On April 21, 2026 Ono Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Osaka, Japan; President and COO: Toichi Takino; "Ono"), reported two upcoming presentations at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) annual meeting to be held in Chicago, Illinois, from May 29 to June 2, 2026.

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ONO-4578
Monday, June 1, 2026, 9:45 am to 12:45 pm CT, Oral Presentation
Abstract Number: 4007
Title: ONO-4578 combined with nivolumab and chemotherapy as first-line treatment for patients with HER2-negative unresectable advanced or recurrent gastric/gastroesophageal junction cancer: a randomized, double-blind, phase 2 trial (ONO-4578-08)
Presenter: Sung Hee Lim, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea

Nivolumab (OPDIVO）
Monday, June 1, 2026, 9:45 am to 12:45 pm CT, Oral Presentation
Abstract Number: 4006
Title: Nivolumab plus ipilimumab combined with chemotherapy as first-line treatment for HER2-negative unresectable advanced or recurrent gastric/gastroesophageal junction cancer: a randomized phase 3 trial (ATTRACTION-6)
Presenter: Do-Youn Oh, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea

About ONO-4578
ONO-4578 is a selective, oral antagonist of EP4, which is one of the prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) receptors, developed by Ono. ONO-4578 is expected to exert antitumor effect by suppressing EP4-mediated effect of PGE2 and by restoring cancer immunity1). Based on the results of clinical trials in patients with gastric cancer that will be presented at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2026, we are currently working with our group company, Deciphera, to advance preparations for the initiation of a global Phase III clinical trial.

About nivolumab (OPDIVO）
Opdivo is a programmed death-1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint inhibitor that is designed to uniquely harness the body’s own immune system to help restore anti-tumor immune response by blocking the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands. By harnessing the body’s own immune system to fight cancer, Opdivo has become an important treatment option across multiple cancers since the approval for the treatment of melanoma in Japan in July 2014. Opdivo is currently approved in more than 65 countries, including Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, the US and European Union.

(Press release, Ono, APR 21, 2026, View Source [SID1234664641])

On April 21, 2026 Rgenta Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering the development of a new class of oral small molecules targeting RNA and RNA regulation for oncology and neurological disorders, reported that an abstract highlighting clinical data from the ongoing Phase 1a/b study of RGT-61159, an oral MYB splicing modulator, in patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) or colorectal cancer (CRC) has been accepted for poster presentation at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting taking place May 29 – June 2, 2026 in Chicago, IL.

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Poster presentation details:

Title: A Phase 1a/b Study of RGT-61159, An Oral MYB Splicing Modulator, in
Patients with Advanced Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma and Colorectal Cancer.
Abstract #: 3089
Session Title: Poster Session – Developmental Therapeutics—Molecularly Targeted
Agents and Tumor Biology
Poster Board: 226
Date and Time: May 30, 2026, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. CDT

About RGT-61159
RGT-61159 is an orally available small molecule designed to specifically modulate splicing of the transcription factor MYB resulting in the inhibition of the oncogenic MYB protein and potential cell death of the cancer cells that overexpress the MYB protein. MYB acts as a master regulator of cell proliferation, self-renewal, and differentiation processes and its aberrant expression has been demonstrated in multiple forms of human cancer including adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), colorectal cancer (CRC), small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and breast cancer. Rgenta is evaluating RGT-61159 in an ongoing multi-center, open-label Phase 1a/b clinical trial in patients with advanced relapsed or refractory ACC or CRC. The Phase 1a/b study is designed to evaluate safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, target engagement, and clinical efficacy of RGT-61159 in patients with ACC or CRC. Additional information about the Phase 1a/b clinical trial can be accessed at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06462183).

(Press release, Rgenta Therapeutics, APR 21, 2026, View Source [SID1234664657])

On April 21, 2026 BriaCell Therapeutics Corp. (Nasdaq: BCTX, BCTXL) (TSX: BCT) ("BriaCell" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biotechnology company that develops novel immunotherapies to transform cancer care, reported positive data from its preclinical Bria-OTS+ platform at the 2026 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting taking place April 17–22 at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California.

