Third Arc Bio Announces $52M Series A Extension to Expand Oncology and Immunology & Inflammation Portfolio

On February 4, 2026 Third Arc Bio Inc., a clinical stage biotech company developing novel multifunctional antibodies for a range of oncology and immunology & inflammation (I&I) indications, reported the closing of a $52 million Series A extension.

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New investor Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) joined Third Arc Bio’s existing world-class investor syndicate to further validate the company’s approach to deliver transformational therapies for patients. As part of the financing, a16z General Partner, Jorge Conde, joins Third Arc Bio’s Board of Directors. Proceeds from the financing will enable Third Arc Bio to accelerate its I&I portfolio and deliver additional oncology programs into the clinic.

"Third Arc represents a shift toward more precise immune modulation—moving beyond systemic exposure to therapies designed to deliver highly controlled biological effects at sites of disease," said Jorge Conde, General Partner at a16z. "The company’s platforms, combined with a team that has repeatedly translated complex immunology into approved medicines, reflect a rigorous, patient-driven approach to building biologics that can improve both efficacy and safety across oncology and immune-mediated disease."

Since its launch in 2022 with seed financing from Omega Funds, Third Arc Bio has assembled a highly experienced team with a proven track record of drug discovery and development, alongside an innovative platform and a pipeline of multispecific antibodies. The company’s lead asset, ARC101, is a bispecific T cell engager targeting CLDN6 currently in Phase 1 dose escalation in patients with advanced solid tumors.

"This financing allows us to maintain momentum across our expanding oncology portfolio while rapidly advancing our next-generation I&I assets into first-in-human studies," said Peter F. Lebowitz, MD, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Third Arc Bio. "By parallel-tracking programs, we can more efficiently validate the full potential of our platforms, rapidly generate proof-of-concept data, and deliver innovative therapies for patients with significant unmet need."

Third Arc Bio’s approach to I&I is anchored by its ARCTag (Tethered Agonist) Platform, which leverages multispecific antibodies to localize immune modulation directly to sites of disease. This targeted activity represents a meaningful advance beyond conventional systemic autoimmune therapies, offering the potential for enhanced efficacy and therapeutic index.

(Press release, Third Arc Bio, FEB 4, 2026, View Source;inflammation-portfolio-302678506.html [SID1234662485])

Providence Therapeutics Announces World-First Personalized Pediatric mRNA Cancer Vaccine Trial

On February 4, 2026 Providence Therapeutics, a Canadian clinical-stage mRNA biotechnology company, reported a world-first clinical trial evaluating personalized mRNA cancer vaccines for children with advanced and treatment-resistant brain tumors.

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The PaedNEO-VAX trial, funded by Providence Therapeutics, in combination with the Australian Government and a host of philanthropic donors, is the first multi-site pediatric study to test individualized mRNA vaccines designed specifically for each child’s cancer.

The trial is co-led by The University of Queensland and the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) and will begin in March 2026 across seven pediatric hospitals in Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia. It is sponsored by the Australia & New Zealand Children’s Haematology and Oncology Group (ANZCHOG).

Providence Therapeutics is contributing its proprietary mRNA vaccine platform and manufacturing expertise to support the creation of personalized vaccines tailored to each patient’s tumor biology.

A New Frontier for Pediatric Brain Cancer

PaedNEO-VAX is open to children and adolescents with relapsed or refractory high-grade brain tumors, including high-grade glioma, diffuse midline glioma, medulloblastoma, and ependymoma.

Phase I will establish safety and optimal dosing, while Phase II will evaluate clinical outcomes such as disease progression, survival, and quality of life for patients and families.

Using genome sequencing and advanced data analysis, tumor-specific targets will be identified for each child. Customized mRNA vaccines will then be manufactured in Australia by Southern RNA, with an expected turnaround of approximately 10 weeks from enrollment to dosing.

"Where Hope and Science Intersect"

Providence’s interest in pediatric brain cancer is deeply rooted and personal.

