On November 3, 2026 Verismo Therapeutics, a clinical-stage CAR T cell therapy company pioneering a novel multi-chain KIR-CAR platform technology, reported new preclinical data demonstrating enhanced anti-tumor activity, reduced cytokine release, and lower T cell exhaustion with SynKIR-110 with reduced off-target activity compared to conventional single-chain CAR T designs. The data will be presented at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper) 41st Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona (Abstract 253). The study evaluated SynKIR-110 against CD28- and 4-1BB-based single-chain CAR T cells in preclinical mesothelioma xenograft models.

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Poster Presentation Details

Title: Mesothelin-targeted Multi-Chain Killer Immunoglobulin Receptor (KIR)-based CAR T Reduces Exhaustion, Cytokine Release, and Enhances Safety Profile in vivo vs CD28 or 41BB single-chain CAR T
Presenter: Nora Yucel, Ph.D., Verismo Therapeutics
Session: Cellular Therapies — Chimeric Antigen Receptors
Session Date and Time: Friday, November 6, 2026 — 10 a.m.–2 p.m., 5–7 p.m. MT
Abstract Number: 253
Location: Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, Arizona
Full Abstract: View Source

In head-to-head comparisons, SynKIR-110 achieved the fastest tumor control among the three CAR T designs with low cytokine production, while CD28-based single-chain CAR T cells produced approximately 10-fold higher IFNγ and 30-fold higher TNFα and IL-2 levels. Tumor-infiltrating SynKIR-110 CD8 T cells also demonstrated reduced expression of exhaustion markers TIM3, LAG3, and PD1 compared to both single-chain comparators. Additionally, while both single-chain CAR T groups showed off-target activity in vitro and accumulation of CD8 CAR T cells in healthy lung tissue in vivo, no such effects were observed in SynKIR-110-treated animals.

"These preclinical head-to-head findings reinforce the mechanistic rationale behind the multi-chain KIR-CAR platform — that separating antigen binding from T cell activation can meaningfully reduce tonic signaling and non-specific off-target activity associated with conventional single-chain CAR T designs, without compromising antitumor control," said Laura Johnson, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Verismo Therapeutics. "Seeing SynKIR-110 deliver the fastest tumor control among the three CAR T architectures tested, with substantially lower cytokine production versus CD28-based single-chain CAR T, reduced T cell exhaustion markers compared with both single-chain comparators, and no off-target accumulation in healthy lung tissue, supports the differentiated safety and efficacy profile we are now evaluating in the ongoing STAR-101 clinical trial in patients with mesothelin-expressing solid tumors."

SynKIR-110 is currently being evaluated in the ongoing Phase 1 STAR-101 clinical trial (NCT05568680) in patients with advanced mesothelin-expressing solid tumors, including mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, and cholangiocarcinoma. Initial clinical data presented at AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) 2026 showed a favorable safety profile in nine patients across the first three dose-escalation cohorts, with no dose-limiting toxicities, no Grade 3 or higher cytokine release syndrome, and no immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) observed, while also demonstrating tumor reduction. SynKIR-110 has received Orphan Drug and Fast Track designations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for mesothelioma. Dose escalation remains ongoing to determine the recommended Phase 2 dose.

About the KIR-CAR Platform

The KIR-CAR platform is a multi-chain T cell therapy that has shown highly effective solid tumor treatment in otherwise CAR-resistant animal models with hard-to-treat tumors. Using NK cell-derived killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) and DAP12 to split the target binding and T cell activation signals provides a novel paired immune-receptor activation that is independent from CD3 signaling and does not require additional co-stimulation. KIR-CAR enables sustained cell receptor expression in T cells, and induces deeper, more durable tumor treatments. Together, this multi-chain cell signaling platform provides the potential to deliver effective patient treatments by minimizing the background activation and early T cell exhaustion observed in conventional single-chain CAR T therapy, with potential to treat patients with both solid and hematologic tumors.

