On May 8, 2025 Aptevo Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq:APVO), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel immune-oncology therapeutics based on its proprietary ADAPTIR and ADAPTIR-FLEX platform technologies, reported a program update for APVO711, a dual mechanism bispecific utilizing the PD-L1 arm to block the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway and the CD40 arm to enhance T cell priming through activation of the stimulatory receptor CD40 on antigen presenting cells (Press release, Aptevo Therapeutics, MAY 8, 2025, View Source [SID1234652779]). This update highlights the depth and scientific versatility of Aptevo’s existing pipeline and reinforces the Company’s ability to advance differentiated candidates for solid tumors with significant unmet need. Currently in preclinical development, APVO711 reflects the potential of Aptevo’s platform-based strategy to generate bispecific therapeutics with novel mechanisms and broad clinical relevance.

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"With APVO711, we’re advancing an innovative dual-mechanism approach to immunotherapy-one that not only boosts the immune system through PD-L1 blockade but also facilitates T-cell priming via CD40 activation. This is important in the development of new therapeutics for cancers that have proven resistant to standard checkpoint therapies. We believe APVO711 has the potential to unlock deeper, more sustained responses, and ultimately expand the reach of immunotherapy to patients who need it most," said Marvin White, President and CEO of Aptevo.

About APVO711

Novel Mechanism: APVO711 is a bispecific antibody targeting PD-L1 × CD40-combining checkpoint inhibition with immune activation in a single molecule.

Designed for Potency: Unlike traditional checkpoint inhibitors, APVO711 simultaneously blocks immune suppression and primes antigen presenting cells to trigger robust T-cell responses.

Targeting the Unmet Need: Developed to address a wide variety of tumor types and augment the anti-tumor responses achieved with PD-1/PD-L1 blockade alone.

Pipeline Synergy: Represents a key part of Aptevo’s novel immuno-oncology platform, with strong potential for combination strategies across solid tumors.

Momentum Building: Preclinical studies demonstrate dual anti-cancer functionality.

"APVO711 represents a novel immunotherapy approach – by targeting both PD-L1 and CD40, this bispecific candidate is designed to block tumor-driven immune suppression while simultaneously priming T cells for a stronger, more durable anti-tumor response. In a landscape where many patients fail to respond to checkpoint inhibitors alone, APVO711 offers a rational strategy to expand the benefits of immunotherapy to a broader range of cancers and patients," said Michelle H. Nelson, Ph.D., Director of Immunobiology at Aptevo Therapeutics.

On May 7, 2025 OmniAb, Inc. (NASDAQ: OABI) reported financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2025, and provided operating and partner program updates (Press release, OmniAb, MAY 8, 2025, View Source [SID1234652778]).

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"We have started the year with robust deal flow, including both platform and asset-based deals. Our business remains strong as our diversified pipeline of partner programs is progressing with recent and expected new clinical entrants and data readouts," said Matt Foehr, Chief Executive Officer of OmniAb. "Today we announced the xPloration Partner Access Program for OmniAb partners, enhancing the scalability of our technology platforms and creating new business opportunities that we believe will be accretive to both earnings and cash flow in short- and long-term. This initiative furthers our mission to push the frontiers of discovery technologies along with our focus on creating value for our partners and our stakeholders. As we look ahead, our 2025 outlook remains on track with our commitment to running an efficient and leverageable business."

First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

Revenue for the first quarter of 2025 was $4.2 million, compared with $3.8 million for the same period in 2024, with the increase primarily due to the recognition of a $1.0 million Phase 1 milestone payment and higher license fees, partially offset by lower service revenue.

Research and development expense was $12.6 million for the first quarter of 2025, compared with $14.6 million for the same period in 2024, with the decrease primarily due to lower share-based compensation expense and lower external expenses associated with our small-molecule ion channel programs and technology development. General and administrative expense was $7.9 million for the first quarter of 2025, compared with $8.3 million for the same period in 2024, with the decrease primarily due to lower legal fees and share-based compensation expense.

Net loss for the first quarter of 2025 was $18.2 million, or $0.17 per share, compared with a net loss of $19.0 million, or $0.19 per share, for the same period in 2024.

As of March 31, 2025, OmniAb had cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $43.6 million.

2025 Financial Guidance

OmniAb affirms guidance for 2025 revenue to be in the range of $20 million to $25 million, and revises operating expense guidance to be in the range of $85 million to $90 million from the previous range of $90 million to $95 million. In addition, OmniAb continues to expect 2025 cash use to be lower than cash use in 2024. Cash use in 2024 was $38.9 million, excluding the 2024 ATM issuance. The 2025 full year effective tax rate is expected to be approximately 0%.