"In 2013, my 13-year-old son Adam was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and given about 12 months to live. We were fortunate that we were able to get him into remission, and in 2015 I founded Providence Therapeutics with the mission to be ready if his cancer came back." said Brad Sorenson, Founder and CEO of Providence Therapeutics. "In early 2024 that horrible day came when his GBM recurred in his brainstem and throughout his spine, and we rushed to make a personalized vaccine for him. Adam was the first person to receive a Providence cancer vaccine, and he responded remarkably well. It is a rare good-news story, and he is still doing well today. Providence’s mission today is to see Adam’s success shared as widely as possible."

"This trial embodies our mantra of ‘Where Hope and Science Intersect.’ After more than a decade of scientific work, Providence is honoured to help bring hope to families facing devastating diagnoses. We are proud to support this world-first pediatric trial in Australia and hopeful that it will pave the way for similar initiatives in Canada and throughout the world."

An Open Invitation to Canada and the USA

Providence Therapeutics views this landmark trial as both a scientific breakthrough and a model for collaboration.

Following the Australian example, Providence welcomes dialogue with Canadian and USA leaders, cancer foundations, and cancer research organizations interested in exploring how similar cancer vaccine programs could be advanced in Canada and the USA.

This trial demonstrates what is possible when public investment, clinical leadership, and patient-driven innovation align — offering children and families facing the most aggressive cancers something profoundly needed: Hope.

(Press release, Providence Therapeutics, FEB 4, 2026, View Source [SID1234662484])

Beyond Cancer Abstract Featuring Phase 1 Data on Intratumoral Ultra-High Concentration Nitric Oxide (UNO) in Solid Tumor Metastases to be Presented at the AACR Annual Meeting 2026

On February 4, 2026 Beyond Cancer, Ltd., a clinical stage biotechnology company developing ultra-high concentration nitric oxide (UNO) as an immunotherapeutic for solid tumors and subsidiary of Beyond Air, Inc. (NASDAQ: XAIR), reported being selected to present an abstract featuring data from the Phase 1 trial of intratumoral UNO in solid tumor metastases at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2026, which is scheduled to be held from Friday, April 17th, through Wednesday, April 22nd, at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California. The original submitted abstract titles and text are scheduled to be published in an Online Itinerary Planner on March 17, 2026 at 4:30 PM ET / 1:30 PM PT.

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AACR Annual Meeting 2026 Abstract Details:
Presenter: Amichay Meirovitz, MD, Soroka University Medical Center, Beersheba, Israel
Session Category: Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics
Session Title: Innovative Therapeutic Modalities and Translational Platforms
Session Start: April 19, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM PT
Session End: April 19, 2026 at 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT
Location: Poster Section 13, San Diego Convention Center
Poster Board Number: 22
Poster Number: 304

(Press release, Beyond Air, FEB 4, 2026, View Source [SID1234662483])

Rezolute to Participate in the Guggenheim Emerging Outlook: Biotech Summit 2026

On February 4, 2026 Rezolute, Inc. (Nasdaq: RZLT) ("Rezolute" or the "Company"), a late-stage rare disease company focused on treating hypoglycemia caused by all forms of hyperinsulinism (HI), reported that management will participate in the Guggenheim Emerging Outlook: Biotech Summit 2026, taking place February 11-12, 2026 in New York.

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Management will be participating in one-on-one investor meetings throughout the conference. Investors interested in scheduling a meeting with the Rezolute management team should contact their Guggenheim representative.

(Press release, Rezolute, FEB 4, 2026, View Source [SID1234662482])

Verastem Oncology Provides Preliminary Fourth Quarter and 2025 Revenue and Business Updates and Outlines 2026 Strategic Priorities for Novel Portfolio Targeting RAS/MAPK Pathway-Driven Cancers

On February 4, 2026 Verastem Oncology (Nasdaq: VSTM), a biopharmaceutical company committed to advancing new medicines for patients with RAS/MAPK pathway-driven cancers, reported preliminary, unaudited fourth quarter and full year 2025 net product revenues for AVMAPKI FAKZYNJA CO-PACK, business updates, and 2026 priorities.

