On June 30, 2026 METiS TechBio (7666.HK), a leading AI-driven drug delivery innovation company, reported it has entered into an exclusive global licensing agreement with Boulevard Bio ("Boulevard"), a U.S. biotechnology company backed by Deerfield Management, granting Boulevard worldwide development, manufacturing, and commercialization rights for MTS-128, a proprietary trispecific T-cell engager (TCE) program developed by METiS TechBio.

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METiS TechBio will receive a $20 million upfront payment and is eligible to receive up to $1.6 billion in development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments, in addition to tiered royalties on product sales.

METiS TechBio’s proprietary NanoForge platform has achieved deep integration across AI-based protein design, drug delivery system engineering, and therapeutic innovation, reflecting validation from top-tier global capital and industry partners. This transaction marks a shift in AI-enabled drug delivery platforms from early technological validation toward global commercialization value realization.

MTS-128 is a next-generation trispecific T-cell engager developed by METiS TechBio through its NanoForge platform. Unlike traditional antibody discovery approaches, MTS-128 is designed and optimized end-to-end through NanoForge-enabled AI-driven molecular engineering, representing a key example of AI-enabled therapeutic innovation at METiS TechBio.

Compared with conventional bispecific T-cell engagers, trispecific TCEs can simultaneously engage multiple biological mechanisms, with the potential to enhance target cell killing efficiency, increase therapeutic window and reduce off-target toxicity. The development of MTS-128 reflects METiS TechBio’s integrated capabilities in artificial intelligence and protein engineering, while also demonstrating NanoForge’s ability to continuously generate novel therapeutic assets.

METiS TechBio’s proprietary AI-enabled nanodelivery platform, NanoForge, is built on an integrated "dry lab + wet lab + agent-based intelligence" innovation framework, powering four core solution engines: AiLNP (AI-driven lipid nanoparticle design), AiRNA (AI mRNA sequence design), AiProtein (AI protein and antibody design), and AiTEM (AI small molecule formulation design).

NanoForge enables an end-to-end innovation chain spanning AI-based protein generation, in vivo delivery technologies, and next-generation immunotherapy development. In particular, the AiProtein platform supports rapid discovery and optimization of novel therapeutic proteins, including T-cell engagers, in vivo protein therapeutics, and other advanced immunomodulatory modalities.

"This transaction represents an exciting development in the strategic alliance between METiS and Deerfield at a pivotal moment for AI-driven drug delivery innovation in China," said Chris Lai, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of METiS TechBio. "The MTS-128 program demonstrates NanoForge’s ability to enable next-generation drug discovery and development. This is only the beginning. Leveraging NanoForge as our core engine, we will continue to generate globally competitive therapeutic assets. As AI converges with drug delivery technologies, we aim to advance transformative therapies from concept to global development, bringing more accessible innovative treatments to patients worldwide."

Unlocking a healthier world through AI-driven nanotechnology. METiS Technologies (7666.HK) is a pioneering TechBio company at the intersection of artificial intelligence and nanomaterial science, focused on transforming the delivery and application of active agents across life forms. On May 13, 2026, METiS successfully listed on HK exchange as the first listed AI-powered drug delivery company.

Founded by a team of MIT-trained scientists with deep expertise in AI, quantum mechanics, nanomaterials, and advanced drug delivery, the company has developed NanoForge, the world’s first AI-drive nano-delivery platform and four proprietary platform technologies, AiLNP – AI platform for nucleic acid delivery system design; AiRNA – AI platform for mRNA sequence optimization; AiProtein – AI platform for protein and antibody design and AiTEM – AI platform for small molecule formulation design.

(Press release, METiS TechBio, JUN 30, 2026, View Source [SID1234669030])

On June 30, 2026 Zelluna (OSE: ZLNA), a company pioneering allogeneic "off-the-shelf" T Cell Receptor-based Natural Killer (TCR-NK) cell therapies for the treatment of solid cancers, reported that the Research Council of Norway has approved a grant of NOK 16 million to Zelluna under the Innovation Project for the Industrial Sector (IPN) scheme.

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NOK 16 million grant awarded by the Research Council of Norway
Funding will support Zelluna’s ongoing Phase 1 clinical study, ZIMA-101
The IPN scheme supports research-driven innovation projects in Norwegian industry and is administered by the Research Council of Norway
Award subject to final contract negotiations with the Research Council of Norway
"We are delighted to receive this support from the Research Council of Norway. The award provides meaningful funding for our Phase 1 clinical programme and represents strong external recognition of the innovation underpinning our TCR-NK platform and its potential to address significant unmet needs for patients with solid cancers," said Namir Hassan, CEO of Zelluna.

