GC Genome Study Identifies ‘Confounders’ Interfering with Cancer Signals to Improve Liquid Biopsy Accuracy

On December 9, 2025 GC Genome, a leading clinical genomics and liquid biopsy company, reported that its study analyzing cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragmentation patterns in 1,154 healthy individuals has been published in Clinical Chemistry (Impact Factor 6.3, 2025). The findings reveal key physiological factors that can interfere with cancer-associated cfDNA signals, offering a foundation for improving the accuracy of liquid biopsy tests.

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The study, conducted in collaboration with Professor Min-Jung Kwon and her team at Kangbuk Samsung Medical Center, examined correlations between cfDNA fragmentomic profiles and 65 clinical variables, including age and liver function markers. The goal was to identify potential confounders that could influence cfDNA-based cancer detection in individuals without cancer.

Study Overview

Healthy cohort: 1,154 noncancerous individuals who underwent routine health checkups
Clinical variables included: 65 demographic, hematologic, and biochemical parameters
Three fragmentomic features were derived: cfDNA concentration, short-fragment ratio (SFR), and frequency of cancer-enriched motifs(CEMs)
Key Findings

Liver enzymes(including AST, ALP, γ-GTP) and age were identified as major factors altering cfDNA fragmentation patterns.
Elevated AST or age closely resembled cancer-like fragmentomic signatures, blurring the distinction between noncancer and cancer profiles.
AST showed high similarity to fragmentation size patterns seen in lung cancer patients (cosine similarity = 0.98).
Age showed the highest similarity to cancer-like profiles among clinical variables (cosine similarity = 0.52).
Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis confirmed that these physiological variables can act as confounders by reducing the specificity of cfDNA-based detection, potentially leading to false-positive results.
These findings demonstrate that non-cancer physiological factors can influence cfDNA signals, underscoring the need for confounder-aware modeling approaches in liquid biopsy development.

A GC Genome spokesperson stated:

"This study is significant because it uses large-scale data from healthy individuals to identify key confounders that influence cfDNA fragmentation patterns. These insights will play an important role in refining our Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) test, ai-CANCERCH, particularly in reducing false-positive rates and improving test specificity."

About ai-CANCERCH

Launched in September 2023, ai-CANCERCH is an AI-based multi-cancer early detection(MCED) test powered by Lc-WGS. Using just 10 mL of blood, the test detects signals associated with multiple cancers. A major upgrade—expanding from 6 detectable cancers to 10 cancers (colorectal, lung, esophageal, liver, ovarian, pancreatic, biliary, breast, gastric, and head-and-neck)—is planned for January 2026.

(Press release, GC Genome, DEC 9, 2025, View Source [SID1234661330])

Dizal Showcases its Strong Hematology Pipeline with New Data from Golidocitinib and Birelentinib at ASH 2025

On December 9, 2025 Dizal (SSE:688192), a biopharmaceutical company committed to developing novel medicines for cancer and immunological diseases, reported new data from its hematology portfolio at the 67th American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting. Highlights include golidocitinib, a Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) only inhibitor, in T-cell lymphoma, and birelentinib, a non-covalent LYN/BTK dual inhibitor, in B-cell lymphoma.

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Golidocitinib

Newly diagnosed PTCL
Two dose regimes of golidocitinib combined with CHOP have been explored for the treatment of newly diagnosed PTCL. Both demonstrated promising antitumor activities and a manageable safety profiles.

Golidocitinib 75mg daily with CHOP, followed by 150mg maintenance after CHOP, showed an ORR of 94.1% and a CR rate of 64.7%. By the data cutoff date, 85% of patients remained on treatment.
Golidocitinib 150mg daily with CHOP, followed by 150mg maintenance after CHOP, showed an ORR of 88.9% and a CR rate of 61.1%

R/R PTCL
An updated 2-year follow-up from the MD Anderson Cancer Center cohort of the multinational pivotal trial JACKPOT8 Part B showed that golidocitinib monotherapy in patients with relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma (r/r PTCL) achieved an objective response rate (ORR) of 53.8% and a complete response (CR) rate of 46.1%. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 37.9 months and the 2-year PFS rate was 58.3%. The research findings validated golidocitinib’s long-lasting efficacy and tolerability in the U.S. patient population.

Rare subtypes of PTCL
Golidocitinib monotherapy demonstrated compelling clinical activity with a favorable safety profile in heavily pretreated relapsed or refractory T-cell and NK-cell large granular lymphocyte leukemia (r/r T-LGLL) patients. Results from a prospective study showed an ORR of 92.3% and a CR rate of 61.15%. Additionally, the study reported a 100% response among STAT3-wildtype patients.

