Verismo Therapeutics Presents Preclinical Data at AACR 2026 for SynKIR™-310 KIR-CAR Indicating Superior Preclinical Activity in B Cell Malignancies and Early Clinical Efficacy

On April 21, 2026 Verismo Therapeutics, a clinical-stage CAR T cell therapy company pioneering a novel multi-chain KIR-CAR platform technology, reported new preclinical in vivo data for SynKIR-310 KIR-CAR living medicine, highlighting KIR-CAR’s superior anti-tumor activity and improved cytokine profile compared to conventional single-chain CAR T in B cell malignancies. Early clinical data for SynKIR-310 KIR-CAR were also announced from a multi-site Phase 1 clinical trial, CELESTIAL-301 (NCT06544265) for patients with B cell lymphomas, highlighting a patient’s ongoing complete response after 6 months. These data were presented on April 21 at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2026 in San Diego, CA (Poster Number: 5193).

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"While single-chain CAR T therapies have revolutionized blood cancer treatment, nearly half of blood cancer patients who initially respond relapse as early as six months after treatment,[1]" said Laura A. Johnson, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Verismo Therapeutics. "This urgent patient need is precisely why we designed multi-chain SynKIR-310 KIR-CAR with a natural ‘on-off’ switch to potentially address chronic T cell exhaustion and increase durability.

"We are excited to report new preclinical data showing SynKIR-310 KIR-CAR improved anti-tumor activity with reduced cytokine production compared to a conventional single-chain CAR T approach. We’re also encouraged that early clinical observation of one patient in our CELESTIAL-301 trial achieved a complete tumor response that remains ongoing beyond six months. Together, these data support continued clinical evaluation of the KIR-CAR platform and SynKIR-310, specifically in patients with relapsed or refractory B cell malignancies, including follicular lymphoma."

These preclinical data were shared during poster session "Adoptive Cell Therapy 2" by Megan Blair, Ph.D., In Vivo Lead at Verismo Therapeutics, on April 21, showing multi-chain SynKIR-310 KIR-CAR had enhanced anti-tumor activity in vivo compared to tisagenlecleucel and axicabtagene ciloleucel analogs, in B-NHL xenograft mouse models, with reduced cytokine production, while maintaining comparable T cell persistence. These findings suggest a potential favorable benefit-risk profile of multi-chain KIR-CAR compared to traditional single-chain CAR T.

Early clinical data from CELESTIAL-301 were also shared, highlighting treatment of a 70-year-old male patient with follicular lymphoma who received SynKIR-310 KIR-CAR at the lowest dose level (DL1) and achieved complete tumor response 28 days later, which remains ongoing as of their most recent 6-month follow-up appointment.

The CELESTIAL-301 trial is supported in part by the Institute for Follicular Lymphoma Innovation (IFLI), a global non-profit private foundation dedicated to accelerating the development of innovative treatment options for patients with follicular lymphoma, which has committed up to $4.05 million to advance SynKIR-310 KIR-CAR development in follicular lymphoma (FL) and expand patient enrollment in the trial.

"IFLI invested in SynKIR-310 because we believe its novel KIR-CAR architecture has the potential to meaningfully change the treatment trajectory for patients with follicular lymphoma who have exhausted standard options, including prior CAR T therapy," said David McCullagh, IFLI Managing Director. "Today’s data provide an important early signal supporting the potential of this platform. We look forward to continuing to support Verismo as they advance SynKIR-310 KIR-CAR toward broader clinical development in FL, along with other B cell malignancies."

About SynKIR-310 KIR-CAR and the CELESTIAL-301 Clinical Trial

SynKIR-310 is an investigational autologous engineered cell therapy developed using Verismo’s KIR-CAR platform. This approach utilizes a multi-chain, split-signaling architecture derived from natural killer cells, designed to drive long-term anti-tumor T cell function without T cell exhaustion. By keeping antigen recognition separate from T cell activation, the multi-chain architecture is intended to sustain T cell activity to provide a more durable response compared to single-chain CAR T approaches.

CELESTIAL-301 is a Phase 1 first-in-human, multi-center, open-label, basket clinical trial, evaluating SynKIR-310 KIR-CAR in patients with relapsed/refractory B-NHL, such as FL, and including those who have or have not previously received CD19 CAR T therapies. See clinicaltrials.gov (NCT06544265) for more information.

(Press release, Verismo Therapeutics, APR 21, 2026, View Source [SID1234664638])

IDEAYA Biosciences Announces Late-Breaking Abstract Oral Presentation at ASCO 2026 to Provide Complete Data from Phase 2/3 Registrational Trial (OptimUM-02) of Darovasertib in Combination with Crizotinib in 1L HLA*A2-Negative Metastatic Uveal Melanoma

On April 21, 2026 IDEAYA Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: IDYA), a leading precision medicine oncology company, reported they have been selected for a late-breaking abstract (LBA) oral presentation to provide the complete data from the Phase 2/3 registrational trial (OptimUM-02) of darovasertib in combination with crizotinib in first-line (1L) HLA*A2-negative metastatic uveal melanoma at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, taking place on May 29-June 2 in Chicago, Illinois. The presentation will include detail and additional data from OptimUM-02 that were not disclosed with the company’s topline release.

