On March 10, 2026 Protara Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: TARA), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing transformative therapies for the treatment of cancer and rare diseases, reported a business update and announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2025.

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"Over the last few months, we reported meaningful clinical and regulatory progress across our portfolio of late-stage programs and are building on this momentum as we advance toward several important milestones in 2026," said Jesse Shefferman, Chief Executive Officer of Protara Therapeutics. "For TARA-002 in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), the clinical dataset continues to support its potential as a differentiated intravesical therapy with compelling efficacy, a favorable safety profile and a streamlined approach to administration in the clinical setting for both Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-Unresponsive and BCG-Naïve patients. We remain on track to complete enrollment in our BCG-Unresponsive registrational cohort in the ADVANCED-2 trial and to initiate the ADVANCED-3 registrational trial in BCG-Naïve patients in the second half of 2026."

Mr. Shefferman added, "For our rare disease programs, we reported positive interim results for TARA-002 in lymphatic malformations (LMs), followed by the receipt of Breakthrough Therapy and Fast Track designations for TARA-002 in LMs from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We are working with the FDA to bring this promising treatment to patients expeditiously and expect to provide a regulatory update in the first half of 2026. In addition, our THRIVE-3 registrational trial of intravenous (IV) Choline Chloride for patients on parenteral support remains on track, with interim results expected in the second half of 2026. With cash runway into 2028, we are well positioned to continue executing across our pipeline and advance our mission of delivering transformational therapies for patients with cancer and rare diseases."

Recent Progress and Highlights

TARA-002 in NMIBC

At the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Genitourinary Cancers Symposium in February 2026, the Company announced updated interim results from the ADVANCED-2 trial in evaluable NMIBC patients with carcinoma in situ or CIS (± Ta/T1) who are BCG-Unresponsive and BCG-Naïve. As of the January 28, 2026 data cutoff:
In the BCG-Unresponsive cohort of patients, TARA-002 demonstrated a complete response (CR) rate at any time of 65.7% (23/35) with CR rates of 68.2% (15/22) at six months and 33.3% (5/12) at 12 months. Among responders, the Kaplan-Meier (KM) estimated probability of maintaining a CR for six months was 71.1% (95% CI: 46.7, 95.5). Additionally, among responders, 100% (5 of 5) maintained their CR from nine to 12 months. Re-induction therapy was successful with 61.5% (8 of 13) of re-induced patients converting to a CR at six months.
In the BCG-Naïve cohort of patients, TARA-002 demonstrated a CR rate at any time of 72.4% (21/29) with CR rates of 66.7% (18 of 27) at six months and 57.9% (11 of 19) at 12 months. Among responders, the KM estimated probability of maintaining a CR for six months was 73.1% (95% CI: 52.9, 93.4). In addition, among responders, 100% (11 of 11) maintained their CR from nine to 12 months. Re-induction therapy was successful with 66.7% (4 of 6) of re-induced patients converting to a CR at six months.
The majority of treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were Grade 1 and transient with no Grade 3 or greater TRAEs and no related serious adverse events as assessed by study investigators. No patients discontinued treatment due to TRAEs. The most common TRAEs were dysuria, bladder spasm, fatigue and micturition urgency. Most bladder irritations resolved shortly after administration or within a few hours to a few days.
The Company has completed enrollment of the BCG-Naïve cohort and expects to complete enrollment of the BCG-Unresponsive cohort in the second half of 2026.
The Company remains on track to commence ADVANCED-3, a registrational trial of TARA-002 compared to intravesical chemotherapy in BCG-Naïve patients (who have never been exposed and those who have not received BCG within the last 24 months and are ineligible to receive BCG, have a contraindication to BCG, cannot tolerate BCG, do not have access to BCG or refuse BCG) in the second half of 2026.
TARA-002 in LMs

In January 2026, the Company announced that the FDA granted TARA-002 Fast Track and Breakthrough Therapy designations for the treatment of pediatric patients with macrocystic and mixed cystic LMs. TARA-002 was previously granted Rare Pediatric Disease designation for the treatment of LMs.
The Company remains on track to share a regulatory update on the registrational path for TARA-002 in LMs in the first half of 2026.
IV Choline Chloride for Patients on Parenteral Support (PS)

THRIVE-3, the Company’s registrational Phase 3 clinical trial, is ongoing, and the Company expects to report interim results in the second half of 2026.
Corporate Update

Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Financial Results

As of December 31, 2025, unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and marketable debt securities totaled $197.9 million, including proceeds from the Company’s $86.3 million public offering in December 2025. The Company expects its cash and cash equivalents and marketable debt securities will be sufficient to fund its planned operations and milestones into 2028.
Research and development expenses for the fourth quarter of 2025 increased to $13.1 million from $9.5 million for the prior year period, and for the full year increased to $42.6 million compared to $31.7 million for 2024. The fourth quarter and full year increases were primarily due to the start-up and advancement of clinical trials across our portfolio.
General and administrative expenses for the fourth quarter of 2025 increased to $6.0 million from $4.8 million for the prior year period, and for the full year increased to $21.9 million compared to $17.5 million for 2024. The fourth quarter and full year increases were primarily due to increases in personnel-related expenses and other general and administrative expenses primarily related to professional and consulting services.
For the fourth quarter of 2025, Protara incurred a net loss of $17.3 million, or $0.37 per share, compared with a net loss of $12.8 million, or $0.48 per share, for the same period in 2024. Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2025 was $57.4 million, or $1.34 per share, compared with a net loss of $44.6 million, or $2.17 per share, for the year ended December 31, 2024. Net loss for the fourth quarter of 2025 included approximately $1.0 million in stock-based compensation expenses. Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2025 included approximately $3.8 million in stock-based compensation expenses.
About ADVANCED-2

ADVANCED-2 (NCT05951179) is a Phase 2 open-label trial assessing intravesical TARA-002 in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) patients with carcinoma in situ or CIS (± Ta/T1) who are Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-Unresponsive (Cohort B N=75-100) or BCG-Naïve (Cohort A N=31). Trial subjects received an induction course, with or without a reinduction, of six weekly intravesical instillations of TARA-002, followed by a maintenance course of three weekly instillations every three months. The BCG-Unresponsive cohort is designed to be registrational based on the FDA’s August 2024 Draft Guidance for Industry on BCG-Unresponsive Nonmuscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: Developing Drugs and Biological Products for Treatment.

About TARA-002

TARA-002 is an investigational cell therapy in development for the treatment of NMIBC and of LMs, for which it has been granted Rare Pediatric Disease, Breakthrough and Fast Track designations by the FDA. TARA-002 is a first-in-class TLR2/NOD2 agonist and novel immunopotentiator derived from inactivated Streptococcus pyogenes with a mechanism of action that includes the activation of innate and adaptive immune pathways within the bladder wall. When TARA-002 is administered, it is hypothesized that innate and adaptive immune cells within the cyst or tumor are activated and produce a pro-inflammatory response with the release of cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interferon (IFN)-gamma, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-12. TARA-002 also directly kills tumor cells and triggers a host immune response by inducing immunogenic cell death, which further enhances the antitumor immune response.

TARA-002 was developed from the same master cell bank of genetically distinct group A Streptococcus pyogenes as OK-432, a broad immunopotentiator marketed as Picibanil in Japan by Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Protara has successfully shown manufacturing comparability between TARA-002 and OK-432.

About Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the United States, with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) representing approximately 80% of bladder cancer diagnoses, or approximately 65,000 patients in the U.S. each year. NMIBC is cancer found in the tissue that lines the inner surface of the bladder that has not spread into the bladder muscle.

About Lymphatic Malformations

Lymphatic Malformations (LMs) are rare, congenital malformations of lymphatic vessels resulting in the failure of these structures to connect or drain into the venous system. Protara’s focus is on macrocystic and mixed cystic LMs, for which there are no currently approved therapies. They are most frequently present in the head and neck region and are diagnosed in early childhood during the period of active lymphatic growth, with more than 50% detected at birth and 90% diagnosed before the age of three years. The most common morbidities and serious manifestations of the disease include compression of the upper aerodigestive tract, including airway obstruction requiring intubation and possible tracheostomy dependence; intralesional bleeding; impingement on critical structures, including nerves, vessels and lymphatics; recurrent infection; and cosmetic and other functional disabilities. TARA-002 has been granted Rare Pediatric Disease, Breakthrough Therapy and Fast Track designations by the FDA for the treatment of LMs.

About IV Choline Chloride for Patients on Parenteral Support

IV Choline Chloride is an investigational, intravenous phospholipid substrate replacement therapy in development for patients receiving parenteral support (PS). Choline is a known important substrate for phospholipids that are critical for healthy liver function and play an important role in modulating gene expression, cell membrane signaling, brain development and neurotransmission, muscle function and bone health. PS patients are unable to synthesize choline from enteral nutrition sources, and there are currently no available PS formulations containing choline. Approximately 78% of patients dependent on PS are choline-deficient and of those approximately 63% have some degree of liver dysfunction, which can lead to hepatic failure. Every year in the U.S. there are approximately 90,000 people who require PS at home and of those approximately 30,000 are on long-term PS. IV Choline Chloride has the potential to become the first FDA approved IV choline formulation for PS patients. It has been granted Orphan Drug designation by the FDA for the prevention and/or treatment of choline deficiency in patients on long-term parenteral nutrition and has been granted Fast Track designation as a source of choline when oral or enteral nutrition is not possible, insufficient or contraindicated. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued Protara a U.S. patent claiming a choline composition and a U.S. patent claiming a method for treating choline deficiency with a choline composition, each with a term expiring in 2041.