A Phase II clinical study showed that golidocitinib in combination with CHOP demonstrated profound antitumor activity in treatment-naïve monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T-cell lymphoma (MEITL). The ORR was 85.7% and the CR rate was 71.4%, demonstrating a significant therapeutic advance over conventional chemotherapy.

PTCL-associated HLH
In r/r PTCL-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), golidocitinib-based regimens demonstrated dual anti-HLH and antitumor efficacy, with rapid clinical improvement and an ORR of 46.7%. Most patients achieved systemic and hematologic recovery with a manageable safety profile. These findings highlight the potential of JAK1 inhibition in this high-risk disease.

Birelentinib

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) is a malignancy originating from mature B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL). While Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors have transformed the treatment of B-cell lymphomas, resistance remains a significant challenge. Two primary types of resistance mutations have been identified after BTK inhibitor treatment for B-NHL: BTK-dependent and non-BTK pathway-mediated resistance. Although the BTK-dependent resistance is well-characterized, the emergence of kinase-impaired BTK mutations underscores the increasingly recognized role of non-BTK pathways.

Birelentinib is designed to block both BTK-dependent and BTK independent BCR signaling. Building upon promising data presented orally at the 2025 ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting and the 18th International Conference on Malignant Lymphoma (ICML), updated follow-up data of birelentinib reported at this ASH (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting demonstrated potent anti-tumor efficacy with a manageable safety profile in heavily pre-treated CLL/SLL patients.

At 50 mg QD (RP3D), birelentinib achieved an ORR of 84.2%. Tumor responses were observed irrespective of prior BTK inhibitor, BCL-2 inhibitor or BTK degrader treatment, and in patients with kinase-proficient or kinase-impaired BTK mutation. Antitumor efficacy proved durable, with no new safety concerns identified during follow-up.

Based on the encouraging results, birelentinib has received Fast Track Designation (FTD) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The global multicenter Phase III study in r/r CLL/SLL is currently ongoing.

About Golidocitinib (DZD4205)

Golidocitinib is currently the first and only Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) inhibitor being evaluated for the treatment of r/r PTCL. In June 2024, golidocitinib was approved by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma (r/r PTCL).

At the data cut-off date of August 31, 2023, golidocitinib has demonstrated robust and durable anti-tumor efficacy, with an ORR of 44.3%. All subtypes benefited well, and the ORR of common subtypes exceeded 40%. More than 50% of the patients with tumor remission achieved a complete response with a CRR of 23.9%. Per IRC assessment, the median duration of response (mDoR) reached 20.7 months. As of February 2024, golidocitinib showed a median overall survival (mOS) of 24.3 months.

Golidocitinib was granted Fast Track Designation by the U.S. FDA for the treatment of r/r PTCL in February 2022. In September 2023, the CDE accepted its NDA and granted Priority Review for the treatment of r/r PTCL. The Phase I clinical data of golidocitinib (JACKPOT8 PART A) were published in Annals of Oncology (Impact Factor: 51.8), and global pivotal trial data of golidocitinib for the treatment of r/r PTCL (JACKPOT PART B) were published in The Lancet Oncology (Impact Factor: 54.4).

About Birelentinib (DZD8586)

Two resistance mechanisms have been found in patients whose diseases have progressed on a BTK inhibitor treatment: the BTK C481X mutation and BTK-independent BCR signaling pathway activation. Birelentinib is a first-in-class, non-covalent, LYN/BTK dual inhibitor with full blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration, designed to treat both BTK-dependent and BTK-independent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL).

In August 2025, birelentinib was granted Fast Track Designation by the U.S. FDA for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) who have received at least two prior lines of therapy, including a BTK inhibitor and a BCL-2 inhibitor.

(Press release, Dizal Pharma, DEC 9, 2025, View Source [SID1234661329])

Unprecedented results from the Phase 3 MajesTEC-3 study support TECVAYLI® plus DARZALEX FASPRO® as a potential standard of care as early as second line for patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma

On December 9, 2025 Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ), the worldwide leader in multiple myeloma, reported new data from the investigational Phase 3 MajesTEC-3 study that demonstrate the potential of TECVAYLI (teclistamab-cqyv) plus DARZALEX FASPRO (daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj) as early as second line for patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Results show an 83% reduction in the risk of disease progression or death compared to standard regimens at nearly three-years follow-up (hazard ratio [HR], 0.17; 95 percent confidence interval [CI], 0.12-0.23; P<0.0001).1 Ninety-one percent of patients who were progression-free at six months remained progression-free at three years.2

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The study evaluated the efficacy and safety of the investigational immunotherapy combination of TECVAYLI plus DARZALEX FASPRO versus DARZALEX FASPRO and dexamethasone with either pomalidomide or bortezomib (DPd/DVd) in patients with RRMM who have received 1-3 prior lines of therapy. The data were presented as a late-breaking oral presentation and in the press program at the 2025 American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, with simultaneous publication in The New England Journal of Medicine.

