On April 24, 2025 Keymed Biosciences Inc. (HKEX: 02162) ("Keymed" or the "Company") reported that CM518D1, a CDH17-targeted antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) developed by Keymed, received Investigational New Drug (IND) approval from the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), and is currently undergoing Phase I/II clinical trials in China for the treatment of solid tumors (Press release, Keymed Biosciences, APR 24, 2025, View Source [SID1234652113]). This milestone marks another breakthrough in Keymed’s ADC drug development, further strengthening its innovative therapeutic pipeline in oncology.

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!

CM518D1: a novel ADC drug targeting CDH17

CDH17 (Cadherin-17), a member of the cadherin superfamily, is an emerging therapeutic target in gastrointestinal cancers. Studies indicate that CDH17 is highly expressed in multiple gastrointestinal cancers including colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, esophageal cancer, and plays a critical role in tumor invasion and metastasis.

CM518D1 delivers cytotoxic payloads precisely to tumor cells by a CDH17-specific monoclonal antibody, which combines the specificity of antibodies and the potent cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutics. Preclinical studies demonstrated that CM518D1 exhibits strong direct cytotoxic activity, potent bystander killing effect and excellent plasma stability. CM518D1 exhibits remarkable anti-tumor efficacy in multiple solid tumor xenograft models and a favorable safety profile and wide therapeutic window in toxicological evaluations.

Clinical development: providing a potential treatment regimen for gastrointestinal cancers

Keymed is currently conducting Phase I/II clinical trials in China to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of CM518D1 in patients with advanced solid tumors. Future studies aim to provide a more precise, effective, and safe therapeutic option for patients worldwide with gastrointestinal cancers.

Keymed’s ADC platform: a next-generation of proprietary ADC program for innovative drug development

Keymed’s proprietary ADC platform has capabilities for developing next-generation ADCs with novel payloads (e.g., diverse mechanisms of action), hydrophilic linkers (optimized for stability and drug release) and engineered antibodies (enhanced binding and pharmacokinetics).

To meet the demands of next-generation ADC development and clinical research, Keymed has established GMP-compliant facilities for linker-payload and ADC drug substance production. This infrastructure positions Keymed at the forefront of ADC therapeutic development, helping to address unmet medical needs for patients worldwide.

On April 24, 2025 Bio-Techne Corporation (NASDAQ: TECH), a global provider of cutting-edge life science tools, reported an Early Access Program for its latest advancement in spatial biology: a powerful new assay for in situ detection of protein proximity (Press release, Bio-Techne, APR 24, 2025, View Source [SID1234652097]). Built upon Advanced Cell Diagnostics RNAscope technology, this next-generation assay is designed to reveal functional interactions between proteins within intact tissues, delivering a spatial solution to explore how molecular signaling shapes disease processes — offering a truly integrated spatial multiomic view.

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!

"This new protein proximity assay opens the door to seeing functional interactions between proteins and not merely their presence in a tissue," said Dr. Matt McManus, President of Bio-Techne’s Diagnostics & Spatial Biology Segment. "It’s a powerful step forward in understanding the dynamic interplay within tissues that drives biology and disease."

Conventional methods for studying molecular interactions in tissues that separately measure proteins and RNA risk losing spatial fidelity, while bulk proximity assays provide no localization data. Bio-Techne’s proximity detection technology addresses these gaps with a clear visual signal at subcellular resolution, built to be compatible with the RNAscope Multiomic LS workflow on BOND RX. This capability is particularly valuable for research areas where context matters — such as assessing immune checkpoint dynamics, investigating bispecific antibodies and studying protein interactions at synaptic junctions.

The Early Access Program is available to select institutions and researchers interested in incorporating spatial protein proximity capabilities into their workflows. Proof-of-concept data and case studies will be shared at the 2025 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) annual meeting, presented by Bio-Techne’s scientific team.

On April 24, 2025 Mabwell (688062.SH), an innovation-driven biopharmaceutical company with an entire industry chain, reported that the Phase Ib/II clinical study results of the novel Nectin-4-targeting ADC 9MW2821 combined with toripalimab in patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma will be presented in an oral presentation at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) annual meeting in Chicago, USA, May 30-June 3, 2025 (Press release, Mabwell Biotech, APR 24, 2025, View Source [SID1234652114]). Clinical data from 3 ADC clinical studies will also be published as poster presentations at the meeting.

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!

