Cartography Biosciences Announces Strategic Investment From Samsung Ventures to Advance Oncology Pipeline

On May 6, 2026 Cartography Biosciences and Samsung Ventures reported a strategic investment to support the advancement of Cartography’s differentiated oncology pipeline and expand its proprietary drug discovery platform.

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 investment was made through the Samsung Life Science Fund, established by Samsung Biologics (KRX: 207940.KS), Samsung Bioepis, and Samsung C&T, and managed by Samsung Ventures. The fund focuses on innovative biopharmaceutical companies developing next-generation technologies across modalities, including biologics, gene editing, and AI-enabled therapeutics.

Together, Cartography Biosciences and Samsung Ventures aim to accelerate the development of novel cancer therapies by leveraging Cartography’s antigen discovery and drug development capabilities alongside Samsung’s global expertise in life sciences investment and strategic development.

"Samsung Ventures is an ideal partner as we continue to advance our mission of precisely mapping tumor biology to develop highly differentiated antibody-based therapies," said Kevin Parker, Chief Executive Officer of Cartography Biosciences. "We are excited to partner with a global leader that recognizes the value of new technologies and cutting-edge biologic engineering in the discovery of novel biopharmaceuticals."

"Cartography Biosciences represents a new generation of biotechnology innovation, combining large-scale data, computational biology, and therapeutic design to unlock novel cancer therapies," said Dr. Joseph Jeong, Executive Vice President, and Head of Bio R&D Center at Samsung Biologics. "This investment reflects our commitment to supporting innovative technologies with the potential to transform treatment paradigms and deliver meaningful impact to patients worldwide."

Cartography’s ATLAS and SUMMIT platforms integrate proprietary single-cell datasets with advanced computational biology and target validation capabilities to identify tumor-restricted antigens and antigen combinations. This approach enables the design of antibody therapeutics with improved specificity and therapeutic index.

Cartography is advancing a pipeline of oncology programs aimed at addressing significant unmet medical needs. Its lead program, CBI-1214, a T-cell engager for colorectal cancer, entered the clinic in early 2026 and is currently enrolling patients in a Phase 1 clinical trial.

(Press release, Cartography Biosciences, MAY 6, 2026, View Source [SID1234665222])

Pathos AI Acquires Majority Stake in DeuterOncology to Advance Next-Generation MET Inhibitor Identified by Pathos Foundry Platform

On May 6, 2026 Pathos AI, a clinical-stage AI and technology company advancing its own pipeline of cancer therapies, reported the acquisition of a majority stake in DeuterOncology, a Belgium-based company developing DO-2, a third-generation MET kinase inhibitor for patients with MET-altered cancers. The asset was systematically identified, evaluated, and advanced to acquisition through the Pathos Foundry platform.

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!

Identified by Foundry

As part of its core operations, Pathos utilizes Foundry to continuously analyze large-scale clinical and scientific datasets, including conference proceedings, regulatory filings, published trial data, and proprietary real-world evidence. This enables Pathos to identify high-potential, undervalued oncology assets in a systematic and unbiased way.

In late 2025, Foundry flagged DO-2 as a top-ranked candidate based on its mechanism of action, pharmacokinetic profile, early clinical signal, and probability of success relative to the competitive landscape. Foundry then evaluated its clinical merit, translational feasibility, competitive positioning, and acquisition viability to generate a composite recommendation. The entire process, from initial identification to management’s final investment decision, was completed in a fraction of the time required by traditional due diligence.

"The traditional approach to finding clinical assets is built on relationships, conference presence, and reputation. Foundry is built on data," said Iker Huerga, CEO of Pathos AI. "It evaluates every asset purely on its merits — mechanism, pharmacokinetics, clinical signal, and probability of success. DO-2 scored at the top of our models. Ultimately, the best molecule wins."

A Highly Differentiated MET Inhibitor

MET inhibitors are an established therapeutic class for MET-altered Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), but every approved agent is limited by peripheral edema rates of 62-82%, frequently requiring dose reductions and treatment discontinuation.