First Quarter 2025 and Recent Business Highlights

During the first quarter of 2025, OmniAb entered into three new platform license agreements including the Wyss Institute at Harvard University, Takis Biotech S.r.l. and Orion Corporation.

OmniAb entered into a research collaboration and license agreement with Orion Corporation to discover and generate an antibody-based compound for a specific ion-channel target. Under the terms of the agreement, OmniAb will receive an upfront payment of $250,000 and is eligible to receive service payments. OmniAb is also eligible to receive development, regulatory and commercialization milestone payments totaling to over $55 million. OmniAb will receive low- to mid-single digit tiered royalties on net sales, should the program reach commercialization.

As of March 31, 2025, the Company had 95 active partners and 378 active programs, including 33 OmniAb-derived programs in clinical development or being commercialized.

Post-quarter close, OmniAb entered into an asset-based sale with Angelini Pharma for a small molecule Kv7.2 program. OmniAb will receive an upfront payment of $3 million, and potential milestones of over $170 million and royalties.

In addition, OmniAb launched the offering of xPloration to existing partners through a Partner Access Program. xPloration is a high-throughput single B-cell screening instrument that leverages machine learning and artificial intelligence to address challenges in primary B-cell screening with traditional methods, such as limited antibody diversity and lengthy processes. We believe it offers a competitive edge over current market offerings for B-cell screening with unmatched screening throughput, superior hit recovery, exceptional ease-of-use and reliability. OmniAb will showcase xPloration at the 21st Annual PEGS Boston Summit, taking place May 12-16 at the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport.

First quarter 2025 and recent partner and business highlights include the following:

IMVT-1402

Immunovant announced that potentially registrational trials for IMVT-1402 are currently enrolling patients in four indications: myasthenia gravis (MG), chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), Graves’ disease (GD) and difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis.
A fifth potentially registrational trial for Sjogren’s disease is planned to begin in the summer of 2025. Additionally, a proof-of-concept study has been initiated in a sixth indication, cutaneous lupus erythematosus.
Batoclimab

Immunovant announced positive study results for batoclimab in MG and CIDP. The pivotal study in MG met its primary endpoint, showing a change from baseline in the Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living score in the acetylcholine receptor antibody positive population at 12 weeks. The 680mg dose arm showed a 5.6-point improvement with a 74% mean immunoglobulin G (IgG) reduction, while the 340mg dose arm showed a 4.7-point improvement with a 64% mean IgG reduction.
Initial CIDP results from Period 1, following standard-of-care washout, demonstrated a mean improvement in the adjusted Inflammatory Neuropathy Cause and Treatment (aINCAT) disability score of 1.8 across study arms. An 84% responder rate (with response defined as an aINCAT improvement ≥1) was observed among all patients whose IgG was reduced by ≥70%.
In both batoclimab studies, deeper IgG reductions correlated with better clinical outcomes across a range of assessments and timepoints.
Immunovant expects to announce additional data for batoclimab in GD, including six-month remission data, this summer. Additionally, top-line results for batoclimab from potentially registrational Phase 3 trials in thyroid eye disease are expected in the second half of 2025.
Sugemalimab

CStone Pharmaceuticals announced the submission of a Type II variation application to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for sugemalimab, seeking approval for the treatment of unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients who have not progressed following platinum-based chemoradiotherapy. This is CStone’s second regulatory submission for sugemalimab to the EMA, following its 2024 approval for metastatic NSCLC.
TEV-53408

Teva Pharmaceuticals initiated a Phase 2 trial of TEV-53408 in adults with celiac disease. The primary efficacy objective is to assess the ability of TEV-53408 to attenuate gluten-induced enteropathy. Additional objectives include the safety assessment of TEV-53408.
RNDO- 564

Rondo Therapeutics published preclinical data for RNDO-564, a CD28 x Nectin-4 bispecific antibody for bladder cancer, in theJournal of Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper).In vitrostudies demonstrated that RNDO-564 enhanced T-cell activation and cytotoxicity against Nectin-4 positive tumor cells. The antibody demonstrated significant tumor regression in tumor-bearing mouse models, both alone and with an immune checkpoint inhibitor. Favorable pharmacokinetic and tolerability profiles were observed in non-human primates.
OmniAb recently appointed Philip J. Gotwals, Ph.D., and Steve Crouse to its Board of Directors. Dr. Gotwals, with 30 years of biopharmaceutical experience in R&D, business development, product development, and therapeutic area strategy, along with Mr. Crouse, who brings over 20 years of expertise in life sciences sales and marketing, product development, business development, and general management, will help advance the Company’s strategic initiatives.

