BridGene Biosciences Raises $28 Million in Series B+ Financing to Accelerate Clinical Development of BGC-515 and Platform Expansion

On October 16, 2025 BridGene Biosciences, Inc., a leader in the discovery and development of small molecule drugs for traditionally "hard-to-drug" targets, reported the recent completion of a $28 million Series B+ financing round. The round was led by Bayland Capital, with participation from GTJA Investment Group, Proxima Ventures, and existing investors Lapam Capital and Grains Valley Venture Capital.

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Proceeds from the financing will be used to advance BGC-515, a covalent TEAD inhibitor for solid tumors, through ongoing clinical development and toward Phase 2. The funding will also support the company’s second program, expected to enter the clinic in 2027, and accelerate the development of additional programs in oncology and autoimmune diseases. In addition, the financing enhances BridGene’s capacity to expand strategic collaborations and further validate the broad applicability of its proprietary IMTAC chemoproteomic platform across oncology, immunology, and neurology.

"Our recent financing provides important resources to advance our lead program, BGC-515, a covalent TEAD inhibitor, through Phase 2 clinical development," said Ping Cao, Ph.D., CEO and co-founder of BridGene Biosciences. "This funding will also enable us to progress additional pipeline programs toward the clinic and further expand the reach of our IMTAC chemoproteomic platform through strategic collaborations, as we continue to translate our discoveries into transformative therapies for patients."

"We are excited to lead this financing round for BridGene Biosciences," said Yuexing Su, Founding Partner of Bayland Capital. "BridGene’s IMTAC platform represents a powerful and differentiated approach to drug discovery, enabling the company to discover small molecules against traditionally undruggable target s. With a growing pipeline led by the covalent TEAD inhibitor BGC-515 and multiple follow-on programs across oncology and autoimmune diseases, we believe BridGene is well positioned to deliver transformative therapies to patients and generate substantial value in the biopharmaceutical field."

(Press release, Bridgene Biosciences, OCT 16, 2025, View Source [SID1234656714])

Citius Oncology Signs Exclusive Commercialization Agreement with EVERSANA to Support Planned Q4 2025 Launch of LYMPHIR™

On October 16, 2025 Citius Oncology, Inc. ("Citius Oncology") (Nasdaq: CTOR), the oncology-focused subsidiary of Citius Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Citius Pharma") (Nasdaq: CTXR), reported it has finalized an exclusive agreement with EVERSANA, a leading provider of global commercialization services, to support the anticipated fourth quarter 2025 U.S. commercialization of LYMPHIR (denileukin diftitox-cxdl), Citius Oncology’s FDA-approved therapy for relapsed or refractory cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) following at least one prior systemic therapy.

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Under the Master Service Agreement, EVERSANA will serve as Citius Oncology’s exclusive commercialization partner, providing an integrated suite of pre- and post-launch operations services. These services include medical information, pharmacovigilance, revenue cycle management, program management, data and analytics, and channel management. As launch preparations advance, additional commercialization services are expected to be integrated.

This agreement marks an expansion of EVERSANA’s vital role in advancing Citius Oncology’s pre-commercial strategy, building on the foundational work already completed in preparation for the U.S. launch of LYMPHIR.

"Finalizing our exclusive agreement with EVERSANA is a transformative milestone as we prepare and plan to bring LYMPHIR to market in Q4 2025," said Leonard Mazur, Chairman and CEO of Citius Oncology and Citius Pharma. "As a lean and strategically focused organization, this agreement allows us to significantly extend our commercial capabilities by leveraging EVERSANA’s best-in-class infrastructure and deep expertise in oncology commercialization. EVERSANA’s demonstrated ability to execute across the product lifecycle enhances our ability to scale efficiently, ensure timely market access for LYMPHIR, and support a high-quality launch aligned with investor expectations. We believe this collaboration strengthens our operational readiness, de-risks execution, and enhances our capacity to generate long-term value for shareholders."

"We are committed to driving oncology commercialization excellence and look forward to continuing our work with Citius Oncology to bring LYMPHIR to market," said Greg Skalicky, President, EVERSANA. "This agreement reflects our shared mission and vision to deliver innovative cancer treatments to patients who need them."

