On June 4, 2026 Oncovita, a French biotech company specialized in therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines, reported that the full preclinical pharmacology package of its lead candidate MVdeltaC which supports the entry into clinics will be presented at the European Association for Cancer Research annual congress (EACR-2026) to be held in Budapest, Hungary on June 08-11, 2026.

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MVdeltaC is a genetically modified measles virus, one of the Oncovita candidates based on its proprietary technology platform Measovir, derived from the safe and highly immunogenic measles attenuated vaccine virus, a technology which has been previously used successfully for the development of several prophylactic vaccines.

Pr. Frédéric Tangy, CSO and Jean-François Le Bigot PhD, Executive President will present a poster (N° P-402) titled: « In situ cancer immunotherapy with modified MVdeltaC measles virus induces potent RIG-I dependent tumor clearance and immune memory".

This presentation will include results obtained from in vitro and in vivo models of solid tumor, including PDX models and syngeneic models in immunocompetent mice, such as mesothelioma, bladder, TNBC and neuroblastoma.

MVdeltaC exhibits a very strong immunogenic apoptosis activity resulting in tumor regression and up to total disappearance of the tumors in immunocompetent models (corresponding to RECIST CR Complete Remission). In addition, when animals which completely rejected tumor were re-challenged with tumor cells, no tumor growth was observed, demonstrating antitumor immune protection.

Detailed investigations of the biological MOA allow to conclude to the activation of RIG-I receptor by the defective viral RNA molecules massively generated by the modified measles virus which results in strong innate and adaptive immune activation against the tumors.

Finally, an investigation using IA, in collaboration with Infinitusbio.AI, concludes that MVdeltaC has more impact than MV on 70% of the 104 cancer biomarkers.

MVdeltaC has been granted the Orphan Drug Status by the US-FDA and the EMA for mesothelioma use.

"We look forward to meeting with colleagues and experts at the EACR congress and sharing the positive results gained with MVdeltaC" said Frédéric Tangy, Scientific Director.

"We are now preparing the GMP batch production of this first candidate in an internationally recognized CDMO in order to initiate clinical trial by end of 2027. With the benefit from the ODD status, we could establish a clinical development plan leading to registration while already initiating discussions with VCs and with potential pharma-biotech partners" concluded Jean-François Le Bigot, Executive Chairman of Oncovita.

(Press release, Oncovita, JUN 4, 2026, View Source [SID1234666472])

On June 4, 2026 NextCure, Inc. (Nasdaq: NXTC), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to discovering and developing novel therapies to treat cancer, reported the replay availability for its virtual key opinion leader (KOL) event on SIM0505, held following the Company’s ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2026 poster presentation of first reported clinical efficacy data from its Phase 1 dose escalation study (June 1, 2026 press release). SIM0505 is an investigational antibody drug conjugate (ADC) targeting Cadherin-6 (CDH6) with a proprietary topoisomerase 1 inhibitor (TOPOi) payload. The virtual KOL Event is accessible here.

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The event featured:

Beryl Manning-Geist, MD (Emory University)
Ursula Matulonis, MD (NextCure Scientific Advisory Board and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute)
Rakesh Dixit, PhD, DABT (NextCure Scientific Advisory Board)
Discussion centered on first reported clinical efficacy data from the Phase 1 dose escalation study of SIM0505 in ovarian cancer and uterine serous carcinoma (USC), two gynecologic malignancies where effective treatment options remain limited.

