Xuanzhu Biopharm’s Xuanyuening® (BireociclibTablets) Approved for Dual Indications, Bringing Innovative Breakthroughs to Breast Cancer Treatment

On May 15, 2025, Xuanzhu Biopharm reported the latest announcement released by the National Medical Products Administration attracted widespread attention in the oncology community and the pharmaceutical market (Press release, Xuanzhu Biopharmaceutical, MAY 15, 2025, View Source [SID1234653189]). Bireociclib tablets (trade name: Xuanyuening), a Class 1 anti-tumor new drug independently developed by Xuanzhu Biopharmaceutical was officially approved for marketing. This innovative drug is indicated for two important conditions in HR+/HER2- breast cancer. It not only injects new vitality into the domestic breast cancer treatment field but also brings new hope to a large number of breast cancer patients.

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Bireociclib tablets are applicable to adult patients with advanced or metastatic breast cancer who are positive for hormone receptor (HR) and negative for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). On the one hand, it can be combined with fulvestrant for patients with disease progression after previous endocrine therapy. On the other hand, it is the only CDK4/6 inhibitor approved in China as monotherapy for the patients with disease progression after receiving two or more endocrine therapies and one chemotherapy in the metastatic stage. According to authoritative data, approximately 420,000 new breast cancer cases are diagnosed in China each year, among which nearly 100,000 are advanced breast cancer patients. The launch of Bireociclib tablets undoubtedly provides a new and effective treatment option for this large patient group.

Globally, breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor among women, with approximately 70% being the hormone receptor-positive subtype. Although the advent of CDK4/6 inhibitors has significantly extended patients’ survival, current treatments still face many challenges. The efficacy of existing drugs is limited in premenopausal patients; patients with visceral crisis have a poor prognosis; some patients have difficulty tolerating the adverse reactions of the drugs; and the problem of primary drug resistance is also prominent. Bireociclib tablets, with their innovative multi-target mechanism of action (acting on CDK2, 4, 6, and 9), can precisely block the tumor cell proliferation pathway while significantly reducing the incidence of hematological toxicity. This not only achieves a strong and continuous inhibition of tumors but also greatly improves patients’

Gilead and Kite Announce Presentation of Transformative Data in 1L Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer, Updated Results in Multiple Myeloma and Early Data From Novel Investigational CAR T-Cell Therapy Targeting Brain Cancer at 2025 ASCO and EHA

On May 15, 2025 Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) reported that it will present more than 20 abstracts across both Gilead and Kite at the upcoming 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting May 30 – June 3 and the 2025 European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) Annual Congress June 12 – 15 (Press release, Gilead Sciences, MAY 15, 2025, View Source [SID1234653188]). The studies span breast cancer and other solid tumors (glioblastoma, endometrial cancer, lung cancer, gastric cancer), as well as multiple blood cancers (multiple myeloma, large B-cell lymphoma, indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma, acute lymphoblastic leukemia).

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At ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper), Gilead will present detailed late-breaking results from the Phase 3 ASCENT-04 study showing a statistically significant and clinically meaningful benefit in progression-free survival for Trodelvy plus Keytruda versus Keytruda and standard of care chemotherapy in patients with inoperable (unresectable) locally advanced or metastatic triple-negative breast cancer whose tumors express PD-L1 (Abstract #LBA109). Additionally, Kite research collaborators at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine will present Phase 1 results evaluating a novel investigational CAR T-cell therapy using a dual-target approach in patients with recurrent glioblastoma during an oral session at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) (Abstract #102).

At EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper), Kite and its partner Arcellx will present updated findings from the Phase 2 registrational iMMagine-1 study of anitocabtagene-autoleucel (anito-cel) in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma during an oral presentation (Abstract #S201).

Additional abstracts supporting pipeline therapies (e.g., KITE-363, a C19/20 dual-target CAR T) and results from collaborative studies will also be presented as orals across ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) and EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper).

