On July 15, 2025 Oncomatryx Biopharma, a biotechnology company pioneering next-generation Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) for oncology, reported that it has been awarded funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator under the EU’s Horizon Europe 2021-2027 Research and Innovation Program (Press release, Oncomatryx, JUL 15, 2025, View Source [SID1234654397]).

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As part of this highly competitive program, Oncomatryx will receive €2.5 million in grant funding, along with a €10 million equity investment in its upcoming financing round. The EIC Accelerator call attracted 959 applications, with only 40 companies selected across 16 countries. Oncomatryx is proud to be the only oncology company among this distinguished group.

"Securing EIC Accelerator funding is a major milestone for Oncomatryx and a strong validation of our innovative approach to oncology drug development," said Laureano Simón, CEO of Oncomatryx. "This funding will enable us to advance the expansion cohorts of our ongoing Phase I clinical trial in pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancer, following highly promising results in the dose-escalation phase. We are honored to be recognized as Europe’s leading ADC platform and contribute to advancing new treatment options for patients with hard-to-treat solid tumors."

Oncomatryx’s unique ADC platform integrates proprietary novel payloads and advanced conjugation formats. With fully integrated R&D, chemistry, and conjugation facilities, Oncomatryx stands out as Europe’s most advanced ADC development platform, from discovery through to clinical-stage development. The company’s novel approach combines a deep understanding of the tumor microenvironment biology with proprietary payloads and linker technologies, positioning Oncomatryx as a strategic leader in oncology innovation.

Oncomatryx is currently advancing its lead ADC candidate, OMTX705, in clinical trials targeting Fibroblast Activation Protein in aggressive tumors with high unmet medical need. Encouraging clinical data have been presented at ASCO (Free ASCO Whitepaper) 2025 meeting. Ninety five patients were treated in the dose escalation and 3 backfilling cohorts of metastatic immune-cold solid tumors. An outstanding safety profile, with no dose limiting toxicity was shown, as well as long responses in patients expressing FAP. Randomized clinical trials are ongoing in immune-cold metastatic pancreatic, MSS colorectal and non-small cell lung cancer.

In addition to this recognition from the European Union, Oncomatryx has been designated a strategic company by both the Government of Spain and the Basque Regional Government. The Spanish government R&D funding body, CDTI through Innvierte co-investment initiative for strategic companies and the Basque Regional Government have both invested directly in Oncomatryx, acknowledging its pivotal role in advancing oncology innovation. Together with the EIC Accelerator award, these endorsements firmly position Oncomatryx as a european leading player in Oncology and the ADC field."

On July 15, 2025 Kairos Pharma, Ltd. (NYSE American:KAPA), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on innovative cancer therapeutics, reported positive safety results from its ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial of ENV-105 (carotuximab) in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) (Press release, Kairos Pharma, JUL 15, 2025, View Source [SID1234654382]). The interim safety analysis of the trial demonstrated that ENV-105, a first-in-class CD105 antagonist, was well tolerated when combined with standard of care hormone therapy, apalutamide, from the first ten enrolled patients. Thus far, there have been no dose-limiting toxicities or unexpected adverse events reported to date. In addition, the treatment-related side effects were manageable with standard supportive care. Notably, no Grade 3 or 4 toxicities were observed.

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"The favorable safety profile observed in this Phase 2 study is encouraging, as it validates our belief in ENV-105’s clinical potential and supports continued development in a patient population with limited effective treatment options," said John Yu, MD, Kairos Pharma CEO.

With one million men in the US being diagnosed with prostate cancer annually, and millions more worldwide, the development of resistance to current hormone therapies is a growing unmet need with an increasingly aging population. Castration-resistant prostate cancer refers to tumors that grow despite receiving hormone blocking agents. Treatment options remain limited after hormone therapies fail. Kairos Pharma seeks to provide a safe and effective alternative for these patients with ENV-105.

The randomized Phase 2 trial aims to enroll 100 patients in total and is presently accruing patients at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, City of Hope, and Huntsman Cancer Center. The study is designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and early signs of efficacy of ENV-105, a CD105 antagonist, in men whose disease has progressed following standard hormone-based therapies. Interim efficacy data from the trial are expected to be reported in September 2025.

