On June 23, 2025 Oxcia reported that it has entered into an early research collaboration with LEO Pharma to explore OXC-101 in topical formulations for medical dermatology indications including psoriasis (Press release, Oxcia, JUN 23, 2025, View Source;utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=oxcia-enters-a-research-collaboration-with-leo-pharma-to-explore-oxc-101-in-medical-dermatology [SID1234654058]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

Oxcia is developing an oral product, OXC-101, mainly for treatments of cancer. In one of Oxcia’s clinical trials, a cancer patient with plaque psoriasis experienced significant improvement in the disease during OXC-101 treatment, indicating that OXC-101 might also have potential in skin diseases, as previously seen in pre-clinical models. OXC-101 is a mitotic MTH1 inhibitor with biological rationale also to treat skin diseases.

This collaboration, aimed at exploring OXC-101 for medical dermatology, aligns with Oxcia’s vision of extending the application of its technology platform beyond cancer. LEO Pharma’s proven expertise and long-standing success in developing dermatology treatments that deliver significant therapeutic advancements make them the ideal partner to help explore the potential of Oxcia’s OXC-101.

"We are very happy about the collaboration with LEO Pharma, a leading global dermatology company. Cancer cells and activated T cells have many similarities, i.e. increased oxidative stress and heightened levels of the enzyme MTH1, meaning that OXC-101 has potential also in auto-immune diseases. Together with Professor Helleday and Professor Enerbäck’s research groups, Oxcia have shown that OXC-101 has good effects in disease models for psoriasis and it is exciting that this is now further investigated. The patient that responded well on OXC-101 treatment is encouraging and we are looking forward to seeing the results of the continued development. At Oxcia, we also see the psoriasis project as a confirmation of the potential and versatility of the O2-DDR platform" says Ulrika Warpman Berglund, CEO of Oxcia.

On June 23, 2025 Purple Biotech Ltd. ("Purple Biotech" or "the Company") (NASDAQ/TASE: PPBT), a clinical-stage company developing first-in-class therapies that seek to overcome tumor immune evasion and drug resistance, reported the presentation of new preclinical data on its novel CAPTN-3 tri-specific antibody platform in a poster presentation at the 2025 Annual Congress of the European Association for Cancer Research (EACR 2025), that was held in Lisbon, Portugal from June 16-19, 2025 (Press release, Purple Biotech, JUN 23, 2025, View Source [SID1234654059]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

"Purple’s proprietary CAPTN-3 platform of T-cell engagers enables the creation of a large number of antibodies to different targets, and by capping the anti-CD3 arm for conditional activation and adding an NK cell antibody arm, we are creating tri-specific antibodies that safely activate both the innate and adaptive immune systems," said Gil Efron, Purple Biotech CEO. "Our poster at EACR 2025 highlights the flexibility and efficiency of the platform."

The design of the CAPTN-3 lead product and other candidates in this platform includes an anti-NKG2A arm, which acts both as an NK cell antigen and as an immune checkpoint on both T cells and NK cells through its interaction with HLA-E, which is often upregulated in tumors to evade immune detection.

NKG2A expression identifies a subset of human gamma delta 2 T cells exerting the highest antitumor effector functions. Anti-NKG2A function is required to unleash the NKG2A+ gamma delta 2 T cell anti-cancer activity. Our data demonstrate that the NKG2A arm in CAPTN-3 TCE synergizes with the anti-CD3 arm to induce significant cytotoxic effects against solid tumor cells.

NKG2A is an immune checkpoint that plays an important role in the exhaustion of cytotoxic T cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). The preclinical data demonstrate the potential of CAPTN-3 to re-invigorate exhausted T cells and efficiently kill solid tumor cells, largely attributed to the significant contribution of the unique anti-NKG2A arm.

These activities are further supported by the in-vivo data demonstrating that both the NKG2A and CD3 arms contribute to the sustained tumor regression observed in mice models. These results underscore the innovative design of CAPTN-3, highlighting the impact of the novel anti-NKG2A arm and its synergistic effect with the anti-CD3 arm.