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Presentation details

Late-Breaking Abstract Number: LBA9503

Date and Time: June 1, 2026, 8-11AM CDT, Oral Abstract Session, Melanoma/Skin Cancers

Title: Darovasertib Plus Crizotinib vs Investigator’s Choice as First-Line Treatment for Patients with HLA-A2 Negative Metastatic Uveal Melanoma: Primary Results from the OptimUM-02 trial

Presenter: Dr. Marlana Orloff, M.D., Associate Professor of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital

(Press release, Ideaya Biosciences, APR 21, 2026, View Source [SID1234664637])

Dizal to Report Key Progress in its NSCLC Portfolio with Two Oral Presentations and a Poster During ASCO 2026

On April 21, 2026 Dizal (SSE:688192), a biopharmaceutical company committed to developing novel medicines for cancer and immunological diseases, reported that new clinical data from its non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) pipeline will be presented at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, taking place May 29–June 2 in Chicago. The presentations will feature the company’s investigational assets ZEGFROVY (sunvozertinib), golidocitinib, and DZD6008, highlighted by two oral presentations, including one selected as a Late-Breaking Abstract (LBA).

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Results from the multinational Phase 3 WU-KONG28 study of ZEGFROVY have been selected for oral presentation as an LBA. ZEGFROVY is an oral, irreversible, and highly selective EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), approved in China and the U.S. for the treatment of relapsed or refractory NSCLC harboring EGFR exon20ins. WU-KONG28 is a phase 3 randomized pivotal study comparing sunvozertinib vs. chemo doublet in previously untreated NSCLC patients with EGFR exon20ins mutation. Earlier, Dizal announced that the study had met its primary endpoint with statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in progression-free survival (PFS).

Updated clinical data of DZD6008 in pretreated NSCLC patients with EGFR C797X mutations have also been selected for oral presentation. DZD6008 is a novel, highly selective fourth-generation EGFR TKI with full blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration, designed to address clinical challenges after treatment failure from third-generation EGFR TKIs. In preclinical models, DZD6008 exhibits potent and consistent inhibitory activity across a broad range of EGFR mutations, including EGFR driver mutations (L858R and exon 19 deletions), resistant double mutations (including T790M/C797S in the context of L858R or exon 19 deletion), and the challenging triple mutations (C797X plus T790M plus L858R or exon 19 deletion).

In addition, Dizal will present the latest findings from a study evaluating golidocitinib in combination with anti–PD-1 antibody in NSCLC without known driver mutations. Golidocitinib is the world’s first and only approved JAK1 inhibitor for relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma. Preclinical data indicate that JAK inhibition can rescue exhausted T-cell function and modulate the tumor microenvironment, providing a mechanistic basis for the combination of golidocitinib with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies in NSCLC patients who have progressed on prior anti-PD-1 containing regimens.

Dr. Xiaolin Zhang, CEO of Dizal, said: "The new data to be reported at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2026 show significant progress we have made with our non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) pipeline. We are especially happy to report that WU-KONG28 met its primary endpoint. EGFR exon20ins is a tough target, and several compounds have failed in clinical studies. With this positive study, Zegfrovy further demonstrates its potential as the treatment of choice for newly diagnosed lung cancer patients with EGFR exon20ins mutation."

Dizal presentation details during 2026 ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper):

Lead Author

Abstract Title

Presentation Details

Prof. John Heymach

Sunvozertinib monotherapy versus platinum-
based chemotherapy as first-line treatment for
advanced NSCLC with EGFR exon20ins:
Primary analysis of a multinational phase 3
randomized study (WU-KONG28)

Publication Number: LBA8500

Oral Abstract Session

May 29, 2026, 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
CDT

Prof. Mengzhao
Wang

DZD6008, a 4th Generation EGFR TKI, in
Pretreated NSCLC Patients with EGFR C797X
Mutations: Results from Phase 1/2 Studies

Publication Number: 8520

Rapid Oral Abstract Session

May 30, 2026, 1:15 PM-2:45 PM
CDT

Prof. Jie Wang

Combination of golidocitinib (a JAK1 inhibitor)
with anti–PD-1 antibody to improve tumor
response and patient quality of life: Preliminary
results from an ongoing JACKPOT 33 study

Publication Number: 8555

Poster Session

May 31, 2026, 9:00 AM-12:00
PM CDT

About ZEGFROVY(sunvozertinib)

ZEGFROVY is an irreversible EGFR inhibitor discovered by Dizal scientists targeting a wide spectrum of EGFR mutations with wild-type EGFR selectivity. ZEGFROVY is approved in the U.S. and China for the treatment the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 20 insertion mutations (exon20ins), whose disease has progressed on or after platinum-based chemotherapy. The approval in China is based on the results of the pivotal WU-KONG6 study in platinum-based chemotherapy pretreated NSCLC with EGFR exon20ins. The U.S. approval is supported by WU-KONG1 Part B, a multinational pivotal study investigating the efficacy and safety of ZEGFROVY in the same indication.

In addition, ZEGFROVY also demonstrated encouraging anti-tumor activity in NSCLC patients with EGFR sensitizing, T790M, and uncommon mutations, as well as HER2 exon20ins.