"The combination of TECVAYLI and DARZALEX FASPRO offers remarkable efficacy, a well-characterized safety profile with robust infection management protocols, and an opportunity to improve patient outcomes across academic and community settings. It has the potential to change the standard of care as a steroid-sparing combination regimen suited for outpatient administration on the familiar DARZALEX schedule," said Maria-Victoria Mateos, M.D., Ph.D., Consultant Physician in Hematology, University Hospital of Salamanca.* "TECVAYLI and DARZALEX FASPRO work synergistically by uniquely targeting both BCMA and CD38 to prime and activate the immune system. The combination has shown to extend progression-free survival and overall survival versus standard of care as early as second line."

Significant improvements compared to standard of care were observed across key secondary endpoints, including treatment response rates, minimal residual disease (MRD)-negativity, overall survival (OS), and time to worsening of symptoms – revealing the comprehensive impact of the combination across varied patient measures.1 TECVAYLI plus DARZALEX FASPRO showed higher rates of complete response (≥CR) (81.8% vs. 32.1%; odds ratio [OR], 9.56; 95% CI, 6.47-14.14), overall response (89.0% vs. 75.3%; OR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.68-4.18) and MRD-negativity (58.4% vs. 17.1%; OR, 6.78; 95% CI, 4.53-10.15, P<0.0001; evaluable rate of 89.3% vs. 63.0%) at three-years follow-up.1 OS favored TECVAYLI plus DARZALEX FASPRO (HR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.32-0.65; P<0.0001) across all prespecified subgroups. At three-years, OS rates were 83.3% and 65.0%, respectively.1 Additionally, patients remained symptom-free significantly longer with TECVAYLI plus DARZALEX FASPRO versus standard of care, underscoring a significant improvement in patient-reported quality of life (QoL) outcomes.1

"With these data, we are entering a new era in treating multiple myeloma with the first bispecific combination to demonstrate superior overall survival as early as second line. Alongside the other transformational therapies in our leading portfolio, we can offer patients optimal outcomes at any stage of disease – bringing us closer to our ultimate ambition to find a cure," said Sen Zhuang, M.D., Vice President, Oncology Clinical Research, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. "With TECVAYLI plus DARZALEX FASPRO we have the potential to set a new standard of care once again for this disease. We continue to explore how regimens with our bispecifics portfolio can redefine the future for patients."

In the study, TECVAYLI plus DARZALEX FASPRO and standard of care comparators had similar rates of Grade 3/4 (95.1% vs. 96.6%) treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAE).1 Most Grade 3/4 events were due to cytopenia and infection.1 Infections were observed with TECVAYLI and DARZALEX FASPRO (any grade, 96.5%; Grade 3/4, 54.1%) and DPd/DVd control (any grade 84.1%; Grade 3/4 43.4%). Grade 3 or higher infections with TECVAYLI and DARZALEX FASPRO declined after the first 6 months of treatment with use of established immunoglobulin supplementation and infection prophylaxis protocols, along with switch to monthly dosing.1 Cytokine release syndrome occurred in 60.1% of patients; all cases were Grade 1/2, did not lead to treatment discontinuation and were effectively managed using standard guidelines.1 Immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome was rare and occurred in 1.1% of patients.1 Serious adverse events occurred in 70.7% of patients compared to 62.4% of patients treated with the control regimen, while treatment discontinuations due to adverse events were low (4.6% vs. 5.5%).1 Grade 5 TEAEs were 7.1% and 5.9% with TECVAYLI plus DARZALEX FASPRO and DPd/DVd control, respectively.1

Based on these results, Johnson & Johnson is working with regulatory bodies globally to bring the benefits of this bispecific regimen to eligible patients as quickly as possible. The Company has submitted a supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for the use of TECVAYLI and DARZALEX FASPRO in combination as a treatment for RRMM to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA has granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) for the combination regimen; BTD is granted to expedite the development and regulatory review of a medicine that is intended to treat a serious or life-threatening condition and is based on preliminary clinical evidence that demonstrates the drug may have substantial improvement over available therapies on a clinically significant endpoint(s).

The sBLA is being reviewed through the Real-Time Oncology Review (RTOR) program, which enables the agency to initiate their evaluation of the data before the full application is formally submitted. An application has also been submitted to Brazil’s health agency, ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária).