LYMPHIR was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in August 2024 and is the only systemic treatment for CTCL that targets the IL-2 receptor on malignant T-cells and T-regs. Citius Oncology plans to commercially launch LYMPHIR in the United States in Q4 2025.

About Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is a type of cutaneous non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) that comes in a variety of forms and is the most common type of cutaneous lymphoma. In CTCL, T-cells, a type of lymphocyte that plays a role in the immune system, become cancerous and develop into skin lesions, leading to a decrease in the quality of life of patients with this disease due to severe pain and pruritus. Mycosis Fungoides (MF) and Sézary Syndrome (SS) comprise the majority of CTCL cases. Depending on the type of CTCL, the disease may progress slowly and can take anywhere from several years to upwards of ten to potentially reach tumor stage. However, once the disease reaches this stage, the cancer is highly malignant and can spread to the lymph nodes and internal organs, resulting in a poor prognosis. Given the duration of the disease, patients typically cycle through multiple agents to control disease progression. CTCL affects men twice as often as women and is typically first diagnosed in patients between the ages of 50 and 60 years of age. Other than allogeneic stem cell transplantation, for which only a small fraction of patients qualify, there is currently no curative therapy for advanced CTCL.

About LYMPHIR (denileukin diftitox-cxdl)
LYMPHIR is a targeted immune therapy for relapsed or refractory cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) indicated for use in Stage I-III disease after at least one prior systemic therapy. It is a recombinant fusion protein that combines the IL-2 receptor binding domain with diphtheria toxin fragments. The agent specifically binds to IL-2 receptors on the cell surface, causing diphtheria toxin fragments that have entered cells to inhibit protein synthesis. After uptake into the cell, the DT fragment is cleaved and the free DT fragments inhibit protein synthesis, resulting in cell death. Denileukin diftitox-cxdl demonstrated the ability to deplete immunosuppressive regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs) and antitumor activity through a direct cytocidal action on IL-2R-expressing tumors.

In 2021, denileukin diftitox received regulatory approval in Japan for the treatment of CTCL and PTCL. Subsequently, in 2021, Citius acquired an exclusive license with rights to develop and commercialize LYMPHIR in all markets except for Japan and certain parts of Asia. LYMPHIR was approved by the FDA in August 2024.

INDICATION

LYMPHIR is an IL2-receptor-directed cytotoxin indicated for the treatment of adult patients with r/r Stage I-III cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) after at least one prior systemic therapy.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

BOXED WARNING: CAPILLARY LEAK SYNDROME

Capillary leak syndrome (CLS), including life-threatening or fatal reactions, can occur in patients receiving LYMPHIR. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of CLS during treatment. Withhold LYMPHIR until CLS resolves, or permanently discontinue based on severity.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Capillary Leak Syndrome

LYMPHIR can cause capillary leak syndrome (CLS), including life-threatening or fatal reactions. CLS was defined in the clinical trials as the occurrence of at least 2 of the following symptoms at any time during LYMPHIR therapy: hypotension, edema, and serum albumin <3 g/dL. These symptoms were not required to occur simultaneously to be characterized as capillary leak syndrome.

As defined, CLS occurred in 27% of patients in the pooled population across 3 clinical trials, including 8% with Grade 3. There was one (0.8%) fatal occurrence of CLS. Of the patients with CLS, 22% had recurrence. The majority of CLS events (81%) occurred within the first 2 cycles of treatment. The median time to onset from Cycle 1, Day 1 was 6.5 days (range: 1 to 77), the median duration of CLS was 14 days (range: 2 to 40), and 75% of patients had resolution. The most common symptoms included edema, hypoalbuminemia, and hypotension. Pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, and dehydration also occurred.

Regularly assess patients for weight gain, new onset or worsening of edema, dyspnea, and hypotension (including orthostatic changes). Monitor serum albumin levels prior to the initiation of each cycle of therapy and more often as clinically indicated.

