Prokarium Reports Positive Interim Data from Phase 1/1b PARADIGM-1 trial of ZH9 in NMIBC patients, Demonstrating Excellent Safety and Encouraging Early Efficacy

On May 18, 2026 Prokarium, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company pioneering bacterial immunotherapies for the treatment of solid tumours, reported safety and antitumour efficacy results from an interim review of the ongoing Phase 1/1b PARADIGM-1 trial of ZH9 in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) patients. These data were shared via an oral podium presentation at the American Urology Association (AUA26) Annual Meeting.

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Prokarium CMO, Dr Josefin-Beate Holz said "These data demonstrate ZH9 as a universally applicable treatment for patients. As the treatment is very well tolerated and is showing impactful outcomes for early and BCG-non-responsive patients alike, it opens up the potential for ZH9 to be a transformative bladder saving treatment."

"There is a clear and urgent need to move beyond BCG. The current treatment burden—requiring up to 18 catheterisations in the first year— detrimentally impacts real-world compliance and patient outcomes," said Ibs Mahmood, CEO of Prokarium. "Patients deserve a therapy that is not only effective and safe, but also more convenient, and we believe ZH9, reducing this to just 4–5 administrations per year, could be a game changer."

Interim data:

Prokarium’s PARADIGM-1 trial (NCT06181266) is a Phase 1/1b study evaluating safety, tolerability and early efficacy of ZH9 in recurrent intermediate-risk and high-risk NMIBC patients.

Of 22 patients that received at least 1 dose of ZH9, 6 patients (27%) experienced an Adverse Event related to treatment with ZH9 all of which were mild or moderate and transient.
No grade 3 or higher toxicities, dose-limiting toxicities, or drug related serious adverse events were observed.
ZH9 demonstrated 91% freedom-from-relapse at 12 months in the heavily pretreated study population (10/11 patients at 12m, per protocol completion).

(Press release, Prokarium, MAY 18, 2026, View Source [SID1234665843])

CEL-SCI Reports Fiscal Second Quarter 2026 Results

On May 18, 2026 CEL-SCI Corporation (NYSE American: CVM) today reported financial results for three months ended March 31, 2026, as well as key recent corporate, commercial, regulatory, and clinical developments for Multikine (Leukocyte Interleukin, Injection)*.

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"During the fiscal second quarter, we made significant progress advancing Multikine toward potential commercialization and regulatory approval in multiple markets," stated CEL-SCI CEO Geert Kersten. "Our strategic partnership with Amarox represents an important milestone for CEL-SCI, providing a pathway to potential early commercialization and revenue generation for Multikine in Saudi Arabia through the SFDA’s Breakthrough Medicine Designation process as well as potential market access in the GCC countries. At the same time, we are starting efforts to initiate patient enrollment in our pivotal U.S. FDA Confirmatory Registration Study later this summer/fall. We believe the study’s design, which allows for rapid assessment of pre-surgical tumor response following a short course of Multikine treatment, may provide an opportunity to pursue accelerated approval in the U.S. With strengthening financial support, continued management investment in the Company, and increasing international interest in Multikine, we believe CEL-SCI is entering an inflection point."

Clinical and Corporate Developments:

CEL-SCI entered a strategic partnership with Amarox, one of Saudi Arabia’s fastest growing pharmaceutical companies for regulatory affairs, marketing and commercialization of Multikine in the treatment of head and neck cancer in Saudi Arabia, with an optional extension for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Amarox will support and coordinate the local regulatory process with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) including seeking the SFDA’s Breakthrough Medicine Designation. Amarox has been ranked #1 for SFDA applications for critical and unavailable medicine for 3 consecutive years. Upon receipt of the designation, Multikine would be available for the treatment of head and neck cancer, as well as reimbursement/sale for the indication in Saudi Arabia. The companies will share net revenue from sales of Multikine in Saudi Arabia on a 50%/50% basis.
CEL-SCI is starting up its 212-patient U.S. FDA Confirmatory Registration Study for Multikine in newly diagnosed locally advanced head and neck cancer patients. Pre-surgical tumor responses, following a very short treatment with Multikine, can be assessed within weeks after full enrollment for rapid confirmation of Multikine’s anti-tumor activity, creating the potential for early accelerated approval in the U.S. CEL-SCI plans to seek accelerated approval based on early tumor response data.
Gross proceeds of approximately $7.2 million were raised by CEL-SCI in May 2026.
Following the $7.2 million financing, CEL-SCI’s CEO purchased 400,000 CEL-SCI shares for about $480,000. This follows his earlier purchases of $450,000 worth of CEL-SCI stock between July 2025 and January 2026.
Financial Results

During the three months ended March 31, 2026, research and development expenses were $3.8 million compared to $4.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025. General and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2026 were $1.6 million compared to $2.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025. Net loss was $5.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026 compared to $6.6 million in the prior year period. Cash used for operating activities during the three months was $4.0 million. Basic and diluted net loss per common share was $0.67 for the three months ended March 31, 2026, compared to $2.33 for the three months ended March 31, 2025.