DO-2’s deuterated structure and "fast on / fast off" binding kinetics deliver potent MET inhibition for 8-12 hours per day. This provides sufficient target coverage for robust antitumor activity without causing the sustained endothelial damage that drives chronic edema.

In a Phase 1 study of 28 patients, DO-2 demonstrated 100% tumor shrinkage in all evaluable MET exon 14 skipping NSCLC patients (10/10). It also demonstrated a superior safety profile with zero Grade 4 adverse events, and a peripheral edema rate of just 5% (versus 62-82% for competitors), and a highly convenient 60 mg once-daily oral dose. Patent exclusivity extends to December 2040.

"Pathos’s ability to recognize the potential of this program through rigorous, data-driven analysis is exactly the kind of conviction that will bring DO-2 to the patients who need it," said Dr. Timothy Perera, Founder and CEO of DeuterOncology.

Powered by Foundry

Foundry doesn’t just find drugs. It develops them. The platform is composed of thousands of AI agents working in parallel, powered by the Pathos Oncology Foundation Model. These agents identify undervalued assets and propose portfolio decisions for management. Throughout the entire development lifecycle, Foundry continuously analyzes the totality of emerging data to ensure Pathos programs maintain the highest possible probability of success while directly supporting clinical trial execution.

The same system that identified DO-2 will now guide its clinical development. DO-2 is one of four major portfolio decisions made through Foundry in Q1 2026 alone.

"We are not interested in process automation. We are redesigning drug development from first principles," said Huerga. "DO-2 is proof that the system works."

(Press release, Pathos AI, MAY 6, 2026, View Source [SID1234665238])

Immunocore reports first quarter financial results and provides a business update

On May 6, 2026 Immunocore Holdings plc (Nasdaq: IMCR) ("Immunocore" or the "Company"), a commercial-stage biotechnology company pioneering and delivering transformative immunomodulating medicines to radically improve outcomes for patients with cancer, infectious diseases and autoimmune diseases, reported its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, and provided a business update.

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 are proud to report another quarter of strong commercial performance, with KIMMTRAK generating $107 million in net revenues in Q1 2026," said Bahija Jallal, CEO of Immunocore. "The five-year overall survival (OS) data from our Phase 3 trial presented at AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) is a landmark moment. It is the longest OS follow-up ever reported in a randomized trial in metastatic uveal melanoma and underscores the long-term benefit KIMMTRAK delivers to patients. In parallel, we are executing with discipline across our pipeline."

First Quarter Highlights (including post-period)

Financial Results

For the first quarter of 2026 (Q1 2026), total net product revenue (or ‘net sales’) arising from the sales of KIMMTRAK was $106.7 million, compared to $93.9 million for the same period in 2025. Q1 2026 sales were $67.4 million in the United States, $34.4 million in Europe, and $4.8 million in international regions. The increase in net product sales was due to increased volumes in the United States and Europe as well as global country expansion.

Research & development (R&D) expenses for Q1 2026 were $61.1 million, compared to $56.5 million for Q1 2025. This increase was primarily due to clinical expenses related to the progression of our Phase 3 trials, primarily PRISM-MEL-301.

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses for Q1 2026 were $37.9 million, compared to $40.2 million for Q1 2025. This decrease was primarily due to increases in forfeitures of share-based compensation.

Net income for Q1 2026 was $13.0 million compared to $5.0 million for Q1 2025.

The Q1 2026 diluted income per share was $0.25 compared to $0.10 for Q1 2025.

Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were $844.9 million as of March 31, 2026.

KIMMTRAK
The Company’s lead product, KIMMTRAK (tebentafusp), is approved in 39 countries and has been launched in over 30 countries globally to date for HLA-A*02:01 positive people with unresectable or metastatic uveal melanoma (mUM). KIMMTRAK continues to be the standard of care in most markets where it is launched.

The Company sees three key growth areas as it plans to expand patient reach for KIMMTRAK, including continued US community and global market penetration in mUM, the potential expansion into 2L+ advanced cutaneous melanoma (CM), and the potential expansion into adjuvant uveal melanoma.