(Press release, Verismo Therapeutics, NOV 3, 2026, View Source [SID1234674111])

On November 3, 2026 Quadriga BioSciences Inc., a clinical-stage oncology company developing QBS72S for the targeted treatment of cancer, reported the publication in Neuro-Oncology, the official journal of the Society for Neuro-Oncology, of the results from a Phase 2, single-arm, open-label clinical trial (NCT05305365) of QBS72S in patients with breast cancer leptomeningeal disease (LMD).

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The peer-reviewed article, titled "Phase 2 test of QBS72S for breast cancer leptomeningeal disease," reports results from 10 patients treated with QBS72S and evaluated for safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics, as well as exploratory analyses of LAT1 expression and observation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentration.

LMD is a severe complication of metastatic breast cancer in which tumor cells spread to the CSF and leptomeninges surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Patients’ overall survival is 2-4 months from time of diagnosis, and treatment remains challenging in part because many systemic therapies achieve limited exposure within the central nervous system (CNS). QBS72S is a first-in-class bifunctional molecule designed to target LAT1, a transporter expressed at the blood-brain barrier and overexpressed in many cancers, with the potential to facilitate CNS delivery while preferentially targeting LAT1-expressing cancer cells.

Key Study Findings Include:

Clinical activity: QBS72S was detected at significant levels in the CSF of treated patients. Three of 10 patients (30%) achieved radiographic response and disease stability. Two patients experienced disease control lasting more than six months, with progression-free survival of 7.4 and 6.4 months, respectively, accompanied by improvements in physical and neurologic symptoms.
Survival observations: Overall survival rates at one, four and twelve months were 90%, 60% and 40%, respectively. Survival was recorded from the initiation of therapy, not from the time of diagnosis. At the data cut-off, four patients remained alive, each more than 12 months after initiating treatment with QBS72S.
Safety and tolerability: The majority of adverse events were hematologic or gastrointestinal and low to moderate in severity. Grade 4 lymphopenia occurred in 40% of patients and Grade 3 neutropenia in 20%, with no febrile neutropenia reported. Three patients experienced adverse events considered possibly related to QBS72S, including two cases of symptomatic cerebral edema, both occurring in patients with extensive prior whole-brain radiation therapy.
Potential biomarker opportunity: CSF cell-free RNA analysis showed significantly higher LAT1 (SLC7A5) expression in patients with breast cancer LMD compared with non-cancer controls, supporting further investigation of CSF cfRNA as a potential method for evaluating LAT1 expression.
"Publication of these results in Neuro-Oncology marks an important milestone for the QBS72S program and adds to the clinical foundation supporting its continued development," said Gordon Ringold, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Quadriga BioSciences. "QBS72S was designed to leverage LAT1 as a differentiated approach to treating cancers involving the central nervous system, and we believe these Phase 2 data provide important insights that can help guide the next stage of the program. Our focus now is on building on these findings and advancing QBS72S for patients with leptomeningeal disease and other difficult-to-treat cancers."

The publication places these observations in the context of the broader clinical challenge of treating leptomeningeal disease and the need for therapies capable of addressing disease within the central nervous system.

"Patients with breast cancer leptomeningeal disease are facing an aggressive cancer complication with limited therapeutic options, and historically have been excluded from clinical trials," said Melanie Hayden Gephart, M.D., M.A.S., Professor of Neurosurgery at Stanford University, study investigator and corresponding author of the publication.

"The radiographic and symptomatic improvements observed in patients, together with the favorable tolerability profile of QBS72S, are encouraging, particularly in a patient population with limited treatment options and significant unmet medical needs. These early clinical findings are further supported by the detection of QBS72S in cerebrospinal fluid and associated biomarker evidence, reinforcing the scientific rationale for continued evaluation of QBS72S and LAT1-targeted therapeutic strategies."

The article was published online in Neuro-Oncology on August 7, 2026, and is available at DOI 10.1093/neuonc/noag177.

