Antengene to Present on Three Preclinical Programs at AACR 2026, Highlighting Next-Generation ADCs and AnTenGager™ TCEs

On March 17, 2026 Antengene Corporation Limited ("Antengene", SEHK: 6996.HK) , a leading innovative, commercial-stage global biotech company dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing first-in-class and/or best-in-class medicines for autoimmune disease, solid tumors and hematological malignancies indications, reported that it will present results from three preclinical studies in poster presentations at the 2026 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting (AACR 2026), taking place from April 17th to 22th, at the San Diego Convention Center, California, the United States. The presentations will feature ATG-125 (B7-H3 x PD-L1 bispecific antibody-drug conjugate [ADC]), an IO + ADC dual-function molecule being developed for the treatment of solid tumors, as well as two investigational T cell engagers (TCEs) developed using the company’s proprietary AnTenGager TCE platform, including ATG-106 (CDH6 x CD3 TCE) for ovarian and kidney cancers, and ATG-112 (ALPPL2 x CD3 TCE) for gynecological tumors, digestive system malignancies, bladder cancers and NSCLC.

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Details of the Poster Presentation:
ATG-125 (B7-H3 x PD-L1 bispecific ADC)
Title: ATG-125, a novel B7H3 x PD-L1 bispecific antibody-drug conjugate, demonstrates potent antitumor efficacy by dual targeting of immune evasion and direct tumor killing
Abstract Number: 5599
Session Category: Immunology
Session Title: T Cell Engagers 2 / Antibody-Drug Conjugates 1
Date: April 21, 2026
Time: 02:00 PM – 05:00 PM (Pacific Time)
05:00 AM, April 22, 2026 – 08:00 AM, April 22, 2026 (Beijing Time)
Location: Poster Section 8

Introduction: B7-H3 and PD-L1 are immune checkpoint molecules overexpressed in a wide range of solid tumors and are associated with immune evasion and poor prognosis. ATG-125 is a novel bispecific ADC designed to simultaneously target B7-H3 and PD-L1, enabling targeted cytotoxic payload delivery while modulating immune checkpoint signaling. Preclinical studies evaluated binding affinity, internalization, cytotoxicity, immune activation, and antitumor efficacy in solid tumor models.
Results: ATG-125 demonstrated strong binding to both B7-H3 and PD-L1 and efficient antigen-dependent internalization, enabling intracellular release of a topoisomerase I inhibitor payload. The molecule showed potent target-dependent cytotoxicity across multiple solid tumor cell lines and enhanced T-cell activation in immune assays. In xenograft models, ATG-125 induced marked tumor regression and demonstrated superior antitumor activity compared with single-target ADC comparators.
Conclusion: ATG-125 represents a differentiated bispecific ADC strategy that integrates targeted cytotoxicity with immune checkpoint modulation, supporting its potential as a next-generation therapy for solid tumors.
ATG-106 (CDH6 x CD3 TCE)
Title: ATG-106, a novel "2+1"format CDH6-targeted T-cell Engager (TCE), shows potent T cell dependent cytotoxicity and in vivo anti-tumor efficacy
Abstract Number: 1621
Session Category: Immunology
Session Title: T Cell Engagers 1
Date: April 20, 2026
Time: 09:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Pacific Time)
00:00 AM, April 21, 2026 – 03:00 AM, April 21, 2026 (Beijing Time)
Location: Poster Section 10

Introduction: Cadherin-6 (CDH6) plays a critical role in embryonic kidney development but shows minimal expression in normal adult tissues. However, CDH6 is frequently overexpressed in several cancers including ovarian and renal cancer, making it a promising therapeutic target. ATG-106 is a novel "2+1" CDH6 x CD3 T-cell engager designed with a sterically masked CD3 binding arm to enable tumor-dependent T-cell activation. ATG-106 was evaluated in a series of in vitro and in vivo studies including binding affinity, CD3 signaling pathway activation, T cell dependent cytotoxicity (TDCC), cytokine release, and antitumor activity in PBMC-humanized xenograft models.
Results: ATG-106 demonstrated reduced binding affinity to CD3-positive cells prior to CDH6 engagement while inducing significantly enhanced cytotoxic activity against CDH6-positive tumor cells compared with conventional TCE formats. In PBMC-humanized xenograft models of renal and ovarian cancer, ATG-106 induced robust tumor regression with complete responses observed in multiple treatment groups. Cytokine analysis showed minimal induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting a potentially reduced risk of cytokine release syndrome.
Conclusion: ATG-106 demonstrated potent CDH6-dependent T-cell activation and strong antitumor activity with a favorable cytokine profile in preclinical models, supporting further development as a potential therapy for CDH6-expressing solid tumors.
ATG-112 (ALPPL2 x CD3 TCE)
Title: ATG-112, a novel ALPP/G x CD3 bispecific T cell engager, for the treatment of ALPP/G+ solid tumors
Abstract Number: 1620
Session Category: Immunology
Session Title: T Cell Engagers 1
Date: April 20, 2026
Time: 09:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Pacific Time)
00:00 AM, April 21, 2026 – 03:00 AM, April 21, 2026 (Beijing Time)
Location: Poster Section 10

