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

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

About APVO711

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

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

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

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

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

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

On May 8, 2025 Cullinan Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: CGEM; "Cullinan"), a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing modality-agnostic targeted therapies, reported recent and anticipated business highlights and announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025 (Press release, Cullinan Oncology, MAY 8, 2025, View Source [SID1234652741]).

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"As a leader in T cell engager development for autoimmune diseases, we continue to rapidly advance our global clinical development of CLN-978 in several autoimmune diseases and across multiple geographies. With an extensive global network of clinical investigators, CLN-978 is now in active clinical development in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren’s disease and we expect to deliver initial clinical data in SLE by the end of the year," said Nadim Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer of Cullinan Therapeutics.

"In parallel, we continue to advance and refine our oncology programs. We recently announced that the pivotal Phase 2b portion of the REZILIENT1 study of zipalertinib met the primary endpoint of overall response rate. Together with our partner Taiho, we will share the results in an oral presentation at the 2025 ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting. For CLN-619, our MICA/B antibody, we are narrowing the scope of the program, which will allow for reallocation of resources. With $567.4 million in cash and investments and runway into 2028, we have the resources required to maintain our leadership position in autoimmune diseases and deliver meaningful value-driving catalysts across both our immunology and oncology programs."

Portfolio Highlights

Immunology

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CLN-978 (CD19xCD3 T cell engager): Systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjögren’s disease
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The global Phase 1 study in patients with moderate to severe SLE is ongoing in the United States, Europe, and Australia, and the Company plans to share initial clinical data in Q4 2025.
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In April 2025, the Company received approval from EMA to initiate a Phase 1 study in patients with active, difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis. The Company expects to initiate the study at FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg in Germany and Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Italy in Q2 2025.
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In April 2025, the Company announced plans to initiate a Phase 1 study in patients with active, moderate to severe Sjögren’s disease in the U.S. in Q2 2025.
Oncology

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CLN-619 (Anti-MICA/MICB monoclonal antibody): NSCLC and multiple myeloma
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Following a review of the data from the disease-specific expansion cohorts for endometrial and cervical cancers, the Company has discontinued further development of CLN-619 in patients with gynecological cancers as preliminary results did not meet the internal threshold for advancement.
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Cullinan will continue enrolling to go/no-go decisions the ongoing expansion cohorts in patients with NSCLC and the ongoing Phase 1 study in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.
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Zipalertinib (EGFR ex20ins inhibitor), collaboration with Taiho Oncology: EGFR ex20ins NSCLC
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In January 2025, Cullinan announced that the pivotal Phase 2b portion of REZILIENT1 met the primary endpoint of overall response rate in patients with EGFR ex20ins NSCLC who have received prior therapy. The results will be presented during an oral abstract session at the 2025 ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting on June 1, 2025.
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Pending discussions with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Taiho plans to submit an NDA in relapsed/refractory EGFR ex20ins NSCLC in the second half of 2025. Taiho continues enrollment of the pivotal study REZILIENT3 in 1L EGFR ex20ins NSCLC.

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CLN-049 (FLT3xCD3 T cell-engaging bispecific antibody): Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)
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Enrollment continues in the ongoing Phase 1 study in patients with relapsed/refractory AML or MDS, and in the ongoing Phase 1 study in patients with measurable minimal residual disease in AML.
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CLN-617 (IL-2 and IL-12 cytokine fusion protein): Solid tumors
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Enrollment continues in the ongoing Phase 1 study in patients with advanced solid tumors.
First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

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Cash Position: Cash, cash equivalents, short- and long-term investments, and interest receivable were $567.4 million as of March 31, 2025. Cullinan continues to expect its cash resources to provide runway into 2028 based on its current operating plan.
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R&D Expenses: Research and development expenses were $41.5 million for the first quarter of 2025, compared to $30.6 million for the same period in 2024.
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G&A Expenses: General and administrative expenses were $13.5 million for the first quarter of 2025, compared to $12.3 million for the same period in 2024.
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Net Loss: Net loss attributable to Cullinan was $48.5 million for the first quarter of 2025, compared to $37.1 million for the same period in 2024.

On May 8, 2025 Pliant Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: PLRX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company and leader in the discovery and development of novel therapeutics for the treatment of fibrotic diseases, reported a corporate update and announced first quarter 2025 financial results (Press release, Pliant Therapeutics, MAY 8, 2025, View Source [SID1234652757]).

