Boston Scientific appoints Joseph M. Fitzgerald Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

On October 7, 2026 Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) reported the appointment of Joseph M. Fitzgerald to executive vice president and chief operating officer (COO), effective Jan. 1, 2027. In this role, Fitzgerald will oversee the company’s global operations, business units and regions.

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

In connection with Fitzgerald’s appointment, Boston Scientific will establish three reportable segments* — Interventional Therapies, Rhythm Solutions and MedSurg also effective Jan. 1. As the company continues to grow and expand its portfolio, the structure is designed to enable faster decision making and support strategic allocation of investments across the company’s portfolio.

"Joe’s deep knowledge of our business and markets, strategic leadership and strong track record of execution make him well suited for this role," said Mike Mahoney, chairman and chief executive officer, Boston Scientific. "These changes reflect the scale and breadth of our business today and the opportunities ahead. The new operating model will create greater capacity to focus on our long-term growth priorities while enabling our businesses to move faster and remain close to our customers and their patients."

Lance Bates, executive vice president and president, Interventional Therapies, will lead the global Interventional Therapies segment, which will include the Penumbra business following the anticipated close of the acquisition. Nick Spadea-Anello, executive vice president and president, Atrial Fibrillation Solutions, will lead the global Rhythm Solutions segment. Stephen Morse, senior vice president and president, Asia Pacific, will serve as executive vice president and president, MedSurg and Asia Pacific. Each will report to Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald currently serves as executive vice president and group president, Cardiovascular, Boston Scientific. Under his leadership, the company has strengthened its portfolio through organic innovation, strategic investments and commercial execution, introducing new technologies that have advanced care for patients around the world.

*Interventional Therapies will include the Interventional Cardiology, Vascular Therapies and Interventional Oncology & Embolization businesses; Rhythm Solutions will include Electrophysiology, WATCHMAN and Cardiac Rhythm Management & Diagnostics; and MedSurg will include Endoscopy, Urology and Neuromodulation.

(Press release, Boston Scientific, OCT 7, 2026, View Source [SID1234673255])

Astellas Highlights Data Advancing Cancer Care and Innovation for Patients with Hard-to-Treat Cancers at ESMO 2026

On October 7, 2026 Astellas Pharma Inc. (TSE: 4503, President and CEO: Naoki Okamura, "Astellas") reported that 21 abstracts from its oncology portfolio will be presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology Congress 2026 (ESMO 2026), taking place October 23–27 in Madrid, Spain. The presentations span prostate, urothelial, gastric/gastroesophageal junction (GEJ), lung and pancreatic cancers, reflecting Astellas’ commitment to advancing standards of care and pursuing new scientific approaches designed for cancers where significant unmet need remains.

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

Moitreyee Chatterjee-Kishore, Ph.D., MBA, Executive Vice President and Head of Oncology Development, Astellas:
"Standards of care do not change by accident. The data being presented at ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) 2026 demonstrate how a deep understanding of disease biology and differentiated modalities is helping advance care for patients with bladder, gastric, and prostate cancers, including through approaches such as PADCEV (enfortumab vedotin) plus pembrolizumab, VYLOY (zolbetuximab), and XTANDI (enzalutamide).
We are building upon this knowledge to develop the next generation of therapeutic options for cancers where unmet needs remain and look forward to engaging in discussions about this work at the congress."

Highlights from Astellas’ ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) 2026 presentations include:

Enfortumab vedotin plus pembrolizumab presentations include the longest follow-up reported to date in locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer, along with analyses across patient subgroups and treatment settings. Additional presentations include trials in progress exploring bladder preservation in muscle-invasive bladder cancer.
Zolbetuximab presentations examine CLDN18.2 assessment, patient identification and real-world use, reinforcing the growing body of evidence supporting CLDN18.2-guided treatment decisions in gastric and GEJ cancers.
Pipeline presentations feature trials-in-progress across Astellas’ investigational programs, including Phase 3 trials of setidegrasib in KRAS G12D-mutated pancreatic and non-small cell lung cancers, a Phase 1 trial of ASP5834 in KRAS-mutated or amplified solid tumors, and a Phase 1b/2 trial of ASP546C in CLDN18.2-expressing solid tumors. Together, these investigational studies illustrate Astellas’ continued investment in advancing new approaches aimed at overcoming challenges that have limited progress in hard-to-treat cancers.
Additional details on Astellas’ presentations at ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) 2026 are included below.

