On March 18, 2026 Sapience Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of peptide therapeutics to address oncogenic and immune dysregulation that drive cancer, reported three poster presentations at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2026, taking place April 17-22, 2026, in San Diego, California. Sapience will present clinical and non-clinical results from ST316, a first-in-class antagonist of β-catenin, as well as results from its preclinical Fra1 antagonist peptide (FraAP) program, a first-in-class antagonist of the activator protein 1 (AP-1) complex.

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Poster Presentation Details:

Title: "ST316, a first in class β-catenin antagonist, demonstrates safety and efficacy in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC)"
Session Title: Phase II and Phase III Clinical Trials
Location: Poster Section 52, Poster Board Number 20
Abstract Number: CT156
Date and Time: Monday, April 20, 2026, 2:00PM – 5:00PM PST

Title: "Antagonism of β-catenin/BCL9 interaction suppresses polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cell generation and maintenance"
Session Title: Oncogenic Pathways and Cancer Immunity
Location: Poster Section 7, Poster Board Number 5
Abstract Number: 5562
Date and Time: Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 2:00PM – 5:00PM PST

Title: "Targeted antagonism of the activator protein 1 transcription factor complex results in potent anti-tumor activity in HNSCC models"
Session Title: Oncogenic Transcription Factors and Cancer Programs
Location: Poster Section 24, Poster Board Number 17
Abstract Number: 4767
Date and Time: Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 9:00AM – 12:00PM PST

More information can be found on the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2026 website.

About ST316

ST316 is a first-in-class antagonist of the interaction between β-catenin and its co-activator, BCL9, a complex responsible for driving oncogene expression and immune exclusion in multiple cancers where aberrant Wnt/β-catenin pathway signaling is observed. Aberrant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is a critical driver of tumor progression and immune evasion in tumors including colorectal cancer (CRC). Targeting this pathway is challenging for multiple reasons including its role in normal tissue physiology. BCL9 is a co-activator essential for oncogenic β-catenin activity, but not its physiologic functions, highlighting the β-catenin/BCL9 interaction as a therapeutic target. ST316 was designed to selectively disrupt the β-catenin and BCL9/9L interaction, resulting in disruption of oncogenic Wnt/β-catenin transcriptional activity and potent antitumor activity, with no negative impact on intestinal or bone physiology.

ST316-101 (NCT05848739) is a first-in-human, open-label, Phase 1/2 dose escalation and expansion study designed to determine the safety, tolerability, PK, PD and early efficacy of ST316. The Phase 1 dose escalation portion of the study tested various dose levels of ST316 in patients with selected advanced solid tumors that are known to harbor abnormalities of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, including colorectal cancer (CRC). ST316 is currently being evaluated in the Phase 2 portion of the study in CRC patients in combination with relevant standards of care and in multiple lines of treatment. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Orphan Drug Designation to ST316 for the treatment of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).

(Press release, Sapience Therapeutics, MAR 18, 2026, View Source [SID1234663717])

On March 18, 2026 Sandoz (SIX:SDZ/OTCQX:SDZNY), the global leader in affordable medicines, reported a major license, development and commercialization partnership agreement with Samsung Bioepis Co., Ltd., marking a significant step to broaden patient access to high-quality biosimilar medicines worldwide.

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The agreement paves the way for the two companies to partner on up to five biosimilar assets. The first asset will be a vedolizumab biosimilar, which is in early-stage development. The reference medicine, Entyvio* (vedolizumab), is used to treat adult patients with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or pouchitis2,3.

Under the terms of the agreement, Sandoz will have exclusive rights to commercialize globally, except in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau and Republic of Korea. Samsung Bioepis will be responsible for development, regulatory submissions in key markets and manufacturing. Both companies have agreed to keep the financial details of the agreement confidential.

The partnership could expand the leading Sandoz pipeline to up to 32 assets and reinforces its commitment to capturing a significant share of the projected global biosimilar loss-of-exclusivity market opportunity, estimated at around USD 320 billion over the next decade1.

Richard Saynor, Chief Executive Officer, Sandoz, said: "This partnership underscores our unwavering commitment to expanding access to affordable, high-quality medicines for patients worldwide. It is another important step toward capitalizing on the unprecedented biosimilar market opportunity over the next decade while also strengthening our partnership with Samsung Bioepis."