"Our oncology portfolio is broad and diverse by design, as we continue to innovate with next-generation therapies and combinations to deliver improved outcomes and ultimately seek to transform how cancer is treated," said Dietmar Berger, MD, PhD, Chief Medical Officer, Gilead Sciences. "Data at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) and EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper) will feature novel pipeline approaches with antibody-drug conjugate therapy and cell therapy, helping to drive oncology innovation and change medical practice."

Summary of Presentations

Accepted abstracts at the 2025 ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting include:

Tumor Types

Abstract Title

Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Abstract #LBA109

May 31, 2025

3:35 – 3:47 PM CDT

(Oral Presentation)

Sacituzumab Govitecan (SG) + Pembrolizumab (Pembro) vs Chemotherapy (Chemo) + Pembro in Previously Untreated PD-L1 Positive Advanced Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC): Primary Results from the Randomized Phase 3 ASCENT-04/KEYNOTE-D19 Study

Abstract #511

June 1, 2025

8:12 – 8:18 AM CDT

(Oral Presentation)

A Phase 2 Study of Response-Guided Neoadjuvant Sacituzumab Govitecan and Pembrolizumab (SG/P) in Patients with Early-Stage Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Results from the NeoSTAR Trial*

Lung Cancer

Abstract #8599

May 31, 2025

1:30 – 4:30 PM CDT

(Poster)

Longer Follow-up for Survival and Safety from the EVOKE-01 Trial of Sacituzumab Govitecan (SG) vs Docetaxel in Patients (pts) with Metastatic Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Abstract #8522

May 31, 2025

1:30 – 4:30 PM CDT

(Poster)

Exploratory ctDNA Analyses for the EVOKE-1 Study in Metastatic Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Abstract #11154

May 31, 2025

1:30 – 4:30 PM CDT

(Poster)

Characterizing Health Related Quality of Life Among Individuals Living with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in the United States: Findings from the Cancer Experience Registry

Endometrial Cancer

Abstract # e17624

May 22, 2025

4:00 PM CDT

(Online Publication Only)

Trop-2 Expression and its Prognostic Impact on Endometrial Cancer: A Real-world Data Analysis

Glioblastoma

Abstract #102

June 1, 2025

10:09 – 10:21 AM CDT

(Oral Presentation)

A Phase 1 Study of Intracerebroventricular Delivery of Bivalent CAR T-Cells Targeting EGFR and IL13Rα2 in Patients with Recurrent Glioblastoma**

Gastric, Gastroesophageal Junction, and Esophageal Adenocarcinomas

Abstract #4033

May 31, 2025

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM CDT

(Poster)

Real-world Analyses to Evaluate the Role of TIGIT as a Target in First-line (1L) Gastric, Gastroesophageal Junction, and Esophageal Adenocarcinomas

Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC)

Abstract # e18011

May 22, 2025

4:00 PM CDT

(Trial in Progress [TiP], Online Publication Only)

A Phase 2 Study of First-line Domvanalimab, Zimberelimab, and Chemotherapy in Patients with Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Substudy-01 of the VELOCITY-HNSCC Platform Trial

B-cell Lymphoma

Abstract #7003

May 30, 2025

3:45 – 3:57 PM CDT

(Oral Presentation)

A Phase 1 Study of KITE-363 Anti-CD19/CD20 Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell Therapy in Patients (pts) with Relapsed/Refractory (R/R) B-cell Lymphoma

Large B-cell Lymphoma

Abstract #7023

June 1, 2025

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM CDT

(Poster)

Trends and Outcomes by Inpatient and Outpatient Infusion of Axicabtagene Ciloleucel (Axi-cel) in the US for Patients (Pts) with Relapsed / Refractory Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Secondary Central Nervous System Lymphoma

Abstract #2020

May 31, 2025

4:12 – 4:18 PM CDT

(Oral Presentation)

Using Single-Cell Transcriptomics to Reveal CD226 Upregulation and Enhancement of CD19-CAR-T Function in the Inhibitory CNS Microenvironment of Refractory CNS Lymphoma***

Abstract #7024

June 1, 2025

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM CDT

(Poster)

Real-world Outcomes of Axicabtagene Ciloleucel (Axi-cel) for the Treatment of Relapsed/Refractory (R/R) Secondary Central Nervous System Lymphoma