About the Study

The Phase 2a, single-arm, single-center, open-label clinical trial (NCT05305365), conducted at Stanford University, evaluated QBS72S in breast cancer patients with LMD. Participants receive QBS72S intravenously at 18 mg/m² once monthly until disease progression or treatment discontinuation.

The published results include 10 patients with breast cancer LMD who received at least one dose of QBS72S, with data through December 10, 2024. The study focused on safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics, with progression-free survival, overall survival and duration of response as secondary endpoints. Exploratory analyses evaluated LAT1 expression by tumor immunohistochemistry and by CSF cell-free RNA sequencing, CSF concentrations of QBS72S were also observed.

For additional information about the clinical trial, please visit ClinicalTrials.gov and reference NCT05305365.

(Press release, Quadriga BioSciences, NOV 3, 2026, View Source [SID1234674110])

On November 3, 2026 CStone Pharmaceuticals ("CStone," HKEX: 2616), an innovation-driven biopharmaceutical company focused on the research and development of therapies for oncology, immunology, inflammation, and other key disease areas, reported that it has entered into a clinical collaboration agreement with Kimia Therapeutics, Inc. ("Kimia"), a biopharmaceutical company developing innovative therapeutics for oncology and immunology, to advance the clinical development of a potential first-in-class asset targeting the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway critical for solid tumor cell survival, with CStone leading the clinical development in mainland China and Australia. The collaboration further underscores the international recognition of CStone’s proven clinical development and regulatory expertise and advances the Company’s strategy of disciplined external innovation and global expansion. It also creates a clear pathway for CStone to participate in the global commercial value of a first-in-class asset through milestone payments and royalties. Kimia, based in Berkeley, California, is advancing small-molecule medicines with its integrated ATLAS platform, a transformative approach to AI-driven drug discovery. Kimia is a portfolio company of The Column Group (TCG), a leading life sciences investment firm focused on building and investing in biotechnology companies from early-stage scientific innovation through clinical development and strategic transactions.

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Key highlights of the collaboration

– Proven development expertise and global regulatory reach: the collaboration pairs CStone’s proven oncology clinical development and regulatory expertise across multiple markets — demonstrated by four approved innovative drugs and 21 new drug application approvals across nine indications — with Kimia’s AI-enabled drug discovery approach, underpinned by its proprietary ATLAS platform combining nanogram-scale parallel synthesis, direct-to-biology screening, and machine learning.

– Targeting high-unmet-need patient populations: the planned Phase I study includes dose-escalation and expansion components to evaluate the asset in biomarker selected patient populations as an initial proof-of-concept to define safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and early activity.

– Long-term value creation: the collaboration also establishes a scalable framework that may be extended to other promising assets over time, creating a repeatable model for CStone to contribute its clinical development expertise to advancing innovative therapies, generate value through milestone payments and royalties, and expand its international development footprint.

Collaboration overview

Under the collaboration, CStone will lead the Phase I clinical development of the asset in mainland China and Australia, applying its full-spectrum oncology clinical development and regulatory capabilities. Kimia will contribute the clinical supply of the asset, along with scientific guidance, product-related regulatory oversight and other agreed development support — reflecting a co-development model built on each party’s complementary strengths.

Under the agreement, Kimia will reimburse CStone for the applicable clinical development costs. CStone is eligible to receive milestone payments plus royalties on global net sales of the asset during the applicable royalty term, in accordance with the agreement.

Dr. Jason Yang, Chief Executive Officer, President of R&D and Executive Director of CStone, commented: "We are pleased to collaborate with Kimia to advance this innovative, first-in-class oncology asset. This collaboration establishes a scalable framework with the potential to support additional programs with Kimia and other TCG portfolio companies, connecting promising innovation with a clear path to efficient and robust clinical development. In addition, the deal structure aligns our shared commitment to the Asset’s development and long-term success, while providing CStone with the opportunity to participate in the value it creates globally. We see this repeatable model as an important avenue to broaden our participation in global innovation and create long-term value for our shareholders."

