On January 12, 2026 Leapfrog Bio, a clinical-stage precision oncology company dedicated to discovering and developing novel targeted therapies for cancers caused by loss-of-function (LOF) mutations, reported the publication of a peer‑reviewed study in npj Systems Biology and Applications, a Nature Portfolio journal, titled "Challenges and opportunities for oncology drug repurposing informed by synthetic lethality." The paper provides a practical framework for drug retargeting in oncology and highlights core discoveries that helped guide the optimization of Leapfrog Bio’s OncoSLX Platform.

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"This paper validates two fundamental realities in targeted cancer drug discovery: genetic targeting opportunities discovered in cell lines are more likely to hold up in the clinic when caused by a driver mutation, and drugs behave very differently from genetic knockouts, so screening them against the causal biology is essential," said Tomas Babak, Ph.D., Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Leapfrog Bio and co-author on the publication. "Our OncoSLX platform is built on these principles and allows us to run thousands of these drug-mutation tests against all cancer driver mutations simultaneously, quickly identifying potent, genetically targeted treatments for LOF cancers."

Dr. Babak continued, "By screening clinically safe drugs, we can restart development in Phase 2 in genetically selected patients where the probability of efficacy is higher. We expect this approach to be significantly accelerating and derisking as we advance through development."

"Leapfrog Bio was founded to bring the transformative benefit of precision medicines to the many patients with cancers caused by LOF mutations, for whom targeted options are limited," said Greg Vontz, Chief Executive Officer of Leapfrog Bio. "Among our most promising discoveries to date is the vulnerability of EP300 LOF cancers to BET inhibitors, like our lead candidate, LFB190. Leveraging learnings from our OncoSLX platform, we are positioned to advance LFB190 directly into mid-stage development. We look forward to initiating our planned Phase 1b/2a trial in mid-2026."

LFB190 is an oral, small-molecule, potentially best-in-class BETi in development for the more than 60,000 U.S. patients annually who are diagnosed with EP300-mutated solid tumors, including non-small cell lung, bladder, colon, pancreatic, head and neck, and bile duct cancers. While BET inhibitors have been widely studied across cancer indications, they have shown limited efficacy in genetically unselected populations. Extensive preclinical studies have shown that BET inhibitors can be highly effective when used to treat EP300-driven cancers, and previous clinical development of LFB190 as an untargeted therapy has shown favorable safety and tolerability for the drug.

About OncoSLX Platform
OncoSLX Platform is Leapfrog Bio’s proprietary pharmacogenetic platform that screens clinically characterized small molecules against isogenic models of cancer driver mutations, focusing on loss‑of‑function biology. Unlike traditional synthetic‑lethality approaches based on gene knockouts, OncoSLX captures the full spectrum of drug biology and then integrates real‑world outcomes data to prioritize indications likely to deliver survival benefit, compressing timelines and reducing translational risk. This approach identifies novel treatments for loss-of-function-driven cancers that cannot be discovered by conventional methods.

About LFB190 and EP300-Mutated Cancers
LFB190 is a novel, oral BET inhibitor for the treatment of solid tumors driven by EP300 loss-of-function (LOF) mutations. Leapfrog Bio’s OncoSLX Platform has identified a novel synthetic lethality relationship between BET inhibitors and EP300 LOF mutations, which are a known and frequent cancer driver with no targeted therapy available. LFB190 has shown strong preclinical efficacy in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of EP300-mutated cancers. EP300 is a tumor suppressor gene involved in chromatin remodeling and transcriptional regulation. When mutated, its loss contributes to tumor progression across multiple cancer types, including approximately 6 percent of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC), approximately 15 percent of bladder cancers, and similar frequencies in colon, pancreatic, and head and neck cancers. While BET inhibitors have historically shown limited efficacy in unselected populations, Leapfrog Bio’s platform revealed a compelling effect in EP300-mutated tumors.

(Press release, Leapfrog Bio, JAN 12, 2026, View Source [SID1234661957])

On January 12, 2026 Tahoe Therapeutics and Alloy Therapeutics reported that they are forming a jointly seeded new company focused on developing first-in-class antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for patients with hard-to-treat cancers.

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The joint venture will advance two ADC programs directed at novel tumor targets discovered by Tahoe using its proprietary Mosaic platform and large-scale, perturbative single-cell datasets. The collaboration reflects a strong strategic fit between Tahoe’s ability to identify high-confidence, tumor-selective targets using its AI-powered virtual cell models and Alloy’s end-to-end capabilities in biologic drug engineering, ADC design, and company creation through its venture studio 82VS.

