On March 17, 2026 Senhwa Biosciences, Inc. (TPEx: 6492), a clinical stage company focusing on development of first-in-class therapeutics for oncology, rare diseases, and infectious diseases, reported that its first-in-class investigational drug Pidnarulex (CX-5461) has demonstrated a significant research breakthrough in the field of photodynamic therapy (PDT). The research findings have been selected for presentation at the 2026 Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper)—one of the world’s most influential conferences in oncology research—highlighting the innovation of the mechanism and its promising clinical development potential recognized by the international scientific community.

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!

In recent years, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has increasingly emerged as a promising cancer treatment strategy attracting strong interest from the global pharmaceutical industry. Several major pharmaceutical companies—including Novartis, AstraZeneca, and Roche—have actively invested in related research, acquisitions, and collaborations, exploring the integration of next-generation photosensitizers with photo-immunotherapy approaches.

The pre-clinical study shows that CX-5461 possesses photosensitizing properties. When exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, the compound generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative DNA damage and enhanced cancer cell death through both direct cytotoxicity and immune-mediated mechanisms. Under the same drug concentration conditions, cytotoxicity against cancer cells increased by approximately ten-fold.

Further investigation revealed that CX-5461’s binding to G-quadruplex (G4) DNA structures works synergistically with light-induced ROS generation, significantly enhancing anti-tumor activity and prolonging survival. These findings suggest that, beyond its established anti-cancer mechanisms, CX-5461 also has the potential to be developed as a novel photosensitizer for photodynamic and novel photoimmuno-therapy.

This emerging therapeutic strategy could potentially be applied to superficial tumors, skin cancers, and other localized treatment settings, enabling a cross-indication cancer treatment approach and opening new clinical applications in oncology.

The AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting serves as a premier global platform for validating groundbreaking science and presenting first-in-class mechanisms of action. Research presented at AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) frequently shapes future directions in biomedical innovation and often facilitates strategic collaborations, licensing agreements, and co-development opportunities with global pharmaceutical companies. Selection of this study for presentation further enhances the global visibility of CX-5461 in the field of innovative cancer therapeutics.

The research will be presented during the "Radiation and Photodynamic Therapy Response Modifiers" clinical research session at the AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) 2026 Annual Meeting. Jason Huang, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Senhwa Biosciences, and Kai‑Wei Hsueh, Ph.D., Associate Director of Clinical Research, will attend the conference and present the findings.

Photodynamic therapy is a medical technology that combines a photosensitizing agent with specific wavelengths of light to activate the compound and generate singlet oxygen or free radicals, selectively destroying diseased cells or tissues. It is widely considered a minimally invasive treatment modality with relatively low systemic toxicity. PDT has already been applied in a range of diseases, including skin cancers, head and neck cancer, esophageal cancer, lung cancer, bladder cancer, and cervical cancer.

Market research also indicates continued growth in the global photodynamic therapy market. The oncology-focused PDT market was estimated at approximately USD 3.54 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 5.89 billion by 2032, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 7–8%. With the increasing demand for precision oncology and minimally invasive therapies, photodynamic therapy is emerging as a key area of interest for global pharmaceutical development.

Senhwa Biosciences stated that the newly identified mechanism and application of CX-5461 in photodynamic therapy further demonstrate the compound’s potential as a multi-platform innovative anti-cancer therapeutic. The company will continue advancing related research and clinical development while actively exploring international partnerships and licensing opportunities to accelerate the global development of next-generation cancer treatments.

(Press release, Senhwa Biosciences, MAR 17, 2026, View Source [SID1234663632])

On March 17, 2026 Onchilles Pharma, a private biotech company advancing therapeutics targeting the ELANE pathway, reported that new preclinical data supporting its systemically delivered NEU-002 program will be presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2026, taking place April 17-22 in San Diego. The presentation will highlight the translational development of NEU-002, an engineered therapeutic elastase specifically designed for systemic administration, demonstrating anti-tumor activity via both intravenous and intraperitoneal delivery in solid tumors.

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!

"With our clinical-stage lead program, N17350, establishing the foundational proof-of-concept for the ELANE pathway, NEU-002 represents our second program and extends this approach into systemic delivery for solid tumors," said Court Turner, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Onchilles Pharma. "The data to be presented reflect our progress in engineering a systemically deliverable therapeutic that maintains anti-tumor activity and supports the advancement of NEU-002 toward development candidate selection and clinical translation."