Introduction: Placental alkaline phosphatase (ALPP) and related placental-like/germ-cell isoforms (ALPPL2 / ALPG) are aberrantly expressed in multiple solid tumors including ovarian, endometrial, gastric and pancreatic cancers, while being largely absent in normal adult tissues. ATG-112 is a novel ALPP/G x CD3 bispecific T-cell engager developed using the AnTenGager platform, featuring bivalent binding to tumor antigens and a sterically masked CD3 arm to restrict T-cell activation to the tumor microenvironment. The molecule was evaluated in preclinical studies assessing antigen binding, T cell dependent cytotoxicity, cytokine release and antitumor activity.
Results: ATG-112 demonstrated high binding affinity to ALPP/G-positive tumor cells and induced potent antigen-dependent T cell-mediated cytotoxicity in vitro. In PBMC humanized xenograft tumor models, ATG-112 showed dose-dependent tumor growth inhibition and robust antitumor activity. Cytokine release assays demonstrated minimal cytokine production, indicating a favorable safety profile with potentially reduced risk of excessive immune activation.
Conclusion: ATG-112 demonstrated potent antigen-dependent T cell-mediated cytotoxicity and robust antitumor activity with minimal cytokine release in preclinical models, supporting its advancement toward clinical development for ALPP/G-positive solid tumors.

(Press release, Antengene, MAR 17, 2026, View Source [SID1234663640])

Immunitas Therapeutics to Present Clinical Data Supporting Monotherapy and Combination Treatment Potential of IMT-009 at the AACR 2026 Annual Meeting

On March 17, 2026 Immunitas Therapeutics ("Immunitas"), a clinical stage precision immunotherapy company committed to discovering and developing novel, antibody-based therapeutics for patients with autoimmune diseases and cancer, reported it will present clinical data from its Phase 1/2a trial of first-in-class anti-CD161 antibody, IMT-009, at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, held April 17-22, 2026 in San Diego, California. Data to be presented support continued development of IMT-009 as a novel cancer immunotherapy for treatment of solid tumors and hematologic malignancies.

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Presentation Details
Title: A first-in-human, dose escalation (DE) and biomarker cohort expansion (BCE) of IMT-009 (IMT) in advanced cancer and Phase 1b (Ph1b) combination with fruquintinib (F) in microsatellite stable colorectal cancer (MSS CRC)
Presenting Author: Susanna V. Ulahannan, M.D., The University of Oklahoma, Stephenson Cancer Center/SCRI
Abstract Number: CT048
Session: First-in-Human Phase I Clinical Trials
Location: Poster Section 50
Date & Time: Monday, April 20, 2026, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PT

About IMT-009
IMT-009 is a fully human, Fc-attenuated IgG1 monoclonal antibody that binds to CD161 and blocks its interaction with its ligand, CLEC2D. Preclinical data confirm that CD161 blockade with IMT-009 results in enhanced anti-tumor activity. IMT-009 is under evaluation in a Phase 1/2a clinical trial for use as a monotherapy and combination treatment for solid tumor and hematological malignancies. The Phase 1 study is designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacodynamic biomarkers, and preliminary efficacy of IMT-009 as well as identify the Recommended Phase 2 Dose (RP2D).

(Press release, Immunitas Therapeutics, MAR 17, 2026, View Source [SID1234663639])

GV20 Therapeutics Announces Late-Breaking Oral Presentation of GV20-0251 Translational Findings at the AACR Annual Meeting 2026

On March 17, 2026 GV20 Therapeutics (GV20), a clinical-stage AI-powered biotherapeutics company, reported that it has been selected to deliver a late-breaking oral presentation highlighting translational data of GV20-0251 at the American Association of Cancer Research 2026 Annual Meeting, taking place in San Diego on April 17- 22, 2026.

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This presentation at AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) builds on previously presented clinical data of the novel immune checkpoint IGSF8 inhibitor GV20-0251 (Wentzel et al, ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2025) and will report the translational findings, including pharmacodynamic and potential predictive biomarkers data, from the monotherapy dose escalation portion of the ongoing Phase 1/2 trial evaluating GV20-0251 in patients with advanced solid tumors resistant to anti-PD(L)1 and other standard therapies (NCT05669430).

Presentation details (Abstract CT001):

Title: Evaluation of pharmacodynamic and potential predictive biomarkers for GV20-0251, an anti-IGSF8 antibody, as monotherapy from ongoing Phase 1/2a study
Session Title: Updates in Anticancer Immunotherapies
Session Type: Oral Clinical Trial Minisymposium
Session Date/Time: Saturday April 18, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PDT

(Press release, GV20 Therapeutics, MAR 17, 2026, View Source [SID1234663638])

Nuvalent to Present New Preclinical and Clinical Data for Zidesamtinib, an Investigational ROS1-Selective Inhibitor, at AACR Annual Meeting 2026

On March 17, 2026 Nuvalent, Inc. (Nasdaq: NUVL), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on creating precisely targeted therapies for clinically proven kinase targets in cancer, reported the presentation of new data for zidesamtinib, an investigational ROS1-selective inhibitor, during two poster presentations at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2026, being held April 17-22 in San Diego. The posters will highlight clinical data from a subset of TKI pre-treated patients with ROS1-positive NSCLC treated in the ARROS-1 Phase 1/2 clinical trial and preclinical data further characterizing zidesamtinib’s brain penetrance and intracranial activity.

