First Patients in the UK Receive Doses of Blue Earth Therapeutics’ Investigational Radiopharmaceutical Therapy Lutetium (177Lu) rhPSMA-10.1 Injection for Metastatic Castrate Resistant Prostate Cancer

On January 15, 2026 Blue Earth Therapeutics reported that the first patients in the UK have been administered with the investigational radiopharmaceutical therapy Lutetium (177Lu) rhPSMA-10.1 Injection in an ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial (NCT05413850) at St Bartholomew’s Hospital and The James Cook University Hospital. This milestone marks continued expansion of the clinical development programme for the company’s radiohybrid, lutetium-labelled, PSMA-targeted investigational radiopharmaceutical therapy in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

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Dr Kenrick Ng, Medical Oncology Consultant, St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London, said: "Dosing one of the first patients in the UK in this Phase 2 study is an important milestone as we work to advance new therapeutic options for men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Radiopharmaceuticals represent a promising area of investigation in this difficult-to-treat setting, and the team at our hospital is pleased to contribute to the generation of the clinical evidence needed to understand the potential of this investigational treatment."

Dr Darren Leaning, Consultant Clinical Oncologist, The James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, said: "Bringing this study to the UK is an important step in expanding access to complex radiopharmaceutical trials. Delivering studies of this kind requires close collaboration across clinical, research, and nuclear medicine teams, we at the James Cook Cancer Institute pride ourselves on bringing studies like this to our Teesside patients and we are pleased to be working with colleagues at other NHS trusts and the radiopharmaceutical industry to support the generation of high-quality clinical data for patients with advanced prostate cancer."

The milestone of administering the first doses to patients in the UK highlights growing momentum for the Lutetium (177Lu) rhPSMA-10.1 Injection clinical programme. Other sites in the UK are actively screening patients for this study. Activation of UK clinical sites broadens the study’s international footprint and supports the generation of high-quality evidence across multiple healthcare settings. The expansion supports ongoing efforts to evaluate novel dosing strategies and contributes to the future global development of this PSMA-targeted radioligand therapy.

David Gauden, CEO of Blue Earth Therapeutics, said: "Dosing the first patients in the UK marks a pivotal step in our mission to advance radiopharmaceutical treatments for prostate cancer. With our company being headquartered in the UK, this milestone reflects our commitment to the UK’s life sciences vision to accelerate clinical research and translate innovation into meaningful patient benefit. We are proud to work in partnership with UK investigators, the NHS and patients to help strengthen the UK’s position as a global leader in life sciences excellence."

The Phase 2 is evaluating multiple strategies to optimise dosing by delivering higher radiation doses during the early treatment cycles when tumour burden is typically greatest. This approach differs from earlier pivotal studies of radioligand therapies where fixed dosing was applied uniformly across all cycles(2). The study design aligns with the US FDA’s Project Optimus initiative, which encourages dose optimisation early in development to support a favourable benefit–risk profile.

Front loading of radioactivity in Phase 2 will be achieved either by (a) giving higher radioactivity injections in the first two cycles or (b) shortening the interval between the first three injections of radioactivity from six weeks to three weeks. The study also evaluates the potential clinical benefit of delivering higher cumulative administered radioactivity, up to 60 GBq. As part of the study design, the primary measure of efficacy will be the proportion of patients achieving a ≥50% reduction in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels alongside a detailed assessment of safety and capturing radiation dosimetry data for all patients.

About metastatic prostate cancer

In 2025 it is estimated that there will be 50,055 new cases of metastatic prostate cancer in the United States (de novo diagnoses plus recurrence from earlier stage diagnoses).(3) Five-year survival for newly diagnosed metastatic prostate cancer is low, 36.6%.(4) While death rates from prostate cancer have declined over the past three decades(4), there is still considerable room to improve patient outcomes.

About Radiohybrid Prostate‐Specific Membrane Antigen (rhPSMA)

rhPSMA compounds are referred to as radiohybrid ("rh"), as each molecule possesses four distinct domains. The first consists of a Prostate‐Specific Membrane Antigen‐targeted receptor ligand. It is attached to two labelling moieties which may be radiolabelled with diagnostic isotopes such as 18F or 68Ga for PET imaging, or with therapeutic isotopes such as 177Lu or 225Ac for radioligand therapy, all of which are joined together by a modifiable linker which can be used to modulate important pharmacokinetic characteristics. Radiohybrid PSMA offers the potential for targeted treatment for men with prostate cancer and originated at the Technical University of Munich, Germany. Blue Earth Diagnostics acquired exclusive worldwide rights to rhPSMA diagnostic imaging technology from Scintomics GmbH in 2018, and therapeutic rights in 2020, and has sublicensed the therapeutic application to its sister company Blue Earth Therapeutics.

(Press release, Blue Earth Therapeutics, JAN 15, 2026, View Source [SID1234662063])

Ono Shares Replay Information for 44th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference Presentation

On January 15, 2026 Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (TSE:4528), reported that Toichi Takino, President and COO, presented at the 44th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 11:15 a.m. PST / 2:15 p.m. EST.

