On May 1, 2026 EORTC reported that the choice of treatment for patients with newly diagnosed, advanced classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) is often based on local availability, preference and practice, rather than on the individual’s patient’s characteristics and risk profile. However, results from EORTC-1537-LYMG COBRA study published 01 May 2026 in The Lancet Haematology* show that a very early PET scan—performed after just one cycle of chemotherapy—can help personalise therapy. This approach enables more intensive treatment to be reserved for those who truly need it, sparing others from unnecessary side effects.

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Led by EORTC Lymphoma group, the COBRA study enrolled 150 patients aged 18–60 with newly diagnosed cHL across 16 centres in seven countries. The trial completed recruitment just short of the planned two-year timeframe, highlighting its operational success. All patients received an initial cycle with a chemotherapy regimen known as A-AVD, which combines the targeted agent brentuximab vedotin (BV) with standard cytostatic drugs. Following this, each patient underwent a centrally reviewed 18FDG-PET scan to assess early treatment response.

Patients whose scans were negative—indicating a good early response—continued with five additional cycles of A-AVD. Those with positive scans were switched to a more intensive regimen, BrECADD, for six cycles. The PET scans were centrally reviewed in real time by a panel of expert nuclear medicine physicians, ensuring consistent interpretation and guiding treatment for nearly all patients. This centralised approach enabled rapid decision-making and high protocol adherence.

The primary endpoint was modified progression-free survival rate at two years (2y mPFS), where relapse, progression, death or start of new treatment for cHL when not in complete remission at the end of protocol treatment were considered failures. After a median follow-up of 30.1 months, the 2y mPFS rate was 90% overall. Those who remained on A-AVD had a 2y mPFS rate of 88%, while those who switched to BrECADD achieved a 2y mPFS rate of 91%. Overall survival was 100%. The main side effects were neutropenia (a low white blood cell count), anaemia, and neurological symptoms in the hands and feet (peripheral sensory neuropathy). Serious adverse events occurred in 30% of patients, and no deaths were reported.

In addition to its clinical findings, the COBRA trial incorporated a robust translational research component. Serum samples were collected at multiple timepoints to measure levels of serum TARC (thymus and activation-regulated chemokine), a biomarker associated with treatment response. The study successfully demonstrated that early changes in TARC levels could further refine prognosis, particularly among patients with positive PET scans. This dual-modality approach—combining imaging and biomarker data—represents a significant step forward in personalised cancer care.

Furthermore, the trial implemented central expert review of radiotherapy (RT) plans for the small subset of patients (6%) who required RT. This quality assurance process led to treatment plan modifications in one-third of these cases, ensuring optimal and standardised care across participating centres.

"By assessing response after just one treatment cycle, we can identify which patients truly need treatment intensification and spare others unnecessary toxicity. This marks an important step towards more personalised therapy for advanced Hodgkin lymphoma." said Prof Martin Hutchings, principal investigator of the COBRA study, and past chair of EORTC Lymphoma group." Scanning patients after a single treatment cycle can accurately identify which patients need more intensive treatment, and is an important step along the road to personalised treatment for advanced cHL patients who are treated with BV-based chemotherapy. Our findings underline the importance of adopting PET-adapted strategies to minimise unnecessary toxicities as and when new treatments become available."

(Press release, EORTC, MAY 1, 2026, View Source [SID1234665007])

On May 1, 2026 Molecular Partners AG (SIX: MOLN; NASDAQ: MOLN), a clinical-stage biotech company developing a novel class of custom-built protein drugs known as DARPin therapeutics ("Molecular Partners" or the "Company"), reported the publication of Phase 1 clinical data in Nature Cancer demonstrating the potential of the tumor-localized CD40 agonist, MP0317, to modulate the tumor microenvironment (TME). MP0317 is designed to activate immune cells specifically within the TME by anchoring to fibroblast activation protein (FAP), which is expressed in high amounts in the stroma of various solid tumors. This tumor-localized approach has the potential to deliver greater efficacy with fewer side effects compared to systemic CD40-targeting therapies.

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The peer-reviewed paper published by Steehgs et al., entitled "Tumor-localized CD40 agonism with MP0317, a FAPxCD40 DARPin, reprograms the tumor microenvironment – results of a Phase 1 monotherapy study", reports the positive results from the completed Phase 1 dose escalation study of MP0317 (NCT05098405). The comprehensive biomarker data confirm proof-of-mechanism for MP0317, including tumor-localized activation of the CD40 pathway and evidence of TME remodeling in patients with advanced solid tumors. MP0317 displayed a favorable safety profile up to the highest tested dose and serum pharmacokinetics confirmed suitability for dosing either weekly or every three weeks. Of the 46 patients in the study, one patient achieved an unconfirmed partial response and 14 patients stable disease in this heterogeneous population with advanced diseases. Data were presented at the 2024 Annual Meetings of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) and of the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) (Free SITC Whitepaper).

"The Phase 1 data published in Nature Cancer demonstrate the promising ability of MP0317 to turn cold tumors hot by locally modulating the tumor microenvironment, while avoiding systemic toxicities often seen with untargeted CD40 agonists. These data support further clinical evaluation of MP0317 in combination with other immunotherapy modalities, such as checkpoint inhibitors," said coordinating investigator Philippe Cassier, M.D., Ph.D., of the Centre Léon Bérard in Lyon, France. "We are currently enrolling patients with cholangiocarcinoma in an investigator-initiated Phase 2 study of MP0317 in combination with standard of care chemotherapy and anti-PDL1 therapy, led by Prof. Christophe Borg, and look forward to assessing its clinical benefit for patients."