Withhold, reduce dose, or permanently discontinue based on severity. If LYMPHIR is withheld, resume LYMPHIR following resolution of CLS and when serum albumin is greater than or equal to 3 g/dL.

Visual Impairment

LYMPHIR can cause serious visual impairment, including changes in visual acuity and color vision. In the pooled population across 3 clinical trials, visual impairment occurred in 9%, with Grade 1 in 8% and Grade 2 in 1%. The most commonly reported symptom was blurred vision. Of the patients with visual impairment, 67% had resolution of their visual impairment.

Perform baseline ophthalmic examination and monitor as clinically indicated. If patients experience symptoms of visual impairment, such as changes in visual acuity, changes in color vision, or blurred vision, refer for ophthalmologic evaluation.

Withhold LYMPHIR until visual impairment resolves or permanently discontinue based on severity.

Infusion-Related Reactions

LYMPHIR can cause serious infusion-related reactions. Infusion-related reactions were reported in 69% of patients in the pooled population across 3 clinical trials of patients who received LYMPHIR, with Grade 3 infusion-related reactions in 3.4% [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Eighty-three percent of infusion-related reactions occurred in Cycles 1 and 2. The most common symptoms included nausea, fatigue, chills, musculoskeletal pain, vomiting, fever, and arthralgia.

Premedicate patients for the first three cycles prior to starting a LYMPHIR infusion [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)]. Monitor patients frequently during infusion. For Grade 2 or higher infusion reactions, premedicate at least 30 minutes prior to each subsequent infusion with a systemic steroid for at least 3 cycles.

Interrupt or discontinue LYMPHIR based on severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)]. Institute appropriate medical management.

Hepatotoxicity

LYMPHIR can cause hepatotoxicity. In the pooled safety population, elevated ALT occurred in 70% of patients, with Grade 3 ALT occurring in 22%; elevated AST occurred in 64% of patients, with Grade 3 AST elevation occurring in 9%. For Grade 3 events, median time to onset was 8 days (range: 1 to 15 days); median time to resolution was 15 days (range: 7 to 50 days); all cases of Grade 3 ALT or AST elevations resolved [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Elevated total bilirubin occurred in 5% of patients, with Grade 3 occurring in 0.9%.

Monitor liver enzymes and bilirubin at baseline and during treatment as clinically indicated. Withhold, reduce dose, or permanently discontinue LYMPHIR based on severity.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Based on its mechanism of action, LYMPHIR can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to the initiation of LYMPHIR. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to the fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 7 days following the last dose of LYMPHIR.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common adverse reactions (≥20%), including laboratory abnormalities, are increased transaminases, albumin decreased, nausea, edema, hemoglobin decreased, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, rash, chills, constipation, pyrexia, and capillary leak syndrome

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Pregnancy

Risk Summary Based on its mechanism of action, LYMPHIR can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no available data on the use of LYMPHIR in pregnant women to evaluate for a drug-associated risk. No animal reproductive and developmental toxicity studies have been conducted with denileukin diftitox.

Denileukin diftitox-cxdl causes depletion of regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg), immune activation, and capillary leak syndrome, compromising pregnancy maintenance. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus.

In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies are 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.

Lactation

Risk Summary
No data are available regarding the presence of denileukin diftitox-cxdl in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed children, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with LYMPHIR and for 7 days after the last dose.

Females and Males of Reproductive Potential

Based on its mechanism of action, LYMPHIR can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman.

Pregnancy Testing
Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating LYMPHIR.

Contraception

Females
Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with LYMPHIR and for 7 days after the last dose.

Infertility

Males
Based on findings in rats, male fertility may be compromised by treatment with LYMPHIR. The reversibility of the effect on fertility is unknown.

Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness of LYMPHIR in pediatric patients have not been established.

Geriatric Use
Of the 69 patients with Stage I-III r/r CTCL who received LYMPHIR, 34 patients (49%) were 65 years of age and older and 10 patients (14%) were 75 years of age and older. Clinical studies of LYMPHIR did not include sufficient numbers of patients 65 years of age and older to determine whether they respond differently from younger adult patients.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . You may also report side effects to Citius Oncology, Inc. at 1-844-459-6744.