Presentation Title
Lead Author
Presentation Details
Enfortumab vedotin

EV-103 DE/Cohort A and Cohort K Final Analysis: Enfortumab vedotin with or without pembrolizumab as first-line treatment for cisplatin (cis)-ineligible locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma: long-term follow-up analysis from EV-103 cohorts DE/A and K
J. P. Maroto Rey
Type: Rapid oral
Abstract number: 4740RO
Date/time: Saturday, October 24, 10:15-11:45
EV-302 Comorbidities (DCO3): Enfortumab vedotin plus pembrolizumab for previously untreated locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma: updated exploratory analysis of EV-302 in older patients and those with comorbidities
S. S. Sridhar
Type: Poster
Abstract number: 4761P
Date/time: Friday, October 23, 15:15-16:00
EV-302 Clinical Subgroups (DCO3): Enfortumab vedotin + pembrolizumab in previously untreated locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer: exploratory analyses based on disease-related characteristics from EV-302
J. Bedke
Type: Poster
Abstract number: 4760P
Date/time: Friday, October 23, 15:15-16:00
EVOLVE 3: Real-world treatment patterns in patients with locally advanced and metastatic urothelial cancer in France
F. Joly
Type: ePoster
EV-303/KN-905 ITT3: Perioperative pembrolizumab or enfortumab vedotin plus pembro in participants with muscle-invasive bladder cancer who are cisplatin-ineligible: ad hoc analysis from KEYNOTE-905
A. Ullén
Type: Proffered paper session
Abstract number: 4733O
Date/time: Friday, October 23, 13:30-15:00
EV-304/KN-B15 ctDNA: ctDNA analysis of the phase 3 KEYNOTE-B15 trial: neoadjuvant and adjuvant enfortumab vedotin + pembrolizumab for participants with muscle-invasive bladder cancer who are eligible for cisplatin
J. Chatzkel
Type: Proffered paper session
Abstract number: 4734O
Date/time: Friday, October 23, 13:30-15:00
EV-304/KN-B15 ePRO: Health-related quality of life with neoadjuvant and adjuvant enfortumab vedotin plus pembrolizumab in participants (pts) with muscle-invasive bladder cancer eligible for cisplatin in the phase 3 KEYNOTE-B15 study
A. Gómez De Liaño
Type: Rapid oral
Abstract number: 4738RO
Date/time: Saturday, October 24, 10:15-11:45
EV-209 TiP: EV-209: an open-label, single-arm, phase 2 study of enfortumab vedotin plus pembrolizumab for bladder preservation in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer eligible for radical cystectomy
Thomas Powles
Type: Poster
Abstract number: 4769TiP
Date/time: Friday, October 23, 15:15-16:00
EV-309 TiP: EV-309: an open-label, randomized, phase 3 study of enfortumab vedotin plus pembrolizumab for bladder preservation in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer
Matthew D. Galsky
Type: Poster
Abstract number: 4770TiP
Date/time: Friday, October 23, 15:15-16:00
Enzalutamide

Adelpi REALIZE: High-risk biochemically recurrent (hrBCR) hormone sensitive prostate cancer (PC): European real-world (RW) evidence on risk stratification, PSMA PET use, and physician practices
A. Merseburger
Type: ePoster
Abstract number: 2063eP
Date/time: N/A
AMNOG NMA in mHSPC: Network meta-analysis (NMA) on the safety of androgen receptor pathway inhibitors (ARPIs) in patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) from German AMNOG dossiers
C. Ohlmann
Type: Poster
Abstract number: 2295P
Date/time: Friday, October 23, 15:15-16:00
CASPER: Outcomes of enzalutamide (ENZ) and apalutamide (APA) in metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC): a Canadian real-world (RW) study
B. Shayegan
Type: ePoster
Abstract number: 2329eP
Date/time: N/A
ARCHES/ARANOTE indirect safety comparison: Indirect safety comparison of enzalutamide (ENZA) and darolutamide (DARO) with androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) in metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC)
S. Shariat
Type: Poster
Abstract number: 2294P
Date/time: Friday, October 23, 15:15-16:00
EMBARK deep PSA response: Deep prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response by prior definitive treatment (tx) in patients (pts) with high-risk biochemically recurrent prostate cancer (hrBCR): EMBARK post hoc analysis
S. Freedland
Type: Poster
Abstract number: 2293P
Date/time: Friday, October 23, 15:15-16:00
Zolbetuximab