*Collaborative study with Massachusetts General Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

**Collaborative study with the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine

***Collaborative study with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Summary of Presentations

Accepted abstracts at the EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper) 2025 Annual Congress include:

Tumor Types

Abstract Title

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Abstract #PF374

June 13, 2025

6:30 – 7:30 PM CEST

(Poster)

Five-year Survival Outcomes of Patients (Pts) With Relapsed or Refractory B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (R/R B-ALL) Treated with Brexucabtagene Autoleucel (Brexu-cel) In ZUMA-3

Large B-cell Lymphoma

Abstract #PF1168

June 13, 2025

6:30 – 7:30 PM CEST

(Poster)

Cost-effectiveness of Real-world Axicabtagene Ciloleucel Use in Relapsed/Refractory 2L LBCL Based on a Multi-center US Registry

Abstract #PF1002

June 13, 2025

6:30 – 7:30 PM CEST

(Poster)

Prognostic Value of Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA) Detection by PhasED-Seq after Axicabtagene Ciloleucel (Axi-cel) Therapy in Relapsed/Refractory Large B-cell Lymphoma

Abstract #PF1304

June 13, 2025

6:30 – 7:30 PM CEST

(Poster)

Health Impact of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Vein-to-Vein Time in Second-Line Large B-Cell Lymphoma Patients: An Exploratory Modelling Analysis for Italy

Abstract #S237

June 13, 2025

5:00 – 6:15 PM CEST

(Oral Presentation)

Real-world Effectiveness and Safety Outcomes Among Key Subgroups of Second-line (2L) Axicabtagene Ciloleucel (Axi-cel) for Patients with Relapsed/Refractory (R/R) Large B-cell Lymphoma (LBCL)

Abstract # PB3232

May 14, 2025

(Publication Only)

The Italian Commercial Axi-cel Manufacturing Performance: A Retrospective Analysis of an Efficient and Reliable Process Over Time

Abstract # PB3238

May 14, 2025

(Publication Only)

Clinical, Economic, and Humanistic Outcomes of First-line High-Risk Large B-Cell Lymphoma: A Series of Systematic Literature Reviews

Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Abstract #PF954

June 13, 2025

6:30 – 7:30 PM CEST

(Poster)

Real-world Outcomes of Brexucabtagene Autoleucel (Brexu-cel) in Patients (Pts) with Relapsed/Refractory (R/R) Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL): A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) And Meta-analysis

Multiple Myeloma

Abstract #S201

June 14, 2025

5:00 – 6:15 PM CEST

(Oral Presentation)

Phase 2 Registrational Study of Anitocabtagene-Autoleucel for Relapsed and/or Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM): Updated Results from iMMagine-1

Abstract #PF1294

June 13, 2025

6:30 – 7:30 PM CEST

(Poster)

Understanding Caregiver Challenges in Multiple Myeloma (MM): A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) of the Qualitative and Quantitative Literature

Anitocabtagene autoleucel is an investigational therapy. Neither Kite or Arcellx has received approval from any regulatory authority for any use of this therapy, and its safety and efficacy has not been established.

The use of Trodelvy plus Keytruda in patients with previously untreated PD-L1+ unresectable locally advanced or metastatic TNBC is investigational, and the safety and efficacy of this use have not been established. Trodelvy has a Boxed Warning for severe or life-threatening neutropenia and severe diarrhea; please see below for the approved U.S. Indications and additional Important Safety Information.

KEYTRUDA is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA.

About Trodelvy

Trodelvy (sacituzumab govitecan-hziy) is a first-in-class Trop-2-directed antibody-drug conjugate. Trop-2 is a cell surface antigen highly expressed in multiple tumor types, including in more than 90% of breast and lung cancers. Trodelvy is intentionally designed with a proprietary hydrolyzable linker attached to SN-38, a topoisomerase I inhibitor payload. This unique combination delivers potent activity to both Trop-2 expressing cells and the tumor microenvironment through a bystander effect.

Trodelvy is currently approved in more than 50 countries for second-line or later metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients and in more than 40 countries for certain patients with pre-treated HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer.

