Diakonos Oncology Shares Updated DOC1021 GBM Survival Data and Unveils Melanoma Clinical Study at ASCO 2026

On June 5, 2026 Diakonos Oncology Corp., a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing a new generation of immunotherapies to treat challenging and aggressive cancers, reported the presentation of two posters at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting in Chicago, Illinois. The presentations feature updated pooled data from the Company’s Phase 1 study and expanded access protocol with DOC1021 (dubodencel) in glioblastoma (GBM), as well as the initiation of a Phase 1/2 study (DOC-RM) evaluating DOC1021 in patients with refractory melanoma.

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"ASCO provides an important opportunity to share the continued clinical development of DOC1021 across multiple difficult-to-treat cancers," said Jay Hartenbach, President and Chief Operating Officer of Diakonos Oncology. "The pooled GBM data reinforce our confidence in the program, with strong 12‑month survival in a predominantly MGMT unmethylated population, a subgroup associated with poorer outcomes and limited treatment responsiveness. We’re also pleased to introduce our melanoma program, where DOC1021 may offer a differentiated approach to re-engaging the immune system in patients who progress after anti‑PD‑1 treatments."

ASCO Poster Presentations Key Highlights:

Glioblastoma
Abstract Title: Pooled Analysis of Phase I and Expanded Access Study Cohorts of DOC1021 (dubodencel) in Combination with Chemoradiation for Glioblastoma

Updated results combine patients from the Phase 1 study and expanded access protocol, evaluating DOC1021 together with standard therapy in both newly diagnosed and recurrent GBM.

In newly diagnosed patients, overall survival is 18.5 months (8.7 to 38.4 months), with a 90% 12-month survival rate. In recurrent GBM, survival ranged from 10.2 to 22 months post-second surgery. Survival continues to be monitored.
There were no dose-limiting toxicities, with a similar safety profile between studies.
Immune analyses showed consistent activation of memory T cells, supporting a sustained immune response.
A randomized Phase 2 trial is currently enrolling at over 15 clinical sites to further evaluate DOC1021 plus standard of care versus standard of care alone in newly diagnosed GBM.
"This pooled dataset provides important insights into the clinical outcomes and immune responses observed with DOC1021 in glioblastoma," said Dr. Jay-Jiguang Zhu, MD, PhD, Study Investigator at UTHealth Houston (Department of Neurosurgery). "The findings, including the 12-month survival outcomes observed in a predominantly MGMT-unmethylated patient population, support continued investigation of this approach. The ongoing randomized Phase 2 study builds directly on these results and represents an important next step in further evaluating the safety and efficacy of DOC1021 in newly diagnosed glioblastoma."

Refractory Melanoma
Abstract Title: A Phase I/II Clinical Study of DOC1021 (dubodencel) Dendritic Cell Immunotherapy for Refractory Melanoma: Trial in Progress

The Trial-in-Progress poster describes the rationale and design for DOC-RM, an ongoing multi-center Phase 1/2 study evaluating DOC1021 in patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma who have progressed after prior therapies, including anti‑PD‑1. The study is supported by Diakonos Oncology and a Product Development Research Grant from CPRIT.

The trial includes an initial safety cohort followed by an expansion phase to evaluate tumor response, where patients will receive two courses of DOC1021 with pegylated interferon, and an optional booster approximately six months later.
Preclinical data showed improved tumor responses in multiple models, including B16F10 melanoma, supporting exploration in PD‑1 refractory disease.
The clinical study is now actively enrolling at leading cancer centers, including City of Hope, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Massachusetts General Hospital.
"Patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma who progress after anti-PD-1 therapy have limited treatment options, highlighting the need for continued investigation of new immunotherapy approaches," said Alexandra (Lexi) Haugh, MD, MPH, Principal Investigator at Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center for the DOC-RM study. "DOC1021 utilizes an individualized dendritic cell-based strategy designed to present a broad range of patient-specific tumor antigens, and avoids the need for myeloablative chemotherapy and IL-2. We’re excited to begin and help evaluate the safety and feasibility of this approach for patients with refractory melanoma."