About SIM0505 at the Annual Meeting of the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO 2026)

Materials from NextCure’s ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2026 activities are available on the Company’s website under Investor Relations, Events & Presentations:

ASCO Poster: View Source
ASCO Press Release: View Source
Virtual KOL Event Replay: View Source
Virtual KOL Event Presentation: View Source
Beryl Manning-Geist, MD is an assistant professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Emory University School of Medicine. Dr. Manning-Geist specializes in treating patients with gynecologic cancers including uterine, ovarian and cervical cancers. She practices at Winship Cancer Institute at Emory Midtown. After working at the National Institutes of Health’s National Cancer Institute, Dr. Manning-Geist attended Emory University School of Medicine on a full scholarship as a Woodruff Scholar. There, she received her MD summa cum laude before completing her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Harvard University’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. She then completed her fellowship in gynecologic oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York

Ursula Matulonis, MD is Chief of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. She is the first recipient of the Brock-Wilson Family Chair at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Dr. Matulonis co-leads the Gynecologic Cancer Program within the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center and the Ovarian Cancer Specialized Program in Research Excellence (SPORE) grant from the National Cancer Institute. Her research is focused on developing new targeted therapies for gynecologic malignancies, with a specific interest in ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer. Dr. Matulonis earned her MD from the Albany Medical College.

Rakesh Dixit, PhD, DABT currently serves as President and CEO of Bionavigen, a biopharmaceutical company specializing in consulting and drug hunting for biologic, cell and gene therapy and small molecule drug development. He is also President and CSO of Regio Biosciences, an AstraZeneca Spinoff company. Dr. Dixit is an accomplished executive, inventor, and scientist with over 30 years of success with top biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, including Merck, Johnson & Johnson, MedImmune, and AstraZeneca. He was a key contributor to successful approval of biotherapeutics, including five biologics (including antibodies and immunotoxins) and four small molecule pharmaceuticals. He was honored in 2020 by the World ADC Forum with its most prestigious award of Long-Standing Contributor to ADCs.

About SIM0505

SIM0505 is a novel ADC directed to CDH6, featuring a proprietary TOPOi payload. The ADC is designed for broad anti-tumor activity, fast systemic clearance and an improved potential therapeutic window. SIM0505 is being evaluated in an open-label, Phase 1 study (NCT06792552) for the potential treatment of advanced solid tumors, including ovarian cancer, with an emphasis on PROC. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted Fast Track Designation to SIM0505 for the treatment of PROC. NextCure holds exclusive global rights for SIM0505, excluding China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan which are retained by Simcere Zaiming.

(Press release, NextCure, JUN 4, 2026, View Source [SID1234666457])

On June 4, 2026 Ona Therapeutics ("Ona"), a global biopharmaceutical company pioneering first-in-class antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) to address treatment-resistant cancers, reported the closing of an oversubscribed $86.6 million Series B financing. The round was co-led by new investors Columbus Venture Partners and Mérieux Equity Partners, with participation from additional investors COFIDES and Korys, alongside all existing investors Alta Life Sciences, Asabys Partners, Bpifrance, as part of the InnoBio investment strategy, CDTI through SICC Innvierte, FundPlus NV and Ysios Capital.

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The proceeds will be used to advance the clinical development of Ona’s lead program, ONA-255, a first-in-class ADC initially focused on breast cancer, and to progress ONA-389, a second first-in-class ADC targeting colorectal cancer. ONA-255 is designed to address treatment-resistant tumor biology through a differentiated mechanism aimed at improving the therapeutic index compared to earlier approaches. ONA-389 will advance toward first-in-human studies, expanding Ona’s pipeline in indications with significant unmet need. Ona Therapeutics currently retains full worldwide commercial rights to all its assets.

Valerie Vanhooren, PhD, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Ona Therapeutics, said: "The oversubscribed Series B marks an important step to advancing ONA-255 toward clinical proof of concept in breast cancer, while progressing early clinical development activities for ONA-389 in colorectal cancer. We are proud to have assembled a high-quality syndicate of investors who share our conviction in the differentiated science behind Ona’s novel targets and their potential to address drug resistance. Supported by a highly experienced and talented team, this financing strengthens our commitment to tackling hard-to-treat cancers through meaningful innovation and addressing the significant unmet need faced by patients with limited treatment options."

