Ventures, and Sino Biopharmaceutical Limited. Existing shareholders — Decheng Capital, Medfine Health Fund, and C&D Emerging Investment — also participated and increased their investment in the company. This financing reflects strong investor confidence in Phrontline’s differentiated bispecific and dual-payload ADC platforms, its strategically designed pipeline, and its rapidly expanding global development capabilities. Proceeds will support advancement of the company’s clinical-stage and preclinical ADC programs, expansion of global clinical operations, and strengthening of key strategic partnerships.

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Building a Leading Bispecific and Dual-Payload ADC Platform

Founded in 2022, Phrontline is among the first biotechnology companies globally to focus on bispecific antibody ADCs (BsAb-ADCs) and dual-payload ADCs. The company has built an end-to-end ADC platform spanning antibody discovery, linker–payload engineering, site-specific conjugation, and functional characterization — resulting in a proprietary, highly differentiated technology engine.

Leveraging this platform, Phrontline has designed multiple dual-target combinations and complementary payload strategies tailored to specific tumor indications and has advanced nearly ten innovative ADC programs. Among them, TJ101, a bispecific ADC targeting EGFR and B7-H3, is currently enrolling patients in parallel first-in-human clinical trials in China and the United States. Preclinical data demonstrate superior efficacy and safety relative to peer programs, positioning TJ101 as one of the leading next-generation EGFR/B7-H3 bispecific ADC candidates worldwide.

Strategic Collaborations Accelerating Global Expansion.

On October 20, 2025, Phrontline announced a global strategic collaboration with Samsung Bioepis. Under the terms of the agreement, the companies will jointly develop two next-generation bispecific, dual-payload ADC candidates with differentiated mechanisms of action, leveraging Phrontline’s proprietary BsAb and dual-payload ADC platforms.

On October 31, 2025, Phrontline entered into an exclusive license agreement with Sino Biopharmaceutical Limited for TJ101 in Mainland China and the Hong Kong SAR. Sino Biopharmaceutical will make an upfront payment of an undisclosed amount, along with potential development and commercial milestone payments and sales-based royalties. This collaboration represents a key inflection point for Phrontline’s lead asset as it transitions into accelerated global clinical development.

Advancing Next-Generation ADCs Through Science and Conviction

"From the beginning, our strategy has been guided by biology and translational science. We believe that dual-target synergy and complementary payload mechanisms can unlock new therapeutic options for patients whose tumors are resistant to current therapies," said Tony Chen, Ph.D., Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Phrontline Biopharma. "Our preclinical and emerging clinical data are beginning to validate this vision." "We are deeply grateful to both our new and existing investors for their continued confidence in Phrontline," Dr. Chen added. "This financing marks an important milestone for the company and will allow us to accelerate our clinical programs and global expansion as we work to deliver truly innovative ADC medicines to patients around the world."

Investor Perspective

"Phrontline is a highly execution-focused and resilient team," said Ji Wang, Investment Lead at Lapam Investment. "By leveraging its proprietary bispecific antibody and dual-payload ADC platforms, the company has built a differentiated pipeline aimed at major unmet medical needs. Its preclinical data show compelling efficacy and safety and demonstrate the strong scalability of its platform.

"We look forward to supporting Phrontline as its programs advance through clinical development and as the company continues to drive innovation in next-generation ADC therapeutics," Wang added.

(Press release, Phrontline Biopharma, NOV 24, 2025, View Source [SID1234660914])

Akebia Therapeutics to Present at the Piper Sandler 37th Annual Healthcare Conference

On November 24, 2025 Akebia Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: AKBA), a biopharmaceutical company with the purpose to better the lives of people impacted by kidney disease, reported that members of its executive team will participate in a Fireside Chat at the Piper Sandler 37th Annual Healthcare Conference on Tuesday, December 2 at 4:30 PM EST.

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A webcast of the presentation can be accessed through the "Investors" section of Akebia’s website at View Source following the conference.

The Piper Sandler Healthcare Conference will take place December 2-4, 2025, in New York City.

(Press release, Akebia, NOV 24, 2025, View Source/news-releases/news-release-details/akebia-therapeutics-present-piper-sandler-37th-annual-healthcare [SID1234660912])

Ultragenyx to Participate in Investor Conferences in December

On November 24, 2025 Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc. (NASDAQ: RARE), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel therapies for serious rare and ultra-rare genetic diseases, reported participation in two upcoming investor conferences.

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Citi’s 2025 Global Healthcare Conference (Miami, FL)

Tuesday, December 2, 2025, Eric Crombez, M.D., Chief Medical Officer will participate in a fireside chat.
8th Annual Evercore ISI Healthcare Conference (Coral Gables, FL)

Wednesday, December 3, 2025, Eric Crombez will participate in a fireside chat.
The live and archived webcast of the fireside chats will be accessible from the company’s website at View Source

(Press release, Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, NOV 24, 2025, View Source [SID1234660911])