Molecular Partners Nominates MP0730 as Next Candidate in Expanding Pipeline of Radiotherapeutics, Targeting CD70

On October 21, 2026 Molecular Partners AG (SIX: MOLN; NASDAQ: MOLN), a clinical-stage biotech company developing a novel class of medicines known as DARPin therapeutics ("Molecular Partners" or the "Company"), reported the selection of MP0730 as its lead Radio-DARPin candidate targeting the tumor-associated antigen CD70. MP0730 is the third program in the Company’s pipeline of targeted alpha radiotherapeutics, and a first-in-human program is expected to start mid-2027.

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Molecular Partners presented preclinical data on MP0730 at the Discovery on Target – Radioligand Therapies conference on October 1, 2026, in Boston, MA (presentation title: DARPins as Ligands for Targeted Alpha Therapy: First-in-Human Experience with MP0712 and Opportunities for Next Radio-DARPin Candidates). The data outline an attractive biodistribution profile of the CD70-targeting Radio-DARPin lead candidate in tumor-bearing mice, with strong and sustained tumor uptake relative to healthy tissues, including kidney, liver and blood.

"The selection of MP0730 as our third Radio-DARPin Therapeutic marks another important milestone in our ambition to deliver transformative therapies for patients with high unmet medical needs. CD70’s clean expression profile paired with MP0730’s best-in-class properties provide a compelling foundation for achieving a favorable therapeutic index, addressing on-target, off-tumor accumulation observed with certain radiopharmaceutical approaches against other antigens expressed in kidney cancer," said Daniel Steiner, Ph.D., SVP Targeted Radiotherapeutics of Molecular Partners.

CD70 is a clinically validated target, demonstrated through CAR-T cell therapies, and is overexpressed in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), a type of kidney cancer, and in other cancer indications. CD70 expression is maintained in metastases and limited in healthy tissues, making it an ideal candidate for targeted alpha radiotherapy.

ccRCC has a robust DNA repair mechanism and is inherently resistant to conventional cytotoxic therapies. Targeted alpha therapy induces difficult-to-repair double-strand breaks in tumor cells, independently from genetic mutations, due to its high linear energy transfer, thereby offering a new avenue for patients with hard-to-treat cancers such as ccRCC.

(Press release, Molecular Partners, OCT 21, 2026, View Source [SID1234673645])

Sutro Biopharma Announces First Patient Dosed in Phase 1 Trial of STRO-006, a Next-Generation ITGB6-Targeting ADC, in Advanced Solid Tumors

On October 21, 2026 Sutro Biopharma, Inc. (Sutro or the Company) (NASDAQ: STRO), a clinical-stage oncology company pioneering site-specific and novel-format antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), reported that the first patient has been dosed in its Phase 1 trial of STRO-006 in patients with a range of solid tumors. STRO-006 is the Company’s potential best-in-class integrin β6 (ITGB6)-targeting exatecan ADC with a drug-to-antibody ratio of 8 (DAR8), engineered for optimized pharmacokinetics, tolerability and a differentiated therapeutic index.

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"Dosing the first patient with STRO-006 marks our second ADC to enter the clinic in less than a year and reflects the Sutro team’s exceptional execution of our pipeline strategy," said Jane Chung, Chief Executive Officer of Sutro. "ITGB6 is difficult to target due to complex biology and is expressed across a broad range of tumors with high unmet need, including non-small cell lung and head and neck cancers. In preclinical models, STRO-006 demonstrated potent, sustained anti-tumor activity with minimal on-target toxicity, supporting our belief that Sutro’s advanced design capabilities can widen the therapeutic index and deliver a differentiated safety and efficacy profile. We look forward to advancing STRO-006 in the clinic and evaluating its potential to benefit patients."

The Phase 1, open-label, multicenter trial is designed to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics and preliminary anti-tumor activity of STRO-006 in adults with advanced or metastatic solid tumors. The dose-escalation portion will enroll patients with ITGB6-expressing tumor types, including head and neck cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, esophageal/gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, endometrial cancer, urothelial cancer and breast cancer. The trial will evaluate STRO-006 across ascending dose levels beginning at 1.5 mg/kg. This starting dose is enabled by Sutro’s precise design capabilities and supported by the tolerability observed in non-human primates at doses up to 30 mg/kg.

