IDEAYA Biosciences Announces IDE892, a Potential Best-in-Class MTA-Cooperative PRMT5 Inhibitor, Initiates Part 2 Monotherapy Expansion in the Phase 1/2 Study in MTAP-Deleted Pancreatic and Lung Cancers

On July 27, 2026 IDEAYA Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: IDYA), a leading precision medicine oncology company, reported that initiation of Part 2 monotherapy expansion has been achieved in its Phase 1/2 clinical trial evaluating IDE892, a potential best-in-class methylthioadenosine (MTA)-cooperative inhibitor of PRMT5, in MTAP-deleted solid tumors, with a focus on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). IDE892 Phase 1/2 monotherapy expansion has been initiated at projected efficacious target human exposures where 24-hours target EC90 coverage have been achieved. The IDE892 maximum tolerated dose (MTD) has not yet been reached in the ongoing dose escalation.

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"We are excited to initiate monotherapy expansion evaluating IDE892 in MTAP-deleted PDAC and NSCLC. We designed IDE892 to be a potential best-in-class PRMT5 inhibitor, including approximately 1,400-fold selective MTA-PRMT5 cooperative binding versus SAM-PRMT5 cooperative binding, lack of brain penetrance, and favorable drug-like properties intended to maximize its therapeutic window as both a monotherapy agent and in combination. We are well positioned to have the industry’s deepest MTAP-deletion pipeline, with IDE892, MAT2A inhibitor IDE397 in Phase 2, and the potential first-in-class CDKN2A lead molecule advancing in preclinical toxicology studies for a target IND in the first half of 2027," said Yujiro S. Hata, President and Chief Executive Officer, IDEAYA Biosciences.

Loss of MTAP leads to the accumulation of MTA and increased dependence on PRMT5 and MAT2A, two key enzymes involved in methylation and RNA splicing. In MTAP-deleted tumors, this biology establishes a robust synthetic lethal vulnerability that underpins the mechanistic rationale for combining IDE892 and IDE397, where the first-patient-in (FPI) was achieved in mid-2026. IDEAYA also entered into a clinical collaboration with Roche evaluating IDE892 in combination with RG6505, Roche’s Phase 1 pan-RAS inhibitor, in MTAP-deleted pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) to target the genetic co-alterations of MTAP and KRAS in this indication. Next, IDEAYA is advancing a third proprietary and potential first-in-class program for MTAP-deleted solid tumors targeting CDKN2A, the most common co-alteration of MTAP-deletion, through ongoing preclinical toxicology studies to support an investigational new drug (IND) application in the first half of 2027. IDEAYA anticipates that rational combination doublets may be pursued with IDEAYA’s CDKN2A lead molecule and IDE892 to target the co-alterations of MTAP and CDKN2A, and pan-RAS inhibitors, as the key tumor suppressor gene CDKN2A has been reported to be deficient in approximately 70% of PDAC.

MTAP deletion is estimated to occur in approximately 15% of all solid tumors, including 15 to 20% of NSCLC and up to 40% of PDAC. There are no approved therapies for MTAP-deleted cancers, highlighting the significant unmet need and opportunity for new precision therapies for these patients.

IDE892 has potential best-in-class properties, including approximately 1,400-fold selective MTA-PRMT5 cooperative binding versus SAM-PRMT5 cooperative binding and lack of brain penetrance intended to maximize its therapeutic window, and favorable drug-like properties to enable rational combinations with IDE397, pan-RAS inhibitors, KRAS G12D therapies, and IDEAYA’s CDKN2A lead molecule. IDE892 has a CYP3A4 IC50 greater than 45 micromolar and did not show time dependent inhibition of any of the 7 major cytochrome P450s (CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP3A4) based on full kinetic CYP inactivation assays, positioning IDE892 as a potential best-in-class MTA-cooperative PRMT5 combination partner.

(Press release, Ideaya Biosciences, JUL 27, 2026, View Source [SID1234669438])

Harbour BioMed and Sinopharm Enter Strategic Collaboration to Establish Innovation R&D Consortium

On July 27, 2026 Harbour BioMed (HKEX: 02142), a global biopharmaceutical company committed to the discovery and development of novel antibody therapeutics in immunology, oncology and other areas, reported that it has entered into a strategic collaboration with China National Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd. ("Sinopharm"). The two parties will establish the Sinopharm – Harbour BioMed Innovation Consortium (the "Innovation Consortium") to advance collaborative research and development of innovative biologics.

