On June 25, 2026 GRAIL, Inc. (Nasdaq: GRAL), a healthcare company whose mission is to detect cancer early when it can be cured, reported the closing of its previously announced equity financing with Samsung affiliates including Samsung C&T Corporation.

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Pursuant to the definitive agreement, the Samsung entities invested $110 million in GRAIL through the purchase of shares of GRAIL common stock at a price of $70.05 per share, representing a long-term investment in support of GRAIL’s growth and international expansion objectives.

"This investment from the Samsung entities further strengthens our balance sheet and extends our cash runway as we advance key priorities, including securing regulatory approval and reimbursement for Galleri in the United States and expanding access to multi-cancer early detection internationally," said Aaron Freidin, Chief Financial Officer of GRAIL. "We are pleased to complete this financing and look forward to deepening our strategic collaboration with Samsung as we work to bring Galleri to patients in Asia."

As previously announced, GRAIL and Samsung C&T Corporation intend to collaborate to commercialize the Galleri multi-cancer early detection test in South Korea, with the potential to expand into additional Asian markets, including Japan and Singapore, subject to regulatory approvals and other conditions. Initial testing will continue to be performed at GRAIL’s clinical laboratory in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

"GRAIL is at a pivotal moment in its mission to transform early cancer detection. This investment in GRAIL, together with the strategic business collaboration, represents a significant milestone in advancing Samsung C&T’s vision expanding access to cancer early detection. We are excited to bring the benefits of innovative screening technologies to more people in South Korea and Asia, and believe this partnership will bring us one step closer to GRAIL and Samsung C&T’s shared goal of transforming cancer care through earlier detection," said Jaywoo Kim, Executive Vice President of Life Science Business at Samsung C&T.

Latham & Watkins LLP served as legal advisor and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC served as financial advisor to GRAIL. Samsung was advised by Covington & Burling, BKL, and E&Y Han Young (Korea).

(Press release, Grail, JUN 25, 2026, View Source [SID1234668956])

On June 25, 2026 Racura Oncology Limited (ASX: RAC), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing new small molecule based approaches to cancer treatment, reported that the first patient has been dosed with RC220 in HARNESS-1, a Phase 1a/b clinical trial evaluating RC220 in combination with osimertinib in patients with epidermal growth factor receptor-mutant (EGFR-mutant) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The first patient received RC220 at 50 mg/m2 by intravenous infusion. No adverse events were observed.

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HARNESS-1 is designed to test whether RC220, Racura’s proprietary formulation of (E,E)-bisantrene, can be safely combined with osimertinib (Tagrisso; AstraZeneca), a third-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) and standard-of-care therapy for EGFR-mutant NSCLC to delay or prevent TKI treatment resistance. Although EGFR TKIs have transformed outcomes for many patients with EGFR-driven lung cancer, acquired treatment resistance remains a central therapeutic challenge.

Daniel Tillett, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Racura Oncology, said: "Dosing the first patient in HARNESS-1 is an important milestone for Racura and for the clinical development of RC220. The scientific rationale for this trial is grounded in the urgent need to address TKI therapeutic resistance in EGFR-mutant NSCLC. RC220 gives us the opportunity to explore whether targeting G4-DNA and RNA structures, including MYC-associated growth pathways, can delay EGFR TKI resistance arising and support a new therapeutic combination for patients treated with osimertinib. We are grateful to Associate Professor Surein Arulananda and the Monash Health team for enrolling and treating the first participant, and to the patients and families who make this research possible."

Scientific Rationale

EGFR-mutant NSCLC is a molecularly stratified lung adenocarcinoma subtype driven by constitutive EGFR kinase signaling and initial sensitivity to EGFR inhibition. However, responses to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors, including osimertinib, are typically limited by acquired resistance, arising through heterogeneous mechanisms such as secondary EGFR alterations, bypass receptor tyrosine kinase activation, MAPK/PI3K pathway reactivation, oncogenic fusions, lineage plasticity, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and histologic transformation.

