AACR 2026: Crown Bioscience Showcases Integrated Platforms Enabling Next-Generation Oncology Modalities, Including ADCs and Radiopharmaceuticals

On April 16, 2026 Crown Bioscience, a global contract research organization (CRO) and a JSR Life Sciences company, reported it will present new data at the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2026 demonstrating how integrated, patient-derived platforms can accelerate the development of complex oncology modalities, including antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and radiopharmaceuticals. Across 12 poster presentations, the company highlights scalable approaches to improve target selection, optimize payload design, and overcome resistance, addressing key challenges in translational oncology.

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Collectively, the data underscore the need for predictive, clinically relevant models that better reflect tumor biology and treatment response. By combining patient-derived xenografts (PDX), 3D tumor organoid models, multi-omics, and imaging approaches, Crown Bioscience demonstrates how integrated workflows support more informed decision-making earlier in development, particularly as the industry advances increasingly complex therapeutic modalities.

A central focus this year is advancing ADCs through improved target validation, payload selection, and resistance modeling. New findings introduce a high-throughput organoid platform to rapidly screen payloads or ADCs and support the prediction of in vivo efficacy. The results demonstrate clear differentiation across payload classes and ADC performance in a broad panel of organoid models spanning multiple solid tumor indications, enhancing translational predictability from in vitro screening to in vivo validation, and ultimately to clinical response in patients.

Complementing this work, Crown Bioscience presents ADC-resistant tumor models spanning engineered cell lines, organoids, and PDX models established from previously treated patients. These models seek to replicate clinically relevant resistance mechanisms, including efflux-driven payload resistance and antigen loss, providing insight into treatment failure and a foundation for evaluating next-generation strategies and combination approaches designed to overcome resistance.

Further strengthening the workflow, large-scale multi-omics data validate tumor-associated antigen (TAA) expression across approximately 1,000 PDX models and matched organoid systems, providing insight to support more informed target selection and translational decision-making.

In parallel, Crown Bioscience is co-presenting a poster with Medicines Discovery Catapult on an end-to-end translational workflow for radiopharmaceutical development. This work integrates radiochemistry, imaging, and patient-derived models to evaluate the theranostic pair PSMA-617, demonstrating how the combination of in vitro and in vivo systems improves predictive accuracy and enables more confident progression of radiopharmaceutical candidates.

Together, these studies reflect a shift toward integrated, platform-based approaches that address persistent industry challenges, including limited translational predictability, incomplete understanding of resistance, and inefficiencies in candidate selection. By aligning model systems with clinically relevant biology, Crown Bioscience de-risks the path from target to patient.

Attendees are encouraged to visit Booth #3236 to learn more about these studies and speak with Crown Bioscience’s scientists to gain deeper insights into the integrated platforms and services available to advance oncology programs from discovery through to clinical development.

(Press release, Crown Bioscience, APR 16, 2026, View Source [SID1234664432])

Blacksmith Medicines Announces Presentation at AACR Annual Meeting 2026

On April 16, 2026 Blacksmith Medicines, Inc. (Blacksmith), a leading biopharma dedicated to discovering and developing therapeutics targeting metalloenzymes, reported the company will present data on its oncology program targeting flap endonuclease 1 (FEN1), a structure-specific metallonuclease that cleaves 5′ DNA flaps during replication and repair, at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2026, taking place April 17-22 at the San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, CA.

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Details of the poster presentation are as follows:

Abstract Number: 234
Title: "Proteomic profiling of FEN1 inhibition by BSM-1516 reveals chromatin-associated biomarkers for preclinical pharmacodynamic evaluation"
Session Title: DNA Damage and Repair 1
Session Date and Time: Sunday April 19, 2026 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Poster Section 11
Poster Board Number: 5

The abstract is now available on the conference website at AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2026.

About FEN1
Flap endonuclease 1 (FEN1) is a structure-specific di-magnesium metallonuclease that cleaves 5′ DNA flaps during replication and repair. FEN1 is an attractive target for development of anticancer therapeutics because it is overexpressed in many tumor types and has a large number of synthetic lethality partners including genes in Homologous Recombination (HR) pathway.

