Azalea Therapeutics Highlights Nature Publication Demonstrating In Vivo Site-Specific TRAC-CAR T Cell Engineering

On March 18, 2026 Azalea Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company redefining precision genomic medicines in vivo, reported the publication of foundational research in Nature describing in vivo site-specific genomic integration to reprogram T cells. The research originated as an academic collaboration between the Eyquem laboratory at the University of California, San Francisco and the Doudna laboratory at the University of California, Berkeley. Three of the study’s authors – Justin Eyquem, Ph.D., Jenny Hamilton, Ph.D. and Jennifer Doudna, Ph.D. – subsequently co-founded Azalea Therapeutics to advance precise, programmable in vivo cell engineering toward the development of next-generation in vivo CAR T and other cell-based therapies.

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The publication, titled "In vivo site-specific engineering to reprogram T cells," demonstrates that stable and cell-specific transgene expression can be achieved through in vivo integration of large DNA payloads using a two-vector system consisting of enveloped delivery vehicles (EDVs) and adeno-associated viruses (AAVs). In preclinical models, the approach enabled targeted integration of a promoterless chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) transgene at the TRAC locus, resulting in physiologic CAR expression, robust T cell expansion and durable anti-tumor activity.

The research shows that placing CAR expression under control of the endogenous T cell receptor alpha (TRAC) promoter produces regulated CAR expression compared to conventional approaches relying on random integration or constitutive exogenous promoters. In humanized mouse models of B cell aplasia and hematologic malignancies, in vivo-generated TRAC-CAR T cells achieved therapeutic levels of CAR-positive T cells and sustained tumor control.

"This work demonstrates that stable, cell-specific transgene expression can be achieved through in vivo site-specific integration," said Justin Eyquem, Ph.D., co-founder of Azalea Therapeutics and associate professor of medicine at UCSF. "By integrating a promoterless CAR into the TRAC locus, we place expression under control of the endogenous T cell promoter, resulting in physiologic regulation and durable functional activity in preclinical models. These findings establish a foundation for precise in vivo T cell engineering without ex vivo manufacturing."

The research further describes optimization of both delivery components, including evolution of an AAV variant for improved T cell targeting and incorporation of an anti-CD3-targeted EDV to enhance specificity and activation. In humanized mouse models, the optimized system enabled generation of TRAC-CAR T cells representing up to ~20% of splenic T cells following a single administration, accompanied by complete B cell aplasia and tumor clearance.

"The research described in this publication establishes the scientific foundation for precise, programmable CAR insertion directly inside the body," said Jenny Hamilton, Ph.D., co-founder, president and chief executive officer of Azalea Therapeutics. "At Azalea, we are building on these findings with our proprietary EDV-based platform to advance in vivo CAR T programs toward clinical development. Our goal is to generate physiologically regulated, durable CAR T cells in patients through targeted genomic integration, while avoiding the complexity of ex vivo cell manufacturing."

Azalea is advancing TRAC-targeted in vivo CAR T programs toward IND-enabling studies, building on the foundational work described in this publication, which is available online in Nature.

(Press release, Azalea Therapeutics, MAR 18, 2026, View Source [SID1234663733])

Greenwich LifeSciences Provides Update on Upcoming AACR Meeting

On March 18, 2026 Greenwich LifeSciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GLSI) (the "Company"), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on its Phase III clinical trial, FLAMINGO-01, which is evaluating Fast Track designated GLSI-100, an immunotherapy to prevent breast cancer recurrences, reported an update on the upcoming AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) Meeting 2026.

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Two abstracts and two posters were accepted for presentation. The titles and authors of the abstracts are as follows:

Abstract Number: CT138 – Poster Section 52 on April 20, 2026, 2-5pm

Abstract Title: Preliminary delayed-type-hypersensitivity immune response results from open-label arm of on-going Phase III study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of GLSI-100 (GP2 + GM-CSF) in breast cancer patients with residual disease or high-risk PCR after both neo-adjuvant and postoperative adjuvant anti-HER2 therapy, Flamingo-01

Snehal S. Patel1, Jaye Thompson1, F. Joseph Daugherty1, Francois-Clement Bidard2, William J. Gradishar3, Marcus Schmidt4, Miguel Martin5, Joyce A. O’Shaughnessy6, Hope S. Rugo7, Cesar A. Santa-Maria8, Laura M. Spring9, Mothaffar F. Rimawi10