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Under the terms of the agreement, Harbour BioMed and Sinopharm will collaborate across the full research and development lifecycle of innovative biologics, with a strategic focus on oncology, immune-mediated inflammatory diseases and other therapeutic areas. Harbour BioMed will leverage its globally leading Harbour Mice fully human antibody technology platform and AI-enabled drug discovery capabilities to drive the discovery and optimization of antibody candidates together with Sinopharm. Sinopharm will contribute their expertise in clinical development, large-scale manufacturing and commercialization, and will be responsible for developing commercial-scale manufacturing processes, producing clinical trial materials, and commercializing products arising from the collaboration. The two parties will jointly fund the research and development activities and share product rights in accordance with mutually agreed terms.

"We are delighted to establish this strategic partnership with Sinopharm," said Dr. Jingsong Wang, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Harbour BioMed. "Harbour BioMed is committed to becoming a leading platform-driven biopharmaceutical group. Leveraging our globally differentiated Harbour Mice fully human antibody technology platform and continuously expanding AI-enabled antibody discovery capabilities, we have established strategic collaborations with leading global pharmaceutical companies, including AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer. This partnership with Sinopharm represents another important step in advancing our ‘platform + pipeline’ strategy in China. Sinopharm is a leading pharmaceutical and healthcare group that covers the entire industry chain—from R&D and manufacturing to distribution. With strong R&D capabilities, robust industrial-scale production capacity, proven commercial execution, and an extensive market network, we look forward to deeply integrating the strengths of our technology platform with Sinopharm’s full-industry-chain capabilities to jointly accelerate the R&D and accessibility of innovative medicines."

Sinopharm commented: "As the national team in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sector, Sinopharm has always placed scientific and technological innovation at the core of its development strategy and is accelerating the establishment of a new paradigm that synergizes independent innovation with open collaboration. Harbour BioMed is a world-leading platform-driven biopharmaceutical company, equipped with a rare fully human antibody technology platform and AI-powered antibody discovery capabilities that are at the forefront in China. The establishment of an innovation R&D consortium with Harbour BioMed represents a key move by Sinopharm to optimize resource allocation and enhance R&D efficiency. We look forward to both parties fully leveraging our respective strengths in technology, talent, platforms, and industrial chains to jointly advance the R&D and industrialization of innovative drugs, and to provide patients with more high-quality and affordable treatment options."

(Press release, Harbour BioMed, JUL 27, 2026, View Source [SID1234669439])

Everest Medicines Announces Participation in Upcoming Investor Conferences

On July 27, 2026 Everest Medicines (HKEX 1952.HK, "Everest", or the "Company"), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, clinical development, manufacturing, and commercialization of innovative therapeutics, reported that Ian Woo, President and Chief Financial Officer, will participate in the upcoming investor conferences.

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Morgan Stanley Biotech Without Borders Series
Date: Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Time: US: 10:00am – 10:30am ET / 10:00pm – 10:30pm HKT
Format: Fireside chat
Webcast: View Source;tp_key=ca5039df5f

2nd Annual Evercore China Biotech Summit
Date: Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Time: 11:00am HKT
Format: Presentation and Q&A
Location: The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong

(Press release, Everest Medicines, JUL 27, 2026, View Source [SID1234669440])

Kelun-Biotech Receives a Clinical Trial Notice for Its First Dual-payload ADC SKB565

On July 27, 2026 Sichuan Kelun-Biotech Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd. ("Kelun-Biotech" or the "Company", 6990.HK) reported that it has received a clinical trial notice from the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) approving the Investigational New Drug (IND) application for its novel dual-payload ADC drug, SKB565, for the treatment of advanced solid tumors. This marks the Company’s first dual-payload ADC to enter the clinical stage.

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SKB565 is developed using the Company’s proprietary OptiDC platform. Featuring an innovative dual-payload design, SKB565 enables the direct delivery of toxins and immunomodulators, two kinds of payload with complementary mechanisms of action, to tumor tissue. Compared with conventional ADCs carrying only toxins, SKB565 has a dual antitumor mechanism: it precisely targets and kills tumors while activating the immune system within the tumor microenvironment to elicit an antitumor immune response, bringing enhanced and more durable antitumor efficacy. In preclinical studies, SKB565 demonstrated excellent antitumor activity and safety, with its outstanding therapeutic potential to support further clinical development.

Leveraging technological expertise and platform advantages in the ADC field, Kelun-Biotech has established a diversified pipeline of innovative molecules featuring high-value targets, differentiated designs, and global potential. Building on this foundation, the Company continues to advance its "ADC + IO" strategy—on one hand by actively exploring high-quality combination regimens, including multiple ongoing clinical studies evaluating ADCs in combination with PD-(L)1 monoclonal antibodies, as well as the PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody SKB118 in combination with its proprietary ADC portfolio; on the other hand, the Company is advancing integrated drug design strategies by incorporating synergistic functional components into a single ADC molecule.