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An audio recording of the event is available here and accessible until February 15, 2026.

(Press release, Ono, JAN 15, 2026, View Source [SID1234662064])

Agenus Announces Closing of $141M Strategic Collaboration with Zydus Lifesciences to Advance BOT+BAL and Strengthen U.S. Manufacturing Readiness

On January 15, 2026 Agenus Inc. (Nasdaq: AGEN), a leader in immuno-oncology innovation, reported the closing of its previously disclosed strategic collaboration with Zydus Lifesciences Ltd. The agreement is designed to accelerate global development and potential commercialization of Agenus’ botensilimab and balstilimab (BOT+BAL) immunotherapy combination program.

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The collaboration provides Agenus with strategic capital and committed, long-term biologics manufacturing capacity in the United States to support BOT+BAL clinical development, authorized early access pathways, and commercial supply preparation.

As part of the collaboration, Agenus has granted Zydus exclusive rights to develop and commercialize BOT and BAL in India and Sri Lanka, with Agenus eligible to receive royalties on net sales in those territories.

The collaboration, first announced on June 3, 2025, included the following key financial terms:

Upfront Consideration: $75 million cash payment to Agenus for transfer of biologics manufacturing facilities in Emeryville and Berkeley, California
Equity Investment: $16 million purchase by Zydus of Agenus (AGEN) common stock (~2.1 million shares at $7.50 per share)
Contingent Milestone Payments: Up to $50 million payable to Agenus, triggered by BOT+BAL production orders
Exclusive License: Zydus obtains exclusive rights to develop and commercialize BOT and BAL in India and Sri Lanka, with Agenus eligible to receive a 5% royalty on net sales in those territories
"Closing this collaboration with Zydus strengthens our balance sheet and, critically, secures dedicated U.S. manufacturing capacity at a pivotal moment for Agenus," said Dr. Garo Armen Ph.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Agenus. "With these foundations in place, our focus in 2026 is disciplined execution—advancing our Phase 3 program, broadening paid patient access through authorized pathways, and progressing toward regulatory submission supported by one of the most substantial clinical datasets generated in MSS colorectal cancer."

In 2025, the BOT+BAL combination demonstrated a two-year overall survival rate of 42% and a now-mature median overall survival of 21 months in an expanded cohort of 123 patients with third-line or later microsatellite-stable (MSS) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) without active liver metastases. Building on these results, Agenus, in collaboration with Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG) has initiated the global BATTMAN Phase 3 trial, with sites activated and prepared to enroll patients.

Following the closing, the Emeryville and Berkeley, California biologics manufacturing facilities will be transferred to Zydus and housed under a newly formed subsidiary named Zylidac Bio LLC. Agenus has secured committed manufacturing capacity at these U.S. sites to support BOT+BAL supply needs for their clinical trials, global access programs and future commercialization.

This transaction further positions Agenus to execute on its near- and long-term strategy as interest in BOT+BAL continues to grow globally.

Commenting on the finalization of the deal, Dr. Sharvil P. Patel, Managing Director of Zydus Lifesciences Limited., stated, "With this deal, Zylidac Bio LLC will now provide biologicals manufacturing sites offering CDMO services to biopharmaceutical companies globally. This supports the evolving landscape of biological product manufacturing in the U.S., which prioritizes secure, domestic, and high-quality supply chains for advanced therapies. Zylidac Bio LLC offers a critical, compliant solution for global innovators and allows for a localized supply chain. It reinforces our ability to serve the international biopharmaceutical industry with reliability and innovation."

Advisors

As part of this effort, Agenus was advised by Porrima Ltd and Biotech Value Advisors (BVA), who provided guidance on partner selection, transaction structure, and negotiations.

(Press release, Agenus, JAN 15, 2026, View Source [SID1234662065])

Saudi FDA Grants Accelerated Approval to ImmunityBio’s ANKTIVA® for Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer with Carcinoma In-Situ

On January 14, 2026 ImmunityBio, Inc. (NASDAQ: IBRX), a commercial-stage immunotherapy company, reported that the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has granted approval of ANKTIVA (nogapendekin alfa inbakicept) plus Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) for the treatment of adult patients with BCG-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer carcinoma in situ, with or without papillary disease. This regulatory action by the SFDA adds to the existing approvals in the United States and United Kingdom, as well as conditional approval in the European Union.

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"We are pleased to bring ANKTIVA to Saudi patients with NMIBC, who otherwise have no viable options but life-altering surgery," said Rich Adcock, Chief Executive Officer, ImmunityBio. "At ImmunityBio, we’re committed to using our innovative science to improve the health of people around the world, and we continue investing in research and clinical trials that we believe are essential to fulfilling that mission."

ImmunityBio plans to open a regional office in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to support physicians and health systems across the Middle East and North Africa. The company will collaborate with Biopharma Cigalah as its commercial and distribution partner in the region. Founded in 2007, BioPharma Cigalah provides the commercial infrastructure and capabilities needed to support therapies for serious diseases and expand patient access throughout the Middle East and North Africa.