ZEGFROVY showed a well-tolerated and manageable safety profile in the clinic. The most common drug-related TEAEs (treatment-emergent adverse event) were Grade 1/2 in nature and clinically manageable.

WU-KONG28, a multinational, randomized Phase 3 study conducted across 16 countries and regions evaluating ZEGFROVY as first-line treatment for patients with EGFR exon20ins NSCLC, met its primary endpoint.

Pre-clinical and clinical results of ZEGFROVY were published in peer-reviewed journals Cancer Discovery, The Lancet Respiratory Medicine and Journal of Clinical Oncology.

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 date of August 31, 2023, golidocitinib 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 DZD6008

DZD6008 is a novel, highly selective, full-BBB penetrant EGFR TKI, designed as a potential treatment option for advanced EGFR mutation positive (EGFRm) NSCLC.

Non-small cell lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the world. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene is one of the most common driver genes for NSCLC. Multiple agents can be used to treat patients with EGFR mutated NSCLC who develop resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), but the clinical outcome was not satisfactory. Brain metastases (BM) are a leading cause of death and disease progression for NSCLC. Approximately 23%-30% of NSCLC patients are synchronous BM at their initial diagnosis. Previous studies reported that the 3-year cumulative rate of BMs ranges from 29.4% to 60.3% in patients with mutated EGFR.

Currently, the clinical benefits of existing treatments for third-generation EGFR TKI-resistant NSCLC are limited and DZD6008 is expected to fill the unmet medical needs. DZD6008 effectively inhibits EGFR-mutated tumor growth in cell lines and in animal models. Previous clinical studies have validated the design concept of the molecule and suggest that DZD6008 demonstrates good safety and efficacy in NSCLC patients with brain metastases who had failed third-generation EGFR TKI therapy or multiple lines of pre-treatments.

(Press release, Dizal Pharma, APR 21, 2026, View Source [SID1234664636])

Jazz Pharmaceuticals to Present Data at ASCO 2026 Highlighting Advancements for Ziihera® (zanidatamab-hrii) in Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinoma and Zepzelca® (lurbinectedin)

On April 21, 2026 Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (Nasdaq: JAZZ) reported that the Company and its partners will present three rapid oral and seven poster presentations at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, taking place from May 29-June 2, 2026, in Chicago. The data reflect Jazz’s continued momentum in oncology and the Company’s focus on advancing treatment approaches in difficult-to-treat cancers through late-stage clinical research, real-world evidence and ongoing pipeline innovation.

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Key ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2026 presentations include:

Data from the Phase 3 HERIZON-GEA-01 trial evaluating Ziihera (zanidatamab-hrii) in combination with chemotherapy with or without the PD-1 inhibitor Tevimbra (tislelizumab) in previously untreated HER2-positive (HER2+) gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (GEA), including a rapid oral presentation of analyses of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) across PD-L1 subgroups, as well as analyses of the characterization and management of gastrointestinal adverse events.
Analyses from the Phase 3 IMforte trial evaluating Zepzelca (lurbinectedin) plus atezolizumab (Tecentriq) as first-line maintenance treatment in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC), including quality-adjusted time without symptoms or toxicity, as well as a rapid oral presentation on outcomes across SCLC molecular subtypes.
"Building on the strength of the HERIZON-GEA-01 trial results, additional analyses being presented at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) will provide further details on the impact of zanidatamab in HER2+ GEA, including across PD-L1 subgroups. These data will continue to inform treatment decision-making and enable the successful treatment integration of zanidatamab in clinical practice," said Rob Iannone, M.D., M.S.C.E., executive vice president, global head of research and development, and chief medical officer of Jazz Pharmaceuticals. "Together with additional analyses of Zepzelca from the Phase 3 IMforte study in first-line maintenance extensive-stage small cell lung cancer and progress in our pipeline, these data reflect our growing and increasingly differentiated oncology portfolio, as well as our commitment to advancing innovative approaches for patients facing some of the most difficult-to-treat cancers."

The ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) abstracts are available at: View Source

The full list of Jazz- and partner-supported presentations at the 2026 ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting are:

Zanidatamab Presentations:

Presentation Title

Authors

Presentation Details

Molecular circulating
tumor DNA (ctDNA)
profiling from patients
(pts) treated with
zanidatamab +
chemotherapy (CT) in
first-line (1L) HER2-
positive (HER2+)
advanced or
metastatic
gastroesophageal
adenocarcinoma (mGEA)

Elimova E, Ku GY, Lee KW, Rha SY,
Wienke S, Yalamanchili G, Garfin PM,
Loro E, Shpektor D, Ajani JA

Type: Poster

Session: Poster Session –
Gastrointestinal Cancer-
Gastroesophageal, Pancreatic,
and Hepatobiliary

Date/Time: May 30, 2026,
9 a.m.-Noon CDT

Abstract number: 4050

Real-world treatment
patterns and overall
survival (OS) in
patients (pts) with
HER2-positive
(HER2+) advanced or
metastatic
gastroesophageal
adenocarcinomas
(mGEA) in the US

Dayyani F, Fan X, Zape J, Murphy R,
Betts KA, Wang Y, Wang S, Chao A, Su
W, Fuller DS, Sabater J, Gibson MK,
Enzinger PC

