Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals Signs Exclusive License Agreement with JW Pharmaceutical, the Leading South Korean Pharma, to Advance the Global Commercialization of the Innovative GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Bofanglutide

On April 9, 2026 Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals (hereinafter referred to as "Gan & Lee", SSE: 603087) reported the signing of an exclusive licensing agreement with JW Pharmaceutical, a leading pharmaceutical company in South Korea. Under the agreement, the two parties will collaborate on the clinical development, regulatory filing, and commercialization in South Korea of Bofanglutide Injection, a bi-weekly (once every two weeks) Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist (GLP-1RA) independently discovered and developed by Gan & Lee.

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Under the terms of the agreement, JW Pharmaceutical will be granted the exclusive rights to develop and commercialize Bofanglutide Injection in South Korea. Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals will receive a one-time, non-refundable upfront payment of USD 5 million. Additionally, Gan & Lee is eligible to receive milestone payments totaling USD 76.1 million, contingent upon research and development progress, regulatory approvals, and commercialization achievements. Following the product’s commercial launch, Gan & Lee will also receive tiered royalties based on net sales. The total potential transaction value reaches up to USD 81.1 million (excluding royalties).

This collaboration marks the third overseas out-licensing deal for Gan & Lee’s Bofanglutide Injection, following previous partnerships in Latin America and India. According to data from Grand View Research, the GLP-1RA market in the Asia-Pacific region reached USD 5.47 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow to USD 16.95 billion by 2033, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14% [1], making it one of the fastest-growing regions globally. Currently, the treatment penetration rate of GLP-1 drugs remains extremely low, indicating massive growth potential. As a mature market in the Asia-Pacific region, South Korea’s GLP-1RA market size reached USD 526 million in 2025 and is expected to increase to USD 1.6 billion by 2033 [2]. With its high acceptance of innovative drugs and strong patient purchasing power, the South Korean market has become a strategic foothold for multinational pharmaceutical companies entering East Asia. This collaboration marks another key step in the rapid global expansion of Gan & Lee’s differentiated bi–weekly GLP–1RA, Bofanglutide.

Steady Progress in Global Phase III Clinical Trials; Bi-weekly Dosing Regimen Significantly Enhances Patient Compliance

Currently, as the world’s first bi-weekly GLP-1RA to enter Phase III clinical research, Bofanglutide has advanced into the critical Phase III stage of its global development for three proposed indications: obesity/overweight, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Existing clinical data demonstrate that Bofanglutide can effectively reduce body weight and blood glucose levels while comprehensively improving other metabolic parameters, yielding overall metabolic benefits. Its safety and tolerability profiles are consistent with other GLP-1RA class therapies. The bi-weekly dosing regimen further reduces the annual number of injections by 50% compared to mainstream once-weekly GLP-1RAs. This is anticipated to substantially boost patient adherence, offering a more convenient treatment option for the long-term, effective management of metabolic diseases.

As the global burden of metabolic diseases continues to rise, GLP-1 therapies are encountering tremendous market opportunities. South Korea, as one of the world’s key pharmaceutical markets, exhibits a robust demand for innovative diabetes and weight-loss therapies. This collaboration will effectively address the clinical and commercial needs of the South Korean market for highly efficacious and convenient treatment regimens.

"This partnership with JW Pharmaceutical marks another pivotal step in the globalization strategy for Bofanglutide," stated Dr. Zhi Li, Chief Business Officer of Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals. "GLP-1 therapies are reshaping the global treatment landscape for metabolic diseases. The convenience of Bofanglutide’s bi-weekly dosing and its compelling clinical benefits will help address the unmet medical needs of South Korean patients. With over 80 years of experience, JW brings deep development and commercial expertise in metabolic diseases—a key factor in our decision to partner with JW."

Young-sub Shin, CEO of JW Pharmaceutical, commented: "This agreement represents a significant milestone in expanding our product portfolio within the rapidly growing therapeutic area of metabolic diseases, particularly diabetes and obesity. JW Pharmaceutical will leverage its established expertise in clinical development and regulatory execution, remaining committed to advancing the development and commercialization of Gan & Lee’s Bofanglutide in South Korea, thereby bringing innovative treatment options to South Korean patients."

About Bofanglutide

Bofanglutide Injection (GZR18), independently developed by Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals, is a bi-weekly administered GLP-1RA designed for the treatment of obesity/overweight, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and other metabolic diseases. Clinical research data indicates that Bofanglutide can effectively reduce body weight and lower blood glucose levels, while comprehensively improving other metabolic parameters. With safety and tolerability profiles consistent with the GLP-1RA class of drugs, it is poised to potentially become the world’s first commercially available bi-weekly GLP-1RA. Currently, the global development of Bofanglutide Injection has entered the Phase III clinical research stage.