(Press release, Zelluna Immunotherapy, JUN 30, 2026, View Source [SID1234669029])

On June 30, 2026 Flare Therapeutics Inc. (FlareTx), a clinical-stage biotechnology company targeting transcription factors to discover and develop precision medicines, reported the closing of an $85 million Series C financing led by existing investors. In connection with the financing, the company also announced the appointment of Anna Protopapas as Chief Executive Officer.

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The financing was led by Third Rock Ventures and Nextech Invest and included participation from Pfizer Ventures, Boxer Capital, GordonMD Global Investments LP, Invus, Casdin Capital, Eli Lilly and Company, Novartis, Agent Capital and Eventide Asset Management. Proceeds from the financing will be used to advance the Company’s prioritized programs, as well as for working capital and general corporate purposes.

Pipeline Prioritization

In connection with the financing, the Company has completed a strategic review of its pipeline and will concentrate resources on FX-111, a first-in-class, highly differentiated, potent and selective degrader targeting ARON, the transcriptionally active, hormone-bound androgen receptor for prostate cancer. By targeting ARON, FX-111 has the potential to overcome the key resistance mechanisms that limit conventional therapies directed at AROFF, particularly in high-risk AR-driven disease, with broad applicability across all stages of AR-driven disease. The Company received Investigational New Drug (IND) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and expects to initiate clinical development in the third quarter of 2026. FlareTx is also advancing an ARON Regulated Induced Proximity Targeting Chimeras (RIPTAC) program through preclinical development. This program complements FX-111 and further expands the Company’s ability to address prostate cancer across the full disease continuum.

"At Nextech, we focus capital where we see the strongest scientific and clinical conviction," said Kanishka Pothula, Managing Partner at Nextech Invest. "We believe FlareTx’s ARON-targeting approach is highly differentiated and has the potential to address important limitations of current prostate cancer therapies. This financing reflects our continued conviction in the team, the platform, and the potential of FX-111 to become an important therapy for patients with AR-driven prostate cancer."

"Our continued support of FlareTx into this next phase of growth is a testament to the differentiated transcription factor platform that has advanced novel programs into the clinic with potentially transformational impact to patients," said Abbie Celniker PhD, FlareTx founder and Partner at Third Rock Ventures. "We are also very pleased to welcome Anna Protopapas as incoming CEO. Her proven track record of leadership in oncology, spanning global development through commercialization, makes her exceptionally well suited to lead the Company."

FX-909, a first-in-class, orally available PPARG inhibitor targeting the luminal lineage biology underlying urothelial cancer, is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1B dose expansion study. The Company intends to advance this program through an external partnership to fully realize its potential, including opportunities to explore combination regimens and earlier lines of therapy where luminal lineage biology plays a defining role.

"This is an exciting time for Flare Therapeutics and for patients with prostate cancer who desperately need new options. FX-111 offers a new approach to targeting the androgen receptor pathway that has the potential to transform prostate cancer treatment across all stages of disease, while avoiding mechanisms of resistance, representing a genuinely differentiated opportunity," said Anna Protopapas, incoming Chief Executive Officer. "I am thrilled to lead a team that has proven it can advance a platform focused on drugging transcription factors and look forward to demonstrating that potential as we initiate our Phase 1A clinical study for FX-111 in the coming weeks."

CEO Appointment

Anna Protopapas joined the board of Flare Therapeutics in February 2025 and became Chair in September 2025. Most recently, Ms. Protopapas served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Mersana Therapeutics from 2015 until September 2023, where she led advancement of the company’s ADC platforms and pipeline, transitioning the company to a publicly traded entity and raised significant capital through partnerships and equity financing. Prior to Mersana, Ms. Protopapas was President of Millennium, a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda, where she led Takeda’s oncology business. Ms. Protopapas also served as Executive Vice President of Global Business Development at Takeda, where she led acquisitions and partnerships that helped catalyze Takeda’s growth and globalization. Earlier, Ms. Protopapas was an executive officer at Millennium and served in various senior leadership positions, playing an integral role in the company’s transformation from a genomics start-up to a fully integrated oncology leader and the subsequent acquisition of the company by Takeda. Ms. Protopapas has served as the Chair of the Board at Nuvalent since early 2022 (recently announced to be acquired by GSK for $10.6B) and previously served on the boards of ARIAD Pharmaceuticals (acquired by Takeda), Bioverativ (acquired by Sanofi) and Dicerna (acquired by Novo Nordisk) and Mersana Therapeutics (acquired by Day One). She received her B.S. in Science and Engineering from Princeton University, M.S. in Chemical Engineering Practice from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and M.B.A. from Stanford Graduate School of Business.

