WuXi XDC Out-Licenses WuXiTecan-2 Payload-Linker Technology Platform to Ona Therapeutics to Advance Novel ADC Research and Development

On September 17, 2026 WuXi XDC Cayman Inc. ("WuXi XDC", stock code: 2268.HK), a leading global CRDMO (Contract Research, Development, and Manufacturing Organization) specializing in antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and other bioconjugates, reported an out-licensing collaboration with Ona Therapeutics on WuXi XDC’s proprietary WuXiTecan-2 payload-linker technology platform. Ona Therapeutics is a global biotechnology company pioneering first-in-class ADCs to address treatment-resistant cancers.

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Under the terms of the agreement, WuXi XDC will grant Ona Therapeutics an exclusive global license to its proprietary WuXiTecan-2 payload-linker technology for the development of an ADC candidate against a single target. Ona Therapeutics will combine its first-in-class target discovery capabilities with the WuXiTecan-2 platform. The total potential deal value includes an upfront payment, and certain development, regulatory, and sales milestone payments. Additionally, WuXi XDC will be eligible to receive tiered royalties on net sales upon commercialization of the resulting ADC product. WuXi XDC will provide comprehensive chemistry, manufacturing and controls (CMC) development and manufacturing support through its integrated ADC CRDMO platform.

This collaboration marks the second partnership between Ona Therapeutics and WuXi XDC in the ADC field. Building on their 2024 collaboration, in which Ona Therapeutics licensed technologies to support its ADC pipeline, the agreement reflects the continued strategic relationship between the two companies and Ona Therapeutics’ confidence in the commercial value and global competitiveness of WuXi XDC’s proprietary technology platforms.

Jimmy Li, Ph.D., CEO of WuXi XDC, stated: "We are truly honored to join forces once again with Ona Therapeutics. As an innovative biotech company focused on first-in-class targets, Ona’s deep insights into novel targets are highly complementary to WuXi XDC’s leading ADC technology platforms. With its hydrophilic linker delivering significantly enhanced ADC stability, the WuXiTecan‑2 platform has completed two out-licensing deals within just six months. This collaboration not only further validates the value of our WuXiTecan‑2 platform but also reaffirms WuXi XDC’s commitment to empowering innovative biotech companies worldwide. Through our integrated, end-to-end CRDMO platform, we look forward to fully supporting Ona Therapeutics in accelerating this first-in-class ADC candidate into the clinic, bringing new treatment options to patients."

Valerie Vanhooren, Ph.D., Co-founder and CEO of Ona Therapeutics, commented: "Partnering again with WuXi XDC and applying its WuXiTecan-2 payload-linker technology to our first-in-class ADC candidate represents an important step in advancing our pipeline. Our previous collaboration established a strong foundation, and we are pleased to build on that relationship as we work to accelerate this promising program toward the clinic with the aim of making a meaningful difference for patients with cancer."

(Press release, Ona Therapeutics, SEP 17, 2026, View Source [SID1234670933])

FibroBiologics Announces Closing of $0.5 Million Private Placement with Chief Scientific Officer

On September 17, 2026 FibroBiologics, Inc. (Nasdaq: FBLG) ("FibroBiologics" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biotechnology company with 270+ patents issued and pending with a focus on the development of therapeutics and potential cures for chronic diseases using fibroblasts and fibroblast-derived materials, reported the closing of a private placement on September 15, 2026, with Hamid Khoja, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of FibroBiologics, for the purchase of 298,508 shares of common stock and accompanying warrants to purchase up to 298,508 shares of common stock, priced at-the-market under Nasdaq rules.

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Each share of common stock and accompanying warrant was sold at a combined purchase price of $1.675. This price equaled the consolidated closing bid price of the Company’s common stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market on September 14, 2026, of $1.55 per share, plus $0.125 per warrant. The warrants have an exercise price of $1.55 per share, are immediately exercisable, and expire five years from the date of issuance.

FibroBiologics received gross proceeds of approximately $0.5 million, before deducting offering expenses. The Company intends to use the net proceeds for general corporate purposes and working capital.

"Dr. Khoja is the scientific architect of our platform, and his decision to increase his investment as a shareholder speaks for itself," said Pete O’Heeron, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of FibroBiologics. "With CYWC628 advancing in the clinic and our pipeline expanding across wound care, psoriasis and orthopedics, we are focused on execution, and this investment reflects the confidence our leadership team has in the work ahead."