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"2025 was a transformative year for Verastem Oncology and the patients we serve. We transitioned to a commercial-stage company with the launch of AVMAPKI FAKZYNJA CO-PACK, the first treatment specifically approved by the FDA for KRAS-mutated recurrent low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC). We also advanced multiple clinical programs across several RAS/MAPK pathway-driven solid tumor cancers," said Dan Paterson, president and chief executive officer at Verastem Oncology. "In 2026, we are well-positioned to drive sustainable growth with our successful commercial launch and to accelerate our clinical path for VS-7375, our potential best-in-class oral KRAS G12D (ON/OFF) inhibitor, with several important data readouts and preparations for potential registration-directed clinical trials."

Financial Update

· Based on preliminary, unaudited results, Verastem expects AVMAPKI FAKZYNJA CO-PACK net product revenues of approximately $17.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2025 and approximately $30.9 million for the full year 2025. Full year 2025 net product revenue reflects the launch period of May, following U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, through December 2025.
· The Company also announced that as of January 25, 2026 outstanding cash warrants had been exercised, netting $29.4 million. No cash exercise warrants remain outstanding.
· As of December 31, 2025, the Company had cash, cash equivalents, and investments (unaudited) of $205 million; on a pro forma basis, taking into consideration the net proceeds of the cash exercise warrants, cash, cash equivalents and investments were $234 million. With its ongoing product revenue, recent equity financing, and exercise of the remaining cash warrants, the Company expects its cash runway to extend into the first half of 2027.
· Given the growth trajectory of the AVMAPKI FAKZYNJA CO-PACK, Verastem anticipates the LGSOC commercial launch and development program will be self-sustaining by the second half of 2026.

2026 Priorities

In 2026, Verastem will continue to focus on maximizing the commercial launch of AVMAPKI FAKZYNJA CO-PACK while advancing its differentiated pipeline targeting RAS/MAPK-pathway driven cancers to create sustainable long-term growth:

1. AVMAPKI FAKZYNJA CO-PACK (avutometinib; defactinib) – the first treatment specifically approved by the FDA for adults with KRAS-mutated recurrent LGSOC who have received prior systemic therapy. The combination is being evaluated in an ongoing international Phase 3 trial, RAMP 301, in recurrent LGSOC with or without a KRAS mutation. The trial is fully enrolled, as of December 2025, and will serve as a confirmatory study for the initial indication and has the potential to expand the indication regardless of KRAS mutation status. The results will also be leveraged for potential geographic expansion.

The Company announced today updated data from the ongoing RAMP201J Phase 2 clinical trial in Japan evaluating the combination in patients with LGSOC with or without a KRAS mutation. As of the data cutoff on January 30, 2026, 16 patients were efficacy evaluable by investigator assessment, having at least one post-baseline assessment with a median follow-up of 10 months. Of the 16 total patients, a confirmed overall response rate (ORR) of 38% (6/16) was achieved. Among patients with KRAS-mutated recurrent LGSOC, the confirmed ORR was 57% (4/7) and the disease control rate (DCR) was 100% (7/7). Among patients with KRAS wild-type recurrent LGSOC, the confirmed ORR was 22% (2/9) and the DCR was 89% (8/9). Of the 16 patients enrolled, 11 patients remain on treatment. No patients discontinued due to an adverse event. The safety profile was similar to previously reported data.

Verastem expects to:

· Maximize adoption of AVMAPKI FAKZYNJA CO-PACK in the U.S. as the treatment of choice at the earliest recurrence, leveraging its robust clinical data.
· Report a topline readout of the primary endpoint in the RAMP 301 trial in mid-2027.
· Continue to pursue regulatory paths for potential expansion of the product launch into Europe and Japan.