The CAPTN-3 platform creates a tri-specific scaffold with three binding arms. In the variable region, one arm conditionally binds to CD3, only after the cap has been cleaved by proteases in the TME. The other variable region engages natural killer (NK) cells, activating the innate immune system to join activated T cells in the killing of tumor cells. The constant region of the tri-specific antibody targets tumor associated antigens (TAA) to recruit both NK and T cells to the tumor. Through activation of both the innate and adaptive immune systems, the CAPTN-3 platform can generate synergistic responses within the TME, without the risk of off-target cytokine release.

Key Highlights from the Poster Presentation:

● Robust In Vivo Anti-Tumor Activity: The lead CAPTN-3 tribody, IM1240 (capped-CD3×5T4×NKG2A), induced sustained tumor regression in a triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) xenograft model.

● Conditional, Tumor-Restricted Activation: The ‘capped’ CD3 arm remained inactive in serum samples of advanced cancer patients and healthy donors and is selectively unmasked by TME proteases, expanding the therapeutic window and reducing potential systemic NKG2A+NK cell depletion.

● Dual Innate and Adaptive Engagement: IM1240’s NKG2A checkpoint blockade arm synergizes with the CD3 engager to activate both innate and adaptive immune subsets, translating to potent cytotoxicity in vitro and in vivo. The poster demonstrates:

o Activation of the extremely high antitumor NKG2A+ gamma delta 2 T effector cells

o Reinvigoration of exhausted T cells against solid tumor cells

o The added value of IM1240 NKG2A arm to the in-vivo tumor suppression

● Plug & Play Flexibility: Additional CAPTN-3 tribodies, such as IM1060 (CD3×5T4×NKG2D) and IM1065 (CD3×EGFR×NKG2A), demonstrated significant tumor regression, underscoring the platform’s modularity and customizable capabilities.

● Superior efficacy versus combination of individual antibodies was demonstrated.

EACR 2025 poster details are as follows:

Abstract #: EACR25-1964

Title: "CAPTN-3: A novel platform of conditionally activated T cell and NK cell engagers"

Session Title: Immunotherapy

The poster is available in the Publications section on Purple Biotech’s website.

Abstracts related to the EACR meeting will be published online following the presentation. For more information, please visit the EACR 2025 website.

On June 23, 2025 Revolution Medicines, Inc. (Nasdaq: RVMD), a late-stage clinical oncology company developing targeted therapies for patients with RAS-addicted cancers, reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation to daraxonrasib, the company’s RAS(ON) multi-selective inhibitor, for previously treated metastatic PDAC in patients with KRAS G12 mutations (Press release, Revolution Medicines, JUN 23, 2025, View Source [SID1234654060]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

The Breakthrough Therapy Designation is based on encouraging data from the Phase 1 RMC-6236-001 clinical trial evaluating daraxonrasib in patients with previously treated metastatic PDAC.

"This Breakthrough Therapy Designation underscores the enormous need for new treatments for patients with pancreatic cancer and highlights the potentially important role the investigational drug, daraxonrasib, may have in helping patients living with this disease," said Mark A. Goldsmith M.D., Ph.D., chief executive officer and chairman of Revolution Medicines. "We look forward to substantially completing enrollment of the RASolute 302 study this year to enable an expected readout in 2026, and should the results support it, working closely with the FDA and other regulatory agencies around the world to bring daraxonrasib to patients as quickly as possible."

Breakthrough Therapy Designation is intended to expedite the development and review of potential new medicines designed to treat serious conditions and address significant unmet medical needs. The medicine needs to have shown encouraging preliminary clinical evidence that demonstrates substantial improvement on a clinically significant endpoint over available medicines.

