On March 31, 2025 Apollomics Inc. (Nasdaq: APLM) ("Apollomics"), a late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company developing multiple oncology drug candidates to address difficult-to-treat and treatment-resistant cancers, and LaunXP International Co., Ltd., an affiliate of LaunXP Biomedical Co., Ltd. (TWO: 6876) ("LaunXP"), reported that the parties have entered into an agreement for the development and commercialization in Asia (excluding mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau) (the "LaunXP Territory") of vebreltinib (Press release, Apollomics, MAR 31, 2025, View Source [SID1234654275]). Apollomics’ proprietary c-Met inhibitor, in combination with an EGFR inhibitor ("EGFRi") for the treatment of NSCLC. The EGFRi class of targeted kinase inhibitors is currently a foundational targeted therapy for the treatment of NSCLC and other tumor types.

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"We are delighted to partner with LaunXP, who share our vision for the commercial opportunity for vebreltinib. EGFRi is currently the frontline treatment for many patients with NSCLC, and combining it with our c-Met inhibitor vebreltinib is expected to transform the standard of care," said Dr. Guo-Liang Yu, CEO of Apollomics. "We believe that LaunXP can advance this development program rapidly in this patient population, bringing us closer to potentially improving outcomes for many patients with NSCLC. We will continue to seek opportunities to maximize the global opportunity for vebreltinib, both as a single agent and in combination approaches for the treatment of cancers."

"We are thrilled to announce this collaboration with Apollomics. We believe the preclinical and clinical data supporting the combination of a c-Met inhibitor with an EGFRi is compelling," said Dr. Chiu-Heng Chen, Chairman and President of LaunXP. "By delaying the emergence of mutations which cause EGFRi resistance, we hope to demonstrate clinically that better patient outcomes can be achieved."

Under the terms of the agreement, Apollomics is to receive upfront payments totaling $10 million within 60 days of the date of the agreement. Apollomics is also eligible for regulatory and other pre-commercial milestones up to $50 million, and royalties on net product sales. LaunXP will be primarily responsible for the development of vebreltinib in combination with an EGFRi in the LaunXP territory for the treatment of NSCLC.

About Vebreltinib

Vebreltinib is a potent, small molecule, orally bioavailable and highly selective c-MET inhibitor. It works by inhibiting the aberrant activation of the HGF/c-MET axis, a key pathway involved in tumor growth, proliferation, and the development of resistance to certain targeted therapies such as osimertinib. By targeting c-MET dysregulation, vebreltinib has demonstrated strong tumor inhibitory effect in a variety of preclinical c-MET dysregulated human gastric, hepatic, pancreatic and lung cancer xenograft animal models and patient-derived xenograft models (PDX).

Details on the Phase 1/2 SPARTA global clinical trial can be found on clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03175224. Apollomics is developing vebreltinib as single-agent cancer therapy in a variety of tumor types and actively assessing the potential of vebreltinib in combination with novel therapies. Avistone, Apollomics’ partner in China, has received conditional approval from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China for vebreltinib for multiple indications. Vebreltinib is currently under clinical investigation and not approved for any use in any other regions in the world.

On March 31, 2025 BeiGene, Ltd. (NASDAQ: ONC; HKEX: 06160; SSE: 688235), a global oncology company that intends to change its name to BeOne Medicines Ltd., reported that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency issued a positive opinion recommending approval of TEVIMBRA (tislelizumab), in combination with etoposide and platinum chemotherapy, as a first-line treatment for adult patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) (Press release, BeiGene, MAR 31, 2025, View Source [SID1234651660]).

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"The aggressive nature of extensive-stage small cell lung cancer makes it an extremely difficult type of lung cancer to treat, and currently available treatments may not adequately control disease progression," said Prof. Silvia Novello, M.D., Ph.D., President Women Against Lung Cancer in Europe (WALCE) and Head of Medical Oncology Unit of San Luigi Hospital in Orbassano, Italy. "The compelling data from the RATIONALE-312 study demonstrates the potential of TEVIMBRA plus chemotherapy as a further first-line treatment option to extend overall survival for patients with ES-SCLC."

