On August 5, 2026 Propanc Biopharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: PPCB) ("Propanc" or the "Company"), a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel treatments for chronic diseases, including recurrent and metastatic cancer, reported it is completing the first tranche of $500,000 within the first 30 days since commencing its share repurchase program.

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"We will continue to honor our share repurchase program as we believe the Company is significantly undervalued as we progress to a world first, Phase 1b, First-In-Human study in 40 – 45 advanced cancer patients suffering from solid tumors, to be rolled out nationally in trial centers across Australia. Further announcements are expected soon," said Mr. James Nathanielsz, Propanc’s Chief Executive Officer. "As a first-in-class therapy, we believe that PRP has the potential to transform metastatic cancer to a chronic disease rather than a life ending one. Therefore, we feel strongly about undertaking important corporate actions that reflect the true value of our shareholders’ equity. We look forward to continuing this program on an ongoing basis."

Under the share repurchase program, the Company may buy back its common stock from time to time, in amounts, at prices, and at such times as the Company deems appropriate, subject to market conditions, pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and federal and state laws governing such transactions, through a variety of methods, which may include open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, block trades, accelerated share repurchase transactions, purchases through 10b5-1 trading plans, or by any combination of such methods. The repurchase program does not oblige the Company to acquire any specific number of shares and may be modified, discontinued, or suspended at any time.

(Press release, Propanc, AUG 5, 2026, View Source [SID1234669727])

On August 5, 2026 SystImmune, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company and subsidiary of Biokin, reported that the first patient has been dosed in BrenDeLL-Lung01 (NCT07625644), a global Phase 3 registrational trial evaluating BL-M14D1 in combination with atezolizumab for the treatment of patients with previously untreated extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC).

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BL-M14D1 is an investigational DLL3-targeted antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) built on SystImmune’s proprietary brengitecan platform and is being developed globally for the treatment of small cell lung cancer and other neuroendocrine malignancies.

"The initiation of our global Phase 3 program marks an important milestone for BL-M14D1 and reflects our commitment to bringing innovative treatment options to patients with small cell lung cancer," said Jonathan Cheng, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of SystImmune. "Despite recent advances, outcomes for patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer remain poor, and there continues to be a significant need for more effective therapies. We believe BL-M14D1 has the potential to improve outcomes for these patients, and we are excited to begin evaluating the program in a registrational setting."

The Phase 3 study follows encouraging clinical activity observed in the ongoing Phase 1 BL-M14D1-101 trial recently presented at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Annual Meeting. These results demonstrated promising anti-tumor activity and a manageable safety profile in heavily pre-treated patients with small cell lung cancer and other neuroendocrine carcinomas, supporting advancement of the program into late-stage development.

About the BrenDeLL-Lung01 Phase 3 Clinical Trial
BrenDeLL-Lung01 (NCT07625644) is a global, multi-center, randomized Phase 3 trial evaluating BL-M14D1 in combination with atezolizumab versus standard-of-care platinum and etoposide induction followed by atezolizumab maintenance, with or without lurbinectedin, in patients with previously untreated extensive-stage small cell lung cancer. The study intends to enroll approximately 580 patients and the primary endpoint for this study is progression-free survival as assessed by blinded independent central review (BICR).

About BL-M14D1
SystImmune is advancing a portfolio of next-generation antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) built on its proprietary brengitecan platform, which utilizes a potent topoisomerase I inhibitor payload designed for targeted delivery to tumor cells. The clinical progress of izalontamab brengitecan (iza-bren) provides initial validation of this platform’s potential to deliver meaningful anti-tumor activity across multiple cancer types.

BL-M14D1 targets DLL3, which is highly expressed in small-cell lung cancer and neuroendocrine tumors, facilitating selective delivery of the brengitecan payload to DLL3-positive tumor cells.

(Press release, SystImmune, AUG 5, 2026, View Source [SID1234669748])

On August 5, 2026 Protagonist Therapeutics (Nasdaq: PTGX) ("Protagonist" or "the Company") reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2026 and provided a corporate update.

