Dalriada Drug Discovery and Topos Bio Announce Collaboration to Advance Drug Discovery for Intrinsically Disordered Proteins

On March 17, 2026 Dalriada Drug Discovery ("Dalriada"), a partnered discovery organization supporting small-molecule programs from hit identification through lead optimization, and Topos Bio ("Topos"), an AI-native biotechnology company developing therapeutics for intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), reported a research collaboration to accelerate experimental validation for IDP drug discovery using advanced protein mass spectrometry and proteomics.

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Under the collaboration, Topos will leverage Dalriada’s expertise and infrastructure in protein mass spectrometry and chemoproteomics to support discovery efforts against intrinsically disordered and conformationally dynamic targets, protein classes that often lack stable structure and are difficult to interrogate with conventional structure-based approaches.

Dalriada will apply a set of complementary MS- and proteomics-based methods to generate high-resolution data on protein–small molecule interactions in biologically relevant systems, including target engagement profiling, intact mass and peptide mapping analyses, covalent binding kinetics characterization, and mechanism-of-action proteomics. These approaches are designed to inform site-level engagement, selectivity, and pathway-level modulation to help guide iterative design and prioritization.

"IDP programs demand tight feedback loops between computational hypotheses and rigorous experimental measurement," said Dr. Diana Kraskouskaya, CEO of Dalriada Drug Discovery. "By combining advanced mass spectrometry and proteomics with our live-cell iCLASS platform, we can help provide decision-ready engagement and selectivity data earlier in discovery, especially for targets where traditional structural readouts are limited."

Ryan Zarcone, Co-Founder and CEO of Topos Bio, said: "High-quality experimental data are essential for contextualizing and refining AI-generated hypotheses in the challenging biology of intrinsically disordered proteins. Dalriada’s depth in protein mass spectrometry and chemoproteomics, together with the iCLASS platform, provides the molecular resolution and scale needed to support our programs."

Intrinsically disordered proteins are estimated to comprise approximately 30–40% of the human proteome and are implicated in numerous diseases, including neurodegeneration and cancer. Their structural flexibility and dynamic conformational ensembles make them difficult to interrogate using conventional structural biology alone, reinforcing the need for complementary MS- and proteomics-based approaches.

This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to integrating advanced computational modeling with high-resolution experimental biology to expand the druggable proteome and advance therapies for historically challenging targets.

(Press release, Dalriada Therapeutics, MAR 17, 2026, View Source [SID1234663642])

Cellipont Bioservices and BobcatBio Announce Strategic Collaboration to Advance Macrophage Cell Therapy for Solid Tumors

On March 17, 2026 Cellipont Bioservices, a leading cell therapy Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), reported a strategic collaboration with BobcatBio, a clinical-stage biotechnology company that is pioneering the development of RB-1355, a first of its kind cellular therapy that leverages the versatility and power of a patient’s macrophages to elicit a robust, targeted tumoricidal immune response while substantially reducing or eliminating the reliance on traditional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, high-dose radiation and surgery, thereby improving patient outcomes and quality of life. This breakthrough approach holds transformative potential to redefine cancer treatment, offering the prospect of becoming a preferred therapy across a wide spectrum of solid tumors and lymphomas. Early clinical findings in relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma indicate that RB-1355 is well tolerated with encouraging early signs of activity. Recent clinical data also demonstrated that the therapy can be effectively administered without lymphodepleting chemotherapy and in multiple doses from a single apheresis through cryopreservation.

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Under the agreement, Cellipont Bioservices will perform Phase I cell product manufacturing of RB-1355 in support of BobcatBio’s ongoing solid tumor and lymphoma clinical trials.

"At Cellipont, we are committed to supporting innovators who are pushing the boundaries of what cell therapy can do for patients," said Darren Head, CEO, Cellipont Bioservices. "BobcatBio’s work reflects the kind of bold science this field needs, and we are proud to support the advancement of a program with the potential to open new possibilities in solid tumors. Collaborations like this are about more than manufacturing. They are about helping bring promising therapies closer to patients and families who are waiting for better options."

"BobcatBio is advancing a highly differentiated approach to cell therapy, and we are pleased to partner with Cellipont as we continue to move this program forward," said Stephen Rocamboli, CEO, BobcatBio "As we work to bring our macrophage-based therapy closer to patients, it is critical to have a manufacturing partner that understands both the complexity of cell therapy development and the urgency of delivering new treatment options. Cellipont brings the technical expertise, quality focus, operational rigor, and scalable infrastructure needed to advance BobcatBio’s innovative cellular therapy."

