A2 Biotherapeutics Receives U.S. FDA Fast Track Designation for A2B543, a Logic-Gated CAR T-Cell Therapy Enhanced with a Membrane-Tethered IL-12 Booster

On April 1, 2026 A2 Biotherapeutics, Inc. (A2 Bio), a clinical-stage immunotherapy company developing first-in-class logic-gated therapies for solid tumors, reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track designation for A2B543, an autologous CAR T-cell therapy designed for the treatment of germline heterozygous HLA-A*02 adults with recurrent unresectable, locally advanced, or metastatic solid tumors that express MSLN and have lost HLA-A*02 expression.

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Fast Track is a process designed to facilitate the development, and expedite the review of drugs to treat serious conditions and fill an unmet medical need. The purpose is to get important new drugs to the patient earlier.1

"Receiving Fast Track designation for A2B543 from the U.S. FDA is a key milestone for A2 Bio in accelerating this promising precision CAR T-cell therapy for cancer patients," said Jim Robinson, chief executive officer of A2 Bio. "We are deeply committed to patients facing cancer and other devastating diseases, and we believe in the potential for A2B543 to address unmet needs in cancer therapy."

A2B543 is being investigated in the ongoing EVEREST-2 clinical study (NCT06051695) which is evaluating the safety and efficacy of A2B694 (Arm 1) and A2B543 (Arm 2) autologous logic-gated investigational cell therapies in patients with colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, ovarian cancer, mesothelioma, and other solid tumors that express MSLN and have lost HLA-A*02 expression.

A2B543 is comprised of autologous Tmod cells expressing a MSLN-targeted CAR activator, an HLA-A*02-targeted blocker, and an inducible, membrane-tethered IL-12 (mem-IL-12) booster. The inducible mem-IL-12 booster, which activates only upon engagement with tumor antigens, is designed to enhance the long-term potency and persistence of Tmod while reducing toxicity associated with systemic IL-12.2

The A2 Bio proprietary Tmod technology platform provides selective killing of tumor cells and protection of normal cells via a dual-receptor design consisting of an activator that targets tumor cells and a blocker that protects normal cells. This novel blocker technology enables precise, personalized, and effective T-cell targeting specifically against tumors.

For more information about A2 Bio clinical studies and how to enroll, visit www.a2bioclinicaltrials.com.

(Press release, A2 Biotherapeutics, APR 1, 2026, View Source [SID1234664136])

Anixa Biosciences Advances Breast Cancer Vaccine Toward Phase 2 After Positive Phase 1 Results; Cytovance Selected for cGMP Manufacturing

On April 1, 2026 Anixa Biosciences, Inc. ("Anixa" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: ANIX), a biotechnology company focused on the treatment and prevention of cancer, reported that it has entered into a development and manufacturing agreement with Cytovance Biologics (www.cytovance.com), a leading full-service contract development and manufacturing organization ("CDMO") specializing in mammalian and microbially expressed biologics, to produce cGMP clinical materials for its planned Phase 2 clinical trial of its breast cancer vaccine.

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The agreement follows positive final Phase 1 results in which the investigational vaccine met all primary endpoints, was safe and well tolerated at the maximum tolerated dose, and generated protocol-defined immune responses in 74% of participants. Based on these results, Anixa is advancing preparations for a Phase 2 clinical trial.

Anixa’s breast cancer vaccine, developed in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic, targets α-lactalbumin—a lactation-associated protein that is typically expressed only in breast tissue during lactation, but which re-emerges in many forms of breast cancer. By generating an immune response against α-lactalbumin-expressing cells, the vaccine is designed to potentially provide both therapeutic and preventive benefits for patients with tumors expressing this protein. The vaccine is based on preclinical research led by the late Vincent Tuohy, Ph.D., who served as the Mort and Iris November Distinguished Chair in Innovative Breast Cancer Research at Cleveland Clinic.

Dr. Amit Kumar, Chairman and CEO of Anixa Biosciences, commented, "With final Phase 1 data demonstrating safety, tolerability, and strong immune responses in 74% of participants, we are focused on advancing this program toward Phase 2. Our agreement with Cytovance represents an important operational milestone as we work to secure cGMP clinical supply for the next stage of development." Dr. Kumar continued, "As we advance toward the Phase 2 trial, we expect to provide near-term updates on our progress."

"We are pleased to partner with Anixa to manufacture clinical materials for its Phase 2 breast cancer vaccine trial," said Ping Zhang, CEO of Cytovance Biologics. "Our team is committed to delivering high-quality cGMP manufacturing solutions that support innovative biotech programs. We look forward to leveraging our development and production capabilities to help advance this promising immunotherapy candidate."