Over the past year, Tahoe analyzed a subset of its proprietary multi-million-cell datasets and identified tens of tumor-specific surface antigens, many of which had taken decades to discover previously, and most of which are novel. Tahoe subsequently validated the most promising targets across multiple independent assays and clinical samples. After rigorous evaluation, Alloy recognized the exceptional therapeutic potential of these targets, catalyzing the decision to jointly spin out a dedicated ADC development company around two of them.

"We are excited to partner with Tahoe and were immediately impressed by the depth and quality of biological insight generated by the Mosaic platform," said Errik Anderson, Founder and CEO of Alloy Therapeutics. "With our track record of 20 clinical programs discovered with Alloy platforms and services, including multiple drugs in Phase III, we are well positioned to translate the cutting-edge biology from world-class target rich companies like Tahoe into optimized therapeutics."

Under the structure of the joint venture, Tahoe and Alloy will co-invest, co-build, and co-lead the new company. Tahoe will contribute its novel targets and biomarker insights, while Alloy will provide its ADC engineering platforms, translational development expertise, and 82VS company creation infrastructure. Together, the team aims to efficiently advance both ADC programs to key value-inflection points suitable for independent financing or pharma partnerships.

Our datasets and AI models are enabling the discovery of novel targets," said Nima Alidoust, co-founder and CEO of Tahoe Therapeutics. "Alloy, which has had a strong track record in developing first-in-class biologics, shares this excitement with us, and that is a strong validation of the biology discovered by our platform. This joint venture is also a preview of the business model our platform enables: building new companies alongside partners with complementary capabilities."

Combining Tahoe’s AI-powered approach to understanding novel tumor biology with Alloy’s fully integrated drug discovery, development, and company creation capabilities creates a highly efficient path to translate novel biologic insights into first-in-class drugs for patients in need.

(Press release, Alloy Therapeutics, JAN 12, 2026, View Source [SID1234661974])

On January 12, 2026 Bristol-Myers Squibb presented its corporate presentation.

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(Presentation, Bristol-Myers Squibb, JAN 12, 2026, View Source [SID1234661941])

On January 12, 2026 Mereo BioPharma Group plc (NASDAQ: MREO) ("Mereo" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on rare diseases, reported an update on its programs, setrusumab for the treatment of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) and alvelestat, which is being studied for the treatment of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency-associated lung disease (AATD-LD), and revised its cash runway guidance.

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Data from the Phase 3 Orbit and Cosmic studies of setrusumab in osteogenesis imperfecta, including data on bone mineral density, vertebral fractures, and patient reported outcomes on pain and physical function, will be presented at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference.

The Company is also updating its previous cash runway guidance. As of December 31, 2025, cash and cash equivalents were approximately $41 million, which are expected to fund operations to mid-2027.

"The reductions and delays in pre-commercial and manufacturing activities related to setrusumab that we implemented following the recent top-line data from the Phase 3 Orbit and Cosmic studies have extended our cash runway to mid-2027 and we will continue to tightly manage our resources as we assess potential next steps for the program, alongside our partner, Ultragenyx," said Dr. Denise Scots-Knight, Chief Executive Officer of Mereo. "There are no FDA or EMA approved treatments for people living with OI. Although bisphosphonates are used to improve bone mineral density, OI remains a high unmet need. We will continue to assess the totality of the Phase 3 trial data to determine next steps, including potential interactions with the regulators. In parallel, we are advancing partnering discussions for our Phase 3 ready program, alvelestat in AATD-LD."

Dr. Scots-Knight is scheduled to present at the 44th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 1:30pm PT (9:30pm GMT). A live audio webcast of the presentation can be accessed through the news and events section of the Company’s website at www.mereobiopharma.com/news. Following the conclusion of the live event, an archived replay will be available on the Company’s website.

Setrusumab (UX143)

As announced on December 29, 2025, the Phase 3 Orbit and Cosmic studies of setrusumab in OI did not achieve statistical significance against the primary endpoints of reduction in annualized clinical fracture rate compared to placebo or bisphosphonates, respectively. Both studies achieved strong statistical significance against the key secondary endpoint of improvement in bone mineral density versus comparator. The improvement in bone mineral density in the Cosmic study was associated with a decreased rate of fracture in this younger more highly fracturing patient population, although this was not statistically significant. The safety profile of setrusumab was consistent with that observed in prior studies.