OmniAb reported that partners presented data on nine OmniAb derived molecules at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2025, held April 25-30. These presentations showcased clinical trial designs, as well as data across various preclinical and clinical studies.

The Company also expects that multiple partners will be presenting data from programs developed with OmniAb technology at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting taking place May 30 – June 3, 2025.

Conference Call and Webcast

OmniAb management will host a conference call with accompanying slides today beginning at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time (1:30 p.m. Pacific time) to discuss this announcement and answer questions. To participate via telephone, please dial (800) 549 8228 using the conference ID 96760. Slides, as well as the live and replay webcast of the call, are available at View Source

On May 8, 2025 Astrazeneca reported positive high-level results from the POTOMAC Phase III trial showed one year of treatment with Imfinzi (durvalumab) plus standard-of-care BCG induction and maintenance therapy demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in disease-free survival (DFS) for patients with high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) compared to BCG induction and maintenance therapy alone (Press release, AstraZeneca, MAY 8, 2025, View Source [SID1234652777]).​

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The trial was not statistically powered to formally test overall survival (OS) however a descriptive analysis demonstrated no detriment.

More than 70% of bladder cancer patients are diagnosed with NMIBC, an early-stage cancer where the tumour is in the tissue that lines the inner surface of the bladder but has not invaded the muscle wall.1-2 About half of patients with NMIBC are classified as high-risk for disease progression or recurrence because of certain characteristics of their cancer, such as tumour grade, stage and specific tumour features.3

Maria De Santis, MD, Head of the Interdisciplinary Uro-Oncology Section at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany, and a principal investigator in the POTOMAC trial, said: "These exciting data show that adding one year of durvalumab to the current standard treatment significantly extends the time patients live without high-risk disease recurrence or progression. While most patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer are treated with curative intent, 80 per cent see their disease return and almost half may require life-altering surgery to remove the bladder, underscoring the urgent need to improve treatment."

Cristian Massacesi, Chief Medical Officer and Oncology Chief Development Officer, AstraZeneca, said: "The positive results for Imfinzi in the POTOMAC trial represent a significant advance that will potentially allow more patients with early-stage bladder cancer to benefit from this important immunotherapy. Building on the NIAGARA data, this outcome demonstrates our strategy of bringing novel therapies to patients with early-stage disease where there is the greatest potential for long-term benefit."

The safety and tolerability of Imfinzi plus BCG induction and maintenance therapy was consistent with the known safety profiles of the individual medicines, with no new safety concerns identified. The addition of Imfinzi did not compromise patients’ ability to complete BCG induction and maintenance therapy.

The second experimental arm evaluating Imfinzi plus BCG induction-only therapy compared to BCG induction and maintenance therapy alone did not meet the endpoint of DFS.

These data will be presented at a forthcoming medical meeting and shared with global regulatory authorities.

Imfinzi is approved in the US and other countries for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) based on results from the NIAGARA Phase III trial and continues to be investigated across early and late-stage bladder cancer in various treatment combinations, including in patients with MIBC who are ineligible or refuse to take cisplatin (VOLGA) and in locally advanced or metastatic disease (NILE).

Notes

Bladder cancer
Bladder cancer is the 9th most common cancer in the world, with more than 614,000 cases diagnosed each year.4 The most common type is urothelial carcinoma, which begins in the urothelial cells of the urinary tract.2

In 2024, an estimated 125,000 patients were treated for high-risk NMIBC, for which the current standard of care is transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) followed by administration of BCG directly into the bladder.5-6 Up to 80% of patients experience disease recurrence within five years, and rates of progression in high-risk patients can be as high as 45%.2 There is a critical need for treatment options in this curative-intent setting.

POTOMAC
POTOMAC is a randomised, open-label, multi-centre, global Phase III trial evaluating Imfinzi in combination with BCG therapy as a treatment for 1,018 patients with high-risk, BCG-naïve NMIBC who have undergone TURBT prior to randomisation. Patients were randomised 1:1:1 to receive Imfinzi plus BCG induction and maintenance therapy, or Imfinzi plus BCG induction-only therapy, versus standard-of-care BCG induction and maintenance therapy.