(Press release, BobcatBio, MAR 17, 2026, View Source [SID1234663641])

Antengene to Present on Three Preclinical Programs at AACR 2026, Highlighting Next-Generation ADCs and AnTenGager™ TCEs

On March 17, 2026 Antengene Corporation Limited ("Antengene", SEHK: 6996.HK) , a leading innovative, commercial-stage global biotech company dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing first-in-class and/or best-in-class medicines for autoimmune disease, solid tumors and hematological malignancies indications, reported that it will present results from three preclinical studies in poster presentations at the 2026 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting (AACR 2026), taking place from April 17th to 22th, at the San Diego Convention Center, California, the United States. The presentations will feature ATG-125 (B7-H3 x PD-L1 bispecific antibody-drug conjugate [ADC]), an IO + ADC dual-function molecule being developed for the treatment of solid tumors, as well as two investigational T cell engagers (TCEs) developed using the company’s proprietary AnTenGager TCE platform, including ATG-106 (CDH6 x CD3 TCE) for ovarian and kidney cancers, and ATG-112 (ALPPL2 x CD3 TCE) for gynecological tumors, digestive system malignancies, bladder cancers and NSCLC.

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Details of the Poster Presentation:
ATG-125 (B7-H3 x PD-L1 bispecific ADC)
Title: ATG-125, a novel B7H3 x PD-L1 bispecific antibody-drug conjugate, demonstrates potent antitumor efficacy by dual targeting of immune evasion and direct tumor killing
Abstract Number: 5599
Session Category: Immunology
Session Title: T Cell Engagers 2 / Antibody-Drug Conjugates 1
Date: April 21, 2026
Time: 02:00 PM – 05:00 PM (Pacific Time)
05:00 AM, April 22, 2026 – 08:00 AM, April 22, 2026 (Beijing Time)
Location: Poster Section 8

Introduction: B7-H3 and PD-L1 are immune checkpoint molecules overexpressed in a wide range of solid tumors and are associated with immune evasion and poor prognosis. ATG-125 is a novel bispecific ADC designed to simultaneously target B7-H3 and PD-L1, enabling targeted cytotoxic payload delivery while modulating immune checkpoint signaling. Preclinical studies evaluated binding affinity, internalization, cytotoxicity, immune activation, and antitumor efficacy in solid tumor models.
Results: ATG-125 demonstrated strong binding to both B7-H3 and PD-L1 and efficient antigen-dependent internalization, enabling intracellular release of a topoisomerase I inhibitor payload. The molecule showed potent target-dependent cytotoxicity across multiple solid tumor cell lines and enhanced T-cell activation in immune assays. In xenograft models, ATG-125 induced marked tumor regression and demonstrated superior antitumor activity compared with single-target ADC comparators.
Conclusion: ATG-125 represents a differentiated bispecific ADC strategy that integrates targeted cytotoxicity with immune checkpoint modulation, supporting its potential as a next-generation therapy for solid tumors.
ATG-106 (CDH6 x CD3 TCE)
Title: ATG-106, a novel "2+1"format CDH6-targeted T-cell Engager (TCE), shows potent T cell dependent cytotoxicity and in vivo anti-tumor efficacy
Abstract Number: 1621
Session Category: Immunology
Session Title: T Cell Engagers 1
Date: April 20, 2026
Time: 09:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Pacific Time)
00:00 AM, April 21, 2026 – 03:00 AM, April 21, 2026 (Beijing Time)
Location: Poster Section 10

Introduction: Cadherin-6 (CDH6) plays a critical role in embryonic kidney development but shows minimal expression in normal adult tissues. However, CDH6 is frequently overexpressed in several cancers including ovarian and renal cancer, making it a promising therapeutic target. ATG-106 is a novel "2+1" CDH6 x CD3 T-cell engager designed with a sterically masked CD3 binding arm to enable tumor-dependent T-cell activation. ATG-106 was evaluated in a series of in vitro and in vivo studies including binding affinity, CD3 signaling pathway activation, T cell dependent cytotoxicity (TDCC), cytokine release, and antitumor activity in PBMC-humanized xenograft models.
Results: ATG-106 demonstrated reduced binding affinity to CD3-positive cells prior to CDH6 engagement while inducing significantly enhanced cytotoxic activity against CDH6-positive tumor cells compared with conventional TCE formats. In PBMC-humanized xenograft models of renal and ovarian cancer, ATG-106 induced robust tumor regression with complete responses observed in multiple treatment groups. Cytokine analysis showed minimal induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting a potentially reduced risk of cytokine release syndrome.
Conclusion: ATG-106 demonstrated potent CDH6-dependent T-cell activation and strong antitumor activity with a favorable cytokine profile in preclinical models, supporting further development as a potential therapy for CDH6-expressing solid tumors.
ATG-112 (ALPPL2 x CD3 TCE)
Title: ATG-112, a novel ALPP/G x CD3 bispecific T cell engager, for the treatment of ALPP/G+ solid tumors
Abstract Number: 1620
Session Category: Immunology
Session Title: T Cell Engagers 1
Date: April 20, 2026
Time: 09:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Pacific Time)
00:00 AM, April 21, 2026 – 03:00 AM, April 21, 2026 (Beijing Time)
Location: Poster Section 10