Metastatic uveal melanoma

KIMMTRAK net product sales were $106.7 million for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, representing an increase of 13.6%, as compared to the same period in 2025.
19.1% year-over-year sales growth in the United States with mean duration of treatment of 14 months.
4.9% year-over-year sales growth in Europe, driven by increased demand and launches in European markets.
Five-year overall survival (OS) data from the landmark Phase 3 trial of KIMMTRAK in patients with unresectable or mUM were presented in an oral session at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) 2026 meeting, representing the longest follow-up reported for any T cell engager in a solid tumor. In this study of 378 patients, KIMMTRAK doubled the likelihood of being alive at five years with an OS rate of 16% versus 8% in the control arm (HR 0.67), while demonstrating a median OS of 21.6 months compared to 16.9 months for investigator’s choice.
The OS benefit with KIMMTRAK was observed regardless of known poor prognostic factors at baseline (high tumor burden [≥10cm]; elevated lactate dehydrogenase [LDH]) or tumor location (hepatic only; hepatic and extra-hepatic). OS benefit was also observed in patients with a best response of progressive disease, including those with >20% tumor growth as best change on treatment.
The data also confirmed that the OS benefit was primarily driven by KIMMTRAK rather than subsequent therapies. Among patients treated with KIMMTRAK who were alive at five years, nearly half (44%) received only KIMMTRAK, while among patients in the control arm alive at the same time point, 86% subsequently received KIMMTRAK.
2L+ advanced cutaneous melanoma

The Company is currently enrolling patients in the TEBE-AM registrational Phase 3 trial and expects to complete enrollment in the first half of 2026 with topline data expected as early as the second half of 2026.
The Phase 3 trial is enrolling three arms: tebentafusp monotherapy, tebentafusp in combination with pembrolizumab, and a control (investigator’s choice of therapy including clinical trials, chemotherapy, or retreatment with anti-PD1 or BRAF therapy). The primary endpoint of the randomized Phase 3 trial is Overall Survival (OS).
There is great unmet need in second- and later-line cutaneous melanoma, with no therapy having shown, to date, an OS improvement post checkpoint inhibitors in a randomized clinical trial. The Company estimates that there is a potential to address up to 4,000 previously treated advanced HLA-A*02:01 positive CM patients.

Adjuvant uveal (or ocular) melanoma

The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) continues to expand the site footprint of the Phase 3 Adjuvant Trial in Ocular Melanoma (ATOM).
The Company estimates that the HLA-A*02:01 positive, high-risk adjuvant uveal melanoma patient population could be up to 1,200 patients in the US and Europe.
PRAME portfolio
Brenetafusp is the Company’s lead PRAME-A02 ImmTAC bispecific candidate. Brenetafusp is being evaluated in combination with nivolumab in a Phase 3 registrational trial (PRISM-MEL-301) in patients with first-line, advanced cutaneous melanoma, and in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial as monotherapy and in combination across multiple tumor types, including ovarian cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

PRISM-MEL-301 – First PRAME Phase 3 clinical trial with brenetafusp in first-line, advanced cutaneous melanoma

The Company is enrolling HLA-A*02:01 positive patients with first-line, advanced or metastatic cutaneous melanoma to brenetafusp 160 mcg + nivolumab or a control arm of either nivolumab or nivolumab + relatlimab.
Despite approved therapies, there remains a need for improved progression-free survival and OS, and there is the potential to address an estimated 10,000 HLA-A*02:01 positive patients in the US and Europe.
Phase 1/2 clinical trials of brenetafusp and IMC-P115C (PRAME-A02 Half-Life Extended) in multiple solid tumors

The Company continues to evaluate brenetafusp in a Phase 1/2 trial in combination in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC) and in earlier lines of platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer (PSOC). In the same trial, the Company continues signal detection in metastatic NSCLC cohorts, including combination in earlier-line NSCLC.
The Company is enrolling patients in the Phase 1 dose escalation trial evaluating IMC-P115C in patients with multiple solid tumors.
The Company expects to present Phase 1/2 data from both trials in the second half of 2026.