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"The second quarter of 2026 marked a defining growth phase for Protagonist with a successful commercial launch of ICOTYDE through our strategic partner and accelerating momentum across our internal R&D pipeline. ICOTYDE is quickly becoming a paradigm-shifting oral therapy for patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, and rusfertide is approaching an FDA decision that could establish it as a first-in-class erythrocytosis targeted medicine for patients with polycythemia vera," said Dinesh V. Patel, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer of Protagonist Therapeutics. "Equally exciting is the decision to advance our wholly-owned oral IL-17 antagonist PN-881 into a comprehensive Phase 2b psoriasis program, based on the strongly supportive pharmacokinetic results from the Phase 1 study. Behind PN-881, we have a maturing set of diverse assets moving toward clinical studies in obesity, hematology and immunology. These are the results of years of disciplined investment in differentiated science and mark the beginning, not the culmination, of a new phase of value creation as we continue to advance our peptide platform and clinical pipeline."

Second Quarter 2026 Recent Developments and Upcoming Milestones

Rusfertide: Subcutaneous Injectable Hepcidin Mimetic for Polycythemia Vera (PV)

· As announced on March 2nd, the NDA for rusfertide was accepted by the FDA and granted Priority Review in Q1 2026, with a PDUFA goal date in August 2026.

· Takeda holds exclusive worldwide development and commercialization rights to rusfertide following Protagonist’s opt-out election in April 2026. As previously disclosed, this triggered a $200 million payment to Protagonist, with an additional $200 million opt-out fee and a separate $75 million milestone due upon FDA approval of rusfertide. The opt-out election also increased downstream economics payable to Protagonist, including up to $775 million in sales milestone payments and tiered worldwide royalties ranging from 14% to 29%. At $1.5 billion in annual net sales, the weighted-average royalty rate is approximately 21%, with the 29% tier applying to annual sales above $1.5 billion. Protagonist continues to work closely with Takeda as the FDA completes its review. In addition to Priority Review, rusfertide has received Breakthrough Therapy designation, Orphan Drug designation, and Fast Track designation from the FDA for polycythemia vera.

· On June 1, Protagonist announced four presentations of Phase 3 VERIFY and long-term rusfertide data at the 2026 European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) Congress, including patient-reported outcome data from VERIFY and long-term efficacy and safety data from the REVIVE and THRIVE studies.

ICOTYDE (Icotrokinra): Oral IL-23 Receptor Antagonist

· On March 18, Protagonist announced that Johnson & Johnson received U.S. FDA approval of ICOTYDE for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older who weigh at least 40 kg and are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. The approval triggered a $50 million milestone payment to Protagonist in the first quarter of 2026. The second quarter of 2026 represents ICOTYDE’s first full quarter of commercial sales.

· Under the collaboration with Johnson & Johnson, Protagonist remains eligible to receive up to $580 million in potential additional regulatory and sales milestone payments, as well as tiered royalties ranging from 6% to 10% on global net sales with an approximate 7.25% weighted-average royalty rate at $4 billion in annual net sales and a 10% tier applying to the incremental annual sales above $4 billion. ICOTYDE is the first and only FDA-approved targeted oral peptide for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

Wholly-Owned Clinical and Discovery Programs

· PN-881 (oral IL-17 antagonist peptide): Pharmacokinetic data from the Phase 1 study supports the decision to advance PN-881 into a comprehensive Phase 2 psoriasis program, with initiation expected in early Q1 2027.

o PN-881 achieved 24-hour Ctrough levels significantly higher than prospectively targeted IC90 (IL-17AA, IL-17FF, IL-17AA+FF) values with once-daily oral dosing1

· PN-477 (triple GLP1/GIP/GCG agonist peptide for obesity): Phase 1 study with the injectable (sc) PN-477 has begun, and initiation of a Phase 1 study with the oral (o) formulation of PN-477 is anticipated in first half of 2027.

· PN-458o (dual GLP/GIP agonist peptide): IND-enabling studies are ongoing with Phase 1 initiation anticipated in the second half of 2027.

· PN-8047 (oral small molecule hepcidin functional mimetic): IND-enabling studies are ongoing, with Phase 1 initiation anticipated in Q1 2027.

· Discovery: The Company continues to advance high-priority discovery programs including an oral IL-4Rα antagonist and amylin-based mono- and poly-agonists.

Second Quarter 2026 Financial Results

· Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities: Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities as of June 30, 2026, were $849.5 million as compared to $646.0 million as of December 31, 2025.

