Ono Pharmaceutical partners with Phylo to embed agentic AI with every discovery scientist

On July 28, 2026 Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (TYO: 4528, "Ono") and Phylo, Inc. ("Phylo") reported a collaboration that brings Biomni Lab, Phylo’s agentic AI platform for biomedical research, to Ono’s drug discovery scientists.

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Founded in 1717 and headquartered in Osaka, Ono is a R&D-driven company dedicated to discovering innovative medicines for patients with serious diseases. Its therapies, including the pioneering cancer immunotherapy OPDIVO (nivolumab), have reached millions of patients worldwide. Ono has built its modern strategy on proactive, open innovation, including AI that shortens the path from idea to novel compound and improves the speed and success rate of discovery.

Phylo is a natural partner to augment Ono’s 300+ years of scientific expertise. Its Biomni Lab lets scientists collaborate with AI agents to complete complex, end-to-end workflows—from synthesizing experimental history and reasoning over internal data to designing experiments and executing computational biology. By incorporating Ono’s discovery expertise and historical data with Biomni Lab’s rigorous and scalable agentic AI platform, the Ono and Phylo partnership helps scientists move from questions to discoveries in a fraction of the time.

"We believe AI will become a core capability for drug discovery. With patients waiting for new medicines, there is an urgent need to help scientists move faster without compromising scientific rigor. Biomni Lab stood out because our researchers quickly adopted it and saw its potential to accelerate everyday discovery. We look forward to working with Phylo to explore how agentic AI can help bring new medicines to patients faster," said Seishi Katsumata, Corporate Officer / Executive Vice President, Discovery & Research of Ono.

"We believe drug discovery can be faster and more efficient with scientists working alongside AI agents. Ono’s discovery leadership across oncology, immunology & inflammation, and neurology makes them an ideal partner to demonstrate how this new way of working can accelerate breakthrough research," said Kexin Huang, Ph.D., Co-Founder & CEO of Phylo.

(Press release, Ono, JUL 28, 2026, View Source [SID1234669468])

Atossa Therapeutics Announces Publication of Novel (Z)-Endoxifen-Related Compounds Demonstrating Potent Anti-Cancer Activity in ER-Positive Breast Cancer

On July 28, 2026 Atossa Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATOS) ("Atossa" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapies in oncology and other areas of significant unmet clinical need, reported the publication of a peer-reviewed preclinical study in npj Breast Cancer evaluating five novel chemical entities structurally related to (Z)-endoxifen. The study titled, "Novel (Z)-endoxifen-related new chemical entities exhibit potent anti-cancer activity in ERα+ breast cancer," reported anti-estrogenic and anti-cancer activity across multiple estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer models, including models harboring clinically relevant activating mutations in ESR1.

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Publication Details

Journal: npj Breast Cancer
Publication Date: July 20, 2026
Article Title and Link: Novel (Z)-endoxifen-related new chemical entities exhibit potent anti-cancer activity in ERα+ breast cancer
Research Collaboration: Mayo Clinic and Atossa Therapeutics, Inc.

Summary

The investigators evaluated five previously uncharacterized compounds generated during the synthesis of (Z)-endoxifen – AT416E, AT416Z, AT402E, AT402Z and AT300 – alongside (Z)-endoxifen in a broad panel of laboratory assays. The studies assessed two- and three-dimensional tumor-cell growth, apoptosis, cell-cycle progression, migration, invasion, estrogen receptor transcriptional activity, gene-expression changes and activity in combination with the CDK4/6 inhibitor abemaciclib.
Several compounds demonstrated potent anti-estrogenic effects, and affected multiple anti-cancer processes including apoptosis, cell-cycle progression, migration, invasion and estrogen receptor-driven transcription.
In certain experimental settings and models, selected compounds combined with abemaciclib demonstrated additive to synergistic activity that was comparable to or greater than the activity observed with abemaciclib plus (Z)-endoxifen.
The compounds also showed activity in models containing activating ESR1 mutations, which are associated with endocrine resistance and recurrent or metastatic estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.
RNA-sequencing analyses identified shared anti-estrogenic effects as well as distinct compound-specific transcriptional programs that may help differentiate the candidates.
The authors concluded that select compounds warrant further in vivo safety evaluation, as well as efficacy studies, including as potential second- or third-line approaches for recurrent disease. These findings are preclinical and do not establish safety or efficacy in patients.
"This publication expands the scientific foundation of our endoxifen platform and identifies additional compounds with compelling activity across difficult-to-treat estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer models," said Dr. Steven C. Quay, M.D., Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Atossa Therapeutics. "Of particular interest is the activity observed in ESR1-mutant models and in combination with a CDK4/6 inhibitor. While these results are early and preclinical, we believe they provide a strong rationale for further evaluation of selected candidates as we continue to explore opportunities to address endocrine resistance and recurrent disease."

About Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer

Estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer is the most common molecular subtype of breast cancer. Although endocrine therapies are effective for many patients, recurrence and late relapse remain important clinical challenges. Activating mutations in ESR1 can allow estrogen receptor signaling to continue despite estrogen deprivation and are a recognized mechanism of acquired resistance in advanced disease. New therapies capable of inhibiting estrogen receptor signaling in ESR1-mutant tumors, alone or in rational combinations, may help address this unmet need.

(Press release, Atossa Therapeutics, JUL 28, 2026, View Source [SID1234669469])

CORE Biomedicine Signs Exclusive Licensing Agreement with Eisai for Precision Oncology Programs

On July 28, 2026 CORE Biomedicine, an innovative drug discovery company developing next-generation precision medicines for broader populations of cancer patients, reported a licensing agreement with Eisai Co., Ltd., granting CORE exclusive global rights to develop and commercialize multiple preclinical oncology programs.

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The licensed programs were originally discovered through research activities conducted by Eisai and its affiliates. CORE Biomedicine was established by experienced oncology drug development leaders to advance these innovative programs for patients with cancer worldwide.

Under the agreement, CORE has obtained exclusive, global rights to certain preclinical oncology programs that target key molecular drivers of various cancers. The licensed portfolio includes multiple programs spanning distinct targets and biological pathways. Together, these assets provide CORE with a broad foundation to build a next-generation precision medicine company focused on translating deep cancer biology into transformative therapies for patients.

"CORE was created to advance an exceptional portfolio of oncology programs grounded in deep cancer biology, precision medicine and lineage therapeutics," said Dr. Douglas McMillin, Co-Founder and Head of Business Development of CORE Biomedicine. "We believe these programs have tremendous potential to address significant unmet medical needs across multiple cancers, and we are committed to advancing them efficiently toward the clinic and ultimately to patients."

CORE is advancing multiple precision oncology programs to clinical development designed to deliver transformative therapies for patients with unmet medical need. The agreement enables the continued advancement of innovative oncology programs through CORE’s dedicated development strategy and commitment to precision medicine.

(Press release, CORE Biomedicine, JUL 28, 2026, View Source [SID1234669470])

CORE Biomedicine Secures $21 Million Series A Venture Financing and Receives AMED Grant Award to Advance Novel Cancer Therapeutics

On July 28, 2026 CORE Biomedicine, a biotechnology company pioneering lineage-based precision oncology therapeutics, reported the completion of a $21 million Series A financing. The round is co-led by UTokyo Innovation Platform Co., Ltd. and Elikon Venture, alongside participation from InnoPinnacle Fund, Mitsubishi UFJ Capital Co., Ltd., Suzhou Capital Group Co., Ltd., CD Capital, YuanBio Venture Capital, Vision Incubate Co., Ltd., and Root Venture Partners. CORE’s lineage-based approach is designed to identify and target core oncology drivers with precision while expanding the potential patient populations that may benefit from these novel therapies.

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In addition to venture financing, CORE Biomedicine Japan, a wholly owned subsidiary, has been awarded a grant under the Strengthening Program for Pharmaceutical Startup Ecosystem, a highly competitive initiative run by the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED) to accelerate innovative biotech companies and support Japan’s biopharma ecosystem. This grant supports CORE’s research and development activities while strengthening collaborations through partnerships with Japanese universities, hospitals and the overall biopharma community.

These resources will advance CORE’s lead programs through discovery and early clinical development. CORE is building an innovative precision medicine company by leveraging the rapidly evolving global biotech ecosystem.

"This venture financing and AMED’s support represent a major milestone for CORE Biomedicine and validate our vision for a new generation of oncology medicines," said Dr. Ping Zhu, Co-Founder and CEO of CORE Biomedicine. "We are grateful to our investors and partners as we advance our programs toward the clinic with the goal of bringing transformative therapies to patients globally."

