On January 6, 2026 Vividion Therapeutics, Inc. (Vividion), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, and a wholly owned and independently operated subsidiary of Bayer AG, reported the publication of a manuscript detailing the discovery and optimization of VVD-214, the company’s covalent inhibitor of Werner helicase (WRN), on the cover of the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. The article, "Identification of VVD-214/RO7589831, a Clinical-Stage, Covalent Allosteric Inhibitor of WRN Helicase for the Treatment of MSI-High Cancers" (Kikuchi et al., J. Med. Chem.,December 2025), validates Vividion’s covalent-first chemoproteomics approach to reach targets that have eluded traditional drug discovery.

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"The discovery of VVD-214 marks a significant milestone in the development of a new class of potential therapies for MSI-high solid tumors," said Aleksandra Rizo, M.D., Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Vividion. "Patients with malignancies with high microsatellite instability (MSI) — including colorectal, endometrial, ovarian, and gastric cancers — have limited treatment options, and many ultimately relapse or become resistant to available therapies. This program’s continued progress, as the first covalent inhibitor in clinical development, underscores our platform’s ability to generate differentiated investigational medicines that address some of the toughest challenges in cancer biology."

VVD-214 is designed to exploit the dependency of MSI-high cancer cells on WRN-mediated DNA repair, leading to selective tumor cell death while sparing healthy tissue. In the manuscript, researchers report utilizing Vividion’s chemoproteomics platform to identify molecular fragments that covalently bound an allosteric pocket of WRN to lock it into an inactive conformation. These molecules were then optimized through iterative structure-activity relationship testing, with particular focus on the cysteine-reactive electrophile (vinyl sulfone) and the molecule’s core aromatic rings. The resulting structure of VVD-214 was chosen for its balance of potency, selectivity, and drug-like ADME properties. In preclinical studies, VVD-214 was well tolerated and led to robust tumor regression in multiple patient-derived xenograft mouse models of MSI-high colorectal cancer.

The compound is now in a Phase I clinical trial (NCT06004245) as monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab for patients with MSI-high or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) cancers.

"WRN is a high-value oncology target known to induce synthetic lethality in cancers with high MSI, but as a helicase it has been extremely difficult to drug," said Matt Patricelli, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of Vividion. "This paper highlights the strength of Vividion’s chemoproteomics platform at identifying selective small molecules against even the most challenging protein classes, while our medicinal chemistry expertise in covalent drug design enables us to optimize those discoveries into potent and selective therapeutic candidates."

(Press release, Vividion Therapeutics, JAN 6, 2026, View Source [SID1234661765])

On January 6, 2026 ME Therapeutics Holdings Inc. ("ME Therapeutics" or the "Company") (CSE: METX) (FSE: Q9T), a publicly listed biotechnology company discovering and developing novel drugs to reprogram the immune response to cancer, reported that company representatives will attend and participate in one-on-one meetings at the 44th annual JP Morgan Healthcare Conference from January 12 to 15, 2026 in San Francisco, California.

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At the conference, CEO and Co-Founder Dr. Salim Dhanji will meet with investors to highlight how ME Therapeutics is reprogramming myeloid cells in the tumour microenvironment to directly target cancer cells as well as overcome suppression to restore T cell activity and enable a more effective anti-tumour response. ME Therapeutics will share progress on its therapeutic mRNA, in vivo CAR, and antibody programs and share development plans for the year ahead.

(Press release, ME Therapeutics, JAN 6, 2026, View Source [SID1234661782])

On January 6, 2026 Convergent Therapeutics Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development of next-generation radiopharmaceuticals for the treatment of cancer, and NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes (NorthStar), a leading radiopharmaceutical company, reported an expanded agreement under which Convergent will support its drug development and clinical batch production with dedicated manufacturing suites on NorthStar’s Beloit, Wisconsin campus.

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Co-locating Convergent’s manufacturing at NorthStar establishes an integrated and reliable supply chain for CONV01-α drug product production with Ac-225, relieving supply constraints for alpha-based radiotherapies and supporting Convergent’s ongoing clinical trials through to commercial production.