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"During the first quarter and over recent weeks, our teams have been working diligently to close out the global BEACON-IPF trial with the goal of announcing topline data in the second quarter," said Bernard Coulie, M.D., Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Pliant. "Additionally, progress was made in our oncology program with initial data from our Phase 1 dose escalation trial of PLN-101095 demonstrating antitumor activity, including confirmed partial responses, in a variety of solid tumors."

First Quarter and Recent Developments
Bexotegrast Highlights
•BEACON-IPF close-out activities continue with topline data expected in the second quarter of 2025. Following the termination of the BEACON-IPF Phase 2b/3 trial evaluating bexotegrast in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), the Company continues the formal close out of the global trial. Topline data from the BEACON-IPF trial is expected in the second quarter of 2025.
•Results from a Phase 2a positron emission tomography (PET) imaging trial published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (AJRCCM). The publication reviews the previously reported positive results from the first interventional, single-center double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 trial of bexotegrast using PET and magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate collagen deposition in the lungs of 10 patients with IPF.
Oncology Program
•Interim Phase 1 data from a trial of PLN-101095 and pembrolizumab demonstrated antitumor activity with confirmed partial responses in three of six patients treated with the highest dose tested to date. Topline data from the first three cohorts of the ongoing Phase 1 dose escalation trial of PLN-101095 in combination with pembrolizumab showed confirmed partial responses in solid tumors that are resistant to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Of the six patients treated at the 1000 mg dose administered orally twice daily (BID), three patients, suffering from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), cholangiocarcinoma and melanoma, experienced confirmed partial response assessed by iRECIST criteria associated with 74%, 48% and 42% reductions in tumor size, respectively. PLN-101095 was generally well tolerated across all doses tested. The trial is currently enrolling the fourth of five potential cohorts, evaluating PLN-101095 at 1000 mg administered three times daily (TID).
Corporate Highlights
•Strategic realignment of workforce and operations underway. On May 1, 2025, the Company announced a strategic realignment of its operations including an approximately 45% reduction in its workforce as well as other cost-saving actions. The process is expected to extend the cash runway to support execution of clinical trials, including any late-stage clinical trials, and is expected to be substantially completed by the second quarter of 2025.

First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

•Research and development expenses were $43.4 million, as compared to $37.1 million for the prior-year quarter. The increase was primarily due to acceleration of close-out activities for BEACON-IPF, a Phase 2b/3 study of bexotegrast and employee-related expenses, driven by increased headcount.
•General and administrative expenses were $15.5 million, as compared to $15.2 million for the prior-year quarter. The increase was primarily due to professional service expenses.
•Net loss of $56.2 million as compared to $47.0 million for the prior-year quarter. The increase was primarily due to higher operating expenses driven by close-out activities related to BEACON-IPF.
•As of March 31, 2025, the Company had cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $307.1 million.

On May 8, 2025 Whitehawk Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: WHWK), an oncology therapeutics company applying advanced technologies to established tumor biology to efficiently deliver improved ADC cancer treatments, reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, and provided recent corporate progress (Press release, Whitehawk Therapeutics, MAY 8, 2025, View Source [SID1234652780]).

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"By uniting novel approaches to tumor targeting with next wave technologies, our goal at Whitehawk Therapeutics is to efficiently deliver improved ADC therapies for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers. In the first quarter of 2025, we made meaningful progress in advancing our portfolio toward the clinic and remain on track to bring all three assets to IND by mid-2026, with the first IND filed in Q4 this year," said Dave Lennon, President and CEO of Whitehawk Therapeutics. "Our assets target PTK7, MUC16 and SEZ6 – which we believe have the potential for broad clinical impact comparable to well-established targets like HER2 and TROP2, but with less competition and greater opportunity for differentiation. Coupled with our TOPO1-based leading next wave platform, we are confident in the strength of our strategy and remain committed to advancing with urgency and purpose."