About the MajesTEC-3 Study
MajesTEC-3 (NCT05083169) is an ongoing, Phase 3 randomized study evaluating the safety and efficacy of teclistamab plus daratumumab versus investigator’s choice of daratumumab and dexamethasone with either pomalidomide or bortezomib (DPd/DVd) in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma who have received 1–3 prior lines of therapy. The primary endpoint is progression-free survival (PFS) and secondary endpoints include complete response or better (≥CR), overall response rate, minimal residual disease (MRD)-negativity (10⁻⁵ by next-generation sequencing), overall survival (OS), time to worsening of symptoms (MySIm-Q), and safety. The MajesTEC-3 study is a part of the MajesTEC clinical program, which includes exploring the potential of teclistamab as a combination regimen.3

About TECVAYLI
TECVAYLI (teclistamab-cqyv) is a first-in-class, bispecific T-cell engager antibody therapy that uses innovative science to activate the immune system by binding to the CD3 receptor expressed on the surface of T-cells and to the B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) expressed on the surface of multiple myeloma cells and some healthy B-lineage cells. TECVAYLI received accelerated approval from the U.S. FDA in October 2022 as an off-the-shelf (or ready-to-use) antibody that is administered as a subcutaneous treatment for adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) who have received at least four prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent and an anti-CD38 antibody.4

In February 2024, the U.S. FDA approved the supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for TECVAYLI for a reduced dosing frequency of 1.5 mg/kg every two weeks in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have achieved and maintained a CR or better for a minimum of six months. Since FDA approval, more than 20,800 patients have been treated worldwide with TECVAYLI.

The European Commission (EC) granted TECVAYLI conditional marketing authorization in August 2022 as monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with RRMM who have received at least three prior therapies, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent and an anti-CD38 antibody, and have demonstrated disease progression since the last therapy. In August 2023, the EC granted the approval of a Type II variation application for TECVAYLI, providing the option for a reduced dosing frequency of 1.5 mg/kg every two weeks (Q2W) in patients who have achieved a complete response or better for a minimum of six months.

For more information, visit www.TECVAYLI.com.

About DARZALEX FASPRO and DARZALEX
DARZALEX FASPRO (daratumumab and hyaluronidase-fihj) received U.S. FDA approval in May 2020 and is approved for 11 indications in multiple myeloma, four of which are for frontline treatment in newly diagnosed patients who are transplant eligible or ineligible.5 It is the only subcutaneous CD38-directed antibody approved to treat patients with multiple myeloma. DARZALEX FASPRO is co-formulated with recombinant human hyaluronidase PH20 (rHuPH20), Halozyme’s ENHANZE drug delivery technology.

DARZALEX (daratumumab) received U.S. FDA approval in November 2015 and is approved in eight indications, three of which are in the frontline setting, including newly diagnosed patients who are transplant-eligible and ineligible.6 In 2025, DARZALEX FASPRO was approved by the U.S. FDA and EMA as the first and only treatment for patients with high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma.

DARZALEX is the first CD38-directed antibody approved to treat multiple myeloma.5 DARZALEX-based regimens have been used in the treatment of more than 618,000 patients worldwide and more than 68,000 patients in the U.S. alone.

In August 2012, Janssen Biotech, Inc. and Genmab A/S entered a worldwide agreement, which granted Janssen an exclusive license to develop, manufacture and commercialize daratumumab.

For more information, visit www.DARZALEX.com.

About Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is an incurable blood cancer that affects a type of white blood cell called plasma cells, which are found in the bone marrow.7 In multiple myeloma, these plasma cells proliferate and spread rapidly and replace normal cells in the bone marrow with tumors.8. Multiple myeloma is the third most common blood cancer worldwide and remains an incurable disease.9 In 2024, it was estimated that more than 35,000 people will be diagnosed with multiple myeloma in the U.S. and more than 12,000 people would die from the disease.10 People living with multiple myeloma have a 5-year survival rate of 59.8 percent.11 While some people diagnosed with multiple myeloma initially have no symptoms, most patients are diagnosed due to symptoms that can include bone fracture or pain, low red blood cell counts, tiredness, high calcium levels and kidney problems or infections.12,13

TECVAYLI IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

INDICATION AND USAGE

TECVAYLI (teclistamab-cqyv) is a bispecific B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed CD3 T-cell engager indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least four prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody.

This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trial(s).

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME and NEUROLOGIC TOXICITY including IMMUNE EFFECTOR CELL-ASSOCIATED NEUROTOXICITY SYNDROME

Cytokine release syndrome (CRS), including life-threatening or fatal reactions, can occur in patients receiving TECVAYLI. Initiate treatment with TECVAYLI step-up dosing schedule to reduce risk of CRS. Withhold TECVAYLI until CRS resolves or permanently discontinue based on severity.