RC220 is being developed to target the non-canonical G-quadruplex DNA and RNA structures enriched in oncogenic regulatory regions, including promoters, untranslated regions and highly transcribed loci. Stabilization of these structures can disrupt transcriptional and post-transcriptional control networks that sustain malignant proliferation, including silencing the c-MYC-regulated growth and survival pathways.

HARNESS-1 is designed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of RC220 with continued osimertinib-mediated EGFR suppression, while generating pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, molecular response and translational biomarker data.

HARNESS-1 Trial Design

HARNESS-1 is a multi-center Phase 1a/b clinical study in patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC receiving osimertinib. The study includes an observational screening stage using ctDNA to help identify eligible patients and characterize tumor molecular status before treatment.

The Phase 1a dose-escalation stage will evaluate RC220 administered by intravenous infusion on Day 1 of each 21-day cycle in combination with standard-of-care maintenance osimertinib. The first three dose levels will use single-patient cohorts at 50 mg/m2, 100 mg/m2 and 150 mg/m2, before progressing to larger cohorts to identify the maximum tolerated dose and an appropriate dose for further study. Between 12 and 40 patients are expected to participate in the dose-escalation stage.

Following review of available safety and pharmacokinetic data, the study is expected to advance into a double-blind, randomized Phase 1b expansion stage. In this dose expansion stage, 40 patients will receive one of two RC220 dose levels in combination with osimertinib. Patients will be monitored for safety, pharmacokinetics and early signals of clinical activity, including progression-free survival, overall survival, ctDNA dynamics and changes in cancer-specific mutations.

The first patient was treated by Principal Investigator Associate Professor Surein Arulananda and his team at Monash Health in Clayton, Victoria. Additional clinical trial sites are expected to open in the coming months to support patient recruitment and study progress.

Clinical Trial Information

Further details about HARNESS-1, including open and recruiting sites, are available through the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry at www.anzctr.org.au under trial code ACTRN12626000325303. Clinical trial inquiries may be directed to Racura Oncology at [email protected].

About RC220 & (E,E)-bisantrene

RC220 is a proprietary formulation of (E,E)-bisantrene designed to overcome drug solubility issues that prevent safe peripheral intravenous infusion. (E,E)-bisantrene, is a clinical validated small molecule anticancer agent that primarily functions via G4-DNA and RNA binding, leading to potent transcriptional silencing of the important cancer growth regulator c-MYC.

(Press release, Racura Oncology, JUN 25, 2026, View Source [SID1234668955])

On June 25, 2026 Phio Pharmaceuticals Corp. (NASDAQ: PHIO) is a clinical-stage siRNA biopharmaceutical company developing therapeutics using its proprietary INTASYL gene silencing technology to eliminate cancer, reported that Mr. Robert Bitterman, CEO and Chairman of the Board, Phio Pharmaceuticals will participate in a fireside chat with Harvey Briggs, Chief Communications Officer, Force Family Office. Joining them will be James Cardia, Ph.D., who will explore siRNA therapy and skin cancer treatments.

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"We are excited to take part in this fireside chat with Force Family Office," said Robert Bitterman, CEO and Chairman of Phio Pharmaceuticals. "Dr. Jim Cardia will discuss the future direction of siRNA oncology and highlight how our INTASYL siRNA program represents a differentiated and innovative approach to immuno-oncology."

DATE: Monday June 29, 2026

TIME: 12 PM EDT

REGISTRATION LINK: PHIO Pharma – Force Family Office

(Press release, Phio Pharmaceuticals, JUN 25, 2026, View Source [SID1234668954])

On June 25, 2026 Agenus Inc. (Nasdaq: AGEN), a leader in immuno-oncology innovation, reported that three-year survival data from the Phase 1b C-800-01 study of botensilimab (BOT), an Fc-enhanced multifunctional anti–CTLA-4 antibody, plus balstilimab (BAL), an anti–PD-1 antibody, in patients with microsatellite stable (MSS) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) without active liver metastases will be presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology Gastrointestinal Cancers Congress 2026, taking place July 1–4, 2026, in Munich, Germany.

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The poster presentation, delivered by Benjamin L. Schlechter, M.D., of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, will provide updated findings from the fully enrolled cohort of 123 patients, including longer-term follow-up of durability of response and overall survival. The presentation follows the two-year overall survival data presented by Dr. Schlechter at ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper)-GI 2025 and reflects an additional year of follow-up from the Phase 1b study.