Jose Mesa, Partner at Columbus Venture Partners, and incoming Board member at Ona Therapeutics, remarked: "At Columbus, we look for companies that combine world-class science with a clear path to clinical impact. Ona is a strong example of that. Its work on cancer resistance and metastasis addresses one of the most important challenges in oncology, and its pipeline, led by ONA-255 and followed by ONA-389, provides a compelling opportunity to build a differentiated oncology platform. We are delighted to support Valerie and the team in this next stage of growth, bringing Columbus’ experience in developing and scaling innovative oncology companies."

Valérie Calenda, Managing Partner and Head of Innovation at Mérieux Equity Partners, and incoming Board member at Ona Therapeutics, added: "Ona exemplifies the kind of high-impact company we look to partner with: a high-quality team building a compelling and differentiated pipeline, combining deep biological insight with a highly focused development strategy. The strength of Ona’s preclinical data package behind ONA-255, the breadth of opportunity across the pipeline, and the team’s clear vision for translating novel biology into clinically meaningful therapies give us strong confidence in the Company’s long-term potential. We are excited to co-lead this financing and support Ona’s next phase of growth."

Ona is advancing a differentiated ADC pipeline focused on cancers with high unmet medical need. Through its proprietary patient-driven target discovery platform, the Company has identified novel tumor-specific antigens and epitopes that enable highly efficient internalization and targeted payload delivery to cancer cells. This approach is designed to maximize therapeutic activity while minimizing on-target toxicities and addressing key biological mechanisms of resistance in advanced tumors.

The financing comes at a pivotal inflection point in Ona’s growth as the Company enters clinical development and begins generating initial human safety and efficacy data for ONA-255. This momentum is supported by a highly experienced clinical leadership team, including Antoine Yver, Chair of the Board, bringing deep expertise in global oncology drug development; Pamela Klein, Independent Board Member, with extensive experience advancing oncology therapeutics; Aleix Prat, a world-renowned breast cancer oncologist and Chair of the Advisory Board; and Jutta Amersdorffer, Chief Medical Officer, leading clinical strategy and execution. Together, this leadership team positions Ona strongly to deliver on key milestones and advance its innovative pipeline for patients.

In connection with the financing, Jose Mesa, Partner at Columbus Venture Partners; Valérie Calenda, Managing Partner at Mérieux Equity Partners; and Eva Van Overmeire, Senior Investment Manager at Korys, will join Ona’s Board of Directors.

(Press release, Ona Therapeutics, JUN 4, 2026, View Source [SID1234666456])

On June 4, 2026 Lonza, one of the world’s largest contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs), and Stipple Bio, Inc., a private biotechnology company harnessing epitope-level precision to create targeted cancer therapies, reported a multi-target licensing agreement to support the development of next-generation precision oncology ADC therapies.

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Stipple Bio is leveraging its Pointillist Platform to identify tumor-specific cell surface epitopes which enable the development of potent, high therapeutic index medicines designed to avoid on-target/off-tumor toxicity. Under the agreement, Stipple Bio will gain target-specific access to Lonza’s ADC technology platform to enable the design of potential first-in-class and best-in-class ADC products, including STP-100. This collaboration combines Stipple Bio’s novel epitope discovery capabilities with Lonza’s established GlycoConnect ADC platform.

Jan Vertommen, Head of Commercial Development, Advanced Synthesis, commented: "We value the opportunity to work with Stipple Bio to support their innovative epitope discovery approach with our advanced ADC technologies. By combining their science with Lonza’s established bioconjugation platforms and efficient, scalable manufacturing capabilities, we aim to help Stipple Bio progress more precise and effective ADC programs with confidence and speed."

Jeff Landau, Chief Executive Officer of Stipple Bio, added: "ADCs have become a core pillar of cancer treatment, and as the field advances, increasingly sophisticated design is translating into stronger efficacy and reduced off-target effects. We are pleased to be partnering with Lonza and believe that their clinically validated platform will be instrumental in enabling us to translate that design sophistication into effective and better tolerated therapies starting with our exciting lead program, STP-100."

