On April 20, 2026 Fapon Biopharma, a clinical-stage biotech company innovating therapeutic antibodies and fusion proteins, reported its participation in the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2026, taking place April 19–22, 2026 in San Diego, California. At the meeting, the company is exhibiting at Booth No.3856 and presenting four scientific abstracts in the poster session, highlighting its scientific platform capabilities and pipeline progress.

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!

At AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) 2026, Fapon Biopharma spotlights its two core technology platforms: IL-10 biased functional engineering and antibody fusion, and VHH human-monkey cross-binding T-cell engagers. These capabilities reflect the company’s focus on developing next-generation therapeutic approaches designed to deliver differentiated efficacy, improved translational potential, and broader applicability across immuno-oncology and aotoimmune diseases.

The company’s IL-10 biased functional engineering and antibody fusion platform underpins a series of novel cytokine-based fusion proteins intended to unlock more precise immune modulation. Among the most advanced programs is FP008, a global first-in-class PD1 x IL10M fusion protein and potential next-generation backbone for cancer immunotherapy, with Phase I readout anticipated in 2026. Fapon Biopharma is also advancing FP012, a global first-in-class TL1A x IL10MM fusion protein for inflammatory bowel disease and other inflammatory indications, with IND-enabling CMC/GLP toxicology planned in 2026.

Complementing this platform is Fapon Biopharma’s proprietary VHH human-monkey cross-binding T-cell engager platform, an innovative approach designed to overcome developability and flexibility challenges associated with traditional multi-specific antibodies. This technology is represented in the company’s expanding CD3/TCR VHHs, including FPE024, a potential best-in-class CD19xBCMAxCD3 tri-specific T-cell engager for autoimmune indications, and FPE021, a potential best-in-class CDH17-targeting T-cell engager with a second signal for gastrointestinal tract cancers. Both programs are expected to enter IND-enabling CMC/GLP toxicology in 2026.

Attendees are invited to visit Booth #3856 and attend Fapon Biopharma’s abstracts to learn more about the company’s technology platforms, research strategy, and pipeline programs. Fapon Biopharma is seeking strategic partners for co-development and licensing. For partnership inquiries, please contact us at [email protected] (USA, Europe and other regions) or [email protected] (Asia-Pacific)

Abstract #5582:
Tri-specific T-cell engager with second signal boosts solid tumor response efficacy, durability and safety
Tue, Apr 21, Section 8, Board 1, 2:00pm – 5:00pm

Abstract #5586:
A next-generation CD8-selective tri-specific T-cell engager targeting CDH17 with enhanced efficacy and reduced toxicity
Tue, Apr 21, Section 8, Board 5, 2:00pm – 5:00pm

Abstract #1637:
Human-cynomolgus cross-reactive CD3 nanobody-centric T-cell engager platform enhances clinical translation
Mon, Apr 20, Section 10, Board 29, 9:00am – 12:00pm

Abstract #5593:
A CD19/BCMA dual-targeting VHH format T-cell engager with novel CD3 binder for enhanced potency and safety profile
Tue, Apr 21, Section 8, Board 12, 2:00pm – 5:00pm

(Press release, Fapon Biopharma, APR 20, 2026, View Source [SID1234664566])

On April 20, 2026 CytoDyn Inc. (OTCQB: CYDY) ("CytoDyn" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage oncology company advancing leronlimab, a first-in-class humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the CCR5 receptor with therapeutic potential across multiple indications, including metastatic triple-negative breast cancer ("mTNBC") and colorectal cancer ("mCRC"), reported that new clinical and translational data in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC) were presented at the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2026, taking place April 17–22, 2026, at the San Diego Convention Center.

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 presentation highlighted emerging evidence supporting CCR5 inhibition with leronlimab as a strategy to modulate the tumor microenvironment, enhance immune responsiveness, and improve outcomes in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC).

Metastatic triple-negative breast cancer remains an aggressive disease with limited treatment options and poor long-term survival. While immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have demonstrated benefit in select patients, many tumors exhibit low PD-L1 expression and resistance to immunotherapy. Preclinical and clinical findings presented at AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) show that CCR5 inhibition with leronlimab modulates immune checkpoint signaling, potentially sensitizing tumors to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.

"Our findings suggest that CCR5 plays a key role in immune exhaustion and therapy resistance pathways in TNBC," said Richard G. Pestell, M.D., Ph.D., FRCP, AO, Lead Consultant in Preclinical and Clinical Oncology at CytoDyn. "Induction of PD-L1 predicts response to immune checkpoint therapy. Leronlimab-mediated CCR5 inhibition induced PD-L1 expression and reduced key mediators of immune suppression, including sB7-H3 and sTyro3 signaling. These data support the hypothesis that leronlimab may help prime tumors for immune checkpoint therapy and improve clinical outcomes in patients with otherwise limited therapeutic options."