Presentation Details

Title: Translational Development of NEU-002: Engineered Therapeutic Elastases Demonstrate Systemic Anti-Tumor Activity via Intraperitoneal and Intravenous Administration
Session Category: Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics
Session Title: Innovative Therapeutic Modalities and Translational Platforms
Day & Time: Saturday, April 19, from 2pm to 5pm PDT
Location: Poster Section 13
Poster Board Number: 28
Poster Number: 310

About Onchilles Therapeutic Programs Targeting the ELANE Pathway

At the core of this approach is the ELANE pathway, a unique cancer-selective killing mechanism that leverages a vulnerability shared by many cancer cell types: elevated histone H1 levels. Our pipeline is led by N17350, our first-in-class, clinical-stage program, followed by NEU-002, the second program that extends this approach with systemic delivery. By targeting the ELANE pathway and inducing immunogenic cancer cell death, N17350 and NEU-002 are designed to rapidly eliminate tumors while mobilizing an adaptive immune response, offering the potential for sustained anti-tumor immunity. N17350 and NEU-002 offer a unique approach to treating cancer regardless of their genetic makeup, anatomical origin, or immune status, positioning them as potential gamechangers in cancer therapy.

(Press release, Onchilles Pharma, MAR 17, 2026, View Source [SID1234663648])

On March 17, 2026 Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. (Nasdaq: TNXP) ("Tonix" or the "Company"), a fully integrated, commercial biotechnology company, reported an oral presentation and two poster presentations on its preclinical immuno-oncology portfolio at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2026, being held April 17–22, 2026, in San Diego, California.

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!

Oral Presentation Details

Title: TFF2 deficiency amplifies IL-1β-driven inflammation and promotes aging-associated gastric tumor progression
Abstract #: 6822
Date and Time: April 21, 2026, 2:30–4:30 p.m. PT (5:30-7:30 p.m. ET)
Session Category: Tumor Biology
Session Title: Aging Micro- and Macro-Environments in Tumor Progression and Therapy
Presenters: Shuang Li, MD, PhD, and Timothy C. Wang, MD, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center (Tonix co-authors: Seth Lederman, MD, Chief Executive Officer, and Bruce L. Daugherty, PhD, MBA, Executive Vice President of Research)

Poster Presentation Details

Title: In vitro characterization of fully human antagonistic anti-BTLA monoclonal antibodies
Poster #: 6550
Date and Time: April 21, 2026, 2:00-5:00 p.m. PT (5:00-8:00 p.m. ET)
Session Category: Clinical Research
Session Title: Immune Checkpoint Blockade
Location: Poster Section 44, Board 16
Presenter: Bruce Daugherty, PhD, MBA, Executive Vice President of Research, Tonix

Title: Pharmacokinetics of TNX-1700 in non-human primates and human FcRn/serum albumin transgenic mice
Poster #: 7940
Date and Time: April 22, 2026, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. PT (12:00-3:00 p.m. ET)
Session Category: Clinical Research
Session Title: Tumor Microenvironment Modulators
Location: Poster Section 49, Board 15
Presenter: Bruce Daugherty, PhD, MBA, Executive Vice President of Research, Tonix

Copies of the Company’s presentations will be available under the Scientific Presentations tab on the Tonix website at www.tonixpharma.com.

About TNX-1700
TNX-1700, a fusion protein of TFF2 and albumin, is in preclinical development for the treatment of gastric and colorectal cancer in combination with PD-1 blockade. TNX-1700, in-licensed from Columbia University, is in the pre-Investigational New Drug (IND) stages of development.

(Press release, TONIX Pharmaceuticals, MAR 17, 2026, View Source [SID1234663664])

On March 17, 2026 Immunocore Holdings plc (Nasdaq: IMCR) ("Immunocore" or the "Company"), a commercial-stage biotechnology company pioneering and delivering transformative immunomodulating medicines to radically improve outcomes for patients with cancer, infectious diseases and autoimmune diseases, reported that it will present the five-year overall survival (OS) from the KIMMTRAK (tebentafusp-tebn) Phase 3 trial in previously untreated HLA-A*02:01 positive patients with unresected or metastatic uveal melanoma (mUM), at the 2026 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting commencing on April 17, 2026.