(Press release, Cel-Sci, MAY 18, 2026, View Source [SID1234665842])

U.S. FDA Grants Priority Review to Supplemental New Drug Application for HYRNUO® (sevabertinib) Under Investigation as a First-Line Treatment of HER2-Mutated Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

On May 18, 2026 Bayer reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted HYRNUO (sevabertinib) Priority Review status for the first-line treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have HER2 (ERBB2) tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) activating mutations in patients with no prior therapy. HYRNUO is not currently approved in this first-line setting.

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In November 2025, HYRNUO received U.S. FDA accelerated approval for patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC whose tumors have HER2 TKD activating mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test, and who have received a prior systemic therapy.2 This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on objective response rate (ORR) and duration of response (DOR). Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.2

"The U.S. FDA’s decision to grant Priority Review for HYRNUO is an important milestone as we continue to study this investigational treatment option in HER2-mutated non-small cell lung cancer," said Christian Rommel, Ph.D., Head of Research and Development at Bayer’s Pharmaceuticals Division. "We look forward to working closely with regulatory authorities as they review the data supporting this application for use in the first-line setting."

"There continues to be progress in understanding and treating HER2-mutated NSCLC, and Bayer is committed to further investigating the full potential of HYRNUO as a treatment option," said Nelson Ambrogio, President, Bayer U.S. Pharmaceuticals. "We appreciate the FDA’s Priority Review designation and remain focused on working through the regulatory process to help address the needs of this patient population."

The regulatory application for first-line use of HYRNUO is based on preliminary clinical evidence from Cohort F (patients who had not previously received treatment) of the ongoing Phase I/II SOHO-01 Study (NCT05099172) evaluating the efficacy and safety of HYRNUO in patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2-mutated NSCLC.2

About HYRNUO

HYRNUO is an oral, reversible, small molecule, tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that inhibits mutated human HER2, including HER2 exon 20 insertions and HER2 point mutations, as well as epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR), with selectivity for mutated vs wild-type EGFR. HYRNUO works by blocking certain enzymes called tyrosine kinases, which are involved in the growth of cancer cells. HYRNUO is derived from Bayer’s strategic research alliance with the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard in Cambridge, MA, USA.

About Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.3 NSCLC is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for more than 85% of cases.4 Activating HER2 mutations are found in 2% to 4% of patients with advanced NSCLC.5 80% of people diagnosed with NSCLC have already progressed to advanced stages, which makes it difficult to treat.6

INDICATION

HYRNUO is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous NSCLC whose tumors have HER2 TKD activating mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test, and who have received a prior systemic therapy. HYRNUO is not currently approved in this first-line setting.2

This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on objective response rate (ORR) and duration of response (DOR). Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Warnings & Precautions

Diarrhea

HYRNUO can cause severe diarrhea that can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

In the pooled safety population, diarrhea was reported in 86% of patients who received HYRNUO including Grade 3 in 15%. The median time to first onset of any grade diarrhea was four days. Dosage interruptions occurred in 15% of patients, and dose reductions occurred in 12% of patients.

At the first sign of diarrhea or increased bowel movement frequency, instruct patients to start an antidiarrheal treatment (e.g., loperamide), and to increase their fluid and electrolyte intake. Interrupt, reduce the dose or permanently discontinue HYRNUO based on severity.

Hepatotoxicity

HYRNUO can cause severe hepatotoxicity characterized by elevations of liver function tests.

In the pooled safety population, based on adverse reaction data, hepatotoxicity occurred in 24% of patients treated with HYRNUO including 3% Grade 3. Based on laboratory data, 35% of patients treated with HYRNUO experienced increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT), including 2.3% Grade 3. Increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST) occurred in 35% of patients treated with HYRNUO, including 2.3% Grade 3. Increased bilirubin occurred in 12% of patients treated with HYRNUO. The median time to first onset of AST or ALT elevation was 1.4 (range 0.2 to 14.5) months. HYRNUO was interrupted for an adverse reaction of hepatotoxicity in 4.1% of patients, the dose was reduced in 4.1% and permanently discontinued in 0.4%.