More than 90% of patients living with PDAC have tumors carrying a RAS cancer driver mutation with ~85% carrying a KRAS G12 mutation. Revolution Medicines is currently enrolling patients in RASolute 302, a global Phase 3 registrational study of daraxonrasib in patients with previously treated metastatic PDAC. The study design focuses on a core population of patients with PDAC harboring RAS mutations at position 12 (RAS G12X) and an expanded population that includes patients with tumors harboring RAS mutations at position G12 (RAS G12X), G13 (RAS G13X) or Q61 (RAS Q61X), or those without any identified targetable mutation. The dual primary endpoints for the study are progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in the core patient population. Key secondary endpoints include PFS and OS in the expanded population of patients. Additional information about RASolute 302 (NCT06625320) is available at clinicaltrials.gov.

About Pancreatic Cancer and Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies, characterized by its typically late-stage diagnosis, resistance to standard chemotherapy, and high mortality rate. In the U.S., recent estimates indicate that in 2024, approximately 60,000 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer1, and about 50,000 people will die from this aggressive disease.

The most common form of pancreatic cancer, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and its variants, accounts for approximately 92% of all pancreatic cancer cases2. Due to the lack of early symptoms and detection methods, approximately 80% of patients are diagnosed with PDAC at an advanced or metastatic stage. It is the most commonly RAS-addicted of all major cancers, and more than 90% of patients have tumors that harbor RAS mutations3. Metastatic PDAC remains one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., with a five-year survival rate of approximately 3%4.

About Daraxonrasib
Daraxonrasib (RMC-6236) is an oral, direct RAS(ON) multi-selective inhibitor with the potential to help address a wide range of cancers driven by oncogenic RAS mutations. Daraxonrasib suppresses RAS signaling by blocking the interaction of RAS(ON) with its downstream effectors. It does so by targeting oncogenic RAS mutations G12X, G13X and Q61X that are common drivers of major cancers, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and colorectal cancer (CRC).

On June 23, 2025 TuHURA Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:HURA) ("TuHURA" or the "Company"), a Phase 3 immune-oncology company developing novel technologies to overcome resistance to cancer immunotherapy, reported with Kineta, Inc. (OTC Pink:KANT) ("Kineta"), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development of novel immunotherapies in oncology that address cancer immune resistance, that TuHURA stockholders approved all of the proposals set forth at the Company’s Special Meeting of Stockholders held today, June 23, 2025 (the "TuHURA Special Meeting") (Press release, TuHURA Biosciences, JUN 23, 2025, View Source [SID1234654061]). The proposals included an increase of the Company’s authorized shares to 200 million shares and a proposal to reincorporate the Company in Delaware.

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

Additionally, Kineta stockholders approved the proposed merger (the "Merger") with TuHURA at Kineta’s Special Meeting of Stockholders held today, June 23, 2025 (the "Kineta Special Meeting"). The parties anticipate that the Merger will close as soon as possible following the satisfaction or waiver of any remaining closing conditions.

The final voting results of the TuHURA Special Meeting and the Kineta Special Meeting will be reported in Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

On June 23, 2025 Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (Nasdaq: VRTX) and Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (OTCMKTS: OPHLY) reported an exclusive collaboration and license agreement for the development and commercialization of Vertex’s povetacicept in Japan and South Korea (Press release, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, JUN 23, 2025, View Source [SID1234654064]). Povetacicept is a recombinant fusion protein therapeutic and dual antagonist of the BAFF (B cell activating factor) and APRIL (a proliferation inducing ligand) cytokines with best-in-class potential being studied for the treatment of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), primary membranous nephropathy (pMN) and other B cell-mediated diseases.

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

Under the terms of the agreement, Vertex will receive an upfront payment, as well as certain regulatory and commercial milestone payments and tiered royalties. Ono will utilize its extensive development expertise to help advance Vertex’s clinical trials for povetacicept and will be responsible for obtaining marketing authorizations in Japan and South Korea. Following approval, Ono will be solely responsible for commercializing povetacicept in these regions. The agreement includes povetacicept for both IgAN and pMN, with the potential to add other indications.