Trodelvy is currently being evaluated in multiple ongoing Phase 3 trials across a range of tumor types with high Trop-2 expression. These studies with Trodelvy, both in monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab, involve earlier lines of treatment for TNBC and HR+/HER2- breast cancer—including in curative settings—as well as in lung and gynecologic cancers, where previous proof-of-concept studies have demonstrated clinical activity.

Indications for Trodelvy

TRODELVY (sacituzumab govitecan-hziy) is a Trop-2-directed antibody and topoisomerase inhibitor conjugate indicated for the treatment of adult patients with:

Unresectable locally advanced or metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC) who have received two or more prior systemic therapies, at least one of them for metastatic disease.
Unresectable locally advanced or metastatic hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative (IHC 0, IHC 1+ or IHC 2+/ISH–) breast cancer who have received endocrine-based therapy and at least two additional systemic therapies in the metastatic setting.
Important Safety Information for Trodelvy

BOXED WARNING: NEUTROPENIA AND DIARRHEA

TRODELVY can cause severe, life-threatening, or fatal neutropenia. Withhold TRODELVY for absolute neutrophil count below 1500/mm3 or neutropenic fever. Monitor blood cell counts periodically during treatment. Primary prophylaxis with G-CSF is recommended for all patients at increased risk of febrile neutropenia. Initiate anti-infective treatment in patients with febrile neutropenia without delay.
TRODELVY can cause severe diarrhea. Monitor patients with diarrhea and give fluid and electrolytes as needed. At the onset of diarrhea, evaluate for infectious causes and, if negative, promptly initiate loperamide. If severe diarrhea occurs, withhold TRODELVY until resolved to ≤ Grade 1 and reduce subsequent doses.
CONTRAINDICATIONS

Severe hypersensitivity reaction to TRODELVY.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Neutropenia: Severe, life-threatening, or fatal neutropenia can occur as early as the first cycle of treatment and may require dose modification. Neutropenia occurred in 64% of patients treated with TRODELVY. Grade 3-4 neutropenia occurred in 49% of patients. Febrile neutropenia occurred in 6%. Neutropenic colitis occurred in 1.4%. Primary prophylaxis with G-CSF is recommended starting in the first cycle of treatment in all patients at increased risk of febrile neutropenia, including older patients, patients with previous neutropenia, poor performance status, organ dysfunction, or multiple comorbidities. Monitor absolute neutrophil count (ANC) during treatment. Withhold TRODELVY for ANC below 1500/mm3 on Day 1 of any cycle or below 1000/mm3 on Day 8 of any cycle. Withhold TRODELVY for neutropenic fever. Treat neutropenia with G-CSF and administer prophylaxis in subsequent cycles as clinically indicated or indicated in Table 2 of USPI.

Diarrhea: Diarrhea occurred in 64% of all patients treated with TRODELVY. Grade 3-4 diarrhea occurred in 11% of patients. One patient had intestinal perforation following diarrhea. Diarrhea that led to dehydration and subsequent acute kidney injury occurred in 0.7% of all patients. Withhold TRODELVY for Grade 3-4 diarrhea and resume when resolved to ≤ Grade 1. At onset, evaluate for infectious causes and if negative, promptly initiate loperamide, 4 mg initially followed by 2 mg with every episode of diarrhea for a maximum of 16 mg daily. Discontinue loperamide 12 hours after diarrhea resolves. Additional supportive measures (e.g., fluid and electrolyte substitution) may also be employed as clinically indicated. Patients who exhibit an excessive cholinergic response to treatment can receive appropriate premedication (e.g., atropine) for subsequent treatments.

Hypersensitivity and Infusion-Related Reactions: TRODELVY can cause serious hypersensitivity reactions including life-threatening anaphylactic reactions. Severe signs and symptoms included cardiac arrest, hypotension, wheezing, angioedema, swelling, pneumonitis, and skin reactions. Hypersensitivity reactions within 24 hours of dosing occurred in 35% of patients. Grade 3-4 hypersensitivity occurred in 2% of patients. The incidence of hypersensitivity reactions leading to permanent discontinuation of TRODELVY was 0.2%. The incidence of anaphylactic reactions was 0.2%. Pre-infusion medication is recommended. Have medications and emergency equipment to treat such reactions available for immediate use. Observe patients closely for hypersensitivity and infusion-related reactions during each infusion and for at least 30 minutes after completion of each infusion. Permanently discontinue TRODELVY for Grade 4 infusion-related reactions.

