On January 18, 2026 AbelZeta Pharma, Inc. ("AbelZeta"), a global clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative and proprietary cell-based therapeutic products, reported that AstraZeneca has agreed to acquire AbelZeta’s 50% share of the China development and commercialization rights to C-CAR031, such that AstraZeneca acquires the sole right to develop, manufacture and commercialize C-CAR031 globally. Under the terms of the agreement, AbelZeta will be entitled to receive up to $630 million from AstraZeneca including an upfront payment, and development, regulatory and sales milestone payments for the GPC3 program in China.

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

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

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

Under the terms of a prior agreement with AbelZeta, AstraZeneca owns the development, manufacturing and commercialization rights to C-CAR031 in rest of world, outside of China. AbelZeta is also eligible to receive additional milestone payments and royalties for rest of world development.

"This transaction reflects our commitment to leverage our platform technology to develop novel cell therapies in solid tumors of high unmet medical need, including Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and provides the opportunity to maximize C-CAR031’s global reach" said Tony (Bizuo) Liu, Chairman and CEO of AbelZeta.

C-CAR031 is an autologous, Glypican 3 (GPC3)-targeting chimeric antigen receptor T-Cell (CAR-T) therapy, designed using AstraZeneca’s dominant negative transforming growth factor-beta receptor II armoring platform, and is currently being investigated for the treatment of HCC and other solid tumors.

About HCC
Liver cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer death and the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide. Several types of primary liver cancer occur in adults, HCC being the most common form. About 75% of all primary liver cancers in adults are HCC. Liver cancers are categorized based on the originating cell type. HCC begins in the liver as either a single tumor or several small nodules and at this local stage, it can be treated by locally targeted or surgical methods. However, most patients are diagnosed at advanced-stage, or their disease progresses to advanced-stage HCC when the prognosis is poor, with a 5-year survival rate of only 7% and a median survival of approximately 20 months. According to Frost & Sullivan, the incidence of HCC in China has been growing steadily to approximately 344,500 cases in 2024.

(Press release, AbelZeta, JAN 18, 2026, View Source [SID1234662082])

On January 18, 2026 D3 Bio, a global clinical‑stage biotechnology company focused on developing transformative oncology therapeutics, reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared two Investigational New Drug (IND) applications:

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

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

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

D3S‑003 — a KRAS G12D inhibitor — enabling the start of a Phase 1 first‑in‑human clinical trial.
A Phase 2 combination trial evaluating D3S‑001 (elisrasib), the Company’s next‑generation KRAS G12C inhibitor, in combination with D3S‑002, a selective oral ERK1/2 inhibitor.
D3S‑003 is an orally bioavailable, allele‑specific KRAS G12D inhibitor that targets both the GDP‑bound (OFF) and GTP‑bound (ON) conformations. Preclinical data demonstrate a differentiated, best‑in‑class profile with potent anti‑tumor activity, favorable drug‑like characteristics, and a promising safety margin. With FDA clearance received, D3 Bio will advance D3S‑003 into a Phase 1 first‑in‑human study in patients with advanced solid tumors harboring KRAS G12D mutations.

The newly cleared Phase 2 study will evaluate the combination of D3S‑001 and D3S‑002 in patients with KRAS G12C–mutant non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have progressed on prior KRAS G12C‑targeted therapies. The trial, expected to begin in the first half of 2026, will investigate safety, pharmacokinetics, and early efficacy signals with the goal of establishing a rational combination strategy to address resistance and deliver more durable benefit in KRAS‑driven cancers.

"We are excited to receive FDA IND clearance for D3S‑003 and to advance a Phase 2 combination clinical trial of elisrasib and D3S‑002," said George Chen, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of D3 Bio. "With D3S‑003, we are bringing a differentiated KRAS G12D inhibitor into the clinic to address one of the most prevalent and challenging KRAS mutations. In parallel, the combination study of elisrasib and D3S‑002 pushes forward our next‑generation KRAS G12C strategy, particularly for patients who have progressed on prior KRAS G12C‑targeted therapies. Together, these milestones underline the momentum of our KRAS franchise and reinforce our commitment to delivering transformative therapies for patients with KRAS‑mutant cancers who urgently need new options."

About Elisrasib (D3S-001)

Elisrasib is a next‑generation KRAS G12C inhibitor designed for rapid, complete, and selective target engagement. It covalently binds the GDP‑bound (OFF) form of KRAS G12C, effectively blocking nucleotide cycling and suppressing oncogenic signaling. Preclinical studies show robust potency, complete KRAS G12C engagement at clinically relevant exposures, and CNS penetration capability. Elisrasib is currently being evaluated globally in a Phase 2 monotherapy and combination trial across KRAS G12C–mutant solid tumors including NSCLC, CRC, and others.

Key publications:

Cancer Discovery (2024) 14(9):1675–1698
Nature Medicine (2025) 31(8):2768–2777
About D3S‑002

D3S‑002 is a selective ERK1/2 inhibitor strategically designed for combination approaches, providing vertical MAPK‑pathway inhibition to enhance efficacy and overcome acquired resistance, particularly in tumors previously treated with KRAS G12C inhibitors.

Key publication:

Cancer Res 1 April 2023; 83 (7_Supplement): 5501.
About D3S‑003

D3S‑003 is a differentiated KRAS G12D inhibitor targeting both OFF and ON conformations to address one of the most common KRAS mutations. The program aims to broaden D3 Bio’s multi‑allele KRAS franchise and deliver new solutions for the heterogeneous and evolving landscape of KRAS‑driven cancers.

