On July 29, 2026 TScan Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: TCRX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development of T cell receptor (TCR)-engineered T cell (TCR-T) therapies for the treatment of patients with cancer, reported that the first patient has been infused with TSC-101 in the pivotal Phase 3 ALLOHA-2 trial (NCT07702578). The patient, who was enrolled in June, has now received their first infusion of TSC-101 following successful stem cell engraftment. The trial is investigating the efficacy and safety of TSC-101 for the treatment of residual disease to prevent relapse following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

"Dosing our first patient in the ALLOHA-2 study is a significant milestone for TScan. Having been a part of TScan as we moved TSC-101 from an idea to Discovery, through Phase 1 clinical development, and now to a Phase 3 study, I want to acknowledge all the hard work that went into bringing TSC-101 to this integral step and congratulate all current and previous members of the TScan team," said Gavin MacBeath, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer. "I would also like to thank the investigators, the patients, and their families for participating in our Phase 1 ALLOHA trial. In June, we reported initial data from Cohort C of that study, in which patients were treated with our commercial-ready manufacturing process. The strong clinical efficacy and positive safety profile observed in this cohort gives us added confidence in our Phase 3 trial and future clinical development plans."

"TSC-101 has demonstrated a safety profile and clinical results that continue to excite the transplant community," said Chrystal U. Louis, M.D., Chief Medical Officer. "The pace of Cohort C enrollment highlights the growing interest in TSC-101 as a potential therapeutic option for people with AML or MDS, and we look forward to working with our investigators to address residual disease and improve survival in patients after allo-HCT."

The Phase 3 ALLOHA-2 pivotal trial is a study evaluating TSC-101 administered after standard of care HCT vs HCT alone in patients with AML or MDS. Treatment is based on biological assignment (genetic randomization), with A*02:01-positive subjects with an appropriate donor assigned to the treatment arm, and A*02:01-negative subjects, or A*02:01-posititve subjects without an appropriate donor, assigned to the control arm. All subjects will receive HCT with reduced intensity conditioning. Subjects in the treatment arm will receive two infusions of TSC-101 following engraftment. The primary endpoint for the study is relapse-free survival, and key secondary endpoints include overall survival and event-free survival.

To learn more about the ALLOHA-2 clinical trial, visit clinicaltrials.gov (identifier: NCT07702578).

(Press release, TScan Therapeutics, JUL 29, 2026, View Source [SID1234669515])

On July 29, 2026 Candel Therapeutics, Inc. (Candel or the Company) (Nasdaq: CADL), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing multimodal immunotherapies to improve disease outcomes for patients with cancer, reported that the Company will present at Canaccord Genuity’s 46th Annual Growth Conference, taking place August 11-13, 2026, in Boston, MA.

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

Presentation Details:
Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Time: 12 PM EDT
Webcast Link: Canaccord Genuity / Candel Presentation

A webcast of the presentation will be available by selecting Events and Presentations in the Investors section of Candel’s website at www.candeltx.com. A replay of the webcast will be archived for up to 90 days following the session date.

(Press release, Candel Therapeutics, JUL 29, 2026, View Source [SID1234669500])

On July 29, 2026 VERAXA Biotech AG (NASDAQ: VRXA; "VERAXA"), an emerging leader in designing novel cancer therapies, reported an update on its core patent portfolio. During the first half of 2026, first patent applications were filed to cover the Company’s new generation of technologies including its T cell engager (BiTAC-TCE) and antibody-drug-conjugate (BiTAC-ADC) platforms and therapeutic programs derived from them. Additionally, previously granted patents covering auxiliary technology modules have now cleared the opposition period. Overall, VERAXA now has a portfolio of more than 50 granted owned or exclusively licensed patents in 14 countries, which are spread across 26 patent families. Once the recently filed patent applications are granted, they are expected to protect VERAXA’s core technology suite through at least 2047.

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

"Patentable innovations are at the heart of any biotechnology company, and we are very pleased to provide an update on recent developments. Our IP strategy mirrors the breadth of novel concepts and innovations we are pursuing with regard to our BiTAC-TCE and BiTAC-ADC platforms, novel payload strategies, and the conjugation technologies and click chemistry enabling such therapies," commented Christoph Antz, Ph.D., CEO and Co-Founder of VERAXA. "Overall, we are building toward a strong IP portfolio protecting our core technology platforms and product candidates."