Nausea and Vomiting: TRODELVY is emetogenic and can cause severe nausea and vomiting. Nausea occurred in 64% of all patients treated with TRODELVY and Grade 3-4 nausea occurred in 3% of these patients. Vomiting occurred in 35% of patients and Grade 3-4 vomiting occurred in 2% of these patients. Premedicate with a two or three drug combination regimen (e.g., dexamethasone with either a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist or an NK1 receptor antagonist as well as other drugs as indicated) for prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). Withhold TRODELVY doses for Grade 3 nausea or Grade 3-4 vomiting and resume with additional supportive measures when resolved to Grade ≤ 1. Additional antiemetics and other supportive measures may also be employed as clinically indicated. All patients should be given take-home medications with clear instructions for prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting.

Increased Risk of Adverse Reactions in Patients with Reduced UGT1A1 Activity: Patients homozygous for the uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyl transferase 1A1 (UGT1A1)*28 allele are at increased risk for neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, and anemia and may be at increased risk for other adverse reactions with TRODELVY. The incidence of Grade 3-4 neutropenia was 58% in patients homozygous for the UGT1A1*28, 49% in patients heterozygous for the UGT1A1*28 allele, and 43% in patients homozygous for the wild-type allele. The incidence of Grade 3-4 anemia was 21% in patients homozygous for the UGT1A1*28 allele, 10% in patients heterozygous for the UGT1A1*28 allele, and 9% in patients homozygous for the wild-type allele. Closely monitor patients with known reduced UGT1A1 activity for adverse reactions. Withhold or permanently discontinue TRODELVY based on clinical assessment of the onset, duration and severity of the observed adverse reactions in patients with evidence of acute early-onset or unusually severe adverse reactions, which may indicate reduced UGT1A1 function.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Based on its mechanism of action, TRODELVY can cause teratogenicity and/or embryo-fetal lethality when administered to a pregnant woman. TRODELVY contains a genotoxic component, SN-38, and targets rapidly dividing cells. Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with TRODELVY and for 6 months after the last dose. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with TRODELVY and for 3 months after the last dose.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

In the pooled safety population, the most common (≥ 25%) adverse reactions including laboratory abnormalities were decreased leukocyte count (84%), decreased neutrophil count (75%), decreased hemoglobin (69%), diarrhea (64%), nausea (64%), decreased lymphocyte count (63%), fatigue (51%), alopecia (45%), constipation (37%), increased glucose (37%), decreased albumin (35%), vomiting (35%), decreased appetite (30%), decreased creatinine clearance (28%), increased alkaline phosphatase (28%), decreased magnesium (27%), decreased potassium (26%), and decreased sodium (26%).

In the ASCENT study (locally advanced or metastatic triple-negative breast cancer), the most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥25%) were fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, alopecia, constipation, vomiting, abdominal pain, and decreased appetite. The most frequent serious adverse reactions (SAR) (>1%) were neutropenia (7%), diarrhea (4%), and pneumonia (3%). SAR were reported in 27% of patients, and 5% discontinued therapy due to adverse reactions. The most common Grade 3-4 lab abnormalities (incidence ≥25%) in the ASCENT study were reduced neutrophils, leukocytes, and lymphocytes.

In the TROPiCS-02 study (locally advanced or metastatic HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer), the most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥25%) were diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, alopecia, and constipation. The most frequent serious adverse reactions (SAR) (>1%) were diarrhea (5%), febrile neutropenia (4%), neutropenia (3%), abdominal pain, colitis, neutropenic colitis, pneumonia, and vomiting (each 2%). SAR were reported in 28% of patients, and 6% discontinued therapy due to adverse reactions. The most common Grade 3-4 lab abnormalities (incidence ≥25%) in the TROPiCS-02 study were reduced neutrophils and leukocytes.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

UGT1A1 Inhibitors: Concomitant administration of TRODELVY with inhibitors of UGT1A1 may increase the incidence of adverse reactions due to potential increase in systemic exposure to SN-38. Avoid administering UGT1A1 inhibitors with TRODELVY.