(Press release, D3 Bio, JAN 18, 2026, View Source [SID1234662080])

On January 16, 2026, Terns Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the "Company") and its subsidiaries reported to have entered into an Amendment (the "Amendment") to its existing Exclusive Option and License Agreement with Hansoh (Shanghai) Healthtech Co., Ltd. and certain of its affiliates (collectively, "Hansoh"), dated July 27, 2020 (the "Option and License Agreement"). Under the Option and License Agreement, Hansoh had previously obtained from the Company an exclusive, sub-licensable and royalty-bearing license under certain patent and other intellectual property rights owned or controlled by the Company to research, develop, manufacture, use, distribute, sell and otherwise exploit therapeutic products containing TERN-701 in the field of oncology in mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau (the "Hansoh Territory").

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

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

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

Under the Amendment, Hansoh granted the Company an exclusive, royalty-bearing, sublicensable, perpetual, and worldwide (excluding the Hansoh Territory) license, under certain patents and patent applications that were invented by Hansoh and its affiliate Shanghai Hansoh Biomedical Co., Ltd. during its activities under the Option and License Agreement (the "Exclusively Licensed Hansoh Patents"), to research, develop, manufacture, use, distribute, sell and otherwise exploit therapeutic products containing TERN-701 as the sole active ingredient ("701 Products"). This exclusive, sub-licensable and royalty-bearing license replaces a non-exclusive, non-sublicensable (without Hansoh’s consent), royalty-free, fully paid license to the Exclusively Licensed Hansoh Patents that Hansoh had previously granted to CaspianTern, LLC, a subsidiary of the Company, under the Option and License Agreement. Under the terms of the Amendment, the Company is obligated to pay Hansoh a one-time upfront license fee of $1.0 million and tiered royalties ranging from 0.75% to 1.25% on annual net sales of 701 Products in countries in the Company’s territory to the extent the sale of 701 Products is covered by a valid claim of an Exclusively Licensed Hansoh Patent, subject to specified reductions.

The foregoing description of the Amendment does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Amendment, which the Company intends to file as an exhibit to its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended Marrch 31, 2026.

(Filing, 8-K, , JAN 16, 2026, View Source [SID1234662170])

On January 16, 2026, Exicure, Inc. (the "Company") reported the first contractual milestone under its License and Collaboration Agreement (the "Agreement") with GPCR Therapeutics Inc. The milestone relates to the completion of the Company’s Phase 2 clinical trial of its novel stem cell mobilizer (NCT05561751), which was achieved through the formal submission of the Clinical Study Report to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on January 16, 2026. Under the terms of the Agreement, the Company is required to make a milestone payment of $1,000,000 to GPCR Therapeutics Inc. within 30 days of achieving this milestone. The Company intends to make this payment in accordance with the terms of the Agreement.

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

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

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

The Company believes that achieving this milestone reflects continued progress in the development and advancement of the small molecule CXCR4 inhibitor, Burixafor (GPC‑100). In addition, under the terms of the Agreement, completion of this milestone triggers the future sublicensing income‑sharing ratio, reflecting the Company’s increased participation in and commitment to the long‑term success of the program.

(Press release, Exicure, JAN 16, 2026, View Source [SID1234662165])

On January 16, 2026 Repare Therapeutics Inc. ("Repare" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: RPTX), a clinical-stage precision oncology company, reported that its Shareholders (as defined below) have approved the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company (the "Common Shares" and the holders of the Common Shares, the "Shareholders") by XenoTherapeutics, Inc. and Xeno Acquisition Corp. (jointly "Xeno") a non-profit biotechnology company, by way of a statutory plan of arrangement (the "Transaction" or the "Arrangement") at the special meeting of Shareholders held today (the "Meeting").

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

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

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

The special resolution approving the Arrangement was approved by: (i) 99.76% of the votes cast by Shareholders present in person or represented by proxy at the Meeting, and (ii) 99.76% of the votes cast by Shareholders, present in person or represented by proxy at the Meeting, excluding for this purpose the votes required to be excluded pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61- 101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions.

At the Meeting, Shareholders also approved: (a) on an advisory and non-binding basis, the compensation to be paid or become payable to the Company’s named executive officers that is based on or otherwise relates to the Arrangement by 99.34% of the votes cast by Shareholders present in person or represented by proxy at the Meeting; and (b) in the event the Arrangement is terminated, (i) the voluntary liquidation and dissolution of the Company by 99.75% of the votes cast by Shareholders present in person or represented by proxy at the Meeting and (ii) the appointment of KPMG LLP or, in the alternative, another liquidator of nationally recognized experience, as the liquidator of the Company with authorization for the board of directors of the Company to set the remuneration of the liquidator by 99.75% of the votes cast by Shareholders present in person or represented by proxy at the Meeting.

The Arrangement is subject to the approval of the Superior Court of Québec (the "Court") and other customary closing conditions. The Court hearing for the final order to approve the Arrangement is expected to take place on January 23, 2026 and, assuming receipt of the approval of the Court and satisfaction of other customary conditions to closing, the completion of the Arrangement is expected to occur on or about January 28, 2026.

(Press release, Repare Therapeutics, JAN 16, 2026, View Source [SID1234662076])