Oral Presentation

1. Title: 9MW2821, a novel Nectin-4 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), combined with toripalimab in treatment-naive patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (la/mUC): Results from a phase 1b/2 study.
Abstract Number for Publication: 4519
Presenter: Prof. Sheng Xinan, Chief Physician, Dept. of Urologic Oncology (Beijing Cancer Hospital)
Session Type and Title: Rapid Oral Abstract-Genitourinary Cancer-Kidney and Bladder
Session Date and Time: 5/31/2025, 1:15 PM-2:45 PM CDT

Poster Presentation

1. Title: Results from a phase 1/2 study of 7MW3711: A novel B7-H3 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) incorporating a topoisomerase I inhibitor in patients with advanced solid tumors.
Abstract Number: 3035
Session Type and Title: Poster Session – Developmental Therapeutics – Molecularly Targeted Agents and Tumor Biology
Poster Board: 350
Session Date and Time: 6/2/2025 1:30 PM-4:30 PM CDT

2. Title: Results from a phase 1/2 study of 7MW3711: A novel B7-H3 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) incorporating a topoisomerase I inhibitor in patients with lung cancer.
Abstract Number: 3036
Session Type and Title: Poster Session – Developmental Therapeutics – Molecularly Targeted Agents and Tumor Biology
Poster Board: 351
Session Date and Time: 6/2/2025 1:30 PM-4:30 PM CDT

3. Title: A first-in-human clinical study of 9MW2921, a novel TROP-2 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), in patients with advanced solid tumors.
Abstract Number: 3029
Session Type and Title: Poster Session – Developmental Therapeutics – Molecularly Targeted Agents and Tumor Biology
Poster Board: 344
Session Date and Time: 6/2/2025 1:30 PM-4:30 PM CDT

On April 24, 2025 BioNTech SE (Nasdaq: BNTX, "BioNTech" or "the Company") reported it will present data for selected assets from its diversified oncology pipeline, including mRNA cancer immunotherapies, next-generation immunomodulators, and targeted therapies, at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) ("AACR") Annual Meeting held in Chicago, Illinois from April 25-30, 2025 (Press release, BioNTech, APR 24, 2025, View Source [SID1234652098]). The oral and poster presentations underline both the progress of BioNTech’s advanced priority oncology programs as well as the execution of the Company’s combination strategy in oncology, with first data to be presented for the combination of the PD-L1xVEGF-A bispecific antibody candidate BNT3271 plus antibody-drug conjugates ("ADCs").

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!

"We believe that the future standard of care for the treatment of advanced cancers will be combinations with novel immuno-oncology backbones," said Prof. Özlem Türeci, M.D., Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer at BioNTech. "Our data presentations at this year’s AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) support our approach to combine complementary mechanisms of action with the aim of driving synergistic anti-tumor activity. The data we present indicate that we are well positioned to work towards our vision of improving outcomes for patients across the full continuum of cancer disease."

Highlights of BioNTech’s oncology programs to be presented at AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) 2025:

BioNTech will present preclinical data characterizing the mode of action of BNT327. BNT327 is an investigational next-generation bispecific antibody combining PD-L1 checkpoint inhibition with VEGF-A neutralization. BNT327 showed a high binding affinity to PD-L1 and VEGF-A and efficient blocking of PD-1/PD-L1 and VEGF-A/VEGFR2 signaling. Anti-tumor activity superior to single PD-1/PD-L1 blockade or anti-VEGF-A treatment was observed in multiple tumor models.

First data for the combination of BNT327 with various ADC candidates, which are being jointly developed by BioNTech and Duality Biologics (Suzhou) Co. Ltd. ("DualityBio"), will be presented. The presentation will include preclinical evaluation of BNT327 plus ADCs, showing inhibition of tumor growth that is superior to each candidate alone. Further, early clinical data of the ongoing global Phase 1/2 trial (NCT05438329) of BNT327 in combination with BNT325/DB-1305, a TROP2-targeting ADC candidate, including safety and early efficacy data, will be presented in the poster session.

BioNTech will present data from the Phase 1 clinical trial LuCa-MERIT-1 (NCT05142189) for its mRNA cancer immunotherapy candidate BNT116 in combination with the anti-PD1 cemiplimab in an oral presentation. The update includes safety and clinical activity data, along with biomarker data from a cohort of frail patients with advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer ("NSCLC") who were not eligible for platinum-based chemotherapy as first-line treatment. The preliminary data showed anti-tumor activity, consistent immune response induction, and a manageable safety profile.