Today’s news builds on the successful global partnership between the two companies first established in September 2023 for Pyzchiva (ustekinumab), which Sandoz launched in Europe in July 2024 and in the US in February 2025. The Pyzchiva collaboration is unaffected by the partnership announced today. In December 2025, the companies also signed an agreement for the commercialization of Epysqli, a biosimilar to eculizumab (Soliris**), for the Middle East and Africa region.

Sandoz continues to develop its leading pipeline of biosimilar medicines, building on its experience as the pioneer and global leader with a portfolio of 13 molecules available in nearly 100 countries.

(Press release, Sandoz, MAR 18, 2026, View Source [SID1234663630])

On March 18, 2026 Ipsen (Euronext: IPN; ADR: IPSEY) reported the presentation of new preclinical data across multiple early development programs currently in Phase I clinical trials, at the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) congress. These latest data include an oral presentation for T cell activator (TCA) IPN01203 to be presented during the coveted New Drugs on the Horizon program session, highlighting the differentiated mode of action, activating Vβ6/Vβ10 T cells. These latest preclinical data will expand the growing evidence base, reinforcing the first-in-class potential of IPN01203 to improve outcomes where there are significant unmet needs for people living with solid tumors.

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Additionally, Ipsen revealed ITGA2 as the novel target for innovative antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) IPN60300, now in active Phase I evaluation. Preclinical findings showed pronounced over-expression of ITGA2 across multiple solid tumors—including pancreatic, gastric and colorectal cancers—with clear differential expression when compared to normal tissues. These results confirmed that IPN60300 binds specifically and with high affinity to ITGA2, enabling efficient internalization and accumulation of the exatecan payload. Further preclinical tumor model data showed dose-dependent anti-tumor activity and favorable tolerability, suggesting a promising first-in-class therapy with the potential to improve clinical outcomes.

"These data presented at AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) exemplify our approach to early science, showcasing how we are harnessing precision immuno-modulation backed by the strength of preclinical data to advance next generation therapies where there are the highest unmet needs," said Mary Jane Hinrichs, SVP Early Development, Ipsen. "It’s a privilege to see the growing transformative potential of these new modalities, paving the way for potential best- and first-in-class impact for people living with cancer."

Underscoring the strength and promise of Ipsen’s precision medicine approach, IPN01203 and IPN60300 combine precision targeting with innovative mechanisms of action with the aim of delivering strength of efficacy where few other treatments exist.

About IPN01203

IPN01203 is a first-in-class T cell activator which selectively activates a group of Vβ6 T cells through the TCR and IL-15R pathways, enhancing their ability to recognize and target tumors. IPN01203 was generated by Marengo’s Selective T Cell Activation Repertoire (STAR) platform, a multi-specific fusion protein library that targets specific TCR Vβ variants fused to different co-stimulate moieties to develop potent T cell activators. A Phase I/II dose escalation and expansion trial is ongoing.

About IPN60300

IPN60300 is a first-in-class antibody-drug conjugate targeting the novel tumor antigen ITGA2 known to be overexpressed in many solid tumors, including pancreatic, gastric and colorectal cancers. This novel tumor antigen was identified using Foreseen’ Biotechnology’s high throughput, integrated translational proteomics, and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered screening platforms. Comprised of an ITGA2-targeting antibody, exatecan payload and innovative linker from Escugen Biotechnology’s EZWi-Fit, IPN60300 is optimally designed to allow for a wide therapeutic index, with potential for improved efficacy over standard of care as well as a favorable safety profile. A Phase I/II dose escalation and expansion trial is ongoing.

(Press release, Ipsen, MAR 18, 2026, View Source [SID1234663702])

On March 18, 2026 Freenome, an early cancer detection company developing blood-based screening tests, reported initial development data for its investigational lung cancer screening test. The data demonstrate the potential of a multiomics approach that combines DNA methylation analysis and protein markers to detect lung cancer in high-risk individuals.

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Freenome investigators will present the data at next month’s AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting in San Diego. Poster presentation details:

Abstract Number: 1107
Title: Development and performance of a multiomics lung cancer screening blood test
Presenter: Ofer Shapira, Freenome director of computational biology
Session Title: Early Detection Biomarkers 1
Session Date and Time: Sunday, April 19, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM PDT
For the study, an AI/ML classifier was trained on tissue (n=136) and plasma (n=6,716) samples. The test’s accuracy was evaluated in 673 plasma samples, including 363 lung cancer cases across all stages and 310 cancer-negative controls, from individuals matching the intended screening population (adults aged 50-80 with high-risk smoking history).