Monitor liver function tests including ALT, AST, and total bilirubin at baseline prior to the first administration of HYRNUO, every 2 weeks for the first month and then monthly thereafter as clinically indicated, with more frequent testing in patients who develop transaminase elevations. Interrupt, reduce the dose or permanently discontinue HYRNUO based on the severity of the adverse reaction.

Interstitial Lung Disease/Pneumonitis

HYRNUO can cause severe interstitial lung disease (ILD)/pneumonitis. In the pooled safety population, ILD/pneumonitis occurred in two patients (0.7%) treated with HYRNUO, including 0.4% Grade 3. One patient required interruption of HYRNUO.

Monitor patients for new or worsening symptoms indicative of ILD/pneumonitis (e.g., dyspnea, cough, fever). Discontinue HYRNUO upon confirmation of ILD/pneumonitis.

Ocular Toxicity

HYRNUO can cause ocular toxicity.

In the pooled safety population, ocular toxicity occurred in 14% of patients treated with HYRNUO, including 11% Grade 1, 2.6% Grade 2 and 0.4% Grade 3 (one case of corneal epithelial microcysts with temporary unilateral blindness).

Promptly refer patients presenting with new or worsening eye symptoms to an ophthalmologist. Interrupt, reduce the dose or permanently discontinue HYRNUO based on severity.

Pancreatic Enzyme Elevation

HYRNUO can cause elevations of amylase and lipase levels. In the pooled safety population, based on laboratory data, increased amylase occurred in 32% of patients treated with HYRNUO, including 3.2% Grade 3 or 4. Increased lipase elevation occurred in 40% of patients treated with HYRNUO, including 10% Grade 3 or 4. Two patients (0.7%) required interruption of HYRNUO due to increased lipase and three (1.1%) required interruption of HYRNUO due to increased amylase. The median time to onset of increased amylase/lipase was 1.4 months (range: 0.2 to 17 months).

Monitor amylase and lipase regularly during treatment with HYRNUO. Interrupt, reduce the dose or permanently discontinue HYRNUO based on severity.

Embryo-fetal toxicity

Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action, HYRNUO can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. In embryo-fetal development studies, oral administration of sevabertinib to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis resulted in alterations to growth at maternal exposures ≥0.18 times the human exposure based on area under the curve (AUC) at the clinical dose of 20 mg twice daily. Animal studies with disrupted or depleted HER2/EGFR and in vitro assays have demonstrated that inhibition of HER2 and/or EGFR results in structural abnormalities, alteration to growth, and embryo-fetal and infant mortality.

Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with HYRNUO and for 1 week after the last dose. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with HYRNUO and for 1 week after the last dose.

Adverse Reactions

In SOHO-01 (Groups D and E), serious adverse reactions occurred in 31% of patients who received HYRNUO. Serious adverse reactions in ≥2% of patients were diarrhea (6%), pneumonia (3.7%), dyspnea (2.2%), and pleural effusion (2.2%). The most common adverse reactions (>20%) in patients who received HYRNUO were diarrhea (87%), rash (66%), paronychia (33%), stomatitis (29%), and nausea (21%). The most common Grade 3 and 4 laboratory abnormalities (≥2%) were potassium decreased (13%), lipase increased (12%), lymphocyte count decreased (6%), sodium decreased (4.4%), amylase increased (3.8%), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) increased (3%), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) increased (3%). Laboratory abnormalities in <20% of patients who received HYRNUO include blood bilirubin increased (14%; all were Grades 1 or 2). Clinically relevant adverse reactions in <10% of patients who received HYRNUO included edema (8%), cardiac arrhythmia (6%; includes arrhythmia, atrioventricular block complete, electrocardiogram QT prolonged, sinus bradycardia, sinus tachycardia, supraventricular extrasystoles, supraventricular tachycardia, tachycardia) and alopecia (3.7%).

Drug Interactions

Effects of Other Drugs on HYRNUO – Sevabertinib is a CYP3A substrate. Concomitant use with a strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitor may increase sevabertinib plasma concentrations, which may increase the risk of HYRNUO adverse reactions. Monitor patients for increased HYRNUO-associated adverse reactions with moderate CYP3A inhibitors. Avoid concomitant use of HYRNUO with strong CYP3A inhibitors. If concomitant use cannot be avoided, reduce HYRNUO dose.

Concomitant use with a strong or moderate CYP3A inducer may decrease sevabertinib plasma concentrations, which may decrease the effectiveness of HYRNUO. Avoid concomitant use of HYRNUO with strong or moderate CYP3A inducers.