The trial was conducted in more than 120 centres across 12 countries including Canada and others across Europe and Asia. The primary endpoint was DFS, defined as time from randomisation to date of first recurrence of high-risk disease or death from any cause, for Imfinzi plus BCG induction and maintenance therapy compared to BCG induction and maintenance therapy alone. Secondary endpoints included DFS for Imfinzi plus BCG induction only therapy versus the comparator arm, as well as OS at five years and safety across both experimental arms of the trial.

Imfinzi
Imfinzi (durvalumab) is a human monoclonal antibody that binds to the PD-L1 protein and blocks the interaction of PD-L1 with the PD-1 and CD80 proteins, countering the tumour’s immune-evading tactics and releasing the inhibition of immune responses.

In addition to its indication in MIBC, Imfinzi is the global standard of care based on OS in the curative-intent setting of unresectable, Stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients whose disease has not progressed after chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Additionally, Imfinzi is approved as a perioperative treatment in combination with neoadjuvant chemotherapy in resectable NSCLC, and in combination with a short course of Imjudo (tremelimumab) and chemotherapy for the treatment of metastatic NSCLC. Imfinzi is also approved for limited-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC) in patients whose disease has not progressed following concurrent platinum-based CRT; and in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of extensive-stage SCLC.

Imfinzi is also approved in combination with chemotherapy in locally advanced or metastatic biliary tract cancer and in combination with Imjudo in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Imfinzi is also approved as a monotherapy in unresectable HCC in Japan and the European Union (EU).

In March 2025, perioperative Imfinzi added to standard-of-care chemotherapy met the primary endpoint of event-free survival in the MATTERHORN Phase III trial in resectable gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancers.

Imfinzi in combination with chemotherapy followed by Imfinzi monotherapy is approved as a 1st-line treatment for primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer (mismatch repair deficient disease only in US and EU). Imfinzi in combination with chemotherapy followed by Lynparza (olaparib) and Imfinzi is approved for patients with mismatch repair proficient advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer in EU and Japan.

Since the first approval in May 2017, more than 374,000 patients have been treated with Imfinzi. As part of a broad development programme, Imfinzi is being tested as a single treatment and in combinations with other anti-cancer treatments for patients with NSCLC, bladder cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer and several gastrointestinal cancers.

On May 8, 2025 Zai Lab Limited (NASDAQ: ZLAB; HKEX: 9688) reported financial results for the first quarter of 2025, along with recent product highlights and corporate updates (Press release, Zai Laboratory, MAY 8, 2025, View Source [SID1234652774]).

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"In the first quarter, we continued to advance both our global pipeline and commercial business," said Dr. Samantha Du, Founder, Chairperson, and CEO of Zai Lab. "We are rapidly expanding our global portfolio, having recently presented promising data for two next-generation oncology therapies at AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper), and we look forward to presenting updated results for ZL-1310 (DLL3 ADC) at the 2025 ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting. We remain on track to initiate a pivotal study for ZL-1310 in SCLC this year, with the goal of securing FDA approval in 2027. In parallel, we are also exploring opportunities in first-line SCLC and other neuroendocrine tumors to unlock the full potential of this important global asset. On the commercial front, we continued to expand patient access for key products and are leveraging our existing infrastructure to support upcoming launches and our next wave of blockbuster opportunities. With a strong foundation in place, we are well positioned to drive growth and profitability, and to further our mission of becoming a leading global biopharmaceutical company."

"2025 marks a transformational year for Zai Lab, and we are executing against the key objectives we set at the start of the year," said Josh Smiley, President and COO of Zai Lab. "Following a seasonal slowdown of VYVGART early in the year, we saw patient volumes rebound in March and April, and we anticipate a return to strong sequential growth throughout the rest of the year. Looking ahead, our late-stage pipeline, including bemarituzumab and KarXT, is expected to fuel the next wave of topline growth alongside VYVGART. At the same time, we continue to strengthen our financial position, achieving a 20% year-over-year reduction in operating loss and a 25% year-over-year reduction in adjusted operating loss1, keeping us on track to achieve profitability1 in the fourth quarter of 2025. With a strong cash position,2 a growing commercial business, and an expanding global portfolio, Zai Lab is poised to capitalize on multiple upcoming catalysts and drive long-term shareholder value."

First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

•Product revenue, net was $105.7 million in the first quarter of 2025, compared to $87.1 million for the same period in 2024, representing 21% y-o-y growth, 23% y-o-y growth at constant exchange rate (CER). This increase was primarily driven by increased sales for VYVGART, ZEJULA, and NUZYRA.