Stig Hansen, CEO of Kimia Therapeutics, commented: "We are delighted to work with CStone to advance the clinical development of this potential first-in-class asset that was discovered by Kimia leveraging AI and med chem integration. CStone’s expertise in oncology clinical development will be valuable as we evaluate our lead asset in phase I proof-of-concept studies in bio-marker selected patient populations and generate the clinical evidence needed to guide its further development. CStone’s clinical development capabilities complement Kimia’s technology-driven drug discovery platform, and we look forward to working collaboratively to advance the program."

(Press release, CStone Pharmaceauticals, NOV 3, 2026, https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cstone-and-kimia-therapeutics-enter-clinical-development-collaboration-to-advance-a-novel-drug-candidate-targeting-repair-pathways-critical-for-solid-tumor-survival-302927961.html [SID1234674109])

On November 3, 2026 IASO Bio, a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development, manufacturing and commercialization of innovative cell therapies and biologics for hematologic malignancies and autoimmune diseases, reported that it has jointly hosted a launch event with its local partner Pills and Pokes in Singapore to celebrate the commercial launch of FUCASO (approved name: FUCASO suspension for infusion), marking the official commercialization of the world’s first fully human BCMA-targeted CAR-T cell therapy in Singapore.

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FUCASO was approved by Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) in June 2026 for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (R/R MM) who have progressed after at least three prior lines of therapy, including at least one proteasome inhibitor and one immunomodulatory agent. It is the first BCMA-targeted CAR-T cell therapy approved in Singapore.

Experts from China and Singapore Discuss the R/R MM Treatment Landscape, Witnessing the Launch of FUCASO in Singapore

Held under the theme ‘Expanding New Possibilities in the Treatment of Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma,’ the launch event brought together leading clinical experts in hematology-oncology from Singapore, local partners and investors.

Professor Chng Wee Joo of the Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, delivered the welcome address and closing remarks. In the scientific session, Professor Chandramouli from the Department of Haematology, Singapore General Hospital, presented on the evolving treatment landscape and unmet needs in R/R MM, analyzing the current status and pain points of regional clinical practice. Professor Chen Wenming from Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, discussed treatment sequencing optimization in R/R MM and patient selection for BCMA-targeted therapy. During the Q&A session, attendees engaged in in-depth discussions on the clinical application of FUCASO and patient management.

From Approval to Infusion: Full Commercialization Chain Validated in Real-World Settings

Just two months after its approval, the first commercial patient infusion of FUCASO was completed at Parkway Cancer Centre in Singapore. The patient, an adult with R/R MM who had received four prior lines of therapy, has achieved complete response and remains in good condition.

This milestone is significant: it demonstrates that FUCASO’s ‘In China, For Global’ model — spanning regulatory approval, patient screening and leukapheresis, cross-border cold-chain logistics, manufacturing and release at IASO Bio’s China facility, and cold-chain return to Singapore for infusion — has been fully validated in a real-world commercial setting. This not only lays the foundation for sustained patient access in Singapore, but also provides a replicable model for expansion into other markets in Southeast Asia and beyond.

In Singapore, IASO Bio partners with Pills and Pokes, a local specialty pharmaceutical importer and distributor, leveraging its capabilities in specialty drug importation, supply and marketing to ensure the stable supply of and patient access to FUCASO.

Reimbursement Access: FUCASO’s Accessibility Strategy Fully Established in Singapore

Following evaluation by the Agency for Care Effectiveness (ACE) under Singapore’s Ministry of Health, FUCASO has been successfully included in Singapore’s Cancer Drug List (CDL), effective December 1, 2026. From that date, eligible local patients will be able to obtain coverage for treatment costs through a healthcare financing network comprising public and commercial funds, significantly reducing their out-of-pocket burden and extending the benefits of this innovative CAR-T therapy to more patients in Singapore.