UGT1A1 Inducers: Exposure to SN-38 may be reduced in patients concomitantly receiving UGT1A1 enzyme inducers. Avoid administering UGT1A1 inducers with TRODELVY.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING.

About Anitocabtagene autoleucel (anito-cel)

Anitocabtagene autoleucel (anito-cel, previously CART-ddBCMA) is the first BCMA-directed CAR T-cell therapy to be investigated in multiple myeloma that utilizes Arcellx’s novel and compact binder known as the D-Domain. Anito-cel has been granted Fast Track, Orphan Drug, and Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy Designations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Agenus Announces New Data from Expanded MSS Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Cohort to be Presented at ESMO GI 2025

On May 15, 2025 Agenus Inc. ("Agenus" or the Company") (NASDAQ: AGEN), a leader in immuno-oncology, reported new data from its ongoing Phase 1 trial evaluating botensilimab and balstilimab (BOT/BAL) in patients with microsatellite stable (MSS) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) at the 2025 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Gastrointestinal Cancers Congress in Barcelona, Spain (Press release, Agenus, MAY 15, 2025, View Source [SID1234653187]). A poster presentation will feature updated findings from an expanded cohort of 123 patients, incorporating additional participants and extended follow-up to further assess clinical activity of the combination, including durability of response and overall survival (NCT03860272).

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Presentation Details:

Presentation: Botensilimab plus balstilimab in an expanded cohort of 123 patients with metastatic microsatellite stable colorectal cancer and no active liver metastases

Presenting Author: Dr. Benjamin Schlechter, Dana Farber Cancer Institute

Poster Number: 8P

Session Date and Time: 7/4/2025, 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM CEST (9:30 AM – 10:30 AM EDT)

About Botensilimab (BOT)

Botensilimab is a human Fc enhanced CTLA-4 blocking antibody designed to boost both innate and adaptive anti-tumor immune responses. Its novel design leverages mechanisms of action to extend immunotherapy benefits to "cold" tumors which generally respond poorly to standard of care or are refractory to conventional PD-1/CTLA-4 therapies and investigational therapies. Botensilimab augments immune responses across a wide range of tumor types by priming and activating T cells, downregulating intratumoral regulatory T cells, activating myeloid cells and inducing long-term memory responses.

Approximately 1,100 patients have been treated with botensilimab in phase 1 and phase 2 clinical trials. Botensilimab alone, or in combination with Agenus’ investigational PD-1 antibody, balstilimab, has shown clinical responses across nine metastatic, late-line cancers. For more information about botensilimab trials, visit www.clinicaltrials.gov.

About Balstilimab (BAL)

Balstilimab is a novel, fully human monoclonal immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) designed to block PD-1 (programmed cell death protein 1) from interacting with its ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2. It has been evaluated in >900 patients to date and has demonstrated clinical activity and a favorable tolerability profile in several tumor types.

Merus Announces the Journal Publication of Petosemtamab Mechanism of Action

On May 15, 2025 Merus N.V. (Nasdaq: MRUS) ("Merus", "the Company", "we", or "our"), an oncology company developing innovative, full-length multispecific antibodies and antibody drug conjugates (Biclonics, Triclonics and ADClonics), reported publication on the mechanism of action of petosemtamab, a bispecific antibody targeting Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and Leucine-Rich G (LGR5), in the scientific journal "Cancers", a MDPI publication (Press release, Merus, MAY 15, 2025, View Source [SID1234653186]).

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"LGR5+ stem-cell-like cells within a tumor, are frequently reported to be a central contributor to cancer growth, treatment resistance, and recurrence in CRC and other solid tumors," said Cecile Geuijen, Ph.D., Senior Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer. "This publication outlining the scientific rationale for petosemtamab, a bispecific targeting EGFR and LGR5, underpins the strong previously reported phase 2 interim clinical data in both 1L PD-L1+ r/m HNSCC in combination with pembrolizumab and as a single-agent in 2L+ r/m HNSCC."