Key findings from baseline tumor biology and leronlimab treatment analysis in TNBC include:

Across breast cancer cohorts (N=1,096), CCR5 expression correlated with gene signatures of T-cell immune exhaustion and immune infiltration.
CCR5 expression was enriched in TNBC subtypes associated with immune modulation, including mesenchymal-like immune-altered (MLIA) and immunomodulatory (IM) subtypes.
In TNBC cell models, CCR5 inhibition with leronlimab increased PD-L1 expression, suggesting a potential mechanism to enhance responsiveness to PD-L1-targeted therapies.
Proteomic analyses demonstrated that CCR5 activity promotes expression of immune checkpoint mediators, including sB7-H3 (CD276) and Tyro3 signaling, both associated with resistance to ICIs; these effects were attenuated with leronlimab.
In a retrospective analysis of 28 patients with mTNBC, leronlimab treatment was associated with induction of PD-L1 in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and cancer-associated macrophage-like cells (CAMLs).
Higher leronlimab dose, PD-L1 induction, and use in combination or sequence with ICIs were associated with improved patient survival outcomes.
Notably, 17.9% (5/28) of heavily pretreated patients remain alive after more than 60 months of follow-up.

"These results reinforce the potential role of CCR5 as a critical regulator of the tumor microenvironment in TNBC," said Jacob P. Lalezari, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of CytoDyn. "The observed induction of PD-L1 and association with long-term survival in mTNBC support continued clinical development of leronlimab in combination approaches designed to enhance immune response and overcome treatment resistance."

Dr Pestell is the first author of the poster presentation titled "Leronlimab induces PD-L1 expression and is associated with long term survival with an ICI in PD-L1 low metastatic TNBC" on April 19, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. PT (Poster #1033). A copy of the poster will be made available on CytoDyn’s website under the Publications & Posters section.

(Press release, CytoDyn, APR 20, 2026, View Source [SID1234664583])

On April 20, 2026, Arcus Biosciences, Inc. (the "Company") reported the discontinuation of the Phase 3 STAR-121 study, which is being conducted in collaboration with Gilead Sciences, Inc. ("Gilead"), due to futility. STAR-121 evaluated the anti-TIGIT antibody domvanalimab plus anti-PD-1 antibody zimberelimab and chemotherapy versus pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. The decision is based on the recommendation from the Independent Data Monitoring Committee ("IDMC"), following its review of data from a pre-planned futility analysis. Safety was not assessed at this futility analysis; however, no new safety issues have been identified during regular reviews by the IDMC.

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 STAR-121 study also evaluated zimberelimab and chemotherapy as an exploratory endpoint. Zimberelimab plus chemotherapy performed consistently with respect to overall survival as compared to pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy.

STAR-121, along with the Phase 2 EDGE-Lung study, will be discontinued. Gilead is communicating with investigators to determine appropriate next steps for patients in these studies.

Gilead Collaboration Update.

On April 20, 2026, the Company announced that the period for Gilead’s option rights under the Option, License and Collaboration Agreement entered into between the Company and Gilead in 2020, as amended, will end on July 14, 2026, following Gilead’s decision to not make the option continuation payment to the Company. Accordingly, Gilead will not have option rights to additional programs in the Company’s early-stage pipeline, including the CCR6, CD89 and CD40L programs, but will maintain its existing time-limited options to programs including AB801 (an investigational small molecule AXL inhibitor), AB598 (an investigational anti-CD39 monoclonal antibody), AB102 (an investigational MRGPRX2 antagonist), and an investigational TNF small molecule inhibitor.

The Company has full rights to casdatifan and the casdatifan development program, other than those rights licensed to Taiho in Japan and certain other Asian territories (not including China).

(Press release, Arcus Biosciences, APR 20, 2026, View Source [SID1234664534])

On April 20, 2026 Prelude Therapeutics Incorporated (Nasdaq: PRLD), a precision oncology company, reported the presentation of new preclinical data from its lead development candidate, PRT13722. PRT13722 is being developed for the treatment of hormone receptor positive (HR+)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2-) breast cancer (BC). Based on preclinical data, we believe PRT13722 is a highly differentiated, first-in-class, orally bioavailable, potent and highly-selective KAT6A degrader.

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!

"These preclinical data further strengthen our hypothesis that developing a highly selective degrader specifically targeting KAT6A has the potential for further improvements of efficacy and importantly an improved hematological safety profile. We believe the efficacy and safety profile of PRT13722 will, in turn, enable meaningful combination approaches to existing standards of care," stated Peggy Scherle, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of Prelude. "We remain on track to file an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for PRT13722 in the middle of this year and, pending clearance, enter the clinic in the second half of 2026."

"There remains a significant unmet need for new treatment options to further improve the standard of care in breast cancer," stated Edith A. Perez, M.D., Professor Emeritus at Mayo Clinic and strategic clinical advisor to Prelude. "New agents that show potential for relevant clinical efficacy and improved tolerability could enable alternative treatment strategies and novel combinations across multiple lines of therapy. It is important to follow the science as these promising new agents prepare to enter the clinic, including PRT13722."

