InnoCare Announces Orelabrutinib in Combination with Mesutoclax Granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation in China

On August 3, 2026 InnoCare Pharma (HKEX: 09969; SSE: 688428), a leading biopharmaceutical company focusing on the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases, reported that orelabrutinib, in combination with mesutoclax (ICP-248), has been granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) by the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for the treatment of patients with marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) who have received at least one prior therapy.

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Orelabrutinib is a novel Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor developed by InnoCare for the treatment of cancers and autoimmune diseases. With its high target selectivity, it minimizes off-target effects, thereby improving both safety and efficacy. Mesutoclax is a novel, oral BCL2 inhibitor developed by InnoCare that can exert anti-tumor activity by selectively inhibiting BCL2 and restoring the normal apoptosis process in cancer cells.

Mesutoclax is the first BCL2 inhibitor granted BTD recognition in China for the treatment of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) in patients previously treated with a BTK inhibitor. This is the second BTD granted to the novel BCL2 inhibitor.

Dr. Jasmine Cui, the Co-founder, Chairwoman, and CEO of InnoCare, said, "We are pleased that orelabrutinib in combination with mesutoclax has been granted BTD, which will help accelerate clinical trials to provide better treatment options for more patients."

Data presented at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting demonstrated that orelabrutinib in combination with mesutoclax achieved excellent efficacy and safety in patients with MZL who had received at least one prior therapy, with an overall response rate (ORR) of 100%.

MZL is an indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) that primarily affects middle-aged and elderly patients. The annual incidence of MZL is rising globally. After first-line treatment, patients with relapsed or refractor MZL lack effective treatment options.

The BTD aims to accelerate the clinical development and approval of new drugs that demonstrate significant clinical advantages. New drugs granted BTD are typically intended for diseases that are life-threatening or severely impair quality of life, and have demonstrated clear advantages in efficacy or safety during clinical trials.

(Press release, InnoCare Pharma, AUG 3, 2026, View Source [SID1234669630])

Fujifilm and Taiho Pharmaceutical Enter into Strategic Partnership for Development of Next-Generation Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) Manufacturing Technologies Optimizing Manufacturing Processes to Enable Stable Production of High-Quality ADCs

On August 3, 2026 FUJIFILM Corporation (President and CEO, Representative Director: Teiichi Goto) and Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (President and Representative Director: Masayuki Kobayashi) reported that they have entered into a strategic partnership agreement for the development of manufacturing technologies for next-generation antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).

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Under this partnership, the two companies will work to optimize manufacturing processes for ADC candidates being developed by Taiho Pharmaceutical using the AraLinQ technology of Araris Biotech AG ("Araris"), a subsidiary of Taiho Pharmaceutical. By combining Taiho Pharmaceutical’s expertise and capabilities in ADC drug discovery with Fujifilm’s process development and manufacturing technologies cultivated through its biologics CDMO※ business, the companies aim to achieve stable production of high-quality ADCs and enhance their global competitiveness in the next-generation ADC field.

In recent years, ADCs, which combine antibodies with cytotoxic agents and other payloads, have attracted significant attention as next-generation biopharmaceuticals capable of achieving both high therapeutic efficacy and reduced side effects. As a result, research and development activities in this field have been expanding rapidly worldwide. At the same time, ADC manufacturing requires highly sophisticated technologies, including the precise conjugation of antibodies and payloads. Therefore, establishing manufacturing capabilities that can consistently and efficiently produce high quality ADCs has become a critical industry challenge.

Taiho Pharmaceutical is committed to strengthen optimal manufacturing and supply systems for next-generation ADCs created using AraLinQ technology. AraLinQ is a proprietary ADC platform technology that enables the selective and homogeneous conjugation of payloads to antibodies and is expected to serve as a key technology for the development of next-generation ADCs.

Fujifilm operates its biologics CDMO business globally and has extensive experience and a proven track record in the process development and manufacturing of antibody therapeutics. Its group company, FUJIFILM Toyama Chemical, plans to launch Japan’s first integrated ADC CDMO service in 2027 and is building a manufacturing framework capable of providing end-to-end ADC production services in Japan, from antibody production and conjugation to final drug product manufacturing.

Going forward, Taiho Pharmaceutical and Fujifilm will leverage their respective strengths under this partnership to optimize manufacturing processes for the stable production of high-quality ADCs. In addition, as development of the target ADC candidates progresses, the companies plan to expand their technical collaboration and strengthen manufacturing technology platforms and frameworks that support sustainable supply.

※Contract Development & Manufacturing Organization. Provides a wide range of services to pharmaceutical companies, including process development, stability testing, clinical drug development and manufacturing, and commercial production.

Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs)
ADCs are medicines that combine antibodies capable of recognizing specific target cells with payloads such as cytotoxic agents. By selectively delivering the payload to target cells through the antibody, ADCs are expected to achieve both high therapeutic efficacy and reduced side effects. As a result, they are being actively developed worldwide as next-generation biopharmaceuticals.

(Press release, Taiho, AUG 3, 2026, View Source [SID1234669615])

CRISPR Therapeutics Provides Business Update and Reports Second Quarter 2026 Financial Results

On August 3, 2026 CRISPR Therapeutics (Nasdaq: CRSP) reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2026.

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"The second quarter reflected strong execution across CRISPR Therapeutics’ portfolio and platform," said Samarth Kulkarni, Ph.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CRISPR Therapeutics. "CASGEVY’s momentum continued to build, highlighted by the FDA’s approval for children as young as 2 years old, while we expanded our in vivo pipeline with the initiation of Phase 1 clinical trials for CTX340 for refractory hypertension and CTX460 for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. We enter the second half of 2026 well positioned, with a number of important milestones ahead across our pipeline."

Recent Highlights and Outlook

Hemoglobinopathies and CASGEVY (exagamglogene autotemcel)

CASGEVY is a non-viral, ex vivo, CRISPR/Cas9 gene-edited cell therapy for eligible patients with SCD or TDT that has been shown to reduce or eliminate vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) for patients with SCD and transfusion requirements for patients with TDT. CASGEVY is approved in 39 countries across North America, Europe, and the Middle East.

CASGEVY generated second quarter 2026 revenue of $76 million, representing 78% growth quarter-over-quarter and 151% growth year-over-year.
The U.S. FDA recently approved CASGEVY in children 2 years of age and older with SCD or TDT, the first genetic therapy indicated for children as young as 2 years for both SCD and TDT. With this approval, achieved in just 53 days post filing, approximately 5,500 patients with SCD or TDT may be eligible for treatment with CASGEVY for the first time. Regulatory submissions have also been completed for CASGEVY in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United Kingdom (U.K.) for the treatment of children 5 to 11 years of age.
In May, Vertex secured reimbursement for CASGEVY for eligible patients 12 years and older with SCD or TDT in Germany. Efforts remain underway with government and reimbursement authorities globally to ensure sustainable access for eligible patients.
CRISPR Therapeutics continues to advance its in vivo hematopoietic stem cell editing approach using lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-mediated delivery. This approach has the potential to expand the addressable patient populations for SCD and TDT.

In Vivo Liver Editing

CRISPR Therapeutics continues to advance a diversified portfolio of in vivo gene editing programs leveraging its proprietary liver-directed LNP delivery platform.

Development of CTX310, an investigational therapy targeting angiopoietin-related protein 3 (ANGPTL3), continues in a Phase 1b clinical trial, with the Company prioritizing indications in severe hypertriglyceridemia (sHTG) and refractory hypercholesterolemia. U.S. trials have been initiated, with ex-U.S. trials ongoing.
CRISPR Therapeutics announced that a late-breaking abstract entitled "Durability of Effects of CTX310, a CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing Targeting ANGPTL3" has been accepted for presentation at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2026 in Munich, Germany, on August 28 at 4:30 p.m. CET to discuss a clinical update of the ongoing Phase 1a trial. The Company also expects to provide a Phase 1b clinical update in the second half of 2026.
CTX340, targeting angiotensinogen (AGT), has received IND clearance from the FDA. The Company has initiated a Phase 1 clinical trial for patients with refractory hypertension.
CTX460, targeting SERPINA1 for the treatment of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), is the first investigational candidate generated from the Company’s SyNTase editing platform. The Company has initiated a Phase 1 clinical trial for CTX460.
CRISPR Therapeutics’ pipeline of preclinical in vivo gene editing candidates includes CTX321, the Company’s next-generation LPA program, which is progressing through IND/CTA-enabling studies. The candidate incorporates an optimized guide RNA that delivered approximately two-fold greater potency in preclinical models, paired with the same LNP delivery system used previously. An Lp(a) program update is anticipated in 2026.

siRNA-based Programs

CRISPR Therapeutics’ small interfering RNA (siRNA)-based portfolio includes clinical-stage programs targeting cardiovascular and thromboembolic diseases, developed in collaboration with Sirius Therapeutics.

CTX611 (SRSD107), a long-acting siRNA therapeutic targeting Factor XI (FXI), is advancing through a Phase 2 clinical trial in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The Company expects to provide an update in the second half of 2026.
CTX611 has the potential to address a broad range of thromboembolic and clotting-related indications, including atrial fibrillation (AF), venous thromboembolism (VTE), ischemic stroke, cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT), thrombosis in chronic kidney disease (CKD), peripheral vascular disease (PVD), and chronic coronary artery disease (CAD), collectively representing a multi-billion-dollar market opportunity. CRISPR Therapeutics is expected to lead global Phase 3 development, with Sirius Therapeutics overseeing development activities in greater China.
CRISPR Therapeutics has the option to nominate up to two additional siRNA targets for research and development. An update is expected in 2026.