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,
(in thousands, except per share amounts) 2026 2025 2026 2025
License and collaboration revenue $ 213,475 $ 5,546 $ 269,843 $ 33,867
Research and development expense $ 42,061 $ 37,036 $ 88,800 $ 72,929
General and administrative expense $ 12,648 $ 10,551 $ 25,925 $ 22,289
Income tax expense $ 2,265 $ 172 $ 763 $ 172
Net income (loss) $ 162,849 $ (34,771 ) $ 166,632 $ (46,426 )
Basic earnings (loss) per share $ 2.47 $ (0.55 ) $ 2.54 $ (0.73 )
Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ 2.29 $ (0.55 ) $ 2.35 $ (0.73 )

License and Collaboration Revenue: License and collaboration revenue of $213.5 million for second quarter of 2026 consisted primarily of (i) $192.4 million related to proportional recognition of the initial $200.0 million opt-out payment received from Takeda and (ii) $21.1 million for ongoing development services, including post opt-out wind down services, and rusfertide clinical supplies provided by us under the Takeda Collaboration Agreement and other revenues.

License and collaboration revenue of $269.8 million for six months ended June 30, 2026 consisted primarily of (i) $192.4 million related to proportional recognition of the initial $200.0 million opt-out payment received from Takeda, (ii) $27.4 million for ongoing development services, including post opt-out wind down services, and rusfertide clinical supplies provided by us under the Takeda Collaboration Agreement and other revenues, and (iii) a $50.0 million milestone earned from JNJ in Q1 2026 upon FDA approval of ICOTYDE.

License and collaboration revenue of $5.5 million for second quarter of 2025 consisted of (i) $5.0 million related to the initial transaction price of the Takeda collaboration agreement for development services provided by us, and (ii) $0.5 million related to the proportional recognition of the $25 million milestone earned in Q1 2025 but receivable following completion of the VERIFY clinical study report. License and collaboration revenue of $33.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025 consisted of: (i) $23.4 million related to proportional recognition of the $25 million milestone earned in Q1 2025 but payable following completion of the VERIFY clinical study report, and (ii) $10.5 million allocated to development services provided by us under the agreement during the period.

· Research and Development ("R&D") Expense: The increases in R&D expense from the prior year periods were primarily due to our clinical development and pre-clinical discovery programs, partially offset by decreases in rusfertide expenses related to the Phase 3 VERIFY clinical trial. We expect our research and development expenses to increase significantly in the second half of 2026 compared to the first half of 2026. The increase is expected to be driven primarily by the advancement of PN-881 into a comprehensive Phase 2 psoriasis program, planned investments in clinical manufacturing and CMC activities, including at-risk expenditures to ensure readiness for other programs as they advance into clinical development (PN-477sc, PN-458, PN-8047), additional pre-clinical discovery programs, as well as an increase in headcount and stock-based compensation expense.

· General and Administrative ("G&A") Expense: The increases in G&A expense from the prior year periods were primarily due to increases in stock-based compensation and other personnel-related expenses.

· Net Income (Loss): Net income was $162.8 million, or $2.47 per basic share and $2.29 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2026 as compared to net loss of $34.8 million, or $0.55 per basic and diluted share, for the second quarter of 2025. Net income was $166.6 million, or $2.54 per basic share and $2.35 per diluted share, for the six months ended June 30, 2026 as compared to net loss of $46.4 million, or $0.73 per basic and diluted share, for the six months ended June 30, 2025.

(Press release, Protagonist, AUG 5, 2026, View Source [SID1234669728])

On August 5, 2026 Vir Biotechnology, Inc. (Nasdaq: VIR), reported a corporate update and announced financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2026.

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"This is a pivotal time for the CHD community, when availability of new therapies could improve awareness, testing and access to care. At EASL, experts emphasized that achieving durable suppression of hepatitis delta virus to undetectable levels is a key predictor of improved clinical outcomes for people with CHD. Our Week 96 SOLSTICE results demonstrate the potential of our dual-acting elebsiran and tobevibart combination regimen to rapidly achieve undetectable virus in most patients and raise the bar for treatment of this devastating condition," said Marianne De Backer, Chief Executive Officer of Vir Biotechnology. "Beyond CHD, we remain focused on rapid execution of our joint clinical program with Astellas in prostate cancer and have initiated monotherapy and combination therapy dose-expansion cohorts in our VIR-5500 Phase 1 study that will help inform pivotal trial design."