Further analyses of the data from both studies are ongoing to determine the path forward, including potential regulatory interactions.

There is a high unmet medical need in OI, which is associated with a substantial clinical, humanistic and economic burden of illness due to the complexity of the condition and necessary medical care and support. As well as fractures, people living with OI present with a broad spectrum of skeletal features including bone deformity, scoliosis and growth impairment. Pain is the most common and impactful sign, symptom or clinical event reported in children and adolescents.

There are no EMA or FDA approved treatments for OI (except for neridronate, which is approved nationally in Italy). Bisphosphonates are used off-label in children in Europe and the U.S., despite the lack of clinical evidence to support their effectiveness in reducing fractures.

Alvelestat (MPH-966)

The Company is continuing to advance key activities to support the planned initiation of the global Phase 3 pivotal study. Based on previous discussions with the FDA and EMA, Mereo anticipates a single Phase 3 trial enrolling approximately 220 early- and late-stage AATD-LD patients evaluating alvelestat over an 18-month treatment period will support regulatory submissions in both the U.S. and Europe. The primary efficacy endpoint for U.S. approval will be the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) Total Score, with lung density measured by CT scan serving as the primary endpoint for potential European regulatory approval.

Mereo continues to be in active discussions with potential partners for the Phase 3 development and commercialization of alvelestat.

Vantictumab (OMP18R5)

The Company out-licensed vantictumab for autosomal dominant osteopetrosis Type 2 (ADO2) to āshibio, Inc. whilst retaining European rights. āshibio, Inc. is responsible for funding the global program and following regulatory discussions, plans to initiate a Phase 2 study in 2H 2026. Vantictumab was previously investigated in Phase 1a/b oncology trials in around 100 patients with biomarker evidence of potential impact on osteoclast function and high bone turnover which led to fragility fractures in some patients. āshibio, Inc. reported promising pre-clinical data at ASBMR 2025 in ADO2 mouse model. Vantictumab significantly decreased areal bone mineral density and rescued the bone phenotype in the ADO2 mouse model.

(Press release, Mereo BioPharma, JAN 12, 2026, View Source [SID1234661958])

On January 12, 2026 Summit Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: SMMT) reported it has entered into a clinical trial collaboration with GSK plc ("GSK", LSE/NYSE: GSK) to evaluate ivonescimab, a novel, investigational PD-1 / VEGF bispecific antibody, in combination with risvutatug rezetecan (also known as GSK’227), GSK’s novel investigational B7-H3 targeting antibody drug conjugate (ADC), across multiple solid tumor settings, including small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

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"We believe exploring new mechanisms and combinations with the potential to surpass current options for patients and physicians will have the most profound impact on those battling the toughest cancer challenges today," stated Robert W. Duggan and Dr. Maky Zanganeh, Co-Chief Executive Officers of Summit. "With the goal of accelerating development of ivonescimab in multiple solid tumors, this collaboration enables us to swiftly advance ivonescimab and expand Summit’s combination strategy."

The intent of this agreement is to investigate the combination potential of ivonescimab and risvutatug rezetecan in multiple solid tumor environments to determine the safety profile and potential anti-tumor effects.

Under the terms of the agreement, Summit will supply ivonescimab for the planned study, while GSK will manage the day-to-day clinical operations of the study. Each party will maintain rights to their respective products, and the agreement is mutually non-exclusive. The study is expected to begin dosing patients in mid-2026.

About risvutatug rezetecan

Risvutatug rezetecan, also known as GSK’227, is a novel investigational B7-H3-targeted antibody-drug conjugate composed of a fully human anti-B7-H3 monoclonal antibody covalently linked to a topoisomerase inhibitor payload. GSK acquired exclusive worldwide rights (excluding China’s mainland, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan) from Hansoh Pharma to progress clinical development and commercialisation of risvutatug rezetecan. GSK’s global phase III trial for risvutatug rezetecan in relapsed ES-SCLC began in August 2025.