Autoimmune Disease and Immuno-Oncology

Zugocabtagene geleucel (zugo-cel; formerly CTX112) continues to advance across both autoimmune disease and hematologic malignancies.

In autoimmune disease, zugo-cel is currently being evaluated in two ongoing Phase 1 basket trials: a rheumatology basket including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc), and inflammatory myositis (IM); and a hematology basket in immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (wAIHA).
In addition, a third Phase 1 trial has been initiated in autoimmune neurologic diseases. The trial, includes progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated Disease (MOGAD), N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) and leucine-rich glioma-inactivated Protein 1 (LGI1) autoimmune encephalitis (AIE), and stiff person syndrome (SPS).
Enrollment across the zugo-cel autoimmune clinical program continues in SSc, IIM, SLE, ITP and wAIHA with multiple clinical sites activated globally. The Company expects to provide further updates in the second half of 2026.
In immuno-oncology, the Phase 1/2 clinical trial of zugo-cel in B-cell malignancies is ongoing, with updates anticipated in the second half of 2026. The Company has also initiated a combination study evaluating zugo-cel with pirtobrutinib in aggressive B-cell lymphomas, under the Company’s existing collaboration with Lilly.
The Company’s autoimmune and immuno-oncology programs are supported by a wholly-owned GMP manufacturing facility in Framingham, Massachusetts. The facility provides end-to-end production capabilities across the cell therapy portfolio, supports both clinical and future commercial supply and enables an industry-leading cost of goods.

CRISPR Therapeutics is also advancing a proprietary in vivo CAR-T platform with potential applications across autoimmune disease and oncology.

The Company is pursuing two complementary modalities, supported by an antibody-conjugated LNP delivery system that enables targeted delivery to immune cells: a transient, re-dosable CAR-T leveraging engineered mRNA, and a non-viral, integrating CAR-T employing next-generation site-specific integration technologies.
Both programs are currently in the IND/CTA-enabling phase, focused on a best-in-class profile.

Regenerative Medicine

CRISPR Therapeutics continues to advance its regenerative medicine program in diabetes. The Company is developing CTX213, a deviceless beta cell replacement candidate for Type 1 diabetes, consisting of unencapsulated precursor islet cells derived from edited induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). CTX213 has demonstrated compelling preclinical efficacy through direct administration and is progressing toward the clinic. The Company expects to provide additional updates as development progresses.

Second Quarter 2026 Financial Results

Cash Position: Cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities were $2,364.4 million as of June 30, 2026, compared to $1,975.8 million as of December 31, 2025. The increase in cash was primarily driven by net proceeds of $585.4 million from the issuance of convertible senior notes in March 2026, offset by operating expenses.
R&D Expenses: R&D expenses were $67.2 million for the second quarter of 2026, compared to $69.9 million for the second quarter of 2025. The decrease in R&D expense was primarily attributable to a decrease in employee-related costs and facility-related expenses, offset by an increase in license fees.
Acquired In-Process R&D Expenses: Acquired in-process R&D expenses were $2.5 million for the second quarter of 2026, compared to $96.3 million for the second quarter of 2025. Acquired in-process R&D expenses for the second quarter of 2026 were not material. Acquired in-process R&D expenses for the second quarter of 2025 were related to costs incurred upon entering the Sirius Agreement in 2025.
G&A Expenses: General and administrative expenses were $17.6 million for the second quarter of 2026, compared to $18.9 million for the second quarter of 2025. The decrease in G&A expense was primarily attributable to a decrease in employee-related costs, including stock-based compensation expenses.
Collaboration Expense: Collaboration expense, net, was $40.3 million for the second quarter of 2026, compared to $45.2 million for the second quarter of 2025. The decrease was primarily attributable to an increase in the Company’s share of CASGEVY revenue.
Net Loss: Net loss was $91.2 million for the second quarter of 2026, compared to a net loss of $208.5 million for the second quarter of 2025.

About CASGEVY (exagamglogene autotemcel [exa-cel])

CASGEVY is a non-viral, ex vivo CRISPR/Cas9 gene-edited cell therapy for eligible patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) or transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia (TDT), in which a patient’s own hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells are edited at the erythroid specific enhancer region of the BCL11A gene. This edit results in the production of high levels of fetal hemoglobin (HbF; hemoglobin F) in red blood cells. HbF is the form of the oxygen-carrying hemoglobin that is naturally present during fetal development, which then switches to the adult form of hemoglobin after birth. CASGEVY has been shown to reduce or eliminate VOCs for patients with SCD and transfusion requirements for patients with TDT. CASGEVY is approved for eligible SCD and TDT patients 12 years and older by multiple regulatory bodies around the world.

