On July 17, 2026 Zentalis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZNTL), a clinical oncology innovator advancing late-stage development of investigational first-in-class WEE1 inhibitor azenosertib as a biomarker-driven treatment approach for ovarian cancer, reported two presentations at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Congress 2026, taking place October 23-27, 2026, in Madrid, Spain.

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"We are pleased that the overall survival results from the DENALI Part 1b study are accepted as a rapid oral presentation at ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper)." said Julie Eastland, Chief Executive Officer. "The data will showcase the long-term survival benefits demonstrated by azenosertib in patients with Cyclin E1-positive platinum-resistant ovarian cancer in this study and further support our strategic focus on advancing azenosertib in registration-intended monotherapy trials for this biomarker-selected patient population with high unmet need."

Rapid oral presentation:
Title: "Azenosertib in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC): overall survival analysis from Part 1b of the DENALI study (GOG-3066)"
Date/Time: Friday, October 23, 2026, 4:15 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. CEST
Presentation Number: 1242RO

Trial-in-progress poster presentation:
Title: "ASPENOVA: A phase 3 study of azenosertib monotherapy versus standard of care chemotherapy in cyclin E1-positive platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC)"
Date/Time: Monday, October 26, 2026, 12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. CEST
Presentation Number: 1339TiP

About DENALI Clinical Trial
DENALI is a multi-part Phase 2 registration-intended clinical trial (NCT05128825) studying azenosertib in PROC patients.

Part 1b enrolled patients with PROC regardless of Cyclin E1 protein expression, all treated at 400mg QD 5:2 (5 days once-daily administration of azenosertib, followed by 2 days without azenosertib).

Part 2 is prospectively enrolling PROC patients with Cyclin E1 protein overexpression based on Zentalis’ proprietary immunohistochemistry cutoff. Part 2, in total, is designed to support accelerated approval, pending positive study outcomes and further discussions with the FDA. The study design consists of the following parts:

Part 2a: Dose confirmation evaluated two doses, 300mg QD 5:2 and 400mg QD 5:2, with approximately 30 patients enrolled per dose group. 400mg QD 5:2 was selected as the optimal monotherapy dose. Recruitment at the 300mg QD 5:2 dose level has been discontinued. All patients enrolled in Part 2a will contribute to the overall safety database submitted to the FDA.
Part 2b: Enrollment expansion at the selected 400mg QD 5:2 dose up to approximately 100 patients, including patients at this dose in Part 2a. This cohort is currently enrolling.
Part 2c: Broadening study population, which is expected to include approximately 40 patients previously treated with a taxane-containing regimen for PROC. This cohort is currently enrolling.

For physician and patient information about the DENALI trial, please visit www.denalitrial.com.

About ASPENOVA Clinical Trial
ASPENOVA is a Phase 3 randomized, confirmatory clinical trial designed to support full approval of azenosertib in patients with Cyclin E1-positive PROC. The trial is expected to enroll approximately 420 patients and compare azenosertib monotherapy at 400mg QD 5:2 to investigator’s choice of standard-of-care single-agent chemotherapy (paclitaxel, pegylated liposomal doxorubicin [PLD], gemcitabine, or topotecan) in this biomarker-selected population. The primary endpoint is progression-free survival (PFS); key secondary endpoints include overall survival (OS) and overall response rate (ORR). The trial design was based on feedback from the U.S. FDA regarding requirements for seeking approval under the accelerated approval pathway and requirements to support potential conversion to full approval.

About Azenosertib
Azenosertib is an investigational, potentially first-in-class, selective, and orally bioavailable inhibitor of WEE1 currently being evaluated in clinical studies in ovarian cancer and additional tumor types. WEE1 acts as a master regulator of the G1-S and G2-M cell cycle checkpoints, through negative regulation of both CDK1 and CDK2, to prevent replication of cells with damaged DNA. By inhibiting WEE1, azenosertib enables cell cycle progression, despite high levels of DNA damage, thereby resulting in the accumulation of DNA damage and leading to mitotic catastrophe and cancer cell death.