1Greenwich LifeSciences, Stafford, TX,2Institut Curie, Paris, France,3Northwestern University, Chicago, IL,4University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany,5GEICAM, Madrid, Spain,6Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Dallas, TX,7City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA,8Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD,9Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA,10Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX

This will be the first abstract and poster from FLAMINGO-01 with statistically significant immune response data, potentially with subgroup analysis by the most prevalent HLA types. A positive immune response is an indicator that the immune system has been activated against recurring cancer cells, potentially leading to the prevention of metastatic breast cancer and improved long term survival.
Immune responses to GP2 were measured at baseline and over time using delayed-type-hypersensitivity (DTH) skin tests and other methods. The DTH skin test measures the diameter of the skin immune response to GP2 in millimeters, 48-72 hours after intradermal injection of a low concentration of GP2 without GM-CSF.

Abstract Number: CT227 – Poster Section 51 on April 21, 2026, 9am-12pm

Abstract Title: Phase III study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of GLSI-100 (GP2 + GM-CSF) in breast cancer patients with residual disease or high-risk PCR after both neo-adjuvant and postoperative adjuvant anti-HER2 therapy, Flamingo-01

Jaye Thompson1, Snehal Patel1, Mira Patel1, Anu Tammareddi1, F. Joseph Daugherty1, Mothaffar F. Rimawi2

1Greenwich LifeSciences, Stafford, TX,2Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX

This abstract and poster will continue to update principal investigators at the conference about the study design of FLAMINGO-01.

The Steering Committee authoring abstract CT138 is comprised of the following experts in the field of breast cancer oncology representing prominent teaching hospitals in the US and 4 of the largest breast oncology networks in the US, Germany, France, and Spain:

Dr. Mothaffar F. Rimawi – Professor of Medicine at the Baylor College of Medicine and Executive Medical Director and Co-Leader, Breast Cancer Program of the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center
Dr. Francois-Clement Bidard – Professor of Medical Oncology, UVSQ/Paris Saclay University, Head of Breast Cancer Group, Institut Curie, Vice-Chair of the French Breast Cancer research group UCBG (Unicancer)
Dr. William J. Gradishar – Professor of Medicine at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chief of Hematology and Oncology in the Department of Medicine, and Betsy Bramsen Professor of Breast Oncology
Dr. Sibylle Loibl – Professor (apl) Goethe University Frankfurt/M, Clinical Consultant Centre for Haematology and Oncology/Bethanien Frankfurt/M, CEO of GBG Forschungs GmbH & Chair of the German Breast Group (GBG)
Dr. Miguel Martin – Professor of Medicine, Head, Medical Oncology Service, Gregorio Marañón General University Hospital, Complutense University, Madrid, CEO of GEICAM
Dr. Joyce A. O’Shaughnessy – Celebrating Women Chair in Breast Cancer, Baylor University Medical Center and Chair, Breast Cancer Program, Texas Oncology, US Oncology, Dallas, Texas
Dr. Hope S. Rugo – Director, Women’s Cancers Program, Division Chief, Breast Medical Oncology, Professor, Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Professor Emeritus, University of California, San Francisco
Dr. Cesar A. Santa-Maria – Associate Professor of Oncology, Breast and Gynecological Malignancies Group, Director of Breast Cancer Trials, Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center
Dr. Laura M. Spring – Assistant Professor, Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Attending Physician, Medical Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital

About the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2026

The AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) is the first and largest cancer research organization dedicated to accelerating the conquest of cancer and has more than 61,000 members residing in 143 countries and territories. The AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting is the focal point of the cancer research community, where scientists, clinicians, other health care professionals, survivors, patients, and advocates gather to share the latest advances in cancer science and medicine. From population science and prevention; to cancer biology, translational, and clinical studies; to survivorship and advocacy; the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting highlights the work of the best minds in cancer research from institutions all over the world.

About FLAMINGO-01 Open Label Phase III Data

More than 1,000 patients have been screened with a current screen rate of approximately 800 patients per year. The 250 patient non-HLA-A*02 arm is now fully enrolled, where all patients received GLSI-100, which is 5 times more treated patients and recurrence rate data than the approximately 50 patients treated in the Phase IIb trial. The Primary Immunization Series (PIS), which includes the first 6 GLSI-100 injections over the first 6 months and is required to reach peak protection, is followed by 5 booster injections given every 6 months to prolong the immune response, thereby providing longer-term protection.