Dr. Michael Ge, CEO of Kelun-Biotech, said, " SKB565 is one of the core representative drugs of our integrated ‘ADC + IO’ strategy, leveraging the synergistic mechanism of its dual payloads to enhance efficacy and overcome drug resistance. Dual-payload ADCs are emerging as one of the key next-generation innovations in the ADC field. The advancement of SKB565 into clinical stage not only marks an important milestone in the achievements transformation of our technology platform, but also substantiates the continued deepening of our innovation capabilities in ADCs. We will actively advance the clinical development of novel drug conjugates such as SKB565, striving to deliver greater benefits to patients with cancer as soon as possible."

(Press release, Kelun, JUL 27, 2026, View Source [SID1234669441])

argenx to Acquire Forte Biosciences, Inc., Adding First-in-Class anti-CD122
Antibody, FB102, to its Immunology Pipeline

On July 27, 2026 argenx (Euronext & Nasdaq: ARGX), a global immunology innovation company, and Forte Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: FBRX) reported that the companies have entered into a definitive agreement under which argenx will acquire Forte Biosciences for $77 per share in cash, representing a total equity value of approximately $2.2 billion.

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FB102, Forte Biosciences’ lead program, expands argenx’s portfolio of differentiated immunology medicines, adding a first-in-class anti-CD122 antibody with clinical proof-of-concept in vitiligo and celiac disease and potential to address multiple autoimmune diseases. The acquisition reflects argenx’s disciplined approach to identifying and advancing breakthrough science for patients with the potential to redefine standards of care in diseases that have lacked meaningful innovation for decades.

"Our Vision 2030 strategy is well-defined and on track, and our discovery, development and commercialization engines are delivering real value for patients," said Karen Massey, Chief Executive Officer of argenx. "The acquisition of Forte Biosciences builds on the strength of that foundation and advances our ambition to be the leading immunology innovator of the future. The addition of FB102 to our portfolio aligns perfectly with the argenx playbook: compelling biology, strong clinical validation and broad potential to address patient need. I am grateful to the Forte Biosciences team for their outstanding work. Together, we look forward to unlocking the full potential of FB102 and accelerating its impact for patients."

"We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved in advancing FB102 through clinical development and firmly believe that argenx is the ideal strategic partner to unlock the full potential of this novel anti-CD122 antibody across a broad range of autoimmune diseases," said Paul A. Wagner, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer and Chairperson of the Board of Forte Biosciences. "By combining FB102’s promising clinical profile with argenx’s proven development expertise, global reach and commercial capabilities, we have a unique opportunity to accelerate its development and maximize its impact for patients living with vitiligo, celiac disease, alopecia areata and other autoimmune conditions. We are excited about the future of FB102 and the potential to bring this innovative therapy to many more patients worldwide."

Forte Biosciences recently reported positive Phase 1b data in vitiligo, demonstrating statistically significant treatment benefit. In addition, positive FB102 Phase 1b data in celiac disease was shared last year, with Phase 2 data expected in the second half of this year. These studies were key drivers of argenx’s decision to move from strategic investment to acquisition, providing clinical evidence in indications with significant unmet need and limited treatment options. Beyond celiac disease and vitiligo, FB102 has the potential to address alopecia areata and additional autoimmune diseases, supporting its profile as a potential pipeline-in-a-product opportunity.

FB102 complements argenx’s existing portfolio of antibody-based programs, including efgartigimod, empasiprubart, adimanebart, and ARGX-121, as well as several additional early-stage molecules, by adding a mechanism focused on pathogenic T-cell and NK-cell activity, broadening the company’s ability to pursue diseases driven by different dimensions of the immune system.

Transaction Terms

Under the terms of the merger agreement, argenx, through a wholly owned subsidiary, will commence a cash tender offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Forte Biosciences’ common stock at a price of $77 per share, representing a total equity value of approximately $2.2 billion and a premium of approximately 86% to Forte Biosciences’ volume-weighted average price (VWAP) since reporting positive Phase 1b data in vitiligo on July 9, 2026.

The consummation of the tender offer is subject to customary closing conditions, including the tender of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Forte Biosciences, and the expiration or termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976. Following the successful completion of the tender offer, a wholly owned subsidiary of argenx will merge with Forte Biosciences and the outstanding Forte Biosciences shares not tendered in the tender offer will be converted into the right to receive the same $77 per share in cash paid in the tender offer. The transaction is not subject to a financing condition and will be funded entirely from cash on hand.

The boards of directors of both companies have approved the transaction. The acquisition is expected to close in Q3 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.

(Press release, argenx, JUL 27, 2026, View Source [SID1234669425])