On April 16, 2026 Promega Corporation, a Madison, Wisconsin-based life science tools company, reported it will present new technologies for cell health, target engagement and oncology diagnostics at the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2026 in San Diego, April 17-22. Researchers attending the conference can explore tools spanning oncology research, drug discovery and diagnostics workflows at Booth #2229 in the San Diego Convention Center.

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Topics to be discussed at the conference include:

Lumit hKi-67 Immunoassay for Cell Proliferation: A plate-based assay for tracking a well-known marker of cell proliferation
TarSeer BRETSA Target Engagement System: A cellular, tracer-free, bioluminescence-resonance energy transfer (BRET)-based system that detects compound-protein interactions
Microsatellite Instability (MSI) Companion Diagnostics: Promega OncoMate MSI Dx Analysis System recently received regulatory approvals from the U.S. FDA and the NMPA in China.
Automated Nucleic Acid Extraction on KingFisher Instruments: Promega has released preconfigured protocols for implementing Maxwell HT purification chemistry on KingFisher Flex and Apex
Promega scientists will also be presenting thirteen research posters during the event, including the first reveal of the company’s red-shifted NanoPrism luciferase. Highlights include:

Two-color bioluminescence analyses pairing NanoLuc and red-shifted NanoPrism luciferases: Sunday April 19, 2:00 – 5:00 pm | Section 13, Board 6, Abstract #288
BRETSA: A BRET-based assay for ultra-sensitive measurement of target engagement through protein denaturation in live cells: Tuesday, April 21, 2:00 – 5:00 pm | Section 39, Board 27, Abstract #6427
Lumit-based profiling of degrader dynamics reveals signaling-dependent, cell context-specific sensitivity to degraders: Tuesday, April 21, 2:00 – 5:00 pm | Section 15, Board 26, Abstract #5799

(Press release, Promega, APR 16, 2026, View Source [SID1234664451])

On April 16, 2026 Acerand Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapies in oncology, metabolic diseases, and immunology, reported updated results from its first-in-human Phase I/II study ACE-106-001 (NCT06380660) evaluating ACE-106 (ACE-86225106) in patients with advanced solid tumors.

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As of February 5, 2026, 57 heavily pretreated patients, with a median three prior lines of therapies, had received ACE-106. No dose-limiting toxicities or Grade 4–5 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred. Grade 3 TRAEs occurred in 17.5% of patients, with no apparent evidence of dose-dependent toxicity. ACE-106 has also shown a safety profile that compares favorably with currently approved PARP inhibitors, including lower rates of hematologic toxicity.

ACE-106 showed encouraging and durable antitumor activity across tumor types. Among evaluable homologous recombination repair-mutated (HRRm) patients, the objective response rate (ORR) was 32%, with a disease control rate (DCR) of 58%. Responses remain ongoing, and the median duration of response has not yet reached.

In patients with HRRm metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), ACE-106 achieved an ORR of 50% and a PSA50 response rate of 37%, and a median progression-free survival (mPFS) of 7.4 months. In PARPi–naïve HRRm ovarian cancer, ACE-106 demonstrated an ORR of 67% and a DCR of 100%.

Pharmacokinetic data supports once-daily dosing, with dose-proportional exposure and a favorable half-life.

Based on these results, Acerand plans to initiate a randomized Phase II study evaluating ACE-106 in combination with an androgen receptor pathway inhibitor (ARPI) versus ARPI alone in prostate cancer. "These data reinforce ACE-106’s differentiated profile and support its potential as a best-in-class PARP1 inhibitor," said Acerand. "We believe ACE-106 is well positioned for combination strategies and broader clinical development."

Detailed results will be presented at the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2026 (Abstract CT064).

About ACE-106 (ACE-86225106)

ACE-106 is a next-generation, highly selective PARP1 inhibitor designed to improve the therapeutic index relative to approved PARP inhibitors.

(Press release, Acerand Therapeutics, APR 16, 2026, View Source [SID1234664450])

On April 16, 2026 Ankyra Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering anchored immunotherapy to deliver better outcomes for people with cancer and other serious diseases, reported two poster presentations will be featured at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, taking place April 17-22 in San Diego.

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The presentations cover data from the ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial of tolododekin alfa, a novel IL-12 anchored immunotherapy, and preclinical data on anchored immunotherapy in combination with HDAC for the treatment of checkpoint-refractory solid tumors. Patients interested in enrolling in the Phase 1 clinical trial at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), may contact the toll-free number 1-800-4-Cancer (1-800-422-6237) (TTY: 1-800-332-8615) and/or visit the web site: View Source and/or email [email protected].

Presentation details:

Title: Immune Escape via Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Solid Tumor Cancer Patients Treated with Anchored IL-12 (Tolododekin Alfa)?