IMC-R117C (PIWIL1) for colorectal and other gastrointestinal cancers

The Company is enrolling patients in the Phase 1/2 dose escalation trial evaluating IMC-R117C in HLA-A*02:01 positive patients with advanced solid tumors, including colorectal cancer, as a single agent and in combination with standards of care.
The Company expects to present initial data in 2027.
ImmTAV candidates for a functional cure in infectious diseases
The Company’s bispecific TCR technology platform has the potential to offer a new approach for the treatment of certain chronic infections and aims to eliminate evidence of remaining virus in circulation after the patient stops taking medication – known as a ‘functional cure’. The Company is studying an investigational candidate for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Phase 1/2 trial of IMC-M113V (Gag-A02) for people living with HIV

Patient enrollment continues at higher doses in the multiple ascending dose (MAD) part of the Phase 1/2 clinical trial to identify a safe and tolerable dose.
Additional Phase 1 MAD data is expected to be presented in the second half of 2026.
Tissue-specific down modulation of the immune system for autoimmune diseases
The key differentiator of the ImmTAAI platform is tissue-specific, down modulation of the immune system, as the candidates suppress pathogenic T cells via PD1 receptor agonism only when tethered to the target tissue.

The Company filed a clinical trial application (CTA) for IMC-S118AI (PPI x PD1) in December 2025 and expects to begin the Phase 1 trial in the first half of 2026.
The Company plans to file a CTA or investigational new drug (IND) application for IMC-U120AI (CD1a x PD1) in the second half of 2026.
Corporate update

The Company will present the following two posters at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Meeting:

Title: Phase 1 evaluation of the PRAME-targeted ImmTAC brenetafusp in advanced melanoma (Mel). (Abstract number: 9527)
Session: Melanoma/Skin Cancers (Poster Board: 243)
Date and Time: May 31, 2026, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM CDT

Title: Effect of IL7 on ImmTAC-mediated killing by T cells in vitro and T-cell fitness in patients. (Abstract number: 2662)
Session: Developmental Therapeutics – Immunotherapy (Poster Board: 452)
Date and Time: May 30, 2026, 1:30 PM-4:30 PM CDT

(Press release, Immunocore, MAY 6, 2026, View Source [SID1234665188])

Ultragenyx to Participate at Bank of America’s 2026 Healthcare Conference

On May 6, 2026 Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc. (NASDAQ: RARE), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel therapies for serious rare and ultra-rare genetic diseases, reported that Howard Horn, the company’s Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President and Joshua Higa, Chief of Staff and Vice President of investor relations, will participate in a fireside at Bank of America’s 2026 Healthcare Conference on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 2:20 PM PT.

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 live and archived webcast of the panel will be accessible from the company’s website at View Source

(Press release, Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, MAY 6, 2026, View Source [SID1234665204])

Vir Biotechnology Provides Corporate Update and Reports First Quarter 2026 Financial Results

On May 6, 2026 Vir Biotechnology, Inc. (Nasdaq: VIR), reported a corporate update and announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026.

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!

"Vir Bio delivered incredible momentum during the first quarter with positive, new VIR-5500 Phase 1 data and execution of a global agreement with Astellas in prostate cancer. The closing of our collaboration with Astellas in April has ignited the next stage of development work, bolstering our ability to move faster and think bigger together," said Marianne De Backer, Chief Executive Officer of Vir Biotechnology. "We also announced promising updated Phase 2 data on our combination regimen in CHD and will be presenting complete Week 96 data at the EASL Congress later this month. CHD is the most severe form of hepatitis. We believe our well-tolerated combination regimen is uniquely positioned to change the standard of care, bringing together robust efficacy with the potential for self-administration at home with once monthly subcutaneous dosing."

