On July 1, 2025 Adagene Inc. ("Adagene or the Company") (Nasdaq: ADAG), a company transforming the discovery and development of novel antibody-based therapies, reported strategic investment and option exercise by Sanofi (Euronext: SAN FP) (Press release, Adagene, JUL 1, 2025, View Source [SID1234654189]).

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Sanofi has agreed to make strategic investment of up to US$25 million in Adagene. The Company plans to use the proceeds to fund its research and development activities, including clinical development of muzastotug (ADG126), an anti-CTLA-4 SAFEbody, through a randomized phase 2 trial in microsatellite stable colorectal cancer (MSS CRC).

To further explore the clinical potential of muzastotug, Adagene will supply Sanofi with muzastotug to evaluate the safety, efficacy, pharmacokinetics and biomarker data in combination with other anticancer therapies in over 100 patients in a phase 1/2 clinical trial in advanced solid tumors. Adagene continues to own worldwide commercial rights to muzastotug.

Sanofi has also exercised its option to select a third SAFEbody discovery program, utilizing Adagene’s proprietary masking technology and antibody engineering expertise. The bispecific therapeutic, with undisclosed targets, will be engineered by Adagene and induces an option exercise fee, as well as milestones and royalties as per the 2022 partnership agreement with Adagene.

"Expanding our partnership with Sanofi highlights the potential of our SAFEbody platform and the clinical proof of concept for ADG126, our masked anti-CTLA-4 program and the most advanced of its kind," said Peter Luo, Chairman, CEO and President of R&D at Adagene. "This strategic partnership reinforces our shared vision of ADG126’s promise in advanced solid tumors, including MSS CRC, where dose-limiting challenges have hindered anti-CTLA-4 therapies. We value our trusted relationship with Sanofi."

As of December 31, 2024, the Company had audited cash and cash equivalents of US$85.2 million. The proceeds from the investment of Sanofi, together with the current cash and cash equivalents, are expected to be sufficient to fund planned operations into 2027.

Following the equity investment and strategic collaborations, a Sanofi representative will join Adagene’s Scientific Advisory Board (SAB), which provides strategic advice on the scientific and clinical aspects of the Company’s activities.

On July 1, 2025 Abeona Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: ABEO) reported it has granted equity awards to new non-executive employees who joined the Company (Press release, Abeona Therapeutics, JUL 1, 2025, View Source [SID1234654188]). The equity awards were approved in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).

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On June 30, 2025, the Compensation Committee of Abeona’s Board of Directors granted restricted stock equity awards as a material inducement to employment to 21 individuals hired by Abeona, which equity awards relate to, in the aggregate, up to 48,715 restricted shares of Abeona common stock. One-third of the shares subject to such restricted stock awards will vest yearly on each anniversary of the Grant Date, such that the shares subject to such restricted stock awards granted to each employee will be fully vested on the third anniversary of the Grant Date, in each case, subject to each employee’s continued employment with Abeona on the applicable vesting dates.

On July 1, 2025 MonTa reported completion of its phase I dose-escalation study with completion of the last cohort of patients after treating 85 patients in total. We look forward to design the expansion phase also called phase IB to move towards patients with less advanced cancer with unmed medical need (Press release, MonTa Biosciences, JUL 1, 2025, View Source [SID1234654187]).

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On June 30, 2025 Laverock Therapeutics, a gene control company powering the development of disease-responsive advanced therapies, reported the expansion of its seed funding round, taking the total raised to more than £20m. The investment was led by Calculus Capital, with participation from existing investors Eli Lilly and Company, Mercia Ventures, Eos Advisory and MavenCapital Partners. The company also welcomed new investor, Norcliffe Capital.

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This additional investment marks a transformational period for Laverock. The company has achieved platform development and validation and is transitioning to lead product selection, reporting positive functional data for both its primary T-cell and Macrophage programmes, demonstrating enhanced tumour control in haematological and solid tumour cancer models. Laverock’s unique platform technologies provide the potential to transform the efficacy, precision and safety of advanced therapies, through implementation of its programmable, tunable and multiplex gene silencing approach.

Elizabeth Klein, Investment Director at Calculus, said: "We are delighted to continue our support for Laverock’s progress in pioneering a new era of programmable advanced therapies. This new data and expanded funding demonstrate the potential of Laverock’s technologies. We look forward to continuing our work with David and the team as they drive forward product development opportunities, as well as delivering value for our investors."

David Venables, CEO of Laverock, added: "The Laverock team has been busy over recent months, continuing to validate our technology platforms but also generating functional data for our therapeutic programmes.This new funding will enable us to continue this development, as well as forming partnerships and collaborations to integrate our technologies into partners’ therapeutic pipelines. I’d like to thank all our existing and new investors for their continued support."

To reflect Laverock’s recent progress, the company has updated its corporate identity, including the launch of a new website, to demonstrate the expansion of its platform technologies and facilitate an enhanced focus on partnering and outlicensing activities.

(Press release, Laverock Therapeutics, JUN 30, 2025, View Source [SID1234668713])

On June 30, 2025 Kazia Therapeutics reported its half yearly results (Filing, 3 mnth, DEC 31, Kazia Therapeutics, 2024, JUN 30, 2025, View Source [SID1234654231]).

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