–VYVGART and VYVGART Hytrulo were $18.1 million in the first quarter of 2025, compared to $13.2 million for the same period in 2024. Although quarter over quarter growth was impacted by seasonality, sales grew year over year driven by increasing market coverage and penetration since VYVGART’s launch in September 2023 and listing on China’s National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL) for the treatment of generalized Myasthenia Gravis (gMG) effective January 1, 2024.

–ZEJULA was $49.5 million in the first quarter of 2025, compared to $45.5 million for the same period in 2024. ZEJULA sales remained strong as it continued to be the leading PARP inhibitor in hospital sales for ovarian cancer in mainland China.

–NUZYRA was $15.1 million in the first quarter of 2025, compared to $9.9 million for the same period in 2024. This growth was supported by increasing market coverage and penetration.

•Research and Development (R&D) expenses were $60.7 million in the first quarter of 2025, compared to $54.6 million for the same period in 2024. This increase was primarily due to upfront fees totaling $20.0 million for our license and collaboration agreements. Other R&D expenses decreased as a result of resource prioritization and efficiency efforts.

•Selling, General and Administrative expenses were $63.4 million in the first quarter of 2025, compared to $69.2 million for the same period in 2024. This decrease was primarily driven by decreased personnel costs as a result of resource prioritization and efficiency efforts.

•Loss from operations was $56.3 million in the first quarter of 2025, $37.1 million when adjusted to exclude non-cash expenses including depreciation, amortization, and share-based compensation. A reconciliation of loss from operations (GAAP) to adjusted loss from operations (non-GAAP) is included at the end of this release.

•Net loss was $48.4 million in the first quarter of 2025, or a loss per ordinary share attributable to common stockholders of $0.04 (or loss per American Deposit Share (ADS) of $0.45), compared to a net loss of $53.5 million for the same period in 2024, or a loss per ordinary share of $0.05 (or loss per ADS of $0.55). These decreases in net loss were primarily due to product revenue growing faster than net operating expenses.

•Cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, and current restricted cash totaled $857.3 million as of March 31, 2025, compared to $879.7 million as of December 31, 2024.

Recent Pipeline Highlights

Below are key product updates since our last earnings release:

Oncology Pipeline

•ZL-1310 (DLL3 ADC):

–Second-Line+ Extensive-Stage SCLC (ES-SCLC): In April 2025, Zai Lab announced that updated data from an ongoing, global Phase 1a/1b clinical trial of ZL-1310 for the treatment of ES-SCLC, will be presented during a poster session at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting. The updated results will include additional patients and follow-up from the ongoing trial.

–Other neuroendocrine tumors: In April 2025, Zai Lab initiated a global Phase 1/2 study in patients with selected solid tumors, exploring its therapeutic potential beyond ES-SCLC.

•Tisotumab Vedotin (TIVDAK, Tissue Factor ADC): In March 2025, China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) accepted the Biologics License Application (BLA) for TIVDAK for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer with disease progression on or after systemic therapy. Zai Lab will leverage its commercial footprint of ZEJULA in women’s cancer to accelerate patient access to this therapy in China if approved.

•Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields): In April 2025, Zai Lab partner Novocure announced that the additional results from the Phase 3 PANOVA-3 trial for pancreatic cancer will be presented as a late-breaking oral presentation at the 2025 ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting. Zai Lab participated in the study in Greater China (mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, collectively) and plans to file for regulatory approval in China in 2025.

•Repotrectinib (ROS1/TRK): In April 2025, China’s NMPA accepted the supplemental New Drug Application for repotrectinib for patients with NTRK-positive solid tumors. Repotrectinib has the potential to become a next-generation TKI that can be used across a broad range of NTRK fusion-positive solid tumors for both TKI-naïve and TKI-pretreated patients.

•ZL-6201 (LRRC15 ADC): In April 2025, Zai Lab presented new data at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2025. The findings demonstrate that ZL-6201 efficiently internalizes within and kills tumor cells, while also exhibiting a strong bystander killing effect in the tumor microenvironment where the target is often expressed. Based on these findings, Zai Lab plans to initiate Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling studies of ZL-6201 as a potential treatment for patients with sarcoma and other LRRC15-positive solid tumors, such as breast cancer and other malignancies, in 2025.

