Incyte to Acquire Vega Therapeutics, a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Star Therapeutics, Expanding its Hematology Portfolio into Bleeding Disorders

On June 8, 2026 Incyte (Nasdaq:INCY) reported it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Vega Therapeutics, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Star Therapeutics, LLC, for $1.25 billion. Star Therapeutics will be eligible to receive up to $750 million in additional payments upon the achievement of sales milestones, for total potential consideration of up to $2.0 billion subject to customary closing adjustments. The proposed acquisition would add VGA039, a novel monoclonal antibody, to Incyte’s hematology portfolio.

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Vega Therapeutics’ lead candidate, VGA039, modulates Protein S to improve hemostasis, potentially improving the body’s ability to control bleeding in numerous bleeding disorders. VGA039 is in Phase 3 pivotal development for patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD), the most common inherited bleeding disorder. It has the potential to be the first subcutaneous prophylactic therapy with a convenient dosing regimen for patients with VWD who currently require frequent intravenous infusions.

"VGA039 fits directly into our strategy of building a top-tier growth company for the future," said Bill Meury, Chief Executive Officer of Incyte. "It is a first-in-class, Phase 3 asset with compelling early data, a manageable development path and the potential to become an important new growth driver in one of our core therapeutic areas – hematology. The transaction has all of the attributes we look for in business development opportunities."

Approximately 135,000 people in the United States have been diagnosed with von Willebrand disease.1 The disease is characterized by excessive bleeding that can vary in severity and frequency and may significantly affect quality of life. Current prophylactic treatment options include factor replacement therapies that often require 2 to 3 intravenous infusions each week.2

"This milestone reflects our team’s deep commitment to innovation and underscores our strategy to develop first-in-class and best-in-class therapies for serious conditions with high unmet need," said Adam Rosenthal, Ph.D., Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Star Therapeutics. "VGA039 will be advanced by Incyte, a global biopharmaceutical leader with deep expertise in hematology and a significant commercial track record. I am immensely proud of the Star Therapeutics team and our work toward making a difference for patients with von Willebrand disease."

VGA039 has received Breakthrough Therapy, Fast Track, orphan drug and rare pediatric disease designations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). VGA039 has advanced into the Phase 3 VIVID-6 study (NCT07115004), a global single arm cross-over study to investigate safety and efficacy of the subcutaneous administration of VGA039 as prophylaxis for bleeding in patients with every type of VWD, including those with a high disease burden.

The transaction has been approved by both Incyte’s and Star Therapeutics’ Boards of Directors. Under the terms of the stock purchase agreement, Incyte will acquire all the outstanding shares of Vega Therapeutics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Star Therapeutics. The closing of the proposed transaction will be subject to certain conditions, including the expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and other customary conditions. The transaction is an equity acquisition and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026, pending Hart-Scott-Rodino review resulting in an expected R&D charge of approximately $1.25 billion, that will be included in third quarter and full year 2026 GAAP and non-GAAP results.

Lazard is acting as financial advisor to Incyte and Goodwin Procter LLP is serving as its legal counsel. Evercore and Morgan Stanley are acting as financial advisors to Star Therapeutics, and Fenwick & West LLP is serving as its legal counsel.

Incyte Conference Call and Webcast
Incyte will host a conference call and webcast on Monday, June 8, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. ET to discuss the acquisition.

To access the conference call, please dial 877-407-3042 for domestic callers or 201-389-0864 for international callers. When prompted, provide the conference identification number, 13761011. If you are unable to participate, a replay of the conference call will be available for 30 days. The replay dial-in number for the United States is 877-660-6853 and the dial-in number for international callers is 201-612-7415. To access the replay, you will need the conference identification number, 13761011.

The live and archived webcast will be available via the Events and Presentations tab of the Investor section of Incyte.com.