Pipeline Programs

Chronic Hepatitis Delta (CHD)

The Company completed enrollment in the Phase 3 ECLIPSE 2 trial, and the entire ECLIPSE registrational program is now fully enrolled. ECLIPSE 2 evaluates the efficacy and safety of switching from bulevirtide to elebsiran and tobevibart in people with CHD who have not achieved viral suppression with bulevirtide therapy and is intended support medication transitions as appropriate. These data, along with data from ECLIPSE 1 and 3, will be part of a comprehensive global filing package.
Topline data from the Phase 3 ECLIPSE 1 trial are expected in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Topline data from the ECLIPSE 2 and ECLIPSE 3 trials are expected in the first quarter of 2027.
The Company presented complete Week 96 Phase 2 SOLSTICE data at the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) Congress in May 2026.
In the intent-to-treat (ITT) analysis, the data showed 88% (28/32) of participants treated with the combination of elebsiran and tobevibart achieved undetectable hepatitis delta virus RNA (HDV RNA Target Not Detected, TND) compared to 53% (17/32) of participants on antibody monotherapy.
In the last observation carried forward analysis, the data showed the combination regimen achieved HDV RNA TND in 97% (31/32) of participants.
The combination regimen continues to be generally well tolerated. Treatment-emergent adverse events were generally mild to moderate and transient, and there were no treatment-related serious adverse events or discontinuations.
Solid Tumors

VIR-5500

The Company closed its global strategic collaboration with Astellas to advance PSMA-targeted, PRO-XTEN dual-masked T-cell engager (TCE) VIR-5500 for the treatment of prostate cancer. The companies have built a strong operational infrastructure for collaboration and rapidly worked together on Phase 1 trial design to advance the dose-expansion cohorts.
The Company initiated additional Phase 1 dose-expansion cohorts evaluating VIR-5500 at Q3W 800/2000/3500 µg/kg step-up dosing. The first patients were dosed in three monotherapy cohorts evaluating VIR-5500 in taxane naïve metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), radioligand therapy naïve mCRPC and radioligand therapy exposed mCRPC, and one combination cohort evaluating VIR-5500 in combination with enzalutamide in early-line mCRPC.
The Company anticipates initiating two additional Phase 1 dose-expansion cohorts, including VIR-5500 in combination with docetaxel in early-line mCRPC and VIR-5500 in combination with darolutamide in metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer.
The Company anticipates initiating pivotal Phase 3 trials in 2027.
VIR-5818

The Company expects to report updated dose-escalation data from its Phase 1 trial evaluating VIR-5818, a HER2-targeted PRO-XTEN dual-masked TCE, as a monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab, in the second half of 2026. The dose-escalation parts of the Phase 1 trial have a basket design, enrolling across multiple tumor types.
VIR-5525

The Phase 1 trial of VIR-5525, an EGFR-targeted PRO-XTEN dual-masked TCE, as a monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab continues enrollment as expected.
Preclinical Pipeline Candidates

The Company is currently progressing a number of PRO-XTEN masked TCEs in preclinical studies directed at clinically validated targets with potential applications across a variety of solid tumors.
Corporate Update

The Company appointed Timothy Coughlin, CPA to its Board of Directors and as Chair of the Audit Committee.
Second Quarter 2026 Financial Results

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments: As of June 30, 2026, the Company had approximately $1.01 billion in cash, cash equivalents and investments, representing an increase of approximately $198.5 million during the second quarter of 2026. During the second quarter of 2026, the Company received a $240.0 million upfront payment and a $75 million equity investment payment from Astellas and made a $48.0 million pass-through payment to Sanofi.

Revenues: Total revenues for the second quarter of 2026 were $238.9 million, primarily reflecting license and collaboration revenue recognized in connection with the $240.0 million upfront payment received from Astellas in the quarter.

Research and Development (R&D) Expenses: R&D expenses for the second quarter of 2026 were $135.3 million, which included $5.5 million of non-cash stock-based compensation expense, compared to $97.5 million for the same period in 2025, which included $6.9 million of non-cash stock-based compensation expense. The increase was primarily driven by a $48.0 million milestone payment to Sanofi triggered by the closing of our agreement with Astellas, as well as higher CHD contract manufacturing costs associated with process performance qualification batches in preparation for commercialization.

Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) Expenses: SG&A expenses for the second quarter of 2026 were $30.2 million, which included $6.9 million of non-cash stock-based compensation expense, compared to $22.3 million for the same period in 2025, which included $5.5 million of non-cash stock-based compensation expense. The increase was primarily due to one-time advisory and legal fees in connection with the closing of our Astellas agreement.

Net Income (Loss): Net income for the second quarter of 2026 was $80.1 million, or $0.48 per share, basic and $0.47 per share, diluted, compared to a net loss of $111.0 million, or $0.80 per share, basic and diluted for the same period in 2025. The change from net loss to net income was primarily driven by $238.9 million in license and collaboration revenue recognized this quarter from the $240.0 million Astellas upfront payment.

2026 Financial Guidance

Based on our current operating plans, including the net effects of the Astellas global collaboration, the Company expects its cash, cash equivalents and investments to fund operations into the second half of 2028.

Conference Call

Vir Biotechnology will host its second quarter 2026 financial results conference call at 4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. PT today. A live webcast will be available at View Source and will be archived for 30 days.

About the ECLIPSE Registrational Program

ECLIPSE is a registrational program to evaluate the safety and efficacy of elebsiran in combination with tobevibart in patients with chronic hepatitis delta (CHD). ECLIPSE includes three randomized, controlled trials designed to evaluate the combination therapy in comparison to deferred treatment or bulevirtide. ECLIPSE 1 (NCT06903338) is a Phase 3 trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of elebsiran in combination with tobevibart compared to deferred treatment in the U.S. or other regions where bulevirtide use is limited. ECLIPSE 2 (NCT07128550) is a Phase 3 trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of switching to elebsiran and tobevibart in people with CHD who have not achieved viral suppression with bulevirtide therapy. ECLIPSE 1 and 2 are designed to provide the registrational efficacy and safety data needed for potential submission to global regulatory agencies. ECLIPSE 3 (NCT07142811) is a Phase 2b head-to-head trial evaluating combination elebsiran and tobevibart compared with bulevirtide in bulevirtide-naïve patients, and it is designed to provide important supportive data to help establish access and reimbursement in key markets.

About Elebsiran and Tobevibart

Elebsiran and tobevibart are investigational agents being evaluated as a novel combination regimen administered monthly as two separate sequential subcutaneous injections for the treatment of chronic hepatitis delta (CHD). The combination is designed to disrupt the hepatitis delta virus (HDV) life cycle at multiple points by addressing both viral entry and the sustained presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) that enables ongoing HDV replication.

Elebsiran is an investigational hepatitis B virus-targeting small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) licensed from Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. It is designed to degrade hepatitis B virus RNA transcripts and limit the production of HBsAg.

Tobevibart is an investigational broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting HBsAg. It is designed to inhibit the entry of hepatitis B and hepatitis delta viruses into hepatocytes and to reduce the level of circulating viral and subviral particles in the blood. Tobevibart was identified using Vir Biotechnology’s proprietary mAb discovery platform. The Fc domain has been engineered to increase immune engagement and clearance of HBsAg immune complexes and incorporates Xencor’s Xtend technology to extend half-life.

About Chronic Hepatitis Delta (CHD)

CHD is the most severe form of chronic viral hepatitis1 and was recently classified as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.2 People living with the disease rapidly progress to cirrhosis, liver failure3 and liver-related death.1 Because ongoing hepatitis delta virus (HDV) replication drives disease progression, achieving undetectable virus, as defined by HDV RNA TND (target not detected), is considered an important virologic marker associated with improved clinical outcomes in CHD.4 Individuals with CHD who have detectable HDV RNA are at a higher risk of experiencing any liver-related event, including developing compensated and decompensated cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver transplantation and mortality, compared to patients with undetectable HDV RNA.4 There are currently limited approved treatments in the U.S. and globally.

About VIR-5500, VIR-5818 and VIR-5525

VIR-5500, VIR-5818 and VIR-5525 are investigational, clinical candidates currently being evaluated for the treatment of solid tumors. These assets leverage the universal PRO-XTEN masking technology and target PSMA, HER2 and EGFR, respectively.