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 Company will issue a release after the oral presentation that will include the 5-year OS data, which is the longest OS follow-up in a randomized trial in metastatic uveal melanoma patients. Beyond the abstract, the presentation will include additional data such as subsequent treatments in both arms, treatment beyond progression, and prognostic factors.

Presentation details

Title: Five-year survival with tebentafusp in previously untreated metastatic uveal melanoma in a phase 3 trial (CT029)
Presenting author: Paul Nathan
Session: Advanced Cellular and Immune-Based Therapeutics
Date and time: Sunday 19 April – 3:00-5:00 p.m. Pacific Time

About ImmTAC molecules for cancer

Immunocore’s proprietary T cell receptor (TCR) technology generates a novel class of bispecific biologics called ImmTAC (Immune mobilizing monoclonal TCRs Against Cancer) molecules that are designed to redirect the immune system to recognize and kill cancerous cells. ImmTAC molecules are soluble TCRs engineered to recognize intracellular cancer antigens with ultra-high affinity and selectively kill these cancer cells via an anti-CD3 immune-activating effector function. Based on the demonstrated mechanism of T cell infiltration into human tumors, the ImmTAC mechanism of action holds the potential to treat hematologic and solid tumors, regardless of mutational burden or immune infiltration, including immune "cold" low mutation rate tumors.

About Uveal Melanoma

Uveal melanoma is a rare and aggressive form of melanoma, which affects the eye. This is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults and up to 50% of people with uveal melanoma will eventually develop metastatic disease. Unresectable or metastatic uveal melanoma typically has a poor prognosis and had no approved treatment until KIMMTRAK.

About KIMMTRAK

KIMMTRAK is a novel bispecific protein comprised of a soluble T cell receptor fused to an anti-CD3 immune-effector function. KIMMTRAK specifically targets gp100, a lineage antigen expressed in melanocytes and melanoma. This is the first molecule developed using Immunocore’s ImmTAC technology platform, designed to redirect and activate T cells to recognize and kill tumor cells. KIMMTRAK has been approved for the treatment of HLA-A*02:01-positive adult patients with unresectable or metastatic uveal melanoma in the United States, European Union, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), which may be serious or life-threatening, occurred in patients receiving KIMMTRAK. Monitor for at least 16 hours following first three infusions and then as clinically indicated. Manifestations of CRS may include fever, hypotension, hypoxia, chills, nausea, vomiting, rash, elevated transaminases, fatigue, and headache. CRS occurred in 89% of patients who received KIMMTRAK, with 0.8% being grade 3 or 4. Ensure immediate access to medications and resuscitative equipment to manage CRS. Ensure patients are euvolemic prior to initiating the infusions. Closely monitor patients for signs or symptoms of CRS following infusions of KIMMTRAK. Monitor fluid status, vital signs, and oxygenation level and provide appropriate therapy. Withhold or discontinue KIMMTRAK depending on persistence and severity of CRS.

Skin Reactions

Skin reactions, including rash, pruritus, and cutaneous edema occurred in 91% of patients treated with KIMMTRAK. Monitor patients for skin reactions. If skin reactions occur, treat with antihistamine and topical or systemic steroids based on persistence and severity of symptoms. Withhold or permanently discontinue KIMMTRAK depending on the severity of skin reactions.

Elevated Liver Enzymes

Elevations in liver enzymes occurred in 65% of patients treated with KIMMTRAK. Monitor alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and total blood bilirubin prior to the start of and during treatment with KIMMTRAK. Withhold KIMMTRAK according to severity.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

KIMMTRAK may cause fetal harm. Advise pregnant patients of potential risk to the fetus and patients of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with KIMMTRAK and 1 week after the last dose.

The most common adverse reactions (≥30%) in patients who received KIMMTRAK were cytokine release syndrome, rash, pyrexia, pruritus, fatigue, nausea, chills, abdominal pain, edema, hypotension, dry skin, headache, and vomiting. The most common (≥50%) laboratory abnormalities were decreased lymphocyte count, increased creatinine, increased glucose, increased AST, increased ALT, decreased hemoglobin, and decreased phosphate.

For more information, please see full Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) or full U.S. Prescribing Information (including BOXED WARNING for CRS).