Type: Poster

Session: Poster Session –
Gastrointestinal Cancer-
Gastroesophageal, Pancreatic,
and Hepatobiliary

Date/Time: May 30, 2026, 9
a.m.-Noon CDT

Abstract number: 4053

Characterization and
management of
gastrointestinal (GI)
adverse events (AEs)
with zanidatamab +
chemotherapy (CT) ±
tislelizumab in first-line
(1L) HER2-positive
(HER2+) locally
advanced or
metastatic
gastroesophageal
adenocarcinoma
(mGEA): Analysis
from HERIZON-GEA-
01

Elimova E, Rha SY, Shitara K, Liu T,
Tabernero J, Lee KW, Schenker M,
Tebbutt NC, Ajani JA, Salimin N, Ku GY,
Kim JG, Diaz IA, Zhang J, Pietrantonio F,
Bai LY, Le Sourd SL, Chen Y, Grim JE,
Shen L

Type: Poster

Session: Poster Session –
Gastrointestinal Cancer-
Gastroesophageal, Pancreatic,
and Hepatobiliary

Date/Time: May 30, 2026, 9
a.m.-Noon CDT

Abstract number: 4042

Combining
zanidatamab,
FOLFOX, and
pembrolizumab as
first-line therapy for
HER2/PD-L1-positive
gastroesophageal
adenocarcinoma –
The phase ll IKF-
090/AIO ZANGEA trial
with translational
analysis

Tintelnot J, Goekkurt E, Al-Batran SE,
Arnold D, Dechow TN, Ettrich TJ, Goetze
TO, Heinrich K, Kurreck A, Lorenzen S,
Moehler MH, Rempel V, Schlenska-Lange
A, Stein A

Type: Poster

Session: Poster Session –
Gastrointestinal Cancer-
Gastroesophageal, Pancreatic,
and Hepatobiliary

Date/Time: May 30, 2026, 9
a.m.-Noon CDT

Abstract number: TPS4244

Zanidatamab +
chemotherapy (CT) ±
tislelizumab for first-
line (1L) HER2-
positive (HER2+)
locally advanced or
metastatic
gastroesophageal
adenocarcinoma
(mGEA): PD-L1
subgroup analysis
from HERIZON-GEA
-01

Rha SY, Shitara K, Shen L, Tabernero J,
Liu T, Lee KW, Schenker M, Tebbutt NC,
Ajani JA, Salimin N, Ku GY, Kim JG, Diaz
IA, Zhang J, Pietrantonio F, Bai LY, Sourd
SL, Chen Y, Grim JE, Elimova E

Type: Rapid Oral

Session: Rapid Oral Abstract
Session – Gastrointestinal
Cancer-Gastroesophageal,
Pancreatic, and Hepatobiliary

Date/Time: June 1, 2026, 1:15-2:45 p.m. CDT

Abstract number: 4010

Lurbinectedin Presentations:

Presentation Title

Authors

Presentation Details

Real-world (RW)
effectiveness and
safety of lurbinectedin
(lurbi) for previously
treated extensive-
stage small cell lung
cancer (ES-SCLC):
Final primary and
subgroup analysis
results of Jazz
EMERGE 402

Badin FB, Lammers PE, Liu G,
Shunyakov L, Kassam SN, Patel MP, Ji Y,
Labbé C, Rabara V, Hashmi MH, Dakhil
SR, Weiss M, Gowan AC, Bouchard N,
Rengarajan B, Fuller DS, Naveh N,
Halmos B

Type: Poster

Session: Poster Session –
Lung Cancer-Non-Small Cell
Local-Regional/Small Cell/Other
Thoracic Cancers

Date/Time: May 31, 2026, 9
a.m.-Noon CDT

Abstract number: 8079

Comparison of real-
world overall survival
between
atezolizumab- and
durvalumab-containing
first-line induction and
maintenance regimens
in extensive stage
small cell lung cancer

Ganti AK, Snider J, Yan J, Rinaldi C,
Nguyen A, Rengarajan B, Profant DA,
Fuller DS, Hu E, Le TK, Naveh N, Fan X

Type: Poster

Session: Poster Session –
Lung Cancer-Non-Small Cell
Local-Regional/Small Cell/Other
Thoracic Cancers

Date/Time: May 31, 2026, 9
a.m.-Noon CDT

Abstract number: 8093

IMforte: Quality
-adjusted time without
symptoms or toxicity
(Q-TWiST) analysis of
first-line maintenance
(1Lm) treatment (Tx)
with lurbinectedin
(lurbi) + atezolizumab
(atezo) vs atezo in
extensive-stage small
cell lung cancer (ES-
SCLC)

Borghaei H, Paz-Ares LG, Reck M, Herbst
RS, Peters S, Bhatt K, Wang X, Gable J,
Connor-Ahmad S, Mamolo C, Lin YC, Liu
SV

Type: Poster

Session: Poster Session –
Lung Cancer-Non-Small Cell
Local-Regional/Small Cell/Other
Thoracic Cancers