About metalloenzymes and the Blacksmith platform
Metalloenzymes rely on metal ion cofactors within their active sites to perform critical biological functions. Historically, these targets have been challenging to drug due to limitations in small-molecule chemistry. The Blacksmith platform addresses these challenges through:

A proprietary fragment library of metal-binding pharmacophores (MBPs);
A comprehensive database mapping metalloenzyme functions, metal cofactors, and disease associations;
A unique metallo-CRISPR library of custom single guide RNAs;
An advanced computational toolkit for docking, modeling, and structure-based drug design;
A robust intellectual property portfolio spanning bioinorganic, medicinal, and computational chemistry for metalloenzyme-targeted therapeutics

(Press release, Blacksmith Medicines, APR 16, 2026, View Source [SID1234664431])

Allogene Therapeutics Announces Closing of $200.4 Million Public Offering of Common Stock

On April 16, 2026 Allogene Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALLO) reported the closing of its previously reported underwritten public offering of 87,500,000 shares of its common stock at a price to the public of $2.00 per share. In addition, the underwriters partially exercised their option and purchased 12,700,000 additional shares of common stock. Including the option exercise, the aggregate gross proceeds from this offering were $200.4 million, before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by Allogene.

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Allogene expects to use the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes, which may include clinical trial expenses, research and development expenses, general and administrative expenses, and capital expenditures.

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, Jefferies and TD Cowen acted as joint bookrunners for the offering. Piper Sandler and William Blair also acted as joint bookrunners for the offering. Baird and Canaccord Genuity acted as lead managers for the offering. TPG Capital BD, LLC acted as co-manager for the offering.

The shares of common stock described above were offered by Allogene pursuant to a shelf registration statement filed by Allogene with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that was declared effective on April 25, 2024. A final prospectus supplement related to the offering has been filed with the SEC and is available on the SEC’s website located at View Source Copies of the final prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus related to this offering may be obtained from Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, Attention: Prospectus Department, 200 West Street, New York, NY 10282, or by telephone at (866) 471-2526, or by email at [email protected]; or from Jefferies LLC, Attention: Equity Syndicate Prospectus Department, 520 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10022, or by telephone at (877) 821-7388, or by emailing [email protected]; or from TD Securities (USA) LLC, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, or by email at [email protected].

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction.

(Press release, Allogene, APR 16, 2026, View Source [SID1234664430])

AIM ImmunoTech Enters Pivotal Value Inflection Phase with Planned Phase 3 Study of Ampligen® in Pancreatic Cancer, Backed by Positive Clinical Signals, Orphan Drug Status, and Global IP

On April 16, 2026 AIM ImmunoTech Inc. (NYSE American: AIM) ("AIM" or the "Company") reported accelerating momentum in its pancreatic cancer program, underscored by Phase 3 trial planning underway, encouraging Phase 2 clinical signals, and a rapidly strengthening global regulatory and intellectual property ("IP") position.

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"The initiation of Phase 3 planning marks a critical step forward in our mission to bring Ampligen to patients with pancreatic cancer," said Thomas K. Equels, Chief Executive Officer of AIM. "With a growing body of positive late-stage pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma clinical data, more than 100 subjects treated, Orphan Drug Designations in the U.S. and EU, and a strong global IP portfolio, we believe Ampligen has the potential to be a game-changing therapy in one of the most lethal cancers and a significant driver of long-term stockholder value."

The Company recently announced a strategic agreement with the PPD clinical research business of Thermo Fisher Scientific to design its planned Phase 3 clinical trial of Ampligen in late-stage pancreatic cancer. This collaboration brings world-class clinical development expertise to support trial design and positions AIM to efficiently advance Ampligen into late-stage development.

The planned Phase 3 program is supported by very positive published data from a Dutch government-approved Named Patient Program ("NPP") with Ampligen as a monotherapy in late-stage pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and reported encouraging data from the ongoing Phase 2 DURIPANC study, which is evaluating Ampligen in combination with AstraZeneca’s durvalumab. That ongoing study is showing promising improvement in progression-free survival and overall survival, as well as a favorable safety profile. Conducted in collaboration with AstraZeneca and Erasmus Medical Center, the study is expected to complete enrollment later this year and represents a key clinical validation step for our upcoming pivotal trial. As mentioned above, similar positive data was observed in the NPP, where Ampligen as a monotherapy was administered to 82 total patients and which had a significant positive findings on both progression-free and overall survival compared to historical controls. We believe these extremely positive data help to de-risk the path forward.