Petosemtamab employs three distinct mechanisms of action: EGFR ligand blocking, EGFR receptor internalization and degradation in LGR5+ cells, and Fc-mediated activation of the innate immune system by antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP) and enhanced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC).

Petosemtamab has demonstrated substantial clinical activity in recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (r/m HNSCC) as reported in our 2024 press releases, Merus’ Petosemtamab in Combination with Pembrolizumab Interim Data Demonstrates Robust Response Rate and Favorable Safety Profile in 1L r/m HNSCC (May 28, 2024) and Merus’ Petosemtamab Monotherapy Interim Data Continues to Demonstrate Clinically Meaningful Activity in 2L+ r/m HNSCC (Dec. 7, 2024). Phase 3 trials are ongoing in both first-line (1L) programmed PD-L1+ (CPS≥1) and second/third-line (2/3L) r/m HNSCC with both trials expected to be substantially enrolled by year end.

A phase 2 trial evaluating petosemtamab in combination with standard chemotherapy in 1L and 2L metastatic colon cancer (mCRC), and as monotherapy in heavily pretreated (3L+) mCRC, is enrolling. We expect to provide initial clinical data for petosemtamab in mCRC in second half of 2025.

The publication is available on the Publications page of our website.

TuHURA Biosciences, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial Results and Provides a Corporate Update

On May 15, 2025 TuHURA Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:HURA) ("TuHURA"), a Phase 3 immune-oncology company developing novel technologies to overcome resistance to cancer immunotherapy, reported financial results for the Company’s first quarter ended March 31, 2025, and provided a corporate update (Press release, TuHURA Biosciences, MAY 15, 2025, View Source [SID1234653183]).

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"TuHURA has had an impressive start to 2025, and we continue to execute our corporate strategy as we drive towards TuHURA’s four major clinical data readouts anticipated over the next 24 months. We recently initiated our Phase 1b/2a study of IFx-Hu2.0 in combination with pembrolizumab in checkpoint-naïve MCCUP patients. Evaluating IFx-Hu2.0 in MCCUP patients is an important component of our overall strategy for the program, as the Phase 1b/2a trial will include patients without skin lesions who present with metastatic deep-seated tumors in the liver, lungs or retroperitoneum (abdomen), who are not eligible to participate in our Phase 3 accelerated approval trial due to the trial’s primary lesion enrollment criteria. Approximately 30% of MCC patients have unknown primary lesions, and demonstrating safety and efficacy in the MCCUP patient population would allow us the opportunity to provide IFx-Hu2.0 to more patients with MCC," said James Bianco, M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of TuHURA Biosciences. "We are also moving towards initiating our Phase 3 accelerated approval trial of IFx-Hu2.0 in first-line advanced and metastatic MCC and anticipate the lifting of the manufacturing-related partial clinical hold in the coming weeks. Our Phase 3 trial, for which we have an SPA agreement with the FDA, will be a single randomized placebo-controlled trial of IFx-Hu2.0 as adjunctive therapy with Keytruda (pembrolizumab) as a first-line therapy for advanced and metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), and, if positive, may satisfy the requirement for a post-approval confirmatory trial, saving time, money and risk associated with a second trial."

"In addition to our IFx-Hu2.0 drug candidate, we continue to assemble an exciting late-stage pipeline through our pending acquisition of Kineta, Inc. and its VISTA inhibitor antibody, KVA12123. We are targeting to close the acquisition later this quarter subject to financing and other conditions and advance KVA12123 into a Phase 2 trial in relapsed or refractory NPM1-mutated AML where VISTA expression on leukemic blasts is believed to be responsible for how leukemic cells escape immune recognition contributing to poor responses to therapy and high rates of relapse," stated Dr. Bianco. "We are also developing tumor microenvironment modulators in the form of bi-specific immune modulating Antibody Peptide Conjugates (APCs) and Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs) targeting myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). We plan to present data at a scientific conference this year on the discovery of high-expression delta opioid receptor (DOR) and the effect on MDSCs and M2 macrophages in the tumor environment. We believe that our DOR program has the potential to reprogram the function of MDSCs and M2 macrophages within the tumor microenvironment, which could have broad implications," concluded Dr. Bianco.