Kairos Pharma plans to engage with regulatory agencies to discuss the design of a potential pivotal Phase 3 study, based on emerging data.

On July 15, 2025 Tvardi Therapeutics, Inc. ("Tvardi") (NASDAQ: TVRD), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel, oral, small molecule therapies targeting STAT3 to treat fibrosis-driven diseases, reported that the Company’s Management will participate in a fireside chat at the BTIG Virtual Biotechnology Conference on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at 4:40 PM ET and participate in one-on-one investor meetings (Press release, Tvardi Therapeutics, JUL 15, 2025, View Source [SID1234654398]).

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The webcast of the fireside chat will be accessible on the Tvardi Investors’ website. A replay of the webcast will be available for approximately 60 days following the conference.

On July 15, 2025 SELLAS Life Sciences Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: SLS) ("SELLAS" or the "Company"), a late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel therapies for a broad range of cancer indications, reported that is has met all primary endpoints in its Phase 2 trial of SLS009 (tambiciclib), a highly selective CDK9 inhibitor, in relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (r/r AML) (Press release, Sellas Life Sciences, JUL 15, 2025, View Source [SID1234654383]).

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The Phase 2 clinical trial of SLS009 is an open-label, single-arm, multi-center study designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of SLS009 in combination with venetoclax and azacitidine at two dose levels, 45 mg and 60 mg. In the 60 mg dose cohort, patients were treated with either a 60 mg dose once per week or a 30 mg dose two times per week. The trial was expanded to include ASXL1-mutated AML patients as well as patients with myelodysplasia-related cytogenetic abnormalities other than ASXL1 mutations. The target response rate for this Phase 2 trial, at the optimal dose level, was at least 20% and a target median survival of at least 3 months. The primary endpoint for the trial was overall response rate (ORR), and key secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), safety, and tolerability.

The trial met all endpoints, demonstrating strong efficacy and favorable safety and tolerability with robust anti-tumor activity. Based on these data, the Company plans to advance SLS009 into a randomized trial that will expand into the newly diagnosed AML populations where earlier intervention may enhance therapeutic outcomes, as well as patients refractory to venetoclax and azacitidine, with the study to support a potential New Drug Application (NDA) with the FDA.

"We are excited to report that our Phase 2 trial met all key endpoints, with clinical responses and survival outcomes that exceed targeted expectations and historical benchmarks," said Angelos Stergiou, MD, ScD h.c., President and Chief Executive Officer of SELLAS. "AML remains an area of urgent unmet medical need, particularly for patients with relapsed or refractory disease, where standard treatments are often ineffective and poorly tolerated. What sets SLS009 apart is its consistent efficacy across a broad range of molecular subtypes. The remarkable response rates of 44% among AML MR patients, 50% among ASXL1-mutated AML MR, and 50% among M4/M5 patients at the optimal 30 mg BIW dose far exceed the targeted 20% benchmark. We saw a clear survival benefit with median OS reaching 8.8 months in patients refractory to venetoclax-based regimens in the cohort of patients with median 1 prior line of therapy, surpassing the historical median of 2.4 months and 4.1 months in cohorts with median 2 lines of prior therapy, versus 1.8 months reported in similar patient population. The treatment was also well-tolerated, with no dose-limiting toxicities across any treatment arm, validating both the biological selectivity and safety profile of our approach. We believe these data strongly support the potential of SLS009 to meaningfully extend life in patients with otherwise limited options, and we look forward to sharing these findings in more detail in the future. With the expected Phase 3 REGAL study final analysis by year-end, our galinpepimut-S (GPS) immunotherapy and SLS009 are complementary therapies that together enable us to hopefully address AML patients across the treatment spectrum — from early intervention to maintenance."