T-cell engagers (TCEs) are powerful anti-tumor agents that can direct the immune system, specifically T-cells, to destroy cancer cells. The universal PRO-XTEN masking technology is designed to keep the TCEs inactive (or masked) until they reach the tumor microenvironment, where tumor-specific proteases cleave off the mask and activate the TCEs, leading to killing of cancer cells by T-cells. By confining the activity to the tumor microenvironment, we aim to circumvent the traditionally high toxicity associated with TCEs and increase their efficacy and tolerability. Additionally, the mask is designed to help drug candidates stay in the bloodstream longer in their inactive form, allowing them to better reach the site of action and potentially allowing less frequent dosing regimens for patients and clinicians.

About Advanced Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer remains a significant global health burden, representing the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in men behind lung cancer.5 While diagnostic and therapeutic advances like androgen-directed therapy can improve outcomes in earlier settings, most patients ultimately relapse and develop metastatic hormone sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC).6 mHSPC is characterized by its responsiveness to intensified hormonal interventions designed to reduce androgen levels or block their action. The majority of these patients eventually progress to metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).7 This stage is associated with poor clinical outcomes, including limited durability of existing therapies, with a 5-year survival rate of approximately 30%.8 There is a critical need for safer, more effective and precisely targeted therapies capable of improving long term disease control and quality of life across the prostate cancer continuum.

(Press release, Vir Biotechnology, AUG 5, 2026, View Source [SID1234669749])

On August 5, 2026 Synthekine, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing precision cytokine therapeutics, reported the appointment of Susan M. Molineaux, Ph.D., as Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Molineaux brings more than 20 years of C-level biotechnology leadership experience to Synthekine as the company continues to advance STK-012, an engineered α/β-biased IL-2 partial agonist, into late-stage clinical development in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Dr. Molineaux succeeds Debanjan Ray, who has served as CEO since the company’s founding and will continue to serve as an advisor to Synthekine.

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"On behalf of the board, I am delighted to welcome Susan as CEO," said John Orwin, Chairman of Synthekine. "Her experience and leadership in late-stage oncology drug development will be critical in guiding Synthekine through its next stage of growth."

"I’m honored to join Synthekine at a pivotal moment for the company," said Dr. Molineaux. "Debanjan and the team have built something remarkable – a deep scientific platform and a clear path forward with STK-012. I’m excited to help guide Synthekine through late-stage clinical development and bring a new option to a population of NSCLC patients who face limited treatment choices today."

Dr. Molineaux brings broad leadership experience in the biopharmaceutical industry and has extensive experience guiding companies through clinical development. Previously, she served as CEO and co-founder of Para Therapeutics, Inc., from April 2023 to July 2025. Before this, Dr. Molineaux was CEO and President of Calithera Biosciences, Inc., which she co-founded in June 2010, took public in 2014, and led until March 2023. Prior to this, she co-founded Proteolix in December 2003 and served first as its Chief Scientific Officer and then as CEO. Proteolix was acquired by Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., in November 2009.

Previously, Dr. Molineaux held multiple senior management positions in biopharmaceutical companies, including Vice President of Biology at Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Vice President of Biology at Praelux, Inc., and Vice President of Drug Development at Praecis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. She currently serves as a Scientific Advisor to Lightstone Ventures, a private life sciences investment company. Dr. Molineaux also brings considerable board experience to Synthekine. She is currently the Executive Chair of Seranova Bio, Inc. and a member of the board at Geron Corporation. She has also served on the boards of Repare Therapeutics, Inc., Cyteir Therapeutics, Inc., and Theravance Biopharma, Inc. Dr. Molineaux holds a B.S. in biology from Smith College, a Ph.D. in molecular biology from Johns Hopkins University, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Columbia University.

"The board and I would also like to thank Debanjan for his many accomplishments from founding Synthekine and leading the company over the past seven years," continued Mr. Orwin. "Starting from Synthekine’s formation, he has built the company from its earliest stages of research and has continued its momentum through the advancement of STK-012 into a global, randomized Phase 2 study. His leadership and vision have been instrumental in Synthekine’s success, and we wish him the very best."

"It has been a privilege to lead Synthekine and help turn an ambitious scientific vision into real medicines for patients," said Mr. Ray. "Together, we pioneered new approaches to cytokine engineering, forged partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies, and advanced STK-012 into a randomized Phase 2 study. I look forward to supporting a smooth transition and watching this team continue to redefine what cytokine therapeutics can do."

(Press release, Synthekine, AUG 5, 2026, View Source [SID1234670271])