Date/Time: May 31, 2026, 9
a.m.-Noon CDT

Abstract number: 8086

Transcriptomic
analyses of molecular
subsets and
correlations with
clinical outcomes from
the Phase 3 IMforte
study of lurbinectedin
(lurbi) + atezolizumab
(atezo) maintenance
treatment (Tx) in
extensive-stage small-
cell lung cancer (ES-
SCLC)

Paz-Ares L, Borghaei H, Reck M, Peters
S, Herbst RS, Kazarnowicz A, Szczesna
A, Cubukcu E, Kilickap S, Ahn JS,
Califano R, Wei YF, Srivastava MK, Nabet
BY, Graupner V, Lin YC, Cai G, Brock G,
Bhatt K, Liu SV

Type: Rapid Oral

Session: Rapid Oral Abstract
Session – Lung Cancer-Non-
Small Cell Local-Regional/Small
Cell/Other Thoracic Cancers

Date/Time: May 31, 2026, 4:30-
6 p.m. CDT

Abstract number: 8014

Safety and
pharmacokinetics (PK)
of lurbinectedin (lurbi)
in pediatric patients
(pts) with
relapsed/refractory
(R/R) solid tumors and
preliminary antitumor
activity in pediatric and
young adult pts with
R/R Ewing sarcoma
(EwS): Results from a
phase 1 study

Glade Bender JL, Pressey JG, Wagner
LM, Kim AR, Shah AT, Federico SM,
Morgenstern DA, Hoogstra DJ, Crane J,
Bhatt K, Prakash R, Faderl S, Parikh P,
Daniels M, Shi S, Wang X, Cai G, Miao X,
Ma J, Laetsch TW

Type: Rapid Oral

Session: Rapid Oral Abstract
Session – Sarcoma

Date/Time: May 31, 2026, 4:30-
6 p.m. CDT

Abstract number: 11518

About Ziihera (zanidatamab-hrii)
Ziihera (zanidatamab-hrii) is a bispecific HER2-directed antibody that binds to two extracellular sites on HER2. Binding of zanidatamab-hrii with HER2 results in internalization leading to a reduction in HER2 expression of the receptor on the tumor cell surface. Zanidatamab-hrii induces complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), and antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP). These mechanisms result in tumor growth inhibition and cell death in vitro and in vivo.[1] In the United States, Ziihera is indicated for the treatment of adults with previously treated, unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive (IHC 3+) biliary tract cancer (BTC), as detected by an FDA-approved test.1 The FDA granted accelerated approval for this indication based on overall response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial(s).1

Zanidatamab is being developed in multiple clinical trials as a targeted treatment option for patients with solid tumors that express HER2. Zanidatamab is being developed by Jazz and BeOne under license agreements from Zymeworks, which first developed the molecule.  

A supplemental biologics license application for zanidatamab was submitted to the FDA under Real-Time Oncology Review in first-line HER2+ locally advanced or metastatic GEA. The FDA granted two Breakthrough Therapy designations for zanidatamab’s development: one as a single agent for previously treated HER2 gene-amplified BTC, and one in combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy, with or without tislelizumab for first-line HER2+ unresectable locally advanced or metastatic gastric, gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) or esophageal adenocarcinoma. The FDA also granted two Fast Track designations for zanidatamab: one as a single agent for refractory BTC and one in combination with standard-of-care chemotherapy for first-line GEA. Additionally, zanidatamab has received Orphan Drug designations from the FDA for the treatment of BTC, gastric (including GEJ) cancer, and esophageal cancer, as well as Orphan Drug designations from the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of BTC, gastric/gastroesophageal junction cancer and oesophageal cancer.

Important Safety Information for ZIIHERA

WARNING: EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY
Exposure to ZIIHERA during pregnancy can cause embryo-fetal harm. Advise patients
of the risk and need for effective contraception.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
ZIIHERA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. In literature reports, use of a HER2-directed antibody during pregnancy resulted in cases of oligohydramnios and oligohydramnios sequence manifesting as pulmonary hypoplasia, skeletal abnormalities, and neonatal death.

Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to the initiation of ZIIHERA. Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential that exposure to ZIIHERA during pregnancy or within 4 months prior to conception can result in fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ZIIHERA and for 4 months following the last dose of ZIIHERA.

Left Ventricular Dysfunction
ZIIHERA can cause decreases in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). LVEF declined by >10% and decreased to <50% in 4.3% of 233 patients. Left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) leading to permanent discontinuation of ZIIHERA was reported in 0.9% of patients. The median time to first occurrence of LVD was 5.6 months (range: 1.6 to 18.7). LVD resolved in 70% of patients.

Assess LVEF prior to initiation of ZIIHERA and at regular intervals during treatment. Withhold dose or permanently discontinue ZIIHERA based on severity of adverse reactions.

The safety of ZIIHERA has not been established in patients with a baseline ejection fraction that is below 50%.

Infusion-Related Reactions
ZIIHERA can cause infusion-related reactions (IRRs). An IRR was reported in 31% of 233 patients treated with ZIIHERA as a single agent in clinical studies, including Grade 3 (0.4%), and Grade 2 (25%). IRRs leading to permanent discontinuation of ZIIHERA were reported in 0.4% of patients. IRRs occurred on the first day of dosing in 28% of patients; 97% of IRRs resolved within one day.