•ZL-1222 (PD-1/IL-12): In April 2025, Zai Lab presented data at the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2025, marking the first public disclosure of this global asset. Findings from preclinical studies demonstrate its potent anti-tumor activity in both anti-PD-1 sensitive and resistant tumor models, with improved systemic safety. These results indicate its potential to benefit patients who are unresponsive or resistant to the current immuno-oncology therapies.

Immunology Pipeline

•Efgartigimod (FcRn): In April 2025, Zai Lab partner argenx announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved VYVGART Hytrulo prefilled syringe (PFS) for self-injection in gMG and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP). It is the third administration option providing additional flexibility and convenience for patients. Zai Lab plans to submit the Chemical Manufacturing and Control (CMC) variation for PFS for these indications in China in 2025.

•ZL-1102 (IL-17 Humabody): Zai Lab has decided to discontinue the global Phase 2 clinical trial of ZL-1102 following a comprehensive review of the data from interim analysis from the first 40 enrolled participants and the subsequent recommendation of the independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board.

•Povetacicept (APRIL/BAFF): Zai Lab partner Vertex has completed enrollment of the interim analysis cohort in the global Phase 3 RAINIER study of povetacicept in IgA nephropathy. Zai Lab participated in the study in Greater China.

Anticipated Major Milestones in 2025

Upcoming Potential NMPA Submissions

•Bemarituzumab (FGFR2b): BLA submission in first-line gastric cancer.

•Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields): Marketing Authorization Application submissions in first-line pancreatic cancer.

•Efgartigimod (FcRn): submission for the CMC variation for PFS in gMG and CIDP.

Expected Clinical Developments and Data Readouts

Global Pipeline

ZL-1310 (DLL3 ADC)

•Second-Line+ ES-SCLC: Zai Lab to present updated data at the 2025 ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting on June 2, 2025. Zai Lab plans to initiate a pivotal study in the second half of 2025.

•First-Line ES-SCLC: Zai Lab to provide a data readout for dose escalation of ZL-1310 doublet in combination with atezolizumab.

ZL-1503 (IL-13/IL-31R)

•Zai Lab to provide a preclinical data update and advance into a global Phase 1 study in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis.

ZL-6201 (LRRC15 ADC)

•Zai Lab to advance into global Phase 1 development for patients with sarcoma and potentially other LRRC15-positive solid tumors, such as breast cancer and other malignancies.

Regional Pipeline

Bemarituzumab (FGFR2b)

•Zai Lab partner Amgen to provide data readout from the Phase 3 FORTITUDE-101 study of bemarituzumab combined with chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone in first-line gastric cancer in the second quarter of 2025. Zai Lab participated in the study in Greater China.

•Zai Lab partner Amgen to provide data readout from the Phase 3 FORTITUDE-102 study of bemarituzumab plus chemotherapy and nivolumab versus chemotherapy and nivolumab in first-line gastric cancer in the second half of 2025. Zai Lab participated in the study in Greater China.

Xanomeline-Trospium (or KarXT) (M1/M4-agonist)

•Zai Lab partner Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) to provide data readout from the Phase 3 ADEPT-2 study of KarXT in Alzheimer’s Disease Psychosis in the second half of 2025. Zai Lab participated in the study in Greater China.

Efgartigimod (FcRn)

•Seronegative gMG: Zai Lab partner argenx to provide topline results from the Phase 3 ADAPT-SERON study in seronegative gMG. Zai Lab participated in the study in Greater China.

•Lupus Nephritis (LN): Zai Lab to provide topline results from the Phase 2 study in LN.

Povetacicept (APRIL/BAFF)

•Primary Membranous Nephropathy (pMN): Zai Lab plans to partner with Vertex to execute the global pivotal Phase 2/3 study of povetacicept in pMN in Greater China.

Conference Call and Webcast Information

Zai Lab will host a live conference call and webcast today, May 8, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. ET (8:00 p.m. HKT). Listeners may access the live webcast by visiting the Company’s website at View Source Participants must register in advance of the conference call.

Details of registration links are as follows:

•For webcast: View Source

•For dial-in: View Source

All participants must use the link provided above to complete the online registration process in advance of the conference call. Dial-in details will be in the confirmation email which the participant will receive upon registering.

A replay will be available shortly after the call and can be accessed by visiting the Company’s website.

On May 8, 2025 Xilio Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: XLO), a clinical-stage biotechnology company discovering and developing tumor-activated immuno-oncology therapies for people living with cancer, reported pipeline progress and business updates and reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025 (Press release, Xilio Therapeutics, MAY 8, 2025, View Source [SID1234652773]).