More information can be found at: View Source

About STRO-006

STRO-006 is Sutro’s next-generation DAR8 ADC targeting integrin β6 (ITGB6), a tumor-associated antigen expressed across several high-prevalence solid tumors. This candidate delivers a potent exatecan payload attached via a site-specific β-glucuronidase cleavable linker to a high-affinity antibody that binds to ITGB6 without disrupting TGFβ signaling. STRO-006 is designed to deliver a wider therapeutic index than conventional ADCs by enhancing selectivity, stability, and pharmacokinetics. In preclinical studies, STRO-006 demonstrated strong and durable anti-tumor activity. STRO-006 is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1 trial in patients with a range of ITGB6-expressing solid tumors.

(Press release, Sutro Biopharma, OCT 21, 2026, View Source [SID1234673644])

Cerenome Announces New Dual Mechanism of Action Featuring Lethal DNA Damage and Beneficial Immunomodulation Supporting Lead Investigational Drug REYOBIQ™

On October 21, 2026 Cerenome, Inc. (Nasdaq: CNSY) ("Cerenome" or the "Company") reported that new preclinical data presented at the 16th Biennial Rivkin Ovarian Cancer Research Symposium illustrate the emerging immunomodulatory properties of REYOBIQ (rhenium Re186 obisbemeda), its lead investigational targeted radiotherapeutic. The Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance sponsored the symposium, held October 16–18, 2026, in Philadelphia. In two mouse models of aggressive epithelial ovarian cancer, treatment with rhenium (186Re) obisbemeda (rhenium-186 nanoliposome, 186RNL), the active agent in REYOBIQ, was associated with tumor injury and changes in the tumor microenvironment. Combination treatment with anti-PD-1 checkpoint blockade also showed improved antitumor activity.

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"Turning ‘cold’ or immunologically resistant tumors into ‘hot’ or immunologically responsive tumors is the major limitation for the broader use of checkpoint inhibitors," said Eric J. Daniels, M.D., Cerenome’s Chief Development Officer. "REYOBIQ delivers targeted radiation that injures the tumor, activates further DNA-damage, p53, and apoptosis programs within 24 hours, turning on the innate immune response, while simultaneously lowering IL-10 and macrophage-driven immunosuppression. This sequence may convert cold tumors like ovarian, pancreatic and many CNS cancers, into hot ones. This opens up new combination strategies for these patients. Cerenome, along with its academic collaborators, are now characterizing REYOBIQ’s immunomodulatory activity further across a board range of tumors."

More Than a Dose of Radiation

REYOBIQ is designed to deliver a very high dose of beta radiation directly to the tumor or the fluid compartment around it, while minimizing exposure to the rest of the body. Its well-established mechanism of action is radiation-induced DNA damage and tumor cell death. A growing body of translational evidence suggests REYOBIQ may also act substantially on the immune system. In this proposed sequence, local radiation injures tumor cells that then triggers interferon signaling, antigen presentation, cytotoxic T cell and natural killer (NK) cell recruitment to the tumor environment, and dampens immunosuppressive signals.

Ovarian Cancer Models Illustrate the Mechanism

Henriette Balinda, Ph.D., and colleagues in the laboratory of Andrew Brenner, M.D., Ph.D., at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) presented the poster, titled, "186Rhenium-Nanoliposome (186RNL) Remodels the Tumor Microenvironment in Preclinical Ovarian Cancer Models." Epithelial ovarian cancer responds poorly to checkpoint inhibitors given alone, in part because its tumor microenvironment suppresses the immune system. That makes it an attractive model for testing whether local radiation can reverse that suppression. The poster also tracked immune changes in ascites (abdominal fluid).

The poster will be available on the Publications page of Cerenome’s website.

