On May 11, 2026 Bicara Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: BCAX) reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026 and provided a business update.

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"The first quarter of 2026 reflects strong progress as we work to position ficerafusp alfa as the cornerstone of treatment in HPV-negative head and neck cancer. In addition to advancing our FORTIFI-HN01 pivotal trial, we continued to enroll patients in additional Phase 1b signal-seeking studies as we aim to unlock the full blockbuster potential of ficerafusp alfa. Based on recent FDA discussions, we plan to initiate a randomized study to evaluate a loading and every-three-week maintenance dosing regimen – further differentiating ficerafusp alfa and expanding optionality for patients and providers. We also look forward to sharing an important data update at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2026, which will further characterize the role of TGF-β in driving depth and durability of response across three 1L R/M HNSCC expansion cohorts," said Claire Mazumdar, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer at Bicara Therapeutics. "Alongside our clinical progress, we are rapidly evolving toward becoming a commercial-stage company, and to support that evolution, today we announced several executive changes. David Raben has transitioned from Chief Medical Officer to a Senior Executive Advisor role after three years of instrumental contributions, and Bill Schelman, formerly Executive Vice President of Clinical Development, has stepped into the Chief Medical Officer role. We have also welcomed Chris Sarchi as our Chief Commercial Officer, who brings extensive oncology commercialization and leadership experience as we build toward launch."

First Quarter 2026 Highlights and Recent Progress

FORTIFI-HN01: Pivotal Phase 2/3 Clinical Trial of Ficerafusp Alfa in First Line (1L) Recurrent or Metastatic (R/M) HPV-Negative Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC)

Continued strong execution in FORTIFI-HN01, our pivotal trial in 1L HPV-negative R/M HNSCC; expect to be substantially enrolled by the end of the year to enable an interim analysis in mid-2027 to support potential accelerated approval.
Based on recent discussions with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the company plans to initiate a randomized clinical study that will evaluate ficerafusp alfa in combination with pembrolizumab, administered as a 12-week loading dose of 1500mg weekly (QW) followed by maintenance dosing of 2250mg every three weeks (Q3W). The company expects to initiate the study in the third quarter of 2026 to have results in time for potential U.S. accelerated approval.
Phase 1b Studies of Ficerafusp Alfa Across HNSCC and Other Solid Tumor Types

Continued to enroll multiple Phase 1b expansion cohorts to identify early proof-of-concept signals and inform ficerafusp alfa development strategy beyond 1L R/M HPV-negative HNSCC.
Published a manuscript detailing results from a Phase 1b expansion cohort evaluating 1500mg of ficerafusp alfa QW in combination with pembrolizumab in 1L R/M HNSCC in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Read the manuscript here.
Corporate Highlights

Announced that effective May 8, 2026, Bill Schelman, M.D., Ph.D., previously the company’s Executive Vice President, Clinical Development, has succeeded David Raben, M.D., as Chief Medical Officer, and Dr. Raben has transitioned to serve as a Senior Executive Advisor. With this promotion, Dr. Schelman is responsible for medical affairs and clinical development. In his new role, Dr. Raben will advise on clinical development strategy across the company’s portfolio.
Announced that effective May 8, 2026, Chris Sarchi was appointed as Chief Commercial Officer. In this role, he will lead the commercial organization in preparation for launch readiness.
Key Anticipated Upcoming Milestones

HNSCC

Present long-term follow-up data, which will further characterizing the role of TGF-β inhibition in driving depth and durability of response, from three Phase 1b expansion cohorts of ficerafusp alfa in combination with pembrolizumab in 1L R/M HPV-negative HNSCC at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, which will be held from May 29-June 2, 2026 in Chicago, IL.
Other Solid Tumors, Including mCRC

Present data from Phase 1b expansion cohort evaluating ficerafusp alfa both as monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with 3L+ mCRC (RAS/BRAF wild type MSS) in the second half of 2026.
First Quarter 2026 Financial Results

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities: As of March 31, 2026, Bicara had cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of $539.8 million, compared to $414.8 million in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities as of December 31, 2025. The company received approximately $161.8 million in net proceeds from an oversubscribed public offering in the first quarter of 2026. Based on its current operating and development plans, the company expects that its existing cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities will fund operations into the first half of 2029.
Research and Development Expenses: Research and development expenses were $47.5 million for the first quarter of 2026 as compared to $34.3 million for the first quarter of 2025. The increase was primarily due to costs associated with the ongoing FORTIFI-HN01 pivotal trial, as well as the company’s ongoing Phase 1/1b dose expansion cohorts, and an increase in personnel costs.
General and Administrative Expenses: General and administrative expenses were $12.7 million for the first quarter of 2026 as compared to $7.5 million for the first quarter of 2025. The increase was primarily due to additional personnel costs and professional fees to support advancement of our clinical trials.
Net Loss: Net loss totaled $56.2 million for the first quarter of 2026 compared to $36.8 million for the first quarter of 2025.
Upcoming Investor Conferences

Bicara Therapeutics will participate in two upcoming investor conferences:

BofA Securities Health Care Conference 2026 on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 9:20 a.m. PT.
TD Cowen 7th Annual Oncology Innovation Summit: Insights for ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) & EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper) on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. ET.
A live webcast of the fireside chats will be accessible through the Investor Relations section of Bicara’s website under Events and Presentations. A replay of the webcast will be archived and available for 30 days following the event.

Conference Call Information

Bicara will host a live conference call and webcast at 8:30 a.m. ET today to discuss first quarter 2026 financial results and recent business activities. Individuals may register for the conference call by clicking the link here. Once registered, participants will receive dial-in details and a unique PIN that will allow them to access the call. An audio webcast will be accessible through the Investor Relations section of Bicara’s website under Events and Presentations. An archived replay will also be available for 30 days following the event.

(Press release, Bicara Therapeutics, MAY 11, 2026, View Source [SID1234665476])