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The poster is summarized below and linked here: View Source

Title: Re-Engineering Cancer Vaccines: Bria-OTS+ Integrates Innate and Adaptive Immunity for Broad and Persistent Anti-Tumor Responses
Session Category: Clinical Research
Session Title: Vaccines and Other Immunomodulatory Agents
Session: 4/21/2026 2:00-5:00 PM
Location: Poster Section 49
Poster Board Number: 12
Poster Number: 6701

Summary: Bria-OTS+ is a personalized, off-the-shelf, next-generation genetically engineered whole-cell cancer immunotherapy platform designed to enhance efficacy and safety. Our results demonstrate that Bria-OTS+ activates key components of both the innate and adaptive immune systems to broadly target and destroy cancer cells across solid tumors. These effects include coordinated activation of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells, NK cells, NKT cells, dendritic cells, and B cells, together with increased cytokine release and sustained immune competence without exhaustion—helping address an important mechanism of cancer progression.

Data presented includes the following:

Rapid activation of innate and adaptive immune responses: Bria-BRES+ (breast cancer) and Bria-PROS+ (prostate cancer) drove early activation and proliferation of key immune cells including CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, NK cells, and NKT cells, enhanced cytotoxic activity against parental tumor targets, and increased CD80/CD86 expression on dendritic and B cells, consistent with improved antigen-presentation.
Sustained, long-lasting and targeted anti-tumor activity: Bria-BRES+ and Bria-PROS+ generated durable cytokine responses and maintained cytotoxic, serial killing activity through repeated cancer cell challenges without evidence of functional exhaustion. Bria-OTS+ also showed limited induction of immunosuppressive cell populations including regulatory T cells (Tregs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs).
Broad tumor recognition may reduce escape risk: Bria-BRES+ and Bria-PROS+ cells demonstrated anti-tumor activity against multiple tumor targets, supporting the potential of Bria-OTS+ to drive broad, cross-tumor immune responses, reduce immune escape, and limit cancer progression.
Bria-OTS+ proposed mechanism of action: Following intradermal administration, Bria-OTS+ is designed to activate T cells and NK cells directly, while professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs) take up tumor specific antigens, migrate to regional lymph nodes and prime tumor-specific T cells to drive a systemic anti-tumor immune response.
Miguel A. Lopez-Lago, PhD, BriaCell’s Chief Scientific Officer, commented, "We are thrilled with our data showing early, strong, and long-lasting anti-cancer activity of Bria-OTS+ in multiple cancer models, boosting the immune system response, and potentially overcoming common cancer cell resistance mechanisms. Our findings strongly support targeted anti-cancer effects of Bria-OTS+ and warrant additional testing of the Bria-OTS+ platform in clinical settings."

"Based on these promising preclinical findings, we are advancing Bria-OTS+ with the goal of entering the clinic for our first indications of metastatic breast cancer and prostate cancer later this year, with additional indications (lung cancer and melanoma) planned for 2027," added Dr. William V. Williams, BriaCell’s President and CEO.

(Press release, BriaCell Therapeutics, APR 21, 2026, View Source [SID1234664673])

On April 21, 2026 Akari Therapeutics, Plc (Nasdaq: AKTX), an oncology biotechnology company developing antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) with novel RNA splicing modulating payloads, reported that its abstract has been accepted for online publication at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2026.

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This marks Akari’s first abstract acceptance at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper), one of the most highly regarded forums in clinical oncology research, and represents a significant milestone for the Company as it continues to advance its AKTX-101 ADC into Phase 1 clinical development by late 2026/early 2027.
Details are as follows:

Abstract Title: Combination synergy of spliceosome modulator ADC with a K-Ras inhibitor in KRAS–mutated pancreatic cancers

Date and Time: The full publication will be made available on May 21, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET on the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) website.

"This first ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) acceptance for Akari is continued validation of our novel RNA splicing modulator payload platform for ADCs, and its broad potential in treating a wide range of cancer tumors, including those with KRAS mutations, a rapidly expanding therapeutic category moving forward," said Abizer Gaslightwala, President and Chief Executive Officer of Akari Therapeutics. "We believe this data highlights a growing body of evidence demonstrating that targeting RNA splicing in cancer cells could be a powerful way to attack even the most difficult cancers."

Additional details will be disclosed in accordance with ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) embargo policies.