The extension of indication for ES-SCLC is based on results from BeiGene’s RATIONALE-312 (NCT04005716), a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, Phase 3 study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TEVIMBRA, in combination with platinum (investigator’s choice of cisplatin or carboplatin) plus etoposide, as first-line treatment in adult patients with ES-SCLC. The study, which randomized 457 patients, met its primary endpoint, exhibiting a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in overall survival (OS) with TEVIMBRA in combination with chemotherapy, compared with placebo plus chemotherapy in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population. As reported in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology, at the protocol-defined final analysis, the median OS was 15.5 months for TEVIMBRA with chemotherapy versus 13.5 months for placebo plus chemotherapy (HR 0.75 [95% CI: 0.61–0.93]; one-sided p = 0.0040), resulting in a 25% reduction in the risk of death. TEVIMBRA plus chemotherapy was generally well tolerated, with no new safety signals identified.

"Today’s positive CHMP opinion marks another important step for TEVIMBRA to potentially expand its indications in a fourth disease area in Europe to reach more patients affected by cancer," said Mark Lanasa, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer, Solid Tumors at BeiGene. "TEVIMBRA is the cornerstone of our solid tumor portfolio with 58 regulatory approvals in 18 months and is being studied in combination with multiple novel molecules with the potential to herald the next wave of cancer therapeutics."

The pooled safety data in this extension of indication included more than 3,900 patients who received TEVIMBRA as either monotherapy (n=1,952) or in combination with chemotherapy (n=1,950) at the approved dosing regimen. The most common Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions (≥ 2%) for TEVIMBRA given in combination with chemotherapy were neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, hyponatremia, hypokalemia, fatigue, pneumonia, lymphopenia, rash, decreased appetite, increased aspartate aminotransferase, and increased alanine aminotransferase.

TEVIMBRA is currently approved in the EU as a first-line treatment for eligible patients with unresectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and gastric or gastroesophageal junction (G/GEJ) adenocarcinoma in combination with chemotherapy, as a second line treatment in unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic ESCC after prior platinum-based chemotherapy, and for three non-small lung cancer (NSCLC) indications covering both the first- and second-line settings.

The Company recently announced its intent to change its name to BeOne Medicines, reaffirming its commitment to develop innovative medicines to eliminate cancer by partnering with the global community to serve as many patients as possible.

About Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer (ES-SCLC)

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.1 SCLC is an aggressive, high-grade cancer that accounts for 15% of all lung cancers,2 and is typically classified as limited-stage or extensive-stage disease.3 Approximately 70% of SCLC patients are diagnosed with extensive-stage disease,4 defined as cancer that has spread throughout or beyond the lungs, or exceeding an area that can be treated with radiation alone.5 In Europe, the estimated prevalence of SCLC is 1-5 per 10,000 people.6 ES-SCLC is associated with a very poor prognosis with a median OS of 8 to 13 months and an expected 2-year survival rate of only 5%.7

About TEVIMBRA (Tislelizumab)

TEVIMBRA is a uniquely designed humanized immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) anti-programmed cell death protein 1(PD-1) monoclonal antibody with high affinity and binding specificity against PD-1. It is designed to minimize binding to Fc-gamma (Fcγ) receptors on macrophages, helping to aid the body’s immune cells to detect and fight tumors.

TEVIMBRA is the foundational asset of BeiGene’s solid tumor portfolio and has shown potential across multiple tumor types and disease settings. The global TEVIMBRA clinical development program includes almost 14,000 patients enrolled to date in 35 countries and regions across 70 trials, including 21 registration-enabling studies. TEVIMBRA is approved in 45 countries, and more than 1.3 million patients have been treated globally.

Important Safety Information

The current European Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) for TEVIMBRA is available from the European Medicines Agency.

This information is intended for a global audience. Product indications vary by region.