Pancreatic cancer represents a large and rapidly growing global market opportunity, with incidence rising and limited innovation over several decades. It is projected to become the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, underscoring both the urgency and the commercial potential for new therapeutic options.

Ampligen, a selective TLR3 agonist, is designed to activate innate immunity and improve tumor responsiveness, making it a strong candidate for use as both a monotherapy and in combination with checkpoint inhibitors in multiple solid tumor types, and specifically with positive Phase 1/2 safety and efficacy data in combination with AstraZeneca’s durvalumab and Merck’s pembrolizumab in pancreatic cancer.

The Company continues to expand its global IP portfolio. AIM recently obtained final approval of a Japanese patent covering Ampligen in combination with checkpoint inhibitors, which is set to expire in 2039. Existing patents in the United States and Europe also extend to 2039, with broad claims supporting combination use across multiple oncology indications. This IP estate positions Ampligen for long-term commercial protection across major markets.

AIM’s IP portfolio includes orphan drug designations for pancreatic cancer in both the United States and Europe, and the Company announced in March 2026 that it would seek similar status in Japan. The United States, Europe and Japan are the three largest accessible pharma markets in the world – and pancreatic cancer is potentially one of the most lucrative global health markets, as it is a serious and unmet need that is expected to become an even greater health burden. These designations provide potential market exclusivity upon approval, regulatory incentives, reduced development costs, and opportunities for accelerated development pathways, reinforcing the Company’s strategy and enhancing long-term value creation.

Looking ahead, AIM anticipates several near-term milestones that may serve as significant value drivers. These include the completion of Phase 2 DURIPANC enrollment and additional data updates; continued clinical data readouts; further IP expansion and regulatory progress; the potential for new developments from existing strategic collaborations; and the design, IND approval and commencement of a Phase 3 pivotal study in pancreatic cancer.

As previously announced, Thomas K. Equels, MS JD, Chief Executive Officer of AIM, will participate in a Virtual Investor Closing Bell Event today, April 16, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET. A live video webcast of the presentation will be available on the Events page of the Company’s website (aimimmuno.com). A webcast replay will become available two hours following the live presentation and will be accessible for 90 days.

(Press release, AIM ImmunoTech, APR 16, 2026, View Source [SID1234664429])

Abbott Reports First-Quarter 2026 Results; Updates Guidance to Reflect Acquisition of Exact Sciences

On April 16, 2026 Abbott today (NYSE: ABT) reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026.

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First-quarter sales increased 7.8 percent on a reported basis and 3.7 percent on a comparable basis.
First-quarter GAAP diluted EPS of $0.61 and adjusted diluted EPS of $1.15, which excludes specified items and reflects growth of 6 percent.
On March 23, 2026, Abbott completed its acquisition of Exact Sciences, establishing the company as a leader in the oncology diagnostics market and adding a new high-growth vertical to Abbott’s portfolio.
Abbott projects full-year 2026 comparable sales growth of 6.5% to 7.5%1.
Abbott projects full-year 2026 adjusted diluted EPS of $5.38 to $5.58, which includes $0.20 of dilution related to the acquisition of Exact Sciences.
In January, Abbott announced a collaboration with AtaCor Medical to develop a next-generation extravascular implantable cardioverter (EV-ICD) system designed to deliver defibrillation therapy to people living with life-threatening heart rhythms.
In February, Abbott announced positive early results from the VERITAS study that show clinically meaningful closure rates of the investigational Amulet 360 Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) Occluder, a next-generation device designed to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib).
In March, Abbott announced results from the FreeDM2 randomized controlled trial, demonstrating that people with Type 2 diabetes on basal insulin who used FreeStyle Libre achieved a 0.6% reduction in HbA1c and spent 2.5 more hours per day in the healthy glucose range compared to fingerstick monitoring.
"Our first-quarter results were aligned with our expectations to start the year," said Robert B. Ford, chairman and chief executive officer, Abbott. "The acquisition of Exact Sciences adds another high-growth business to the Abbott portfolio, further strengthening our confidence in delivering accelerating growth as we move through the year."

FIRST-QUARTER BUSINESS OVERVIEW

Comparable sales growth:
Management believes that measuring sales growth on a comparable basis is an appropriate way for investors to best understand the underlying performance of the business. Comparable sales growth includes the prior and current year sales of Exact Sciences, a cancer diagnostics company that Abbott acquired on March 23, 2026. Comparable sales growth excludes the impact of foreign exchange and revenue in both the prior and current year related to compensation payments that Abbott’s Structural Heart business received as part of a multi-year agreement with a competitor. The final payment under this agreement was recognized in the first quarter of 2026.