(Press release, Flare Therapeutics, JUN 30, 2026, View Source [SID1234669028])

On June 30, 2026 Orion Pharma ("Orion") and Shilpa Biologicals Private Limited, a fully-owned subsidiary of Shilpa Medicare Limited ("Shilpa"), reported to have entered into an agreement to commercialise intravenous (iv) nivolumab biosimilar in Europe. Nivolumab is an immune checkpoint inhibitor which is used to treat various cancers. Shilpa’s nivolumab biosimilar is currently under development by the company.

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Under the terms of the agreement, Orion will gain exclusive right to distribute, market and sell Shilpa’s iv nivolumab biosimilar in Europe. Shilpa will supply the product to Orion, and is entitled to receive from Orion certain development and regulatory milestone payments.

"We are pleased to add yet another product to our strategic partnership with Shilpa," said Satu Ahomäki, EVP Generics and Consumer Health, Orion Pharma. "This agreement is a step forward in our efforts to expand and strenghten our operations in hospital segment in Continental Europe, and an indication of the progress of the implementation of our division’s strategy which aims to create everybody an access to affordable quality medicines."

"Extending our partnership with Orion into immuno-oncology is a defining moment for Shilpa Biologicals," added Vishnukant Bhutada, Managing Director, Shilpa Medicare. "It reflects the trust our partners place in our quality, our science and our ability to deliver complex biologics at scale – and it moves us closer to our mission of making advanced medicines affordable and accessible worldwide."

(Press release, Orion, JUN 30, 2026, View Source [SID1234669027])

On June 30, 2026 Pyxis Oncology, Inc. (Nasdaq: PYXS), a clinical-stage company developing next-generation therapeutics for difficult-to-treat cancers, reported that it has entered into definitive securities purchase agreements for a private placement expected to result in gross proceeds of approximately $50 million, before deducting placement agent fees and offering expenses, and an additional approximately $64 million of gross proceeds if the accompanying warrants are exercised in full for cash.

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The financing was led by BVF Partners L.P. with participation from GordonMD Global Investments, RTW Investments, and Coastlands Capital. The upfront proceeds are expected to extend the Company’s cash runway into the second quarter of 2027 and support the continued advancement of its lead clinical program, MICVO (micvotabart pelidotin), through key clinical milestones.

"We are pleased to have the support of a high-quality group of new and existing healthcare investors, whose participation reflects confidence in MICVO and our strategy to advance the program," said Tom Civik, Interim Chief Executive Officer and Director of Pyxis Oncology. "This financing strengthens our balance sheet, provides the flexibility to extend patient follow-up in our expansion trial following completion of enrollment in the first quarter, and enables us to generate additional clinical evidence for MICVO. We look forward to an exciting second half of 2026 as we continue advancing MICVO for patients with head and neck cancer."

The Company has elected to incorporate additional patient follow-up and planned analyses into its next clinical update and now expects to report updated data from the ongoing Phase 1 monotherapy study in second-line and beyond recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (2L+ R/M HNSCC) in Fall 2026. The update is expected to include patients treated at 5.4 mg/kg IV Q3W with a dose equivalent to or below a dose cap, along with detailed analyses of the dose cap impact on safety, tolerability and efficacy.

The Company also expects to report updated data from the ongoing Phase 1/2 dose-escalation study evaluating MICVO in combination with pembrolizumab for first-line (1L) R/M HNSCC in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Under the terms of the financing, Pyxis Oncology has agreed to sell 19,600,153 shares of its common stock at a price of $2.551 per share and warrants to purchase an equal number of shares of common stock. The common stock warrants have an exercise price of $3.289 per share and are exercisable in accordance with their terms (including via cashless exercise). The private placement is expected to close on or about July 2, 2026, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

Wells Fargo Securities acted as sole placement agent for the private placement.

The securities described above have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or applicable state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. Pyxis Oncology has agreed to file a registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission covering the resale of the shares of common stock issued in the private placement and the shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants.

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 jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

(Press release, Pyxis Oncology, JUN 30, 2026, View Source [SID1234669026])