"I have spent years working with our passionate and dedicated team to build our fibroblast-based platform technology, and our discoveries every day continue to reinforce my confidence in the potential therapeutic capabilities of these cells," said Dr. Khoja. "Investing in FibroBiologics is my personal commitment to the science we are building, the team we have built, and the potential of the therapeutics we are developing for the patients we hope to serve."

The securities described above were offered and sold in a private placement pursuant to the exemption provided in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Rule 506(b) of Regulation D promulgated thereunder. They have not been registered under the Securities Act or applicable state securities laws. Accordingly, these securities may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an effective registration statement or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction.

(Press release, FibroBiologics, SEP 17, 2026, View Source [SID1234670932])

Akeso’s EGFR/TROP2 Bispecific ADC AK158D1 Granted NMPA Phase I Clearance for Advanced Solid Tumors, Marking Its Fourth Clinical-Stage ADC Candidate

On September 17, 2026 Akeso, Inc. (9926.HK) ("Akeso" or the "Company") reported that AK158D1, its investigational next-generation bispecific antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting EGFR and TROP2, has secured Phase I clinical trial clearance from the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) under China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). The trial will assess the candidate in patients with advanced malignant solid tumors.

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AK158D1 is Akeso’s fourth ADC to enter clinical development and joins the Company’s growing clinical-stage ADC portfolio, which includes AK146D1 (TROP2/Nectin-4), AK138D1 (HER3), and AK157D1 (B7-H3). It is also Akeso’s second bispecific ADC to reach the clinic, further advancing the Company’s global strategy of combining next-generation immuno-oncology (IO2.0) approaches with next-generation ADC platforms (ADC2.0).

EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) and TROP2 (trophoblast cell surface antigen 2) constitute a highly promising target pair for bispecific ADC therapeutic development, with broad co-expression across a spectrum of solid tumor types. Each target has well-validated anti-tumor mechanisms of action, and their dual targeting holds significant synergistic anti-tumor potential.

To date, single-target ADCs directed against either EGFR or TROP2 have been constrained by three key clinical limitations: narrow tumor coverage, off-target toxicity, and multidrug resistance. As a next-generation dual-targeting ADC, AK158D1 integrates the precise tumor recognition enabled by bispecific antibodies, a highly potent cytotoxic payload, and an enhanced safety profile to create a potential breakthrough ADC to address the shortcomings of conventional single-target ADC modalities.

Preclinical data for AK158D1 have demonstrated potent anti-tumor activity with a favorable safety profile, supporting its potential as a novel therapeutic option for a wide range of patients, including those who are refractory to, intolerant, or ineligible for existing standard of care regimens.

Akeso is advancing its IO2.0 + ADC2.0 strategy, built on proprietary bispecific and multi-specific antibody technology and centered on cornerstone IO2.0 assets including ivonescimab and cadonilimab. Through this approach, the Company is elevating treatment standards for major diseases worldwide and building a broad oncology portfolio to create next-generation standard of care.

Leveraging its technological leadership in bispecific and multi-specific antibodies, Akeso is systematically building a comprehensive global IO2.0 + ADC2.0 therapeutic matrix for major diseases worldwide.

In the immuno-oncology field, Akeso has two approved bispecific antibodies for cancer treatment. The Company is actively evaluating ivonescimab and cadonilimab in combination with its proprietary next-generation ADC candidates. Increasingly, global partners recognize both ivonescimab and cadonilimab as preferred agents for combination regimens and breakthrough therapy explorations across a wide spectrum of tumor types. In the ADC space, Akeso has built a pipeline of highly differentiated next-generation candidates, including AK146D1, AK138D1, AK157D1 and AK158D1, which are already in clinical development. These agents are designed to address the narrow therapeutic window and safety limitations commonly associated with first-generation ADCs.

About AK158D1

AK158D1 is a bispecific ADC developed by Akeso, featuring a humanized antibody that dually targets EGFR and TROP2. Preclinical pharmacodynamic studies have shown strong antigen-binding affinity and robust in vitro and in vivo pharmacological activity.

(Press release, Akeso Biopharma, SEP 17, 2026, View Source [SID1234670931])

Nuvation Bio Announces FDA Approval of Supplemental New Drug Application for IBTROZI® (taletrectinib) with Updated Duration of Response in TKI-Naïve Advanced ROS1-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

On September 17, 2026 Nuvation Bio Inc. (NYSE: NUVB), a global oncology company focused on tackling some of the toughest challenges in cancer treatment, reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for IBTROZI (taletrectinib), a ROS1 inhibitor approved for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic ROS1-positive (ROS1+) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

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The updated IBTROZI label now reflects updated median duration of response (DOR) for the TRUST-I study, with a median DOR of 49.7 months in TKI-naïve patients in TRUST-I, reflecting more than four years of sustained clinical benefit. This update came with no changes to the safety sections of labeling, with no new signals identified with longer follow-up, confirming the safety profile.