(Press release, Gan and Lee Pharmaceuticals, APR 9, 2026, View Source;lee-pharmaceuticals-signs-exclusive-license-agreement-with-jw-pharmaceutical-the-leading-south-korean-pharma-to-advance-the-global-commercialization-of-the-innovative-glp-1-receptor-agonist-bofanglutide-302738066.html [SID1234664278])

Myriad Genetics Underscores Commitment to Cancer Care Continuum with New Data Presentations at SGO Annual Meeting

On April 9, 2026 Myriad Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: MYGN), a leader in molecular diagnostic testing and precision medicine, reported that it will share new data at the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) Annual Meeting, including two oral presentations and two posters.

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"Having four abstracts accepted at the prestigious SGO annual meeting underscores the importance of the data we are sharing and our commitment to the cancer care continuum," said Dale Muzzey, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer, Myriad Genetics. "We are particularly pleased to be presenting the latest Precise MRD data, showing that Precise MRD testing after adjuvant therapy for ovarian cancer was significantly prognostic of recurrence during the monitoring period. Importantly, recurrence risk tracked with the quantitative ctDNA fraction detected by Precise MRD, with elevated risk observed even at ctDNA levels detectable only by an ultrasensitive assay."

The remaining three presentations use data from the Myriad Collaborative Research Registry (MCRR), one of the largest pan-cancer registries accessible for research use, including de-identified data for more than 1.3 million participants. The studies demonstrate Myriad’s commitment to externally driven research that addresses diverse questions with immediate clinical implications:

Germline pathogenic and likely pathogenic variant prevalence is associated with age and ancestry in patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer before age 40;
Ovarian cancer diagnosis varies by Lynch syndrome gene, informing counseling and risk-reducing surgery recommendations;
Universal hereditary cancer screening identifies more individuals at high risk for endometrial cancer compared to age-based screening.

These studies will be presented at the Society of Gynecologic Oncology Annual Meeting on April 10-13 at the Puerto Rico Convention Center in San Juan. Myriad will exhibit at booth #523. For more information, visit: View Source

Myriad Genetics Presentations
Precise MRD
Evaluation of the Relationship of Molecular Residual Disease Testing to Ovarian Cancer Recurrence
Poster Board Number: 1590
Sun., April 12 at 12:00-1:00 pm AST
Presenter: John Nakayama, MD, Allegheny Health Network

MCRR
Prevalence of germline pathogenic variants in patients with endometrial cancer diagnosed before and after 65 years old within a laboratory-based research registry
Rapid Fire Oral I: Genetics Prevention and Surgery
Sat., April 11 – 3:05-3:08 pm AST
Presenter: Kieran Seay, MD, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Broad landscape of genetic variants and ancestry associated with ovarian cancer before age forty
Poster Board Number: 1450
Sun., April 12 – 4:00-4:45 pm AST
Presenter: Eliya K. Shachar, MD, University of California, Los Angeles

Age at ovarian cancer diagnosis varies by lynch syndrome gene: a genetic testing laboratory registry study
Focused Forum X: Genetics – Keeping up with the Genes
Mon., April 13 – 9:30-10:30 am AST
Presenter: Ying L. Liu, MD, MPH, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

(Press release, Myriad Genetics, APR 9, 2026, View Source [SID1234664294])

Cardiff Oncology Announces Key Leadership Appointments to Strengthen Executive Team for Next Phase of Growth

On April 9, 2026 Cardiff Oncology, Inc. (Nasdaq: CRDF), a clinical-stage biotechnology company leveraging PLK1 inhibition to develop novel therapies across a range of cancers, reported the appointment of Mani Mohindru, PhD, as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), following her time as Interim CEO, and that she will continue as a member of the Board. The Company also appointed Josh Muntner as Chief Financial Officer and Ajay Aggarwal, MD, MBA, as Chief Operating Officer, effective April 6 and April 27, respectively. Together, these appointments reflect Cardiff’s commitment to building an experienced leadership team to advance onvansertib and deliver on the program’s long-term potential.

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"I am honored to step into the role of Chief Executive Officer at this important time for Cardiff. We have made meaningful progress advancing onvansertib in first-line RAS-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer and remain focused on delivering clinical data to support our registrational program," said Mani Mohindru, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Building the right team to advance this promising asset is central to our strategy and to ultimately delivering a potential new therapy to patients in need."