Corporate Highlights

Initiation of Phase 1b/2a Study of IFx-Hu2.0 as Adjunctive Therapy to Keytruda in 1L MCCUP. In May 2025, TuHURA announced that it initiated its Phase 1b/2a trial of IFx-Hu2.0 as an adjunctive therapy to pembrolizumab in MCCUP. This Phase 1b/2a trial is investigating safety and feasibility of IFx-Hu2.0 when administered via interventional radiology to patients with deep-seated tumors who would not be eligible for the Phase 3 trial.
Presentation of Two Posters at the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting. In April 2025, TuHURA presented a poster at the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting outlining a greater than 90% VISTA receptor occupancy following treatment with Kineta’s VISTA inhibitor mAb as monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab in advanced solid tumors. Additionally, the Markowitz Lab at Moffitt Cancer Center presented a poster of IFx-Hu2.0, demonstrating increased T Cell and B Cell production in peripheral blood relative to tumor tissue following adjunctive administration of IFx-Hu2.0 in combination with pembrolizumab.
Appointment of Dr. Bertrand Le Bourdonnec as Head of Drug Discovery. In April 2025, TuHURA announced the appointment of Dr. Le Bourdonnec as the Company’s Executive Vice President, Head of Drug Discovery, Early Development and Program Management. Dr. Le Bourdonnec has extensive experience in the biology and molecular pharmacology of the DOR, TuHURA’s core target on MDSCs for the Company’s emerging suite of ADC and APC development candidates.
Appointment of Dr. Craig L. Tendler to Board of Directors. In March 2025, TuHURA announced the appointment of industry veteran Dr. Craig Tendler to its Board of Directors. Dr. Tendler brings to TuHURA decades of experience in cancer therapeutic development, and most recently served as Johnson & Johnson’s Vice President, Oncology Clinical Development. During his tenure at J&J, Dr. Tendler oversaw 30 major drug approvals, and led development planning from proof of concept through registration and life-cycle management, for J&J’s treatments in hematological malignancies and more prevalent solid tumor diseases.
Upcoming Anticipated Milestones by Program

IFx-Hu2.0

Q2 2025: TuHURA anticipates the FDA’s complete response letter lifting the partial clinical hold relating to completion of certain CMC requirements.
Q2 2025: Initiation of Phase 3 accelerated approval trial in first line Merkel cell carcinoma
VISTA Inhibiting Monoclonal Antibody

Q2 2025: TuHURA expects to close its acquisition of Kineta, Inc. and Kineta’s VISTA inhibiting mAb.
Q3 2025: Initiation of Phase 2 trial of VISTA inhibiting mAb in combination with a menin inhibitor for the treatment of NPM1-mutated AML.
ADC and APC Development Candidates

TuHURA continues to advance its bi-specific, bi-functional immune modulating ADCs and APCs that target the DOR on MDSCs, inhibiting their immune suppressing effects in the tumor microenvironment while localizing a checkpoint inhibitor like the VISTA inhibiting antibody.
In 2025, TuHURA anticipates presenting non-clinical data at relevant medical meetings.
Financial Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2025

Research and development expenses were $4.6 million and $3.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, and 2024, respectively.

General and administrative expenses were $2.4 million and $1.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, and 2024, respectively.

As of March 31, 2025, TuHURA’s total shares outstanding was approximately 43.7 million.

As previously announced, on December 11, 2024, TuHURA entered into a definitive agreement with Kineta, Inc. (OTC Pink: KANT) in which, as amended, TuHURA agreed to acquire Kineta, including the rights to Kineta’s novel KVA12123 antibody, for a combination of cash and shares of TuHURA common stock via a merger transaction upon the terms and conditions described in TuHURA’s Form 8-Ks filed on December 12, 2024 and May 7, 2025. The merger is currently targeted to close in Q2 2025 pending the satisfaction of certain financing and other closing conditions.