Immatics Announces Four Upcoming Oral Presentations Across Its Clinical Cell Therapy and Bispecific Portfolio at 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting

On April 21, 2026 Immatics N.V. (NASDAQ: IMTX, "Immatics" or the "Company"), the global leader in precision targeting of PRAME with multiple clinical-stage programs spanning cell therapies and bispecifics, reported all submitted abstracts have been selected for oral presentations at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, to be held from May 29-June 2, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois, USA.

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The four oral presentations will include:

Phase 1b clinical data on anzu-cel, the Company’s lead PRAME cell therapy, in advanced cutaneous and uveal melanoma with a focus on characterizing response dynamics
Updated Phase 1a dose-escalation and Phase 1b dose-expansion data for the second-generation (GEN2) PRAME cell therapy candidate, IMA203CD8, in gynecologic cancers at clinically relevant dose levels, which could support its development toward a tumor-agnostic approach
Updated Phase 1 data on PRAME cell therapies in synovial sarcoma, further demonstrating the potential to address diverse tumor types beyond melanoma and gynecologic cancers
Updated results for the MAGEA4/8 bispecific, IMA401, across multiple cancers, highlighting its potential as part of a combination approach with the Company’s PRAME bispecific, IMA402, aimed at synergistic activity and expanded patient reach
Together, these data underscore the continued advancement of Immatics’ PRAME franchise and its focus on developing novel immunotherapies for patients with solid tumors.

Full abstracts will be available on the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) website on May 21, 2026, at 5:00 pm ET.

Details on Oral Presentations

PRAME Cell Therapies: Anzu-cel (IMA203) and IMA203CD8 (GEN2)
Title: Patient-level clinical response dynamics in advanced melanoma with anzutresgene autoleucel (anzu-cel), a PRAME-directed T-cell receptor (TCR) T-cell therapy
Presenting author: Davar Diwakar, MD
Session: Oral Abstract Session – Melanoma/Skin Cancers
Date / Time: June 1, 2026 / 8:00 – 11:00 am CDT
Abstract ID: 9508

Title: Phase 1a study results for IMA203CD8, a PRAME-directed T-cell receptor (TCR) T-cell therapy, in ovarian cancer
Presenting author: Antonia Busse, MD
Session: Rapid Oral Abstract Session – Gynecologic Cancer
Date / Time: May 30, 2026 / 8:00 – 9:30 am CDT
Abstract ID: 5509

Title: Phase 1 study results with PRAME-directed T-cell receptor (TCR) T-cell therapies in synovial sarcoma
Presenting author: Dejka M. Araujo, MD
Session: Rapid Oral Abstract Session – Sarcoma
Date / Time: May 31, 2026 / 4:30 – 6:00 pm CDT
Abstract ID: 11516

MAGEA4/8 Bispecific: IMA401
Title: First-in-human results with IMA401, a MAGEA4/8 targeted T-cell receptor-based bispecific T-cell engager (TCER), in recurrent or refractory solid tumors
Presenting author: Martin Wermke, MD
Session: Developmental Therapeutics – Immunotherapy
Date / Time: May 31, 2026 / 8:00 – 11:00 am CDT
Abstract ID: 2507

(Press release, Immatics, APR 21, 2026, View Source [SID1234664611])

Genprex Signs Sponsored Research Agreement to Study Biomarkers that May Predict Patient Response to Reqorsa® Gene Therapy

On April 21, 2026 Genprex, Inc. ("Genprex" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: GNPX), a clinical-stage gene therapy company focused on developing life-changing therapies for patients with cancer and diabetes, reported the Company has entered into a new Sponsored Research Agreement (SRA) with The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (UT MD Anderson) to study biomarkers that may predict patient response to Reqorsa Gene Therapy (quaratusugene ozeplasmid), the Company’s lead drug candidate that is in development for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

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Shortly after it was founded, Genprex entered its first SRA with UT MD Anderson in 2010, and the two parties have completed several subsequent SRAs. These efforts demonstrate Genprex’s commitment to innovative cancer treatments and improving outcomes for patients through the continued research and development of its oncology pipeline.