About VGA039
VGA039 is an investigational monoclonal antibody therapy with a novel mechanism of action that targets Protein S, with dual actions promoting platelet attachment and enhancing fibrin deposition to restore hemostasis. VGA039 has the potential to be a universal hemostatic therapy that can treat numerous bleeding disorders, starting with all types of von Willebrand disease (VWD). As a subcutaneously self-administered investigational antibody therapy with a convenient once monthly dosing regimen, VGA039 has the potential to meaningfully improve convenience and quality of life for patients.

VGA039 has received Fast Track, orphan drug, rare pediatric disease and Breakthrough Therapy designations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). VGA039 has advanced into a Phase 3 study (NCT07115004), VIVID-6, a global single arm cross-over study designed to investigate the safety and efficacy of subcutaneous administration of VGA039 as prophylaxis for bleeding in patients with every type of VWD.

About von Willebrand Disease
Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder in which the blood does not clot properly, caused by low or defective von Willebrand factor (VWF). VWD patients may experience excessive bleeding with varying severity and frequency, negatively impacting their daily lives. Current therapies for VWD prophylaxis include factor replacement therapies requiring multiple intravenous (IV) infusions every week. Approximately 135,000 people in the United States have been diagnosed with von Willebrand disease.

(Press release, Star Therapeutics, JUN 8, 2026, View Source [SID1234666508])

Compugen to Participate in Jones Trading Fireside Chat Series with Leaders in AI/ML-based Drug Development

On June 8, 2026 Compugen Ltd. (Nasdaq: CGEN) (TASE: CGEN) a clinical-stage cancer immunotherapy company and a pioneer in computational target discovery powered by AI/ML, reported that management will participate in Jones Trading’s Mapping the Path from Target to Patient: Fireside Chat Series with Leaders in AI/ ML-based Drug Development on Monday, June 15, 2026, from 10:30-11:00 AM ET.

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A live webcast will be accessible on the Investor Relations section of the Compugen website at www.cgen.com. A replay will also be available following the live event.

(Press release, Compugen, JUN 8, 2026, View Source [SID1234666492])

Zai Lab Receives China NMPA Approval of TIVDAK® (tisotumab vedotin for injection) for the Treatment of Adult Patients with Recurrent or Metastatic Cervical Cancer

On June 8, 2026 Zai Lab Limited (NASDAQ: ZLAB; HKEX: 9688) reported that China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has approved the Biologics License Application (BLA) for TIVDAK (tisotumab vedotin for injection) for the treatment of adult patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer with disease progression on or after chemotherapy. This approval is based on results from the global, randomized, Phase 3 innovaTV 301 clinical trial, which met its primary endpoint, demonstrating overall survival (OS) benefit in adult patients with previously treated recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer treated with TIVDAK compared to chemotherapy, including in an exploratory subpopulation of patients in China.

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The NMPA approval follows regulatory approvals in the United States, Japan, European Union, United Kingdom, Macau (China), and Hong Kong (China), underscoring the broad global clinical evidence supporting TIVDAK availability in China. The indication statement for TIVDAK differs slightly by region.

"Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer death in women in China. Antibody-drug conjugates have proven to be novel and effective treatments for many types of cancer, and we are pleased to bring this innovative therapeutic class to patients in China with cervical cancer," said Rafael G. Amado, M.D., President and Head of Global Research and Development at Zai Lab. "Coupled with the previous global approvals of TIVDAK for this disease, the China BLA approval further validates the robust global evidence of clinical benefit for this population of advanced patients with limited therapeutic options."