"Ono is a proven leader in Japan and South Korea, bringing established local relationships, infrastructure and nephrology expertise that make them a perfect partner for Vertex as we look to deliver povetacicept to the thousands of potential patients in these countries," said Reshma Kewalramani, M.D., Chief Executive Officer and President of Vertex. "We are very pleased to partner with Ono and look forward to close collaboration as we continue to advance this potentially best-in-class treatment for IgAN, pMN and other serious B cell-mediated diseases."

"Vertex has a strong track record of developing innovative therapies for serious diseases. Through this strategic partnership, we can strengthen our late-stage pipeline in the immunology field, which is a key focus area for Ono," said Toichi Takino, Representative Director, President and Chief Operating Officer of Ono. "We look forward to collaborating with Vertex to provide this new therapeutic option for patients with IgAN and other autoimmune diseases in Japan and South Korea, and to maximize the value of this treatment."

About Povetacicept

Povetacicept is a recombinant fusion protein therapeutic and a dual antagonist of the BAFF (B cell activating factor) and APRIL (a proliferation inducing ligand) cytokines, which play key roles in pathogenesis of multiple autoimmune diseases via their roles in the activation, differentiation and/or survival of B cells, T cells and innate immune cells. Based upon an engineered TACI (transmembrane activator and calcium modulator ligand interactor) domain, povetacicept has higher binding affinity and greater potency in preclinical studies versus other inhibitors of BAFF and/or APRIL alone and has demonstrated potential best-in-class efficacy in a clinical trial in patients with IgA nephropathy and primary membranous nephropathy. Povetacicept is also in development for multiple serious B cell-mediated diseases including other autoimmune kidney diseases and autoimmune cytopenias.

About IgA Nephropathy (IgAN)

IgAN is a serious, progressive, life-threatening, B cell-mediated chronic kidney disease that is the most common cause of primary (idiopathic) glomerulonephritis, affecting approximately 300,000 people in the United States and Europe. It is estimated that there are approximately 33,000 diagnosed patients in Japan. IgAN results from deposition of circulating immune complexes consisting of immunoglobulins and galactose-deficient immunoglobulin A (Gd-IgA1) in the renal glomerular mesangium, triggering kidney injury and fibrosis. Up to 72% of adult IgAN patients progress to end-stage renal disease within 20 years. There are no approved therapies that specifically target the underlying cause of IgAN.

About Primary Membranous Nephropathy (pMN)

Primary membranous nephropathy is a serious, progressive, life-threatening B cell-mediated chronic kidney disease affecting people worldwide, with approximately 150,000 people diagnosed in the U.S. and Europe. It is estimated that there are approximately 6,000 diagnosed patients with pMN in Japan. pMN is a rare glomerular disease that occurs when the body generates an abnormal immune response, including autoantibodies, against proteins that are part of the kidney. Autoantibodies trigger damage and inflammation, especially within the glomeruli (the parts of the kidney that filter blood), impairing the kidneys’ ability to properly filter waste and fluid, eventually causing progressive loss of kidney function. There are no approved therapies that specifically target the underlying cause of pMN.

About RAINIER

RAINIER is a global Phase 3 pivotal trial of povetacicept 80 mg vs. placebo on top of standard of care in approximately 480 people with IgAN. The study is designed to have a pre-planned interim analysis evaluating urine protein to creatinine ratio (UPCR) for the povetacicept arm versus placebo after a certain number of patients reach 36 weeks of treatment. If positive, the interim analysis may serve as the basis for Vertex to seek accelerated approval in the U.S. Final analysis will occur at two years of treatment, with a primary endpoint of total eGFR slope through Week 104.

The Phase 3 clinical trial is underway in multiple regions, including the U.S., EU and Asia. Specifically, Japanese and South Korean regulatory authorities have approved the Clinical Trial Application (CTA) for RAINIER, where the Phase 3 trial is underway.

About RUBY-3

RUBY-3 is an ongoing, multiple ascending dose, multi-cohort, open label, Phase 1/2 basket study of povetacicept in autoimmune glomerulonephritis, including IgAN, primary membranous nephropathy, lupus nephritis and ANCA-associated vasculitis with glomerulonephritis where povetacicept is being administered subcutaneously for up to 104 weeks.