The sNDA approval reflects a median follow-up of 51 months for patients from the TRUST-I study and incorporates an additional 14 months of data from both of the pivotal TRUST-I and TRUST-II studies as of an August 2025 data cutoff. Many patients remained on therapy for extended periods with a continued response—some for multiple years—highlighting the long-term durability and tolerability of IBTROZI and reinforcing its importance as a treatment option for advanced ROS1+ NSCLC. These data were also presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2026 and simultaneously published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

"This approval is a significant milestone for IBTROZI because this data is now part of the FDA-approved label, something physicians and patients can turn to directly," said David Hung, M.D., Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Nuvation Bio. "A median duration of response of more than four years—the longest median DOR reported for an FDA-approved ROS1 TKI—is a remarkable outcome for people living with ROS1+ NSCLC, and having it in the label means something real for patients: a clearer sense of how long they might expect to stay on treatment, and more confidence in what that path could look like at a moment when a new diagnosis can feel overwhelming. It also gives physicians additional evidence to support using IBTROZI early in a patient’s care, when that choice matters most."

The U.S. FDA granted full approval to IBTROZI in June 2025 for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic ROS1+ NSCLC across lines of therapy. IBTROZI is also approved for patients with advanced ROS1+ NSCLC in Japan, where it is marketed by Nippon Kayaku, and in China, where it is marketed by Innovent Biologics under the brand name DOVBLERON. Additionally, the Company, along with its partner, Eisai, announced in March 2026 that the Marketing Authorisation Application (MAA) for taletrectinib was validated by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for full approval consideration with a standard review timeline, and in June 2026 that the MAA was validated by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the United Kingdom.

About ROS1+ NSCLC
Each year, more than one million people globally are diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most common form of lung cancer. It is estimated that approximately 2% of patients with NSCLC have ROS1+ disease. About 35% of patients newly diagnosed with metastatic ROS1+ NSCLC have tumors that have spread to their brain. The brain is also the most common site of disease progression, with about 50% of previously treated patients developing central nervous system (CNS) metastases.

About IBTROZI
IBTROZI is an oral, potent, CNS-active, selective, next-generation ROS1 inhibitor therapy. On June 11, 2025, following Priority Review and Breakthrough Therapy designations for both TKI-naive and TKI-pretreated disease, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved taletrectinib for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic ROS1+ NSCLC. Learn more about taletrectinib in the U.S. at IBTROZI.com.

About the TRUST Clinical Program
The TRUST clinical program comprises three registrational studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of IBTROZI. TRUST-I (NCT04395677) and TRUST-II (NCT04919811) are Phase 2 single-arm studies evaluating IBTROZI for the treatment of adults with advanced ROS1+ NSCLC in China (N=173) and globally (N=189), respectively. The primary endpoint of both studies is confirmed objective response rate (cORR) as assessed by an independent review committee. TRUST-IV (NCT07154706) is a Phase 3 placebo-controlled study evaluating IBTROZI for the adjuvant treatment of adults with resected early-stage ROS1+ NSCLC. The study will enroll approximately 180 patients in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Japan and China. The primary endpoint is disease-free survival as determined by investigator, and the primary completion date is estimated to be in 2030. Nuvation Bio is also sponsoring TRUST-III (NCT06564324), a confirmatory randomized Phase 3 study evaluating IBTROZI versus crizotinib in 194 patients in China with advanced ROS1+ NSCLC who have not previously received ROS1 TKIs.

U.S. Indication
IBTROZI is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic ROS1+ non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR IBTROZI (taletrectinib)

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Hepatotoxicity: Hepatotoxicity, including drug-induced liver injury and fatal adverse reactions, can occur. 88% of patients experienced increased AST, including 10% Grade 3/4. 85% of patients experienced increased ALT, including 13% Grade 3/4. Fatal liver events occurred in 0.6% of patients. Median time to first onset of AST or ALT elevation was 15 days (range: 3 days to 20.8 months).

Increased AST or ALT each led to dose interruption in 7% of patients and dose reduction in 5% and 9% of patients, respectively. Permanent discontinuation was caused by increased AST, ALT, or bilirubin each in 0.3% and by hepatotoxicity in 0.6% of patients.