For more information about the ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2026, please visit asco.org.

(Press release, Akari Therapeutics, APR 21, 2026, View Source [SID1234664594])

On April 21, 2026 Genprex, Inc. ("Genprex" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: GNPX), a clinical-stage gene therapy company focused on developing life-changing therapies for patients with cancer and diabetes, reported the Company has entered into a new Sponsored Research Agreement (SRA) with The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (UT MD Anderson) to study biomarkers that may predict patient response to Reqorsa Gene Therapy (quaratusugene ozeplasmid), the Company’s lead drug candidate that is in development for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

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Shortly after it was founded, Genprex entered its first SRA with UT MD Anderson in 2010, and the two parties have completed several subsequent SRAs. These efforts demonstrate Genprex’s commitment to innovative cancer treatments and improving outcomes for patients through the continued research and development of its oncology pipeline.

In preclinical studies, research collaborators have identified TROP2 and PTEN as two potential biomarkers that may increase the likelihood of patient response to REQORSA. TROP2 (trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that functions as a cell surface receptor. TROP2 overexpression in adult tissues is a hallmark of many solid tumors, making it a major target for modern cancer therapies. PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog) is a tumor suppressor gene that serves as a multi-functional cancer biomarker for risk assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning in a number of cancers.

"We are very excited to expand our research of TROP2 and PTEN to better understand how these biomarkers might predict and improve outcomes in patients treated with REQORSA," said Ryan Confer, President and Chief Executive Officer at Genprex. "We believe this research agreement demonstrates Genprex’s commitment to developing tailored treatment options for lung cancer patients who have unmet medical need, and we believe this research sets Genprex at the forefront of precision oncology treatment."

Research with TROP2 and PTEN may provide insights that could refine Genprex’s patient selection strategies for its Acclaim-1 and Acclaim-3 clinical trials and optimize clinical outcomes.

Acclaim-1 is a Phase 1/2 clinical trial that uses a combination of REQORSA and AstraZeneca’s Tagrisso (osimertinib) in patients with late-stage NSCLC that has activating epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations and progression on treatment with Tagrisso or Tagrisso-containing regimens. Genprex is currently enrolling and treating patients in the Phase 2a expansion portion of the Acclaim-1 clinical trial following the successful completion of the Phase 1 dose escalation portion of the study. The Phase 1 portion showed REQORSA was generally well tolerated with no dose limiting toxicities (DLTs) despite doubling the starting dose. Importantly, the results showed early signs of efficacy with some patients experiencing prolonged progression free survival and one patient having a partial response. There were three patients out of the twelve originally enrolled in the Phase 1 dose escalation portion of the study who had prolonged progression-free survival (PFS). One patient attained a partial remission after the second course of REQORSA and Tagrisso and has maintained this response through 60 courses of treatment (approximately 42 months), and this patient continues to receive REQORSA and Tagrisso treatment to date.

Acclaim-3 is a Phase 1/2 clinical trial that uses a combination of REQORSA and Genentech, Inc.’s Tecentriq (atezolizumab) as maintenance therapy for patients with extensive stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) who did not develop tumor progression after receiving Tecentriq and chemotherapy as initial standard treatment. Patients are treated with REQORSA and Tecentriq until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity is experienced. Genprex is currently enrolling and treating patients in the Phase 2 expansion portion of the Acclaim-3 clinical trial following the successful completion of the Phase 1 dose escalation portion of the study, which showed no DLTs. One patient in the Phase 1 portion of the study achieved an unconfirmed partial remission after 24 cycles of therapy and continues to receive study treatment in the trial after more than 18 months.

"We have seen in our Acclaim clinical trials that there are some patients whose cancer progresses after a short number of cycles of treatment, but we have also seen that some patients benefit from REQORSA for a very long time, in one case for more than three years," said Mark Berger, Chief Medical Officer at Genprex. "It is important to understand why some patients are responding very well to REQORSA, and we believe that the identification of biomarkers will allow us to predict which future patients may have these similar, positive responses. This meaningful research will not only benefit patients, but we believe it will allow for better prediction of those likely to benefit in the future."

(Press release, Genprex, APR 21, 2026, View Source [SID1234664610])