Results from the Phase 3 innovaTV 301 clinical trial, including data from the China subpopulation of this study that Zai Lab conducted, supported global approval of TIVDAK:

In the global study, the trial met its primary endpoint of OS in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population of the global study (HR=0.70; 95% CI: 0.54–0.89; two-sided p=0.0038). The China subpopulation showed consistent results, with a clinically meaningful improvement in OS (HR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.27- 1.15), corresponding to a 45% reduction in the risk of death compared to chemotherapy.1
54.1% of the China subpopulation received prior anti-PD(L)1 therapy, the current standard of care for second-line treatment of cervical cancer. TIVDAK showed consistent OS benefit trends irrespective of prior immunotherapy exposure.2
There were no new safety signals identified among patients in the China subpopulation who received TIVDAK. The most common Grade ≥3 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) in the global study were anemia (8.4%), urinary tract infection (4.4%), and abdominal pain (4.0%).1 The most common Grade ≥3 TEAEs in the China subpopulation were anemia (11.4%), cough (5.7%), and malaise (5.7%).2
"Treatment options are very limited for cervical cancer patients once recurrence or metastasis occurs," said Dr. Lingying Wu, Ph.D., China Leading Principal Investigator of the innovaTV 301 Study and Professor of the Department of Gynecologic Oncology of National Cancer Center / Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. "Consistent with findings from the global innovaTV 301 trial, the China subpopulation data demonstrate that TIVDAK offers significant clinical benefits to these patients, irrespective of prior PD-(L)1 inhibitor therapy."

Zai Lab will leverage the company’s extensive experience and expanding presence in the Chinese gynecologic oncology community, as well as commercial synergies with its ZEJULA team, to bring TIVDAK to patients in China.

About Cervical Cancer in China

An estimated 150,000 new cases of cervical cancer occur annually in China3. Current treatment options are limited for patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer with disease progression on or after systemic therapy. TIVDAK is well positioned to provide a new option for previously treated advanced cervical cancer patients.

About Tisotumab Vedotin

Tisotumab vedotin (approved under the brand name TIVDAK in the EU, U.K., U.S. and Japan) is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) composed of Genmab’s human monoclonal antibody directed to tissue factor (TF) and Pfizer’s ADC technology that utilizes a protease-cleavable linker that covalently attaches the microtubule-disrupting agent monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) to the antibody. Nonclinical data suggest that the anticancer activity of tisotumab vedotin is due to the binding of the ADC to TF-expressing cancer cells, followed by internalization of the ADC-TF complex and release of MMAE via proteolytic cleavage. MMAE disrupts the microtubule network of actively dividing cells, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptotic cell death. In vitro, tisotumab vedotin also mediates antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity.

TIVDAK received full approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in April 2024, and U.S. approval was first secured in September 2021 under the accelerated approval pathway for the treatment of adult patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer with disease progression on or after chemotherapy. Approval has also been received in Japan, European Union, Macau (China), and Hong Kong (China) for the same indication.

Zai Lab has an exclusive license from Seagen Inc., a company later acquired by Pfizer, for TIVDAK in Greater China (mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, collectively). Zai Lab is solely responsible for the development, supply, and commercialization of TIVDAK in Greater China.

(Press release, Zai Laboratory, JUN 8, 2026, View Source [SID1234666493])

China NMPA Grants IND Clearance to Adcentrx Therapeutics’ ADRX-0405 STEAP1 ADC for the Treatment of Late-Stage Solid Tumors, Including Prostate Cancer

On June 8, 2026 Adcentrx Therapeutics ("Adcentrx"), a clinical-stage biotechnology company advancing Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) therapies for cancer treatment and other life-threatening diseases, reported that the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has cleared Adcentrx’s Investigational New Drug (IND) application for ADRX-0405. The clearance enables the company to include China-based clinical centers to its ongoing Phase 1a/1b trial (NCT06710379) evaluating ADRX-0405 in patients with late-stage solid tumors, including metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer, gastric cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer.

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ADRX-0405 is a potential first-in-class, next-generation ADC targeting six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of the prostate 1 (STEAP1), a cell surface protein that is overexpressed in prostate cancer and certain other cancers, with limited expression in healthy tissue.