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"In the first quarter, we presented encouraging initial Phase 2 data for vilastobart, our tumor-activated anti-CTLA-4, in combination with atezolizumab in patients with late-line MSS CRC. These data included a preliminary 27% objective response rate in late-line MSS CRC patients without liver metastases accompanied by a differentiated safety profile with a low incidence of colitis and other immune-related adverse events, which are common dose-limiting adverse events for other CTLA-4 agents," said René Russo, Pharm.D., president and chief executive officer of Xilio. "MSS CRC is an immunologically cold tumor type that is very difficult to treat and increasing in incidence, particularly in younger people for whom no immunotherapy treatment options are currently available. We look forward to reporting updated Phase 2 data at the upcoming ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) meeting, including additional response assessments and further follow-up on the previously reported data. This quarter was also marked by strong execution across our pipeline, as we continue to advance XTX301, our tumor-activated IL-12, in monotherapy dose escalation in partnership with Gilead, and multiple novel masked T cell engager programs internally and as part of our recently announced collaboration with AbbVie."

Pipeline and Business Updates

Vilastobart: tumor-activated, Fc-enhanced, high affinity binding anti-CTLA-4

Vilastobart is an investigational tumor-activated, Fc-enhanced, high affinity binding anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody designed to block CTLA-4 and deplete regulatory T cells when activated in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Vilastobart is currently being evaluated in combination with atezolizumab (Tecentriq ) in Phase 1C combination dose escalation in patients with advanced solid tumors and in a Phase 2 clinical trial in patients with MSS CRC.

● In January 2025, Xilio announced encouraging initial Phase 2 data for vilastobart in combination with atezolizumab in patients with MSS CRC. As of a data cutoff date of January 13, 2025, the combination of vilastobart at 100 mg once every six weeks (Q6W) in combination with atezolizumab at 1200 mg once every three weeks (Q3W) demonstrated a preliminary 27% objective response rate in patients without liver metastases accompanied by a generally well-tolerated safety profile. Patients experienced a low incidence of colitis and other immune-related adverse events, which have historically limited the potential for anti-CTLA-4 therapies. For more information, read the press release here. Based on the promising initial Phase 2 data for vilastobart, Xilio is seeking opportunities to partner the vilastobart program to accelerate and expand further development.

● Xilio plans to report updated data from the ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial in patients with metastatic MSS CRC, including additional response assessments and further follow-up on the previously reported data, at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting being held in Chicago from May 30 to June 3, 2025.

Title: Vilastobart (XTX101), a tumor-activated, Fc-enhanced anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody, in combination with atezolizumab in patients with MSS CRC

Abstract ID: 3553

Poster Session: Gastrointestinal Cancer – Colorectal and Anal

Poster Board: 222

Session Date and Time: Saturday, May 31, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. CDT

XTX301: tumor-activated IL-12

XTX301 is an investigational tumor-activated IL-12 designed to potently stimulate anti-tumor immunity and reprogram the TME of poorly immunogenic "cold" tumors towards an inflamed or "hot" state. In March 2024, Xilio entered into an exclusive license agreement with Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Gilead) related to Xilio’s tumor-activated IL-12 program, including XTX301.

● A maximum tolerated dose has not yet been established, and Xilio continues to enroll patients in Phase 1A monotherapy dose escalation and Phase 1B monotherapy dose expansion of the ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial of XTX301.

XTX501: masked PD-1/IL-2 bispecific

XTX501 is a novel, tumor-activated bispecific PD-1/IL-2 designed to selectively stimulate PD-1 positive, antigen-experienced T cells and enhance their function. XTX501 incorporates masking designed to overcome IL-2 receptor-mediated clearance and peripheral activity. In preclinical studies, XTX501 demonstrated robust monotherapy activity (including in settings insensitive to PD-1) and tumor-selective pharmacodynamics consistent with its intended mechanism of action.

● Xilio is currently advancing XTX501 in investigational new drug (IND) enabling studies and plans to submit an IND application for XTX501 in the middle of 2026.

Masked T Cell Engager Programs

Xilio is leveraging its proprietary, clinically validated tumor-activation platform to advance multiple preclinical programs for masked T cell engagers, including wholly owned programs targeting the tumor-associated antigens for PSMA, CLDN18.2 and STEAP1 and an additional program in collaboration with AbbVie.