Pipeline Programs

Chronic Hepatitis Delta (CHD)

The Company will present additional data from the Phase 2 SOLSTICE trial evaluating the combination of tobevibart and elebsiran for CHD at the EASL Congress taking place May 27-30, 2026.
Earlier this year, the Company reported Phase 2 SOLSTICE data showing that the monthly combination of tobevibart and elebsiran was highly efficacious and well-tolerated. Undetectable hepatitis delta virus RNA (HDV RNA Target Not Detected, TND) was achieved and maintained by 77% (24/31) of participants receiving the combination regimen at Week 72. This rate increased to 88% (21/24) in the subset of participants evaluated through Week 96.
Topline data from the Phase 3 ECLIPSE 1 trial are expected in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Topline data from the ECLIPSE 2 and ECLIPSE 3 trials are expected in the first quarter of 2027.
Solid Tumors

VIR-5500

The Company closed its global strategic collaboration with Astellas to advance PSMA-targeted, PRO-XTEN dual-masked TCE VIR-5500 for the treatment of prostate cancer.
The first patient was dosed in the Phase 1 dose-expansion cohorts evaluating the safety, pharmacokinetics and preliminary efficacy of VIR-5500 in prostate cancer. The first expansion cohort will evaluate VIR-5500 monotherapy in Q3W 800/2000/3500 µg/kg step-up dosing in late-line metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). The Company anticipates initiating pivotal Phase 3 trials in 2027.
Positive updated Phase 1 data for VIR-5500 monotherapy showed dose-dependent anti-tumor activity and a well-tolerated safety profile in patients with mCRPC. The data were presented in an oral presentation at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Genitourinary Cancers Symposium.
VIR-5818

Phase 1 dose-escalation of VIR-5818, a HER2-targeted PRO-XTEN dual-masked TCE, in combination with pembrolizumab continues, with response data expected in the second half of 2026.
VIR-5525

The Phase 1 study of VIR-5525, an EGFR-targeted PRO-XTEN dual-masked TCE, continues enrollment as expected.
Preclinical Pipeline Candidates

The Company is currently progressing a number of PRO-XTEN masked TCEs in preclinical studies directed at clinically validated targets with potential applications across a variety of solid tumors, including lung, colorectal and bladder.
Corporate Update

The Company completed a follow-on public offering of common stock with gross proceeds of $172.5 million, before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses.
First Quarter 2026 Financial Results

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments: As of March 31, 2026, the Company had $809.3 million in cash, cash equivalents and investments, representing an increase of approximately $27.7 million during the first quarter of 2026. During the first quarter of 2026, the Company completed a public offering of its common stock with gross proceeds of $172.5 million, before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses.

Research and Development (R&D) Expenses: R&D expenses for the first quarter of 2026 were $108.9 million, which included $6.0 million of non-cash stock-based compensation expense, compared to $118.6 million for the same period in 2025, which included $7.0 million of non-cash stock-based compensation expense. The decrease was primarily driven by a $30.0 million expense in the first quarter of 2025 in connection with signing the restated Alnylam agreement, partially offset by higher CHD contract manufacturing costs associated with process performance qualification batches in preparation for commercialization, and to a lesser extent, higher clinical expenses from the progression of both our CHD and oncology programs in the first quarter of 2026.

Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) Expenses: SG&A expenses for the first quarter of 2026 were $23.3 million, which included $6.1 million of non-cash stock-based compensation expense, compared to $23.9 million for the same period in 2025, which included $7.1 million of non-cash stock-based compensation expense.

Net Loss: Net loss for the first quarter of 2026 was $125.7 million, or $0.85 per share, basic and diluted, compared to a net loss of $121.0 million, or $0.88 per share, basic and diluted for the same period in 2025.

2026 Financial Guidance

Based on our current operating plans, including the net effects of the Astellas global collaboration, the Astellas equity investment and the completion of the recent equity financing, the Company expects its cash, cash equivalents and investments to fund operations into the second half of 2028.

Conference Call

Vir Biotechnology will host its first quarter 2026 financial results conference call at 4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. PT today. A live webcast will be available at View Source and will be archived for 30 days.

