On July 17, 2026 SL Science Holding Limited (NASDAQ: SLBT) ("SL Science" or the "Company"), a biotechnology company developing next-generation immune cell therapies, reported its successful exhibition and participation at the 2026 World Congress of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (WCP 2026) held at July 12-17, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. Together with its esteemed academic and industry partners, the Company presented highly promising preclinical research on a novel treatment for glioblastoma (GBM), one of the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat forms of brain cancer.

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The research showcased at the WCP 2026 exhibition is the result of a robust joint effort led by investigators at Taipei Medical University, in collaboration with SL Science, JY Biomedical Co., Ltd. ("JY BioMed") and HeXun Biosciences Co., Ltd.

Simplifying Complex Science for Real-World Impact

Glioblastoma is notoriously challenging to treat, often resisting conventional therapies such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Because tumors frequently return and build resistance, there is an urgent global need for innovative solutions. SL Science’s exhibition focused on harnessing gamma delta (γδ) T cells—a specialized subset of immune cells capable of identifying and attacking cancer cells without relying on the standard immune-matching processes that other therapies require.

The exhibited data revealed significant progress in overcoming tumor immune evasion. By delivering these specially expanded γδ T cells directly to the tumor site in preclinical models, researchers observed potent and efficient destruction of the brain cancer cells.

Key Exhibition Highlights

Complete Tumor Elimination: Direct administration of γδ T cells achieved complete eradication of the tumor by day 26 post-treatment at the highest dose tested (an 8:1 ratio of immune cells to cancer cells).
Dose-Dependent Success: The research demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of repeated direct-to-brain dosing, showing that the tumor-suppressing benefits scaled positively with the dosage.
Clean Safety Profile: Comprehensive health screens and blood panels confirmed that the treatment was well-tolerated in the study, showing no major safety concerns or adverse health effects.

"Exhibiting our collaborative work at WCP 2026 was a monumental milestone for our entire team and our partners," said Mr. William Wang, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SL Science. "We were thrilled to present these findings on a global stage. This research underscores the tremendous therapeutic potential of our γδ T-cell platform to combat challenging solid tumors like glioblastoma. By working closely with leading academic institutions, we are translating complex biology into tangible hope for patients facing high unmet medical needs."

(Press release, SL Science, JUL 17, 2026, View Source [SID1234669302])

On July 17, 2026 Evaxion A/S (NASDAQ: EVAX) ("Evaxion"), a clinical-stage TechBio company developing novel vaccines with its pioneering AI-Immunology platform, reported it will present three-year clinical efficacy data from its phase 2 trial with personalized cancer vaccine candidate EVX-01 at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Congress 2026 to be held in Madrid, Spain, from October 23-27, 2026.

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The data stems from a one-year extension of the phase 2 trial evaluating EVX-01 in patients with advanced melanoma (skin cancer). In the third year, patients received EVX-01 as stand-alone therapy, meaning the data will offer insight into the vaccine’s effect also when not administered in combination with anti-PD-1 therapy. Further, the data may also provide additional insights into potentially enhanced treatment effects and durability of the EVX-01-induced immune response.

"We are looking forward to presenting the data on EVX-01 at the important ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Congress. This will be an excellent opportunity for us to also discuss the data with stakeholders and potential business partners at a time when pivotal late-stage clinical data are continuing to emerge across the personalized cancer vaccine field," says Birgitte Rønø, CSO & COO of Evaxion.

Convincing results
The three-year data will add to already convincing results from the phase 2 trial. The two-year data demonstrated an Objective Response Rate (ORR) of 75% as 12 out of 16 patients had objective clinical responses, with four patients obtaining a complete response. Additionally, a durable clinical benefit was observed as 92% of patients were still responding at two years follow-up and no relapses were observed.

54% of patients had a deepened response during treatment, improving from stable disease or partial response to partial or complete response. Tumor reduction (target lesions) was observed in 15 out of the 16 patients enrolled in the trial.

In the trial, EVX-01 induced an immune response in all patients, with 86% of the targeted neoantigens generating potent specific T-cell responses.

The phase 2 trial investigated EVX-01 in patients with advanced melanoma. Each patient enrolled in the trial received a unique vaccine designed and manufactured based on their individual biology. In the first two-years, patients received EVX-01 in combination with MSD’s (Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA) anti-PD-1 therapy, KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab). In the third year, a subset of patients received EVX-01 as stand-alone therapy. KEYTRUDA is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA.

Presentation details
Abstract title: EVX-01, a personalized cancer vaccine, induces sustained T-cell responses and durable disease control in advanced melanoma after three-year of follow-up
Presentation#: 2006P
Location: Poster Area – Hall 5
Topic: Investigational immunotherapy
Date/Time: October 24, 2026, at 12:00 – 12:45 CET
Presenter: Dr. Muhammad Adnan Khattak, Director, Oncology, One Clinical Research, Hollywood Private Hospital & Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia

About EVX-01
EVX-01 is a personalized peptide-based cancer vaccine intended for first-line treatment of multiple advanced solid cancers. It is Evaxion’s lead clinical asset.