This inclusion marks an important milestone in FUCASO’s overseas reimbursement journey: it not only substantially improves access for patients in Singapore, but also provides valuable, replicable experience for securing inclusion in local reimbursement systems in additional overseas markets.

Efficacy and Safety Validated by Pivotal and Real-World Data

The efficacy and safety of FUCASO have been validated in the pivotal registrational study FUMANBA-1. Among patients receiving CAR-T therapy for the first time, the overall response rate (ORR) reached 98.9%, the stringent complete response/complete response (sCR/CR) rate reached 88.4%, and the median progression-free survival (mPFS) was 35.9 months. In terms of safety, the incidence of Grade 3 or higher cytokine release syndrome (CRS) was only 0.9%; no Grade 3 or higher immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) was observed, and no parkinsonism-like manifestations or second primary malignancies were reported.

Real-world data further corroborate these findings. In a retrospective study of 281 patients with R/R MM presented at the 2026 International Myeloma Society (IMS) Annual Meeting, the ORR was 95.9%, the sCR/CR rate was 77.2%, and the 12-month PFS rate was 71.5%. The overall safety profile was favorable, with adverse events predominantly of low grade and managed through well-established clinical protocols.

Anchored in Singapore, Radiating Across Southeast Asia: A New Starting Point for Regional Access

Singapore is widely recognized as the healthcare hub of Southeast Asia, with region-leading hematology-oncology expertise and a well-established cell therapy infrastructure. It attracts a large number of patients from neighboring countries and regions each year, and HSA’s regulatory decisions carry significant influence across the region. The commercial launch of FUCASO in Singapore not only delivers direct benefits to local patients, but also establishes a regional anchor point from which this innovative therapy can reach the entire Southeast Asian market.

With a population of over 600 million, Southeast Asia faces a growing multiple myeloma disease burden, while advanced cell therapies such as CAR-T remain largely inaccessible in most regional markets. For patients in countries where FUCASO is not yet available, seeking treatment in Singapore offers a well-established and convenient pathway — substantially reducing the time and financial burden of cross-border care compared to traveling to Europe or the United States.

"The launch event in Singapore marks the full commercial take-off of FUCASO at the healthcare hub of Southeast Asia. Working closely with our local partner Pills and Pokes, and backed by our mature cross-border supply chain and local medical affairs capabilities, we are committed to providing stable and accessible treatment options for patients in Singapore and the wider region, and to continuously advancing clinical exchange and drug accessibility in the region," said Mr. Zhang Hua, Chief Business Officer and Senior Vice President of IASO Bio.

"At Pills and Pokes, our purpose is to bring tomorrow’s therapies to today’s patients. From my many years on the clinical ground, I know how much timely access matters. FUCASO is the first BCMA CAR-T cell therapy approved in Singapore, and Singapore is its first market outside Greater China. As a Singaporean, I am proud to help bring this innovation from China to patients here and across Southeast Asia," said Ms. Gail Chang, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pills and Pokes.

(Press release, IASO Biotherapeutics, NOV 3, 2026, View Source [SID1234674108])

On November 3, 2026 ORIC Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ORIC), a clinical stage oncology company focused on developing and commercializing treatments that address mechanisms of therapeutic resistance, reported that management will be participating in the following investor conferences in November:

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Guggenheim’s 3rd Annual Healthcare Innovation Conference – Participating in a fireside chat on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. ET. Management will also be participating in one-on-one meetings.
Stifel 2026 Healthcare Conference – Participating in a fireside chat on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. ET. Management will also be participating in one-on-one meetings.
Jefferies London Healthcare Conference – Participating in a fireside chat on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. GMT. Management will also be participating in one-on-one meetings.

Webcasts of the fireside chat discussions will be available through the investor section of the company’s website at www.oricpharma.com. Replays of the webcasts will be available for 90 days following the event.

(Press release, ORIC Pharmaceuticals, NOV 3, 2026, View Source [SID1234674107])