On March 31, 2025 MaaT Pharma (EURONEXT: MAAT – the "Company"), a clinical-stage biotechnology company and a leader in the development of Microbiome Ecosystem TherapiesTM (MET) dedicated to enhancing survival for patients with cancer through immune modulation, reported it will present new non clinical data at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, taking place on April 25-30, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois (Press release, MaaT Pharma, MAR 31, 2025, View Source [SID1234651679]).
MaaT034 is the Company’s next-generation full ecosystem synthetic microbiome therapy and the first candidate from its proprietary MET-C platform. Developed using a co-culturing technology optimized for large-scale production, MaaT034 is designed to improve patient responses to immunotherapy in combination with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors.

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The key findings, obtained from studies conducted in germ-free mice, demonstrate that MaaT034:

Effectively engrafts, thus ensuring an enduring presence of beneficial bacteria in the gut environment.
Potentiates anti-tumor effects mediated by anti-PD-1 checkpoint blockade.
Leads to the production of key microbial-derived metabolites in germ-free mice.
Improves gastrointestinal physiological functions.
In parallel, the Company is developing donor-derived microbiome therapies that are being explored in multiple clinical trials. Among these, MaaT013 has been tested in patients with acute Graft-versus-Host Disease (aGvHD) and advanced melanoma receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (PICASSO trial).

"While the PICASSO trial builds on MaaT013’s established safety and efficacy to potentially unlock significant new market opportunities in oncology, our next-generation candidate, MaaT034 — to be featured at AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) — is designed with an optimized microbiome composition that eliminates the need for donors and incorporates defined and reproducible immunomodulatory properties, offering enhanced therapeutic potential across a broader range of oncology indications," stated Hervé Affagard, CEO and co-founder of MaaT Pharma.

AACR Poster Presentation details:

Title: MaaT034, a new co-cultured microbiome ecosystem therapy candidate, is capable to safely colonize the gastro-intestinal tract of germ-free mice to restore a healthy gut physiology and to stimulate immunity
Abstract Number: 2209
Session Category: Immunology
Session Title: Microbiome, Inflammation, and Cancer
Session Date/ Time: Monday April 28th, 2025 – 9:00:00 AM U.S Central Time
About Picasso

PICASSO is a Phase 2a clinical trial sponsored by AP-HP and in collaboration with INRAE and Institut Gustave Roussy, evaluating MaaT013 in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors, ipilimumab (Yervoy) and nivolumab (Opdivo). The trial is fully recruited and have enrolled 70 patients. Key study endpoints include MaaT013 safety profile and best-overall response rate vs placebo as add-on treatment to Ipilimumab + Nivolumab. Clinical Trials.gov: NCT04988841

About MaaT034

MaaT034, currently in preclinical development, is a next-generation donor-independent full ecosystem synthetic microbiome therapy, dedicated to improving patient responses to immunotherapy in combination with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. Developed using the Company’s co-culturing proprietary MET-C platform, MaaT034 is optimized for large-scale production in oncology. Previous presented preclinical data showed that MaaT034 produced key metabolites, recognized as promoting gut barrier restoration and modulating immune responses, such as Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFA), secondary bile acids, and tryptophan derivatives. These data support the role of MaaT034 in gut barrier repair and in T cell reactivation either in combination with anti-PD1 or with anti-PD-L1. By enhancing gut barrier repair and modulating immune responses, MaaT034 is expected to complement the action of these immunotherapeutic agents, potentially improving their efficacy in treating solid tumors cancer.

On March 31, 2025 Hoth Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: HOTH), a patient-focused clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, reported that it has received an official Filing Receipt from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for a new patent application related to the proprietary formulation of HT-001, the Company’s lead clinical asset (Press release, Hoth Therapeutics, MAR 31, 2025, https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hoth-therapeutics-receives-uspto-filing-receipt-for-ht-001-formulation-patent-application-expanding-existing-patent-coverage-302416196.html [SID1234651698]).

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This newly filed application seeks to expand the Company’s intellectual property portfolio surrounding HT-001 and builds upon Hoth’s already approved patent for the compound. The formulation-specific filing is aimed at further protecting the unique composition and delivery method of HT-001, which is being developed as a novel topical treatment to alleviate dermatologic side effects commonly experienced by cancer patients undergoing epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor therapy.