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Details of the poster presentations are as follows:

Title: Zidesamtinib in Patients with ROS1+ NSCLC Previously Treated with Repotrectinib or Taletrectinib
Presenting Author: Geoffrey Liu, M.Sc., M.D.1
Abstract Number: CT248
Session Title: Phase II Clinical Trials
Session Date and Time: Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 2:00-5:00 p.m. PT
Location: Poster Section 50
Poster Board Number: 13

Title: Zidesamtinib Has Differentiated Preclinical Brain Penetrance and Intracranial Activity Compared to Other ROS1 Inhibitors
Presenting Author: Anupong Tangpeerachaikul, Ph.D.2
Abstract Number: LB366
Session Title: Late-Breaking Research: Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics 3
Session Date and Time: Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 2:00-5:00 p.m. PT
Location: Poster Section 53
Poster Board Number: 23

1 Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; 2 Nuvalent, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA

About Zidesamtinib
Zidesamtinib is an investigational, brain-penetrant, ROS1-selective inhibitor created with the aim to overcome limitations observed with currently available ROS1 inhibitors. Zidesamtinib is designed to remain active in tumors that have developed resistance to currently available ROS1 inhibitors, including tumors with treatment-emergent ROS1 mutations such as G2032R. In addition, zidesamtinib is designed for central nervous system (CNS) penetrance to improve treatment options for patients with brain metastases, and to avoid inhibition of the structurally related tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) family. Together, these characteristics have the potential to avoid TRK-related CNS adverse events seen with dual TRK/ROS1 inhibitors and to drive deep, durable responses for patients across all lines of therapy.

Based on results for tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) pre-treated patients with advanced ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) enrolled in the global registrational ARROS-1 Phase 1/2 clinical trial, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted for filing Nuvalent’s NDA submission for zidesamtinib for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic ROS1-positive NSCLC who received at least 1 prior ROS1 TKI. The application has been assigned a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) target action date of September 18, 2026. Zidesamtinib has received breakthrough therapy designation for the treatment of patients with ROS1-positive metastatic NSCLC who have been previously treated with 2 or more ROS1 TKIs and orphan drug designation for ROS1-positive NSCLC.

(Press release, Nuvalent, MAR 17, 2026, View Source [SID1234663637])

Pixelgen Technologies and Andreas Lundqvist’s Research Group at Karolinska Institutet Collaborate to Identify Novel Biomarkers for Cancer Immunotherapy

On March 17, 2026 Pixelgen Technologies reported a research collaboration with Andreas Lundqvist’s Group at the Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, to discover novel biomarkers for cancer immunotherapy response using Pixelgen’s Proximity Network Assay (PNA). The project will explore the spatial distribution and abundance of more than 150 cell surface proteins in patients with non-small lung cancer who undergo immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

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"Pixelgen’s Proximity Network Assay has the potential to bring new insights into the organization and interactions of cell surface proteins, which could aid in the discovery of new biomarkers for immune checkpoint inhibition response and consequently inform treatment regimens for patients," Prof. Andreas Lundqvist said. "While other tools provide protein abundance analysis, Pixelgen’s PNA brings a new dimension of understanding to the spatial organization and interactions of cell surface proteins that may prove useful for patient stratification."

The collaboration combines the tumor immunology and biology expertise from Prof. Lundqvist’s group and Pixelgen’s technology and experience in cell surface protein interactomics. The team aims to submit results from the project to a scientific journal for peer-reviewed publication, and the research will lay the groundwork for future collaborations.

"We’re very excited to embark on this collaboration with Prof. Lundqvist’s group, which has made significant contributions to tumor immunology, particularly in the areas of immune escape and advancing cell-based therapeutic approaches," said Pixelgen Chief Business Development Officer Erik Pettersson. "Our hope is that this research will contribute to the understanding of the role single-cell protein interactions have in disease, identify biomarkers for immunotherapy response, and ultimately lead to the development of improved immunotherapies for cancer patients."

Pixelgen’s PNA delivers nanoscale spatial analysis of immune cell proteins at scale, as part of the company’s Pixelgen Proxiome Kit. The technology is used by researchers looking for new avenues for drug and biomarker discovery and diagnostics in immunology, immuno-oncology, hematology, and cell therapy.

(Press release, Karolinska Institutet, MAR 17, 2026, https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pixelgen-technologies-and-andreas-lundqvists-research-group-at-karolinska-institutet-collaborate-to-identify-novel-biomarkers-for-cancer-immunotherapy-302715490.html [SID1234663636])