Neurologic toxicity, including Immune Effector Cell-Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS) and serious and life-threatening reactions, can occur in patients receiving TECVAYLI. Monitor patients for signs or symptoms of neurologic toxicity, including ICANS, during treatment. Withhold TECVAYLI until neurologic toxicity resolves or permanently discontinue based on severity.

TECVAYLI is available only through a restricted program called the TECVAYLI and TALVEY Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS).

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Cytokine Release Syndrome – TECVAYLI can cause cytokine release syndrome (CRS), including life-threatening or fatal reactions. In the clinical trial, CRS occurred in 72% of patients who received TECVAYLI at the recommended dose, with Grade 1 CRS occurring in 50% of patients, Grade 2 in 21%, and Grade 3 in 0.6%. Recurrent CRS occurred in 33% of patients. Most patients experienced CRS following step-up dose 1 (42%), step-up dose 2 (35%), or the initial treatment dose (24%). Less than 3% of patients developed first occurrence of CRS following subsequent doses of TECVAYLI. The median time to onset of CRS was 2 (range: 1 to 6) days after the most recent dose with a median duration of 2 (range: 1 to 9) days. Clinical signs and symptoms of CRS included, but were not limited to, fever, hypoxia, chills, hypotension, sinus tachycardia, headache, and elevated liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase elevation).

Initiate therapy according to TECVAYLI step-up dosing schedule to reduce risk of CRS. Administer pretreatment medications to reduce risk of CRS and monitor patients following administration of TECVAYLI accordingly. At the first sign of CRS, immediately evaluate patient for hospitalization. Administer supportive care based on severity and consider further management per current practice guidelines. Withhold or permanently discontinue TECVAYLI based on severity.

TECVAYLI is available only through a restricted program under a REMS.

Neurologic Toxicity including ICANS – TECVAYLI can cause serious or life-threatening neurologic toxicity, including Immune Effector Cell-Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS).

In the clinical trial, neurologic toxicity occurred in 57% of patients who received TECVAYLI at the recommended dose, with Grade 3 or 4 neurologic toxicity occurring in 2.4% of patients. The most frequent neurologic toxicities were headache (25%), motor dysfunction (16%), sensory neuropathy (15%), and encephalopathy (13%). With longer follow-up, Grade 4 seizure and fatal Guillain-Barré syndrome (one patient each) occurred in patients who received TECVAYLI.

In the clinical trial, ICANS was reported in 6% of patients who received TECVAYLI at the recommended dose. Recurrent ICANS occurred in 1.8% of patients. Most patients experienced ICANS following step-up dose 1 (1.2%), step-up dose 2 (0.6%), or the initial treatment dose (1.8%). Less than 3% of patients developed first occurrence of ICANS following subsequent doses of TECVAYLI. The median time to onset of ICANS was 4 (range: 2 to 8) days after the most recent dose with a median duration of 3 (range: 1 to 20) days. The most frequent clinical manifestations of ICANS reported were confusional state and dysgraphia. The onset of ICANS can be concurrent with CRS, following resolution of CRS, or in the absence of CRS.

Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of neurologic toxicity during treatment. At the first sign of neurologic toxicity, including ICANS, immediately evaluate patient and provide supportive therapy based on severity. Withhold or permanently discontinue TECVAYLI based on severity per recommendations and consider further management per current practice guidelines.

Due to the potential for neurologic toxicity, patients are at risk of depressed level of consciousness. Advise patients to refrain from driving or operating heavy or potentially dangerous machinery during and for 48 hours after completion of TECVAYLI step-up dosing schedule and in the event of new onset of any neurologic toxicity symptoms until neurologic toxicity resolves.

TECVAYLI is available only through a restricted program under a REMS.

TECVAYLI and TALVEY REMS – TECVAYLI is available only through a restricted program under a REMS called the TECVAYLI and TALVEY REMS because of the risks of CRS and neurologic toxicity, including ICANS.

Hepatotoxicity – TECVAYLI can cause hepatotoxicity, including fatalities. In patients who received TECVAYLI at the recommended dose in the clinical trial, there was one fatal case of hepatic failure. Elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) occurred in 34% of patients, with Grade 3 or 4 elevations in 1.2%. Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) occurred in 28% of patients, with Grade 3 or 4 elevations in 1.8%. Elevated total bilirubin occurred in 6% of patients with Grade 3 or 4 elevations in 0.6%. Liver enzyme elevation can occur with or without concurrent CRS.

Monitor liver enzymes and bilirubin at baseline and during treatment as clinically indicated. Withhold TECVAYLI or consider permanent discontinuation of TECVAYLI based on severity.

Infections – TECVAYLI can cause severe, life-threatening, or fatal infections. In patients who received TECVAYLI at the recommended dose in the clinical trial, serious infections, including opportunistic infections, occurred in 30% of patients, with Grade 3 or 4 infections in 35%, and fatal infections in 4.2%.

Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infection prior to and during treatment with TECVAYLI and treat appropriately. Administer prophylactic antimicrobials according to guidelines. Withhold TECVAYLI or consider permanent discontinuation of TECVAYLI based on severity.

Monitor immunoglobulin levels during treatment with TECVAYLI and treat according to guidelines, including infection precautions and antibiotic or antiviral prophylaxis.

Neutropenia – TECVAYLI can cause neutropenia and febrile neutropenia. In patients who received TECVAYLI at the recommended dose in the clinical trial, decreased neutrophils occurred in 84% of patients, with Grade 3 or 4 decreased neutrophils in 56%. Febrile neutropenia occurred in 3% of patients.

Monitor complete blood cell counts at baseline and periodically during treatment and provide supportive care per local institutional guidelines. Monitor patients with neutropenia for signs of infection. Withhold TECVAYLI based on severity.

Hypersensitivity and Other Administration Reactions – TECVAYLI can cause both systemic administration-related and local injection-site reactions. Systemic Reactions – In patients who received TECVAYLI at the recommended dose in the clinical trial, 1.2% of patients experienced systemic-administration reactions, which included Grade 1 recurrent pyrexia and Grade 1 swollen tongue. Local Reactions – In patients who received TECVAYLI at the recommended dose in the clinical trial, injection-site reactions occurred in 35% of patients, with Grade 1 injection-site reactions in 30% and Grade 2 in 4.8%. Withhold TECVAYLI or consider permanent discontinuation of TECVAYLI based on severity.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity – Based on its mechanism of action, TECVAYLI may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to the fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with TECVAYLI and for 5 months after the last dose.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were pyrexia, CRS, musculoskeletal pain, injection site reaction, fatigue, upper respiratory tract infection, nausea, headache, pneumonia, and diarrhea. The most common Grade 3 to 4 laboratory abnormalities (≥20%) were decreased lymphocytes, decreased neutrophils, decreased white blood cells, decreased hemoglobin, and decreased platelets.

Please read full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNING, for TECVAYLI.

DARZALEX INDICATIONS AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

INDICATIONS
DARZALEX (daratumumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with multiple myeloma:

In combination with bortezomib, melphalan, and prednisone in newly diagnosed patients who are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant
In combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone in newly diagnosed patients who are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant and in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior therapy
In combination with bortezomib, thalidomide, and dexamethasone in newly diagnosed patients who are eligible for autologous stem cell transplant
In combination with pomalidomide and dexamethasone in patients who have received at least one prior line of therapy including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor
In combination with carfilzomib and dexamethasone in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received one to three prior lines of therapy
In combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone in patients who have received at least one prior therapy
As monotherapy in patients who have received at least three prior lines of therapy including a proteasome inhibitor (PI) and an immunomodulatory agent or who are double-refractory to a PI and an immunomodulatory agent
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

CONTRAINDICATIONS

DARZALEX is contraindicated in patients with a history of severe hypersensitivity (eg, anaphylactic reactions) to daratumumab or any of the components of the formulation.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Infusion-Related Reactions

DARZALEX can cause severe and/or serious infusion-related reactions including anaphylactic reactions. These reactions can be life threatening, and fatal outcomes have been reported. In clinical trials (monotherapy and combination: N=2066), infusion-related reactions occurred in 37% of patients with the Week 1 (16 mg/kg) infusion, 2% with the Week 2 infusion, and cumulatively 6% with subsequent infusions. Less than 1% of patients had a Grade 3/4 infusion-related reaction at Week 2 or subsequent infusions. The median time to onset was 1.5 hours (range: 0 to 73 hours). Nearly all reactions occurred during infusion or within 4 hours of completing DARZALEX. Severe reactions have occurred, including bronchospasm, hypoxia, dyspnea, hypertension, tachycardia, headache, laryngeal edema, pulmonary edema, and ocular adverse reactions, including choroidal effusion, acute myopia, and acute angle closure glaucoma. Signs and symptoms may include respiratory symptoms, such as nasal congestion, cough, throat irritation, as well as chills, vomiting, and nausea. Less common signs and symptoms were wheezing, allergic rhinitis, pyrexia, chest discomfort, pruritus, hypotension and blurred vision.

When DARZALEX dosing was interrupted in the setting of ASCT (CASSIOPEIA) for a median of 3.75 months (range: 2.4 to 6.9 months), upon re-initiation of DARZALEX, the incidence of infusion-related reactions was 11% for the first infusion following ASCT. Infusion-related reactions occurring at re-initiation of DARZALEX following ASCT were consistent in terms of symptoms and severity (Grade 3 or 4: <1%) with those reported in previous studies at Week 2 or subsequent infusions. In EQUULEUS, patients receiving combination treatment (n=97) were administered the first 16 mg/kg dose at Week 1 split over two days, ie, 8 mg/kg on Day 1 and Day 2, respectively. The incidence of any grade infusion-related reactions was 42%, with 36% of patients experiencing infusion-related reactions on Day 1 of Week 1, 4% on Day 2 of Week 1, and 8% with subsequent infusions.