Dr. Mohindru continued, "We are excited to welcome Josh and Ajay to our team. Josh is a highly accomplished financial leader with a strong track record of executing complex financings and building trusted relationships across the investment community. Ajay brings deep clinical development and operational expertise, with a proven ability to advance programs from early research through late-stage development. Together, their complementary experience strengthens our ability to execute our strategic priorities."

Josh Muntner

Mr. Muntner brings deep expertise in capital markets strategy, financial operations and supporting clinical-stage organizations through key inflection points. He is a seasoned biopharma finance executive with more than 25 years of experience spanning investment banking and corporate leadership roles, including as CFO of both private and publicly traded biotechnology companies. Previously, Mr. Muntner served as Chief Financial Officer of Imvax, Inc., where he led all finance functions, including raising $86 million in a convertible financing. Prior to that, he served as Chief Financial Officer of Mesoblast Ltd., a Nasdaq- and ASX-listed biotechnology company, where he completed multiple cross-border equity and debt financings totaling approximately $300 million and helped expand the company’s U.S. investor base. Earlier in his career, Mr. Muntner held senior roles in investment banking, completing more than 90 transactions and raising over $9 billion in equity and debt financing for life sciences companies. Mr. Muntner serves as a member of the Board Directors at Devonian Health Group Inc., a biopharmaceutical company developing immunomodulatory treatments for inflammatory diseases.

Mr. Muntner holds an MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management and a BFA from Carnegie Mellon University.

Ajay Aggarwal, MD, MBA

Dr. Aggarwal is a board-certified Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine physician with more than 15 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, spanning respiratory, immunology and oncology drug development. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President and Head of Clinical Development at Aclaris Therapeutics, where he led clinical strategy and execution across multiple programs.

Prior to Aclaris, Dr. Aggarwal served as Chief Medical Officer of CereXis, Inc., a company advancing therapies for rare neurology and oncology indications. He has also held clinical leadership roles at Insmed, Inc. and AstraZeneca PLC, where he successfully advanced several compounds from preclinical stages into late-stage clinical development.

Earlier in his career, he held academic leadership roles, including Chief of Medicine at a VA Hospital, and has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications. He is a Fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians.

Dr. Aggarwal received his MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and his medical degree from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences.

Inducement Grant Under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4)

In connection with Mr. Muntner joining Cardiff Oncology, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the grant of non-qualified stock options to purchase 486,650 shares of Cardiff Oncology common stock outside of the Cardiff Oncology 2021 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan. The stock option was granted as an inducement material to Mr. Muntner becoming an employee of Cardiff Oncology in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). The option was granted as of April 6, 2026, and has an exercise price of $1.58 per share, the closing price on the grant date. The option vests over four years with 25% vesting after 12 months and the remaining shares vesting monthly over the following 36 months, subject to Mr. Muntner’s continued employment with Cardiff Oncology on such vesting dates.

(Press release, Cardiff Oncology, APR 9, 2026, View Source [SID1234664263])

Deck Bio Launches Multi-Target T Cell Engager Platform for Solid Tumors, With Preclinical Data to be Presented at AACR 2026

On April 9, 2026 Deck Bio reported a multi-target approach designed to expand the reach of T cell engagers in solid tumors by addressing tumor heterogeneity and resistance. Founded by Jack Silberstein, Ph.D., a Stanford-trained protein engineer, Deck Bio is advancing differentiated T cell engagers (TCEs) designed to overcome key limitations of current immuno-oncology approaches and expand the impact of immunotherapy in solid tumors. Preclinical data will be presented by Johanna Kaufmann, Ph.D., Deck Bio’s Chief Scientific Officer, at the upcoming American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2026, taking place April 17–22 in San Diego, California.

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While immuno-oncology therapies have transformed cancer treatment, a significant unmet need remains for broader patient populations. TCEs have shown clinical efficacy in hematologic cancers, but their impact on solid tumors remains limited due to tumor heterogeneity, antigen escape, and limited availability of suitable targets.

To overcome these challenges, Deck Bio is developing first-in-class TCEs that target tumor-exclusive peptide–major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) proteins, enabling access to a broad range of cancer-driving targets inside the cell that are not reachable with conventional biologics. Unlike first-generation T cell engagers that rely on single antigen targets, the company’s therapeutic candidates are designed to recognize multiple tumor-specific targets through a single engineered binder. This approach is designed to improve tumor specificity, expand patient eligibility, and reduce the risk of resistance, without the complexity of multi-component therapeutic formats.