Azenosertib is in late-stage development as a potential treatment for Cyclin E1-positive platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC). There is currently no approved treatment option specifically for this biomarker-selected population which comprises approximately 50% of PROC patients. Cyclin E1 protein overexpression has been established as a sensitive and specific predictive biomarker for identifying patients who could potentially derive benefit from azenosertib treatment.

(Press release, Zentalis Pharmaceuticals, JUL 17, 2026, View Source [SID1234669298])

On July 17, 2026 ThalassaX Therapeutics United States Ltd reported that the first patient has been successfully dosed in the U.S. Phase I clinical trial of CS231295, a next-generation brain-penetrant Aurora B Kinase selective inhibitor independently discovered and developed using the company’s core AI-powered + Chemogenomic technology platform.

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This study is an open-label, dose-escalation Phase I clinical trial in patients with advanced solid tumors, designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary antitumor activity of CS231295.

Dr. Xianping Lu, Chairman of ThalassaX Therapeutics United States Ltd, commented:

"The first patient in the U.S. has successfully received the initial dose of CS231295. We are grateful to the patients and clinical sites for their support. From the outset, the global development strategy for CS231295 has centered on parallel Sino‑U.S. IND submissions, targeting two of the most challenging solid-tumor settings: RB1‑deficient cancers and brain metastases. Launching clinical development in the United States—one of the world’s core markets for innovative oncology therapeutics—marks a milestone of deep strategic significance for our team."

He added that the company will continue to uphold rigorous scientific standards and advance each subsequent study with discipline and precision, generating robust clinical evidence that honors our commitments to patients and to science.

Malignant brain tumors and brain metastases remain among the most challenging settings in oncology. CS231295 was designed to address this unmet need through precise inhibition of tumor‑specific Aurora B overexpression, inducing synthetic lethality in genetically vulnerable tumors such as those with RB1 deficiency.

The molecule’s favorable blood–brain barrier penetration provides a meaningful therapeutic advantage for primary brain tumors and brain metastases. In addition, CS231295 demonstrates broad antitumor activity, including anti‑angiogenic effects and modulation of the tumor microenvironment, and shows potential for synergistic combinations with chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immuno‑oncology agents.

Preclinical studies have shown potent pharmacodynamic activity, favorable pharmacokinetics, and a good safety profile. No drug candidate with a similar design has yet entered global clinical trials.

CS231295 received IND approval from China’s NMPA in December 2024, with first‑in‑human dosing in China in May 2025. The program achieved FDA IND clearance in July 2025, enabling parallel Sino‑U.S. development. The first U.S. patient dosing marks another major step toward accelerating global clinical progress and informing subsequent study designs.

(Press release, Shenzhen Chipscreen Biosciences, JUL 17, 2026, View Source [SID1234669297])

On July 17, 2026 Incyte (Nasdaq:INCY) reported that it will highlight data from several programs in its oncology portfolio in six presentations at the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Congress 2026, being held October 23 – 27, 2026, in Madrid.

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"The data at ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) will further illustrate Incyte’s commitment to advancing innovation for patients with cancer," said Pablo J. Cagnoni, M.D., President, Incyte and Global Head of Research and Development. "Among the presentations are important updates from our KRAS G12D inhibitor in advanced pancreatic cancer and colorectal cancer, our TGFβR2×PD-1 bispecific antibody in microsatellite stable colorectal cancer and our CDK2 inhibitor in recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer – investigational approaches that reflect our focus on areas where there is significant need for novel therapies."