In preclinical studies, research collaborators have identified TROP2 and PTEN as two potential biomarkers that may increase the likelihood of patient response to REQORSA. TROP2 (trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that functions as a cell surface receptor. TROP2 overexpression in adult tissues is a hallmark of many solid tumors, making it a major target for modern cancer therapies. PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog) is a tumor suppressor gene that serves as a multi-functional cancer biomarker for risk assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning in a number of cancers.

"We are very excited to expand our research of TROP2 and PTEN to better understand how these biomarkers might predict and improve outcomes in patients treated with REQORSA," said Ryan Confer, President and Chief Executive Officer at Genprex. "We believe this research agreement demonstrates Genprex’s commitment to developing tailored treatment options for lung cancer patients who have unmet medical need, and we believe this research sets Genprex at the forefront of precision oncology treatment."

Research with TROP2 and PTEN may provide insights that could refine Genprex’s patient selection strategies for its Acclaim-1 and Acclaim-3 clinical trials and optimize clinical outcomes.

Acclaim-1 is a Phase 1/2 clinical trial that uses a combination of REQORSA and AstraZeneca’s Tagrisso (osimertinib) in patients with late-stage NSCLC that has activating epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations and progression on treatment with Tagrisso or Tagrisso-containing regimens. Genprex is currently enrolling and treating patients in the Phase 2a expansion portion of the Acclaim-1 clinical trial following the successful completion of the Phase 1 dose escalation portion of the study. The Phase 1 portion showed REQORSA was generally well tolerated with no dose limiting toxicities (DLTs) despite doubling the starting dose. Importantly, the results showed early signs of efficacy with some patients experiencing prolonged progression free survival and one patient having a partial response. There were three patients out of the twelve originally enrolled in the Phase 1 dose escalation portion of the study who had prolonged progression-free survival (PFS). One patient attained a partial remission after the second course of REQORSA and Tagrisso and has maintained this response through 60 courses of treatment (approximately 42 months), and this patient continues to receive REQORSA and Tagrisso treatment to date.

Acclaim-3 is a Phase 1/2 clinical trial that uses a combination of REQORSA and Genentech, Inc.’s Tecentriq (atezolizumab) as maintenance therapy for patients with extensive stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) who did not develop tumor progression after receiving Tecentriq and chemotherapy as initial standard treatment. Patients are treated with REQORSA and Tecentriq until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity is experienced. Genprex is currently enrolling and treating patients in the Phase 2 expansion portion of the Acclaim-3 clinical trial following the successful completion of the Phase 1 dose escalation portion of the study, which showed no DLTs. One patient in the Phase 1 portion of the study achieved an unconfirmed partial remission after 24 cycles of therapy and continues to receive study treatment in the trial after more than 18 months.

"We have seen in our Acclaim clinical trials that there are some patients whose cancer progresses after a short number of cycles of treatment, but we have also seen that some patients benefit from REQORSA for a very long time, in one case for more than three years," said Mark Berger, Chief Medical Officer at Genprex. "It is important to understand why some patients are responding very well to REQORSA, and we believe that the identification of biomarkers will allow us to predict which future patients may have these similar, positive responses. This meaningful research will not only benefit patients, but we believe it will allow for better prediction of those likely to benefit in the future."

(Press release, Genprex, APR 21, 2026, View Source [SID1234664610])

Clinical trial update

On April 21, 2026, Erasca, Inc. (the "Company") reported to have narrowed the time period for the anticipated Phase 1 monotherapy data readout for the Company’s pan-RAS molecular glue ERAS-0015 from the AURORAS-1 and JYP0015M101 clinical trials to no later than mid-May of 2026, from the prior guidance of the first half of 2026. The Company is evaluating ERAS-0015 in the AURORAS-1 Phase 1 trial in patients with RAS-mutant solid tumors, and the Company’s licensor, Guangzhou Joyo Pharmatech Co., Ltd. (Joyo), is evaluating ERAS-0015 in the JYP0015M101 trial in China in patients with advanced solid tumors harboring specific RAS mutations.