"The relationship with NorthStar enables us to fully realize the potential of our leading radioantibody program as we demonstrate the advantages of alpha emitters in addressing metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and the significant need for new, safer, and more effective therapies for patients. With secured Ac-225 supply, clinical proof-of-concept, and potential best-in-class efficacy and tolerability, CONV01-α is well-positioned to advance mCRPC treatment," said Convergent CEO and Co-Founder Philip Kantoff, M.D. "Our strategic investment in manufacturing will support late-stage monotherapy studies of CONV01-α, and additional trials to assess CONV01-α in earlier stages of prostate cancer and in combination with other therapeutics."

CONV01-α, Convergent’s lead program for mCRPC and other radiopharmaceuticals in its pipeline, leverage the power and precision of alpha-emitting isotopes. NorthStar recently announced it now produces alpha radioisotopes for therapeutic applications at scale, with Convergent as a key customer for Ac-225. Reliable Ac-225 supply further supports Convergent’s ability to deliver the next generation of alpha-based radiotherapies, building on the precision and tolerability advantages demonstrated in clinical trials to date with CONV01-α.

"We are pleased to expand our partnership with Convergent," said Frank Scholz, President and CEO of NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes, LLC. "This agreement underscores the value of our integrated campus designed to reduce complexity and create a robust, reliable supply chain to deliver patient-ready drugs."

In August 2024, NorthStar and Convergent announced a strategic contract manufacturing services agreement to provide Convergent with Ac-225 for use in CONV01-α and to utilize NorthStar’s new state-of-the-art contract development and manufacturing facility to manufacture CONV01-α for Convergent’s clinical trials and perform research and development activities.

"Having drug product and Ac-225 supply co-located on the NorthStar campus provides a unique advantage for our supply chain, enabling greater efficiencies, flexibility, and cost savings, as we leverage NorthStar’s extensive track record in radiopharmaceutical manufacturing," said Caitlyn Harvey, Head of Manufacturing at Convergent. "Their leadership in producing alpha emitters for radiotherapies ensures critical production capabilities and access to Ac-225 are in place for pivotal studies through commercial launch and beyond."

About CONV01-α
CONV01-α is a PSMA-targeted Ac-225 radioantibody that pairs antibody precision with the localized potency of alpha radiation. CONV01-α, which is being developed to improve the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), uses a humanized monoclonal antibody directed at prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), a well-established and highly expressed antigen in prostate cancer. CONV01-α is differentiated by its ability to precisely deliver Actinium-225 (Ac-225) through this PSMA-targeting antibody, enabling short-range, high-energy alpha particle radiation that creates focused DNA damage within tumor cells while limiting exposure to surrounding tissues. Initial studies in more than 120 patients have established clinical proof-of-concept for CONV01-α, showing consistent antitumor activity and a differentiated safety profile. This selectivity, combined with strong tumor retention and minimal salivary and renal uptake, supports the potential of CONV01-α to be a clinically impactful therapy for PSMA-positive cancers.

(Press release, Convergent Therapeutics, JAN 6, 2026, https://convergentrx.com/convergent-therapeutics-and-northstar-medical-radioisotopes-announce-expanded-partnership-to-support-convergents-late-stage-alpha-emitting-radioantibody-program/ [SID1234661750])

On January 6, 2026 Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: CRNX) ("Crinetics"), a pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel therapeutics for endocrine diseases and endocrine-related tumors, reported the pricing of an underwritten public offering of 7,620,000 shares of its common stock at a price to the public of $45.95 per share. All of the shares to be sold in the offering are to be sold by Crinetics. The gross proceeds to Crinetics from the offering, before deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses, are expected to be approximately $350 million. In addition, Crinetics has granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 1,143,000 shares of common stock. The offering is expected to close on or about January 8, 2026, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

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Crinetics intends to use the net proceeds from the offering, together with its cash, cash equivalents and investment securities, to fund its commercial activities in connection with the launch of PALSONIFY, research and development of its product candidates, other research programs and other general corporate purposes, which may include, among other things, capital expenditures or working capital. Crinetics may also use a portion of the remaining net proceeds, together with its existing cash, cash equivalents and investment securities, to in-license, acquire, or invest in complementary businesses, technologies, products or assets; however, it has no current commitments or obligations to do so.