The terms of the agreement provide Stipple Bio with access to Lonza’s clinically validated, site-specific ADC technology platform including GlycoConnect antibody conjugation technology, HydraSpace polar spacer technology, and a toxSYN linker payload. In addition, Lonza is eligible to receive upfront, clinical, regulatory and commercial milestone payments, plus royalties on net sales of resulting products. Lonza is responsible for manufacturing components that are related to its proprietary technologies, and Stipple Bio is responsible for the research, development, manufacturing and commercialization of the ADCs.

(Press release, Lonza, JUN 4, 2026, View Source [SID1234666455])

On June 4, 2026 MAIA Biotechnology, Inc. (NYSE American: MAIA) ("MAIA", the "Company"), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing targeted immunotherapies for cancer, reported a patient enrollment update for its ongoing pivotal Phase 3 trial, THIO-104, evaluating its novel telomere-targeting therapy as a third-line (3L) treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To date, 29 patients have been dosed among 34 activated trial sites in 6 foreign countries.

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Vlad Vitoc, M.D., Founder and Chief Executive Officer of MAIA, commented, "Enrollment and dosing in our Phase 3 study is progressing at a strong pace. Based on this early momentum, we are targeting up to 100 patients by year-end and expect to have sufficient survival data to conduct an interim analysis in 2027."

Dr. Vitoc has previously stated that statistical assessments of MAIA’s lead therapeutic, ateganosine, suggest a high probability of technical success in the THIO-104 full approval trial if Phase 3 data is consistent with Phase 2 THIO-101 trial results. Median overall survival was 17.8 months in parts A and B of the Phase 2 trial. With chemotherapy, which is the standard utilized treatment for 3L NSCLC patients, expected survival in a heavily pre-treated population is 5.8 months.1

Ateganosine is a first-of-its-kind dual mechanism therapy designed to break down telomere structure and function in cancer cells while inducing immune activation. As a potential breakthrough therapeutic, ateganosine holds substantial commercial opportunity in a projected $70 billion global NSCLC treatment market by 2030.2

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track designation for ateganosine as a 3L NSCLC treatment.

About Ateganosine

Ateganosine (THIO, 6-thio-dG or 6-thio-2’-deoxyguanosine) is a first-in-class investigational telomere-targeting agent currently in clinical development to evaluate its activity in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Telomeres, along with the enzyme telomerase, play a fundamental role in the survival of cancer cells and their resistance to current therapies. The modified nucleotide 6-thio-2’-deoxyguanosine induces telomerase-dependent telomeric DNA modification, DNA damage responses, and selective cancer cell death. Ateganosine-damaged telomeric fragments accumulate in cytosolic micronuclei and activates both innate (cGAS/STING) and adaptive (T-cell) immune responses. The sequential treatment of ateganosine followed by PD-(L)1 inhibitors resulted in profound and persistent tumor regression in advanced, in vivo cancer models by induction of cancer type–specific immune memory. Ateganosine is presently developed as a second or later line of treatment for NSCLC for patients that have progressed beyond the standard-of-care regimen of existing checkpoint inhibitors.

About THIO-104 Phase 3 Clinical Trial

THIO-104 is a multicenter, open-label, randomized Phase 3 clinical trial, designed to evaluate ateganosine’s telomere-targeting anti-tumor activity when followed by PD-(L)1 inhibition in patients with advanced third-line NSCLC who previously did not respond or developed resistance to treatment regimens containing checkpoint inhibitor and/or chemotherapy and have progressed. The trial has two primary objectives: (1) to assess the clinical efficacy of ateganosine compared to investigator’s choice of chemotherapy, using median Overall Survival (OS) as the primary clinical endpoint (2) to evaluate the safety and tolerability of ateganosine in sequential combination with a checkpoint inhibitor. For more information on this Phase 3 trial, please visit ClinicalTrials.gov using the identifier NCT06908304.

(Press release, MAIA Biotechnology, JUN 4, 2026, View Source [SID1234666454])