"NMPA’s clearance of the ADRX-0405 IND is another important milestone for Adcentrx," said Hui Li, Ph.D., Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Adcentrx. "This clearance expands our ability to enroll patients in both the U.S. and China, broadening geographic representation and allowing us to generate clinical data across more diverse patient populations. This enables ADRX-0405 to address important unmet needs across multiple tumor types."

The first-in-human Phase 1a/b clinical trial of ADRX-0405 is an open-label, multicenter dose escalation and dose expansion study. The study is enrolling patients with select advanced solid tumors. The primary objectives of the study are to characterize the safety and tolerability and to determine the optimal dose of ADRX-0405. The company anticipates completing the Phase 1a portion of the trial by the fourth quarter of 2026.

About ADRX-0405

ADRX-0405 is a clinical-stage ADC targeting STEAP1. The ADC is composed of a humanized IgG1 antibody coupled with a novel topoisomerase inhibitor linker-payload through Adcentrx’s innovative i-Conjugation technology platform, a core element of its ADC design. The platform utilizes a cleavable linker and stable conjugation chemistry to enhance payload delivery. This novel technology enables a highly stable ADC with a drug-antibody ratio of eight (DAR 8) to maximize payload delivery to solid tumors. ADRX-0405 preclinical studies have demonstrated its favorable pharmacokinetics, safety profile, and significant efficacy across multiple animal tumor models. ADRX-0405 is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1a/b clinical trial.

For more information about the ADRX-0405 Phase 1a/b clinical trial, please refer to the Study ID NCT06710379 on ClinicalTrials.gov.

I-CONJUGATION is a trademark registered in China.

(Press release, Adcentrx Therapeutics, JUN 8, 2026, View Source [SID1234666478])

BostonGene to Present High-Impact AI Models and Biomarker-Driven Frameworks at EHA2026 Congress

On June 8, 2026 BostonGene, developer of the leading AI model for tumor and immune biology, reported that six abstracts have been accepted for presentation at European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) 2026 Congress, taking place June 11 – 14 in Stockholm, Sweden. As Europe’s premier congress for hematology, the annual EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper) meeting brings together world-leading clinicians and researchers to share medical breakthroughs in the diagnosis, treatment, and clinical management of blood disorders.

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The presentations showcase how BostonGene’s platforms integrate clinical, genomic, and immune data to uncover critical disease mechanisms. Conducted in collaboration with leading institutions, including Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, the University of Miami, and UT MD Anderson, this research demonstrates how integrated multiomics, predictive modeling, and high-dimensional blood immune system profiling can define resistance phenotypes to CAR-T therapies, identify unique immune states, and uncover deep remission pathways. These findings deliver actionable data that enable smarter patient selection, optimize frontline treatment decision-making, and enhance clinical trial design for blood cancers.

Details about the abstracts selected for presentation can be found below:

Oral presentation
Abstract: S283
Title: Integrated Multi-Omic Profiling Identifies Genomic Subtypes Associated with Differential Outcomes after CAR-T Therapy in Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Date & time: Saturday, June 13 | 18:00 – 18:15 CEST
Speaker: Silvia Escribano Serrat, MD, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center leveraged BostonGene’s multimodal computational pipeline, integrating molecular classifiers with gene signatures, to characterize mechanisms of CAR-T resistance in large B-cell lymphoma. Using the BostonGene Lymphly classifier, the BN2 subtype emerged as a high-risk group associated with significantly inferior survival and reduced response rates. Compared with existing frameworks, Lymphly provided improved stratification and clearer discrimination of outcome-relevant subgroups, underscoring the value of integrated molecular profiling for refining risk assessment following CAR-T.