(Press release, Protara Therapeutics, MAR 10, 2026, View Source [SID1234663422])

On March 10, 2026 Alkermes plc (Nasdaq: ALKS) reported that management will participate in a fireside chat at the Stifel 2026 Virtual CNS Forum on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. ET (12:30 p.m. GMT). The live webcast may be accessed under the Investors tab on www.alkermes.com and will be archived for 14 days.

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(Press release, Alkermes, MAR 10, 2026, View Source [SID1234663407])

On March 10, 2026 Aptevo Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq:APVO), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel immune-oncology therapeutics based on its proprietary ADAPTIR and ADAPTIR-FLEX platform technologies, reported new interim data for mipletamig in combination with venetoclax and azacitidine in newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients who are either elderly or unfit for intensive chemotherapy. In data from two trials, the combination has demonstrated robust clinical activity, delivering an 86% clinical benefit rate (CR/CRi/PR*)with zero patients experiencing the common symptom of cytokine release syndrome (CRS). These data support an emerging efficacy profile coupled with differentiated patient safety and tolerability that is additive to the current AML standard-of-care therapy.

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"The emerging mipletamig data in frontline AML are highly encouraging and highlight the differentiated profile we believe is needed to advance treatment in frontline AML," said Dirk Huebner, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Aptevo Therapeutics. "In this study we are observing strong remission rates in a growing number of evaluable patients together with a consistently favorable safety and tolerability profile, including the absence of cytokine release syndrome. Achieving meaningful clinical activity while maintaining this level of safety and tolerability is essential in the frontline AML setting, where therapies must be compatible with established regimens. These results reinforce our belief that mipletamig can be successfully combined with venetoclax and azacitidine, with the potential to enhance outcomes for older and/or unfit AML patients who continue to face poor prognosis and limited treatment options."

Huebner continued, "Importantly, four of the patients treated to date have proceeded to allogeneic stem cell transplant, which represents the best possible outcome in AML treatment and is rarely achieved in the older or unfit frontline patient population."

Data Highlights Include:

Among the evaluable frontline patient population treated to date (N=28), including 24 patients from the RAINIER trial and 4 patients from the completed dose expansion trial, mipletamig in combination with venetoclax and azacitidine has demonstrated:

100% of frontline patients have remained free of cytokine release syndrome (CRS)

86% clinical benefit rate

79% achieved CR or CRi

61% achieved CR

55% of patients who achieved CR/CRi had blast reductions that reached the important measurable residual disease-negative level, a result that is typically associated with stronger, more durable responses

35% of patients with remissions had the TP53 genetic mutation, a high-risk biomarker typically associated with poor prognosis in AML and for which most treatment options frequently fail

Collectively, these data demonstrate mipletamig’s potential to meaningfully enhance frontline AML treatment in older and/or unfit patients, by improving efficacy outcomes without materially increasing toxicity.

"Our frontline data show that mipletamig has the potential to play a meaningful role in the future frontline AML treatment," said Marvin White, President and Chief Executive Officer of Aptevo Therapeutics. "From the outset, our objective has been to develop an AML drug capable of integrating into the current standard-of-care and improving outcomes for patients who continue to face poor prognoses. The data reported reinforces our conviction that mipletamig may represent a differentiated approach with the potential to complement existing frontline therapies in a practical and impactful way. As enrollment continues, we remain focused on advancing our RAINIER trial and generating the data needed to support mipletamig’s long-term role in AML treatment."

*(Clinical Benefit Rate: CR = complete remission; CRi = complete remission with incomplete blood marker recovery; PR = partial remission.)

Consistent Safety and Tolerability Profile Maintained Across Patients Treated to Date

In frontline patients treated to date, no cytokine release syndrome (CRS) has been observed. Together with strong efficacy outcomes, this outcome underscores mipletamig’s safety and combinability, potentially offering a superior treatment in the future. This safety profile is particularly important in frontline AML, where tolerability and combinability are essential for treating older patients and/or those with comorbidities.

About the RAINIER Trial

RAINIER, a frontline AML study, is a Phase 1b/2 dose optimization, multi-center, multi-cohort, open label study. Subjects are adults aged 18 or older, newly diagnosed with AML who are not eligible for intensive induction chemotherapy. RAINIER will be conducted in two parts. First, a Phase 1b dose optimization study in frontline AML patients followed by a Phase 2 study. The Phase 1b trial consists of 28-day cycles of treatment across multiple, sequential cohorts.