Effects of HYRNUO on Other Drugs – Sevabertinib is a weak to moderate CYP3A inhibitor. Sevabertinib increases exposure of CYP3A substrates, which may increase the risk of adverse reactions related to these substrates. Avoid concomitant use of HYRNUO with CYP3A substrates where minimal increases in the concentration may lead to serious adverse reactions unless otherwise recommended in the Prescribing Information of the CYP3A substrate.

Sevabertinib is a P-gp inhibitor. Sevabertinib increases exposure of P-gp substrates, which may increase the risk of adverse reactions related to these substrates. Refer to the Prescribing Information for P-gp substrates where minimal increases in the concentration may lead to serious adverse reactions.

Sevabertinib is an inhibitor of CYP1A1 in vitro. Sevabertinib may increase exposure of CYP1A1 substrates, which may increase the risk of adverse reactions related to these substrates. Refer to the Prescribing Information of CYP1A1 substrates.

(Press release, Bayer, MAY 18, 2026, View Source [SID1234665841])

Innate Pharma to participate in the Jefferies Global Healthcare Conference

On May 18, 2026 Innate Pharma SA (Euronext Paris: IPH; Nasdaq: IPHA) ("Innate" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing immunotherapies for cancer patients, reported that members of its executive team will participate in one-on-one investor meetings at the following conference:

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Jefferies Global Healthcare Conference 2026

Dates: June 2–4, 2026
Location: New York, United States

(Press release, Innate Pharma, MAY 18, 2026, View Source [SID1234665840])

AstraZeneca Collaborates with Roche Diagnostics Asia Pacific to Help Accelerate Sustainable Ecosystem for Advanced Pathology in Breast and Lung Cancer

On May 18, 2026 AstraZeneca and Roche Diagnostics Asia Pacific reported a three-year Memorandum of Understanding to help advance digital pathology capabilities and elevate cancer care across nine Asia markets, a first in the region. This landmark collaboration aims to accelerate the adoption of AI-powered digital and computational pathology through educational and training initiatives and improve biomarker testing in breast and lung cancer.

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Globally, nearly half of all breast cancer cases[1] and over 60% of new lung cancer diagnoses[2] occur in Asia. In breast cancer, almost half of Asian women present lower levels of HER2,[3] while TROP2 is present in 82–90% of non-small cell lung cancer.[4] Precise biomarker testing is hence key to guiding treatment decisions, and AI-enabled TROP2 assessment helps identify patients who are more likely to respond to antibody drug conjugate therapies.

This collaboration addresses the critical knowledge and adoption gap in AI-assisted pathology across Asia. Only 17% of clinicians consider themselves very aware of advanced pathology technologies, and usage of computational pathology-based tests in clinical settings is low.[5] For example, in the Philippines, 60% of medical oncologists report that unavailability of biomarker testing has hindered their practice.[6]

"Building resilient health systems is fundamental to our mission of transforming cancer care," said Arun Krishna, Area Vice President, Asia, AstraZeneca. "This collaboration aims to address existing diagnostic gaps across the region. By combining efforts with Roche Diagnostics to advance education and adoption of AI-powered pathology, we can support the integration of precision diagnostics into the patient journey, helping to match more patients to the right treatment at the right time."

AI-assisted pathology helps standardise diagnostic processes, reducing subjectivity, and improving accuracy. Studies show that AI-assisted workflows can[7]:

Improve diagnostic accuracy by up to 5%, reducing reading time per case by 36%.
Increase interpretation concordance by up to 15% by mitigating human fatigue and subjective bias.
Expand access to targeted therapies by reclassifying 24% of cases previously labelled as HER2-negative to HER2-low category.
Enable more precise patient identification through the first AI-powered companion diagnostic for TROP2.[8]
When patients are matched to the right therapies, clinical benefits could include improved response rates, extended progression-free survival,[9] and optimised healthcare resources.

"At Roche Diagnostics, we believe that timely and accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective cancer care. Across Asia Pacific, gaps in access to advanced diagnostics continue to impact patient outcomes," said Lance Little, Head of Region, Roche Diagnostics Asia Pacific. "Through this collaboration, we are focused on strengthening diagnostic capabilities and accelerating the adoption of digital pathology across healthcare systems. This is key to enabling more consistent and reliable diagnosis, raising the standard of care for patients with lung and breast cancer."

Across Singapore, Taiwan, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, the collaboration will activate educational and training initiatives that address local healthcare system needs and accelerate the integration of AI-assisted computational pathology into diagnostic workflows.

(Press release, AstraZeneca, MAY 18, 2026, View Source [SID1234665839])