SPOTLIGHT ctDNA: ctDNA Assessment in Patients with CLDN18.2+, HER2−, Locally Advanced Unresectable or Metastatic (la/m) Gastric or Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma (G/GEJ a) in SPOTLIGHT
K. Shitara
Type: Poster
Abstract number: 2882P
Date/time: Sunday, October 25, 12:00-12:45
Canadian PSP: Real-World Use of Zolbetuximab Plus Chemotherapy (CTx) in Patients with CLDN18.2+, HER2−, Locally Advanced (LA) Unresectable or Metastatic Gastric or Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer (mGC/GEJC) in a Canadian Patient Support Program (PSP)
H. Karachiwala
Type: Poster
Abstract number: 2941P
Date/time: Sunday, October 25, 12:00-12:45
Pipeline

Phase 3 PDAC TiP: A Phase 3, double-blind, randomized trial of setidegrasib + mFOLFIRINOX or NALIRIFOX as first-line treatment for patients with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) harboring KRAS G12D mutations: Trial in progress
T. Macarulla
Type: Poster
Abstract number: 3190TiP
Date/time: Sunday, October 25, 12:00-12:45
Phase 3 NSCLC TiP: Phase 3, randomized, open-label trial of setidegrasib vs docetaxel in patients with KRAS G12D-mutated locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that progressed on or after platinum-based chemotherapy and checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) therapy: Trial in progress
F. Skoulidis
Type: ePoster
Abstract number: 2871eTiP
Date/time: N/A
Phase 1b/2 TiP: Phase 1b/2 study of ASP546C, a Claudin 18.2-targeting antibody-drug conjugate with a topoisomerase 1 inhibitor payload, in patients with Claudin 18.2-expressing unresectable locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors
T. Macarulla
Type: ePoster
Abstract number: 1133eTiP
Date/time: N/A
FiH TiP: A phase 1 study of ASP5834 in patients with locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors with Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homologue (KRAS) mutations or amplifications
S. Sen
Type: ePoster
Abstract number: 1145eTiP
Date/time: N/A
Combination clinical data for mss CRC: A phase 1/2 study of ASP1570 for locally advanced/metastatic microsatellite-stable (MSS) colorectal cancer (CRC)
V. Boni
Type: ePoster
Abstract number: 1090eP
Date/time: N/A

(Press release, Astellas, OCT 7, 2026, View Source [SID1234673254])

AIM ImmunoTech’s Strategy to Address Immune Resistance in Pancreatic Cancer Featured in BioTuesdays

On October 7, 2026 AIM ImmunoTech Inc. (NYSE American: AIM) ("AIM" or the "Company") reported a BioTuesdays feature examining the Company’s strategy to address the critical treatment gap of maintaining disease control after first-line chemotherapy for metastatic pancreatic cancer. The article features an interview with AIM Chief Executive Officer Thomas K. Equels and explores the scientific and clinical foundation supporting Ampligen’s (rintatolimod) potential as a pancreatic cancer maintenance therapy.

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

The feature examines Ampligen’s potential to convert the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, turning "cold" tumors into a more immunologically active state and thus enabling checkpoint inhibitors to work more effectively. This approach is being evaluated in a clinical trial of Ampligen in combination with AstraZeneca’s Imfinzi (durvalumab) following first-line chemotherapy (the "DURIPANC" trial). With final Ampligen dosing complete, AIM is working toward the next stage of clinical development as it awaits the reporting of primary and secondary endpoints.

"For patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer, extending survival and improving quality of life are the outcomes that matter most," said AIM Chief Executive Officer Thomas K. Equels. "The BioTuesdays feature captures why we are pursuing Ampligen in this setting: the urgent need for an effective maintenance therapy and the potential to address the immune resistance that makes pancreatic cancer so difficult to treat. With Ampligen dosing complete, our focus is on translating the anticipated clinical findings and biomarker research into a path toward pivotal development. Our mission is to give patients more time, better quality of life and hope."