Presentation Details:

Abstract Title: Botensilimab + Balstilimab (BOT+BAL) in Microsatellite-Stable Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Without Active Liver Metastases: Extended Follow-Up and 3-Year Survival
Presenter: Benjamin L. Schlechter. M.D.; Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
Final publication number: 91P
Session Title: Poster Display Session
Location: Foyer
Date/Time: 2 July 2026 | 15:30 –16:30 CEST, 9:30-10:30AM EST

(Press release, Agenus, JUN 25, 2026, View Source [SID1234668953])

On June 25, 2026 Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, and Bio-Techne Corporation (NASDAQ: TECH), a Minneapolis-based global provider of life science tools, analytical technologies, and consumables, reported to have entered into a definitive agreement pursuant to which Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, will, subject to customary closing conditions, acquire Bio-Techne for US$73 per share in cash, representing a total enterprise value of approximately US$11.3 billion (EUR 9.9 billion), a 36% premium to Bio-Techne’s one-month volume weighted average trading price.

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The transaction would bring together two highly complementary and leading life sciences organizations, uniquely positioned to support customers across the full spectrum of life science workflows – from discovery and translational research through development, testing and commercial manufacturing. Additionally, it would directly deliver on the mid- to long-term strategic agenda of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, which focuses on high-growth value drivers, integrated workflows, platformed capabilities and scaling and sourcing innovation through M&A.

"This transaction is an important milestone towards delivering on our mid- to long-term strategic agenda. Bio-Techne is an outstanding fit that directly supports our strategic direction focused on delivering cutting-edge products and solutions across the entire industry value chain – from lab customers to those manufacturing in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries," said Kai Beckmann, Chairman of the Executive Board and Group CEO of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. "By combining Bio-Techne’s scientific depth, innovation engine and differentiated portfolio with the global scale, manufacturing excellence and customer reach of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, we are in a strong position to address some of the most important opportunities in life sciences and support our customers in accelerating the next generation of scientific discovery and therapeutic innovation. This positions us to deliver compelling strategic and financial benefits for shareholders, customers and employees."

"Building on our strong track record in the Life Science Business, this transaction strengthens our presence in some of the most exciting and fastest-growing areas of the life sciences, including multi-omics, spatial biology, precision diagnostics and cell and gene therapy," said Jean-Charles Wirth, Member of the Executive Board of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and CEO Life Science. "It adds capabilities across our Discovery Solutions, Advanced Solutions and Process Solutions offerings, to support customers across increasingly complex scientific workflows."

"For 50 years, Bio-Techne has enabled scientific breakthroughs across proteomics, spatial biology, and novel therapeutics," said Kim Kelderman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bio-Techne. "This transaction is a testament to the remarkable company our team has built and to the enduring value we create for our customers and stakeholders. As part of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, we will have greater scale and expanded capabilities to accelerate innovation and deepen our impact. Together, we will empower our customers to tackle the most important challenges in science and healthcare, helping to improve outcomes worldwide."

"Following a thorough review, Bio-Techne’s Board of Directors determined that this transaction represents an excellent opportunity for Bio-Techne and delivers substantial, near-term cash value to shareholders," said Robert V. Baumgartner, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bio-Techne. "We are confident that, as part of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, Bio-Techne will be well positioned to leverage its strong foundation and expand its impact across life sciences."

Adding Differentiated Technologies Across the Life Science Value Chain
Bio-Techne is a leader in recombinant proteins with 50 years of heritage in next-generation research and development and new modalities. Bio-Techne would bring to Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a globally recognized portfolio of cytokines, growth factors, antibodies, and immunoassay kits.

The planned acquisition would also add ProteinSimple, a leader in automated protein detection and analysis instruments, strengthening the analytical and bioprocess solutions of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. In addition, Bio-Techne’s RNAscope and related in situ hybridization technologies would strengthen the capabilities of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, in spatial biology and diagnostics.