Concurrent elevations in AST or ALT ≥3 times the ULN and total bilirubin ≥2 times the ULN, with normal alkaline phosphatase, occurred in 0.6% of patients.

Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)/Pneumonitis: Severe, life-threatening, or fatal ILD or pneumonitis can occur. ILD/pneumonitis occurred in 2.3% of patients, including 1.1% Grade 3/4. One fatal ILD case occurred at the 400 mg daily dose. Median time to first onset of ILD/pneumonitis was 3.8 months (range: 12 days to 11.8 months).

ILD/pneumonitis led to dose interruption in 1.1% of patients, dose reduction in 0.6% of patients, and permanent discontinuation in 0.6% of patients.

QTc Interval Prolongation: QTc interval prolongation can occur, which can increase the risk for ventricular tachyarrhythmias (e.g., torsades de pointes) or sudden death. IBTROZI prolongs the QTc interval in a concentration-dependent manner.

In patients who received IBTROZI and underwent at least one post baseline ECG, QTcF increase of >60 msec compared to baseline and QTcF >500 msec occurred in 13% and 2.6% of patients, respectively. 3.4% of patients experienced Grade ≥3. Median time from first dose of IBTROZI to onset of ECG QT prolongation was 22 days (range: 1 day to 38.7 months). Dose interruption and dose reduction each occurred in 2.8% of patients.

Significant QTc interval prolongation may occur when IBTROZI is taken with food, strong and moderate CYP3A inhibitors, and/or drugs with a known potential to prolong QTc. Administer IBTROZI on an empty stomach. Avoid concomitant use with strong and moderate CYP3A inhibitors and/or drugs with a known potential to prolong QTc.

Hyperuricemia: Hyperuricemia can occur and was reported in 14% of patients, with 16% of these requiring urate-lowering medication without pre-existing gout or hyperuricemia. 0.3% of patients experienced Grade ≥3. Median time to first onset was 2.1 months (range: 7 days to 35.8 months). Dose interruption occurred in 0.3% of patients.

Myalgia with Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK) Elevation: Myalgia with or without CPK elevation can occur. Myalgia occurred in 10% of patients. Median time to first onset was 11 days (range: 2 days to 10 months).

Concurrent myalgia with increased CPK within a 7-day time period occurred in 0.9% of patients. Dose interruption occurred in 0.3% of patients with myalgia and concurrent CPK elevation.

Skeletal Fractures: IBTROZI can increase the risk of fractures. ROS1 inhibitors as a class have been associated with skeletal fractures. 3.4% of patients experienced fractures, including 1.4% Grade 3. Some fractures occurred in the setting of a fall or other predisposing factors. Median time to first onset of fracture was 10.7 months (range: 26 days to 29.1 months). Dose interruption occurred in 0.3% of patients.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Based on literature, animal studies, and its mechanism of action, IBTROZI can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman.

ADVERSE REACTIONS
Among patients who received IBTROZI, the most frequently reported adverse reactions (≥20%) were diarrhea (64%), nausea (47%), vomiting (43%), dizziness (22%), rash (22%), constipation (21%), and fatigue (20%).

The most frequently reported Grade 3/4 laboratory abnormalities (≥5%) were increased ALT (13%), increased AST (10%), decreased neutrophils (5%), and increased creatine phosphokinase (5%).

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Strong and Moderate CYP3A Inhibitors/CYP3A Inducers and Drugs that Prolong the QTc Interval: Avoid concomitant use.
Gastric Acid Reducing Agents: Avoid concomitant use with PPIs and H2 receptor antagonists. If an acid-reducing agent cannot be avoided, administer locally acting antacids at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking IBTROZI.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Pregnancy: Please see important information in Warnings and Precautions under Embryo-Fetal Toxicity.
Lactation: Advise women not to breastfeed during treatment and for 3 weeks after the last dose.
Effect on Fertility: Based on findings in animals, IBTROZI may impair fertility in males and females. The effects on animal fertility were reversible.
Pediatric Use: The safety and effectiveness of IBTROZI in pediatric patients has not been established.
Photosensitivity: IBTROZI can cause photosensitivity. Advise patients to minimize sun exposure and to use sun protection, including broad-spectrum sunscreen, during treatment and for at least 5 days after discontinuation.