An investigator-initiated, proof-of-concept Phase 2 study of MP0317 combined with standard-of-care (SoC) for the treatment of patients with advanced cholangiocarcinoma is now open with eight sites activated (NCT07036380) and patient dosing ongoing. The multicenter study aims to recruit 75 patients in France, randomized 2-to-1 with 50 patients in the experimental arm, and 25 in the control arm. The objective of the study is to assess the clinical benefit of MP0317 combined with SoC comprising the immunotherapy durvalumab, an anti-PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitor, plus gemcitabine-cisplatin-based chemotherapy, compared to SoC alone. The TME is known to play a crucial role in cholangiocarcinoma development and treatment resistance. MP0317 is hypothesized to lead to immune-mediated reshaping of the TME, thereby improving the 12-month progression-free survival rate of patients compared to those treated with SoC alone.

The publication in Nature Cancer is available online and accessible via the following URL: View Source

(Press release, Molecular Partners, MAY 1, 2026, View Source [SID1234665008])

On May 1, 2026 Purdue Pharma reported that it has ceased operations and concluded its bankruptcy, re-emerging as a nonprofit focused on treating opioid addiction, overseen by ​a new board with government and health industry experience.

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Purdue, which filed for Chapter ‌11 in 2019, had long planned the transition to a new entity called Knoa Pharma as part of a $7.4 billion bankruptcy settlement meant to devote all of the company’s resources to addressing the harms of the ​opioid crisis. The company had been sued in thousands of lawsuits over its role in ​fueling the opioid epidemic in the U.S., and it has twice pleaded guilty ⁠to federal charges over its marketing for its painkiller OxyContin.

Purdue’s criminal sentencing, completed earlier this ​week, removed the final hurdle to the company’s bankruptcy plan going into effect.

Many victims of the ​opioid crisis shared stories of addiction, loss, and grief at Purdue’s sentencing hearing on Tuesday. A Reuters review of court filings and interviews with opioid victims revealed deep frustration with the bankruptcy settlement’s hurdles to payment for victims. ​About 40% of individual claims have already been rejected.

Purdue pleaded guilty in 2020 to charges ​that it misled federal regulators about its efforts to combat illegal use of its addictive painkiller OxyContin and ‌admitted ⁠paying kickbacks to doctors to boost sales of the drug. The company previously pleaded guilty to misleading doctors and regulators about the addictive nature of OxyContin in 2007.

Knoa Pharma’s trustees include Rahul Gupta, who led the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy under President Joe ​Biden; Paul Rothman, former ​CEO of Johns Hopkins ⁠University School of Medicine; and David Saltzman, co-founder of the Atria Health and Research Institute.

Knoa will sell medicine for overdose reversal and addiction ​treatment at or below its cost of production.

"Through not-for-profit access to overdose ​reversal medicines ⁠and treatments for opioid use disorder, Knoa Pharma is committed to providing care and saving lives in communities most affected by the opioid crisis," Rothman said in a statement.

Most of Purdue’s settlement money ⁠will ​go to states and local governments that were forced ​to bear the costs of opioid addiction in their communities, and $865 million is earmarked for individual claimants who became addicted ​to opioids or lost loved ones.

(Press release, Purdue Pharma, MAY 1, 2026, View Source [SID1234668963])

On May 1, 2026 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported it has issued a "safe to proceed" letter to Revolution Medicines, allowing the company to initiate an expanded access treatment protocol (EAP) for daraxonrasib, an investigational RAS(ON) inhibitor, in patients with previously treated metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

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The EAP is intended to provide treatment access in a controlled and monitored setting, consistent with FDA regulations governing investigational medicines.

Revolution Medicines commends the FDA’s expedited review and continued commitment to providing a pathway for patients with life-threatening diseases to access investigational therapies outside of a clinical trial when no comparable or satisfactory alternative treatment options are available.

This authorization represents a critical step in the process of opening an EAP. Revolution Medicines is moving as quickly as possible to ensure safe and equitable access to daraxonrasib for eligible patients in the United States.

Per FDA regulations governing expanded access programs, Revolution Medicines is not able to accept requests directly from patients or caregivers. All requests for expanded access must be initiated by a licensed treating physician.

For additional information regarding this EAP or for other questions regarding Revolution Medicines investigational agents, physicians may contact: [email protected]

(Press release, Revolution Medicines, MAY 1, 2026, View Source [SID1234665009])

On May 1, 2026 Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) reported that its executives will be speaking at the following investor conferences:

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BofA Securities Health Care Conference on Tuesday, May 12 at 2:20 PM Pacific Time
RBC Capital Markets Global Healthcare Conference on Tuesday, May 19 at 11:00 AM Eastern Time
Bernstein Annual Strategic Decisions Conference on Thursday, May 28 at 11:00 AM Eastern Time
Goldman Sachs Annual Global Healthcare Conference on Tuesday, June 9 at 1:20 PM Eastern Time

The live webcasts can be accessed at the company’s investors page at investors.gilead.com. The replays will be available for at least 30 days following the presentation.

(Press release, Gilead Sciences, MAY 1, 2026, View Source [SID1234665010])