Research conducted in collaboration with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Poster presentations

Abstract: PS2188
Title: Overlaying TP53 Loss and Aneuploidy with Distinct Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Subtypes Refines Tumor Classification and Enhances Risk Stratification
Date & time: Saturday, June 13 | 18:45 – 19:45 CEST
Speaker: Pavel Zemskiy, MS, BostonGene

BostonGene integrated two dimensions of genomic instability, TP53 loss‑of‑function alterations and quantitative aneuploidy, into Lymphly, a classification framework for diffuse large B‑cell lymphoma. This approach explicitly separates TP53 loss from aneuploidy, clarifying their independent and combined effects on tumor biology. By defining these mechanisms, the framework enables drug developers to anticipate and bypass resistance pathways, identify biomarker‑driven patient groups, and design trials aligned with genomic instability profiles.

Research conducted in collaboration with Center for Cancer Research

Abstract: PS1829
Title: Risk-Stratified Patient Selection in Multiple Myeloma for Frontline Treatment Decision-Making Based on a Transcriptomic Classifier
Date & time: Saturday, June 13 | 18:45 – 19:45 CEST
Speaker: Evgenia Alekseeva, PhD, BostonGene

BostonGene developed a transcriptomic-based risk stratification model to identify newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients who may benefit from risk-adapted frontline treatment strategies, including aggressive regimens with bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) and CAR T-cell therapies. This model outperformed conventional tools by isolating high-, intermediate-, and low-risk groups, while exposing high-risk cases with established resistance to proteasome inhibitors. Together, these findings define a biologically distinct high-risk state that may help prioritize patients for novel, more intensive treatment approaches earlier in the disease course.

Abstract: PS1854
Title: Peripheral Blood Immunoprofiling Defines Three Distinct Immune States Associated with Clinical and Molecular Axes in Multiple Myeloma
Date & time: Saturday, June 13 | 18:45 – 19:45 CEST
Speaker: Anastasia Radko, MS, BostonGene

BostonGene applied high‑dimensional flow cytometry to characterize peripheral blood immune architecture in multiple myeloma. Three coordinated immune states emerged, each aligned with cytogenetic risk, therapy exposure, and disease subtype. By defining these mechanisms, spanning T‑cell differentiation, checkpoint enrichment, and monocyte expansion, the framework enables drug developers to anticipate resistance, identify biomarker‑driven patient groups, and design trials that integrate circulating immune states into active therapeutic strategies.

Research conducted in collaboration with University of Miami

Abstract: PS2344
Title: Tazemetostat-Mediated Immune Remodeling in B-Cell Lymphomas Receiving CAR-T
Date & time: Saturday, June 13 | 18:45 – 19:45 CEST
Speaker: Samuel Yamshom, MD, Weill Cornell Medicine

BostonGene applied its multimodal molecular profiling platform to characterize the systemic immune remodeling driven by tazemetostat priming in patients with B-cell lymphomas receiving CART therapy. By integrating high-parameter flow cytometry, RNA sequencing, immune cell deconvolution, and functional gene signature analysis, BostonGene’s analysis revealed systemic immune remodeling associated with enhanced antigen presentation, T-cell activation, and reduced immunosuppressive signaling, validating the use of EZH2 inhibition for improved CART efficacy and durability.

Research conducted in collaboration with Weill Cornell Medicine

Abstract: PS1673
Title: Integrated Transcriptomic and Immune Profiling Identifies Determinants of Deep Remission with Ibrutinib–Venetoclax in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Date & time: Saturday, June 13 | 18:45 – 19:45 CEST
Speaker: Varsha Gandhi, PhD, UT MD Anderson

Leveraging BostonGene’s blood immunoprofiling platform and KassandraTM cell deconvolution, researchers at UT MD Anderson investigated the impact of ibrutinib–venetoclax combination therapy in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The findings revealed immune cell populations and gene expression patterns consistent with a common treatment resistance mechanism among patients who did not achieve remission. This study highlights BostonGene’s ability to harmonize clinical, genomic, transcriptomic, and immune data for reliable insights that drive smarter patient selection and optimized treatment decisions.

(Press release, BostonGene, JUN 8, 2026, View Source [SID1234666494])