Details on key data presentations at ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) include:

Rapid Oral Presentations

INCB161734 (KRAS G12D)

Safety and Efficacy of Oral KRAS G12D Inhibitor INCB161734 as Monotherapy or in Combination with Cetuximab (Cetux) in Patients (pts) with Advanced/Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (CRC)
(Session: Rapid Oral session. Sunday, October 25, 3:30-5:00 a.m. ET [8:30-10:00 a.m. CET]. Abstract #1007RO.)

Safety and Efficacy of INCB161734, a Novel Oral KRAS G12D Inhibitor, in Combination with Chemotherapy in Patients (pts) with Advanced/Metastatic Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC)
(Session: Rapid Oral session. Monday, October 26, 9:45-11:15 a.m. ET [2:45-4:15 p.m. CET]. Abstract #3137RO.)

INCA33890 (TGFβR2xPD-1)1

INCA33890, a TGFβR2xPD-1 Bispecific Antibody, with Standard of Care (SoC) Anticancer Therapies for Microsatellite Stable Colorectal Cancer (MSS CRC)
(Session: Rapid Oral session. Saturday, October 24, 2:30-4:00 a.m. ET [8:30-10:00 a.m. CET]. Abstract #1954RO.)

INCB123667 (CDK2)

Preliminary Efficacy of INCB123667 (CDK2 Inhibition) with Bevacizumab in Recurrent Epithelial Ovarian Cancer (rEOC)
(Session: Rapid Oral session. Friday, October 23, 10:15-11:45 a.m. ET [4:15-5:45 p.m. CET]. Abstract #1241RO.)

Poster Presentations

Retifanlimab

Final Survival Outcomes (OS) in POD1UM-303/InterAACT-2: a Phase 3 Study of Retifanlimab (R) + Carboplatin-Paclitaxel (CP) in First-Line (1L) Advanced Squamous Anal Cancer (SCAC)
(Session: Rectal and anal cancer. Sunday, October 25, 7:00-7:45 a.m. ET [12:00-12:45 p.m. CET]. Abstract #3536P.)

INCB123667 (CDK2)

A Phase 3, Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Study of INCB123667 with Bevacizumab Versus Bevacizumab Alone as First-Line Maintenance Therapy for Advanced Epithelial Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, or Primary Peritoneal Cancer Overexpressing Cyclin E1 (MAESTRA 3; GOG-3146; ENGOT-OV106)
(Session: Gynaecological cancers. Monday, October 26, 7:00-7:45 a.m. ET [12:00-12:45 p.m. CET]. Abstract #1336TiP.)

(Press release, Incyte, JUL 17, 2026, View Source [SID1234669296])

On July 17, 2026 ME Therapeutics Holdings Inc. ("ME Therapeutics" or the "Company") (CSE: METX) (FSE: Q9T), a publicly listed biotechnology company working on novel cancer fighting drugs that reprogram and redirect immune cells to fight cancer, is pleased to announce that it has closed its previously announced non-brokered private placement for aggregate proceeds of $576,500.60 (the "Financing").

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Closing of the Financing

The Financing consisted of the issuance of 339,118 units of the Company (each a "Unit") at a price of $1.70 per Unit, with each Unit compromising one common share (a "Share’) and one non-transferrable common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one additional Share at an exercise price of $2.00 for three years from the date of issuance, subject to an acceleration clause whereby, if the volume weighted average price of the Shares is at or above $3.00 per Share for ten consecutive trading days, the Company may accelerate the expiry date upon 30 days’ notice (the "Acceleration Provision").

The Company intends to use the proceeds of the Financing towards advancing research and development, evaluating strategic transactions, pursuing a U.S. listing, marketing, investor relations expenditures, working capital requirements and for other general corporate purposes. The Shares and Warrants will be subject to a hold period expiring four months and one day from the date of issuance.

The Financing constitutes a related party transaction within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"), as certain related parties of the Company participated in the Financing. With respect to the Financing, John Priatel, a director of the Company, was issued 294,118 Units for an investment of $500,000.60.