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(Press release, Erasca, APR 21, 2026, View Source [SID1234664609])

Merck and Eisai Provide Update on Phase 3 LITESPARK-012 Trial Evaluating First-Line Combination Treatments for Certain Patients With Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC)

On April 21, 2026 Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, and Eisai reported results from the Phase 3 LITESPARK-012 trial evaluating combination regimens for the first-line treatment of patients with advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The trial evaluated the triplet therapy of KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab), Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy, plus LENVIMA (lenvatinib), the orally available multiple receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) discovered by Eisai, plus WELIREG (belzutifan), Merck’s first-in-class, oral hypoxia-inducible factor-2 alpha (HIF-2α) inhibitor. The study also evaluated MK-1308A, the coformulation of KEYTRUDA and quavonlimab, Merck’s investigational anti-CTLA-4 antibody, plus LENVIMA. Both combination regimens were compared to KEYTRUDA plus LENVIMA for these patients.

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At a pre-specified interim analysis, the combination regimens did not meet the dual primary endpoints of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for the first-line treatment of patients with RCC compared to KEYTRUDA plus LENVIMA. The safety profiles of the combination regimens were consistent with those observed in previously reported studies evaluating the individual medicines and the KEYTRUDA plus LENVIMA combination. A full evaluation of the data from this study is ongoing, and Merck and Eisai will work with investigators to share the results with the scientific community.

"With the LITESPARK-012 trial, we explored whether combining therapies with established activity could improve upon well-established standards set by KEYTRUDA-based regimens, reflecting our commitment to continuously explore ways to improve outcomes for the kidney cancer community," said Dr. M. Catherine Pietanza, Vice President, Global Clinical Development, Merck Research Laboratories. "While these regimens did not demonstrate the results we hoped, the data deepen our understanding of advanced renal cell carcinoma and will help shape the next generation of treatment approaches."

"While we are disappointed that LITESPARK-012 did not meet its primary endpoints, the findings reinforce the central role of KEYTRUDA plus LENVIMA in the first-line treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma," said Dr. Corina Dutcus, Senior Vice President, Oncology Global Clinical Development Lead at Eisai Inc. "Findings from trials such as this play an important role in shaping health care providers’ perspectives as the treatment paradigm for advanced renal cell carcinoma continues to evolve. We are committed to advancing the care of people living with this disease and we are grateful to the patients, caregivers and investigators whose participation and dedication made this research possible."

Results from the LITESPARK-012 trial do not affect other ongoing trials from the LITESPARK clinical program, including those conducted jointly with Eisai. As previously announced, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted two supplemental New Drug Applications (sNDA) for review based on the Phase 3 LITESPARK-011 trial evaluating WELIREG in combination with LENVIMA for certain previously treated patients with advanced RCC and has set a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA), or target action, date of Oct. 4, 2026.

KEYTRUDA is currently approved as adjuvant monotherapy and in combination regimens for appropriate patients with RCC in the U.S., European Union (EU), Japan and other countries around the world. For more information, please see the "Selected KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) Indications in the U.S." section below.

KEYTRUDA plus LENVIMA is approved in the U.S., EU, Japan and other countries for the first-line treatment of adult patients with advanced RCC. Lenvatinib is approved as KISPLYX for advanced RCC in the EU.

LENVIMA in combination with everolimus is approved in the U.S., EU and other regions for the treatment of adult patients with advanced RCC following one prior anti-angiogenic therapy.