In this cohort, Freenome’s proprietary multiomics platform — using base-resolution methylation sequencing of circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and plasma protein immunoassays — achieved adjusted sensitivity* of 90.7% at 50% specificity and 80.4% at 75% specificity for detecting lung cancer. The multiomic approach outperformed a methylation-only version of the test, which showed adjusted sensitivities of 85.8% and 78.2% at the same specificity thresholds.

The multiomics test detected lung cancer across all three subtypes evaluated in this study (adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and small-cell lung cancer) and across all disease stages, including an adjusted sensitivity of 77.1% at 50% specificity for Stage I cases.

"Less than 20% of eligible high-risk adults are currently screened for lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S.," said Jimmy Lin, M.D., Ph.D. MHS, chief scientific officer at Freenome. "A blood-based screening test could provide a more accessible option to increase screening participation. In this study, our multiomics approach demonstrated the potential of our test to detect lung cancer across stages and subtypes, and we’re encouraged as we continue to advance to a larger validation study in a previously unseen evaluation cohort."

Freenome is developing a flexible multi-cancer detection platform designed to support a personalized test offering tailored to each individual’s health status, risk factors and screening recommendations. Leveraging a single blood draw and a common assay, this approach utilizes machine and deep learning classifiers to optimize diagnostic accuracy across a diverse range of cancer types.

*Reported sensitivities are adjusted to address differences between the evaluation cohort and literature-reported distributions for stage and histological subtype

(Press release, Freenome, MAR 18, 2026, View Source [SID1234663718])

On March 18, 2026 Kupando, a pioneering biopharmaceutical company developing a TLR 4/7 agonist that stimulates innate immunity and induces trained immunity for use in oncology and infectious diseases, reported that it has secured an additional €10 million in Series A financing. This latest investment brings Kupando’s total Series A funding to €23 million.

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The investment was again led by Remiges Ventures, co-led by LifeCare Partners, with additional investments by all other existing investors, among them Brandenburg Kapital, High-Tech Gründerfonds and Ventura Biomed Investors. Carma Fund joined as a new investor. The proceeds will be used to fund the Phase 1b clinical study of Kupando’s lead candidate, KUP101, in advanced solid tumors and to accelerate its preclinical programs in infectious diseases.

Kupando’s disruptive approach harnesses the power of innate immune stimulation and induction of trained innate immunity by dual Toll-Like Receptor (TLR) agonists. Its lead candidate, KUP101, is a differentiated dual TLR 4 and 7 agonist with a robust preclinical profile approaching clinical development. KUP101 is ideally suited for the systemic treatment of solid tumors (tissue agnostic), and the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, including antimicrobial-resistant infections. Its AMR program is being sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space.

"We are incredibly grateful for the continued strong support from our existing investors and excited to welcome Carma Fund to the Kupando family," said Johanna Holldack, MD, Founder and CEO of Kupando. "This additional funding is a testament to the potential of our innovative dual TLR agonist platform and will be instrumental in advancing KUP101 into clinical studies for solid tumors and accelerating our crucial work in infectious diseases. Our mission is to leverage the natural resilience of the innate immune system to deliver truly transformative therapies for patients in critical need."

New investor Martin Raditsch, PhD, Managing Partner of Carma Fund, commented, "Kupando’s unique approach to leveraging innate immunity holds immense promise across oncology and infectious diseases. This successful funding round, especially in the current challenging financial climate, underscores the confidence we, as investors, have in Kupando’s science, team, and potential to deliver impactful solutions for unmet medical needs."

Kazuhiko Nonomura, PhD, Partner of Remiges Ventures and member of Kupando’s Advisory Board, added, "Remiges Ventures is proud to continue leading the investment in Kupando. We believe Kupando’s dual TLR 4 and 7 agonist technology, particularly KUP101, has the potential to redefine treatment paradigms in both cancer and infectious diseases. We are excited to see the company transition to the clinical stage and unlock the full potential of its pipeline."

Kupando was founded by its CEO Johanna Holldack, MD, driven by the natural resilience observed in animals relying solely on innate immunity. Recognizing the historically undervalued yet critical role of this system, especially with the new understanding of innate and trained immunity, Kupando has made it the core of its therapeutic approach.

(Press release, Kupando, MAR 18, 2026, View Source [SID1234663703])