Prior to each dose of ZIIHERA, administer premedications to prevent potential IRRs. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of IRR during ZIIHERA administration and as clinically indicated after completion of infusion. Have medications and emergency equipment to treat IRRs available for immediate use.

If an IRR occurs, slow, or stop the infusion, and administer appropriate medical management. Monitor patients until complete resolution of signs and symptoms before resuming. Permanently discontinue ZIIHERA in patients with recurrent severe or life-threatening IRRs.

Diarrhea
ZIIHERA can cause severe diarrhea.

Diarrhea was reported in 48% of 233 patients treated in clinical studies, including Grade 3 (6%) and Grade 2 (17%). If diarrhea occurs, administer antidiarrheal treatment as clinically indicated. Perform diagnostic tests as clinically indicated to exclude other causes of diarrhea. Withhold or permanently discontinue ZIIHERA based on severity.

ADVERSE REACTIONS
Serious adverse reactions occurred in 53% of 80 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive BTC who received ZIIHERA. Serious adverse reactions in >2% of patients included biliary obstruction (15%), biliary tract infection (8%), sepsis (8%), pneumonia (5%), diarrhea (3.8%), gastric obstruction (3.8%), and fatigue (2.5%). A fatal adverse reaction of hepatic failure occurred in one patient who received ZIIHERA.

The most common adverse reactions in 80 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive BTC who received ZIIHERA (≥20%) were diarrhea (50%), infusion-related reaction (35%), abdominal pain (29%), and fatigue (24%).

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Pediatric Use
Safety and efficacy of ZIIHERA have not been established in pediatric patients.

Geriatric Use
Of the 80 patients who received ZIIHERA for unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive BTC, there were 39 (49%) patients 65 years of age and older. Thirty-seven (46%) were aged 65-74 years old and 2 (3%) were aged 75 years or older.

No overall differences in safety or efficacy were observed between these patients and younger adult patients.

The full U.S. Prescribing Information for ZIIHERA, including BOXED Warning, is available at: View Source

About Zepzelca (lurbinectedin)
Zepzelca is an alkylating drug that binds guanine residues within DNA. This triggers a cascade of events that can affect the activity of DNA binding proteins, including some transcription factors, and DNA repair pathways, resulting in disruption of the cell cycle and potentially cell death.2

In October 2025, the FDA approved Zepzelca in combination with atezolizumab or atezolizumab and hyaluronidase-tqjs, as maintenance treatment for adults with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) whose disease has not progressed after first-line induction therapy with atezolizumab or atezolizumab and hyaluronidase-tqjs, carboplatin and etoposide.

In June 2020, the FDA approved Zepzelca under accelerated approval for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic small cell lung cancer (SCLC) with disease progression on or after platinum-based chemotherapy. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on ORR and DOR. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial(s).

Important Safety Information for ZEPZELCA

Myelosuppression
ZEPZELCA can cause severe and fatal myelosuppression including febrile neutropenia and sepsis, thrombocytopenia and anemia.

Administer ZEPZELCA only to patients with baseline neutrophil count of at least 1,500 cells/mm3 and platelet count of at least 100,000/mm3. To reduce the risk of febrile neutropenia during treatment with ZEPZELCA in combination with atezolizumab or atezolizumab and hyaluronidase-tqjs, administer granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). Monitor blood counts including neutrophils, red blood cells and platelets prior to each ZEPZELCA administration. For neutrophil count less than 500 cells/mm3 or any value less than lower limit of normal, the use of G-CSF is recommended. Withhold, reduce the dose, or permanently discontinue ZEPZELCA based on severity.

ZEPZELCA with Intravenous Atezolizumab
In the IMforte study, primary prophylaxis of G-CSF was administered to 84% of patients. Based on laboratory values, decreased neutrophils occurred in 36%, including 18% Grade 3 or Grade 4 in patients who received ZEPZELCA in combination with atezolizumab. The median time to onset of Grade 3 and 4 decreased neutrophil cells was 31 days and a median duration of 10 days. Febrile neutropenia occurred in 1.7%. Sepsis occurred in 1%. There were 7 fatal infections: pneumonia (n=3), sepsis (n=3), and febrile neutropenia (n=1).
Based on laboratory values, decreased platelets occurred in 54%, including 15% Grade 3 or Grade 4 in patients who received ZEPZELCA in combination with atezolizumab. The median time to onset of Grade 3 and 4 decreased platelet cells was 31 days and a median duration of 12 days.
Based on laboratory values, decreased hemoglobin occurred in 51%, including 13% Grade 3 or Grade 4 in patients who received ZEPZELCA in combination with atezolizumab. The median time to onset of Grade 3 and 4 decreased hemoglobin was 64 days and a median duration of 8 days.
ZEPZELCA as a Single Agent
In clinical studies of 554 patients with advanced solid tumors receiving ZEPZELCA as a single agent, Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia occurred in 41% of patients, with a median time to onset of 15 days and a median duration of 7 days. Febrile neutropenia occurred in 7% of patients. Sepsis occurred in 2% of patients and was fatal in 1% (all cases occurred in patients with solid tumors other than SCLC). Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia occurred in 10%, with a median time to onset of 10 days and a median duration of 7 days. Grade 3 or 4 anemia occurred in 17% of patients.
Hepatotoxicity
ZEPZELCA can cause hepatotoxicity which may be severe.