Leerink Partners, J.P. Morgan, Evercore ISI, Piper Sandler and Cantor are acting as joint bookrunning managers for the offering. Baird is acting as lead manager for the offering.

The securities described above are being offered by Crinetics pursuant to a shelf registration statement that became automatically effective upon its filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). A preliminary prospectus supplement relating to this offering has been filed with the SEC, and a final prospectus supplement relating to this offering will be filed with the SEC. The offering may be made only by means of a prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus. When available, copies of the final prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus relating to this offering may be obtained from: Leerink Partners LLC, Attention: Syndicate Department, 53 State Street, 40th Floor, Boston, MA 02109, by telephone at (800) 808-7525, ext. 6105, or by email at [email protected]; or J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Attention: c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, or by email at [email protected] and [email protected]. Electronic copies of the final prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus will also be available on the website of the SEC at www.sec.gov.

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

(Press release, Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, JAN 6, 2026, View Source [SID1234661766])

On January 6, 2026 Day One Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: DAWN) ("Day One"), a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and commercializing targeted therapies for people of all ages with life-threatening diseases, reported the successful close of its acquisition of Mersana Therapeutics, Inc., (NASDAQ: MRSN) ("Mersana") following completion of all conditions of the tender offer to acquire all outstanding shares of Mersana at a price of $25 per share in cash, plus one non-tradable contingent value right ("CVR") per share to receive certain potential milestone payments of up to an aggregate of $30.25 per CVR in cash.

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"This acquisition of Mersana is a strategic fit with Day One’s mission and ambitions, allowing us to continue to expand into adult oncology while maintaining a focus on rare cancers. With promising early clinical data, Emi-Le represents a potentially transformative advancement in the treatment of ACC, and we will leverage our distinct capabilities to rapidly develop the asset and pursue registration to reach patient communities who have no approved therapies today," said Jeremy Bender, Ph.D., chief executive officer of Day One. "Building on the strong momentum of OJEMDA in the market and our continually progressing pipeline, this acquisition strengthens our overall position to expand our impact on patient communities while delivering sustainable business growth."

Through this acquisition, Day One has added a second novel ADC to the company’s clinical pipeline. Emi-Le (emiltatug ledadotin) represents an innovative and differentiated ADC directed against B7-H4, a well-characterized target in certain cancers including adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), a challenging rare cancer usually arising within the salivary gland with a clear unmet medical need. For additional background on Emi-Le and the acquisition, please read the announcement press release and view Day One’s investor presentation.

Terms of the Acquisition

Day One has acquired all outstanding shares of Mersana common stock at a price of $25 per share in cash, plus one non-tradable CVR per share to receive certain potential milestone payments of up to an aggregate of $30.25 per CVR in cash, for total consideration of up to $55.25 per share in cash. The CVR is payable subject to certain terms and conditions of achievement of specified milestones.

The tender offer expired as scheduled at one minute following 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on January 5, 2026 (the "Expiration Date"). The depositary for the tender offer, Computershare Trust Company, N.A., advised Day One that, as of the Expiration Date, a total of 3,029,135 shares of Mersana common stock were validly tendered and not validly withdrawn pursuant to the tender offer, representing 60.57% of the outstanding shares of Mersana common stock and satisfying the minimum condition to consummate the tender offer. All of the conditions of the tender offer having been satisfied, Day One accepted for payment all such tendered shares, and following a statutory merger under Section 251(h) of the Delaware General Corporation Law on January 6, 2026, Mersana became a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Day One. All remaining shares of Mersana common stock that were not tendered in the tender offer were converted into the right to receive the same per share consideration as shares that were tendered in the tender offer, as described above. With the completion of the acquisition, Mersana’s common stock will cease to trade on the Nasdaq stock exchange prior to market open on January 6, 2026 and Mersana’s common stock will be delisted from Nasdaq.

Advisors

Gordon Dyal & Co., LLC acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Day One, with Fenwick & West LLP serving as legal counsel. TD Cowen acted as financial advisor to Mersana, with Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP serving as legal counsel.

(Press release, Day One, JAN 6, 2026, View Source [SID1234661751])