VERAXA is reimagining key aspects of bispecific T cell engager (TCE) and antibody-drug-conjugate (ADC) biology through its BiTAC (Bi-targeted Tumor-Associated Cytotoxicity) strategy. This novel approach relies on a dual-component molecular architecture to enhance tumor selectivity and safety via a true "AND-gate" mechanism. For T cell engagers (BiTAC-TCEs), the platform uses two split antibody constructs. Each targets a distinct tumor-associated antigen and carries one half of the T cell binding motif. Only when both precursors bind to the same cancer cell do they form a functional molecule—a mechanism that restricts T cell activity to cells displaying both tumor markers, sparing healthy tissue. For antibody-drug conjugates (BiTAC-ADCs), the technology delivers a systemically inactive prodrug and a cell-impermeable proactivator through two separate antibodies, each targeting a defined tumor-associated antigen. The payload is only released inside the cancer cell through a rapid, highly efficient chemical reaction called ‘click-to-release’. VERAXA’s click chemistry leverages the ultra-fast reaction between trans-cyclooctenes (TCOs) and tetrazines—one of the fastest in nature. The reaction kinetics and other proprietary improvements enable VERAXA to avoid the premature payload release during systemic circulation, as seen with past ADC approaches, and unlock cost savings in BiTAC-ADC manufacturing. In addition, VERAXA applies proprietary conjugation, linker, and hydrophilic payload technologies across its BiTAC and non-BiTAC pipelines, further enhancing the safety, efficacy, and manufacturability of its next-generation therapies.

(Press release, Veraxa Biotech, JUL 29, 2026, https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/07/29/3335104/0/en/veraxa-biotech-strengthens-patent-portfolio-to-protect-core-technology-platforms-and-product-candidates.html [SID1234669516])

On July 29, 2026 Ractigen Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering small activating RNA (saRNA) therapeutics and advanced extrahepatic delivery systems, reported the successful closing of a new financing round exceeding $31 million (over RMB 200 million).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

The round was led by Guozhong Capital, with participation from IDG Capital, China Everbright Limited, Jolmo Capital, Win-Win Capital, and SND Financial Holdings. Existing shareholder Longmen Capital participated for its third consecutive round.

Proceeds will primarily accelerate the clinical development of Ractigen’s saRNA assets and validate its proprietary extrahepatic delivery platforms. Key priorities include:

Advancing lead saRNA oncology program (RAG-01): Accelerating Phase 2 clinical trials in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) following positive clinical proof-of-concept and U.S. FDA Fast Track Designation.
Driving systemic saRNA asset toward IND (RAG-18): Advancing ongoing investigator-initiated trials (IIT) and preparing for IND filing for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).
Progressing CNS clinical asset (RAG-17): Moving forward with Phase 2 clinical trials in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) following Phase 1 safety and biomarker validation published in Nature Medicine.
Expanding extrahepatic delivery platforms: Continuously enhancing the company’s proprietary SCAD (CNS) and LiCO (systemic multi-tissue) delivery technologies to unlock new therapeutic targets outside the liver.
Pioneering saRNA Technology: Unlocking Gene Activation for Unmet Needs

Oligonucleotide therapeutics represent the third major wave of biopharmaceutical innovation following small molecules and monoclonal antibodies. However, traditional RNA therapeutics have been largely limited to gene-silencing approaches (siRNA and ASO).

As the global pioneer in RNA activation (RNAa), Ractigen was founded to redefine genetic medicine by enabling precise gene activation. Discovered by Ractigen’s founder, RNAa utilizes saRNAs targeting gene promoter regions to upregulate endogenous protein expression at the transcriptional level without altering the genome. This unique mechanism unlocks previously undruggable therapeutic targets, expanding treatment possibilities across genetic disorders, haploinsufficiencies, cancer, and metabolic diseases.

Breaching Extrahepatic Barriers: Proprietary Delivery Systems

To deliver saRNA and targeted oligonucleotide payloads beyond the liver, Ractigen engineered two complementary, carrier-free delivery platforms:

SCAD (CNS delivery platform): Utilizes an accessory oligonucleotide (ACO)-enabled self-delivery mechanism to cross central nervous system barriers, achieving clinical proof-of-concept for safety and target engagement via RAG-17.
LiCO (Systemic multi-tissue platform): Conjugates specialized lipids to oligonucleotides via proprietary SDL linkers. LiCO enables durable, carrier-free delivery to muscle, heart, bladder, and eye tissues, sustaining therapeutic activity for up to nine months per single administration with simplified, cost-effective manufacturing.
Clinical & Commercial Momentum

Ractigen has successfully translated its saRNA and extrahepatic delivery technologies into three differentiated clinical-stage assets:

RAG-01: The world’s first conjugate-delivered saRNA therapeutic to demonstrate clinical proof-of-concept in oncology. In Phase 1 trials, RAG-01 achieved a preliminary any-time 67% complete response (CR) rate in BCG-unresponsive high-risk NMIBC patients.
RAG-18: The world’s first saRNA program targeting Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and a major milestone in breaching extrahepatic muscle delivery barriers. Currently in investigator-initiated trials (IIT), RAG-18 delivers saRNA systemically to upregulate Utrophin expression, demonstrating clear target engagement, marked biomarker reductions, and histopathological improvements in muscle tissue in DMD patients.
RAG-17: A clinical-stage, CNS-targeted oligonucleotide therapeutic for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Phase 1 clinical data demonstrated robust SOD1 protein knockdown (~60% CSF SOD1 reduction) and a favorable safety profile, with Phase 2 patient enrollment now fully completed.
Reflecting the global commercial value of its platform, Ractigen entered into a strategic drug discovery and platform licensing collaboration with a publicly listed overseas pharmaceutical company in late 2025, valued at over $3 billion.