WELIREG is approved in the U.S., EU, Japan and other countries for the treatment of adult patients with advanced clear cell RCC following a PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor and 1-2 VEGF-TKIs based on results from the Phase 3 LITESPARK-005 trial.

About LITESPARK-012

LITESPARK-012 is a randomized, open-label Phase 3 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04736706) evaluating either the triplet therapy of KEYTRUDA plus LENVIMA plus WELIREG or MK-1308A plus LENVIMA compared to KEYTRUDA plus LENVIMA for the first-line treatment of patients with advanced clear cell RCC. The primary endpoints are PFS, as assessed by blinded independent central review (BICR) according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1 (RECIST v1.1) modified to follow a maximum of 10 target lesions and a maximum of 5 target lesions per organ, and OS. Secondary endpoints are objective response rate and duration of response as assessed by BICR according to RECIST v1.1, as well as safety. The study enrolled 1,688 patients who were randomized to receive:

KEYTRUDA (400 mg intravenously [IV] every six weeks [Q6W]) plus LENVIMA (20 mg orally once daily [QD]) plus WELIREG (120 mg orally QD);
MK-1308A (coformulation of pembrolizumab [400 mg] and quavonlimab [25 mg] IV Q6W) plus LENVIMA (20 mg orally QD);
KEYTRUDA (400 mg IV Q6W) plus LENVIMA (20 mg orally QD).
All study drugs were continued until protocol-specified discontinuation criteria. KEYTRUDA and MK-1308A were administered for up to two years (approximately 18 cycles). WELIREG and LENVIMA may have been administered in combination or as a single agent until progressive disease or discontinuation.

About renal cell carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer, with about nine out of 10 kidney cancer diagnoses being RCC. In 2022, there were about 435,000 new cases of kidney cancer diagnosed and approximately 156,000 deaths from the disease worldwide. Renal cell carcinoma is about twice as common in men as in women. Most cases of RCC are discovered incidentally during imaging tests for other abdominal diseases, and about 70% are a form called clear cell RCC, which tends to be more aggressive and faster spreading. Approximately 30% of patients with kidney cancer are diagnosed at an advanced stage.

(Press release, Eisai, APR 21, 2026, View Source [SID1234664608])

Disc Medicine Announces Oral Presentation of Data from RALLY-MF Phase 2 Trial of DISC-0974 in Patients with Myelofibrosis and Anemia at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting

On April 21, 2026 Disc Medicine, Inc. (NASDAQ:IRON), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of novel treatments for patients suffering from serious hematologic diseases, reported that it will present data from the RALLY-MF Phase 2 trial of DISC-0974 in anemia of myelofibrosis (MF) in an oral abstract session at the upcoming American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, which will be held in Chicago, IL on May 29-June 2, 2026.

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"Initial data from the RALLY-MF trial showed anemia response rates that are unprecedented in the hard-to-treat myelofibrosis population," said John Quisel, J.D., Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Disc Medicine. "We look forward to bringing a more complete dataset, with additional data from patients receiving transfusions, to the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) stage."

The abstract will be published online on the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) conference website on May 21, 2026. Pursuant to Disc Medicine practice, the abstract published will contain previously presented data, and new data and analyses are reserved for presentation at the conference.

DISC-0974 is an investigational agent and is not approved for use as a therapy in any jurisdiction worldwide.

Details of Oral Presentation:

Abstract Number: 6501
Abstract Title: RALLY-MF: Initial efficacy of a phase 2 study of DISC-0974, an anti-hemojuvelin antibody, to treat anemia in myelofibrosis.
Session Type/Title: Oral Abstract Session – Hematologic Malignancies—Leukemia, Myelodysplastic Syndromes, and Allotransplant
Session Date and Time: June 2, 2026, 9:45 AM-12:45 PM CDT
Presenting Author: Naseema Gangat, M.B.B.S.

(Press release, Disc Medicine, APR 21, 2026, View Source [SID1234664607])