BioTuesdays also examines encouraging survival and quality-of-life observations from AIM’s Netherlands-approved Named Patient Program, which provided Ampligen to patients with pancreatic cancer following FOLFIRINOX. Exploratory analyses identified patient subgroups with favorable survival observations based on immune and tumor biomarkers. The segment also highlights observations from a Dutch Named Patient Program (NPP) in which patients with radiologically stable pancreatic cancer after FOLFIRINOX received Ampligen as a maintenance treatment. In an exploratory analysis of 39 patients with a neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio ("NLR") below 4.5, median overall survival was 34.8 months, measured from the start of FOLFIRINOX. This encouraging observation supports further investigation of Ampligen following chemotherapy. These findings are informing AIM’s efforts to better understand patient response and guide future trial design. The Named Patient Program was not a controlled clinical trial, and comparisons with historical controls do not establish treatment efficacy.

The article brings together the clinical observations, mechanism of action and biomarker research underpinning AIM’s pancreatic cancer strategy. It also discusses the Company’s patents covering Ampligen in combination with checkpoint inhibitors, pancreatic cancer orphan drug designations in the United States and European Union, and potential financing or pharmaceutical partnership pathways to support a pivotal Phase 3 study.

(Press release, AIM ImmunoTech, OCT 7, 2026, View Source [SID1234673253])

MediciNova to Participate in the Maxim Growth Summit

On October 6, 2026 MediciNova, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company traded on the NASDAQ Global Market (NASDAQ: MNOV) and the Standard Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (Code Number: 4875) (the "Company"), reported that management will participate in the Maxim Growth Summit taking place October 12-14, 2026, at the Hard Rock Hotel New York. Management will be available for one-on-one meetings with investors registered for the event.

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

Investors interested in scheduling a meeting with MediciNova management should contact their Maxim representative or visit here for more information.

(Press release, MediciNova, OCT 6, 2026, View Source [SID1234673251])

BriaCell and BriaPro to Present Four Posters at SITC 2026 Annual Meeting

On October 6, 2026 BriaCell Therapeutics Corp. (Nasdaq: BCTX, BCTXL) (TSX: BCT) ("BriaCell" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biotechnology company that develops novel immunotherapies to transform cancer care, and its majority-owned subsidiary, BriaPro Therapeutics Corp. ("BriaPro"), reported that four abstracts featuring preclinical research from their respective immunotherapy programs have been selected for poster presentations at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper) 41th Anniversary Annual Meeting, taking place November 4-8, 2026, in Phoenix, AZ.

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

The presentations will feature BriaCell’s personalized off-the-shelf immunotherapy, Bria-OTS+ and BriaPro’s research on tumor-targeted checkpoint inhibitors, soluble CD80 (BP-80), and engineered CD80 variants.

Presentation details are listed below.

BriaCell

Title: A Multifaceted Genetically Engineered Whole-Cell Vaccine Platform Generates Potent, Broad, Persistent, and Effector-Centric Anti-Tumor Immunity Across Multiple Cancer Indications
Abstract Number: 863
Location: PCC-North Building-Lower Level-Exhibition Halls 4-5-6
Date: Friday, Nov. 6, 2026

BriaPro

Title: Development of BP-80, a soluble CD80 dimer (CD80-Fc) for cancer treatment
Abstract Number: 404
Location: PCC-North Building-Lower Level-Exhibition Halls 4-5-6
Date: Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026

Title: Tumor-targeted checkpoint inhibitors for reactivation of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes
Abstract Number: 405
Location: PCC-North Building-Lower Level-Exhibition Halls 4-5-6
Date: Friday, Nov. 6, 2026

Title: Molecular design of CD80 variants with increased affinity for PD-L1 and wild-type or lower affinity for CD28
Abstract Number: 406
Location: PCC-North Building-Lower Level-Exhibition Halls 4-5-6
Date: Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026

Following the presentation, copies of the posters will be made available at View Source

(Press release, BriaCell Therapeutics, OCT 6, 2026, View Source [SID1234673250])