About DOC1021

DOC1021 is a first-in-class, patient-derived double-loaded dendritic cell therapy that combines tumor lysate and amplified tumor-derived mRNA. The immunotherapy is made with a patient’s own dendritic cells combined with mRNA and proteins prepared from freshly obtained patient tumor specimens.

The unique double-loading approach, a physiologic mimic of viral infection, unlocks a synergistic and exponentially more powerful tumor killing response that permits complete targeting of the total cancer antigen pool. Moreover, the approach does not require any molecular modification or genetic engineering of the patient’s immune cells and does not require preconditioning chemotherapy or high dose IL-2 for administration. DOC1021 is designed for outpatient administration and broad access via community cancer centers.

Diakonos currently has three actively enrolling clinical trials evaluating DOC1021, including a Phase 1 pancreatic cancer study (NCT04157127), a Phase 2 glioblastoma (GBM) study (NCT06805305) and a Phase 1/2 study in refractory melanoma (NCT07288112) supported by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track designation to DOC1021 for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, GBM, and unresectable or metastatic cutaneous melanoma, reflecting the significant unmet medical need across these indications. Diakonos also received Orphan Drug Designation for the GBM program in January 2024.

(Press release, Diakonos Oncology, JUN 5, 2026, View Source [SID1234666469])

Eratrectinib, the next-generation TRK inhibitor independently developed by Vcare PharmaTech, has received marketing approval

On June 5, 2026 Vcare Pharmatech reported NTRK gene fusions have been identified as oncogenic drivers in adult and pediatric patients with pan-solid tumors. A fusion gene is typically formed by the combination of an NTRK gene containing a kinase domain and its fusion partner gene. To date, more than 229 fusion partner genes have been discovered, giving rise to 358 unique fusion-tumor pairings. Patients harboring such fusions generally have a poor prognosis. For advanced solid tumor patients who do not receive targeted therapy, the median overall survival ranges from 10.2 to 12.7 months, and these patients are also at a higher risk of brain metastasis. Meanwhile, the loss of the extracellular domain in NTRK fusions renders antibody-based therapies ineffective. Currently, treatment primarily relies on small-molecule TRK inhibitors that target the kinase domain.

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In terms of tumor type distribution, NTRK fusions are characterized by rare mutations with broad tumor spectrum distribution. On one hand, the incidence of NTRK fusions reaches up to 90% in rare malignancies such as secretory breast carcinoma and infantile fibrosarcoma, and ranges from 5% to 25% in papillary thyroid carcinoma and Spitzoid melanoma. On the other hand, real-world data from approximately 295,000 solid tumor patients worldwide indicate that NTRK fusion-positive cases account for a larger absolute number of patients among common cancer types. Collectively, NTRK fusion-positive patients with non-small cell lung cancer, breast cancer, soft tissue sarcoma and colorectal cancer make up nearly 50% of all affected cases, representing the key population requiring close clinical attention. In addition, the prevalence of NTRK fusions is higher in East Asian populations, with an overall incidence of approximately 0.4% among Chinese patients. It is estimated that more than 15,000 new cases of NTRK fusion-positive solid tumors are diagnosed in China each year.4-5

Breaking News: Domestic Next-Generation Tumor-Agnostic Targeted Drug Eratrectinib Approved

On June 4, the official website of the NMPA announced that Vcare PharmaTech’s Class 1 new drug, Eratrectinib, has been approved for marketing in China. It is indicated for adult and adolescent patients with advanced solid tumors harboring NTRK gene fusions.

Efficacy Breakthrough: Eratrectinib Delivers Comprehensive Clinical Benefits

Eratrectinib is a next-generation TRK inhibitor independently developed by Jiangsu Vcare PharmaTech Co.,Ltd.. In pivotal registration clinical trials for patients with NTRK fusion-positive solid tumors, this pan-tumor anticancer agent has demonstrated outstanding efficacy and safety.