Monitor liver function tests prior to initiating ZEPZELCA and periodically during treatment as clinically indicated. Withhold, reduce the dose, or permanently discontinue ZEPZELCA based on severity.

ZEPZELCA with Intravenous Atezolizumab
In the IMforte study, based on laboratory values, increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) occurred in 25%, including 3% Grade 3 or Grade 4 in patients who received ZEPZELCA in combination with atezolizumab. Increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST) occurred in 24% including 3% Grade 3 or Grade 4. The median time to onset of Grade ≥3 elevation in transaminases was 52 days (range: 6 to 337).
ZEPZELCA as a Single Agent
In clinical studies of 554 patients with advanced solid tumors receiving ZEPZELCA as a single agent, Grade 3 elevations of ALT and AST were observed in 6% and 3% of patients, respectively, and Grade 4 elevations of ALT and AST were observed in 0.4% and 0.5% of patients, respectively. The median time to onset of Grade ≥3 elevation in transaminases was 8 days (range: 3 to 49), with a median duration of 7 days.
Extravasation Resulting in Tissue Necrosis
Extravasation of ZEPZELCA can cause skin and soft tissue injury, including necrosis requiring debridement. Consider use of a central venous catheter to reduce the risk of extravasation, particularly in patients with limited venous access. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of extravasation during the ZEPZELCA infusion. If extravasation occurs, immediately discontinue the infusion, remove the infusion catheter, and monitor for signs and symptoms of tissue necrosis. The time to onset of necrosis after extravasation may vary.

ZEPZELCA with Intravenous Atezolizumab

In the IMforte study, extravasation resulting in skin necrosis occurred in one patient who received ZEPZELCA in combination with atezolizumab.
Administer supportive care and consult with an appropriate medical specialist as needed for signs and symptoms of extravasation. Administer subsequent infusions at a site that was not affected by extravasation.

Rhabdomyolysis
Rhabdomyolysis has been reported in patients treated with ZEPZELCA.

Monitor creatine phosphokinase (CPK) prior to initiating ZEPZELCA and periodically during treatment as clinically indicated. Withhold or reduce the dose based on severity.

ZEPZELCA with Intravenous Atezolizumab

In the IMforte study, among 235 patients who had a creatine phosphokinase laboratory evaluation, increased creatine phosphokinase occurred in 9% who received ZEPZELCA in combination with atezolizumab.
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
ZEPZELCA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise female patients of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ZEPZELCA and for 7 months after the last dose. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ZEPZELCA and for 4 months after the last dose.

Lactation
There are no data on the presence of ZEPZELCA in human milk, however, because of the potential for serious adverse reactions from ZEPZELCA in breastfed children, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with ZEPZELCA and for 2 weeks after the last dose.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

ZEPZELCA with Intravenous Atezolizumab
Serious adverse reactions occurred in 31% of patients receiving ZEPZELCA in combination with atezolizumab. Serious adverse reactions occurring in >2% were pneumonia (2.5%), respiratory tract infections (2.1%), dyspnea (2.1%), and decreased platelet count (2.1%). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 5% of patients receiving ZEPZELCA with atezolizumab including pneumonia (3 patients), sepsis (3 patients), cardio-respiratory arrest (2 patients), myocardial infarction (2 patients), and febrile neutropenia (1 patient).
The most common adverse reactions (≥30%), including laboratory abnormalities, in patients who received ZEPZELCA with atezolizumab were decreased lymphocytes (55%), decreased platelets (54%), decreased hemoglobin (51%), decreased neutrophils (36%), nausea (36%), and fatigue/asthenia (32%).
ZEPZELCA as a Single Agent
Serious adverse reactions occurred in 34% of patients who received ZEPZELCA. Serious adverse reactions in ≥3% of patients included pneumonia, febrile neutropenia, neutropenia, respiratory tract infection, anemia, dyspnea, and thrombocytopenia.
The most common adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, (≥20%) are leukopenia (79%), lymphopenia (79%), fatigue (77%), anemia (74%), neutropenia (71%), increased creatinine (69%), increased alanine aminotransferase (66%), increased glucose (52%), thrombocytopenia (37%), nausea (37%), decreased appetite (33%), musculoskeletal pain (33%), decreased albumin (32%), constipation (31%), dyspnea (31%), decreased sodium (31%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (26%), vomiting (22%), decreased magnesium (22%), cough (20%), and diarrhea (20%).
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Effect of CYP3A Inhibitors and Inducers
Avoid coadministration with a strong or a moderate CYP3A inhibitor (including grapefruit and Seville oranges) as this increases lurbinectedin systemic exposure which may increase the incidence and severity of adverse reactions to ZEPZELCA. If coadministration cannot be avoided, reduce the ZEPZELCA dose as appropriate.

Avoid coadministration with a strong CYP3A inducer as it may decrease systemic exposure to lurbinectedin, which may decrease the efficacy of ZEPZELCA.