"The receipt of this Filing Receipt from the USPTO marks another critical milestone in the development of HT-001," said Robb Knie, Chief Executive Officer of Hoth Therapeutics. "Expanding our patent protection to include formulation-specific claims reinforces the strength of our IP position and our long-term commitment to patients and shareholders."

The USPTO Filing Receipt confirms that the patent application has been formally accepted and will proceed through the examination process. This development adds an important layer of protection as Hoth continues advancing HT-001 through clinical development.

On March 31, 2025 BioLineRx Ltd. (NASDAQ/TASE: BLRX), a development stage biopharmaceutical company pursuing life-changing therapies in oncology and rare diseases, reported its audited financial results for the year ended December 31, 2024, and provided a corporate update (Press release, BioLineRx, MAR 31, 2025, View SourceArchives/edgar/data/1498403/000117891325001124/exhibit_1.htm" target="_blank" title="View SourceArchives/edgar/data/1498403/000117891325001124/exhibit_1.htm" rel="nofollow">View Source [SID1234651661]).

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"It has been just over four months since we implemented a major strategy shift, highlighted by the transformational exclusive licensing agreement that we entered into with Ayrmid Ltd., granting it the rights to commercialize APHEXDA (motixafortide) in all non-solid-tumor indications and all territories other than Asia," said Philip Serlin, Chief Executive Officer of BioLineRx. "Since then, we implemented cost efficiencies across the Company, including the shutdown of our U.S. commercial operations, that have resulted in an approximate 70% reduction in our operating expense base, which, together with recent financings, have put us on a firm footing with a cash runway through the second half of 2026."

"As we return to our roots as a lean drug development company, with a highly validated development platform focused on oncology and rare diseases, we believe these actions help ensure that we remain nimble and capable of seizing the opportunities in front of us. Our strategy moving forward is to in-license additional assets over the next year that we can advance through clinical proof-of-concept, funded in part by milestones and royalties from our out-licensing transactions. To that end, I am pleased to report that we are evaluating numerous promising candidates. This process is methodical and steady to ensure that our due diligence is thorough as we look for new chemical entities. Based on our deep and validated experience in drug development, I believe we are well positioned to create sustained value for our shareholders. I am excited about what the future holds for our Company this year and beyond," Mr. Serlin concluded.

Corporate Updates

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Executed license agreement with Ayrmid Pharma Ltd. to develop and commercialize APHEXDAâ (motixafortide) in all indications except solid tumors, and across all territories except Asia

o
License agreement included a $10 million upfront payment, up to $87 million in potential commercial milestones, and royalties on net sales ranging from 18% to 23%

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Announced receipt of a Notice of Allowance from the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) for a patent, titled "Composition of BL-8040," which strengthens BioLineRx’s robust intellectual property (IP) estate and extends its patent protection on motixafortide (BL-8040) in the U.S. through December 2041

Financial Updates

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Completed two financings in past few months which raised combined gross proceeds of $19 million

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Reduced operating expense run rate by approximately 70% beginning January 1, 2025 through the APHEXDA program transfer to Ayrmid and the resulting shutdown of the Company’s U.S. commercial operations in Q424, as well as additional headcount and other operating expense reductions

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Significantly reduced outstanding debt and restructured the remainder on favorable terms to the Company

APHEXDA 2024 Performance Update

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Aphexda achieved 10 percent market share of total CXCR4 inhibitor usage in the U.S., which compares APHEXDA to branded MOZOBIL and generic plerixafor in all indications

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BioLineRx generated more than $6 million in net product sales year-to-date through the November 2024 completion of the Ayrmid out-licensing transaction

Clinical Updates

Motixafortide

Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (mPDAC)

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Additional trial sites activated for the CheMo4METPANC Phase 2b clinical trial being led by Columbia University. Full enrollment in the randomized trial targeting 108 patients is anticipated in 2027, with a prespecified interim futility analysis planned when 40% of PFS events are observed