Note: In order to compute results excluding the impact of exchange rates, current year U.S. dollar sales are multiplied or divided, as appropriate, by the current year average foreign exchange rates and then those amounts are multiplied or divided, as appropriate, by the prior year average foreign exchange rates.

First Quarter 2026 Results (1Q26)

Sales 1Q26 ($ in millions)

Total Company

Nutrition

Diagnostics

Established
Pharmaceuticals

Medical Devices

U.S.

4,274

844

905

2,523

International

6,890

1,173

1,275

1,426

3,016

Total reported

11,164

2,017

2,180

1,426

5,539

% Change vs. 1Q25

U.S.

2.5

(11.6)

3.8

n/a

7.9

International

11.3

(1.5)

7.8

13.2

18.0

Total reported

7.8

(6.0)

6.1

13.2

13.2

Total reported excl. foreign exchange impact

3.8

(7.7)

2.5

9.0

8.1

Comparable sales growth

3.7

(7.7)

1.8

9.0

8.5

U.S.

2.5

(11.6)

2.0

n/a

8.7

International

4.6

(4.7)

1.6

9.0

8.3

Refer to table titled "Non-GAAP Revenue Reconciliation" for a reconciliation of comparable sales growth.

Nutrition

First Quarter 2026 Results (1Q26)

Sales 1Q26 ($ in millions)

Total

Pediatric

Adult

U.S.

844

511

333

International

1,173

442

731

Total reported

2,017

953

1,064

% Change vs. 1Q25

U.S.

(11.6)

(13.0)

(9.2)

International

(1.5)

(2.6)

(0.9)

Total reported

(6.0)

(8.5)

(3.6)

Total reported excl. foreign exchange impact

(7.7)

(9.7)

(5.9)

Comparable sales growth

(7.7)

(9.7)

(5.9)

U.S.

(11.6)

(13.0)

(9.2)

International

(4.7)

(5.3)

(4.3)

Worldwide Nutrition sales decreased 6.0 percent on a reported basis and 7.7 percent on a comparable basis in the first quarter.

Results in the quarter reflect the impact of lower sales volumes compared to the prior year and the effect of strategic pricing actions implemented in the fourth quarter of 2025. These pricing actions, together with the launch of several new products, are expected to contribute to improved volume growth over the course of the year.

Diagnostics*

First Quarter 2026 Results (1Q26)

Sales 1Q26 ($ in millions)

Total

Core Laboratory

Cancer Diagnostics

Rapid/Molecular
Diagnostics

U.S.

905

347

93

465

International

1,275

925

3

347

Total reported

2,180

1,272

96

812

% Change vs. 1Q25

U.S.

3.8

4.5

n/a

(13.8)

International

7.8

9.5

n/a

2.8

Total reported

6.1

8.1

n/a

(7.4)

Total reported excl. foreign exchange impact

2.5

3.3

n/a

(9.6)

Comparable sales growth

1.8

3.3

13.4

(9.6)

U.S.

2.0

4.5

13.2

(13.8)

International

1.6

2.8

19.2

(2.7)

*Beginning in 2026, Abbott aggregated its previously reported Rapid Diagnostics, Molecular Diagnostics, and Point of Care businesses into the Rapid and Molecular Diagnostics business. On March 23, 2026, Abbott completed the acquisition of Exact Sciences. Following the acquisition, the sales of Exact Sciences are presented as Abbott’s Cancer Diagnostics business.

Refer to table titled "Non-GAAP Revenue Reconciliation" for a reconciliation of comparable sales growth.

Worldwide Diagnostics sales increased 6.1 percent on a reported basis and increased 1.8 percent on a comparable basis.

Worldwide Core Laboratory Diagnostics results were driven by growth in the U.S., Europe and Latin America. Sales of Core Laboratory diagnostic tests increased on both a year-over-year and sequential basis.

Rapid and Molecular Diagnostics results reflect lower demand for respiratory virus tests due to a weaker respiratory virus season compared to the prior year.