About Ivonescimab

Ivonescimab, known as SMT112 in Summit’s license territories, North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Japan, and as AK112 outside of Summit’s license territories, is a novel, potential first-in-class investigational bispecific antibody combining the effects of immunotherapy via a blockade of PD-1 with the anti-angiogenesis effects associated with blocking VEGF into a single molecule. By design, ivonescimab displays unique cooperative binding to each of its intended targets with multifold higher affinity to PD-1 when in the presence of VEGF.

This is intended to differentiate ivonescimab as there is potentially higher expression (presence) of both PD-1 and VEGF in tumor tissue and the tumor microenvironment (TME) as compared to normal tissue in the body. We believe ivonescimab’s specifically engineered tetravalent structure (four binding sites) enables higher avidity (accumulated strength of multiple binding interactions) in the TME (Zhong, et al, SITC (Free SITC Whitepaper), 2023). This tetravalent structure, the intentional novel design of the molecule, and bringing these two targets into a single bispecific antibody with cooperative binding qualities have the potential to direct ivonescimab to the tumor tissue versus healthy tissue. The intent of this design, together with a half-life of 6 to 7 days after the first dose (Zhong, et al, SITC (Free SITC Whitepaper), 2023) increasing to approximately 10 days at steady state dosing, is to improve upon previously established efficacy thresholds, side effects, and safety profiles associated with prior approved drugs to these targets.

Ivonescimab was engineered by Akeso Inc. (HKEX Code: 9926.HK) and is currently utilized in multiple Phase III clinical trials. Over 4,000 patients have been treated with ivonescimab in clinical studies globally, and over 60,000 patients when considering those treated in a commercial setting in China, as noted by Akeso.

Summit began its clinical development of ivonescimab in NSCLC, commencing enrollment in 2023 in two multiregional Phase III clinical trials, HARMONi and HARMONi-3. In 2025, the Company began enrolling patients in HARMONi-7. Summit expanded its Phase III clinical development program into CRC in the fourth quarter of 2025 by initiating enrollment in HARMONi-GI3.

HARMONi is a Phase III clinical trial which intends to evaluate ivonescimab combined with chemotherapy compared to placebo plus chemotherapy in patients with EGFR-mutated, locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous NSCLC who were previously treated with a 3rd generation EGFR TKI (e.g., osimertinib). Detailed results of the study were provided in September 2025, and a Biologics License Application (BLA) was submitted to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for marketing authorization in the fourth quarter of 2025.

HARMONi-3 is a Phase III clinical trial, which is intended to evaluate ivonescimab combined with chemotherapy compared to pembrolizumab combined with chemotherapy in patients with first-line metastatic, squamous or non-squamous NSCLC, irrespective of PD-L1 expression.

HARMONi-7 is a Phase III clinical trial which is intended to evaluate ivonescimab monotherapy compared to pembrolizumab monotherapy in patients with first-line metastatic NSCLC whose tumors have high PD-L1 expression.

HARMONi-GI3 is a Phase III clinical trial evaluating ivonescimab in combination with chemotherapy compared with bevacizumab plus chemotherapy in patients with first-line unresectable metastatic CRC.

In addition, Akeso has recently had positive read-outs in three single-region (China), randomized Phase III clinical trials, HARMONi-A, HARMONi-2, and HARMONi-6, for ivonescimab in NSCLC, including a statistically significant overall survival benefit in HARMONi-A with a manageable safety profile in each study.

HARMONi-A was a Phase III clinical trial which evaluated ivonescimab combined with chemotherapy compared to placebo plus chemotherapy in patients with EGFR-mutated, locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous NSCLC who have progressed after treatment with an EGFR TKI.

HARMONi-2 is a Phase III clinical trial evaluating monotherapy ivonescimab against monotherapy pembrolizumab in patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC whose tumors have positive PD-L1 expression.

HARMONi-6 is a Phase III clinical trial evaluating ivonescimab in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy compared with tislelizumab, an anti-PD-1 antibody, in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced or metastatic squamous NSCLC, irrespective of PD-L1 expression.

Akeso is actively conducting multiple Phase III clinical studies in settings outside of NSCLC, including biliary tract cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, small cell lung cancer, and head and neck cancer.

Ivonescimab is an investigational therapy that is not approved by any regulatory authority in Summit’s license territories, including the United States and Europe. Ivonescimab was initially approved for marketing authorization in China in May 2024. Ivonescimab was granted Fast Track designation by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for the HARMONi clinical trial setting.

(Press release, Summit Therapeutics, JAN 12, 2026, View Source [SID1234661975])