Designed with our AI-Immunology platform, EVX-01 and is tailored to target the unique tumor profile and immune characteristics of each patient. It engages the patient’s immune system to fight off cancer by mounting a targeted response against tumors.

About melanoma
Melanoma accounted for approximately 1 in 5 of the 1.5 million new skin cancer cases estimated globally in 2020 with approximately 325,000 cases and 57,000 deaths. The global burden from melanoma is estimated to increase to 510,000 new cases and 96,000 deaths by 2040 (Arnold et al., JAMA Dermatology 2022). The global market for melanoma treatments is estimated to grow to $7.4 billion by 2029 (GlobalData).

(Press release, Evaxion, JUL 17, 2026, View Source [SID1234669287])

On July 17, 2026 Agenus Inc. (Nasdaq: AGEN), a leader in immuno-oncology innovation, reported that three abstracts from investigator-sponsored trials evaluating botensilimab and balstilimab (BOT+BAL) have been accepted for poster presentation at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Congress 2026, taking place October 23-27, 2026, in Madrid, Spain. The studies span neoadjuvant colorectal cancer, refractory metastatic colorectal cancer and advanced sarcoma, reflecting continued investigator interest in BOT+BAL across distinct disease settings and tumor types.

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The NEOASIS poster will present updated data from a neoadjuvant cohort in mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) colorectal cancer. While biologically distinct from the microsatellite-stable/mismatch repair-proficient (MSS/pMMR) population planned for ROBBIN, the study contributes to the broader clinical rationale for evaluating BOT+BAL before surgery and moving immunotherapy earlier in colon cancer.

The two additional posters will present real-world data from investigator-led studies of BOT+BAL in refractory MSS/pMMR metastatic colorectal cancer and advanced sarcoma, extending the body of independent clinical experience with the combination in heavily pretreated patients.

Presentation Details:

Abstract Title: Neoadjuvant botensilimab plus balstilimab in MMR deficient colorectal cancer: results from the NEOASIS study
Presenter: Emma Van Den Berg MD; Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, NKI-AVL – Netherlands Cancer Institute/Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Poster Presentation number: 837P
Session Title: Colon cancer
Date/Time: Sun, 25 Oct 2026; 12:00-12:45 CET | 7:00-7:45AM EST

Abstract Title: Botensilimab plus balstilimab in advanced sarcoma: real-world data from a Spanish expanded access program
Presenter: Carlos López-Jiménez MD, PhD; Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
Poster Presentation number: 3771P
Session Title: Sarcoma
Date/Time: Mon, 26 Oct 2026: 12:00-12:45 CET | 7:00-7:45AM EST

Abstract Title: Botensilimab and balstilimab in refractory pMMR/MSS metastatic colorectal cancer: real-world data from a multicenter AGEO study
Presenter: Louis Piton, MD, Paris-Cité University, Department of Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology, Georges Pompidou European Hospital, SIRIC CARPEM, Paris, France
ePoster Abstract number: 905eP
Session Title: Colon cancer

(Press release, Agenus, JUL 17, 2026, View Source [SID1234669289])

On July 17, 2026 SystImmune Inc. (SystImmune) reported that its parent company, Sichuan Biokin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Biokin), has received regulatory approval from China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for iza-bren (izalontamab brengitecan) for the treatment of adult patients with recurrent or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) whose disease has progressed following prior platinum-based chemotherapy and PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor therapy.

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This marks the second approved indication for iza-bren in China following its recent approval for recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), further establishing iza-bren as a first-in-class EGFR × HER3 bispecific antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) with broad clinical potential across multiple solid tumors.

The approval is supported by results from the pivotal PANKU-Esophagus01 (BL-B01D1-305) study. The study met both dual primary endpoints of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), demonstrating statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements versus chemotherapy, while maintaining a manageable safety profile. The results were previously presented during an oral presentation at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting.

Key results from the PANKU-Esophagus01 study included:

Median overall survival of 9.8 months with iza-bren versus 7.2 months with chemotherapy (HR=0.64, 95% CI: 0.49–0.83; p=0.0004).
Median progression-free survival by BICR of 4.2 months with iza-bren versus 2.0 months with chemotherapy (HR:0.50; 95% CI: 0.40-0.63; p<0.0001).
Low treatment discontinuation due to treatment-related adverse events (2.0%), with a safety profile consistent with previous studies.
The rates of all grade and grade 3 or higher ILD were low in the iza-bren arm (1.6% / 0.8%) and chemotherapy arm (0.4% / 0%).
"Today’s approval represents another important milestone for iza-bren and validates the potential of our EGFR × HER3 bispecific ADC platform to address significant unmet needs across multiple difficult-to-treat cancers," said Dr. Yi Zhu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Biokin. "Following the first global approval ofiIza-bren in nasopharyngeal carcinoma, this second approval in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma further demonstrates the meaningful clinical benefit this medicine can provide to patients. We are grateful to the patients, investigators, healthcare professionals, and regulatory authorities whose contributions made this achievement possible."