Pre-medicate patients with antihistamines, antipyretics, and corticosteroids. Frequently monitor patients during the entire infusion. Interrupt DARZALEX infusion for reactions of any severity and institute medical management as needed. Permanently discontinue DARZALEX therapy if an anaphylactic reaction or life-threatening (Grade 4) reaction occurs and institute appropriate emergency care. For patients with Grade 1, 2, or 3 reactions, reduce the infusion rate when re-starting the infusion.

To reduce the risk of delayed infusion-related reactions, administer oral corticosteroids to all patients following DARZALEX infusions. Patients with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may require additional post-infusion medications to manage respiratory complications. Consider prescribing short- and long-acting bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Ocular adverse reactions, including acute myopia and narrowing of the anterior chamber angle due to ciliochoroidal effusions with potential for increased intraocular pressure or glaucoma, have occurred with DARZALEX infusion. If ocular symptoms occur, interrupt DARZALEX infusion and seek immediate ophthalmologic evaluation prior to restarting DARZALEX.

Interference With Serological Testing

Daratumumab binds to CD38 on red blood cells (RBCs) and results in a positive indirect antiglobulin test (indirect Coombs test). Daratumumab-mediated positive indirect antiglobulin test may persist for up to 6 months after the last daratumumab infusion. Daratumumab bound to RBCs masks detection of antibodies to minor antigens in the patient’s serum. The determination of a patient’s ABO and Rh blood type is not impacted. Notify blood transfusion centers of this interference with serological testing and inform blood banks that a patient has received DARZALEX. Type and screen patients prior to starting DARZALEX.

Neutropenia and Thrombocytopenia

DARZALEX may increase neutropenia and thrombocytopenia induced by background therapy. Monitor complete blood cell counts periodically during treatment according to manufacturer’s prescribing information for background therapies. Monitor patients with neutropenia for signs of infection. Consider withholding DARZALEX until recovery of neutrophils or for recovery of platelets.

Interference With Determination of Complete Response

Daratumumab is a human immunoglobulin G (IgG) kappa monoclonal antibody that can be detected on both the serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) and immunofixation (IFE) assays used for the clinical monitoring of endogenous M-protein. This interference can impact the determination of complete response and of disease progression in some patients with IgG kappa myeloma protein.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Based on the mechanism of action, DARZALEX can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. DARZALEX may cause depletion of fetal immune cells and decreased bone density. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females with reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with DARZALEX and for 3 months after the last dose.

The combination of DARZALEX with lenalidomide, pomalidomide, or thalidomide is contraindicated in pregnant women because lenalidomide, pomalidomide, and thalidomide may cause birth defects and death of the unborn child. Refer to the lenalidomide, pomalidomide, or thalidomide prescribing information on use during pregnancy.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most frequently reported adverse reactions (incidence ≥20%) were: upper respiratory infection, neutropenia, infusion related reactions, thrombocytopenia, diarrhea, constipation, anemia, peripheral sensory neuropathy, fatigue, peripheral edema, nausea, cough, pyrexia, dyspnea, and asthenia. The most common hematologic laboratory abnormalities (≥40%) with DARZALEX are: neutropenia, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and anemia.

Please click here to see the full Prescribing Information.

(Press release, Johnson & Johnson, DEC 9, 2025, View Source [SID1234661328])

Citius Oncology Announces $18 Million Concurrent Registered Direct Offering and Private Placement Priced At-The-Market Under Nasdaq Rules

On December 9, 2025 Citius Oncology, Inc. ("Citius Oncology" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: CTOR), the oncology-focused subsidiary of Citius Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Citius Pharma") (Nasdaq: CTXR), reported that it has entered into a definitive agreement with a single healthcare-focused investor for the purchase and sale of 1,284,404 shares of its common stock at a purchase price of $1.09 per share in a registered direct offering priced at-the-market under Nasdaq rules. In addition, the Company has agreed to issue to the investor unregistered warrants to purchase up to 1,284,404 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.09 per share, which will be exercisable beginning on the effective date of stockholder approval of the issuance of the shares of common stock upon exercise of the warrants and will expire five years from the date of stockholder approval.