Key Phase 2 Results:

Patients Characteristics:

54 evaluable r/r AML patients who previously failed venetoclax-based therapies were enrolled and treated with SLS009, and venetoclax/azacitidine; patients were enrolled across all five cohorts. Among the 54 treated patients, 47 had AML MR (87%) and 23 had ASXL1 mutations (43%).
47 out of 54 had AML MR (acute myeloid leukemia with myelodysplasia-related changes).
Among AML MR patients,17 had myelomonocytic/myelomonoblastic subtype of AML (M4 and M5), representing 31% of all patients.
All patients had adverse risk cytogenetics except one patient who had intermediate risk cytogenetics.
The median age of all patients was 69.
Median number of prior lines of therapy was 2.
Efficacy:

The results exceeded the pre-specified ORR threshold of 20%, demonstrating robust clinical activity and supporting advancement into late-stage development.
The ORR in all evaluable patients was 33% across all cohorts and dose levels and 40% for the 30mg BIW dose level.
At the 30 mg BIW dose, among AML MR patients, the ORR was 44%.
The highest efficacy was observed among patients with ASXL1 mutations, with an ORR of 50% (9/18) at 30 mg BIW dose levels and M4/M5 patients with 50% (6/12) ORR.
The mOS surpassed the historical benchmark of best available therapy of 2.4 months1 for patients who received one prior line of therapy and 1.8 months for those who received more than one prior line of therapy.
The mOS for patients treated with 30mg BIW, with a median of 1 prior line of therapy, was 8.8 months, while the mOS in AML MR patients reached 8.9 months vs. 2.4 months with best available therapy.
The mOS for cohorts with a median of 2 prior lines of therapies was 4.1 months vs.1.8 months with best available therapy.
Safety:

The addition of SLS009 to the venetoclax/azacitidine regimen was well tolerated and did not result in increased toxicities compared to ven/aza alone. No dose-limiting toxicities were observed across all dose levels.
Front Line Trial Planning Underway Following FDA Guidance

Following a productive end of Phase 2 meeting, the FDA recommended that SELLAS proceeds into a trial to include newly diagnosed, first-line AML patients eligible for venetoclax/azacitidine (aza/ven) therapy, where the agency believes clinical benefit might be greatest.
The randomized 80-patient trial is currently in preparation and is expected to begin enrollment by Q1 2026. The trial will include two groups:
Predictive biomarker cohort: Newly diagnosed patients unlikely to benefit from standard aza/ven therapy based on molecular profiling
Early resistance cohort: Patients who initiate treatment with aza/ven but demonstrate confirmed lack of any response after two treatment cycles
This precision approach allows SELLAS to target subpopulations with high unmet need and greatest potential for benefit.
"These SLS009 results represent an important advancement for patients with r/r AML, where treatment options remain limited and outcomes are often poor," said Dr. Yair Levy, Director of Hematologic Malignancies Research at Texas Oncology Baylor University Medical Center. "The response rates and survival outcomes are particularly compelling, especially given the consistency of responses across high-risk molecular subtypes and the favorable safety profile. What’s especially encouraging is the opportunity to now explore this therapy in the first-line setting, where outcomes are often dictated by how patients respond to initial treatment. The FDA’s recognition of this unmet need and its support for a trial in newly diagnosed patients reflects SLS009’s potential to address a critical gap in AML care."

"Following constructive FDA guidance, we are preparing the trial focused on newly diagnosed AML patients as well as those early refractory to venetoclax and azacitidine," said Dragan Cicic, MD, Chief Development Officer of SELLAS. "The study will include two groups – one comprising patients predicted not to benefit from standard aza/ven, based on cytogenetic risk factors, and a second comprising patients who begin aza/ven treatment but demonstrate confirmed resistance after two cycles. We believe earlier intervention with SLS009 may offer greater clinical benefit before patients’ bone marrow reserve is depleted by disease or prior therapies, and before the disease evolves into more resistant and aggressive forms. Data from other recent clinical trials suggests meaningful differences in response rates between newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory patients, reinforcing the importance of this strategic approach. In addition, our ongoing collaboration with one of the nation’s most prestigious cancer centers continues to generate insights in genomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics, which will refine patient selection and our precision medicine strategy and help us unlock the full potential of SLS009 as we prepare to enter pivotal development."