About Mipletamig

Aptevo’s wholly owned lead proprietary drug candidate, mipletamig, being evaluated for the treatment of AML, is differentiated by design to redirect the immune system of the patient to destroy leukemic cells and leukemic stem cells expressing the target antigen CD123, which is a compelling target for AML due to its overexpression on leukemic stem cells and AML blasts. This antibody-like recombinant protein therapeutic is designed to engage both leukemic cells and T cells of the immune system and bring them closely together to trigger the destruction of leukemic cells. Mipletamig is purposefully designed to reduce the likelihood and severity of CRS by use of the CRIS-7-derived CD3 binding pathway, an approach that differentiates Aptevo from competitors. Mipletamig has received orphan drug designation ("orphan status") for AML according to the Orphan Drug Act. Orphan drug designation provides key advantages-including the opportunity to seek U.S. market exclusivity for a specific period of time upon approval, FDA fee reductions, and access to development and tax credits. Mipletamig has been evaluated in more than 120 patients over three trials to date.

(Press release, Aptevo Therapeutics, MAR 10, 2026, View Source [SID1234663424])

On March 10, 2026 Alligator Bioscience (Nasdaq Stockholm: ATORX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing tumor-directed immuno-oncology antibody drugs, reported that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has granted a patent covering Alligator’s proprietary bispecific antibody format. The granted patent provides protection for the structural design of tetravalent bispecific antibodies capable of dual antigen binding.

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The patent covers a versatile antibody architecture designed to enable stable and efficient assembly of bispecific antibodies, including configurations targeting immune modulators and tumor-associated antigens. This platform is intended to support the development of next-generation immunotherapies across a range of oncology indications and combination strategies.

The bispecific antibody format covered by the patent underpins multiple programs within Alligator’s research platform and has already demonstrated external validation. In September 2025, Alligator entered into an evaluation and option agreement covering the RUBY antibody format, highlighting the commercial and strategic interest in Alligator’s antibody engineering capabilities.

"This patent grant strengthens the intellectual property foundation around our bispecific antibody platform and highlights the value of our technology beyond mitazalimab," said Søren Bregenholt, CEO of Alligator Bioscience. "It supports our strategy to build long-term value through our innovative antibody formats, both within our own pipeline and through partnerships, as exemplified by the RUBY agreement."

(Press release, Alligator Bioscience, MAR 10, 2026, View Source [SID1234663408])

On March 10, 2026 Agenus Inc. (Nasdaq: AGEN), a leader in immuno-oncology innovation, reported that it has triggered the first $20 million contingent payment under its previously disclosed strategic collaboration with Zydus Lifesciences Ltd.

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The payment was triggered by contracted work orders for critical chemistry, manufacturing and controls (CMC) and production activities related to botensilimab (BOT) and balstilimab (BAL). These activities will allow Zydus to perform the initiation of its commercial supply of Agenus’ lead programs. They also include additional manufacturing work to satisfy regulatory requirements for BLA and MAA readiness, to build upon existing inventory in anticipation of increasing demand across clinical development programs, authorized early access pathways, and to support potential global commercialization.

This milestone marks the first operational activities between Agenus and Zylidac Bio LLC, the U.S.-based biologics manufacturing subsidiary of Zydus Life Sciences.

"This milestone reflects our commitment to progressing BOT and BAL to regulatory approval readiness, and to support our ongoing clinical development and paid compassionate access program needs," said Garo H. Armen, Ph.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Agenus. "As reimbursed access continues in France under the AAC framework and named patient programs expand in permitted countries and enrollment advances in the global BATTMAN Phase 3 trial, it is essential that we proactively align manufacturing capacity with anticipated demand. Our partnership with Zydus enables us to scale thoughtfully while maintaining capital discipline."

Agenus currently maintains sufficient cGMP clinical-grade BOT and BAL drug product inventory to support the ongoing BATTMAN Phase 3 trial, the ANSM-authorized French access program (AAC) program, paid named patient programs in select countries where permitted, and ongoing investigator-sponsored trials. The newly initiated manufacturing activities are designed to supplement existing supply and position the company to meet expanding demand across paid compassionate access, development and potential future commercial settings.

Under the collaboration agreement, up to $50 million in contingent payments may be triggered by BOT and BAL production orders. The $20 million payment announced today is contractually allocated specifically for production and CMC-related activities. This structure enables Agenus to execute critical manufacturing work in support of its development and access programs without additional capital expenditures impacting its cash position.

The strategic collaboration between Agenus and Zydus, originally announced in June 2025 and closed in January 2026, provides Agenus with long-term U.S.-based biologics manufacturing capacity to support BOT+BAL’s global development and potential commercialization.

(Press release, Agenus, MAR 10, 2026, View Source [SID1234663425])