Results in Cancer Diagnostics reflect Abbott’s acquisition of Exact Sciences, which closed on March 23, 2026. Growth in Cancer Diagnostics was driven by double-digit growth of Cologuard and sales of Cancerguard, a multi-cancer screening test that launched last year.

Established Pharmaceuticals

First Quarter 2026 Results (1Q26)

Sales 1Q26 ($ in millions)

Total

Key Emerging
Markets

Other

U.S.

International

1,426

1,089

337

Total reported

1,426

1,089

337

% Change vs. 1Q25

U.S.

n/a

n/a

n/a

International

13.2

12.9

14.1

Total reported

13.2

12.9

14.1

Total reported excl. foreign exchange impact

9.0

9.4

7.9

Comparable sales growth

9.0

9.4

7.9

U.S.

n/a

n/a

n/a

International

9.0

9.4

7.9

Established Pharmaceuticals sales increased 13.2 percent on a reported basis and 9.0 percent on a comparable basis in the first quarter.

Key Emerging Markets include several emerging countries that represent the most attractive long-term growth opportunities for Abbott’s branded generics product portfolio. Sales in these geographies increased 12.9 percent on a reported basis and 9.4 percent on a comparable basis, led by double-digit growth in several countries across the Latin America and Asia Pacific regions.

Medical Devices

First Quarter 2026 Results (1Q26)

Sales 1Q26 ($ in millions)

Total

Rhythm
Management

Electro-

physiology*

Heart
Failure

Vascular

Structural
Heart*

Neuro-
modulation

Diabetes
Care

U.S.

2,523

339

378

292

291

224

177

822

International

3,016

345

410

97

486

354

66

1,258

Total reported

5,539

684

788

389

777

578

243

2,080

% Change vs. 1Q25

U.S.

7.9

11.5

13.7

11.4

8.6

(9.5)

0.7

9.8

International

18.0

22.9

19.6

25.2

10.0

25.2

27.2

16.6

Total reported

13.2

17.0

16.7

14.6

9.5

9.0

6.8

13.8

Total reported excl. foreign exchange impact

8.1

12.5

12.5

12.2

4.9

3.6

4.1

7.4

Comparable sales growth

8.5

12.5

12.5

12.2

4.9

6.8

4.1

7.4

U.S.

8.7

11.5

13.7

11.4

8.6

(3.6)

0.7

9.8

International

8.3

13.5

11.2

14.9

2.7

15.0

15.5

5.7

*Abbott’s Amplatzer Amulet Left Atrial Appendage Occluder device and related accessories were transferred from Structural Heart to Electrophysiology on Jan. 1, 2026. As a result, $46 million of sales in the first quarter of 2025 were moved from Structural Heart to Electrophysiology.

Refer to table titled "Non-GAAP Revenue Reconciliation" for a reconciliation of comparable sales growth.

Worldwide Medical Devices sales increased 13.2 percent on a reported basis and 8.5 percent on a comparable basis in the first quarter.

Sales growth in the quarter was led by double-digit growth in Electrophysiology, Heart Failure and Rhythm Management.

In Diabetes Care, sales of continuous glucose monitors grew 14.2 percent on a reported basis and 7.6 percent on a comparable basis.

Abbott’s Financial Guidance
Abbott projects full-year 2026 comparable sales growth of 6.5% to 7.5%.

Abbott projects full-year 2026 adjusted diluted earnings per share of $5.38 to $5.58, which includes $0.20 of dilution related to the acquisition of Exact Sciences.

Abbott projects second-quarter 2026 adjusted diluted earnings per share of $1.25 to $1.31.

Abbott has not provided the related GAAP financial measures on a forward-looking basis for these forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures because the company is unable to predict with reasonable certainty and without unreasonable effort the timing and impact of certain items such as restructuring and cost reduction initiatives, charges for intangible asset impairments, acquisition-related expenses, and foreign exchange, which could significantly impact Abbott’s results in accordance with GAAP.

Abbott Declares 409th Consecutive Quarterly Dividend
On Feb. 20, 2026, the board of directors of Abbott declared the company’s quarterly dividend of $0.63 per share. Abbott’s cash dividend is payable May 15, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 15, 2026.

Abbott has increased its dividend payout for 54 consecutive years and is a member of the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Index, which tracks companies that have annually increased their dividend for at least 25 consecutive years.

(Press release, Abbott, APR 16, 2026, View Source [SID1234664428])