Recent Operational Highlights:

Relaunched as Whitehawk Therapeutics marking evolution into ADC company. Launched with a three-asset portfolio consisting of clinically validated tumor targets that are upregulated in high-potential cancer indications, including lung and ovarian. These assets are engineered to produce minimal off-target toxicity, with a higher therapeutic index and greater stability than first-generation predecessors.
Completed strategic transactions. Closed $100 million PIPE financing and the divestiture of Aadi Subsidiary, Inc. ("Aadi Sub") to Kaken Pharmaceuticals ("Kaken") for $102.4 million, including specified purchase price adjustments. Kaken assumed ownership of Aadi Sub on March 25, 2025, including the Aadi name, trademark and the FYARRO business.
First Quarter 2025 Financial Results:

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments as of March 31, 2025, were $231.1 million as compared to $47.2 million as of December 31, 2024.
After completion of transaction-related payments, including the payment of the upfront fees under the Wuxi ADC agreement, we expect to have cash and cash equivalents of approximately $185 million, which we anticipate will fund operations into 2028 based on current plans.
Total revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, was $7.1 million, resulting from sales of FYARRO through March 25, 2025, the closing date of the divestiture to Kaken.
Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2025, was $73.0 million, including a gain of $87.4 million on the sale of Aadi Sub, as compared to a net loss of $18.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. Excluding the gain on the sale of Aadi Sub, net loss for the first quarter of 2025 was $14.4 million.

On May 8, 2025 Delcath Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: DCTH) ("Delcath" or the "Company"), an interventional oncology company focused on the treatment of primary and metastatic liver cancers, reported financial results and business highlights for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025 (Press release, Delcath Systems, MAY 8, 2025, View Source [SID1234652742]).

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First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

Total revenue of $19.8 million, compared with $3.1 million in the first quarter of 2024
HEPZATO KIT revenue of $18.0 million, compared to $2.0 million in the first quarter of 2024
CHEMOSAT revenue of $1.8 million, compared to $1.1 million in the first quarter of 2024
Gross margins of 86%, compared to 71% in the first quarter of 2024
Net income of $1.1 million, compared to a net loss of $11.1 million in the same quarter of 2024
Non-GAAP positive adjusted EBITDA in the first quarter of $7.6 million, compared to a loss of $7.3 million in the first quarter of 2024
Cash and investments of $58.9 million as of March 31, 2025
Cash provided by operations of $2.2 million in the quarter
Business Highlights and Updates

Activated three new U.S. centers in the first quarter and two more so far in the second quarter of 2025, bringing the current total to 19 active centers, with 10 additional centers accepting referrals
Received FDA clearance of an IND application for a phase 2 clinical trial of HEPZATO in liver-dominant metastatic breast cancer
Announced publication of comparative analysis from randomized portion of FOCUS Study in metastatic uveal melanoma
The exercise of 1.62 million Series F warrants resulted in $16.2 million of funding in 2025. The warrants were issued in 2020 as a component of a private placement and had an exercise price of $10.00 per share and expired on May 5, 2025
"Consistent revenue growth and the continued expansion of active treatment centers represent a strong start to 2025," said Gerard Michel, Chief Executive Officer of Delcath. "We achieved our first quarter of net income and positive operating cash flow, underscoring the accelerating clinical adoption of HEPZATO for patients with metastatic uveal melanoma. Ongoing dialogue with oncologists and interventional radiologists reinforces the importance of whole-liver treatment for patients with liver-dominant disease. These insights continue to shape our development strategy as we pursue additional indications for HEPZATO."

First Quarter 2025 Results

Total revenue for the quarter ending March 31, 2025 was $19.8 million compared to $3.1 million for the same period in the prior year. Revenue in the quarter includes sales of $18.0 million of HEPZATO in the U.S. and $1.8 million of CHEMOSAT in Europe.

Research and development expenses for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, were $5.0 million compared to $3.7 million for the same period in the prior year. The increase is primarily due to costs associated with expanding the clinical team and initiation of the Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating HEPZATO in combination with standard of care for mCRC. In 2024, these costs primarily related to medical affairs and regulatory costs associated with the approved products.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the quarter ending March 31, 2025, were $11.3 million compared to $8.8 million for the same period in the prior year. The increase is primarily due to continued commercial expansion activities including marketing-related expenses and additional personnel in the commercial team.

Net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 was $1.1 million compared to net loss of $11.1 million for the same period in the prior year.

Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 was $7.6 million compared to adjusted EBITDA loss of $7.3 million for the same period in the prior year. A table reconciling non-GAAP measures is included in this press release for reference.

As of March 31, 2025, the Company had $58.9 million in cash and investments, and no debt.

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Event Date: Thursday, May 8, 2025
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