Preclinical data for the EpCAMx4-1BB antibody candidate BNT314/GEN1059, which is being developed in collaboration with Genmab A/S ("Genmab"), will be presented in a poster session. BNT314/GEN1059 was evaluated in combination with PD-1 inhibition in a tumor model unresponsive to each single treatment. The data showed anti-tumor activity, delayed tumor outgrowth and prolonged survival for the combination treatment compared to both single treatments. The immunomodulatory activity of BNT314/GEN1059 was further potentiated in combination with PD-1 blockade.

BioNTech has established a diversified oncology portfolio including mRNA cancer immunotherapies, next-generation immunomodulators, and targeted therapies, comprising ADCs and cell therapies, to develop novel treatment approaches for patients living with cancer. The Company is further maturing its clinical oncology pipeline across multiple solid tumor indications, including more than 20 active Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical trials with a strategic focus on two pan-tumor priority programs: investigational mRNA cancer immunotherapies and the next-generation immunomodulator candidate BNT327. BioNTech expects multiple data readouts in 2025 and 2026 aimed at supporting its strategy and advancing the Company towards becoming a diversified multi-product oncology company.

The full abstracts are available on the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting website. Click here for further information on BioNTech’s pipeline assets.

Full presentation details:

Oral presentation

Asset: BNT116
Session Title: "ADCs and Immunooncology-focused Biological Approaches"
Abstract Title: "Phase I trial evaluating BNT116, a TAA-encoding mRNA vaccine, in combination with cemiplimab in frail patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)"
Abstract Number: CT013
Location: Room S100 A (Grand Ballroom A)
Date: Sunday, April 27, 2025
Time: 4:20 PM – 4:30 PM CDT

Poster presentations

Asset: BNT327 + BNT325/DB-1305
Session Title: "Combination Immunotherapies"
Abstract Title: "Activity of BNT327/PM8002 (PD-L1 x VEGF-A bispecific antibody) in combination with BNT325/DB-1305 (TROP2 ADC) in solid tumors: Early preclinical and clinical evidence to support BNT327 + ADC combinations"
Poster Number: 648 / 14
Location: Section 28
Date: Sunday, April 27, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM CDT

Asset: BNT327
Session Title: "Antibodies 3: Multi-Target Checkpoint Inhibitors and Immune Activators"
Abstract Title: "Dual PD-L1 blockade and VEGF-A neutralization with the bispecific antibody BNT327/PM8002 shows potent antitumor activity in preclinical models"
Poster Number: 6061 / 2
Location: Section 37
Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM CDT

Asset: BNT314/ GEN1059
Session Title: "Antibodies 3: Multi-Target Checkpoint Inhibitors and Immune Activators"
Abstract Title: "The combination of an EpCAMx4-1BB bispecific antibody with PD-1 blockade exhibits antitumor activity in a murine tumor model unresponsive to each individual antibody"
Poster Number: 6075 / 16
Location: Section 37
Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM CDT

On April 24, 2025 Verismo Therapeutics, a clinical-stage CAR T company pioneering the KIR-CAR platform, reported a Trials in Progress poster presentation at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper), being held from May 30 – June 3, 2025 in Chicago, IL (Press release, Verismo Therapeutics, APR 24, 2025, View Source [SID1234652115]). Poster details are below.

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!

Poster Details:
Abstract Number: TPS5630
Abstract Title: SynKIR-CAR T Cell Advanced Research (STAR)-101 phase 1 clinical trial for patients with advanced mesothelin-expressing ovarian cancer, mesothelioma, or cholangiocarcinoma.
Presenting Author: Janos L. Tanyi, M.D., Ph.D., Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
Session Title: Gynecologic Cancer
Session Date: June 1, 2025, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM CDT

About the KIR-CAR Platform

The KIR-CAR platform is a multi-chain CAR T cell therapy and has been shown in preclinical animal models to be capable of maintaining antitumor T cell activity even in challenging tumor microenvironments. Using NK cell derived KIR and DAP12 split signaling provides a novel combined activation and co-stimulation separate from the usual T cell stimulation pathways. It also enables sustained chimeric receptor expression and improves KIR-CAR T cell long term function. This results in prolonged T cell functional persistence and leads to tumor regression in preclinical models that are resistant to traditional CAR T cell therapies. As a result of decreased T cell exhaustion, KIR-CAR also enables targeting of solid tumors in addition to blood cancers.