(Press release, Anixa Biosciences, APR 1, 2026, View Source [SID1234664135])

Nuvation Bio Announces Acquisition of Japan Rights to Safusidenib from Daiichi Sankyo

On April 1, 2026 Nuvation Bio Inc. (NYSE: NUVB), a global oncology company focused on tackling some of the toughest challenges in cancer treatment, reported the company has amended its existing exclusive license agreement for safusidenib with Daiichi Sankyo (TSE :4568) to include Japan rights, effectively securing exclusive global development and commercialization rights of the investigational medicine. The agreement, as amended, enables Nuvation Bio to expand its ongoing pivotal SIGMA study of safusidenib into Japan, and provides rights to all previously generated and future data to support further publication of safusidenib results in IDH1-mutant glioma.

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Safusidenib is a novel, oral, potent, brain-penetrant, selective inhibitor of mutant IDH1 that is currently being evaluated in the ongoing Phase 3 SIGMA study for the maintenance treatment of patients with IDH1-mutant astrocytoma who have high-risk features following standard-of-care.

In Phase 1 and Phase 2 single arm studies, safusidenib has shown encouraging efficacy signals across all IDH1-mutant glioma grades and treatment lines, including durable responses and prolonged progression-free survival that show tumor shrinkage and disease control. In the Phase 1 study in Japan of 47 participants with recurrent or progressive IDH1-mutant glioma with enhancing (predominantly high-grade) and non-enhancing (predominantly low-grade) tumors, safusidenib showed clinical activity in both populations. Data from a Phase 2 study in Japan of safusidenib in 27 patients with chemotherapy- and radiotherapy-naïve grade 2 IDH1-mutant glioma was published online in the November 2025 issue of Neuro-Oncology. The data published reflected a March 10, 2023 data cut-off. As of February 2026, 12 patients in the study remain on treatment with safusidenib with a median follow-up of over 5 years. Nuvation Bio plans to present longer-term data from the Phase 2 study at a future medical meeting.

"We believe safusidenib has immense potential to address significant patient needs in IDH1-mutant glioma, and our current development plan focuses on patient groups with limited or no FDA-approved targeted treatment options. We are thrilled to now have the exclusive global development and commercialization rights to explore this investigational medicine’s potential across these devastating brain tumors," said David Hung, M.D., Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Nuvation Bio. "With this agreement now final, we plan to expand the pivotal Phase 3 SIGMA study into Japan, continue to advance the robust global development of safusidenib, and pursue presentation and publication of longer-term data from the Phase 2 study to ensure the scientific community is up to date on these findings."

"The invention of new medicines is at the core of what we do at Daiichi Sankyo and safusidenib is a strong example of our expertise in science and technology," said Yuki Abe, Ph.D., Head of R&D Division in Japan and Head of Research, Daiichi Sankyo. "We continuously evaluate the best approach to accelerate the delivery of promising medicines to patients and we are confident that Nuvation Bio will carry this program forward, utilizing their strong expertise in clinical development and commercialization to explore the full potential of safusidenib for patients with IDH1-mutant glioma."

About IDH1-Mutant Glioma
Gliomas are the most common type of brain cancer in adults worldwide. In the U.S., nearly 2,500 people are diagnosed with IDH1-mutant gliomas each year, of which more than 95% harbor a mutation in the IDH1 gene. Most patients are diagnosed in their 30s and 40s. While patients with IDH1 mutations generally have longer survival times than those with wild-type IDH1, gliomas are not currently curable and prognosis worsens for those with high-risk features, including high grade tumors.

About Safusidenib
Safusidenib is a novel, oral, potent, brain-penetrant, selective inhibitor of mutant IDH1. In Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical studies, safusidenib delayed disease progression and provided durable responses across grades and risk groups with a favorable risk-benefit profile.

About the SIGMA (G203) Study
SIGMA is a pivotal Phase 3 study that will evaluate safusidenib compared to placebo as a maintenance therapy after standard-of-care in IDH1-mutant astrocytoma with high-risk features. The pivotal portion of the study will enroll approximately 300 patients. Data is anticipated to be available in 2029.

A separate, exploratory, non-pivotal cohort will evaluate safusidenib in participants with grade 3 IDH1-mutant oligodendroglioma who have not yet received chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The primary endpoint is objective response rate. This cohort is expected to enroll approximately 40 patients. Data is anticipated to be available in 2027.