2. VS-7375 – is an investigational, highly selective and oral KRAS G12D (ON/OFF) inhibitor being evaluated in an international Phase 1/2 trial in advanced KRAS G12D solid tumors. The trial continues to enroll in both the monotherapy dose-escalation and dose-expansion cohorts and multiple dose-escalation combination cohorts in various solid tumors including colorectal cancer (CRC), pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

As previously reported, the Company cleared the 400, 600, and 900 mg once daily (QD) dose levels with no dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) and no major toxicities. The monotherapy expansion cohorts have been initiated, and the cohort sizes have been expanded in second-line (2L) PDAC, 2L/3L NSCLC, and 2L+ tumor agnostic solid tumors, including biliary tract cancer (BTC) and endometrial cancer. The Company cleared the 400 mg QD dose in combination with cetuximab with no DLTs and is currently evaluating the 600 mg QD dose level with cetuximab. The combination dose escalation cohorts were initiated in first-line (1L) NSCLC and 2L PDAC at the end of 2025.

Verastem expects to:

· Report an interim update on the Phase 1/2 trial of VS-7375 in 1H 2026.
· Select the recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D) with cetuximab and initiate the CRC combination expansion cohort in 1H 2026.
· Engage with the FDA in 1H 2026 to discuss its development path forward, including potential registration-directed clinical trials in PDAC, NSCLC, and CRC.
· Complete enrollment in combination dose-escalation cohorts in mid-2026.
· Complete enrollment in monotherapy expansion cohorts in 2H 2026.
· Select the RP2D and plan to initiate the PDAC and NSCLC combination expansion cohorts in 2H 2026.

3. Avutometinib Plus Defactinib – is being evaluated in an ongoing RAMP 205 study in combination with standard-of-care chemotherapy in the front line for patients with metastatic PDAC. At the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting in 2025, the Company reported that the first 12 patients enrolled to dose level 1 (DL1) in the RAMP 205 study reported an ORR of 83% (10/12). Seventeen additional patients were enrolled in the DL1 expansion between May and August 2025, and with a minimum follow-up of approximately 4 months, the majority of these patients remain on treatment as of January 2026.

Verastem expects to:

· Report an update on the safety and efficacy of the RAMP 205 expansion cohort with at least six months of follow-up on all patients in Q2 2026.

1The information presented above is unaudited and reflects preliminary estimates subject to the completion of financial closing procedures and any adjustments that may result from the finalization of the quarter and annual review of the Company’s financial statements by external auditors. Verastem plans to report the final 4Q2025 and full year 2025 results during its fourth quarter 2025 earnings call in early March 2026

Guggenheim Emerging Outlook: Biotech Summit

The Company’s leadership will participate in a fireside chat at the Guggenheim Emerging Outlook: Biotech Summit on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 2:00 pm ET in New York. A live webcast of the fireside chat can be accessed under "Events & Presentations" on the Company’s website at www.verastem.com. A replay of the webcast will be archived on the website for approximately 90 days following the presentation.

About AVMAPKI and FAKZYNJA Combination Therapy  

AVMAPKI (avutometinib) inhibits MEK kinase activity while also blocking the compensatory reactivation of MEK by upstream RAF. RAF and MEK proteins are regulators of the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK (MAPK) pathway. Blocking RAF and/or MEK activates FAK, a key mediator of drug resistance. FAKZYNJA (defactinib) is a FAK inhibitor and together, the avutometinib and defactinib combination was designed to provide a more complete blockade of the signaling that drives the growth and drug resistance of RAS/MAPK pathway-dependent tumors.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved AVMAPKI FAKZYNJA CO-PACK (avutometinib capsules; defactinib tablets) for the treatment of adult patients with KRAS-mutated recurrent LGSOC who have received prior systemic therapy on May 8, 2025. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial. Verastem is conducting RAMP 301 (GOG-3097/ENGOT-ov81/GTG-UK) (NCT06072781), an international Phase 3 confirmatory trial evaluating the combination of avutometinib and defactinib versus standard chemotherapy or hormonal therapy for the treatment of recurrent low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC) with and without a KRAS mutation. Verastem is also evaluating avutometinib plus defactinib with standard-of-care chemotherapy as a potential treatment in the first-line for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer (RAMP 205; NCT05669482). Avutometinib and defactinib are not approved by the FDA or any other regulatory authority, either in combination or with other therapies, for any of these investigative uses. Neither avutometinib nor defactinib are approved by the FDA or any other regulatory authority on a stand-alone basis for any use.