Please read Important Safety Information and full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNING, for LYMPHIR.

(Press release, Citius Oncology, OCT 16, 2025, View Source [SID1234656713])

4SC publishes Q3-Report 2025

On October 16, 2025 4SC AG (4SC, FSE Prime Standard: VSC) reported its Q3-Report 2025, presenting all material developments up to 30 September 2025, as well as the Company’s current outlook. The full report is available for download on 4SC’s website.

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Development of cash balance in Q3 2025 and financial forecast
As of 30 September 2025, 4SC holds cash balance/funds of €4,742 thousand as compared to €8,311 thousand as of 31 December 2024. The Management Board believes that the Company’s available cash and cash equivalents are sufficient to either:

in combination with a successful completion of the capital increase, result in sufficient cash for a transitional period to allow the Company at least until the end of 2026 to find a new business (as described in the invitation to the Company’s most recent AGM on 19 September 2025), or
cover the projected costs for an orderly liquidation if this could be completed by the end of Q1 2027. In the event of the Company being liquidated, the Management Board expects that 4SC will, at best, be able to repay a portion of the outstanding subordinated shareholder loans with no liquidation surplus for distribution to 4SC’s shareholders.

(Press release, 4SC, OCT 16, 2025, View Source [SID1234656711])

OmniAb to Participate in Three Investor Conferences in November

On October 16, 2025 OmniAb, Inc. (NASDAQ: OABI) reported that management will be participating in three investor conferences during the month of November.

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2025 Truist Securities BioPharma Symposium, November 6 at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel. Matt Foehr, Chief Executive Officer, will participate in one-on-one meetings with investors on Thursday, November 6 th.
Stifel 2025 Healthcare Conference, November 11-13 at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel. Kurt Gustafson, Chief Financial Officer, will participate in one-on-one meetings with investors on Wednesday, November 12 th.
Jefferies Global Healthcare Conference – London, November 17-20 at the Waldorf Hilton. Matt Foehr, Chief Executive Officer, will present a corporate overview on Wednesday, November 19 th at 8:00 a.m. GMT and will hold one-on-one and small-group meetings with investors on November 18-19.

(Press release, OmniAb, OCT 16, 2025, View Source [SID1234656710])

Agenus to Host October Stakeholder Briefing Showcasing BOT/BAL Global Momentum and Post-ESMO Insights

On October 16, 2025 Agenus Inc. ("Agenus") (Nasdaq: AGEN), a leader in immuno-oncology, reported it will host a virtual Stakeholder Briefing on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. ET. The webcast will feature updates from leading experts on recent clinical progress and expanding international access for its immunotherapy combination botensilimab (BOT) and balstilimab (BAL). The session will be moderated by Garo Armen, PhD, Founder, Chairman, and CEO, and conclude with a live Q&A.

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Featured Topics and Speakers

Expanding Immunotherapy’s Reach: ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) 2025 Highlights
Michael S. Gordon, MD, HonorHealth Research Institute

Dr. Gordon will discuss results from his oral presentation at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Congress 2025, featuring data from over 400 patients treated with BOT/BAL across multiple refractory solid tumors.

Access Beyond Borders: France’s Autorisation d’Accès Compassionnel (AAC) Program and BOT/BAL’s Inclusion
Alexander M.M. Eggermont, MD, PhD, world-renowned immuno-oncologist and former Director General of the Gustave Roussy Cancer Center in France

Professor Eggermont will provide perspective on the French AAC program and its implications for oncologists and patients living with refractory MSS colorectal cancer.
Stakeholder Briefing Details:

Webcast Link | View Source
Pre-registration is not required.

This session marks the second in Agenus’ 2025 Stakeholder Briefing Series, following the August event highlighting corporate strategy, clinical milestones, and the launch of the global Phase 3 BATTMAN trial. A third session will follow in November, continuing the dialogue on BOT/BAL’s progress and corporate milestones.

(Press release, Agenus, OCT 16, 2025, View Source [SID1234656709])