"CORE Biomedicine’s lineage-based approach addresses a fundamental challenge in cancer biology that genomics alone cannot solve," said Makoto (Mark) Ohori, PhD, Partner and Chief Investment Officer, Life Sciences, UTokyo Innovation Platform Co., Ltd. "We are proud to co-lead this financing and look forward to supporting the CORE Biomedicine team as they advance their programs toward the clinic."

"Elikon Venture highly recognizes the CORE Biomedicine team for their distinctive insights and extensive R&D experience in oncology area. We are delighted to witness the company’s fast-growing trajectory. We look forward to collaborating with CORE Biomedicine to advance its cutting-edge drug pipeline and address unmet medical needs for global patients by delivering better clinical benefits."

(Press release, CORE Biomedicine, JUL 28, 2026, View Source [SID1234669471])

Alkermes plc Reports Second Quarter 2026 Financial Results

On July 28, 2026 Alkermes plc (Nasdaq: ALKS) reported financial results for the second quarter of 2026.

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"The second quarter was marked by strong commercial performance and meaningful progress across our pipeline as we continued to execute on our strategic priorities. Our commercial portfolio consists of differentiated products that are positioned to generate substantial revenue and cash flow for years to come. At the same time, our orexin 2 receptor agonist portfolio represents a potentially transformational growth opportunity for Alkermes and positions us at the forefront of one of the most exciting new therapeutic categories in neuroscience," said Richard Pops, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Alkermes. "As I prepare to transition the Chief Executive Officer role, I do so with tremendous pride in what this organization has achieved and great optimism for its future. Blair and the leadership team are well positioned to build on this momentum and lead Alkermes through its next phase of growth, innovation and value creation, and I look forward to supporting them in my continuing role as Chairman."

"As we move into the second half of the year, we have clear priorities and a sharp focus on execution. With our first ADHD data for ALKS 7290 expected in the coming months and topline results from our alixorexton phase 2 idiopathic hypersomnia study expected toward year-end, we are generating significant new datasets that may open new opportunities for our orexin 2 receptor portfolio," said Blair Jackson, Chief Operating Officer of Alkermes. "With a talented team, a strong financial foundation and exciting opportunities ahead in sleep medicine and across our neuroscience portfolio, I am honored to step into the CEO role and continue building on the strong foundation for growth that Richard and the entire organization have established."

Key Financial Highlights

Revenues

Three Months Ended

June 30,

Six Months Ended

June 30,

(In millions)

2026

2025

2026

2025

Total Revenues

$

496.0

$

390.7

$

888.9

$

697.2

Total Proprietary Net Sales

$

411.7

$

307.2

$

749.8

$

551.7

VIVITROL

$

124.5

$

121.7

$

236.9

$

222.7

ARISTADAi

$

96.7

$

101.3

$

190.5

$

174.8

LYBALVI

$

94.0

$

84.3

$

186.3

$

154.3

LUMRYZ

$

96.6

$

$

136.1

$

Profitability

Three Months Ended

June 30,

Six Months Ended

June 30,

(In millions)

2026

2025

2026

2025

GAAP Net (Loss) Income

$

0.5

$

87.1

$

(66.0)

$

109.6

EBITDA

$

49.0

$

101.6

$

18.8

$

124.3

Adjusted EBITDA

$

139.2

$

126.5

$

219.5

$

172.1

1

Revenue Highlights

Proprietary Product Revenues


LYBALVI revenues for the quarter were $94.0 million. Revenues and total prescriptions grew 12% and 18%, respectively, compared to the second quarter of 2025.

ARISTADAi revenues for the quarter were $96.7 million. During the quarter, the company recorded ARISTADA revenue of approximately $4 million related to gross-to-net favorability, primarily driven by favorable patient mix.

VIVITROL revenues for the quarter were $124.5 million. During the quarter, the company recorded VIVITROL revenue of approximately $4 million related to gross-to-net favorability, primarily driven by favorable patient mix.

LUMRYZ revenues for the quarter were $96.6 million, which included approximately $7 million of inventory benefit due to timing of shipments.
Manufacturing & Royalty Revenues


VUMERITY manufacturing and royalty revenues for the quarter were $30.6 million.

Royalty revenue from XEPLION, INVEGA TRINZA/TREVICTA and INVEGA HAFYERA/BYANNLI for the quarter were $27.5 million.