About the ECLIPSE Registrational Program

ECLIPSE is a registrational program to evaluate the safety and efficacy of tobevibart in combination with elebsiran in patients with chronic hepatitis delta (CHD). ECLIPSE includes three randomized, controlled trials designed to evaluate the combination therapy in comparison to deferred treatment or bulevirtide. ECLIPSE 1 (NCT06903338) is a Phase 3 trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of tobevibart in combination with elebsiran compared to deferred treatment in the U.S. or other regions where bulevirtide use is limited. ECLIPSE 2 (NCT07128550) is a Phase 3 trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of switching to tobevibart and elebsiran in people with CHD who have not achieved viral suppression with bulevirtide therapy. ECLIPSE 1 and 2 are designed to provide the registrational efficacy and safety data needed for potential submission to global regulatory agencies. ECLIPSE 3 (NCT07142811) is a Phase 2b head-to-head trial evaluating combination tobevibart and elebsiran compared with bulevirtide in bulevirtide-naïve patients, and it is designed to provide important supportive data to help establish access and reimbursement in key markets.

About Tobevibart and Elebsiran

Tobevibart is an investigational broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). It is designed to inhibit the entry of hepatitis B and hepatitis delta viruses into hepatocytes and to reduce the level of circulating viral and subviral particles in the blood. Tobevibart was identified using Vir Biotechnology’s proprietary mAb discovery platform. The Fc domain has been engineered to increase immune engagement and clearance of HBsAg immune complexes and incorporates Xencor’s Xtend technology to extend half-life. Tobevibart is administered subcutaneously, and it is currently in clinical development for the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis delta.

Elebsiran is an investigational hepatitis B virus-targeting small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) licensed from Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. It is designed to degrade hepatitis B virus RNA transcripts and limit the production of HBsAg. Current data indicate that it has the potential to have direct antiviral activity against hepatitis B virus and hepatitis delta virus. Elebsiran is administered subcutaneously, and it is currently in clinical development for the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis delta.

About Chronic Hepatitis Delta (CHD)

CHD is the most severe form of chronic viral hepatitis2 and was recently classified as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.3 People living with the disease rapidly progress to cirrhosis, liver failure4 and liver-related death.2 There are currently no approved treatments in the U.S., and options are limited in the European Union and globally.

About VIR-5500, VIR-5818 and VIR-5525

VIR-5500, VIR-5818 and VIR-5525 are investigational, clinical candidates currently being evaluated for the treatment of solid tumors. These assets leverage the universal PRO-XTEN masking technology and target PSMA, HER2 and EGFR, respectively.

TCEs are powerful anti-tumor agents that can direct the immune system, specifically T-cells, to destroy cancer cells. The universal PRO-XTEN masking technology is designed to keep the TCEs inactive (or masked) until they reach the tumor microenvironment, where tumor-specific proteases cleave off the mask and activate the TCEs, leading to killing of cancer cells by T-cells. By confining the activity to the tumor microenvironment, we aim to circumvent the traditionally high toxicity associated with TCEs and increase their efficacy and tolerability. Additionally, the mask is designed to help drug candidates stay in the bloodstream longer in their inactive form, allowing them to better reach the site of action and potentially allowing less frequent dosing regimens for patients and clinicians.

About Advanced Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer remains a significant global health burden, representing the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in men behind lung cancer.5 While diagnostic and therapeutic advances like androgen-directed therapy can improve outcomes in earlier settings, most patients ultimately relapse and develop metastatic hormone sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC).6 mHSPC is characterized by its responsiveness to intensified hormonal interventions designed to reduce androgen levels or block their action. The majority of these patients eventually progress to metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).7 This stage is associated with poor clinical outcomes, including limited durability of existing therapies, with a 5-year survival rate of approximately 30%.8 There is a critical need for safer, more effective, and precisely targeted therapies capable of improving long term disease control and quality of life across the prostate cancer continuum.

(Press release, Vir Biotechnology, MAY 6, 2026, View Source [SID1234665223])