In the non-HLA-A*02 arm, a preliminary analysis of recurrence rates after the PIS is completed shows an approximately 70-80% reduction in recurrence rate.
This observation is trending similarly to the Phase IIb trial results and hazard ratio where HLA-A*02 patients were treated and where breast cancer recurrences were reduced up to 80% compared to a 20-50% reduction in recurrence rate by other approved products.
The immune response at baseline prior to any GLSI-100 treatment, the increasing immune response during the PIS, and the safety profile of non-HLA-A*02 patients is trending similarly to the HLA-A*02 arms of FLAMINGO-01 and to the Phase IIb study.

Analysis of the open label data from FLAMINGO-01 has been conducted in a manner that maintains the study blind. The open label recurrence rate, immune response, and safety data is based on the patients enrolled to date in FLAMINGO-01 and the data provided by the clinical sites so far, which is not completed or fully reviewed, and is thus preliminary. While comparing any preliminary FLAMINGO-01 data to the Phase IIb clinical trial data may be possible, these preliminary results are not a prediction of future results, and the results at the end of the study may differ.

About GLSI-100 Phase IIb Study

In the prospective, randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled, multi-center (16 sites led by MD Anderson Cancer Center) Phase IIb clinical trial of HLA-A*02 breast cancer patients, 46 HER2/neu 3+ over-expressor patients were treated with GLSI-100, and 50 placebo patients were treated with GM-CSF alone. After 5 years of follow-up, there was an 80% or greater reduction in cancer recurrences in the HER2/neu 3+ patients who were treated with GLSI-100, followed, and remained disease free over the first 6 months, which we believe is the time required to reach peak immunity and thus maximum efficacy and protection. The Phase IIb results can be summarized as follows:

80% or greater reduction in metastatic breast cancer recurrence rate over 5 years of follow-up with a peak immune response at 6 months and well-tolerated safety profile.
The PIS elicited a potent immune response as measured by local skin tests and immunological assays.

About FLAMINGO-01 and GLSI-100

FLAMINGO-01 (NCT05232916) is a Phase III clinical trial designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Fast Track designated GLSI-100 (GP2 + GM-CSF) in HER2 positive breast cancer patients who had residual disease or high-risk pathologic complete response at surgery and who have completed both neoadjuvant and postoperative adjuvant trastuzumab based treatment. The trial is led by Baylor College of Medicine and currently includes US and European clinical sites from university-based hospitals and academic and cooperative networks with plans to open up to 150 sites globally. In the double-blinded arms of the Phase III trial, approximately 500 HLA-A*02 patients are planned to be randomized to GLSI-100 or placebo, and up to 250 patients of other HLA types are planned to be treated with GLSI-100 in a third arm. The trial has been designed to detect a hazard ratio of 0.3 in invasive breast cancer-free survival, where 28 events will be required. An interim analysis for superiority and futility will be conducted when at least half of those events, 14, have occurred. This sample size provides 80% power if the annual rate of events in placebo-treated subjects is 2.4% or greater.

For more information on FLAMINGO-01, please visit the Company’s website here and clinicaltrials.gov here. Contact information and an interactive map of the majority of participating clinical sites can be viewed under the "Contacts and Locations" section. Please note that the interactive map is not viewable on mobile screens. Related questions and participation interest can be emailed to: [email protected]

About Breast Cancer and HER2/neu Positivity

One in eight U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer over her lifetime, with approximately 300,000 new breast cancer patients and 4 million breast cancer survivors. HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) protein is a cell surface receptor protein that is expressed in a variety of common cancers, including in 75% of breast cancers at low (1+), intermediate (2+), and high (3+ or over-expressor) levels.

(Press release, Greenwich LifeSciences, MAR 18, 2026, View Source [SID1234663701])

Sapience Therapeutics to Present Multiple Posters at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2026

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])

Sandoz announces partnership agreement with Samsung Bioepis on up to five biosimilars, further expanding its leading pipeline to up to 32 assets

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])

Ipsen showcases transformative potential of early immuno-oncology pipeline at AACR

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])