Key scientific findings:

Tumor injury starts the response: Single-cell RNA sequencing showed that DNA-damage, p53 and apoptosis (cell-death) programs switched on within 24 hours of treatment.
The immune system is then activated: By Day 28, interferon signaling, innate immunity, and antigen-presentation programs had increased, and macrophage-associated immunosuppressive programs had decreased.
Lower immunosuppressive signaling: 186RNL substantially lowered IL-10, an immunosuppressive cytokine, compared with untreated controls.
Effector immune cells shift the balance: When 186RNL was combined with anti-PD-1, immune cells (CD45+), T cells (CD3+), CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, CD4+ effector T cells, and NK cells all rose, while monocytes fell. The immune response was dominated by CD8+ T cells. It peaked at 24 hours and lasted through Day 28. CD8+ T-cell activation markers (CD25 and CD69) were higher with the combination than with anti-PD-1 alone.
Dose-dependent antitumor activity: In the ID8agg model, 186RNL improved survival in a dose-dependent manner across doses of 0.075 to 1.257 mCi (p = 0.0003). Bioluminescence imaging showed the deepest and longest-lasting tumor suppression at the highest dose.
Better outcomes with checkpoint blockade: 186RNL plus anti-PD-1 extended median survival to 65 days, longer than control or either agent alone. The combination also reduced tumor burden, and tissue samples showed minimal remaining tumor in the omentum. Weight loss was brief, and the combination showed no evidence of substantial added toxicity.

"Ovarian cancer has responded poorly to checkpoint inhibitor monotherapy, in part because the tumor environment suppresses the immune system," said Andrew Brenner, M.D., Ph.D., Professor-Research, Kolitz Chair in Neuro-Oncology, UT Health San Antonio. "In these models, REYOBIQ or 186RNL caused early DNA damage in tumor cells, followed by interferon signaling and immune activation. The combination with anti-PD-1 increased CD8+ T cells and NK cells and lowered immunosuppressive signals. Those are the changes you want to see and support an understanding of how REYOBIQ may be used in the future to make checkpoint therapy more effective."

About REYOBIQ (rhenium Re186 obisbemeda)

REYOBIQ is an investigational injectable radiotherapeutic in which the radioisotope rhenium-186 is chelated and trapped inside a nanoliposome. It is designed to deliver targeted, high-dose beta radiation directly to tumors through local delivery, such as convection-enhanced delivery or an intraventricular (Ommaya) catheter, while keeping exposure to the rest of the body low. REYOBIQ is being evaluated for the treatment of leptomeningeal metastases, recurrent glioblastoma and pediatric brain cancers in the ReSPECT-LM, ReSPECT-GBM and ReSPECT-PBC clinical trials. Results from the multicenter Phase 1 ReSPECT-GBM trial were published in Nature Communications in 2025 (Brenner AJ, et al. Nat Commun. 2025;16:2079). REYOBIQ is investigational and has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or any other regulatory authority for any use.

(Press release, Cerenome, OCT 21, 2026, View Source [SID1234673643])

Integra LifeSciences Reports Third Quarter 2026 Financial Results

On October 21, 2026 Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation (Nasdaq: IART), a leading global medical technology company, reported financial results for the third quarter ending September 30, 2026.

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Third Quarter 2026 Highlights

Third quarter revenues of $411.2 million increased 2.3% on a reported basis and 2.5% on an organic basis compared to the prior year. Results included an approximate $7 million revenue impact related to flood damage at the Company’s Cincinnati facility.

Third quarter GAAP earnings per diluted share of $0.19, compared to $(0.07) in the prior year.

Adjusted earnings per diluted share of $0.59, compared to $0.54 in the prior year.

Generated operating cash flow of $96.0 million and reduced the consolidated total leverage ratio to 3.8x.

Subsequent to quarter-end, completed a $2.1 billion debt refinancing that extended debt maturities and enhanced financial flexibility.