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Concurrently with the registered direct offering, in a private placement priced at-the-market under Nasdaq rules, the Company entered into a definitive agreement with the investor for the purchase and sale of 15,229,358 shares of common stock (or pre-funded warrants in lieu thereof) and warrants to purchase up to 15,229,358 shares of the Company’s common stock at a purchase price of $1.09 per share and accompanying warrant. The warrants to be issued in the private placement have an exercise price of $1.09 per share, will be exercisable beginning on the effective date of stockholder approval of the issuance of the shares of common stock upon exercise of the warrants and will expire five years from the date of stockholder approval.

H.C. Wainwright & Co. is acting as the exclusive placement agent for the offerings.

The closing of the offerings is expected to occur on or about December 10, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. The gross proceeds from the offerings, before deducting the placement agent’s fees and other offering expenses payable by the Company, are expected to be approximately $18 million. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offerings to support the commercial launch of LYMPHIR and for working capital and general corporate purposes.

The shares of common stock (but not the shares of common stock and pre-funded warrants to be issued in the private placement and the unregistered warrants and the shares of common stock underlying the unregistered warrants) being offered in the registered direct are being offered by the Company pursuant to a "shelf" registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-289979) that was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on September 4, 2025. The offering of the shares of common stock in the registered direct is being made only by means of a prospectus, including a prospectus supplement, forming a part of the effective registration statement. A final prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to the registered direct offering will be filed with the SEC. Electronic copies of the final prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus may be obtained, when available, on the SEC’s website at View Source or by contacting H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC at 430 Park Avenue, 3rd Floor, New York, New York 10022, by phone at (212) 856-5711 or e-mail at [email protected].

The shares of common stock, pre-funded warrants and warrants to be issued in the private placement, as well as the unregistered warrants to be issued to the investor in the registered directed offering, are being offered in a private placement under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and/or Regulation D promulgated thereunder and, along with the shares of common stock underlying such pre-funded warrants and warrants, have not been registered under the Securities Act, or applicable state securities laws. Accordingly, such securities and underlying shares of common stock may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an effective registration statement or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and such applicable state securities laws. Under a registration rights agreement with the investor, the Company is required to file a registration statement with the SEC covering the resale of the shares of the common stock and shares of common stock underlying the pre-funded warrants to be issued in the private placement and the shares of common stock underlying the warrants to be issued in both offerings.

The Company also has agreed to amend certain existing warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 11,961,040 shares of the Company’s common stock that were previously issued to the investor in July 2025 and September 2025, with exercise prices of $1.32 and $1.84 per share, respectively, effective upon the closing of the offerings, such that the amended warrants will have a reduced exercise price of $1.09 per share and will be exercisable beginning on the effective date of stockholder approval of the issuance of the shares upon exercise of the warrants.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction.

(Press release, Citius Oncology, DEC 9, 2025, View Source [SID1234661327])

Zydus and Formycon enter into an Exclusive Partnership for the Licensing and Supply of Biosimilar to Keytruda® (Pembrolizumab), in US and Canada

On December 9, 2025 Zydus Lifesciences Limited (including its subsidiaries and affiliates), an innovation-led life-sciences company, with an international presence, reported that its wholly owned subsidiary, Zydus Lifesciences Global FZE, United Arab Emirates has entered into a strategic partnership with Formycon AG for the exclusive licensing and supply of checkpoint inhibitor FYB206, a biosimilar of Keytruda1 (Pembrolizumab) in the USA and Canada market.

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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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Under the terms of this agreement, Formycon AG will develop, register, manufacture and supply the product, while Zydus Lifesciences Global FZE, United Arab Emirates will be responsible for the commercialization of FYB206 in the defined territories. The BLA application is expected to be submitted to the USFDA in the near future and is aimed at making immunotherapy affordable and accessible to patients in need.

Commenting on this strategic partnership, Managing Director of Zydus Lifesciences Limited, Dr. Sharvil P. Patel, stated, "We are happy to collaborate with Formycon to develop and commercialize a biosimilar of Keytruda across US and Canada. This venture marks Zydus’ entry into the North American biosimilar market, debuting with an immunotherapy product. This collaboration also complements Zydus’ recent proposed acquisition of Agenus Inc.’s California, USA based manufacturing facilities, which we plan to integrate and leverage for manufacturing in the future. By combining our expertise and resources, we aim to drive significant organizational growth and deliver maximum value to patients through expanded access to affordable oncology care."

Dr. Stefan Glombitza, CEO of Formycon, stated, "FYB206, a biosimilar of Keytruda, demonstrates Formycon’s advanced expertise in developing biosimilar medicines for highly regulated countries. Partnering with Zydus, an organization recognized for its regulatory proficiency and commercial presence, enables us to deliver this important therapeutic option to the patients. This collaboration strengthens our collective commitment to expanding access to medicines."

(Press release, Zydus Cadila, DEC 9, 2025, View Source [SID1234661326])