"Patients with recurrent or metastatic ESCC who progress after first-line therapy have historically faced limited treatment options and poor clinical outcomes," said Dr. Jonathan Cheng, Chief Medical Officer of SystImmune. "The BL-B01D1-305 study demonstrated significant improvements in both progression-free and overall survival compared to chemotherapy, supporting iza-bren as a new treatment option for these patients. We look forward to continuing the global development of iza-bren across a wide range of tumor types."

Iza-bren is currently being evaluated in multiple global clinical studies across several solid tumor indications, including non-small cell lung cancer, breast cancer, urothelial cancer, and other EGFR/HER3-expressing malignancies.

About PANKU-Esophagus01
PANKU-Esophagus01 (BL-B01D1-305) is a randomized, open-label, multicenter phase 3 clinical trial evaluating iza-bren versus investigator’s choice chemotherapy in patients with recurrent or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who experienced disease progression following platinum-based chemotherapy plus PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor therapy. A total of 497 patients were randomized across 80 study centers in China. The study met both dual primary endpoints of progression-free survival and overall survival at the pre-specified interim analysis. For more detailed information, please visit clinicaltrials.gov (NCT06304974).

About Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ESCC)
Esophageal cancer is the seventh most commonly diagnosed cancer and the sixth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the predominant histologic subtype globally and accounts for approximately 90% of esophageal cancer cases in China. Despite advances in first-line treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy combined with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, most patients with recurrent or metastatic ESCC ultimately experience disease progression and have historically faced limited treatment options in the second-line setting, with poor response rates and a median overall survival of less than one year. New therapies that improve survival while maintaining a manageable safety profile remain a significant unmet medical need for patients with advanced ESCC.

About iza-bren
SystImmune, in collaboration with BMS outside of China, is developing iza-bren (BL-B01D1), a bispecific antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) that targets both EGFR and HER3, which are highly expressed in various epithelial cancers and are known to be associated with cancer cell proliferation and survival. Iza-bren’s dual mechanism of action blocks EGFR and HER3 signals to cancer cells, reducing proliferation and survival signals. In addition, upon antibody mediated internalization, iza-bren’s therapeutic novel Topo1i payload is released causing cytotoxic stress that leads to cancer cell death.

(Press release, SystImmune, JUL 17, 2026, View Source [SID1234669290])

On July 17, 2026 IDEAYA Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: IDYA), a leading precision medicine oncology company, reported three abstract presentations at the 2026 European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) (Free ESMO Whitepaper) meeting, taking place on October 23-27 in Madrid, Spain. The presentations will feature data updates from across IDEAYA’s clinical pipeline, including multiple ongoing trials of darovasertib in uveal melanoma, including the registrational Phase 2/3 OptimUM-02 trial in HLA*A2:01-negative metastatic UM (mUM), the Phase 2 OptimUM-01 trial in HLA*A2:01-positive mUM, and the Phase 2 OptimUM-09 trial in the neoadjuvant setting of primary uveal melanoma. IDEAYA’s partner, Hengrui Pharma, will also present clinical trial results from their Phase 1 study of IDE849 (SHR-4849) being conducted in China in patients with small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and other neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs).

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"We’re excited to showcase the breadth of our pipeline progress at this year’s ESMO (Free ESMO Whitepaper) Congress. Additional data from our ongoing trials in both metastatic and neoadjuvant uveal melanoma, namely OptimUM-02, OptimUM-01 and OptimUM-09, bolster our conviction in the potential of darovasertib to become an important new treatment option across the uveal melanoma patient journey. We also hope to highlight the potential best-in-class profile of IDE849, our Phase 1 DLL3 TOP1 ADC, in SCLC and NECs, where monotherapy and combination trials are ongoing and the program’s first registrational trial is targeted to initiate by year-end by partner Hengrui in China and in our regions, including the US," said Dr. Darrin Beaupre, Chief Medical Officer, IDEAYA Biosciences.

IDEAYA Presentations:

2092P (Poster Presentation); Neoadjuvant Darovasertib in Primary Uveal Melanoma: Follow-Up Data from the Phase 2 OptimUM-09 Study. Presenting Author – Mark Shackleton, MBBS, PhD, FRACP, Department of Oncology, Alfred Hospital, and Department of Cancer Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia

2104P (Poster Presentation); Darovasertib with Crizotinib vs Investigator’s Choice as First-Line Treatment for Patients with HLA-A2 Negative Metastatic Uveal Melanoma (OptimUM-02): A Subgroup Analysis. Presenting Author – Sophie Piperno-Neumann, MD, PhD, Institute Curie Research University, Paris, France

2086P (Poster Presentation); Darovasertib and Crizotinib for HLA-A*02–Positive Metastatic Uveal Melanoma: Results from the Phase 2 OptimUM-01 Study. Presenting Author – Meredith McKean, MD, MPH, Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Nashville, Tennessee, United States

Hengrui Presentation:

3815P (Poster Presentation); SHR-4849 (IDE849), an ADC targeting delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3), in relapsed small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and other neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs): long-term results from the Phase 1 study. Presenting Author – Haifeng Liu, PhD, Professor, Clinical Research Ward, Jilin Cancer Hospital, Changchun, China

(Press release, Ideaya Biosciences, JUL 17, 2026, View Source [SID1234669291])