"Deck Bio was founded to tackle fundamental challenges in targeting cancer, including the limitations of single-antigen approaches and the difficulty of safely accessing intracellular targets," said Jack Silberstein, Ph.D., Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Deck Bio. "We believe a multi-target approach can help stack the odds in favor of patients, and we are taking a deliberate, capital-efficient approach to development, focusing from the outset on the attributes that matter most for patients and clinicians, including safety, patient access, and durability of response."

Underlying this approach is a proprietary platform that integrates a stabilized T cell receptor domain (dbTv) with a T cell engaging arm to create its T cell engager format (dbTCE), designed for antibody-like stability and manufacturability. This is complemented by a sequence-agnostic specificity profiling platform (dbSCOPE), which assesses off-target interactions and guides the design of highly selective therapies.

"Our goal is to expand the reach of T cell engagers in solid tumors, where patients continue to face significant unmet need," said Johanna Kaufmann, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of Deck Bio. "By combining multi-target recognition with deep specificity profiling and improved molecular stability, we are building a platform designed to improve both efficacy and safety, while also enabling scalable manufacturing, all key factors for delivering meaningful patient benefit."

Since its founding in 2023, Deck Bio has raised approximately $3.1 million in funding from Mission BioCapital, the American Cancer Society’s venture arm BrightEdge, and Impact Ventures Partners Fund, and has received additional support from leading industry organizations. The company’s launch comes at a time of increasing industry focus on next-generation T cell engagers designed to overcome the limitations of earlier approaches in oncology and beyond.

The company’s lead program, DBXO-1, is a multi-target T cell engager being developed for solid tumor indications, including non-small cell lung cancer and gastroesophageal cancer. Additional details will be highlighted during the upcoming presentation at the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2026.

Conference Presentation Details:

Session Title: T Cell Engagers 1 (PO.IM01.16)
Abstract Title: Preclinical characterization of DBXO-1, a multi-pMHC targeted bispecific T cell engager for major solid tumors
Date: April 20, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PST
Poster ID: 1632

(Press release, Deck Bio, APR 9, 2026, View Source [SID1234664279])

Verrica Pharmaceuticals Announces Acceptance of Late-Breaking Abstract Highlighting Potential Abscopal Effect of VP-315 for the Treatment of Basal Cell Carcinoma at the Upcoming 2026 Society for Investigative Dermatology Annual Meeting

On April 9, 2026 Verrica Pharmaceuticals Inc. ("Verrica") (Nasdaq: VRCA), a therapeutics company developing and commercializing medications for the treatment of dermatological diseases, including skin cancers, reported acceptance of a late-breaking abstract reporting Phase 2 exploratory data of VP-315, Verrica’s novel oncolytic peptide for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma. The data will be presented at the upcoming 2026 Society for Investigative Dermatology (SID) Annual Meeting, which will take place from May 13-16, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois.

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Presentation Details:

Title: "VP-315 Demonstrates Potential Abscopal Effect in Untreated Non-Target Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) Tumors"

Poster Number: LB1190

Category: Non-Melanoma Cancers and UV Biology/Injury

Poster Session Dates and Time:

Friday, May 15, 2026 (4:30 pm – 6:00 pm)

Location: (Salons B,C,D – Lower Level, Hilton Chicago)

About VP- 315 (ruxotemitide)
VP-315 is a potential first-in-class oncolytic chemotherapeutic peptide immunotherapy administered directly into a tumor to induce immunogenic cell death and thereby unleashing a broad spectrum of tumor antigens for T cell responses, which may offer a non-surgical option for patients suffering from skin cancer. Verrica holds an exclusive worldwide license to develop and commercialize VP-315 for certain dermatologic oncology indications, including non-metastatic melanoma and non-metastatic merkel cell carcinoma, and intends to focus initially on basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas as the lead indications for development. VP-315 has demonstrated positive tumor-specific immune cell responses in multi-indication Phase 1/2 oncology trials.

About Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of cancer in the U.S., and incidence is rising worldwide. There are approximately 3.6 million diagnoses of basal cell carcinomas in the U.S. each year, with a high unmet need for new treatment options. Basal cell carcinoma is generally treated with invasive surgery to remove the tumor, which can cause pain, infection, bleeding and scarring.

(Press release, Verrica Pharmaceuticals, APR 9, 2026, View Source [SID1234664295])