Introduction: Placental alkaline phosphatase (ALPP) and related placental-like/germ-cell isoforms (ALPPL2 / ALPG) are aberrantly expressed in multiple solid tumors including ovarian, endometrial, gastric and pancreatic cancers, while being largely absent in normal adult tissues. ATG-112 is a novel ALPP/G x CD3 bispecific T-cell engager developed using the AnTenGager platform, featuring bivalent binding to tumor antigens and a sterically masked CD3 arm to restrict T-cell activation to the tumor microenvironment. The molecule was evaluated in preclinical studies assessing antigen binding, T cell dependent cytotoxicity, cytokine release and antitumor activity.
Results: ATG-112 demonstrated high binding affinity to ALPP/G-positive tumor cells and induced potent antigen-dependent T cell-mediated cytotoxicity in vitro. In PBMC humanized xenograft tumor models, ATG-112 showed dose-dependent tumor growth inhibition and robust antitumor activity. Cytokine release assays demonstrated minimal cytokine production, indicating a favorable safety profile with potentially reduced risk of excessive immune activation.
Conclusion: ATG-112 demonstrated potent antigen-dependent T cell-mediated cytotoxicity and robust antitumor activity with minimal cytokine release in preclinical models, supporting its advancement toward clinical development for ALPP/G-positive solid tumors.

(Press release, Antengene, MAR 17, 2026, View Source [SID1234663640])

Immunitas Therapeutics to Present Clinical Data Supporting Monotherapy and Combination Treatment Potential of IMT-009 at the AACR 2026 Annual Meeting

On March 17, 2026 Immunitas Therapeutics ("Immunitas"), a clinical stage precision immunotherapy company committed to discovering and developing novel, antibody-based therapeutics for patients with autoimmune diseases and cancer, reported it will present clinical data from its Phase 1/2a trial of first-in-class anti-CD161 antibody, IMT-009, at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, held April 17-22, 2026 in San Diego, California. Data to be presented support continued development of IMT-009 as a novel cancer immunotherapy for treatment of solid tumors and hematologic malignancies.

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Presentation Details
Title: A first-in-human, dose escalation (DE) and biomarker cohort expansion (BCE) of IMT-009 (IMT) in advanced cancer and Phase 1b (Ph1b) combination with fruquintinib (F) in microsatellite stable colorectal cancer (MSS CRC)
Presenting Author: Susanna V. Ulahannan, M.D., The University of Oklahoma, Stephenson Cancer Center/SCRI
Abstract Number: CT048
Session: First-in-Human Phase I Clinical Trials
Location: Poster Section 50
Date & Time: Monday, April 20, 2026, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PT

About IMT-009
IMT-009 is a fully human, Fc-attenuated IgG1 monoclonal antibody that binds to CD161 and blocks its interaction with its ligand, CLEC2D. Preclinical data confirm that CD161 blockade with IMT-009 results in enhanced anti-tumor activity. IMT-009 is under evaluation in a Phase 1/2a clinical trial for use as a monotherapy and combination treatment for solid tumor and hematological malignancies. The Phase 1 study is designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacodynamic biomarkers, and preliminary efficacy of IMT-009 as well as identify the Recommended Phase 2 Dose (RP2D).

(Press release, Immunitas Therapeutics, MAR 17, 2026, View Source [SID1234663639])

GV20 Therapeutics Announces Late-Breaking Oral Presentation of GV20-0251 Translational Findings at the AACR Annual Meeting 2026

On March 17, 2026 GV20 Therapeutics (GV20), a clinical-stage AI-powered biotherapeutics company, reported that it has been selected to deliver a late-breaking oral presentation highlighting translational data of GV20-0251 at the American Association of Cancer Research 2026 Annual Meeting, taking place in San Diego on April 17- 22, 2026.

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This presentation at AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) builds on previously presented clinical data of the novel immune checkpoint IGSF8 inhibitor GV20-0251 (Wentzel et al, ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2025) and will report the translational findings, including pharmacodynamic and potential predictive biomarkers data, from the monotherapy dose escalation portion of the ongoing Phase 1/2 trial evaluating GV20-0251 in patients with advanced solid tumors resistant to anti-PD(L)1 and other standard therapies (NCT05669430).

Presentation details (Abstract CT001):

Title: Evaluation of pharmacodynamic and potential predictive biomarkers for GV20-0251, an anti-IGSF8 antibody, as monotherapy from ongoing Phase 1/2a study
Session Title: Updates in Anticancer Immunotherapies
Session Type: Oral Clinical Trial Minisymposium
Session Date/Time: Saturday April 18, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PDT

(Press release, GV20 Therapeutics, MAR 17, 2026, View Source [SID1234663638])