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) & Gene Therapy

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First patient dosed in the multi-center Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating motixafortide for the mobilization of CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) used in the development of gene therapies for patients with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). The trial is sponsored by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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Oral presentation delivered at the 66th American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) Annual Meeting & Exposition detailing initial results from a Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating motixafortide as monotherapy and in combination with natalizumab for CD34+ hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) mobilization for gene therapies in SCD. Sponsored by investigators at Washington University in St. Louis, the findings from this proof-of-concept study suggest motixafortide alone, and in combination with natalizumab, could support the collection of the large number of stem cells required by gene therapies for sickle cell disease within a single apheresis cycle.

Financial Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2024

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Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2024 were $28.9 million, an increase of $24.1 million, or 502.1%, compared to $4.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The revenues in 2024 primarily reflect a portion of the up-front payment received, and a milestone payment achieved, under the Gloria license, which collectively amounted to $15.0 million, as well as the up-front payment received under the Ayrmid license and $6.0 million of net revenues from product sales of APHEXDA in the U.S. The revenues in 2023 (all of which were recorded in the fourth quarter of 2023) primarily reflect a portion of the up-front payment received under the Gloria license of $4.6 million, as well as $0.2 million of revenues from product sales of APHEXDA in the U.S.

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Cost of revenues for the year ended December 31, 2024 were $9.3 million, an increase of $5.6, or 151.4%, compared to $3.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The cost of revenues in 2024 primarily reflects amortization of intangible assets, Biokine’s share of the up-front payment received under the Ayrmid license, sub-license fees accrued on a milestone payment recorded under the Gloria license, as well as royalties on net product sales of APHEXDA in the U.S. and cost of goods sold on product sales. The cost of revenues in 2023 primarily reflects Biokine’s share of the up-front payment received under the Gloria license and of the net sales.

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Research and development expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024 were $9.2 million, a decrease of $3.3 million, or 26.4%, compared to $12.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease resulted primarily from lower expenses related to motixafortide NDA supporting activities, termination of the development of AGI-134 and a decrease in payroll and share-based compensation.

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Sales and marketing expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024 were $23.6 million, a decrease of $1.7 million, or 6.7%, compared to $25.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease resulted primarily from the shutdown of U.S. commercial operations in the fourth quarter of 2024 following the Ayrmid license.

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General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024 were $6.3 million, similar to the year ended December 31, 2023.

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Net non-operating income amounted to $18.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to net non-operating expenses of $10.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. Non-operating income for the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily relates to non-cash, fair-value adjustments of warrant liabilities on the Company’s balance sheet, as a result of changes in the Company’s share price, offset by warrant offering expenses. Non-operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily relate to non-cash, fair-value adjustments of warrant liabilities on the Company’s balance sheet.

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Net financial expenses amounted to $7.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to net financial expenses of $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. Net financial expenses for both periods primarily relate to interest paid on loans, which increased in 2024 due to a one-time $4.0 million charge to interest expense in connection with the November 2024 amendment to the loan agreement with BlackRock, partially offset by investment income earned on bank deposits.

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Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $9.2 million, compared to $60.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.

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As of December 31, 2024, the Company had cash, cash equivalents, and short-term bank deposits of $19.6 million (approximately $29.0 million on a pro-forma basis, following the financing completed at the beginning of January 2025).

A copy of the Company’s annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024 has been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at View Source and posted on the Company’s investor relations website at View Source Company will deliver a hard copy of its annual report, including its complete audited consolidated financial statements, free of charge, to its shareholders upon request at [email protected].

Conference Call and Webcast Information
To access the conference call, please dial +1-888-281-1167 from the U.S. or +972-3-918-0685 internationally. A live webcast and a replay of the call can be accessed through the event page on the Company’s website. Please allow extra time prior to the call to visit the site and download any necessary software to listen to the live broadcast. The call replay will be available approximately two hours after completion of the live conference call. A dial-in replay of the call will be available until April 2, 2025; please dial +1-888-295-2634 from the US or +972-3-925-5904 internationally.