On July 15, 2025 Plus Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: PSTV) (the "Company"), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing targeted radiotherapeutics with advanced platform technologies for central nervous system (CNS) cancers, reported the oral presentation of its ReSPECT-LM clinical trial results and a sponsored educational symposium, at the upcoming SNO/ASCO CNS Metastases Conference on August 14-16, 2025, at the Baltimore Waterfront Marriott Hotel in Baltimore, MD (Press release, Plus Therapeutics, JUL 15, 2025, View Source [SID1234654384]).

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"Previously presented data from ReSPECT-LM was highly encouraging in both the safety profile and response signal in patients with leptomeningeal metastases or LM," said Michael Rosol, Ph.D., Plus Therapeutics’ Chief Development Officer. "At SNO/ASCO this year, our objective is to present the final clinical trial results and proposed clinical development path forward to clinical leaders in Neuro-oncology and further discuss this in our sponsored symposium."

Presentation

Title

"Phase 1 Dose Escalation of Rhenium (186Re) Obisbemeda (Rhenium Nanoliposome,186RNL (REYOBIQ) for the Treatment of Leptomeningeal Metastases (LM): Clinical Study Results for Safety and Efficacy" (CTSI-06)

Presenter
Andrew Brenner, M.D., Ph.D.

Date/Time
August 15, 3:25 – 4:50 p.m. ET

Location

Grand Ballroom I-V

LM Educational Symposium
Plus Therapeutics will host an educational symposium titled, "Reimagining Your Approach to Leptomeningeal Metastases," on Thursday, August 14, 2025, from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. ET in Grand Ballroom I-V. The session will focus on the latest advancements in understanding and managing LM, including a deep dive into REYOBIQ and CNSide and their potential roles in both prolonging life and improving the quality of life in patients with LM. The panelists will feature presentations from five leading neuro-oncologists.

Presenters

Peter Forsyth, M.D., Chairman, Neuro-Oncology Program, Moffitt Cancer Center; Professor of Oncology, University of South Florida

Priya Kumthekar, M.D., Professor of Neurology and Hematology/Oncology, Northwestern University Medical School

Andrew Brenner, M.D., Ph.D., Professor and Kolitz / Zachry Endowed Chair Neuro-Oncology Research; Co-Leader, Experimental and Developmental Therapeutics Program, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Isabella C. Glitza Oliva, M.D., Ph.D., M.S., Professor, Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas

Yoly Pina, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor and Researcher at Moffitt Cancer Center and non-tenured Professor at University of South Florida

Plus Therapeutics’ wholly-owned subsidiary, CNSide Diagnostics, LLC ("CNSide"), will also be showcasing two presentations at the upcoming 2025 SNO/ASCO conference.

About LM
Leptomeningeal metastases (LM) are a rare but severe complication of advanced cancer, affecting the fluid-lined structures of the central nervous system. LM occurs in approximately 5% of patients with metastatic cancer, with breast cancer, lung cancer, and melanoma being the most common sources. Median survival is typically 2-6 months, and effective treatment options are limited, highlighting the urgent need for novel therapies.

About REYOBIQ (rhenium Re186 obisbemeda)
REYOBIQ (rhenium Re186 obisbemeda) is a novel injectable radiotherapy specifically formulated to deliver direct targeted high dose radiation in CNS tumors in a safe, effective, and convenient manner to optimize patient outcomes. REYOBIQ has the potential to reduce off target risks and improve outcomes for CNS cancer patients, versus currently approved therapies, with a more targeted and potent radiation dose. Rhenium-186 is an ideal radioisotope for CNS therapeutic applications due to its short half-life, beta energy for destroying cancerous tissue, and gamma energy for real-time imaging. REYOBIQ is being evaluated for the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma, leptomeningeal metastases, and pediatric brain cancer in the ReSPECT-GBM, ReSPECT-LM, and ReSPECT-PBC clinical trials. ReSPECT-GBM is supported by an award from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), and ReSPECT-LM is funded by a three-year $17.6M grant by the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT). The Company’s ReSPECT-PBC clinical trial for pediatric brain cancer is supported by a $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense’s Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program.