"The incidence of bladder and other cancers in the Middle East and North Africa is large and growing, demonstrating a significant unmet need for the kind of innovative treatments ImmunityBio is developing," added Mr. Adcock. "We are pursuing approvals across the region to fill that need, as well as investing in a regional office in Saudi Arabia in order to support our expansion into these growing markets."

The randomized QUILT-2.005 trial in BCG-naïve patients comparing BCG alone to BCG plus ANKTIVA is ongoing, and enrollment has exceeded expectations. Enrollment is on track to be completed by Q2 2026, with a potential BLA submission by year-end.

About ANKTIVA (nogapendekin alfa inbakicept)

The cytokine interleukin-15 (IL-15) plays a crucial role in the immune system by affecting the development, maintenance, and function of key immune cells—NK and CD8+ killer T cells—that are involved in killing cancer cells. By activating NK cells, ANKTIVA overcomes the tumor escape phase of clones resistant to T cells and restores memory T cell activity with resultant prolonged duration of complete response. A key component in the Company’s BioShield platform, ANKTIVA is a first-in-class IL-15 agonist IgG1 fusion complex, consisting of an IL-15 mutant (IL-15N72D) fused with an IL-15 receptor alpha, which binds with high affinity to IL-15 receptors on NK, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells. This fusion complex of ANKTIVA mimics the natural biological properties of the membrane-bound IL-15 receptor alpha, delivering IL-15 by dendritic cells and driving the activation and proliferation of NK cells with the generation of memory killer T cells that have retained immune memory against these tumor clones.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

INDICATION AND USAGE: ANKTIVA is an interleukin-15 (IL-15) receptor agonist indicated with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) for the treatment of adult patients with BCG-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) with carcinoma in situ (CIS) with or without papillary tumors.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS: Risk of Metastatic Bladder Cancer with Delayed Cystectomy. Delaying cystectomy can lead to the development of muscle-invasive or metastatic bladder cancer, which can be lethal. If patients with CIS do not have a complete response to treatment after a second induction course of ANKTIVA with BCG, reconsider cystectomy.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: For Intravesical Use Only. Do not administer by subcutaneous or intravenous routes.

Please see the complete Indication and Important Safety Information and Prescribing Information for ANKTIVA at Anktiva.com.

(Press release, ImmunityBio, JAN 14, 2026, View Source [SID1234662051])

Fresenius Kabi, TQ Therapeutics Announce Cell Therapy Technology Agreement

On January 14, 2026 Fresenius Kabi, an operating company of Fresenius, and TQ Therapeutics, reported they have entered into a strategic-development agreement under which Fresenius Kabi has an exclusive license to develop, manufacture, and distribute products that incorporate TQ Therapeutics’ proprietary cell selection technology. The goal of the agreement is to advance cell and gene therapy accessibility by enabling scalable and efficient cell therapy manufacturing.

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Fresenius Kabi is a leading provider of essential medicines and medical technologies. TQ Therapeutics specializes in proprietary cell selection technology and following therapeutic applications. Under the agreement, TQ Therapeutics’ affinity and column-based cell isolation technology will be integrated into Fresenius Kabi’s Cue Cell Processing System. By combining these technologies, the companies aim to create an automated and robust system that can isolate T cells from whole blood and apheresis products in less than two hours for cell and gene therapy manufacturing applications. The goal is to quickly, easily and consistently produce high purity T cells, helping therapeutic developers work more efficiently and potentially bring treatments to patients faster.

"With this collaboration, we are reinforcing our commitment to innovation in cell and gene therapy technology," said Saurabh Bhasin, Head of Portfolio, Cell Therapies & Contract Manufacturing Operations at Fresenius Kabi. "By integrating TQ Therapeutics’ novel selection technology into our Cue system, our aim is to improve manufacturing success and scalability—key steps toward supporting the advancement of cell and gene therapies."

TQ Therapeutics’ goal is to leverage the Cue system and its integrated cell selection column technology to develop extracorporeal, ultra-short cell and gene therapy processes for clinical applications creating faster steps that can be performed closer to the point of care to help simplify and accelerate treatment workflows.

"This agreement with Fresenius Kabi allows us to bring our proprietary technology to a broader audience with the goal of accelerating the development of next-generation cell therapies," said Christian Eckert, chief executive officer of TQ Therapeutics. "With Fresenius Kabi’s expertise in cell and gene therapy device technologies development and commercialization, and TQ Therapeutics’ focus on developing ultra-short processes for clinical cell therapies from manufacturing to in vivo applications, we are creating a novel value proposition for scaling and enabling the supply of cell therapies for broader patient populations."

Cell and gene therapy is an emerging segment of medicine that has shown promise in treating certain cancers and other conditions.

Phacilitate Advanced Therapies Week 2026

Fresenius Kabi and TQ Therapeutics will debut the Cue Cell Processing System and the in-development cell selection module at Booth #623 on February 10-12 during Phacilitate ATW 2026 in San Diego, CA. Attendees are invited to visit the booth to learn more about the technology and its development.

(Press release, Fresenius, JAN 14, 2026, View Source [SID1234662052])