GERIATRIC USE

ZEPZELCA with Intravenous Atezolizumab
Of the 242 patients with ES-SCLC treated with ZEPZELCA and atezolizumab in IMforte, 124 (51%) patients were 65 years of age and older, while 29 (12%) patients were 75 years of age and older. No overall differences in effectiveness were observed between older and younger patients. There was no overall difference in the incidence of serious adverse reactions in patients ≥65 years of age and patients <65 years of age (33% vs. 29%, respectively). There was a higher incidence of Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions in patients ≥65 years of age compared to younger patients (45% vs. 31%, respectively).
ZEPZELCA as a Single Agent
Of the 105 patients with SCLC administered ZEPZELCA in clinical studies, 37 (35%) patients were 65 years of age and older, while 9 (9%) patients were 75 years of age and older. No overall difference in effectiveness was observed between patients aged 65 and older and younger patients.
There was a higher incidence of serious adverse reactions in patients ≥65 years of age than in patients <65 years of age (49% vs. 26%, respectively). The serious adverse reactions most frequently reported in patients ≥65 years of age were related to myelosuppression and consisted of febrile neutropenia (11%), neutropenia (11%), thrombocytopenia (8%), and anemia (8%). There was a higher incidence of Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions in patients ≥65 years of age compared to younger patients (76% vs. 50%, respectively).
HEPATIC IMPAIRMENT
Avoid administration of ZEPZELCA in patients with severe hepatic impairment. If administration cannot be avoided, reduce the dose. Monitor for increased adverse reactions in patients with severe hepatic impairment.

Reduce the dose of ZEPZELCA in patients with moderate hepatic impairment. Monitor for increased adverse reactions in patients with moderate hepatic impairment.

No dose adjustment of ZEPZELCA is recommended for patients with mild hepatic impairment.

The full Prescribing Information for ZEPZELCA is available
at: View Source

Tevimbra (tislelizumab) is a registered trademark of BeOne Medicines.

Zepzelca a trademark of Pharma Mar, S.A. used by Jazz Pharmaceuticals under license.

Tecentriq (atezolizumab) is a registered trademark of Genentech, a member of the Roche Group.

(Press release, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, APR 21, 2026, View Source [SID1234664635])

GRAIL to Present New Data From NHS-Galleri and PATHFINDER 2 at 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting

On April 21, 2026 GRAIL, Inc. (Nasdaq: GRAL), a healthcare company whose mission is to detect cancer early when it can be cured, reported it will present additional data from both the NHS-Galleri trial and the PATHFINDER 2 study further evaluating the Galleri multi-cancer early detection (MCED) test at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting in Chicago, May 29-June 2, 2026.

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The NHS-Galleri trial presentation will expand on topline results announced in February 2026. The NHS-Galleri trial, the first and only randomized controlled study of an MCED test, was designed to demonstrate population-level impact through the reduction of late-stage cancer diagnosis and increased cancer detection rate within England’s National Health Service (NHS). The trial evaluated annual screening with the Galleri test in addition to standard of care screening over three years in more than 142,000 demographically representative participants aged 50 to 77, compared to standard of care screening alone.

Building on initial results presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Congress in October 2025, the complete PATHFINDER 2 dataset of more than 32,000 evaluable participants will be presented. Conducted under an FDA-approved investigational device exemption, PATHFINDER 2 is the largest MCED interventional study in North America in an intended-use population with no clinical suspicion of cancer.

"The goal of cancer screening is to detect cancer before it becomes advanced or spreads, when treatment options may be broader, care and cost may be less intensive, and the opportunity for cure is often greater. Yet the status quo still leaves too many cancers unscreened. In the U.S., more than 70 percent of cancer deaths are from cancers without recommended screening tests," said Josh Ofman, MD, MSHS, President of GRAIL. "These results from NHS-Galleri and PATHFINDER 2, two large, rigorous studies, underscore Galleri’s strong performance, ability to shift detection of cancers earlier before metastatic disease, and strong safety profile. We look forward to sharing these findings, which strengthen the body of evidence supporting the clinical utility, performance, and safety of Galleri in intended-use populations and reflect GRAIL’s extensive experience building a robust evidence base for multi-cancer early detection."

ASCO Presentations

Title: NHS-Galleri: Primary results from a randomised controlled trial to assess the clinical utility of a multi-cancer early detection (MCED) test in population screening

Abstract Number: LBA100
Session Title: Clinical Science Symposium – ctDNA in Clinical Practice: From Detection to Clinical Decision-Making
Presentation type: Oral Presentation
Date/Time: Saturday, May 30, 2026 – 8:12-8:24 am CDT

Title: Safety and performance results from PATHFINDER 2 (PF2), a registrational study of a multi-cancer early detection (MCED) test in an intended-use population

Abstract Number: LBA10509
Session Title: Rapid Oral Abstract Session – Prevention, Risk Reduction, and Genetics
Presentation type: Oral Presentation
Date/Time: May 31, 2026 – 9:45-9:52 am CDT

Title: Implementation of a multi-cancer early detection (MCED) test in a private practice: adoption, performance, and repeat-testing patterns

Abstract Number: 10532
Presentation Type: Poster #493
Date/Time: June 1, 2026 – 1:30-4:30 pm CDT

(Press release, Grail, APR 21, 2026, View Source [SID1234664634])