Grant of Stock Options

The Company is pleased to announce that it has granted (the "Option Grant") an aggregate of 2,047,500 stock options (the "Options") to certain of its directors, officers, employees and consultants (the "Optionees") pursuant to the Company’s Share Compensation Plan (the "Plan"). The Options are each exercisable into one common share of the Company (each, an "Optioned Share") at an exercise price of C$1.99 per Optioned Share (the "Option Price"). Of the Options granted, an aggregate of 1,925,000 Options were granted to directors and officers, are exercisable for five years from the date of grant and vest immediately. The remaining 122,500 Options that were granted to consultants and employees are exercisable for three years from the date of grant and vest over 12 months from the date of grant with 25% of such Options vesting every three months following the date of grant. The Options shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, requirements of the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") and such additional terms and conditions as may be contained in the stock option agreements to be entered into between the Company and each of the Optionees.

Early Warning Disclosure – Acquisition by John Priatel

John Priatel, a director of the Company, acquired 294,118 Units pursuant to the Financing for aggregate consideration of $500,000.60 representing a price of $1.70 per Unit. John Priatel also received 250,000 Options on July 16, 2026 at the Option Price, which vest immediately upon grant. Immediately prior to closing of the Financing and the Option Grant, Mr. Priatel beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, 4,175,143 Common Shares, representing approximately 13.89% of the 30,049,438 issued and outstanding Common Shares on a non-diluted basis. Immediately following closing of the Financing and the Option Grant, Mr. Priatel beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 4,469,261 Common Shares, 294,118 Warrants, and 250,000 Options representing approximately 16.21% of the 30,932,674 issued and outstanding Common Shares on a partially-diluted basis, assuming the exercise of all Options and Warrants into Common Shares. The Common Shares held by Mr. Priatel are held for investment purposes and were acquired for investment. Mr. Priatel may in the future take such actions in respect of its holdings in the Company as the acquiror may deem appropriate in light of the circumstances then existing, including the purchase of additional securities of the Company through open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions or the sale of all or a portion of the acquiror’s holdings in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions to one or more purchasers, subject in each case to applicable securities law.

(Press release, ME Therapeutics, JUL 17, 2026, View Source [SID1234669295])

On July 17, 2026 Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James), and the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation reported a collaborative research initiative uniting two comprehensive IBC clinics.

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The collaborative research project will include patients from both Dana-Farber and the OSUCCC – James, to focus on identifying critical information to address the unique challenges posed by metastatic IBC. By combining the clinical and research capabilities of institutes with the patient-centric funding focus of IBCRF, this initiative will drive progress in improving the quality of life for patients affected by this devastating condition.

"This collaboration represents a remarkable opportunity to make a difference in the lives of patients with metastatic IBC," said Dr. Faina Nakhlis of Dana-Farber. "By bringing together bright minds and the most advanced resources, we are confident that this research will yield insights that will empower patients to make informed decisions about their treatment and ultimately improve their quality of life."

The research will take a multifaceted approach, including:

Conducting a prospective study to evaluate the quality of life in patients with metastatic IBC, focusing on factors such as lymphedema, skin toxicity, and therapeutic decision regret.
Exploring considerations regarding local therapy (modified radical mastectomy and comprehensive chest wall and regional lymph node radiation therapy).
Engaging patients and families in the research process to ensure their perspectives and needs are at the forefront, as they make shared decisions with their physicians.
"We are thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking collaboration," said Dr. Daniel Stover of the OSUCCC – James. "By leveraging our expertise in cancer research and clinical care – and working together as a team dedicated to targeting IBC – we believe we can make significant strides in addressing the unmet needs of patients with metastatic inflammatory breast cancer."

Ginny Mason, Executive Director of The Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation, said, "This collaboration represents a critical step forward in our mission to improve the lives of those affected by IBC. We are providing funding to help bring these two leading IBC clinics together in a way that might not have been possible otherwise."

(Press release, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, JUL 17, 2026, View Source [SID1234669294])