2026 full-year revenue guidance of $1.634 billion to $1.654 billion and adjusted earnings per share guidance of $2.30 to $2.40, consistent with the outlook provided on October 2, 2026.
"Our third quarter performance reflected mixed results across our portfolio, with stronger performance in Specialty Surgery partially offset by a $7 million impact from the Cincinnati disruption and softer-than-expected results in Tissue Reconstruction. We delivered results within our guidance ranges, generated strong cash flow, reduced leverage, and subsequently completed our debt refinancing," said Stuart Essig, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

"Our updated outlook reflects both the recovery timeline in Cincinnati and more measured expectations for portions of our Tissue Reconstruction business. We are focused on executing against these challenges while continuing to support our customers, advance key product launches and returns, and strengthen the business for more consistent long-term growth."

Third Quarter 2026 Consolidated Performance

Total reported revenues of $411.2 million increased 2.3% on a reported basis and 2.5% on an organic basis compared to the prior year.

The Company reported GAAP gross margin of 51.0%, compared to 51.5% in the third quarter of 2025. Adjusted gross margin was 61.1%, compared to 62.9% in the prior year.

Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter of 2026 was $79.8 million, or 19.4% of revenue, compared to $78.5 million, or 19.5% of revenue, in the prior year.

The Company reported GAAP net income of $14.9 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2026, compared to GAAP net loss of $(5.4) million, or $(0.07) per diluted share, in the prior year.

Adjusted net income for the third quarter of 2026 was $46.4 million, or $0.59 per diluted share, compared to $41.6 million, or $0.54 per diluted share, in the prior year.

Third Quarter 2026 Segment Performance

Specialty Surgery (~70% of Revenues)

Total revenues were $304.1 million, representing reported growth of 3.9% and an organic growth of 4.2% compared to the third quarter of 2025. Results were impacted by approximately $7 million related to flood damage at the Company’s Cincinnati facility.

Sales in Neuro increased 6.5% on an organic basis primarily driven by growth in CereLink, Certas Plus, Bactiseal, DuraSeal and recovery in cranial perforators.
Sales in Instruments declined (0.9%) on an organic basis due to order timing.
ENT sales declined (1.1%), largely due to a low-single digit decline in sinus balloons.
Tissue Reconstruction (~30% of Revenues)

Total revenues were $107.1 million, representing reported and organic decline of (2.2)% compared to the third quarter of 2025. Key drivers for the quarter include:

Low-single digit decline in wound reconstruction, with strong growth in DuraSorb and PriMatrix, offset by declines in MicroMatrix and Integra Skin.
Beginning this quarter, we are referring to our Private Label business as Corporate Partnerships, a name that better reflects the nature of these customer relationships. Corporate Partnerships, was approximately flat compared to the third quarter of last year.
Balance Sheet, Cash Flow and Capital Allocation

The Company generated cash flow from operations of $96.0 million in the quarter. Net debt at the end of the quarter was $1.5 billion, and the consolidated total leverage ratio was 3.8x.

As of the end of the quarter, the Company had total liquidity of approximately $559 million, including $311.9 million in cash plus short-term investments and the remainder available under its revolving credit facility.

Debt Refinancing and Enhanced Financial Flexibility

On October 19, 2026, the Company completed a $2.1 billion debt refinancing consisting of a $1.65 billion senior secured credit facility and $450 million aggregate principal amount of 9.5% senior secured notes due 2033. The new credit facility consists of a $600 million Term Loan A, a $600 million revolving credit facility, and a $450 million Term Loan B.

The Company used the proceeds from the refinancing to repay its existing credit facilities and pay related fees and expenses. The transaction extended the Company’s debt maturity profile, enhanced financial flexibility, and supports the Company’s continued focus on cash generation and deleveraging. Additional information regarding the refinancing is available in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Related to the refinancing, the amended debt covenants provide additional near-term covenant capacity by temporarily increasing the Company’s maximum allowable net leverage ratio from its current level followed by scheduled step-downs to 4.25x during 2027. Under the previous covenants the step down for 2027 was to 4.0x. The Company expects the increase in its effective interest rate to be near the high end of the previously communicated 100- to 200-basis-point range.

2026 Revenue and Adjusted Earnings Per Share Guidance

For the fourth quarter of 2026, the Company expects reported revenues in the range of $413 million to $433 million, representing a reported decline of -5.2% to -0.5% and an organic decline of -5.1% to -0.4%. The Company expects adjusted earnings per diluted share in the range of $0.61 to $0.71.