Manufacturing revenue from RISPERDAL CONSTA for the quarter was $20.9 million.

Key Operating Expenses

Three Months Ended

June 30,

(In millions)

2026

GAAP

2026

Transaction Adjustments

2026

Non-GAAP

Adjusted

2025

GAAP

Cost of Goods Sold

$

98.1

$

31.0

$

67.1

$

49.5

R&D Expense

$

112.9

$

0.1

$

112.8

$

77.4

SG&A Expense

$

217.6

$

1.3

$

216.3

$

170.8

Six Months Ended

June 30,

(In millions)

2026

GAAP

2026

Transaction Adjustments(1)

2026

Non-GAAP

Adjusted

2025

GAAP

Cost of Goods Sold

$

159.7

$

43.8

$

115.9

$

98.7

R&D Expense

$

216.3

$

8.2

$

208.1

$

149.2

SG&A Expense

$

482.2

$

56.6

$

425.6

$

342.6

(1)
Includes $20.2 million of share-based compensation expense related to the acceleration of vesting of equity awards for former Avadel Pharmaceuticals plc (Avadel) employees which vested in full upon the closing of the transaction.

During the quarter, the company recorded a change in the fair value of contingent consideration of $26.4 million, related to the CVR milestone associated with the acquisition of Avadel, which was deemed more likely to be achieved following the recently announced positive topline results of the phase 3 study of LUMRYZ in idiopathic hypersomnia.

Balance Sheet


At June 30, 2026, the company recorded cash, cash equivalents and total investments of $691.6 million, compared to $538.2 million at March 31, 2026.

2

Financial Expectations for 2026

All line items are according to GAAP, except as otherwise noted.

(In millions)

Previous 2026 Expectations

(provided May 5, 2026)

Updated 2026 Expectations

(provided July 28, 2026)

Total Revenues

$1,730 – $1,840

$1,730 – $1,840

VIVITROL Net Sales

$460 – $480

$460 – $480

LYBALVI Net Sales

$380 – $400

$380 – $400

ARISTADAi Net Sales

$365 – $385

$365 – $385

LUMRYZ Net Sales a

$315 – $335

$315 – $335

Cost of Goods Sold b

$320 – $340

$320 – $340

R&D Expenses

$445 – $485

$445 – $485

SG&A Expenses

$890 – $930

$890 – $930

Amortization of Intangible Assets c

$75 – $85

$75 – $85

Change in the Fair Value of Contingent Consideration d

~$25

Net Interest Expense

$75 – $85

$75 – $85

Net Tax Benefit

~$0

~$0

GAAP Net Loss e

($70) – ($90)

($95) – ($115)

EBITDA f

$105 – $135

$75 – $95

Adjusted EBITDA f

$370 – $410

$370 – $410

a

The acquisition of Avadel closed on Feb. 12, 2026. LUMRYZ Net Sales expectations represents the period of Feb. 12, 2026 – Dec. 31, 2026.

b

In connection with the acquisition of Avadel, the company will record approximately $125 million of LUMRYZ inventory fair value step-up; the company expects that approximately $105 million of this amount will be expensed in 2026 as this inventory is sold.

c

In connection with the acquisition of Avadel, the company expects to record approximately $1.8 billion of intellectual property related to LUMRYZ, which will be amortized over an expected life of 14 years.

d

In connection with the positive topline results of the LUMRYZ phase 3 study in idiopathic hypersomnia, the company recorded an increase of $26.4 million in the fair value of contingent consideration related to the Avadel acquisition contingent value right (CVR) milestone.

e

Expected 2026 weighted average basic share count of approximately 169.1 million shares outstanding and a weighted average diluted share count of approximately 172.8 million shares outstanding.

f

Non-GAAP measure.

Conference Call

Alkermes will host a conference call and webcast presentation with accompanying slides at 8:00 a.m. ET (1:00 p.m. BST) on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, to discuss these financial results and expectations and provide an update on the company. The webcast may be accessed on the Investors section of Alkermes’ website at www.alkermes.com. The conference call may be accessed by dialing +1 877 407 2988 for U.S. callers and +1 201 389 0923 for international callers. In addition, a replay of the conference call may be accessed by visiting Alkermes’ website.

(Press release, Alkermes, JUL 28, 2026, View Source [SID1234669455])