AVMAPKI FAKZYNJA CO-PACK U.S. Indication  

Indication  

AVMAPKI FAKZYNJA CO-PACK is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with KRAS-mutated recurrent low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC) who have received prior systemic therapy.  

This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.  

Important Safety Information  

Warnings and Precautions  

· Ocular Toxicities: Ocular toxicities, including visual impairment and vitreoretinal disorders, occurred. Perform comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation at baseline, prior to cycle 2, every three cycles thereafter, and as clinically indicated. Withhold AVMAPKI FAKZYNJA CO-PACK for ocular toxicities until improvement at the same or reduced dose. Permanently discontinue AVMAPKI FAKZYNJA CO-PACK for any grade 4 toxicity.   
· Serious Skin Toxicities: Skin toxicities, including photosensitivity and severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARSs) occurred. Adhere to concomitant medications. Monitor for skin toxicities and interrupt, reduce or permanently discontinue AVMAPKI FAKZYNJA CO-PACK based on severity, tolerability and duration.  
· Hepatotoxicity: Monitor liver function tests prior to each cycle, on day 15 of the first 4 cycles, and as clinically indicated. Withhold, reduce or discontinue AVMAPKI FAKZYNJA CO-PACK based on severity and persistence of abnormality.   
· Rhabdomyolysis: Monitor creatine phosphokinase prior to the start of each cycle, on day 15 of the first four cycles, and as clinically indicated. If increased CPK occurs, evaluate patients for rhabdomyolysis or other causes. Withhold, reduce or permanently discontinue AVMAPKI FAKZYNJA CO-PACK based on severity and duration of the adverse reaction.   
· Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: AVMAPKI FAKZYNJA CO-PACK can cause fetal harm. Advise patients of the potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception.  

Adverse Reactions  

The most common (≥ 25%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were increased creatine phosphokinase, nausea, fatigue, increased aspartate aminotransferase, rash, diarrhea, musculoskeletal pain, edema, decreased hemoglobin, increased alanine aminotransferase, vomiting, increased blood bilirubin, increased triglycerides, decreased lymphocyte count, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, dermatitis acneiform, vitreoretinal disorders, increased alkaline phosphatase, stomatitis, pruritus, visual impairment, decreased platelet count, constipation, dry skin, dyspnea, cough, urinary tract infection, and decreased neutrophil count.  

Drug Interactions  

· Strong and moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors: Avoid concomitant use with AVMAPKI FAKZYNJA CO-PACK.  
· Strong and moderate CYP3A4 inducers: Avoid concomitant use with AVMAPKI FAKZYNJA CO-PACK.  
· Warfarin: Avoid concomitant use of AVMAPKI FAKZYNJA CO-PACK with warfarin and use an alternative to warfarin.   
· Gastric acid reducing agents: Avoid concomitant use of AVMAPKI FAKZYNJA CO-PACK with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 receptor antagonists. If use of an acid-reducing agent cannot be avoided, administer FAKZYNJA 2 hours before or 2 hours after the administration of a locally acting antacid.   

Use in Specific Populations  

· Lactation: Advise not to breastfeed.  
· Fertility: May impair fertility in males and females.  

About VS-7375, an Oral KRAS G12D (ON/OFF) Inhibitor  

VS-7375 is a potential best-in-class, potent, and selective oral KRAS G12D dual ON/OFF inhibitor. VS-7375 is the lead program from the Verastem Oncology discovery and development collaboration with GenFleet Therapeutics. Verastem initiated VS-7375-101, an international Phase 1/2 clinical trial, in June of 2025 in the U.S., that is evaluating the safety and efficacy of VS-7375 in patients with advanced KRAS G12D mutant solid tumors. Verastem announced in April 2025 that the U.S. Investigational New Drug (IND) application for VS-7375 was cleared.

(Press release, Verastem, FEB 4, 2026, View Source [SID1234662481])