About KIMMTRAKConnect

Immunocore is committed to helping patients who need KIMMTRAK obtain access via its KIMMTRAKConnect program. The US program provides services with dedicated nurse case managers who provide personalized support, including educational resources, financial assistance, and site of care coordination. To learn more, visit KIMMTRAKConnect.com or call 844-775-2273.

(Press release, Immunocore, MAR 17, 2026, View Source [SID1234663616])

On March 17, 2026 Verismo Therapeutics, a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company developing a novel multi-chain KIR-CAR platform technology, reported its participation at the upcoming American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2026, which will be held April 17-22 in San Diego, California. The company will present new clinical, preclinical, and translational KIR-CAR data in three separate presentations, supporting the advancement of Verismo’s lead pipeline candidates, SynKIR-110 for patients with advanced mesothelin-expressing solid tumors, such as ovarian cancer, mesothelioma, and cholangiocarcinoma, and SynKIR-310 for patients with relapsed or refractory B cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas, as well as preclinical data from University of Pennsylvania collaborators reporting on a novel EGFR-targeted multi-chain KIR-CAR for treatment of glioblastomas.

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 presentations at AACR (Free AACR Whitepaper) 2026 mark a defining moment in immuno-oncology as we transition from compelling preclinical evidence to first-in-human clinical data from our two lead KIR-CAR-based therapies," said Laura A. Johnson, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Verismo Therapeutics. "By moving beyond ‘always-on’ single-chain CAR T to multi-chain KIR-CAR science, we believe we may have the potential to overcome current CAR T therapy limitations to successfully treat patients with solid tumors and to improve clinical responses in patients with blood cancers."

Verismo’s presentations will include:

First clinical data to be released on SynKIR-110 KIR-CAR Phase 1 clinical trial for patients with advanced ovarian cancer, mesothelioma, or cholangiocarcinoma

An oral late-breaking presentation, highlighting the initial clinical results of SynKIR-110 multi-chain KIR-CAR T cell product investigated in STAR-101 Phase 1 Clinical Trial (NCT05568680)

Location: San Diego Convention Center

Abstract Presentation Number: CT104

Presentation Title: Initial results of a first-in-human dose-escalation study of KIR-CAR in patients with advanced mesothelin-expressing solid tumors

Presenting Author: Lead Clinical Investigator Janos L. Tanyi, M.D., Ph.D., Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

Session Title: Clinical Trials Plenary 3: Cellular Therapies and Complex Immunotherapies
Session Time: 4/20/2026 10:15 AM – 12:15 PM PT
Preclinical and early clinical data to be released on SynKIR-310 for B cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas

A poster presentation, highlighting the preclinical data and early clinical data from SynKIR-310 KIR-CAR T cell product investigated in CELESTIAL-301 Phase 1 Clinical Trial (NCT06544265)

Location: San Diego Convention Center, Poster Section 40
Poster Board Number: 11

Poster Number: 5193

Title: Novel SynKIR-310 outperforms CD3-based second-generation CD28 or 41BB co-stimulated CAR T in B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma xenograft mice and shows early clinical signal

Presenting Author: Megan Blair, Ph.D., Verismo Therapeutics

Session Category: Clinical Research
Session Title: Adoptive Cell Therapy 2
Session Time: 4/21/2026 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT
First preclinical data to be released on EGFR-targeted multi-chain KIR-CAR T for Glioblastoma

A late-breaking poster presentation, highlighting preclinical data of EGFR-targeted KIR-CAR T cells supporting clinical translation

Location: San Diego Convention Center, Poster Section 53
Poster Board Number: 3

Abstract Presentation Number: LB138

Title: Natural killer cell-based signaling in EGFR-targeted KIR-CAR T overcomes CD3-based CAR T functional deficits to eliminate resistant glioblastomas in vivo

Presenting Author: Jun Xu, Ph.D., Verismo Therapeutics

Session Title: Late-Breaking Research: Immunology 2
Session Time: 4/20/2026 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT

(Press release, Verismo Therapeutics, MAR 17, 2026, View Source;including-initial-clinical-trial-results-for-lead-immuno-oncology-candidates-synkir-110-and-synkir-310–at-aacr-annual-meeting-2026-302716606.html [SID1234663633])