(Press release, CRISPR Therapeutics, AUG 3, 2026, View Source [SID1234669631])

Crinetics Pharmaceuticals Reports Second Quarter 2026 Financial Results and Provides Business Update

On August 3, 2026 Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: CRNX), a global pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel therapeutics for endocrine diseases and endocrine-related tumors, reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2026.

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Company Announcements and Second Quarter Highlights:
-On July 6, 2026, Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (Nasdaq: VRTX) and Crinetics announced that the companies have entered into a definitive agreement under which Vertex will acquire Crinetics for $85.00 per share in cash, for a total equity value of approximately $10.0 billion, or approximately $8.8 billion net of estimated cash acquired. The transaction was unanimously approved by both the Vertex and Crinetics Boards of Directors and is anticipated to close in the third quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of regulatory approvals and approval by Crinetics stockholders.
-Announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted a Rare Pediatric Disease Designation (RPDD) to atumelnant, a novel, once-daily oral adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) receptor antagonist investigational candidate in Phase 3 clinical development for the treatment of classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) in both pediatric patients and adults.
-Reported $24.0 million in net product revenue, reflecting the growing adoption of PALSONIFY as the preferred choice for the acromegaly community.
-Received 245 enrollment forms1 during the second quarter of 2026. Breadth and depth of PALSONIFY prescribers continued to expand, with 385 unique healthcare providers (HCPs) having prescribed PALSONIFY within the first three quarters of launch.
-Over 70% of patients treated with PALSONIFY at the end of the second quarter of 2026 were on reimbursed therapy.

Second Quarter 2026 Financial Results:
•Revenue was $25.1 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, compared to $1.0 million for the same period in 2025. Revenue for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 includes $24.0 million in net product revenue from the U.S. commercial launch of PALSONIFY, up from $10.3 million in net product revenue reported in the first quarter of 2026.
•Cost of product revenue was $0.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, primarily related to distribution, packaging, and fulfillment of PALSONIFY.

•Research and development expenses were $99.9 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, compared to $80.3 million for the same period in 2025, and compared to $100.1 million in the quarter ended March 31, 2026. The increase compared to the prior year period was primarily attributable to increased investment in our clinical programs and an increase in personnel costs. Research and development expenses for the current quarter were generally consistent with the sequential period.
•Selling, general and administrative expenses were $57.6 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, compared to $49.8 million for the same period in 2025, and compared to $50.8 million in the quarter ended March 31, 2026. The increase compared to the prior year period is related to investments in our corporate infrastructure as we transition into a commercial-stage company. The increase compared to the prior quarter reflects timing of commercial investment and costs related to the proposed transaction with Vertex.
•Net loss was $120.9 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, compared to net loss of $115.6 million for the same period in 2025.
•Cash, cash equivalents, and investment securities totaled $1.2 billion as of June 30, 2026, compared to $1.0 billion as of December 31, 2025.

Business Outlook and Conference Call
In light of Crinetics’ July 6, 2026 announcement regarding the proposed transaction with Vertex, Crinetics will not be providing updated guidance and is withdrawing its previously issued guidance. In addition, Crinetics will not host an earnings conference call or webcast reporting on its second quarter 2026 results.

(Press release, Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, AUG 3, 2026, View Source [SID1234669616])

Oncotelic Therapeutics, Inc. to Present at the OTCQB Virtual Investor Conference on August 6th

On August 3, 2026 Onoctelic Therapeutics Inc. (OTCQB:OTLC), based in Agoura Hills, focused on Oncology Drug Development, reported that Dr. Vuong Trieu, CEO and Chairman, will present live at the OTCQB Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on August 6th, 2026.

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DATE: August 6th
TIME: 2:30 PM ET

REGISTER HERE

Schedule 1×1 meetings here.

This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.

It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.

Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.

Recent Company Highlights

Phase 1b IV Everolimus (Sapu003) advanced to the next dose cohort following an independent Safety Review Committee recommendation.
European clinical expansion initiated, adding new international study sites.
Two peer-reviewed publications validated the Deciparticle platform and its clinical translation.
Clinical-stage manufacturing established with scalable cGMP production of Deciparticle formulations.
AI platform expanded through PDAOAI and pharmaceutical robotics initiatives integrating drug discovery with GMP manufacturing.
Multiple technology platforms progressing simultaneously, including clinical oncology, AI drug discovery, robotics, and nanomedicine.

(Press release, Oncotelic, AUG 3, 2026, View Source [SID1234669632])