Type: Poster Presentation
Session: First-in-Human Phase 1 Clinical Trials
Date and time: April 20, 2:00-5:00pm PST
Abstract number: CT123
Lead author: Wiem Lassoued, Ph.D., Center for Immuno-oncology, National Cancer Institute
Title: Intratumoral IL-12 in combination with HDAC inhibition overcomes checkpoint-refractory tumors

Type: Poster Presentation
Session: Combination Immunotherapies
Date and time: April 20, 9:00am-12:00pm PST
Abstract number: 1563
Lead author: Ainara Meler, Ph.D., Center for Immuno-oncology, National Cancer Institute
About tolodoken alfa

Tolododekin alfa is an investigational, first-in-class interleukin-12 (IL-12)-anchored immunotherapy. IL-12 is a highly potent proinflammatory cytokine, but its therapeutic use has been limited by toxicity. With Ankyra’s anchoring technology, tolododekin alfa has been shown to deliver and retain high doses of IL-12 in the tumor microenvironment. Early results from an ongoing Phase 1 study show durable retention within tumors, encouraging clinical activity, and a favorable safety profile, with no dose-limiting toxicities across multiple difficult-to-treat solid tumor types. Ankyra is also evaluating tolododekin alfa for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

(Press release, Ankyra Therapeutics, APR 16, 2026, View Source [SID1234664449])

On April 16, 2026 Revvity, Inc. reported its latest innovations in cancer research at the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2026, to be held in San Diego, April 17-22. The Company’s comprehensive suite of research use only (RUO) oncology solutions are designed to elevate preclinical and translational research workflows, helping scientists accelerate discoveries that drive the future of cancer science.

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The full scope of Revvity’s integrated oncology solutions and reagents that will be on display are designed to support the entire cancer research workflow from sample preparation and assay development, to advanced imaging, detection, and data analysis. By combining innovative technologies with AI-driven insights, Revvity helps researchers generate high-quality, reproducible data and uncover deeper biological insights faster.

"Our focus is on empowering researchers with connected, end-to-end solutions that remove complexity and accelerate progress," said Kevin Quick, vice president, platforms at Revvity. "At AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper), we’ll demonstrate how our technologies are helping advance cancer research and ultimately contribute to improved patient outcomes."

Attendees will experience several of Revvity’s latest innovations, including:

Opera Phenix OptIQ high-content screening system for advanced 3D and live-cell imaging
Living Image Synergy AI software for multimodal in vivo imaging data analysis
EnVision Nexus One multimode plate reader for high-sensitivity detection and performance
AssayMate automated workstation for simplified, accessible sample preparation
Dharmacon ON-TARGETplus 2.0 siRNA for potent on-target mRNA knockdown with siRNA designed against the modern genome
Next-generation reagents and assay solutions, such as ATPlite and Spark PLUS UV395, designed to enhance workflow consistency and data quality
Together, these solutions reflect Revvity’s strategy to deliver integrated technologies that connect workflows, reduce variability, and enable more confident decision-making in cancer research, including advanced cellular imaging, AI-enabled in vivo analysis, high-performance detection, automation, and genomics tools.

By bringing together instrumentation, reagents, software, and services, Revvity supports researchers at every stage of the scientific journey, helping overcome complex research challenges, increase productivity, and translate discoveries into meaningful impact.

(Press release, Revvity, APR 16, 2026, View Source [SID1234664448])

On April 16, 2026 Vir Biotechnology, Inc. (Nasdaq: VIR) reported that its global collaboration and licensing agreement with Astellas announced on February 23, 2026 has closed following expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976. The collaboration aims to accelerate the development of VIR-5500, a prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeted, PRO-XTEN dual-masked T-cell engager (TCE) for metastatic prostate cancer.

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Summary Financial Terms

Upon closing, Vir Biotechnology receives a $240 million upfront payment and a $75 million equity investment at a price of $10.36 per share. The Company will also receive a near-term $20 million milestone payment, will split U.S. profit/loss equally with Astellas (50/50), and is eligible to receive up to an additional $1.37 billion in development, regulatory and sales milestones, along with tiered, double-digit royalties on ex-U.S. net sales. Under the terms of Vir Biotechnology’s licensing agreement with Sanofi, a portion of certain collaboration proceeds will be shared with Sanofi.

About VIR-5500

T-cell engagers (TCEs) are powerful anti-tumor agents that can direct the immune system, specifically T-cells, to destroy cancer cells. VIR-5500 is an investigational PRO-XTEN dual-masked TCE currently being evaluated in an open-label, non-randomized Phase 1 clinical trial (NCT05997615) designed to assess the safety, pharmacokinetics and preliminary efficacy in participants with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). VIR-5500 is the only dual-masked PSMA-targeting TCE in clinical evaluation.

VIR-5500 combines a bispecific PSMA and CD3 binding TCE with the PRO-XTEN masking technology. The PRO-XTEN masking technology is designed to keep the TCEs inactive (or masked) until they reach the tumor microenvironment, where tumor-specific proteases cleave off the mask and activate the TCEs, leading to killing of cancer cells by T-cells. By confining the activity to the tumor microenvironment, we aim to circumvent the traditionally high toxicity associated with unmasked TCEs and increase their efficacy and tolerability. Additionally, the mask is designed to help drug candidates stay in the bloodstream longer in their inactive form, allowing them to better reach the site of action and potentially allowing for less frequent dosing regimens.

(Press release, Vir Biotechnology, APR 16, 2026, View Source [SID1234664447])