(Press release, Nuvation Bio, SEP 17, 2026, View Source [SID1234670930])

Elicera Therapeutics Receives Medical Products Agency Approval to Advance CARMA Study into Phase IIa in B-cell Lymphoma

On September 17, 2026 Elicera Therapeutics AB (publ) reported that the Swedish Medical Products Agency (Läkemedelsverket) has approved a substantial modification to the clinical trial authorization for the CARMA study, permitting the study to proceed into its Phase IIa part. Patient recruitment can now be started, with six patients to be treated at the recommended Phase II dose.

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The CARMA study, conducted in collaboration with Uppsala University as the co-sponsor, consists of two parts: a dose-escalation study (Phase I) with 12 patients, which is now complete, and a dose-expansion study (Phase IIa) with 6 patients. The CAR T-cell therapy ELC-301 incorporates the iTANK platform technology, which, through its parallel immune activation, aims to provide a broader and more effective attack on cancer cells.

As previously communicated, no dose-limiting toxicities were reported in Phase I, and the study’s independent Data Safety and Monitoring Board (DSMB), after reviewing the safety data, recommended the highest dose level as the Phase II dose. Following the Medical Products Agency’s approval of a substantial modification to the clinical trial authorization, Phase IIa patients can now be recruited and treated at this recommended dose level.

The latest data reported from the CARMA study, press released on August 11, showed that among eleven patients treated and evaluated in the Phase I dose-escalation part, all had achieved disease control, and 91 percent (10/11) had obtained an objective tumor response, including six patients (55%) with complete metabolic response (CMR) (disease free status) as best response. Four of these six patients remained in ongoing complete response at their most recent assessment, with two of them confirmed disease-free for at least twelve and eighteen months, respectively.

"The Medical Products Agency’s approval to move the CARMA study into Phase IIa is a significant milestone for Elicera. It means our clinical teams can now start treating patients at the dose we’ve identified as optimal, building directly on the depth and durability of response we’ve already seen during Phase I. I’m grateful to the patients, investigators and clinical teams in Uppsala and Stockholm who have made this possible. Our focus now is on enrolling patients as quickly as possible so we can bring this therapy closer to patients who need it," says Elicera’s CEO, Johan Liwing

About the CARMA Study
CARMA is a phase I/IIa clinical study evaluating the safety and efficacy of the CAR T-cell therapy ELC-301 in the treatment of patients with B-cell lymphoma. The study is divided into a dose-escalation phase (phase I) and a dose-expansion phase (phase IIa). Phase I primarily aims to establish the optimal dose and safety profile in up to 12 patients, while phase IIa will further evaluate the efficacy of the maximum tolerated dose in an additional six patients. Phase I is planned to include three cohorts (dosing groups), with three patients in the first and second cohorts, and six patients in the third dcohort, who are expected to receive the maximum tolerated dose. The CARMA study is being conducted at Uppsala University Hospital and Karolinska University Hospital in Huddinge.

About ELC-301
ELC-301 is a fourth-generation CAR T-cell therapy targeting the CD20 antigen, armed with the company’s iTANK platform to activate a broader and more comprehensive parallel immune response against cancer. CAR T-cells are a form of cell therapy created by genetically modifying a patient’s T-cells to express a synthetic receptor (chimeric antigen receptor, CAR). This receptor is specifically designed to target a single tumor antigen—a molecule visible on the surface of cancer cells—and enables the T-cells to locate, bind to, and destroy the cancer cells.

About the iTANK-platform
The iTANK technology platform has been developed for arming and enhancing CAR T-cells to meet two of the major challenges CAR T-cell therapies face in the treatment of solid tumors: a very diverse set of tumor antigen targets and a very hostile tumor microenvironment. The technology is used to incorporate a transgene into CAR T-cells encoding a neutrophil activating bacterial protein (NAP). NAP secreted from the CAR(NAP) T-cells has been shown to be able to enhance the function of CAR T-cells and importantly activating a parallel bystander immune response against the cancer via CD8+ killer T-cells. This is expected to lead to a broad attack against most antigen targets on cancer cells. The iTANK platform is used to enhance the company’s own CAR T-cells but can also be universally applied to other CAR T-cell therapies under development. Proof-of-concept data was published in Nature Biomedical Engineering in April 2022. The publication, titled "CAR T cells expressing a bacterial virulence factor triggers potent bystander antitumor responses in solid cancers" (DOI number: 10.1038/s41551-022-00875-5) can be found here: View Source More information about iTANK platform is available here: View Source

(Press release, Elicera Therapeutics, SEP 17, 2026, View Source [SID1234670929])