Details on the poster presentation are as follows:

Title: First-in-Class potent and selective oral KAT6A degrader development candidate, PRT13722, drives complete tumor regressions as a monotherapy with an improved preclinical hematological safety profile.

Abstract Control Number: 7335
Session Title: Proximity-Induced Drug Discovery 2
Session Start Time: 4/21/2026 2:00 PM PT
Location: Poster Section 15
Poster Board Number: 20
Presentation Number: 5793

Summary:

PRT13722 is a highly differentiated, first-in-class, orally bioavailable, potent and highly selective KAT6A degrader development candidate.
PRT13722, by degrading KAT6A, drives more complete disruption of KAT6A regulatory pathways than dual KAT6A/B inhibitors, resulting in more robust depth and breadth of preclinical efficacy in HR+/HER2- breast cancer.
PRT13722 drives durable complete tumor regressions in HR+/HER2- xenograft models (both endocrine therapy (ET) sensitive and experienced) at well-tolerated doses, as a monotherapy.
PRT13722 is synergistic with ET, CDK4/6 inhibitors, and PI3Kα inhibitors while maintaining monotherapy and combination activity across HR+ BC models, including estrogen receptor 1 mutated and acquired therapy-resistant cancer cells.
PRT13722 has an improved preclinical hematological safety profile compared to prifetrastat, which may enable combinations with standard of care agents in HR+ BC.
PRT13722 is on track for IND filing in mid-2026.
Link to Poster Presentation: Publications – Prelude Therapeutics (preludetx.com)

Highly selective KAT6A oral degrader program
KAT6 is an emerging and recently validated target in the treatment of ER+ breast cancer. Prelude discovered and is developing first-in-class, highly potent, highly selective and orally bioavailable KAT6A selective degraders. PRT13722 remains on track for an IND filing in mid-2026 and subject to clearance, with Phase 1 study initiation planned in the 2nd half of 2026. Prelude believes that selectively degrading KAT6A has the potential for improved efficacy, tolerability and combinability with other agents relative to non-selective inhibitors of KAT6A/B.

The Company presented initial preclinical data supporting this hypothesis at the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2025. The presentation can be found at Publications – Prelude Therapeutics.

Additional AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) Presentation
On April 18, 2026, Prelude’s Sr. Director of Biology and Pharmacology, Koichi Ito, Ph.D. provided a lecture during an educational session entitled: ED08 – Chemistry to the Clinic Part 1 of 4: Next-Level Conjugates: Transforming Targeted Therapies. The title of the presentation is: "Beyond Conventional Payloads: Unlocking New Therapeutic Landscapes with Targeted Protein Degrader-Antibody Conjugates (DACs)"

(Press release, Prelude Therapeutics, APR 20, 2026, View Source [SID1234664550])

On April 20, 2026 Bracco Imaging reported a strategic alliance with NYU Langone Health to advance innovation in medical imaging through the signing of a multi-year Master Research Agreement (MRA). By combining resources, scientific capabilities and complementary expertise, the collaboration aims to accelerate the development and optimization of advanced imaging technologies, enhancing clinical insights and contributing to improved patient management.

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 partnership will focus on key areas of diagnostic imaging, including Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Photon-Counting Computed Tomography (PCCT), targeted ultrasound, and artificial intelligence-enabled PET/CT and MRI image analysis. Through this collaboration, both parties aim to further support the advancement of precision medicine and enable more informed and timelier clinical decision-making. The agreement is designed to foster closer interaction between research and clinical practice, facilitating the translation of scientific discoveries into real-world healthcare applications. Joint research activities will leverage NYU Langone Health’s clinical and academic excellence alongside Bracco’s longstanding expertise in contrast imaging and diagnostic solutions.

"The agreement reflects a shared commitment between the Bracco Group and NYU Langone Health to advance research and clinical innovation in medical imaging," said Fulvio Renoldi Bracco, Vice Chairman and CEO of Bracco Imaging. "NYU Langone Health is among the world’s most respected leaders in radiology, with a proven history in translational research and an exceptional ability to combine clinical practice, advanced technologies, and academic expertise. By combining our respective strengths, we aim to further enhance diagnostic performance, streamline clinical workflows and ultimately generate meaningful impact for patients and healthcare systems."

"Diagnostic imaging is advancing at a remarkable pace, and strategic collaborations are essential to progress," said Michael P. Recht, M.D., the Louis Marx Professor of Radiology and chair of the Department of Radiology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. "We are excited to build on NYU Langone Health’s legacy of advances and to work with the Bracco Group toward breakthroughs in modalities central to precision medicine in terms of superior diagnostic accuracy and enhanced clinical decision-making."

(Press release, Bracco, APR 20, 2026, View Source [SID1234664567])