Registration study results showed an ORR of 68.5% and a DCR of 85.2%. Among patients followed up for more than 6 months, the ORR reached 89.7% and the DCR was 100%, with a mOS of 40.7 months.6

In terms of long-term clinical benefits, Eratrectinib also achieved impressive results in PFS and DOR. The 2-year PFS rate stood at 75.7% and the 2-year DOR rate hit 85.5%, fully proving that the drug can deliver sustained disease control and long-term remission for patients.

Furthermore, for patients with baseline brain metastases, the ORR was as high as 87.5%. For patients previously treated with TRK-TKIs, the ORR reached 47.4%, reflecting robust therapeutic efficacy across these patient groups.

New Hope for Patients with NTRK Fusion Resistance

As a next-generation TRK inhibitor independently developed in China, Eratrectinib delivers durable and deep tumor remission, with potent brain penetration and a favorable overall safety profile. Different from the linear structure of first-generation TRK inhibitors, Eratrectinib features a cyclic molecular structure. Structural optimization reduces off-target risks and effectively prevents the emergence of drug-resistant mutations, endowing the agent with the anti-resistance mechanisms characteristic of second-generation TRK inhibitors.

(Press release, Jiangsu Vcare PharmaTech, JUN 5, 2026, View Source [SID1234666468])

Nerviano Medical Sciences announces participation at EACR 2026 with poster presentations

On June 5, 2026 Nerviano Medical Sciences S.r.l. ("NMS"), a global oncology-focused biopharmaceutical company, reported its participation in the upcoming Annual Congress of the European Association for Cancer Research (EACR), taking place in Budapest, Hungary, from June 8 to 11, 2026.

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At the meeting, NMS will present a scientific poster featuring its proprietary dual PERK/GCN2 inhibitor, NMS-812.

Title: "NMS-812, a clinical stage dual PERK and GCN2 modulator, with activity in Multiple Myeloma, AML and solid tumors" (Poster EACR26-0678)

Presenter: Claudia Perrera, Head of Biology at NMS

Poster Section: "Experimental / Molecular Therapeutics, Pharmacogenomics"

Poster Board Number: P-355

Date & Time: Tuesday, 09 June 2026 from 10:30 to 20:00 CET

Link to full poster abstract: NMS POSTER SESSION – Tuesday – EACR Congress

This study presents NMS-812, a potent first-in-class clinical-stage dual PERK/GCN2 inhibitor that disrupts tumor stress-response survival pathways, demonstrating single-agent and combination antitumor activity across multiple myeloma, AML, and solid tumor models, including immune-mediated effects, supporting its ongoing Phase 1 AML development and potential expansion into solid tumors.

We look forward to engaging with the scientific community at EACR 2026 and sharing insights from our work.

(Press release, Nerviano Medical Sciences, JUN 5, 2026, View Source [SID1234666467])

Independent Market Research Finds Strong Physician Intent to Prescribe Moleculin’s Annamycin in Relapsed/Refractory AML

On June 5, 2026 Moleculin Biotech, Inc., (Nasdaq: MBRX) ("Moleculin" or the "Company"), reported results from an independent market landscape assessment evaluating Annamycin in relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (R/R AML).

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The research demonstrated strong physician interest in Annamycin, with oncologists reporting an average likelihood-to-prescribe score of 6 out of 7. Physicians cited Annamycin’s reported complete remission rates, MRD-negative responses, potential to bridge patients to bone marrow transplant, biomarker-agnostic applicability and reduced cardiotoxicity as key factors supporting potential adoption.

The study included perspectives from academic and community hematologist-oncologists, medical oncologists and pediatric AML specialists. Respondents consistently identified significant unmet need in R/R AML, particularly for patients without actionable mutations and those who relapse or progress following venetoclax-based therapy. Separately, interviews with hospital administrators and insurers revealed that payers view Annamycin as a potentially meaningful value proposition, driven by its efficacy and safety profile and applicability to a broad patient population.