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, would also benefit from Bio-Techne’s position as a leading provider of materials, analytics, and process technologies to cell therapy developers. In fiscal year 2023, Bio-Techne acquired 19.9% of Wilson Wolf Corporation ("Wilson Wolf"), a leading manufacturer of cell culture devices, including the G-Rex product line, and Bio-Techne expects to acquire the remaining ownership in Wilson Wolf immediately following the end of calendar year 2027 under the terms of a two-part forward contract between Wilson Wolf and Bio-Techne.

Bio-Techne is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota and has more than 3,000 employees, with approximately 2,300 employees based in the U.S. It operates 34 global locations and 15 manufacturing facilities across the U.S., Canada, the UK, Switzerland and China and generated net sales of more than US$1.2 billion in fiscal year 2025.

Strengthening the Leading Life Science Capabilities and Global Reach of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
The planned acquisition would strengthen the position of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, in high-growth and accelerating areas, including multi-omics, spatial biology, cell and gene therapy, precision diagnostics and advanced research tools, while providing Bio-Techne with access to new channels and customer touchpoints as well as the global scale, manufacturing expertise and established Life Science infrastructure of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.

It would also bolster and broaden the Process Solutions business unit of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, by expanding its reach into higher-value reagents, analytics, and cell and gene therapy workflows, and strengthen discovery, development and manufacturing capabilities.

Together, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and Bio-Techne would bring enhanced scientific depth and the technical capabilities needed to support increasingly complex customer needs across next-generation biology workflows.

Organizational Opportunities
Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, has a strong global footprint and track record as a leading employer. Over the past two decades, the company has invested more than US$35 billion (EUR 30 billion) through inorganic growth, including in the U.S. with acquisitions such as Millipore in 2010, Sigma-Aldrich in 2015, Versum in 2019, and, most recently, SpringWorks Therapeutics in 2025. Today, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, employs more than 14,000 people in the U.S. across over 70 company and customer sites.

The planned combination would unite teams across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and other key markets, creating a more connected global organization with enhanced opportunities for collaboration, mobility and professional growth. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, intends to leverage the unique strengths and expertise of both organizations while continuing to invest in the capabilities, development and long-term success of its workforce worldwide.

As part of a larger global Life Science organization, Bio-Techne employees would have opportunities to contribute to a broader range of innovation, customer and growth priorities, while benefiting from greater access to international networks, advanced training and participation in larger-scale innovation programs. Together, these opportunities are expected to strengthen the company’s ability to attract, retain and develop top talent globally, supporting continued scientific leadership and sustainable growth.

Financing & Transaction Details
Under the terms of the merger agreement, Bio-Techne shareholders will receive US$73 per share in cash, representing a total enterprise value of approximately US$11.3 billion (EUR 9.9 billion). The proposed transaction has been approved by Bio-Techne’s Board of Directors and the relevant corporate bodies of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and is expected to close by late 2026 or early 2027, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including receipt of required regulatory approvals and approval by Bio-Techne shareholders.

The planned acquisition will be funded through a combination of existing cash on hand and proceeds from new debt. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, will preserve a strong investment-grade credit rating.

Financial Benefits & Disciplined Execution
The proposed transaction is expected to be immediately accretive to EBITDA pre margin of both Life Science and the Group post-closing and EPS pre accretive by year 3 after closing. Cost synergies of approximately EUR 140 million are expected to be fully realized by year 3 after closing.

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, has a strong track record of successfully integrating acquisitions, including larger-scale and capability-expanding transactions, while delivering strategic, operational and financial value creation. Building on this experience, the company is committed to executing a thoughtful integration process focused on business continuity, critical talent retention, scientific capabilities and customer relationships. Value creation is expected to come from stronger growth, broader capabilities, improved customer reach and disciplined integration.

Advisors
Guggenheim Securities and J.P. Morgan are acting as financial advisors to Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP is acting as the legal counsel of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is acting as exclusive financial advisor to Bio-Techne, and Sidley Austin LLP is acting as Bio-Techne’s legal counsel.

Media & Investor Calls
Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, will host a media call today at 12:00 p.m. CEST, and a conference call with the financial community today at 2:00 p.m. CEST.

(Press release, Merck KGaA, JUN 25, 2026, View Source [SID1234668952])