For the full year 2026, the Company expects revenues in the range of $1.634 billion to $1.654 billion representing reported growth of -0.1% to 1.2% and organic growth of -0.3% to 0.9%. The Company expects adjusted earnings per diluted share in the range of $2.30 to $2.40. The Company continues to expect operating cash flow of approximately $190 million to $200 million for the full year. These expectations are consistent with the preliminary results and updated guidance provided on October 2, 2026.

The updated fourth quarter and full-year outlook reflects the expected revenue impact of the Cincinnati disruption, an updated outlook for Tissue Reconstruction performance, and a consistent outlook for Specialty Surgery. The adjusted earnings per diluted share outlook also reflects business interruption insurance recoveries for lost revenue related to the Cincinnati disruption and incremental interest expense associated with the refinancing.

Conference Call and Presentation Available Online

Integra has scheduled a conference call for 8:30 a.m. ET on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, to discuss third quarter 2026 financial results and forward looking financial guidance. The conference call will be hosted by Integra’s senior management team and will be open to all listeners. Additional forward looking information may be discussed in a question and answer session following the call. Integra’s management team will reference a presentation during the conference call, which can be found in the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at investor.integralife.com. A live webcast will also be available in the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at investor.integralife.com.

A live webcast will be available on the Investors section of the Company’s website at investor.integralife.com. For those planning to participate on the call, register here to receive dial-in details and an individual pin. While not required, it is recommended to join 10 minutes prior to the event’s start. A webcast replay of the conference call will be available on the Investors section of the company’s website following the call.

(Press release, Integra LifeSciences, OCT 21, 2026, View Source [SID1234673642])

IMUNON Announces Strategic Sale of ThermoDox®

On October 21, 2026 IMUNON, Inc. (Nasdaq: IMNN), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing DNA-mediated immunotherapies, reported that it has entered into an agreement to sell its rights to ThermoDox, a heat-activated liposomal formulation of doxorubicin, to VoxelDox Therapeutics, Inc. ("VoxelDox"). Under the agreement, VoxelDox intends to advance the development of ThermoDox for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a difficult-to-treat form of brain cancer. In exchange, IMUNON will receive an equity ownership stake in VoxelDox, payments of up to $16.5 million contingent upon meeting development milestones and significant royalties on future net sales of ThermoDox product following commercial approval.

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Closing of the transaction is contingent upon VoxelDox completing a planned $2.5 million financing to support initiation of a Phase 1 clinical trial in patients with glioblastoma. The companies are announcing the agreement in advance of closing to provide visibility into the intended transaction and IMUNON’s continued strategic focus. The transaction enables IMUNON to retain potential long-term economic participation in ThermoDox while dedicating its financial and operational resources to advancing IMNN-001, the Company’s lead clinical program.

"We are pleased that ThermoDox has found a steward committed to advancing its development for the benefit of patients," said Stacy R. Lindborg, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of IMUNON. "This agreement is consistent with our previously announced strategy to identify a development partner for this promising drug candidate and demonstrates our disciplined approach to portfolio management and capital allocation. By creating a path to realize future value from a legacy asset that has been fully written off, the transaction allows our organization to remain singularly focused on the successful execution of the pivotal Phase 3 OVATION 3 trial of IMNN-001 in frontline advanced ovarian cancer. We look forward to following VoxelDox’s progress as it works to advance this technology for patients with glioblastoma."

Under the terms of the agreement, upon completion of VoxelDox’s financing, IMUNON will receive an equity interest of approximately 4.76% in VoxelDox, together with the potential to receive up to $16.5 million in aggregate development and sales-based milestone payments and tiered royalties ranging from 3.5% to 6% on net sales of ThermoDox-related products, if approved. IMUNON’s realization of any milestone or royalty payments, or of value from its equity position, is subject to VoxelDox’s success in financing, developing, and, if applicable, commercializing the asset, and there can be no assurance that any such value will be realized.

(Press release, IMUNON, OCT 21, 2026, View Source [SID1234673641])