(Press release, Nuvation Bio, APR 1, 2026, https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nuvation-bio-announces-acquisition-of-japan-rights-to-safusidenib-from-daiichi-sankyo-302730492.html [SID1234664134])

Hungary Approves Trial Expansion as HT-001 Meets Primary Endpoint in Interim Analysis with Patients Reaching ARIGA ≤1 by Week Six

On April 1, 2026 Hoth Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: HOTH), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, reported positive clinical results from its ongoing HT-001 program, including achievement of the primary efficacy endpoint in interim analysis, with patients reaching an ARIGA rash severity score of ≤1 by week six.

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In addition to the strong results in Ariga score, HT-001 demonstrated strong patient benefit across multiple clinically meaningful measures. Over 65% of patients reported meaningful reductions in pain and itching, supporting HT-001’s potential to significantly improve quality of life for patients suffering from dermatologic toxicities, including those associated with epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor (EGFR) cancer therapies.

Importantly, zero patients required dose reduction or discontinuation of their EGFR inhibitor therapy while receiving HT-001, highlighting the potential for HT-001 to manage dermatologic side effects without interfering with life-saving cancer treatments.

HT-001 was also well tolerated, with no treatment discontinuations reported.

Pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis further demonstrated that HT-001 achieves approximately 99% lower systemic exposure compared to FDA-approved oral therapies, supporting a targeted delivery profile designed to maximize local efficacy while minimizing systemic side effects.

Building on these positive results, Hoth has received regulatory approval in Hungary, enabling expansion of the Phase 2 clinical trial into Europe. The Company anticipates additional regulatory approvals in Spain and Poland, with site activations expected in the near term. In the United States, an additional clinical site is expected to be activated, further accelerating patient enrollment and data generation.

"The achievement of these interim results, combined with strong patient-reported outcomes and the ability to maintain uninterrupted cancer therapy, represents a meaningful advancement for HT-001," said Robb Knie Chief Executive Officer of Hoth Therapeutics. "With over 65% of patients reporting reductions in pain and itching, along with a favorable safety profile and expanding global clinical footprint, we believe HT-001 is well positioned as a differentiated therapy addressing a critical unmet need in oncology supportive care."

Dermatologic toxicities remain a significant challenge for patients undergoing cancer treatment, often leading to discomfort, reduced quality of life, and in some cases treatment modification or discontinuation. HT-001’s ability to demonstrate primary endpoint achievement, meaningful symptom improvement, and zero disruption to EGFR inhibitor therapy may represent a compelling advancement over existing treatment options.

(Press release, Hoth Therapeutics, APR 1, 2026, View Source [SID1234664133])

Celldex Announces Pricing of $300 Million Public Offering of Common Stock

On April 1, 2026 Celldex Therapeutics, Inc. ("Celldex" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: CLDX) reported the pricing of an underwritten public offering of 10,345,000 shares of its common stock at a public offering price of $29.00 per share. All of the shares to be sold in the offering are to be sold by Celldex. In connection with the offering, Celldex has also granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 1,551,750 shares of common stock at the public offering price, less the underwriting discounts and commissions. The Company expects to receive gross proceeds from the offering, excluding the exercise of the underwriters’ option, if any, of approximately $300 million, excluding the underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering-related expenses. The offering is expected to close on or about April 6, 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.

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Celldex intends to use the net proceeds of this offering, together with our existing cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities, (i) to fund ongoing commercial readiness activities and the commercial launch of barzolvolimab, if approved, for the treatment of CSU in the United States, (ii) to continue the clinical and preclinical development of our product candidates, including current and future development of barzolvolimab, (iii) to grow our bispecific antibody platform and clinical candidates, (iv) to fund ongoing efforts to develop additional clinical pipeline product candidates and (v) for general corporate purposes.

Leerink Partners, TD Cowen, Guggenheim Securities and Cantor are acting as joint bookrunning managers for the offering. LifeSci Capital and H.C. Wainwright & Co. are acting as co-lead managers for the offering.

The offering is being made pursuant to a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-275300), which was previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and became automatically effective on November 3, 2023. This offering is being made only by means of a prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus that form a part of the registration statement. A preliminary prospectus supplement relating to and describing the terms of the offering has been filed with the SEC and may be obtained for free by visiting the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. A final prospectus supplement relating to the offering will be filed with the SEC and will be available on the SEC’s website located at View Source When available, copies of the final prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus may be obtained for free by contacting Leerink Partners LLC, Syndicate Department, 53 State Street, 40th Floor, Boston, MA 02109, or by telephone at (800) 808-7525 ext. 6105 or by email at [email protected] or TD Securities (USA) LLC, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717 or by email at [email protected].

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the 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, Celldex Therapeutics, APR 1, 2026, View Source [SID1234664132])