Xilio’s masked T cell engager programs include bispecific molecules designed using its advanced tumor-activated cell engager (ATACR) format, which consists of a T cell engager with a masked CD3 targeting domain, and tri-specific molecules designed using its selective effector-enhanced cell engager (SEECR) format. The SEECR format builds upon the ATACR format by adding co-stimulatory signaling designed to further enhance potency and T cell activation.

● Xilio anticipates nominating a development candidate for its PSMA program in the ATACR format in the third quarter of 2025 and submitting an IND application in the first quarter of 2027. PSMA has demonstrated potential as a T cell engager target for prostate cancer.

● Xilio anticipates nominating a development candidate for its CLDN18.2 program in the ATACR format in the fourth quarter of 2025 and submitting an IND application in the second quarter of 2027. CLDN18.2 has broad potential as a T cell engager target for gastric, pancreatic, esophageal and lung cancers.

● Xilio anticipates nominating a development candidate for its STEAP1 program in the SEECR format in the first half of 2026 and submitting an IND application in the second half of 2027. STEAP1 has broad potential as a T cell engager target for prostate, colorectal and lung cancers.

Corporate Updates

● In the first quarter of 2025, Xilio announced a collaboration, license and option agreement with AbbVie leveraging Xilio’s proprietary tumor-activation technology and platform to discover and develop novel tumor-activated immunotherapies, including masked T cell engagers, and received $52.0 million in total upfront payments from AbbVie. Under the agreement, Xilio is also eligible to receive up to approximately $2.1 billion in total contingent payments for option-related fees and milestones plus tiered royalties. For more information, read the joint press release here.

First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

● Cash Position: Cash and cash equivalents were $89.1 million as of March 31, 2025, compared to $55.3 million as of December 31, 2024. In the first quarter of 2025, Xilio received $52.0 million in total upfront payments in connection with the collaboration agreement with AbbVie.

● Collaboration and License Revenue: Collaboration and license revenue was $2.9 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, which consisted of $2.9 million of total revenue recognized in connection with the collaborations with AbbVie and Gilead. No collaboration and license revenue was recognized for the quarter ended March 31, 2024.

● Research & Development (R&D) Expenses: R&D expenses were $8.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared to $10.4 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. The decrease was primarily driven by decreased clinical development activities for XTX202, a masked IL-2, as a result of discontinuing further investment in XTX202, decreased personnel-related costs due to lower headcount and decreased manufacturing costs for XTX301, partially offset by increased spending related to early stage programs and indirect research and development, increased clinical development activities for vilastobart and manufacturing activities for XTX501 in connection with IND-enabling studies.

● General & Administrative (G&A) Expenses: G&A expenses were $8.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared to $6.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. The increase was primarily driven by an increase in legal fees and personnel-related costs, partially offset by a decrease in costs related to directors’ and officers’ liability insurance.

● Net Loss: Net loss was $13.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared to $17.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024.

Financial Guidance

Based on its current operating plans, Xilio anticipates that its cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2025 will be sufficient to enable it to fund its operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements into the first quarter of 2026.

About Vilastobart and the Phase 1/2 Combination Clinical Trial

Vilastobart is an investigational tumor-activated, Fc-enhanced, high affinity binding anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody designed to block CTLA-4 and deplete regulatory T cells when activated in the tumor microenvironment (TME). In 2023, Xilio entered into a co-funded clinical trial collaboration with Roche to evaluate vilastobart in combination with atezolizumab (Tecentriq ) in a multi-center, open-label Phase 1/2 clinical trial. Xilio is currently evaluating the safety of the combination in Phase 1C dose escalation in patients with advanced solid tumors and the safety and efficacy of the combination in Phase 2 in patients with metastatic microsatellite stable colorectal cancer with and without liver metastases. Please refer to NCT04896697 on www.clinicaltrials.gov for additional details.

About XTX301 and the Phase 1 Clinical Trial

XTX301 is an investigational masked IL-12 designed to potently stimulate anti-tumor immunity and reprogram the tumor microenvironment (TME) of poorly immunogenic "cold" tumors towards an inflamed or "hot" state. In March 2024, Xilio entered into an exclusive license agreement with Gilead Sciences, Inc. for Xilio’s tumor-activated IL-12 program, including

XTX301. Xilio is currently evaluating the safety and tolerability of XTX301 as a monotherapy in patients with advanced solid tumors in a first-in-human, multi-center, open-label Phase 1 clinical trial. Please refer to NCT05684965 on www.clinicaltrials.gov for additional details.