"These independent research findings are highly encouraging and reinforce the potential role we believe Annamycin can play in addressing one of the most difficult areas of AML treatment," said Walter Klemp, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Moleculin Biotech. "A physician likelihood to use score of 6 out of 7 reflects meaningful enthusiasm from clinicians who treat AML patients every day. Importantly, the research highlights that physicians recognize that Annamycin is capable of delivering powerful efficacy, producing deep remissions that position patients for transplant and serving a broader population beyond narrow biomarker-defined subsets. Physicians also recognized Annamycin’s safety profile, with the potential for repeat dosing due to the absence of cardiotoxicity."

Key Research Findings

The independent market assessment found that:

Hematologist-oncologists reported an average likelihood to prescribe Annamycin of 6 out of 7.
Physicians expressed strong interest in Annamycin’s reported complete remission and MRD-negative remission profile.
Respondents viewed Annamycin’s potential to bridge patients to bone marrow transplant as a meaningful clinical advantage.
Biomarker-agnostic applicability was viewed as highly relevant given the limitations of mutation-targeted therapies, and physicians noted the potential to combine targeted therapies with Annamycin.
Reduced cardiotoxicity was identified as an important differentiator, providing the possibility for repeat dosing, particularly given the known cardiac limitations of traditional anthracyclines.
Pediatric AML specialists viewed reduced cardiotoxicity as especially meaningful due to long-term survivorship concerns.
Payers indicated that Annamycin’s efficacy profile, safety characteristics and broad applicability could support a compelling value proposition.
Significant Unmet Need Remains in R/R AML

Despite recent progress in targeted therapies, respondents reported that the R/R AML treatment landscape remains fundamentally underserved. Physicians noted that targeted therapies have improved treatment for select biomarker-defined patient groups, but many patients still lack effective options, particularly following venetoclax failure or in the absence of actionable mutations.

Durable remission, improved survival and successful transition to potentially curative transplant were consistently identified as the most important treatment goals.

Annamycin Profile Resonates Across Stakeholders

Across respondent groups, Annamycin generated strong interest due to its reported efficacy profile and potential applicability across a broad R/R AML population. Physicians responded favorably to the combination of deep responses, transplant-enabling potential, broad use independent of mutation status and reduced cardiotoxicity.

The research also found that clinicians viewed Annamycin as a differentiated approach that may preserve the established anti-leukemic activity of the anthracycline class while reducing one of the class’s most significant historical limitations.

"We believe the findings provide important third-party validation of both the clinical and commercial potential of Annamycin," added Mr. Klemp. "As we continue advancing Annamycin, our focus remains on developing a therapy that may address meaningful unmet needs for AML patients, physicians and healthcare systems."

(Press release, Moleculin, JUN 5, 2026, View Source [SID1234666466])

GlyTherix Secures Canadian Patent for ADC Technology

On June 5, 2026 GlyTherix reported the grant of a Canadian patent covering its antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology, marking another important milestone in the expansion of the company’s global intellectual property portfolio.
The Canadian patent strengthens protection for GlyTherix’s proprietary ADC platform in a strategically important market and reinforces the company’s commitment to building a robust international patent estate around its innovative oncology programs.

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With this latest grant, GlyTherix continues to advance the global protection of its technology, enhancing the long-term value of its ADC assets and supporting future development and partnering opportunities.

Strong intellectual property protection is a critical component of successful drug development, and the Canadian patent provides further validation of the novelty and potential of GlyTherix’s targeted cancer therapy approach.

The continued expansion of GlyTherix’s patent portfolio positions GlyTherix to maximise the impact and commercial potential of its technology for patients and stakeholders worldwide.

(Press release, Glytherix, JUN 5, 2026, View Source [SID1234666465])