Executive & Investor Commentary

Dr. Long-Cheng Li, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ractigen Therapeutics:
"Closing this financing round reflects strong capital market validation of Ractigen’s critical leap from pioneering scientific discovery to human clinical proof-of-concept. Over the past decade, the oligonucleotide field achieved tremendous commercial success in liver-targeted silencing, yet extrahepatic delivery and gene activation remained unaddressed global frontiers. Over nearly two decades, we progressed from discovering RNA activation to solving extrahepatic delivery bottlenecks and translating multiple assets into positive human clinical data. Moving forward, Ractigen will continue expanding the boundaries of RNA technology, accelerating clinical translation to deliver transformative, First-in-Class therapeutics to patients worldwide."

Investment Team, Guozhong Capital:
"Ractigen Therapeutics is dedicated to pioneering next-generation RNA therapeutics globally. Its proprietary extrahepatic delivery platforms breach core bottlenecks across the field. RAG-17 is a pioneering CNS-targeting oligonucleotide therapy with Phase 1 results featured in top-tier peer-reviewed journals, while RAG-01 marks a historic clinical application of saRNA technology in oncology. We look forward to supporting Ractigen as its saRNA platform expands further into genetic, oncologic, and metabolic diseases."

Haining Wang, Founding Partner of Longmen Capital:
"We have been a long-term believer in Ractigen since our initial investment in 2021, and this marks our third consecutive round of support. Their clinically validated extrahepatic delivery systems and highly differentiated saRNA pipelines create an unrivaled competitive moat. We will continue leveraging our industry and capital market resources to help Ractigen bring saRNA therapies to patients globally."

(Press release, Ractigen Therapeutics, JUL 29, 2026, View Source [SID1234669501])

On July 29, 2026 10x Genomics, Inc. (Nasdaq: TXG), the life science technology leader focused on accelerating science and advancing human health, reported a research collaboration with Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), one of Switzerland’s leading academic medical centers, to advance research in diagnostic applications of single cell and spatial technologies for cancer care.

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

This collaboration builds on 10x’s broader efforts to work with leading research institutions to generate the scientific evidence needed to advance future diagnostic applications of single cell and spatial technologies.

Through this multi-year collaboration, the study intends to use 10x’s Flex Apex and Xenium platforms, with the goal of expanding to the Atera platform, to examine tumor samples from patients with advanced cancer undergoing a comprehensive evaluation by a clinical molecular tumor board. The research aims to identify clinically relevant biomarkers that may help predict treatment response, cancer prognosis and support diagnostic development.

The rapid expansion of targeted therapies, immunotherapies and other emerging treatment modalities is creating new opportunities for treating patients, while also increasing the complexity of treatment decision-making in oncology. As a result, there is a growing need for biomarkers that can help predict which patients are most likely to benefit from specific therapies, supporting more personalized treatment strategies.

"This collaboration brings together complementary expertise in spatial biology, pathology, computational AI and clinical precision oncology to address one of the biggest challenges in cancer care: predicting which patients will benefit from treatment," said Raphael Gottardo, Professor and Director of the Biomedical Data Science Center, CHUV. "Together, we aim to discover clinically actionable biomarkers that improve patient selection and bring more precise treatment decisions closer to routine clinical care."

The study is expected to include hundreds of patients across multiple solid tumor types, including non-small cell lung cancer, breast cancer, bladder cancer and melanoma. Researchers plan to integrate single cell and spatial biology with clinical outcomes data to better understand mechanisms of response and resistance across a range of therapeutic approaches, including antibody-drug conjugates, bispecific antibodies and immune checkpoint inhibitors. The collaboration also intends to investigate how 10x single cell and spatial technologies can be deployed clinically alongside current standard-of-care assays.

"The promise of precision oncology depends on understanding the biology that helps determine which therapies are most likely to benefit a given patient," said Serge Saxonov, Co-founder and CEO of 10x Genomics. "We believe single cell and spatial technologies provide a fundamentally richer view of the biology within tumors and their microenvironment, creating opportunities to discover biomarkers that can help guide treatment decisions and enable future diagnostic approaches in cancer care."

The collaboration is expected to generate a comprehensive, multimodal resource integrating single cell and spatial data to enable the discovery of clinically actionable biomarkers of treatment response and resistance. It also plans to evaluate how these biomarkers could be incorporated into future clinical reporting frameworks to support personalized treatment planning and molecular tumor board decision-making.

(Press release, Lausanne University Hospital, JUL 29, 2026, View Source [SID1234669502])